Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company sales declined 14% year-over-year, with pricing down 9% and volume down 1% [17][18] - First quarter EBITDA declined 25% due to lower pricing and FX headwinds [21] - Free cash flow in the first quarter was negative $596 million, significantly lower than the prior year [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Plant Health business outperformed the portfolio with sales up 1% year-over-year, driven by biologicals [18] - North America experienced a sales decline of 28%, primarily due to lower volume from cautious purchases [19] - Latin America grew 17% excluding FX headwinds, with increased direct sales to cotton growers in Brazil [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - A strong U.S. Dollar led to an FX headwind of 4% [18] - Asia reported a sales decline of 21% excluding currency impacts, driven by intentional prudent selling [20] - EMEA reported 7% lower sales excluding currency impact due to lower volumes [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on decreasing product in the channel to align with customer inventory levels and implementing a post-patent strategy for Renexapia [7][8] - A new route to market in Brazil is being established to sell directly to large corn and soybean growers, expected to provide significant growth opportunities [12] - The growth portfolio is positioned to deliver strong growth with new active ingredients expected to perform well in 2025 [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving financial objectives for 2025, with expectations for significant momentum in the second half of the year [36] - The company anticipates revenue growth of 7% in the second half, driven by new products and the new route to market in Brazil [28] - Management noted that the impact of recently announced tariffs is manageable and will not significantly hinder reaching 2025 goals [27] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate on adjusted earnings was 14% in the first quarter, in line with expectations for the full year [31] - Gross debt increased to approximately $4 billion due to seasonal working capital build [32] - The company expects free cash flow of $200 million to $400 million for 2025, a decrease from the prior year [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Price trends in the crop protection market outside of diamides - Management indicated that pricing comparisons will ease in the second half of the year, with expectations for more stability [40][42] Question: Guidance on strong growth in the second half of the year - Management expressed high confidence in revenue growth driven by new products and a healthy channel situation starting in Q3 [46][48] Question: Actions to offset tariff impacts - Management clarified that cost-saving actions were planned regardless of tariffs and are expected to be at the higher end of projections [53][56] Question: Reducing channel inventories - Management explained that reducing channel inventories involved shifting focus to end users without significant rebates or discounts [62] Question: Updates on the DaiMod strategy - Management confirmed ongoing cost reductions and confidence in growth run rates despite the upcoming patent expirations [66] Question: Alternatives for sourcing raw materials impacted by tariffs - Management highlighted flexibility in the supply chain with multiple sources for critical raw materials to limit tariff impacts [71][74] Question: Customer order patterns - Management noted that customer orders are picking up speed in Q2, with a positive dynamic observed in Europe [82] Question: Differences between selling directly to farmers and through the channel - Management indicated that the EBIT margin is similar for both sales methods, with cash conversion linked more to regional operations [86][88] Question: Second half EBITDA bridge - Management explained that the pricing and FX headwinds are interconnected, with expectations for a lower impact in the second half [94]