Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter sales increased by 1% year-over-year, driven by a volume growth of 6% [10] - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $207 million, a 2% increase compared to the previous year [11] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose to $0.69, up $0.10 from the prior year, primarily due to EBITDA growth and lower interest expenses [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The growth portfolio experienced a high single-digit increase, while the core portfolio remained essentially flat [11] - The strongest growth came from the EMEA region, attributed to higher volumes of herbicides and branded sales [12] - North America sales declined by 5% due to expected destocking in Canada, although there was solid volume growth in the U.S. [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Latin America revenues increased slightly as the region concluded the 2024-2025 growing season [12] - Asia faced declines due to lower pricing and volumes, particularly from ongoing destocking in India [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to implement a growth strategy following the normalization of product levels in distribution channels [6] - A new direct sales route in Brazil targeting large corn and soybean growers has been established, with initial customer engagements already underway [7] - The company plans to divest its commercial business in India to regain commercial momentum through a business-to-business model [15][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in reaching 2025 targets and maintaining the 2027 outlook, with expectations for strong performance driven by the growth portfolio [32] - The company anticipates challenges in India due to intense generic competition and a complex regulatory environment, leading to the decision to change operational strategies [14][15] - Management expects to see early results from new product launches and commercial activities in Brazil starting in the third quarter [7][10] Other Important Information - The company has excluded India from revenue guidance due to uncertainties surrounding the divestment process, although reported revenue will still include India until the sale is completed [18][25] - Full-year 2025 guidance remains unchanged across all metrics, with revenue excluding India expected to decline by 2% [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What should be expected in terms of volume and pricing growth entering 2026? - Management confirmed that 2026 and 2027 targets remain unchanged, with expectations for strong growth driven by the growth portfolio and new active ingredients [36][37] Question: Can you break down the cost savings for Q2? - Cost savings were primarily driven by lower raw material costs, improved fixed cost absorption, and restructuring actions [41][42] Question: What are the sales and EBITDA parameters for the India business in 2024? - The India business is forecasted to generate $70 million in sales for H2 2025, with a need for overall growth of 9% to meet targets [50][51] Question: How is the order book shaping up in Brazil? - Current orders for the second half in Brazil are about 35% to 40% of what is needed, indicating a positive outlook [58] Question: What is the expected impact of the new direct sales program in Brazil? - The impact of the new sales organization is expected to be visible in Q3, with growth anticipated year after year [62] Question: How is the pricing for Rynaxapyr and other products performing? - Rynaxapyr pricing remains relatively flat, with significant pricing headwinds primarily from partner contracts [86] Question: What is the outlook for the pheromones offering? - The full-scale commercial pilot for pheromones is expected to provide insights into performance, with results anticipated by the end of the year [90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter sales increased by 1% year-over-year, driven by a volume growth of 6% [9] - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $207 million, a 2% increase compared to the prior year [10] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose to $0.69, up $0.10 from the previous year, primarily due to EBITDA growth and lower interest expenses [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The growth portfolio experienced a high single-digit increase, while the core portfolio remained essentially flat [10] - The second quarter saw a 5% decline in North America sales, attributed to expected destocking in Canada, although the U.S. experienced solid volume growth [12] - EMEA showed strong growth driven by higher volumes of herbicides and branded sales [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Latin America revenues increased slightly as the region concluded the 2024-2025 growing season [11] - Asia faced declines due to lower pricing and volumes, particularly from ongoing destocking in India [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a growth strategy with lower manufacturing costs and new formulations, particularly in Brazil [6] - A divestment of the commercial business in India is planned to regain commercial momentum through a business-to-business model [14][15] - The company aims to shift its India portfolio towards differentiated technologies with less working capital exposure [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2025 targets and maintaining the 2027 outlook, with expectations for strong performance driven by the growth portfolio [32] - The company anticipates challenges in India but believes the divestment will reduce risk and volatility in future periods [15] Other Important Information - The company expects full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA to be 1% higher at the midpoint, with revenue guidance excluding India [18] - Free cash flow for 2025 is projected to be between $200 million and $400 million, a decrease from the previous year [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What should be expected in terms of volume and pricing moving into 2026? - Management confirmed that the 2026 and 2027 targets remain unchanged, with an expected EBITDA of $1.2 billion in 2027, driven by the growth portfolio and new active ingredients [35][36] Question: Can you deconstruct the cost side for Q2 and the second half? - Cost drivers include lower raw material costs, improved fixed cost absorption, and benefits from restructuring actions, with substantial cost tailwinds expected in Q3 and Q4 [41][43] Question: Can you provide parameters on the India business for 2024? - The company forecasted $70 million in sales for H2 2025 from India, with a need for a 9% growth in the business to meet targets [50][51] Question: How is the order book shaping up in Brazil? - Actual orders for the second half in Brazil are about 35% to 40% of what is needed, indicating a positive outlook [58] Question: What is the expectation for the new direct sales program in Brazil? - The impact of the new sales organization in Brazil is expected to be visible in Q3, with growth anticipated year after year [63] Question: What is the outlook for the pheromones offering? - The first full-scale commercial pilot of pheromones is set for Q4, with results expected to inform future revenue projections [93]