Core Points - Ashland Inc. has rescheduled the start time of its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings webcast to 10:00 a.m. ET on November 5, 2025, from the previously scheduled 9:00 a.m. ET [1] - The webcast will include an executive summary and detailed remarks, with a slide presentation available on the Investor Relations section of Ashland's website [2] - An archived version of the webcast and supporting materials will be accessible on Ashland's website for 12 months following the live event [3] Company Overview - Ashland Inc. is a global additives and specialty ingredients company focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, serving various consumer and industrial markets [4] - The company employs approximately 2,960 professionals, including scientists, research chemists, engineers, and plant operators, who work on innovative solutions for customers in over 100 countries [4]

Core Insights - The company reported significant growth in profitability for Q3 2025, with an EBITDA margin before exceptional items of 17.9%, an increase of 230 basis points year-over-year, reflecting effective performance improvement programs and cost management [2][5][9] Financial Performance - Q3 2025 sales amounted to CHF 906 million, a decrease of 3% in local currency compared to Q3 2024, with pricing up by 1% but lower volumes in Care Chemicals and Catalysts leading to an overall decline [5][6] - For the first nine months of 2025, sales were CHF 2.887 billion, down 1% in local currencies and 6% in Swiss francs, driven by lower volumes [13][16] - The EBITDA for Q3 2025 was CHF 159 million, a 14% increase year-over-year, while the EBITDA margin was 17.5%, up 350 basis points from the previous year [11][9] Business Unit Performance Care Chemicals - Sales in the Care Chemicals unit decreased by 3% in local currency and 8% in Swiss francs in Q3 2025, with flat pricing and a 3% decline in volumes [24][23] - The EBITDA margin before exceptional items improved to 18.9% from 17.4% in the prior year, driven by a positive mix effect and contributions from performance improvement programs [28][29] Catalysts - The Catalysts unit saw a sales decline of 8% in local currency and 16% in Swiss francs in Q3 2025, with stable pricing but an 8% drop in volumes [31][30] - EBITDA before exceptional items decreased by 13% to CHF 33 million, with a margin of 19.3%, reflecting effective cost management [35][36] Adsorbents & Additives - Sales in the Adsorbents & Additives unit increased by 1% in local currency but decreased by 3% in Swiss francs in Q3 2025, with pricing up by 3% and volumes down by 2% [38][37] - The EBITDA margin before exceptional items rose to 17.2%, a 130-basis point improvement from the prior year, supported by performance improvement programs [41][42] Regional Performance - In Q3 2025, local currency sales in the Europe, Middle East & Africa region declined by 6%, while the Americas saw a 3% decrease, and Asia-Pacific experienced a 1% increase [8][5] - For the first nine months, sales in the Europe, Middle East & Africa region were flat in local currency, while the Americas grew by 1% and Asia declined by 2% [15][13] Outlook - The company maintains its 2025 profitability guidance with an expected EBITDA margin of 17-18% and local currency sales growth anticipated at the lower end of the 1-3% range [20][21] - The Investor Day savings program of CHF 80 million is on track, with CHF 31 million savings achieved year-to-date [10][5]

Company Overview - TETRA's market capitalization is $105 billion as of October 24, 2025[14] - The company's net debt is $114 million as of September 30, 2025[14] - The enterprise value is $117 billion as of October 24, 2025[14] - Q3 2025 TTM revenue is $619 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 187%[15,21] Financial Performance and Targets - 2024 revenue was $599 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $994 million[20] - 2025 revenue guidance is $620-630 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $107-112 million[20] - The company targets 2030 revenue of $125 billion, representing a 15% CAGR, and adjusted EBITDA of $325 million, with a 26% adjusted EBITDA margin[146] Business Segments and Growth - Completion Fluids & Products revenue is $362 million TTM, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 331%[15,41] - Water & Flowback Services revenue is $257 million TTM, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 121%[15] - The company is transitioning to three future segments: Energy Services, Specialty Chemicals & Minerals, and Water Treatment & Desalination[27] Critical Minerals and Bromine Project - TETRA has over 40000 acres of mineral-rich Smackover brine leases[115] - The Arkansas Bromine Project has a projected incremental revenue of $230 million and incremental EBITDA of $105 million at full production[124] - The Arkansas Bromine Project has a project capex of $270 million, an NPV10 of $710 million, and an IRR of 62%[124]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2025 grew by 9%, reaching $165 million, despite challenges from rising oil chemical raw material prices and higher startup costs related to the new Pasadena facility [3][4] - Third quarter adjusted EBITDA was $56 million, a 6% increase year-on-year [4][8] - Adjusted net income for the third quarter was $10.9 million, down 54% from $23.7 million in the prior year, primarily due to a higher effective tax rate and increased depreciation [5][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specialty Products adjusted EBITDA increased significantly, driven by favorable order timing within the pharmaceutical business, with net sales rising 68% year-on-year [4][12] - Polymers net sales decreased by 4% to $143.9 million, although sales volume increased by 8% [11][12] - Surfactants net sales were $422.4 million, a 10% increase, but adjusted EBITDA decreased by 14% due to higher startup costs and raw material price inflation [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America rigid polyol and commodity PA volumes both grew by double digits, while European rigid polyol volumes were impacted by macroeconomic uncertainties [5][11] - The company experienced double-digit volume growth in the crop productivity business and mid-single-digit growth in the oil field end market, but faced lower demand in global commodity consumer products [4][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on gradually recovering margins while balancing volumes and margins [4][16] - The new Pasadena facility is fully operational and expected to contribute fully by 2026, enhancing production capabilities [15][16] - The company is analyzing opportunities to optimize its global footprint and asset base, including the planned sale of its site in the Philippines [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about delivering full-year adjusted EBITDA growth and positive free cash flow in 2025 despite ongoing market uncertainties [16] - The company aims to maintain a competitive balance between volumes and margins, particularly in the surfactants business [22][24] Other Important Information - Free cash flow was positive at $40 million during the quarter, driven by reduced working capital and disciplined capital spending [5][12] - The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.395 per share, marking a 2.6% increase [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recovery of oil chemicals cost in surfactants - Management noted that coconut oil prices have increased by 70% compared to 2024, but prices are now coming down, and they aim to recover margins by 2026 [21] Question: Pricing challenges with lower raw material costs - Management emphasized the importance of balancing volumes and margins and stated they will remain competitive in the market [22] Question: Long-term margin goals for surfactants - Management believes that surfactants can achieve healthy double-digit EBITDA margins as they grow in functional markets [24] Question: Pent-up demand in commercial roofing and insulation - Management acknowledged pent-up demand for renovations in the construction sector and noted that lower interest rates could stimulate activity [25][26] Question: Margin recovery expectations in polymers - Management indicated that while margins are currently down, they expect improvements as demand recovers [28] Question: Future asset optimization actions - Management committed to a balanced approach between top-line growth and asset rationalization, with potential future announcements regarding asset sales [30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales grew by 5%, and adjusted EBITDA reached a record $147 million, exceeding initial guidance of $140 million to $145 million [12][19] - Adjusted EBITDA growth would have been 10% when excluding the graphics business divestiture [12][19] - Adjusted EBITDA margin improved by approximately 20 basis points year over year in constant currency terms, with a margin of 28% when excluding the impact of pass-through metal sales [15][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electronics segment achieved a 7% organic growth driven by strong performance in semi and assembly, with circuitry solutions sales growing 13% [12][16] - The industrial segment saw flat organic net sales year over year, but underlying chemistry volumes were up mid-single digits, particularly in Asia [17][19] - Adjusted EBITDA growth in the industrial segment would have been nearly 30% when excluding the graphics divestiture [8][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electronics business was projected to exceed $2 billion in revenue following the acquisition of Micromax, which was previously just over $1 billion [9][19] - The offshore business is expected to sustain growth into 2026, driven by stable energy prices and ongoing drilling activity [63][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Micromax is seen as a strategic move to enhance the electronics portfolio and is expected to be more than 5% accretive to adjusted EPS [10][19] - The company aims to continue disciplined investment in markets it understands, focusing on high-value inorganic opportunities to accelerate per share earnings growth [22][19] - Future growth levers include new product introductions in high-value categories and substantial remaining balance sheet capacity for further investments [11][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, expecting full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA to be between $545 million and $550 million, indicating strong growth potential [21][19] - Despite challenges in end markets, the company is confident in its ability to generate organic growth and capitalize on investment opportunities [11][19] Other Important Information - The company generated $84 million of adjusted free cash flow in Q3, with a net leverage ratio of 1.9 times at the end of the quarter [18][19] - The Micromax transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, with funding coming from cash on hand and modest incremental debt [10][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on Micromax's performance under Element Solutions - Management is excited about Micromax's integration, expecting it to outperform market growth due to enhanced connectivity in the supply chain [26][27] Question: Update on Kouprion commercialization activities - The mid-scale site for Kouprion is on track to be operational by year-end, with meaningful sales and profits expected next year [29][19] Question: Growth and stability of Micromax's business - Micromax's revenue has been stable, and its specialized products are expected to enhance overall stability and growth for Element Solutions [31][34] Question: Margins in the industrial solutions business - There is potential for further margin expansion in the industrial business as volume growth recovers and productivity initiatives take effect [59][61] Question: Sustainability of offshore business strength - The offshore business is expected to sustain growth, although it may not continue at the current rate into 2026 [63][19] Question: Future of semiconductor growth - The semiconductor business is expected to grow above market levels, with strong demand in wafer-level packaging and power electronics [44][19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales grew by 5% in Q3, with adjusted EBITDA reaching a record $147 million, exceeding initial guidance of $140 million to $145 million [12][21] - Adjusted EBITDA growth would have been 10% when excluding the graphics business divestiture [12][21] - Adjusted EBITDA margin improved by approximately 20 basis points year over year in constant currency terms, with a margin of 28% when excluding pass-through metal sales [15][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electronics segment achieved 7% organic growth, driven by strong performance in semi and assembly, and exceptional volume growth in circuitry solutions [12][14] - Circuitry solutions sales grew 13% organically, supported by demand for data center applications and a seasonal ramp in mobile phone activity [16] - The industrial segment saw flat organic net sales year over year, but underlying chemistry volumes improved due to strong growth in Asia and new business wins in the Americas [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electronics business was valued at over $1 billion in 2019 and is expected to exceed $2 billion with the acquisition of Micromax [9] - The semiconductor solutions organic net sales grew by 5%, with continued double-digit growth in wafer-level plating offset by lower power electronics sales [16] - The offshore business continues to grow, driven by stable energy prices and drilling activity, although a slowdown is expected into 2026 [62] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Micromax is seen as a strategic move to enhance the electronics portfolio and is expected to be more than 5% accretive to adjusted EPS [10][19] - The company aims to capitalize on high-value categories and has substantial remaining balance sheet capacity for future investments [11][19] - The focus remains on disciplined investment in markets the company understands, with a commitment to maintaining high-quality acquisitions [10][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, expecting full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA to be between $545 million and $550 million [21] - The outlook for leading-edge electronics driven by high-performance computing and data centers remains robust, with stable industrial demand anticipated [21] - Management acknowledged real end market volatility but emphasized strong execution and record results [20][21] Other Important Information - The company generated $84 million of adjusted free cash flow in Q3, with a net leverage ratio of 1.9 times at the end of the quarter [18][19] - The Micromax transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, with funding from cash on hand and modest incremental debt [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on Micromax's performance under Element Solutions - Management is excited about Micromax's integration, expecting it to outperform the market due to enhanced connectivity in the supply chain and modest cost synergies [26][27] Question: Update on Kouprion commercialization activities - The mid-scale site for Kouprion is on track to be operational by year-end, with meaningful sales and profits expected next year [29] Question: Growth of Micromax and its stability - Micromax's revenue has been stable, with a focus on specialized applications in aerospace and defense, which should enhance overall stability for Element Solutions [31][34] Question: Margins in the industrial solutions business - There is potential for further margin expansion in the industrial business as volume growth recovers and productivity initiatives take effect [60] Question: Sustainability of offshore business strength - The offshore business is expected to sustain growth, although it may not continue at the current rate into 2026 [62] Question: Future of semiconductor growth - The semiconductor business is expected to grow above market levels, with strong performance in wafer-level packaging and power electronics [44]

Financial Performance - Net income decreased by 54% year-over-year[12], primarily due to a higher effective tax rate and increased net interest expenses[7] - Adjusted net income also decreased by 54% year-over-year to $109 million[12] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 6% year-over-year to $562 million[12] - Free cash flow was $402 million, a significant increase of 207% compared to a negative $40 million in the prior year, driven by reductions in working capital[10, 12] Sales Volume - Global sales volume grew by 1% year-over-year[9] - Polymers sales volume increased by 8%[31] - Surfactants sales volume decreased by 2%[26] Segment Performance - Surfactants Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $62 million, or 14%, primarily due to higher expenses associated with the Pasadena site startup, a 2% decrease in sales volume, and higher oleochemical raw material costs[19] - Polymers Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $11 million, or 4%, driven by lower unit margins and unfavorable product mix[19] - Specialty Products Adjusted EBITDA increased by $59 million due to order timing fluctuations and volume growth in the MCT product line[19] Capital Allocation and Debt - Capital expenditures for Q3 2025 were $296 million[35] - Net debt to TTM Adjusted EBITDA ratio is 27[33, 61]

Core Points - Stepan Company has approved a quarterly cash dividend increase of $0.01 per share, representing a 2.6% rise, bringing the total dividend to $0.395 per share, payable on December 15, 2025 [1] - This increase marks the 58th consecutive year of dividend growth for the company [1] Company Overview - Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of specialty and intermediate chemicals, primarily producing surfactants used in cleaning, disinfection, and agricultural solutions [2] - The company is also a leading supplier of polyurethane polyols for the thermal insulation market and CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers) industries [2] Operational Footprint - Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Stepan operates modern production facilities across North and South America, Europe, and Asia [3] - The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SCL [3]

Core Viewpoint - Element Solutions Inc has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Micromax from Celanese Corporation for approximately $500 million in cash, with the transaction expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition price for Micromax is approximately $500 million in cash, subject to adjustments [1] - The transaction is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2026, contingent on certain regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions [1]

Core Viewpoint - Olin's shares have significantly underperformed, losing approximately 40% of their value over the past year due to challenges in the nonresidential construction sector and excess supply from China [1] Company Performance - Olin has faced difficulties attributed to weak demand in nonresidential construction, which has negatively impacted its stock performance [1] - The company is also dealing with an oversupply situation originating from China, further exacerbating its market challenges [1]