近年来，我国炭黑行业产能稳步增长，随着行业新增产能陆续释放，供需矛盾日益加剧，炭黑设备开工率和产能利用率总体偏低，产量增速较缓，行业面 临一定的结构性产能过剩问题。2024年，炭黑市场受原料油价格波动、产能过剩与下游需求变化等多重因素影响，产品价格震荡下行，企业经营压力有所 加大。此外，随着环保和"双碳"政策的持续实施，炭黑企业环保改造成本呈上升态势。 未来，我国炭黑市场总量预计将保持温和增长，市场需求将逐渐向高端化、差异化转变，行业集中度或将持续提升，头部炭黑企业优势进一步扩大。未 来，炭黑行业将向技术创新驱动及绿色低碳方向转型，产品结构的优化及行业集中度的提升有助于提高行业整体竞争力水平，企业间分化将进一步加剧。 一、行业概况 1. 炭黑定义与用途 炭黑是由碳氢化合物（如煤焦油、乙烯焦油）不完全燃烧或热裂解生成的纳米级碳材料，呈黑色粉末状，其成分主要是碳单质，并含有少量氧、氢和硫等 元素。因炭黑具有良好的橡胶补强、着色、导电或抗静电以及紫外线吸收功能，炭黑主要应用于轮胎制造、橡胶制品、塑料增强、涂料/油墨着色、电池 导电剂等领域。按用途分，炭黑可以分为橡胶用炭黑和非橡胶用炭黑，非橡胶用炭黑又称为特种炭黑， ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $69 million, aligning with expectations despite demand headwinds, with overall volumes up 3% year over year but down over 4.5% sequentially [6][24] - Gross profit per ton improved sequentially due to better operating performance, although total profitability was down year over year due to adverse geographic and product mix [24][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Rubber business saw a 7% increase in volumes year over year and a 4% increase in adjusted EBITDA, driven by contract outcomes, though impacted by import-related headwinds [25] - Specialty volumes decreased by 8% year over year and 6% sequentially, primarily due to soft demand and customer hesitancy related to tariff uncertainties [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The surge in tire imports into the U.S. was attributed to customers trying to beat tariff deadlines, which negatively affected local tire manufacturing rates and demand [7][15] - The company expects improved Rubber segment demand starting late this year or early next year as tariffs normalize tire imports [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is shifting capital allocation priorities towards debt reduction over share repurchases in the near term [14][30] - Self-help initiatives are underway to improve productivity and lower costs, with a focus on driving free cash flow improvement [21][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about demand recovery due to the new tariff paradigm expected to benefit the company in late 2025 or early 2026 [33] - The company is not complacent and is focused on positioning itself for greater earnings power despite the challenging backdrop [32] Other Important Information - The CFO, Jeff Gleich, will retire in the fourth quarter, and a formal search for a successor has begun [5] - The company has committed $7 billion to $8 billion in capital for tire production capacity expansion in North America over the next four years [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Earnings step up in the second half of the year - Management indicated that volume growth would not significantly increase sequentially, with cost actions expected to benefit in the second half [36][38] Question: Cash balance and levers to hit targets - Management discussed working capital levers, including inventory reduction, with expectations for more opportunities in Q4 [39][40] Question: Tariff impacts and production location expectations - Management does not expect production to revert more to Mexico than the U.S. and noted that the tariff situation remains complex [44][47] Question: Q4 expectations and seasonal trends - Management suggested a possibility of a stronger Q4 due to tariff certainty but emphasized uncertainty [49] Question: Structural versus temporary import impacts - Management acknowledged a price gap between imported and domestic tires, with tariffs helping to close that gap [51][52] Question: Incremental tariff impacts from recent announcements - Management highlighted the significance of the 25% automotive tariff and its implications for imported carbon black from India [55]

Financial Performance - Second quarter EBITDA was approximately $69 million, a sequential increase despite a roughly 5% decrease in volume[5] - Rubber segment volume increased by 3% year-over-year, driving overall portfolio resilience[23] - Specialty Carbon Black adjusted EBITDA decreased by 28.9% year-over-year to $19.9 million[29] - Adjusted net income was $18.2 million, with adjusted diluted EPS at $0.32[21] Market Trends and Outlook - Tariffs of 25% on Southeast Asian tires remain in effect, impacting replacement tires which constitute over half of the company's Rubber segment volume[13] - North American tire production capacity is expected to grow by approximately 53 million tires per year from 2025 to 2030, representing a 3.3% compound annual growth rate[16] - The company anticipates some benefit from tariffs later in 2025[43] Strategic Initiatives - The company is rationalizing 3-5 production lines to improve asset performance and reliability[19] - Capital expenditures are projected to be around $150 million[34] - Free cash flow guidance is reaffirmed at $40-$70 million for 2025[34]

1Q 2025 Financial Performance - Volume increased by 13% year-over-year to 2517 kmt, but net sales decreased by 50% to $4777 million [24] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 224% year-over-year to $662 million, with a margin of 139% [24] - Adjusted net income decreased by 584% year-over-year to $128 million, and adjusted diluted EPS decreased to $022 [24] Rubber Business Results - Rubber volume increased by 25% year-over-year to 1898 kmt, but net sales decreased by 45% to $3170 million [29] - Rubber adjusted EBITDA decreased by 289% year-over-year to $408 million, with a margin of 129% [29] - Gross profit per ton decreased by 296% year-over-year to $3061 [29] Specialty Business Results - Specialty volume decreased by 22% year-over-year to 619 kmt, and net sales decreased by 60% to $1607 million [34] - Specialty adjusted EBITDA decreased by 90% year-over-year to $254 million, with a margin of 158% [34] - Gross profit per ton decreased by 19% year-over-year to $6462 [34] 2025 Guidance - Adjusted EBITDA guidance revised to $270 million - $310 million [40] - Adjusted EPS guidance revised to $120 - $170 per share [40] - Free cash flow guidance reaffirmed at $40 million - $70 million [40]