Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects to grow EPS by $1-$2 in 2026, driven by cost actions and success from the EM pipeline, despite a potentially flattish demand environment [7][8] - Working capital has been a source of cash of $250 million in 2025, but a similar level is not expected for 2026 [37][38] - Free cash flow for 2026 is projected to be at least $700 million-$800 million, indicating a sustainable level of cash generation [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Engineered materials volumes were down 8% year-over-year, with standard-grade materials experiencing more significant declines compared to thermoplastic elastomers, which showed growth [19][30] - The company is focusing on cost savings in engineered materials, targeting $30 million-$50 million in additional savings, net of inflation [48][49] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pricing pressure in the acetyl chain has been noted, particularly in Europe, while stabilization in pricing has been observed in China [17][18] - The company is experiencing a lower base of demand compared to historical levels, with no significant accelerated destocking across the board [34][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is prioritizing cash flow improvement, cost reductions, and top-line growth as key strategies moving into 2026 [7] - A focus on divestitures continues, with a commitment to $1 billion in divestitures by the end of 2027, with the recent Micromax transaction contributing significantly towards this goal [54][55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving EPS growth despite a challenging demand environment, emphasizing the resilience of the company [78] - The dialogue around anti-involution in China is increasing, with expectations that profitability of assets in China needs to improve [81] Other Important Information - The company recorded a significant impairment related to Zytel and nylon, driven by a reduction in market cap rather than cash flow projections [72] - The Lanaken enclosure is expected to yield $20 million-$30 million in productivity savings by 2027 [42] Q&A Session Summary Question: Early look at 2026 earnings control - Management indicated that priorities for 2026 include increasing cash flow, cost improvements, and driving top-line growth, with an expected EPS growth of $1-$2 [7] Question: EM pricing outlook - Management noted that there are still opportunities for price increases in standard-grade materials and new elements from the pipeline [10] Question: Operating rates in the acetyl chain - Management stated that the lowest-cost assets are running at full capacity, while other assets are flexibly operated based on demand [13][14] Question: Sequential pricing pressure in the acetyl chain - Pricing pressure has been observed in Europe, particularly in downstream products, while stabilization has occurred in China [17][18] Question: Volume decline in engineered materials - The decline is primarily in standard-grade materials, while thermoplastic elastomers have shown resilience [19][30] Question: Free cash flow expectations - Working capital has been a source of cash this year, but similar contributions are not expected in 2026, with a projected free cash flow of $700 million-$800 million [37][38] Question: Divestiture strategy - The company is committed to divesting non-core assets, with the Micromax transaction being a significant step towards the $1 billion target by 2027 [54][55] Question: Impact of European acetate tow closure - Management indicated that the closure will not have ripple effects across the acetates network [98]