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]

earnings conference call second quarter fiscal 2025 May 1, 2025 — Forward-Looking Statements — This presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Ashland has identified some of these forward-looking statements with words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "estimates," "is likely," "predicts," "projects," "forecasts," "objectives," "may," "will," "shoul ...

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]

Albemarle (ALB) reported $1.08 billion in revenue for the quarter ended March 2025, representing a year-over-year decline of 20.9%. EPS of -$0.18 for the same period compares to $0.26 a year ago.The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.17 billion, representing a surprise of -8.07%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +70.97%, with the consensus EPS estimate being -$0.62.While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Stree ...

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]

Borregaard’s operating revenues increased to NOK 2,036 million (NOK 1,975 million)2 in the 1st quarter of 2025. EBITDA1 reached NOK 511 million (NOK 442 million). The result in BioSolutions increased, BioMaterials had a result in line with the corresponding quarter last year and Fine Chemicals had a lower result. Strong sales to agriculture were the main reason for the all-time high result in BioSolutions. For BioMaterials, higher sales prices were offset by lower sales volume, increased wood costs, and cos ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter adjusted EBITDA of $57.5 million, up 12% year over year [5][11] - Adjusted net income was $19.3 million, a 32% increase compared to $14.7 million in the prior year [7][10] - The effective tax rate decreased to 20% from the normal range of 24% to 26% due to favorable discrete items [11][12] - Free cash flow was negative at $25.8 million, down $37.2 million year over year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Surfactants segment net sales were $430.3 million, a 10% increase year over year, with a 3% growth in sales volume [13][14] - Polymers segment net sales were flat at $146.1 million, with a 7% increase in sales volume but a 7% decrease in selling prices [15][16] - Specialty products net sales increased by 11% to $16.8 million, driven by higher selling prices [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Volume growth was broad-based, with agricultural and oilfield end markets experiencing double-digit growth [6][20] - North American and European rigid polyol volume grew in low single digits, while specialty polyols and commodity PA businesses showed strong growth [6][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on customer acquisition, particularly in Tier two and Tier three markets, with over 400 new customers added in Q1 [18][19] - The company aims to develop next-generation rigid polyol technologies to enhance energy efficiency [21] - The new Pasadena, Texas site is operational, with expectations for full contribution in the second half of 2025 [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for 2025, expecting adjusted EBITDA and net income growth despite market uncertainties [24] - The company is monitoring the impact of tariffs and is working on pricing strategies to mitigate potential effects [63][64] - There is a belief that pent-up demand exists in the construction market, which could lead to growth as economic conditions improve [81][82] Other Important Information - The company paid $8.7 million in dividends during the first quarter and has increased its dividend for 57 consecutive years [7][8] - The company is investing in capital expenditures and anticipates positive free cash flow for the full year 2025 [17][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: About the Pasadena alkoxylation startup and product qualification - Management confirmed that the Pasadena facility is producing six products currently, with plans to produce over 60 products, and full contribution expected in 2026 [30][32] Question: Earnings contribution from Pasadena facility - Management indicated that Q2 will still be negative but better than Q1, with positive contributions expected in Q3 and Q4 [33] Question: Decline in commodity consumer products - Management clarified that the decline is not intentional and is due to sluggish demand from consumer product customers [35][36] Question: Polymer business and inventory costs - Management stated that high-cost inventory is being cleared out, and margins should improve in Q2 [38] Question: Down channel inventory levels - Management reported no significant overstocking in Q1 and noted strong demand continuing into April [44] Question: Customer mix and growth - Management confirmed that growth is coming from both Tier two and Tier three customers, as well as end market diversification [48] Question: Agricultural and oilfield surfactants growth - Management confirmed that the majority of growth is driven by the agricultural side, with no significant inventory buildup expected [56][57] Question: Tariff impacts and sourcing strategy - Management is monitoring both direct and indirect impacts of tariffs and is adjusting sourcing strategies accordingly [63][64] Question: Raw material pricing environment - Management indicated that raw material prices have stabilized, but tariffs may introduce new dynamics [76] Question: Construction market outlook - Management believes there is pent-up demand in the construction market, with expectations for growth as economic conditions improve [81][82]