Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3, the company reported net sales of $10 billion, with EBITDA at $868 million, reflecting a sequential improvement despite being lower than the same period last year [5][6][7] - Cash provided by operating activities increased by $1.6 billion sequentially, driven by working capital improvements and advanced payments for low-carbon solutions [7][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The packaging and specialty plastics segment saw net sales decline year-over-year and sequentially, with operating EBIT at $199 million, primarily due to lower integrated margins [11][12] - The industrial intermediates and infrastructure segment experienced a 4% year-over-year decline in net sales but saw a sequential increase due to volume gains and lower planned maintenance activity [12][13] - Performance materials and coatings segment net sales were $2.1 billion, down 6% year-over-year and 2% sequentially, with operating EBIT decreasing due to upstream margin compression [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global demand in the packaging market remains steady, with North America experiencing record domestic and export volumes, while Europe contracted [18][19] - The infrastructure sector faces soft market conditions across the U.S., Europe, and China, with mortgage rates in the U.S. remaining above 6% [18][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on restoring core earnings and positioning for profitable growth, with over $6.5 billion in strategic actions and cash support planned [32][33] - The company is committed to being a low-cost producer, with over 75% of its global cracking capacity in a top-quartile cost position, expected to increase to approximately 80% [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a cautious operating environment with subdued business investment and consumer spending due to economic uncertainty, but anticipates potential positive influences from recent monetary policy shifts [18][21] - For Q4, the company expects EBITDA to be approximately $725 million, with anticipated headwinds from higher feedstock costs and normal seasonality impacting performance [21][22] Other Important Information - The company has completed significant strategic actions, including a $3 billion partnership for U.S. Gulf Coast infrastructure assets and a $1.4 billion bond issuance for financial flexibility [8][16] - The company is on track to deliver approximately $400 million in targeted cost savings this year, contributing to improved performance [9][10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Reconciliation of Q3 results - Management highlighted higher integrated margins and better-than-expected volume as key factors for exceeding expectations in Q3 [37][39] Question: Rationalization and project cancellations - Management provided insights on global capacity rationalization, particularly in ethylene supply, and noted potential delays in announced capacity in China due to market conditions [44][46] Question: Polyethylene demand - Polyethylene demand has remained stable, with strong performance in packaging and personal care segments, and expectations for continued stability [62][63] Question: Demand function and order books - October order books appear positive, with management maintaining a balanced outlook for Q4 sales and EBITDA guidance [73][75]

Core Insights - Elkem ASA has initiated a strategic review of its Silicones division to streamline operations and enhance capital allocation for growth in its Silicon Products and Carbon Solutions divisions [1] Company Strategy - The strategic review aims to enable Elkem to focus on accelerating growth in its Silicon Products and Carbon Solutions divisions [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, net sales were $10.1 billion, down 7% year-over-year and down 3% sequentially, reflecting declines across all operating segments [7][20] - EBITDA for the quarter was $700 million, lower than the same period last year [7] - A 50% dividend reduction was announced, effective in Q3 2025, to maintain financial flexibility amid a prolonged downturn [8][40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Packaging and Specialty Plastics**: Net sales decreased year-over-year due to lower downstream polymer pricing, despite higher volumes in polyethylene [13][18] - **Industrial Intermediates and Infrastructure**: Net sales declined both year-over-year and sequentially, with a 2% volume decrease attributed to challenging market conditions [15][16] - **Performance Materials and Coatings**: Net sales decreased year-over-year but increased 3% sequentially, driven by higher demand for downstream silicones [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic demand in North America for packaging remains stable, but export markets are experiencing slower growth due to tariff policies [21] - Manufacturing activity in China is flat, and consumer spending in the U.S. and Europe remains steady, although confidence is below historical norms [22][23] - Building permits in the U.S. are near five-year lows, indicating weak infrastructure market conditions [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational discipline and financial flexibility to navigate the current downturn and position itself for future growth [6][9] - Strategic actions include cash support initiatives, divestitures of non-core product lines, and shutting down three upstream assets in Europe to address structural challenges [9][31] - The completion of new growth projects, such as the PolySeven polyethylene train, is expected to enhance production capacity and efficiency [35][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the global macroeconomic backdrop remains challenging, with ongoing tariff and geopolitical uncertainties impacting demand [20] - Expectations for Q3 EBITDA are approximately $800 million, reflecting anticipated improvements in integrated margins and higher volumes from growth investments [25][26] - The company remains committed to maintaining a competitive dividend while focusing on restoring earnings growth and managing costs [40][41] Other Important Information - The company expects to receive approximately $1.2 billion in cash proceeds from a legal judgment related to a jointly owned ethylene asset [34] - A strategic partnership with Macquarie Asset Management has provided $2.4 billion in cash for infrastructure assets, with potential for further cash inflow [33][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Contextualizing the dividend in relation to operating net income - Management indicated that the dividend reduction was based on extensive analysis of economic recovery, with a focus on restoring earnings growth alongside maintaining a competitive dividend [48] Question: Philosophy behind maintaining a fixed dividend - The fixed dividend is significant for institutional and retail investors, and reducing it provides more capital flexibility during the downturn [52][53] Question: Industry operating rates and polyethylene supply-demand fundamentals - Management acknowledged that while some capacity closures have occurred, polyethylene demand continues to grow above GDP rates, necessitating new capacity [55] Question: Anticompetitive behavior and its impact - Polyurethanes have seen significant anticompetitive activity, and the company is actively engaged in trade negotiations to mitigate these impacts [95][96] Question: Plans for cash saved from the dividend - The cash saved from the dividend reduction is intended to maintain flexibility and support balance sheet strength, rather than immediate reinvestment [80][81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales were $10.4 billion, down 3% year-over-year, reflecting declines in all operating segments due to margin pressures [8][10] - EBITDA was $944 million, down compared to the same period last year, as volume gains were offset by margin compression [10] - Cash flow from continuing operations was $104 million, with returns to shareholders totaling $494 million in dividends for the quarter [10][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Packaging and Specialty Plastics**: Net sales decreased year-over-year due to pricing pressures, although volume improved by 4% [25][26] - **Industrial Intermediate and Infrastructure**: Net sales declined both year-over-year and sequentially, with a 1% volume gain driven by improved supply availability [27][30] - **Performance Materials and Coatings**: Net sales decreased 4% year-over-year, but operating EBIT increased due to lower fixed costs [31][33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global demand remains below historical average GDP levels, with significant impacts from tariffs affecting expectations for growth [42][43] - North American domestic demand continues to grow, but there are concerns about inventory levels and inflation [44][46] - European markets are experiencing softness, particularly in housing demand, with a decline in building permits [46][48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational discipline, cost reductions, and aligning capacity to slower GDP conditions [8][14] - A strategic review of select European assets has been expanded, particularly in polyurethanes, to enhance near-term cash flow [12][20] - The company aims to deliver at least $1 billion in targeted cost savings by 2026, with a focus on improving margins and long-term competitiveness [60][62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the prolonged downturn in the industry, with a third consecutive year of below 3% GDP growth [14][68] - The company remains agile, taking decisive actions to reduce costs and protect margins amid geopolitical and macroeconomic concerns [14][68] - Future visibility is contingent on tariff negotiations and overall demand recovery, with a commitment to transparency in updates [49][124] Other Important Information - The company expects to receive approximately $2.4 billion from a strategic transaction with Macquarie Asset Management, with potential additional proceeds later in the year [13][58] - A final ruling on pending litigation is expected to yield over $1 billion in cash proceeds [13][60] - The company is delaying construction on a major project to align with market conditions, reducing total CapEx for 2025 by approximately $1 billion [11][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Context on Alberta project delay and market conditions - Management indicated that the decision to delay was based on current market uncertainties and will be revisited regularly [73][78] Question: Outlook for EBITDA improvement in the second half - Management highlighted upcoming projects that will contribute positively, alongside expected cost reductions and normalization of input costs [81][84] Question: Impact of Chinese tariffs on polyethylene prices - Management discussed the active engagement in tariff discussions and the potential for reconfiguring supply chains to mitigate impacts [88][90] Question: Security of the dividend in the current environment - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining dividend yield and the need to monitor macro conditions closely [120][123] Question: Strategic review of European assets - Management explained the expansion of the review scope due to better ownership opportunities and the need to rationalize capacity in response to market conditions [134][135]

Financial Performance & Strategic Actions - Net sales reached $10.4 billion, marking the 6th consecutive quarter of YoY volume growth[6] - Operating EBITDA was $944 million, a decrease YoY[6] - The company is implementing at least $1 billion in annualized cost reductions across 2025 & 2026[6] - Expect ~$4 billion in unique-to-Dow cash levers in 2025, including up to ~$3 billion from infrastructure asset sales and >$1 billion NOVA judgment[6] Capital Expenditure & Asset Review - Total CapEx for the quarter was $685 million, below D&A levels, and will remain below for FY25[6] - 2025 CapEx is now expected to be $2.5 billion, a reduction of ~$1 billion compared to the original plan of $3.5 billion[9,45] - The company is expanding the scope of its European asset review to include 3 additional upstream assets for further action, potentially leading to idling or shutting down facilities[6,9] Segment Performance Highlights - Packaging & Specialty Plastics: Revenue of $5.31 billion in 1Q25[11] - Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure: Revenue of $2.855 billion in 1Q25[16] - Performance Materials & Coatings: Revenue of $2.071 billion in 1Q25[23] Outlook & Cash Support - Expect to receive initial cash proceeds of ~$2.4 billion for a 40% equity stake in select USGC infrastructure assets, with a potential additional ~$600 million if an option is exercised[45]