Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter results were in line with expectations, showing a rebound in Advanced Materials, which offset sluggish construction activity and tariff uncertainties, particularly in polyurethanes [5][6] - Positive cash flow was generated in the second quarter, despite a $25 million EBITDA impact due to aggressive inventory and working capital management [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advanced Materials showed normalized earnings, while construction activity remained weak, impacting overall performance [5][6] - Polyurethanes utilization rates were reported in the low to mid-80s percentile, with North America slightly higher than China [11][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Order books in July were described as stable, with customers ordering just in time due to low inventories [14][15] - The automotive sector in China continues to perform well, contrasting with struggles in Europe and North America [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and prudent capital spending, emphasizing value creation over volume [6][8] - There is an ongoing review of the asset portfolio, with a focus on bolt-on acquisitions in Advanced Materials rather than in the more volatile polyurethane sector [43][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about potential improvements in construction and consumer confidence, particularly in the long term [6][30] - The impact of tariffs and trade disputes remains a concern, with management advocating for clarity in trade policies to reduce volatility [35][40] Other Important Information - The closure of the Maleka anhydride facility was attributed to a lack of competitiveness in the European market, with the decision made after exploring all options [58][59] - The company does not foresee new MDI plants being built under current market conditions, citing sufficient existing capacity [48][102] Q&A Session Summary Question: MDI utilization rates in the second quarter and expectations for the third quarter - Management indicated that the industry is operating in the low to mid-80s percentile, with North America slightly higher and China lower [11][20] Question: Update on order books in July - Management described the situation as stable, with customers ordering just in time due to low inventories [14][15] Question: Thoughts on the dividend - The board is carefully considering the dividend, focusing on cash generation and market conditions, with no immediate changes expected [26][30] Question: Impact of trade finality on customer behavior - Management noted that volatility is the primary concern, and customers prefer clarity in trade policies to stabilize purchasing behavior [35][40] Question: Future of the European footprint and MDI facility - Management believes the Rotterdam facility will remain competitive for several years, despite market challenges [60][61] Question: Price declines in polyurethanes - A 5% year-over-year price decline was noted, primarily driven by competitive dynamics in Europe [89] Question: Expectations for MTBE margins - Management indicated that MTBE typically performs best during driving seasons, but struggles are expected to continue through the end of the year [113]

Core Insights - LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) reported a significant decline in profit for Q2 2025, with earnings of $115 million or 34 cents per share, down 87.5% from $924 million or $2.82 per share a year ago [1] - Adjusted earnings were 62 cents, reflecting a 71.8% decrease from the previous year's figure of $2.20, and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 87 cents [1][9] - Despite a drop in revenue across all segments, net sales of $7,658 million exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7,405.6 million, but fell 11.7% from $8,678 million in the prior-year quarter [2] Segment Performance - The Olefins & Polyolefins — Americas segment saw revenues decline by 18.8% to $2,377 million, missing the consensus estimate of $2,731.5 million [3] - Olefins & Polyolefins — Europe, Asia, and international segment revenues decreased by 4.8% year over year to $2,704 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2,600 million [3] - In the Intermediates and Derivatives segment, sales were $2,275 million, down 18.6% year over year, missing the consensus estimate of $2,321.5 million [4] - Advanced Polymer Solutions revenues fell by 3.3% year over year to $917 million, also missing the consensus estimate of $926 million [4] - The Technology segment's revenues decreased by 13.8% to $137 million, lagging behind the consensus estimate of $145 million [4] Financial Overview - LYB generated $351 million in cash from operating activities during the quarter, with capital spending of $539 million and $536 million distributed to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks [5] - At the end of the quarter, LYB had $1.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents, along with $6.4 billion in total available liquidity [5] Future Outlook - For Q3, LyondellBasell expects improved North American integrated polyethylene margins due to completed maintenance and strong domestic demand, while European demand and favorable feedstock costs are anticipated to persist [6] - The company plans to operate its North American olefins and polyolefins assets at 85% capacity, European facilities at 75%, and Intermediates & Derivatives assets at 80% [7] - LYB is monitoring potential risks and opportunities related to shifting tariffs and global trade patterns [7] Stock Performance - Shares of LyondellBasell have decreased by 41% over the past year, compared to a 26.6% decline in the industry [10]

Group 1 - The article discusses the investment strategies of Vasily Zyryanov, focusing on identifying underpriced equities with strong upside potential and overappreciated companies with inflated valuations [1] - Zyryanov emphasizes the importance of analyzing Free Cash Flow and Return on Capital in addition to profit and sales to gain deeper insights into investment opportunities [1] - The research covers a wide range of industries, particularly the energy sector, including oil & gas supermajors, mid-cap, and small-cap exploration & production companies, as well as oilfield services firms [1] Group 2 - The article highlights that while Zyryanov favors underappreciated and misunderstood equities, he also recognizes that some growth stocks may warrant their premium valuations [1] - The primary goal for investors is to investigate whether the market's current opinions on valuations are accurate [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $731 million, a decrease of 11% year-over-year, driven by lower sales volumes and unfavorable zircon pricing [9][10] - Loss from operations was $35 million, with a net loss of $84 million, including $39 million of restructuring charges [9][10] - Adjusted EBITDA was $93 million, representing a 42% decline year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.7% [10][12] - Free cash flow was a use of $55 million, including $83 million of capital expenditures [10][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - TiO2 revenues decreased by 10% year-over-year, driven by an 11% decrease in sales volume, partially offset by a 1% favorable exchange rate impact [10][11] - Zircon revenues decreased by 20% compared to the prior year, driven by a 10% decrease in both sales volumes and pricing [11][12] - Revenue from other products decreased by 7% year-over-year, primarily due to lower sales volumes of pig iron [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Volumes in Q2 were 2% lower sequentially and 11% lower year-over-year, reflecting weaker than usual seasonality [6][7] - North America saw a slight uptick in volume, but not in line with the normal coating season, while Europe, Middle East, and Africa experienced a volume decline due to a weaker market [35][36] - India showed early sales momentum following the implementation of duties, presenting a significant opportunity for sales volume growth [7][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing a disciplined strategy to manage the downturn and optimize earnings and cash, including a cost improvement program expected to deliver $125 million to $175 million in sustainable run rate savings by 2026 [8][19] - Capital expenditures are being further reduced, with a focus on maintaining critical investments while ensuring financial strength and long-term shareholder value [19][24] - The company aims to maintain market leadership and improve top-line performance while bolstering liquidity and enhancing financial flexibility [19][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the second quarter was impacted by weaker demand across most end markets, with macroeconomic pressures including elevated interest rates and tariff-related uncertainties [6][7] - The company updated its 2025 financial outlook, expecting revenue to be between $3 billion and $3.1 billion, with adjusted EBITDA projected at $410 million to $460 million [20][21] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to weather the downturn and emerge as a stronger competitor [25] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with total debt of $3.1 billion and net debt of $2.9 billion, with a net leverage ratio of 6.1 times [14][15] - Liquidity as of June 30 was $397 million, including $132 million in cash and cash equivalents [15][16] - The Board of Directors declared a $0.05 per share dividend for the third quarter, a reduction of 60% [19][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers for the full-year guidance range? - Management indicated that volume and price will largely determine whether they come at the higher or lower end of the guidance range [28][29] Question: Can you provide an update on rare earth activities? - Management confirmed ongoing work on rare earth opportunities, with potential sales in the fourth quarter [30][31] Question: What drove the sequential decline in TiO2 volumes? - The decline was attributed to a muted coating season in North America, with slight volume increases but not in line with expectations [35][36] Question: What are the implications of the capital expenditure reductions? - Management clarified that strategic investments in mining projects remain on track, while discretionary capital expenditures are being reduced [39][41] Question: How does the company view the competitive landscape in Europe and India? - Management noted competitive pressures in Europe but highlighted strength in India due to favorable trade agreements [110][111]

Shell's CEO pledges to turn around the company’s struggling chemicals business https://t.co/pZ1dlBEtbx ...

Market Overview - A-share market shows divergence with resource cyclical stocks experiencing significant pullback, causing the Shanghai Composite Index to fall below 3600 points; AI-related hardware and software sectors saw a collective rise, boosting the ChiNext Index [1][3] AI Sector Performance - AI-related hardware and software sectors, including liquid cooling servers, AI agents, and PCB, exhibited strong gains; leading AI server company, Industrial Fulian, hit the daily limit and reached a historical high with a market capitalization exceeding 700 billion yuan [3][10] - Notable stocks in the liquid cooling server concept include Sihuan New Materials, Yingweike, and Chunzong Technology, all achieving daily limit increases [5][6] Resource Sector Performance - Resource cyclical stocks, which led gains last week, faced high-level corrections; sectors such as steel, non-ferrous metals, and chemicals saw significant declines, with steel stocks dropping over 3% and individual stocks like Anyang Steel and Baosteel falling more than 5% [15][16] - In the futures market, several previously popular commodities, including glass and coking coal, dropped over 6%, while lithium carbonate fell by 6% [16][17] Regulatory Changes - The Dalian Commodity Exchange announced adjustments to trading limits for certain futures contracts, including industrial silicon, polysilicon, and lithium carbonate, to maintain market stability [17]

Financial Performance - Reported Net Income increased by 19% year-over-year to $11.3 million[12] - Adjusted Net Income increased by 27% year-over-year to $12.0 million[12] - EBITDA increased by 6% year-over-year to $50.6 million[12] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 8% year-over-year to $51.4 million[12] - Free Cash Flow decreased by 62% year-over-year to $11.2 million, impacted by higher working capital[10, 12] Volume and Sales - Global sales volume grew 1% year-over-year, driven by Polymers, Crop Productivity, and MCT business, offset by decline in commodity consumer surfactants[9] - Surfactants Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 1% to $34.5 million due to lower demand in commodity consumer end markets, offset by growth in agricultural and oilfield end markets[20, 25] - Polymers Adjusted EBITDA increased by 17% to $25.6 million, driven by sales volume growth in North America and Europe[20, 30] - Specialty Products Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $2.1 million primarily due to order timing fluctuations within the pharmaceutical business[20] Strategic Initiatives - The Pasadena, Texas site is now operational and expected to provide benefits in the specialty alkoxylation business[11, 41] - The company is on track to close the sale of Philippines assets during the fourth quarter[11]

Analyst's Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of BA either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Over fifteen years of experience making contrarian bets based on my macro view and stock-specific turnaround stories to garner outsized returns w ...

Core Insights - Select Water Solutions achieved significant milestones in sustainability and operational growth in 2024, focusing on water recycling and environmental responsibility [1][2][3] Sustainability Achievements - In 2024, Select treated or recycled 20.0 billion gallons (477 million barrels) of produced water, marking a 9% increase from 2023 [1][4] - The company increased environmentally-responsible wastewater disposal volumes by 41% compared to 2023 [1][4] - Select reduced total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 8% year-over-year, supported by investments in infrastructure and fleet upgrades [1][4] Performance Against Targets - Select exceeded its annual water recycling target by 324% and employee safety target by 49% as part of its sustainability-linked credit facility [1][4] - The company achieved a total recordable incident rate (TRIR) of 0.54 and a lost time incident rate of 0.25 in 2024 [4] Future Goals - For 2025, Select established a target to increase recycled produced water volumes by 14% at fixed facilities, with an annual increase of 17.5% until reaching a target of 403 million barrels per year by 2029 [8] - The company aims to reduce TRIR by approximately 1.5% each year, outperforming the industry average by 35% by 2029 [8] Commitment to Stakeholders - Select's 2024 Sustainability Report emphasizes its dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable development within its operational communities [4][5] - The company plans to continue regular reporting on its ESG policies and performance through its website and annual reports [5]

Core Insights - Olin Corporation (OLN) reported a second-quarter 2025 loss of $1.3 million, or a loss of $0.01 per share, compared to a profit of $74.2 million, or $0.62 per share, in the same quarter last year. Excluding one-time items, earnings were $0.05 per share [1][7] - Revenues increased by approximately 6.9% year over year to $1,758.3 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,669.1 million [1][7] Segment Review - **Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls**: Revenues reached $979.5 million, up around 6.4% year over year, exceeding the consensus estimate of $955.4 million. Segment earnings were $64.9 million, down from $99.3 million in Q2 2024 [2] - **Epoxy**: Revenues rose approximately 4.2% year over year to $331.2 million, beating the consensus estimate of $305.9 million [3] - **Winchester**: Revenues increased by about 10.2% year over year to $447.6 million, driven by higher military sales, surpassing the consensus estimate of $401.9 million [3] Financials - Olin's cash balance at the end of Q2 was $223.8 million, with a net debt of approximately $2.8 billion. The company repurchased around 0.5 million shares for $10.1 million during the quarter, with about $2 billion remaining in share repurchase authorizations [4] Outlook - Olin anticipates adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 to be between $170 million and $210 million, citing ongoing market challenges and potential rising costs. The company emphasizes a disciplined capital allocation strategy focused on maximizing cash generation [5] Price Performance - Olin's shares have declined by 54.1% over the past year, compared to a 19.4% decline in the industry [6]