Financial Performance - Revenues for 1Q25 were $1410 million, compared to $1470 million in 1Q24[8] - Net loss attributable to Huntsman Corporation was $5 million in 1Q25, compared to a net loss of $37 million in 1Q24[8] - Adjusted net loss was $19 million in 1Q25, compared to $11 million in 1Q24[8] - Adjusted EBITDA was $72 million in 1Q25, compared to $81 million in 1Q24[8] - Free cash flow from continuing operations was negative $107 million in 1Q25, compared to negative $105 million in 1Q24[8] Segment Performance - **Polyurethanes:** Revenues were $912 million in 1Q25, a decrease from $926 million in 1Q24; Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 4% from 5%[10, 12] - **Performance Products:** Revenues were $257 million in 1Q25, a decrease from $291 million in 1Q24; Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 12% from 14%[19, 21] - **Advanced Materials:** Revenues were $249 million in 1Q25, a decrease from $261 million in 1Q24; Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 14% from 16%[28, 30] Outlook - Second quarter 2025 adjusted EBITDA is estimated to be between $35 million and $50 million for Polyurethanes[17, 50] - Second quarter 2025 adjusted EBITDA is estimated to be between $30 million and $40 million for Performance Products[26, 50] - Second quarter 2025 adjusted EBITDA is estimated to be between $35 million and $40 million for Advanced Materials[35, 50]

Core Insights - Huntsman Corporation reported first quarter 2025 revenues of $1,410 million, a decrease of 4% compared to $1,470 million in the same period of 2024 [2][11] - The net loss attributable to Huntsman was $5 million, significantly improved from a net loss of $37 million in the prior year [11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2025 was $72 million, down from $81 million in the same period of 2024, reflecting an 11% decline [11][17] Financial Performance - Revenues decreased across all segments: Polyurethanes by 2% to $912 million, Performance Products by 12% to $257 million, and Advanced Materials by 5% to $249 million [16][17] - Adjusted net loss for the first quarter was $19 million, compared to an adjusted net loss of $11 million in the prior year [11][17] - The diluted loss per share improved to $0.03 from $0.22 year-over-year [11] Segment Analysis - In the Polyurethanes segment, lower average selling prices were partially offset by higher sales volumes, leading to an increase in adjusted EBITDA by 8% [4] - The Performance Products segment saw a decrease in revenues primarily due to lower sales volumes and unplanned production outages, resulting in a 29% drop in adjusted EBITDA [5] - Advanced Materials experienced a decline in revenues due to lower average selling prices, with adjusted EBITDA decreasing by 16% [6] Liquidity and Capital Resources - Free cash flow used in continuing operations was $107 million, slightly higher than the $105 million used in the same period of 2024 [8][11] - As of March 31, 2025, Huntsman had approximately $1.3 billion in combined cash and unused borrowing capacity [8] Management Commentary - The CEO noted significant changes in short-term business conditions, with low visibility and customer uncertainty impacting demand trends in key markets [3] - The company is focusing on cost management, including workforce reductions and asset optimization, while prioritizing balance sheet protection and cash generation [3]

Core Insights - Stocks typically face challenges in May, making it difficult to select top momentum stocks, but the Richard Driehaus strategy, which advocates "buy high and sell higher," can be applied to identify potential picks [1][2] Driehaus Strategy Overview - Richard Driehaus emphasized a preference for investing in stocks that are increasing in price rather than those in decline, which aligns with the philosophy of the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) that uses the percentage 50-day moving average as a key criterion [2][4] - The strategy incorporates a calculation that compares the month-end price to the 50-day moving average, along with a positive relative strength indicator, to identify stocks in an uptrend [3][4] Screening Parameters - The strategy focuses on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a Momentum Score of A or B, which historically have shown better upside potential [5][6] - Key screening parameters include: - Last 5-year average EPS growth rates above 2% to ensure improving business performance [7] - Trailing 12-month EPS growth greater than 0 and above the industry median, indicating superior earnings performance [7] - Last four-quarter average EPS surprise greater than 5%, suggesting better price performance [7] - Positive percentage change in the 50-day moving average and relative strength over 4 weeks, signaling an uptrend [7][8] Selected Momentum Stocks - Nomad Foods Limited (NOMD) produces and distributes frozen food products globally, with a Momentum Score of A and an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 5% [9] - Hawkins, Inc. (HWKN) is a U.S. specialty chemical and ingredients company, holding a Momentum Score of B and an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 6.1% [10] - PCB Bancorp (PCB) provides banking services to small businesses and individuals, with a Momentum Score of A and an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 7.4% [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q2 sales were $479 million, a 17% year-on-year decrease, including a $67 million impact from portfolio optimization, resulting in a 5% revenue decline excluding this impact [8][12] - Adjusted EBITDA was $108 million, down 14% year-over-year, with an organic decline of 4% [8][12] - Adjusted EPS, excluding acquisition amortization, was $0.99 per share, down 22% from the prior year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Life Sciences sales declined 23% year-over-year to $172 million, primarily due to portfolio optimization initiatives [16] - Personal Care sales decreased by 14% year-over-year to $146 million, largely due to divestitures and low-margin product exits [21] - Specialty Additives sales fell by 15% to $134 million, with organic sales down 9% [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The demand environment was mixed, with slower trends than expected, particularly in Europe and the U.S. [7][43] - Intermediates generated $2 million in adjusted EBITDA, representing a 5.4% adjusted EBITDA margin, down from $12 million in the prior year [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on achieving a $90 million cost savings target and has completed its restructuring efforts ahead of schedule [28] - Strategic priorities include enhancing financial performance through controllable factors and navigating the evolving tariff landscape [28][35] - The company aims for $100 million in incremental revenue from its Globalize and Innovate initiatives by fiscal year 2027 [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increasing economic uncertainty and anticipated softer consumer demand, prompting an adjustment to the fiscal year 2025 outlook [10][49] - The company expects flattish organic sales volume growth for the full fiscal year, with a positive inflection anticipated in the second half [45] - Management emphasized the importance of adapting and executing with discipline to navigate near-term challenges [10][50] Other Important Information - The company has over $700 million in liquidity and a manageable net leverage of 2.8 times, positioning it well to navigate the current environment [15] - The completion of portfolio optimization is expected to enhance long-term profitability despite short-term impacts [10][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Order volatility and customer expectations - Management observed reduced volatility in orders over the last two quarters, with volumes picking up and pricing aligning with guidance [54][55] Question: Mitigation of risks related to U.S. produced China sales - Management indicated that over half of the risks could be mitigated through customer partnerships and production shifts, although some challenges remain [58][60] Question: Impact of delayed reciprocal tariffs on other regions - Management noted limited impact from tariffs outside of China, with most raw materials sourced regionally [67][68] Question: Competitive pressures in Specialty Additives - Management reported stable conditions in China, with pricing pressures continuing but manageable [71][72] Question: Cash flow expectations for the year - Management expects free cash flow to be in the range of $150 million to $200 million, depending on inventory and FX developments [91]

Q2 FY25 Performance - Sales decreased by 17% to $479 million compared to Q2 FY24, but decreased by 5% compared to Q2 FY24 reset[10, 19] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 14% to $108 million compared to Q2 FY24, but decreased by 4% to $113 million compared to Q2 FY24 reset[10, 19] - Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 60 bps to 22.5% compared to Q2 FY24, and increased by 30 bps to 22.2% compared to Q2 FY24 reset[10, 19] - Adjusted EPS decreased by 22% to $0.99 compared to Q2 FY24[10] Business Unit Performance (Sales Change vs Prior Year) - Life Sciences sales decreased by 23% to $172 million, but decreased by 4% to $180 million compared to Q2 FY24 reset[14, 20] - Personal Care sales decreased by 14% to $146 million, but decreased by 5% to $154 million compared to Q2 FY24 reset[14, 27] - Specialty Additives sales decreased by 15% to $134 million, but decreased by 9% to $147 million compared to Q2 FY24 reset[14, 30] - Intermediates sales decreased by 8% to $37 million[23] Strategic Priorities and Outlook - The company is executing initiatives to deliver approximately $90 million in savings through FY27[34, 35] - The company anticipates a $3 to $5 million headwind in 2H from tariffs, and $5 to $7 million annually[44] - FY25 sales outlook is revised to $1.825 - $1.9 billion, and adjusted EBITDA outlook is $400 - $420 million[49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q2 sales were $479 million, a 17% year-on-year decrease, including a $67 million impact from portfolio optimization. Excluding this, the revenue decline was 5% mainly due to lower carryover volumes and pricing [7][12] - Adjusted EBITDA was $108 million, down 14% year-over-year or 4% organically, partially offset by cost savings initiatives [7][13] - Adjusted EPS, excluding acquisition amortization, was $0.99 per share, down 22% from the prior year [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Life Sciences sales declined 23% year-over-year to $172 million, primarily due to portfolio optimization initiatives [16] - Personal Care sales decreased by 14% year-over-year to $146 million, largely due to divestitures and low-margin product exits [22] - Specialty Additives sales fell by 15% to $134 million, with organic sales down 9% due to soft demand and competitive pressures [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The demand environment was mixed, trending slower than expected, particularly in Europe and the U.S. [6][46] - The intermediates market faced challenges with persistent supply-demand imbalances, impacting pricing and margins [47] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on achieving a $90 million cost savings target and has made significant progress on restructuring and manufacturing optimization [30][34] - Strategic priorities include enhancing financial performance through controllable factors and maintaining a disciplined capital allocation strategy [55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increasing economic uncertainty and anticipated softer consumer demand, prompting adjustments to the fiscal year '25 outlook [11][52] - The company expects flattish organic sales volume growth for the full fiscal year, with a positive inflection anticipated in the second half led by Life Sciences [48] Other Important Information - The company has a strong financial foundation with over $700 million in liquidity and a manageable net leverage of 2.8 times [15] - The completion of portfolio optimization is expected to enhance long-term profitability and focus [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Order volatility and customer stability - Management noted reduced volatility in orders, with volumes picking up and pricing aligning with guidance, but sentiment in certain markets remains impacted [58][60] Question: Mitigation of U.S. produced China sales risk - Management indicated that over half of the risk could be mitigated through customer partnerships and production shifts, although some challenges remain [62][66] Question: Impact of reciprocal tariffs on supply chains - Management stated that outside of China, the impact of tariffs is minimal, with most raw materials sourced regionally [72][74] Question: Competitive pressures in Specialty Additives - Management observed stability in China, with no further declines in volumes or prices, while Europe remains flattish [78][80] Question: Cash flow expectations for the year - Management expects free cash flow to be in the range of $150 million to $200 million, depending on inventory and FX developments [94][96]

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN), a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals, is pleased to announce that its Performance Products division has expanded its manufacturing site in Conroe, Texas to better serve the growing needs of its global customers in the semiconductor industry. Huntsman Corporation Announces New Purification and Packaging Capability through its E-GRADE® Unit in Conroe, Texas Peter Huntsman, Chairman, ...

Core Insights - Ecovyst Inc. reported resilient business performance in Q1 2025, with stronger-than-expected results in the Advanced Materials & Catalysts segment, while the Ecoservices segment met expectations despite challenges [3][4] - The company anticipates increased activity in its regeneration services business due to high refinery utilization and seasonal gasoline demand starting in Q2 2025 [3][4] - Ecovyst announced an agreement to acquire Cornerstone Chemical's sulfuric acid assets for $35 million, expected to close in Q2 2025, which will enhance its Gulf Coast network and capacity [3][9] Financial Performance - Q1 2025 sales were $162.2 million, a 1.1% increase from $160.5 million in Q1 2024 [9][23] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $38.9 million, down from $45.5 million in Q1 2024, reflecting a decrease in the Ecoservices segment [9][32] - The Ecoservices segment reported sales of $143.1 million, up from $141.6 million in the previous year, while Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $28.5 million from $41.5 million [4][32] Segment Analysis - Advanced Materials & Catalysts segment saw sales of $19.1 million, slightly up from $18.9 million in Q1 2024, with a significant increase in Zeolyst Joint Venture sales to $37.7 million from $23.5 million [5][32] - Adjusted EBITDA for Advanced Materials & Catalysts increased to $17.5 million from $11.1 million, driven by higher sales volume in the Zeolyst Joint Venture [5][32] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - Cash flows from operating activities were $10.3 million in Q1 2025, down from $36.5 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to timing of dividends from the Zeolyst Joint Venture [6][9] - As of March 31, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $127.5 million and total gross debt of $868.6 million, resulting in total available liquidity of $201.1 million [6][24] 2025 Financial Outlook - The company reaffirmed its full-year Adjusted EBITDA guidance and increased sales guidance due to anticipated higher sulfur costs [7][10] - Ecoservices is expected to benefit from higher sales volumes for regeneration services and virgin sulfuric acid in the second quarter and throughout 2025 [7][10] - The company anticipates significant year-over-year sales growth in the Zeolyst Joint Venture, driven by positive momentum in hydrocracking catalyst sales [7][10]

Core Insights - Albemarle reported $1.08 billion in revenue for Q1 2025, a year-over-year decline of 20.9% and below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.17 billion, resulting in a surprise of -8.07% [1] - The company experienced an EPS of -$0.18, compared to $0.26 a year ago, with an EPS surprise of +70.97% against a consensus estimate of -$0.62 [1] Revenue Performance - Net Sales in Energy Storage were $524.57 million, down 34.5% year-over-year and below the average estimate of $588.57 million [4] - Net Sales for Ketjen were $231.30 million, a decrease of 5.1% year-over-year, compared to the estimated $243.93 million [4] - Net Sales in Specialties reached $321.01 million, showing a slight increase of 1.6% year-over-year, but below the average estimate of $329.98 million [4] EBITDA Analysis - Adjusted EBITDA for Energy Storage was $186.36 million, exceeding the average estimate of $132.93 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Corporate was -$16.47 million, worse than the average estimate of -$9.39 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Ketjen was $38.59 million, surpassing the average estimate of $27.55 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Specialties was $58.67 million, slightly above the average estimate of $55.43 million [4] Stock Performance - Albemarle's shares have returned -17.2% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.2% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - Ashland Inc. reported a mixed performance in Q2 FY2025, with sales of $479 million, a 17% decrease from $575 million in the prior year, primarily due to portfolio optimization initiatives [4][21][23] - The company revised its full-year fiscal 2025 outlook, anticipating flattish organic sales volume growth and adjusted EBITDA in the range of $400 million to $420 million [21][23] Financial Performance - Net income for Q2 was $31 million, down from $120 million in the prior year, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $0.63 compared to $2.40 [4][5] - Adjusted EBITDA was $108 million, a 14% decrease from $126 million in the prior year, primarily due to the impact of portfolio optimization and lower organic sales [5][10] - Cash flows from operating activities were $9 million, a decrease from $54 million in the prior-year quarter, with ongoing free cash flow totaling negative $6 million [7][32] Segment Performance - Life Sciences sales totaled $172 million, a 23% decrease year-over-year, primarily due to the divestiture of the Nutraceuticals segment [9][10] - Personal Care sales were $146 million, a 14% decrease, attributed to portfolio optimization and specific customer challenges [11][12] - Specialty Additives reported sales of $134 million, a 15% decrease, driven by portfolio optimization and competitive intensity in export markets [13][14] Cost Management and Optimization - The company has completed its portfolio optimization, which included the sale of Avoca and identified a $30 million cost reduction plan [3][4] - Ashland is focusing on accelerating cost savings from its $60 million manufacturing optimization plans, with early benefits evident in robust EBITDA margins above 30% in Life Sciences and Personal Care [3][4] Tariff and Trade Impact - Ashland is closely monitoring tariff policies and has estimated a tariff impact of $3 to $5 million for the second half of FY2025, increasing to $5 to $7 million annually after mitigation actions [19][20] - The company is implementing strategies to mitigate risks associated with tariffs and global trade policies while focusing on maintaining flexible operations [18][19] Market Outlook - The company anticipates a positive inflection in organic sales volumes in the second half of FY2025, led by Life Sciences, to offset declines experienced in the first half [21][24] - Ashland's strategic priorities include enhancing business mix and improving profitability in response to the evolving demand landscape [22][24]