WESTPORT, Conn., May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gemspring Capital Management, LLC ("Gemspring"), a middle-market private equity firm, is pleased to announce that an affiliate has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's (NASDAQ: GT) ("Goodyear" or the "Company") polymer chemicals business ("Goodyear Chemical" or the "Business"). The acquisition includes two operating plants located in Houston and Beaumont, Texas, and a research and development facility located in Akr ...

Core Viewpoint - Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has signed a definitive agreement to sell the majority of its Goodyear Chemical business to Gemspring Capital Management for approximately $650 million, as part of its strategic transformation plan [1][2][3]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The transaction involves the sale of Goodyear Chemical facilities located in Houston and Beaumont, Texas, along with a research office in Akron, Ohio [2]. - Goodyear will receive cash proceeds of approximately $650 million at closing, subject to post-closing adjustments [2]. - A long-term supply agreement is included in the transaction terms [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The sale reflects Goodyear's commitment to optimizing its portfolio and enhancing shareholder value [3]. - Proceeds from the transaction will be used to reduce leverage and fund initiatives related to the Goodyear Forward transformation plan [3]. Group 3: Operational Impact - Goodyear will retain its Chemical facilities in Niagara Falls, New York, and Bayport, Texas, along with rights to the products produced at these locations [4]. - The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, with an expected closing date by late 2025 [3]. Group 4: Advisory Support - Lazard is acting as the lead financial advisor, Deutsche Bank is serving as a financial advisor, and Squire Patton and Boggs is providing legal advice to Goodyear [5]. Group 5: Company Overview - Goodyear is one of the largest tire companies globally, employing about 68,000 people and operating 53 facilities in 20 countries [6]. - The company has two Innovation Centers located in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, focusing on developing advanced products and services [6].

Core Viewpoint - Chemours Company has partnered with DataVolt to develop innovative liquid cooling solutions for data centers, aiming to enhance efficiency and sustainability in response to the growing demand for AI and next-generation chips [1][2][4]. Group 1: Partnership and Technology Development - The collaboration will focus on two-phase direct-to-chip and immersion cooling technologies, leveraging Chemours' ultra-low global warming potential Opteon dielectric fluids [3]. - This partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of liquid cooling technologies, reducing the total cost of ownership and environmental impact while improving performance and efficiency [2][4]. Group 2: Market Context and Financial Outlook - Chemours' shares have decreased by 59.7% over the past year, compared to a 27.2% decline in the industry [5]. - The company anticipates a sequential increase in consolidated net sales in the low to mid-teens for the second quarter, with adjusted EBITDA expected to rise by 40% to 45% [6]. - For the full year 2025, adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $825 million and $950 million, with capital expenditures estimated at $225 million to $275 million [6].

Market Overview - The three major A-share indices collectively declined, with the Shanghai Composite Index down 0.42%, the Shenzhen Component Index down 0.07%, and the ChiNext Index down 0.19%, while the North Star 50 Index increased by 0.49% [1] - The total market turnover was 1,124.1 billion, a decrease of 66.3 billion compared to the previous day [1] - Over 3,000 stocks in the market experienced an increase [1] Sector Performance - The PEEK materials, controllable nuclear fusion, automotive parts, and chemical pharmaceuticals sectors saw the largest gains [1] - The automotive industry chain sector experienced a significant surge, with stocks such as Haon Auto Electric (301488), Spring Engineering (002547), and Tianqi Mould (002510) hitting the daily limit [1] - The chemical pharmaceuticals sector continued to rise in the afternoon, with multiple stocks including Tuoxin Pharmaceutical (301089), Hasa Lian (002900), and Xinhua Pharmaceutical (000756) also reaching the daily limit [1] - The logistics sector faced adjustments, with Huaguang Source Sea dropping over 10% during trading, and New Ning Logistics (300013) and Haicheng Bangda (603836) showing significant declines [1] - The chemical fiber concept stocks underperformed, with Jilin Carbon Valley, Jiangnan High Fiber (600527), and Suzhou Longjie (603332) leading the declines [1]

Group 1 - Kronos Worldwide, Inc. declared a regular quarterly dividend of five cents ($0.05) per share on its common stock, payable on June 18, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 9, 2025 [1] - At the 2025 annual stockholder meeting, stockholders elected several directors for a one-year term [2] - A nonbinding advisory resolution was adopted to approve the compensation of named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement for the 2025 annual stockholder meeting [2] Group 2 - Kronos Worldwide, Inc. is identified as a major international producer of titanium dioxide products [1]

Core Insights - The Agfa-Gevaert Group reported stable adjusted EBITDA in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, with improved sales mix and effective cost control offsetting declines in traditional film markets [1][5][10]. Financial Performance - Total revenue decreased by 3.2% from €250 million in Q1 2024 to €242 million in Q1 2025 [4][10]. - Adjusted EBITDA remained stable at €2 million, representing 0.9% of revenue, up from 0.7% in Q1 2024 [4][10]. - The net loss for the period was €20 million, slightly improved from a loss of €21 million in Q1 2024 [4][10]. Division Performance HealthCare IT - Revenue increased by 12.0% to €57 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising from €1.3 million to €5.0 million [2][9]. - The division saw a 63% increase in rolling order intake over 12 months, with a significant share from new customers and cloud-related contracts [11]. - Gross profit margin improved from 43.8% to 47.9% [11]. Digital Print & Chemicals - Revenue grew by 5.8% to €97 million, with adjusted EBITDA increasing from €1.0 million to €2.3 million [13][17]. - Ink sales rose by 16%, although equipment sales were affected by a weaker investment climate [17]. Radiology Solutions - Revenue declined by 15.6% to €73 million, with adjusted EBITDA dropping to -€4.5 million [15][16]. - The division faced challenges due to a significant decline in medical film markets, particularly in China [5][10]. Contractor Operations - Revenue decreased by 29.1% to €15 million, with adjusted EBITDA down by 30.6% [18]. Outlook - The company expects continued strong performance from growth engines in 2025, with a stronger second half anticipated due to seasonal factors [8][10]. - Cost optimization measures for traditional film activities are expected to yield initial savings in the second half of 2025 [1][5].

Company Overview - Sasol leverages South Africa's coal mines and Mozambique gas fields through a fully integrated business model [1] - The company transforms low-cost feedstocks into high-value fuels, gas, and chemicals [1] Investment Potential - There are many positive aspects regarding Sasol that could indicate a strong investment opportunity [1] - The investment idea is centered around acquiring great companies at attractive prices [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Chemours Company reported a net loss of $4 million for Q1 2025, a significant decline from a net income of $54 million in the same quarter last year, indicating challenges in profitability despite a slight increase in net sales [1]. Financial Performance - The company achieved first-quarter net sales of $1,368 million, reflecting a 1.3% increase year-over-year and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,355.2 million, driven by a 5% increase in volume despite a 4% drop in pricing and a 1% negative currency impact [2]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter declined by 13% year-over-year to $166 million, primarily due to lower pricing across business segments, particularly in Thermal & Specialized Solutions and Titanium Technologies [3]. Segment Highlights - The Titanium Technologies division reported revenues of $597 million, a 1% increase from the previous year, exceeding the estimate of $579.2 million, attributed to a 6% increase in volumes, offset by a 4% decrease in price [3]. - The Thermal & Specialized Solutions segment saw revenues of $466 million, a 3% year-over-year increase, but fell short of the estimate of $479.2 million, with net sales growth driven by a 10% increase in volume, slightly offset by a 6% price decline [4]. - Revenues in the Advanced Performance Materials unit amounted to $294 million, a decline of approximately 3% year-over-year, yet beating the estimate of $289.4 million, with a 1% drop in volume and a 2% currency headwind [5]. Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures - Cash used by operating activities in Q1 2025 was $112 million, down from $290 million in the prior-year quarter, while capital expenditures were $84 million compared to $102 million in the previous year [6]. - The company reduced its dividend by 65% to $0.0875 per share to align with its capital allocation strategy [6]. Outlook - The company anticipates consolidated net sales to increase in the low to mid-teens sequentially in Q2, with adjusted EBITDA expected to rise by 40% to 45% [7]. - Full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $825 million and $950 million, with capital expenditures expected to range from $225 million to $275 million [7]. Stock Performance - Chemours shares have declined by 61.4% over the past year, compared to a 28.3% decline in the industry [8].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Deflationary pressures are worsening in China, primarily due to the impact of tariffs on the Producer Price Index (PPI) and the overall economic environment [1][7] - Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) remains stable at 0.5% year-on-year, indicating some resilience despite broader deflationary trends [2][4] - The PPI has shown a significant decline, with a month-on-month decrease of -0.4%, driven by lower prices in oil, raw materials, and durable consumer goods [3][7] Summary by Sections CPI Analysis - Core CPI year-on-year remained at 0.5% in April, unchanged from March, while month-on-month seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) was 0.7% [2] - Food inflation reached its highest level in five months, primarily due to increased prices for fruit and beef, countering the effects of lower international oil prices [2] PPI Analysis - The PPI year-on-year decreased to -2.7% in April, reflecting ongoing tariff impacts and weaker final demand [6][7] - Specific sectors such as textiles, wood products, chemicals, rubber, and plastics experienced accelerated price declines, indicating significant exposure to the US market [3][7] Outlook - The PPI is expected to slip below -3% year-on-year from the current -2.7% during the May-July period due to less favorable base effects and continued tariff impacts [4] - Core CPI is anticipated to soften sequentially as the effects of PPI pass through, although year-on-year figures may remain resilient due to a low base [4][7]

Financial Performance - Consolidated sales were $456.5 million, a decrease compared to $497.6 million in the prior year quarter[9] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $55.5 million, compared to $51.5 million in the prior year quarter[9] - Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 12.2%, up from 10.3% in the prior year quarter[9] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $(0.68), compared to $0.59 in the prior year quarter[9] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased to $0.71, compared to $0.62 in the prior year quarter[9] Segment Performance - Railroad and Utility Products and Services (RUPS) sales increased to $235 million from $225.1 million[28, 94] - Performance Chemicals (PC) sales decreased to $120.9 million from $150.1 million[28, 94] - Carbon Materials and Chemicals (CMC) sales decreased to $100.6 million from $122.4 million[28, 94] Capital Allocation - Capital expenditures, net of insurance proceeds and sale of assets, were $10.0 million, compared to $25.8 million in the prior year quarter[9] - Share repurchases totaled $19.1 million in Q1[55] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share[60] 2025 Guidance - The company forecasts sales of approximately $2.0 billion to $2.2 billion for 2025[78] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be around $280 million for 2025[80]