Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter total sales were $200 million, up nearly 9% year-over-year, with Eco Services and Advanced Silicas each up 1%, and sales for the Zeolyst joint venture up 60% [22][24][30] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $39 million, primarily driven by higher volume in the Zeolyst joint venture, but lower earnings in Eco Services due to higher planned turnaround costs [22][24] - Adjusted free cash flow for the first quarter was a use of $13 million, with expectations to generate adjusted free cash flow of $60 million to $80 million for the full year [27][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Eco Services sales were $143 million, up 1% compared to the prior year, with adjusted EBITDA of $29 million, down from $42 million due to higher manufacturing costs and lower sales volume related to turnaround activity [24][25] - Advanced Silicas sales were $19 million, with higher sales of niche custom catalysts offset by lower sales of advanced silicas used in polyethylene production [25][30] - The Zeolyst joint venture saw a significant increase in sales, contributing to the overall sales growth for the company [22][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Ecoservices segment accounts for approximately 75% of total sales, with minimal exposure to tariffs due to its U.S.-centric and service-oriented nature [10][12] - The company anticipates higher sales of virgin sulfuric acid in the second half of the year driven by increased mining demand [15][30] - The outlook for polyethylene catalyst sales remains cautious due to potential tariff impacts and macroeconomic conditions [19][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on opportunistic share repurchases, believing that its current valuation does not reflect the intrinsic value of the business [7][9] - The acquisition of Cornerstone sulfuric acid assets is expected to enhance the Ecoservices network and provide additional capacity [37][56] - The strategic review of the Advanced Materials and Catalysts segment is ongoing, with expectations to run through midyear [38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding potential weaker demand in industrial end uses due to macroeconomic conditions and tariff impacts [29][35] - The company maintains its full-year guidance for adjusted EBITDA in the range of $238 million to $258 million, despite the challenges [30][36] - There is confidence in the long-term demand fundamentals for the majority of end uses served by the company [35][36] Other Important Information - The company expects to close the acquisition of Cornerstone in the second quarter, with incremental adjusted EBITDA contributions anticipated to be more material beginning in 2026 [31][37] - The company has a strong order book for hydrocracking catalyst sales, which may offset any softer sales in advanced silicas [20][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has there been a slowdown in polyethylene catalyst sales due to tariffs? - Management indicated that there has not been any observed slowdown related to tariffs, but they are monitoring the situation closely [43][44] Question: What are the expectations for sulfuric acid pricing? - Management noted that sulfur prices have increased due to U.S. refining turnaround work, and they expect to pass these costs through to customers [51][53] Question: What are the synergy potentials from the Cornerstone acquisition? - Management highlighted that the acquisition would enhance the sulfuric acid network, providing operational efficiencies and the ability to service customers more reliably [55][66] Question: How does the company view the demand outlook for 2025? - Management expects the demand to be back-end loaded for 2025, with strong fundamentals in their end markets despite macroeconomic uncertainties [60][62]