Summary of Conference Call on Chemicals Industry Industry Overview - The focus of the conference call is on the chemicals industry, particularly in relation to the proposed anti-involution policies in China aimed at addressing chronic oversupply in the petrochemical sector [1][3][8]. Key Points 1. **China's Anti-Involution Policies**: - The proposed policies are viewed as a good intention to tackle the oversupply issue in the petrochemical sector, but there are concerns regarding the execution and effectiveness of these measures [3][8]. - Analysts suggest that prohibiting new capacities is the most effective way to address the structural oversupply [3]. 2. **Market Reactions**: - Saudi petrochemical share prices have increased by 13-23% following news of the anti-involution policies, although chemical prices in China and Northeast Asia have not shown similar recovery [4][8]. - The market remains cautious, with many investors adopting a "wait and see" approach until tangible changes occur [15]. 3. **Current Supply-Demand Dynamics**: - The fundamentals of the petrochemical market remain weak, characterized by a significant supply overhang and lack of demand recovery [4][10]. - Spot prices for key chemicals such as HDPE, LDPE, and PP have remained flat compared to July, with only MEG expected to see a modest price increase of 3% [4]. 4. **Capacity Management**: - The potential closure of older capacities in China could theoretically reduce global PE/PP capacities by 3.6-5.1%, but the impact on industry utilization rates is expected to be minimal and diminish over time as new capacities come online [10]. - Local governments in China are required to submit assessments of aging petrochemical facilities, but complexities in execution may hinder effective capacity management [11]. 5. **Investor Sentiment**: - There is a mixed sentiment among investors; while some view the news as a positive step, the majority remain skeptical due to the persistent overcapacity issues [15][16]. - Corporates are cautious about over-extrapolating the potential impact of the anti-involution policies and are not incorporating these changes into their internal forecasts [8][15]. 6. **International Developments**: - Similar capacity reduction plans have been announced in Korea, where the government aims to cut 2.7-3.7 million tons of NCC capacity, representing 29% of total domestic capacity [16]. - However, new capacity additions may offset the impact of these closures, raising questions about the effectiveness of such measures [16]. Additional Insights - Companies such as Borouge, Orlen, SABIC, and Sipchem have expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential for market improvement due to capacity closures, but they also highlight the ongoing challenges posed by oversupply [17]. - The overall sentiment in the petrochemical market remains cautious, with many stakeholders awaiting concrete actions and results from the proposed policies before making significant investment decisions [15][17].

RT Bloomberg em Português (@BBGEmPortugues)#Exclusivo Uma injeção de capital na petroquímica Braskem está atrelada à venda da fatia da Novonor na empresa para um novo investidor, disse a CEO da Petrobras, Magda Chambriard, à Bloomberg News.Por @maridurao https://t.co/yFrCK6jgC4 ...

Core Insights - The company is taking decisive actions to reshape its future, focusing on cost containment, optimized capital spending, and strengthening its balance sheet, despite a complex global environment [1] - Free cash flow after tax, interest, and capital expenditure increased by 75% to R12.6 billion, indicating strong financial performance [1] - Turnover decreased by 9% to R249 billion due to a 15% decline in Rand oil prices and lower sales volumes [2] - Adjusted EBITDA declined by 14% to R51.8 billion, reflecting the challenging market conditions [2] - Total impairments significantly decreased to R20.7 billion from R74.9 billion in the prior year, with management actions improving recoverable amounts [3] - Basic earnings per share increased by over 100% to R10.60, while headline earnings per share improved by 93% to R35.13 [4] - The balance sheet was strengthened with net debt declining by 13% to R65.0 billion (US$3.7 billion) [5] - Liquidity was enhanced through the successful closure of a R5.3 billion floating rate bond [6] Financial Metrics - Turnover: R249 billion, down 9% from the previous year [7] - Adjusted EBITDA: R51.8 billion, down 14% [7] - Basic EPS: R10.60, up over 100% from a loss of R69.94 [7] - Headline EPS: R35.13, up 93% [7] - Capital Expenditure: R25.4 billion, down 16% [7] - Free Cash Flow: R12.6 billion, up 75% [7] - Net Debt: R65.0 billion, down 13% [7] Asset and Liability Overview - Total assets decreased slightly to R359.6 billion, down 1% [8] - Total liabilities increased by 7% to R201.9 billion [8] - Total equity increased by 7% to R157.6 billion [8] Dividend Policy - No dividend was declared as net debt was above the sustainable threshold of US$3 billion [9] Board Changes - Ms. Xikongomelo Maluleke appointed to the Audit Committee and Safety, Social and Ethics Committee [10]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the **chemicals industry** in the **Asia Pacific** region, particularly addressing the impact of **anti-involution** measures in **China** and **Korea** on the sector [1][3][9]. Core Insights - **Investor Sentiment**: Investor expectations for the commodity chemical cycle are at their most bearish in 20 years, with high engagement but low conviction regarding a cycle turn due to a new supply overhang [3][4]. - **Capacity Utilization**: Approximately **14 million tons per annum (mntpa)** of olefin capacity is currently not operational, with only a third of the projected **8-9 mntpa** capacity additions for 2024 and 2025 becoming operational [3][10]. - **Free Cash Flow (FCF)**: Despite subdued earnings, there is a notable recovery in free cash flow and sales volumes for companies in Asia (excluding China) after three years of decline, indicating improving quality of book values [4][10]. - **Agrochemicals**: The agrochemicals sector is experiencing a debated upturn, with signs of price stabilization and volume recovery, particularly in **India** and **Brazil** [5][21][23]. Company-Specific Insights - **Deepak Nitrite**: The company faces challenges due to a weak phenol cycle and margin compression, leading to a reduction in earnings estimates. However, there is potential for earnings recovery supported by new product scaling and domestic market recovery [5][34][35]. - **Sinopec**: Expected to benefit from anti-involution measures, with significant shutdowns of inefficient refining capacities anticipated to consolidate the domestic market [10][37]. - **Petronas Chemicals**: Holds the strongest balance sheet among regional peers, with current bearish investor expectations reflected in subdued valuations [10]. - **PTT Global Chemicals**: Expected to see earnings recovery driven by operational efficiencies and capacity closures outside China [10]. Additional Considerations - **Market Dynamics**: The chemicals industry is witnessing a shift in focus from earnings to balance sheet repair, with companies looking to divest assets and reduce capital expenditures [4][9]. - **Capacity Closures**: Over **20 million tons** of capacities globally have been shuttered or are operating at lower runs due to unfavorable economics, indicating a significant restructuring in the industry [33][37]. - **Regulatory Environment**: Ongoing discussions regarding excess petrochemical capacity in China and South Korea are crucial for future market dynamics [35][37]. Risks to Monitor - Conservative global volume outlooks for 2025 from innovators, negative pricing expectations, and the industry's ability to absorb recent capacity growth are key risks that could impact recovery [24][25]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights and trends discussed in the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future outlook of the chemicals industry in the Asia Pacific region.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the **chemicals industry** in the **Asia Pacific** region, particularly discussing the impact of **anti-involution** measures in **China** and **Korea** on the sector [1][3][9]. Core Insights - **Investor Sentiment**: Investor expectations for the commodity chemical cycle are at their most bearish in 20 years, with high engagement but low conviction regarding a cycle turn due to a new supply overhang [3][4]. - **Capacity Utilization**: Approximately **14 million tons per annum (mntpa)** of olefin capacity is currently not operational, with only a third of the projected new capacity for 2024 and 2025 becoming operational [3][10]. - **Free Cash Flow Recovery**: Despite subdued earnings, there is a notable recovery in free cash flow and sales volumes for companies in Asia (excluding China) after three years of decline [4][10]. - **Agrochemicals**: The agrochemical sector is experiencing a debated upturn, with signs of price stabilization and volume recovery, particularly in **India** and **Brazil** [5][20][23]. Company-Specific Insights - **Deepak Nitrite**: The company faces challenges due to a weak phenol cycle and increased competition, leading to a reduction in earnings estimates. However, there is potential for earnings growth supported by new product pipelines and domestic recovery [35]. - **Sinopec**: Expected to benefit from anti-involution measures, with significant shutdowns of inefficient refining capacities anticipated to consolidate the domestic market [10]. - **Petronas Chemicals**: Holds the strongest balance sheet among regional peers, with current bearish investor expectations reflected in subdued valuations [10]. - **PTT Global Chemicals**: Expected to see earnings recovery driven by operational efficiencies and capacity closures outside China [10]. Additional Important Points - **Market Dynamics**: The chemicals industry is witnessing a shift in focus from earnings to balance sheet repair, with companies looking to divest assets and reduce capital expenditures [4][9]. - **Capacity Closures**: Over **20 million tons** of capacities globally have been shuttered or are operating at lower runs due to unfavorable economics and weak demand [33][37]. - **Regulatory Environment**: Ongoing discussions regarding excess petrochemical capacity in China and South Korea are crucial for future industry balance [35][37]. Risks to Monitor - **Conservative Volume Outlooks**: There are concerns regarding the industry's ability to absorb the capacity growth seen in Asia over the past four years, alongside negative pricing expectations for 2025 [24][25]. - **Global Economic Factors**: Higher production costs for Brazilian farmers and record US crop yields are exerting downward pressure on commodity prices, which could impact the agrochemical sector [26][27]. This summary encapsulates the key insights and dynamics discussed during the conference call, highlighting the challenges and potential opportunities within the chemicals industry in the Asia Pacific region.

Industry Overview - Microplastics, defined as plastic pieces smaller than 5 millimeters, are increasingly found in human bodies and the food supply, posing a potential threat to the oil and gas industry as they are produced from petrochemicals [1] - The petrochemical sector is a small but profitable segment of the fossil fuel industry, and any negative perception of plastics is viewed as a risk to this sector [1] Human Exposure and Research - The vulnerability of the industry lies in human exposure to microplastics, with experts suggesting that convincing the public that daily exposure is harmless will be challenging [2] - Scientific research on microplastics has surged, with the National Library of Medicine's PubMed database indicating that published research related to microplastics has nearly doubled from 2021 to 2024 [2] Findings on Microplastics - A study published in Nature Medicine found that human brains from 2024 contained an average of about 7 grams of plastic, which is approximately 50% more than brains examined from 2016 [3] - Microplastics have been detected in various biological samples, including fish muscle tissue and the fibers of fruits and vegetables, indicating widespread contamination [4] Industry Response and Technology - Advances in monitoring technology have enabled the detection of microplastics at extremely low levels, although the industry argues that low-level detection does not equate to harm [5] - The plastics industry emphasizes the benefits of plastics in healthcare, food safety, transportation, and technology, which are deemed essential [5] Market Dynamics - Major oil and gas companies are integral to the plastics supply chain, with a notable portion of natural gas being converted into chemicals for plastic production [7] - The International Energy Agency reported that electric vehicle adoption has displaced over 1 million barrels of oil consumption per day in 2024, with expectations to rise to 5 million barrels by 2030, impacting oil demand [5] Company Activities - BP's 2024 outlook indicates that while oil use in transportation is declining, it is being offset by increased oil use for petrochemical production, particularly polyethylene plastics [6] - Saudi Aramco, the largest oil company globally, has expanded its petrochemical activities, acquiring a 70% stake in SABIC, which generated nearly $35 billion from petrochemicals last year [8]

Industry Reform & Restructuring - Chinese government is planning comprehensive reforms in the petrochemical and refining industries to reduce overcapacity in low-end sectors [1] - Measures are expected to be introduced next month [1] - Petrochemical equipment used for over 20 years, accounting for approximately 40% of the national total, will need to be upgraded to increase production [1] - Factories will be encouraged to shift towards producing specialized fine chemicals [1] Investment & Incentives - New investment policies will prioritize chemicals used in AI, robotics, semiconductors, biomedical equipment, batteries, and renewable energy [1] Refining Sector - Smaller refineries with an annual capacity of less than 2 million tons may face closure [1]

Core Viewpoint - Sasol expects a significant increase in earnings per share (EPS) by more than 100% compared to the prior year, while adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) is projected to decrease by 10% to 17% [1][3]. Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be between R50 billion and R54 billion, down from R60 billion in the previous year [1]. - EPS is expected to rise to between R7.00 and R12.00, compared to a prior year loss per share of R69.94 [3]. - Headline earnings per share (HEPS) is projected to increase by 85% to 100%, reaching between R33.60 and R36.30, up from R18.19 in the prior year [3]. Factors Influencing Earnings - The increase in earnings is attributed to higher average chemicals basket prices and strict cost control measures [3]. - Significant impairments decreased from R74.9 billion in the prior year to R20.7 billion in the current year [3]. - The derecognition of a deferred tax asset of R15.3 billion from the prior year is noted, primarily related to Chemicals America operations [3]. - A net cash settlement of R4.3 billion from Transnet SOC Limited and a reduction in asset rehabilitation provision of R2.9 billion were also contributing factors [3]. Market Conditions - There was a 15% decline in the average Rand per barrel of Brent crude oil price, alongside a significant drop in refining margins and fuel price differentials [3]. - Sales volumes decreased by 3% due to lower production and/or market demand [3]. Impairments and Reversals - The Secunda and Sasolburg liquid fuels refinery cash generating units remain fully impaired, with recoverable amounts affected by lower macro-economic forecasts [3]. - Impairments included R4.4 billion for the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) and PT5-C exploration assets in Mozambique, and R3.2 billion for Italy Care Chemicals CGU [3]. - A reversal of impairment of R1 billion was noted for the China Care Chemicals CGU due to improved business results [3].

Financial Performance - Braskem's Recurring EBITDA in 2Q25 was US$74 million, a decrease of 67% compared to 1Q25 and 77% compared to 2Q24[8] - Operational cash generation was US$(31) million, an increase of $129 million compared to 1Q25[8] - Recurring EBITDA in Brazil was US$152 million, 24% lower than in 1Q25, mainly due to the reduction in PE and PVC spreads[14] - USA & Europe Recurring EBITDA decreased by 142% from 1Q25, resulting in a negative value[25] - Mexico's Recurring EBITDA decreased by 124% from 1Q25, resulting in a negative value[29] Operational Highlights - The utilization rate in Brazil was 74%[8] - Green Ethylene utilization rate was 71%, a decrease of 16 percentage points compared to 1Q25[8, 20] - USA & Europe plants utilization rate was 74%[8, 24] - Mexico's PE plant utilization rate was 44%, a decrease of 35 percentage points compared to 1Q25[8, 28] Financial Stability - The company has a cash position of approximately US$17 billion, providing about 30 months of coverage[9] - The company's liquidity is approximately US$27 billion, including cash position and revolving credit facility[9] - Approximately 68% of the company's debts mature from 2030 onwards[9, 47]

Group 1 - Laura Starks is the founder and CEO of Starks Energy Economics, LLC, established in 2007, with expertise in energy investments [1] - Starks holds a degree in chemical engineering and an MBA focused on finance, which she utilizes for personal investments and insights on energy companies [1] - The coverage of Starks includes various sectors such as utilities, independent power producers, energy service companies, petrochemical companies, and all segments of oil and natural gas: upstream, midstream, and downstream [1]