Core Viewpoint - The chemical maker has reduced its quarterly payout by 50% to conserve cash due to ongoing pressure on earnings [1] Group 1 - The company is facing challenges that have led to a significant decrease in earnings [1] - The decision to halve the payout reflects a strategic move to maintain liquidity amid financial pressures [1]

February 20, 2026 4Q 2025 Earnings Presentation Forward Looking Statements Non-GAAP Financial Measures This presentation includes certain non-GAAP financial measures intended to supplement, not to act as substitutes for, comparable GAAP measures. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures are provided in this presentation, except with respect to forward-looking non-GAAP measures, where such reconciliation is not available without unreasonable effort as the Company is unable to ...

The Chemours Company (NYSE:CC) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 20, 2026 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsBrandon Ontjes - VP, Head of Strategy and Investor RelationsDenise Dignam - President and CEOHassan Ahmed - Co-Founder and Head of ResearchJohn Roberts - Managing DirectorJosh Spector - Executive Director of Chemicals Equity ResearchPeter Osterland - VP of Equity ResearchShane W. Hostetter - SVP and CFOVincent Andrews - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsArun Viswanathan - Senior Equity AnalystDu ...

The Chemours Company (NYSE:CC) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 20, 2026 08:00 AM ET Speaker8Good morning. My name is Carmen, and I'll be your conference operator today. I would like to welcome everyone to the Chemours Company Fourth Quarter 2025 Results Conference Call. Currently, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A question-and-answer session will follow the conclusion of the prepared remarks. I would like to remind everyone that this conference call is being recorded. I would now like to hand the ...

LyondellBasell slashed its fourth-quarter dividend by almost half as the chemical maker cited challenging market conditions https://t.co/jgiVnO984l ...

Every few years, a statistic captures the climate debate and briefly dominates headlines. The latest one comes from an analysis highlighted by Inside Climate News, claiming that just 32 companies are responsible for roughly half of global carbon dioxide emissions. It is a striking figure. It is also deeply unconstructive. Not because the data is wrong, but because the conclusion many draw from it has very little to do with how emissions can actually be reduced in a complex, fast-changing global energy ...

Economic Environment - Inflation in Australia is growing at approximately double the rate of economic growth, creating pressure on households and contributing to inflationary pressures in housing and energy markets [1] Company Strategy - The company is recognized for its everyday low prices in Australia and New Zealand, which helps maintain customer trust during challenging economic times [2][3] - A focus on productivity and expanding addressable markets through new product categories is central to the company's strategy [2] Partnerships and Technology - The company has formed strategic partnerships with Google Cloud and Microsoft to enhance operational efficiency and productivity through technology [5] - Initiatives include improving customer service and team member effectiveness in stores, as well as enhancing merchandising and supply chain processes [6] Lithium Business - The company's lithium project is progressing well, with the mine and concentrator performing effectively, and expectations for increased profitability in the second half of the year [9][10] - The company aims to become a reliable supplier of lithium hydroxide, despite some delays in the refinery commissioning process [10] Financial Management - The company maintains a strong balance sheet to ensure financial flexibility for future investments and potential M&A opportunities [11] - There is a commitment to disciplined capital investment, focusing on value-adding opportunities for shareholders [13] Growth Opportunities - The company anticipates continued positive earnings momentum in its retail businesses, with growth expected in Bunnings, Office Works, and Kmart [15] - Future growth is also expected in the lithium business, chemical manufacturing capacity, and the health division, with a well-positioned balance sheet for new opportunities [16][17]

Core Insights - The company is focusing on divesting non-core assets to enhance its operational efficiency and is optimistic about future joint ventures despite challenges in deal execution [1][7] - Management aims to achieve $1 billion in divestiture proceeds by the end of 2027, with progress reported as being approximately halfway to this target [2][8] - The company emphasizes cash generation and balance-sheet repair, preferring divestitures over equity to manage leverage [3][7] Financial Performance and Outlook - The company anticipates a $1 to $2 increase in EPS for 2026 compared to 2025, driven by growth in Engineered Materials and cost actions, although demand is expected to be uneven [6][15] - A $30 million inventory benefit is expected in Q1 2026, but this is likely to diminish in Q2, leading to a potentially flat performance compared to Q1 [16] - Cost-saving measures include the closure of the Lanaken plant, expected to save $20 million to $25 million annually, and targeted reductions in working capital, cash taxes, and cash interest [5][20] Market Dynamics - The Acetyl Chain segment experienced profit declines due to volume and price pressures, particularly in the acetate tow business, with additional impacts from margin compression in China [9][10] - The Engineered Materials segment also faced volume and price declines, but cost actions helped mitigate some of the impacts [10] - The electronics market is currently a bright spot, driven by AI and data center developments, while the automotive sector shows mixed signals, particularly in China [12] Strategic Initiatives - The company is implementing various cost actions and pricing initiatives to improve margins, particularly in the polymer sector, where some margins have reached unsustainable levels [18][21] - Management is focused on improving operational efficiency by block operating certain assets and balancing production and procurement strategies [21] - The company is committed to a multi-year effort to reduce inventories without compromising service levels, targeting a $100 million reduction in working capital [19][20]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company converted 45% of its EBITDA to free cash flow, which is a higher percentage than many in the industry [8] - The company targeted $100 million in cost savings, achieved through headcount reductions and facility closures, with an expected $45 million in in-year savings for 2026 [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aerospace business is expected to grow slightly better than the build rate, with a focus on wide-body aircraft [17][19] - The company anticipates growth in advanced materials, particularly in the Americas, driven by reindustrialization and recovery in construction [50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Early signs of improved volumes and pricing in Europe were noted, although it is too early to confirm sustainability [9][14] - The company is seeing low inventory levels across the supply chain, which may lead to shortages if demand increases [68] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on structural changes in operations to generate enough cash to cover dividends and pursue growth through new product development and innovation [10] - There is an expectation of further opportunities for mergers, joint ventures, and industry consolidation in 2026 [9][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about a gradual recovery in North American home building and durable goods, as well as improvements in the Chinese domestic market [8][11] - The company remains focused on controlling costs and adapting to market dynamics, with a strategic emphasis on innovation and efficiency [10][11] Other Important Information - The company is selectively using AI tools to reduce costs and enhance R&D capabilities [10] - Management highlighted the need for European policymakers to take action to improve competitiveness in the chemical industry [44][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the improvement in Europe? - Management noted price increases across the board and a slight pickup in construction and automotive demand [14] Question: What are the expected cost savings for 2026? - The company targeted $100 million in cost savings, with $45 million expected in 2026 [21] Question: What is the outlook for MDI margins? - Management indicated that margins depend on industry volumes and pricing initiatives to offset rising costs [36] Question: How is the company addressing potential industry consolidation? - Management sees opportunities for mergers and joint ventures, particularly in chaotic market conditions [26] Question: What is the status of inventory levels in the industry? - Management reported low inventory levels across the supply chain, which could lead to shortages if demand increases [68] Question: What is the outlook for polyurethanes EBITDA in Q1 2026? - Management indicated a need for price increases to offset rising natural gas costs, with a range of $25 million to $40 million expected [93][94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a decline in earnings year-over-year, with a focus on cash generation despite the earnings drop [7][8] - Adjusted EBIT for the Acetyl Chain was down approximately $400 million, while Engineered Materials saw a decrease of about $120 million, primarily driven by volume and price changes [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Acetyl Chain, the decline was largely attributed to volume and price pressures, particularly in the acetate tow business [18][19] - Engineered Materials experienced a mixed performance, with volume and price declines offset by cost benefits [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electronics market is showing positive signs due to global demand from AI and data centers, while the automotive sector remains mixed, particularly in China [12][13] - The company noted that contract pricing for 2026 is expected to remain stable, with more competition in the spot market due to increased capacity [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on cash generation and has plans for divestitures totaling $1 billion by the end of 2027, with a current target of achieving half that amount this year [15][16] - The strategy includes prioritizing parts of the business that align with core operating models and enhancing operational efficiency [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to generate free cash flow between $650 million and $750 million, despite a challenging operating environment [43][74] - The company is prepared for various demand scenarios and is focused on cost reduction and operational efficiency to drive growth [27][73] Other Important Information - The company is experiencing a significant reduction in debt maturities over the next couple of years, which positions it well for recovery [8] - Management indicated that the first half of 2026 is expected to be more challenging, with a focus on the second half for potential growth [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on selling equity to address balance sheet issues - Management emphasized a focus on cash generation and debt management rather than equity sales [7] Question: Pricing expectations for contracts in 2026 - Management indicated little change in contract pricing, with more competition in the spot market [9] Question: Stabilization in engineering materials and macro assumptions for 2026 - Electronics are a bright spot, while automotive remains mixed, particularly in China [12][13] Question: Timing and potential assets for divestiture - Management is optimistic about completing additional deals this year to meet divestiture targets [15][16] Question: Analysis of EBIT changes in Acetyl Chain and Engineered Materials - The decline was primarily driven by volume and price changes, with some margin compression noted [18][19] Question: Expectations for earnings growth in 2026 - Management believes Engineered Materials has more controllable growth opportunities compared to the Acetyl Chain [20][21] Question: Free cash flow guidance and working capital management - Management is confident in achieving free cash flow targets through various levers, including working capital reductions [37][43] Question: Impact of capacity additions in Nylon and POM chains - The company is focused on flexibility in operations and is taking advantage of overcapacity in certain regions [46] Question: Expectations for acetyl pricing in China - Management does not anticipate significant uplifts in pricing, with demand currently low due to the Lunar New Year [65][67]