Dallas, Texas, Aug. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NL Industries, Inc. (NYSE: NL) today announced that its board of directors has declared a special cash dividend of twenty-one cents ($0.21) per share and a quarterly dividend of nine cents ($0.09) per share, in each case on its common stock. The special dividend, which is being funded from excess cash flows, is payable on August 28, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 18, 2025. The quarterly dividend of $.09 per share is payable ...

NL Industries, Inc. Summary - NL Industries reported a net income attributable to stockholders of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per share, in Q2 2025, a significant decrease from $7.9 million, or $0.16 per share, in Q2 2024 [1] - For the first half of 2025, net income was $1.0 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to $14.7 million, or $0.30 per share, in the same period of 2024 [1] - The results included an unrealized loss of $0.1 million in Q2 2025 related to marketable equity securities, contrasting with an unrealized gain of $0.8 million in Q2 2024 [1] CompX Summary - CompX's net sales increased to $40.3 million in Q2 2025 from $35.9 million in Q2 2024, and for the first six months, sales rose to $80.6 million from $73.9 million [2] - The increase in sales was attributed to higher Security Products sales to the government security market and increased Marine Components sales to government and towboat markets [2] - Segment profit for CompX was $6.3 million in Q2 2025, up from $5.1 million in Q2 2024, and $12.2 million for the first six months of 2025, compared to $8.8 million in the same prior year period [2] Kronos Worldwide Summary - Kronos reported net sales of $494.4 million in Q2 2025, a decrease of $6.1 million, or 1%, compared to Q2 2024, while net sales for the first half of 2025 were $984.2 million, an increase of $4.9 million, or 1%, from the same period in 2024 [4] - The decline in Q2 sales was primarily due to lower average TiO2 selling prices, changes in product mix, and lower sales volumes in export markets, partially offset by higher sales volumes in North America [4] - Kronos' income from operations fell to $7.4 million in Q2 2025 from $35.9 million in Q2 2024, and for the first six months, it decreased to $45.8 million from $55.4 million in the same period of 2024 [5][6] Market Conditions and Currency Impact - The TiO2 industry faced challenges due to global uncertainties related to U.S. trade policies and geopolitical tensions, affecting sales volumes and pricing momentum [4] - Kronos experienced a 4% decline in average TiO2 selling prices during the first half of 2025, despite starting the year with prices 2% higher than at the beginning of 2024 [4] - Currency fluctuations, particularly with the euro, impacted net sales, increasing them by approximately $8 million in Q2 2025 but decreasing them by about $3 million in the first half of 2025 compared to the same prior year periods [4]

Core Viewpoint - Kronos Worldwide, Inc. has declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share on its common stock, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders [1] Company Summary - Kronos Worldwide, Inc. is a significant international producer of titanium dioxide products, highlighting its role in the industry [1] Dividend Details - The declared dividend of $0.05 per share will be payable on September 18, 2025, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 5, 2025 [1]

Mosaic, the world’s leading producer of two key crop fertilizers, said US tariffs are weighing on shipments https://t.co/gmEt9jAc9D ...

Core Viewpoint - Tronox Holdings PLC is under investigation for possible securities fraud following disappointing financial results for Q2 2025, which led to a significant decline in stock price [3][4]. Financial Performance - Tronox reported revenue of $731 million for Q2 2025, a decline of 10.9% compared to the same quarter in the previous year, and fell short of consensus estimates by $53.45 million [3]. - The company attributed the revenue decline to delays in Brazil's anti-dumping investigation, which negatively impacted sales in that region [3]. Stock Market Reaction - Following the financial results announcement, Tronox's stock price dropped by $1.95 per share, approximately 37.94%, closing at $3.19 per share on July 31, 2025 [4]. Legal Actions - The Portnoy Law Firm has initiated an investigation into Tronox and may file a class action on behalf of investors who suffered losses [1][2].

DuPont shares rose Tuesday when the chemicals and materials manufacturer posted better-than-expected results and boosted its guidance on higher sales and volumes, plus a tax benefit. It also lowered its anticipated tariff hit. https://t.co/2SJz2ak0q7 ...

I mean the spin-offs are uh progressing on time. So we expect to have the chemicals business advanced material spin-off completed Q4 of this year uh and then aerospace will happen uh second half of 2026. So they are progressing well.But the good news is that uh the two important points there. First is we have majorly completed our portfolio transformation work with that because when I started we announced these spins but we also have done a lot of portfolio work some substraction some additions. So that's l ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2025, the company reported EBITDA of $350 million on net sales of $3 billion, with a net loss of $12 million or $0.09 per share [8][14] - Compared to Q2 2024, net income decreased by $325 million due to higher North American feedstock and energy costs, and lower average sales prices across segments [14][19] - The company achieved over $75 million in cost reductions towards a full-year target of $150 million to $175 million [13][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Housing and Infrastructure Products (HIP) segment delivered EBITDA of $275 million on sales of $1.2 billion, with a 24% EBITDA margin, driven by a 14% increase in sales volumes [8][17] - The Performance and Essential Materials (PEM) segment saw sales of $1.8 billion, down $57 million from Q1 2025, with EBITDA of $52 million, significantly impacted by planned turnarounds and unplanned outages [19][18] - The HIP segment's sales volume growth was supported by increasing demand for municipal water applications, while the Building Products business faced a slowdown due to reduced residential construction activity [10][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a significant underspending on water infrastructure in the U.S., which is expected to support pipe and fitting sales for years to come [10] - The global manufacturing activity has been soft, leading to a cumulative impact on PEM sales volumes and pricing [11][25] - The company anticipates stable demand for PEM materials, with improved production rates expected to lead to increased sales volumes compared to Q2 2025 [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is implementing a three-pronged profitability improvement strategy for PEM, focusing on improving plant reliability, reducing costs, and optimizing the manufacturing footprint [12][25] - The HIP segment strategy emphasizes providing products that address affordability and adapting offerings as market conditions evolve [17][22] - The company remains positive about the long-term growth outlook for HIP, expecting a 5% to 7% compound annual growth rate driven by market recovery and strategic acquisitions [24][22] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging operating environment due to elevated interest rates and soft macroeconomic conditions but highlighted the resilience of the HIP segment [8][22] - The company expects the impact of production disruptions to lessen in Q3 2025, with improved sales volumes anticipated [21][25] - Management emphasized the foundational strengths of the company, including a diversified portfolio and a strong balance sheet, to create long-term value for shareholders [26] Other Important Information - The company announced the planned closure of its epoxy site in Pernice, The Netherlands, which is expected to lead to profitability in 2026 [19][20] - As of June 30, 2025, the company had cash and investments of $2.3 billion and total debt of $4.7 billion [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on HIP margins and pricing pressures - Management indicated that margins are expected to remain in the 20% to 22% range despite lower sales guidance, reflecting the realities of the residential building market [30][32] Question: Impact of tariffs on exports - Management noted that current tariffs have not significantly impacted exports to Brazil, as customers can access duty drawbacks [34] Question: Performance in HIP and pricing pressures - Management highlighted the strength in the water business and the ability to adapt to market conditions, maintaining stable margins despite pricing pressures [38][39] Question: Planned turnarounds and cost savings - The majority of the $110 million impact from outages was due to planned turnarounds, with no major turnarounds expected in the second half of 2025 [44][45] Question: M&A opportunities in PEM - Management stated that they are open to M&A opportunities across both HIP and PEM segments, driven by valuation opportunities [50] Question: Plant reliability improvements - Management confirmed that improvements in plant reliability have been observed since late April, with expectations for continued progress in Q3 [66][67] Question: Chlor alkali supply outlook - Management expressed confidence in market stability and anticipated demand growth by the end of the decade [112]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the **Chinese chemicals industry** and its supply-side structural reforms, particularly in the context of the **petrochemical sector** [1][2]. Core Insights and Arguments - The **Chinese Politburo** meeting on July 30 indicated a shift towards **gradual adjustments** rather than aggressive mandates, suggesting a preference for market-driven solutions to overcapacity and industry 'involution' [1][2]. - The omission of the term "low prices" and the change in language regarding production capacity management indicates a more patient approach to resolving excess capacity issues, relying less on administrative measures [2]. - Key policy focus areas include **fertility subsidies**, **demographic challenges**, **local government debt**, and **international competitiveness**, with supply-side measures expected to be implemented in a measured manner [3]. - The **15th Five-Year Plan (15FYP)** is anticipated to provide clearer directions for these adjustments, with a focus on maintaining overall stability [3]. Company-Specific Insights - The report suggests that the Chinese government will continue to support **coal-based chemical production** and pursue **CTC projects** that are significantly lower in cost compared to naphtha crackers [4]. - For **US petrochemicals**, the likelihood of aggressive structural reforms appears reduced, with expected capacity closures primarily involving higher-cost units being replaced by larger, more efficient ones [4]. - The report identifies **ALB (Albemarle Corporation)** and **LAC (Lithium Americas Corp.)** as favorable investments under current policies, while **EMN (Eastman Chemical Company)** and **MEOH (Methanex Corp.)** would benefit from more aggressive policies [4]. Additional Important Information - The report highlights that the current policies may lead to a longer period of margin pressure in the petrochemical sector, indicating potential risks for investors [1][4]. - The absence of emphasis on profitability or returns on capital suggests that adjustments in the industry could take longer, particularly for older or quasi-utility industries [3]. - The report includes a distribution of ratings for various companies, indicating a majority of **Buy** ratings, with specific companies mentioned such as **CE (Celanese Corporation)** and **DOW (Dow Inc.)** rated as **Hold** [21]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing insights into the current state and future outlook of the Chinese chemicals industry and specific companies within the sector.

Investment Rating - The report suggests a selective participation strategy in sectors with attractive risk-reward profiles, specifically highlighting solar, chemicals, and lithium as top picks [1][6]. Core Insights - The anti-involution campaign is broadening into various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, with mixed feedback from analysts regarding its potential impact [1][2]. - Despite skepticism in the market about the effectiveness of the anti-involution initiatives, the motivations behind these initiatives are considered valid, leading to an upside skew in share price risks [3]. - The report emphasizes that the relevant sectors have not significantly outperformed the broader market, and investor expectations are generally low, indicating potential for positive surprises in future policies [3]. Sector Summaries Solar - The solar sector is characterized by very low profitability compared to other sectors, with significant long-term growth potential and external pressures to reduce excess capacity [6][8]. Chemicals - The chemicals sector faces low profitability and is close to historical troughs in valuation, with potential for cutting outdated capacities [6][8]. Lithium - The lithium sector is noted for its strong long-term growth potential and asymmetric risk-return profile, making it an attractive investment opportunity [6][8]. Auto - The auto sector is under pressure from fierce price competition and global excess capacity, with regulatory scrutiny aimed at promoting rational competition [2][8]. Healthcare - In healthcare, the focus is shifting towards non-price conditions in procurement, which may impact pricing strategies in the sector [2][8]. Food Delivery - The food delivery sector is experiencing regulatory pressure to rectify aggressive promotional practices, which may affect demand sensitivity [2][8]. Coal - The coal sector is facing production limits in certain provinces, which could lead to slight price increases [2][8]. Hog - The hog sector is under scrutiny for production capacity controls, with recent upward revisions in price forecasts [2][8].