Core Insights - SM Energy is an independent exploration and production firm focused on the Permian Basin, Uinta Basin, and South Texas region, owning approximately 111,000 net acres in the Midland Basin and 63,300 net acres in the Uinta Basin, along with 155,000 net acres in South Texas [1] Financial Performance - SM Energy reported first-quarter 2025 revenues of $844.5 million and net income of $182.3 million, showing significant improvement from the prior-year quarter, driven by increased daily oil production and operational efficiency [3] - The company aims for a 30% increase in oil production and a 20% increase in total production for 2025, which is expected to enhance financial performance [4] Asset Integration - Successful integration of Uinta Basin assets contributed to a 63% increase in daily oil production compared to the first quarter of 2024, with drilling and completion efficiency exceeding expectations [5] - The Uinta Basin wells are expected to contribute to a higher oil mix, particularly in the second half of 2025, driving sustained growth [5] Financial Strategy - SM Energy is strategically using free cash flows to reduce its debt burden, aiming for a leverage ratio of about 1, which will strengthen its balance sheet [6] - The company can generate free cash flows even at a flat $55 per barrel oil price, supporting capital expenditures and prioritizing debt reduction [7] Market Position - Despite strong financial performance, SM Energy's stock has underperformed compared to the broader Zacks Exploration and Production industry, with shares falling 36.9% over the past year [8] - The company faces vulnerability to commodity price volatility, with potential adjustments needed if oil prices fall below $55 per barrel [11] Dividend Considerations - SM Energy's current dividend yield lags behind industry peers, as the company prioritizes debt reduction over aggressive shareholder return measures [12]

Core Insights - Eni S.p.A. has signed a 30-year production sharing contract with Sonatrach for exploration and development in Algeria's Zemoul El Kbar region, with a total investment of $1.35 billion [1][8] - The project is expected to yield approximately 415 million barrels of oil equivalent, including around 9.3 billion cubic meters of gas [2][8] - Eni aims to enhance production and operational efficiency by leveraging advanced technologies in collaboration with Sonatrach [3] Investment and Production Details - The exploration area covers 4,200 square kilometers in the Berkine Basin, located about 300 kilometers east of Hassi Messaoud [1] - The estimated production over the contract's life includes significant natural gas output, with discussions ongoing for joint programs in gas production and LNG exports to European markets [2][8] Strategic Initiatives - Eni and Sonatrach are also exploring opportunities in hydrogen and renewable energy projects alongside hydrocarbon resource development [2][8] - Eni has maintained a presence in Algeria since 1981, and this contract is expected to strengthen its position in the region [3]

Core Insights - Shell plc has provided an update on its second-quarter outlook for its integrated gas division and LNG production, indicating expectations of weaker results compared to the previous quarter [1][5] Integrated Gas Division - Shell has lowered its production guidance for the integrated gas division to a range of 900,000-940,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), down from the previously announced range of 890,000-950,000 boe/d [2][10] - LNG production guidance has also been revised to an expected range of 6.4-6.8 million metric tons, compared to the earlier range of 6.3-6.9 million tons [2][10] - Weaker gas trading results are anticipated compared to the first quarter [2][10] Marketing Division - In the marketing division, Shell expects second-quarter sales volumes to increase, with anticipated sales volumes in the range of 2.6-3 million barrels per day (bpd), slightly lower than prior expectations of 2.6-3.1 million bpd [3] Chemicals Division - The chemicals division is expected to incur a loss in the second quarter, with a utilization rate projected between 68% and 72%, significantly down from 81% in the first quarter [4] - Unplanned maintenance at the Monaca plant has negatively impacted chemical utilization [4] Overall Expectations - Shell anticipates weaker results in the second quarter, particularly in the Integrated Gas and Chemicals & Products divisions [5] - The company expects exploration well write-offs in the upstream division to be approximately $200 million [5]

Core Viewpoint - Huntsman Corporation will hold a conference call on August 1, 2025, to discuss its second quarter 2025 financial results, with a question and answer session following the opening remarks [1]. Financial Information - The earnings press release, including financial statements and segment information, will be distributed after the market closes on July 31, 2025 [2]. - The company reported revenues of approximately $6 billion for the year 2024 [3]. Company Overview - Huntsman Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals, operating over 60 manufacturing, R&D, and operations facilities in about 25 countries [3]. - The company employs approximately 6,300 associates within its continuing operations [3].

Core Insights - Eni S.p.A has completed drilling operations at the Zohr gas field, enhancing Egypt's natural gas production capacity [1][8] - The Saipem 10000 drillship has been instrumental in drilling additional wells at the Zohr field, with ongoing operations aligned with Egypt's development plan [2][3] - The Zohr gas field is a significant asset, containing approximately 480 million barrels of oil equivalent, and is crucial for Egypt's energy strategy [4][5] Production Capacity and Future Plans - The completion of drilling at the Zohr 6 well has added 60 million cubic feet of natural gas per day to Egypt's production capacity, supporting national energy requirements [3][8] - The upcoming Zohr 13 well is projected to contribute an additional 55 million cubic feet per day, further bolstering production [4][8] - Eni aims to increase production to 3.2 billion cubic feet per day by the end of 2025, with plans for two more wells and a $360 million investment in 2026 [5][8] Industry Context - The growth in natural gas output from the Zohr field aligns with Egypt's strategy to enhance local production and ensure a steady energy supply across various sectors [3] - Eni's operations at the Zohr field reflect the broader trends in the energy sector, focusing on maximizing production from existing resources [5][8]

Group 1: Flotek Industries (FTK) - Flotek Industries develops and delivers prescriptive chemistry-based technology, including specialty chemicals, for clients in the energy, consumer industrials, and food & beverage industries [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 12.8% over the last 60 days [1] - Flotek Industries' shares gained 103.4% over the last three months, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 2.7% [2] Group 2: Harmony Gold (HMY) - Harmony Gold conducts underground and surface gold mining [2] - The company also holds a Zacks Rank of 1 and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 3.7% over the last 60 days [2] - Harmony Gold's shares gained 47.8% over the last three months, again outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 2.7% [3] Group 3: Ferrovial SE (FER) - Ferrovial SE is an infrastructure company based in Amsterdam [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 11.2% over the last 60 days [3] - Ferrovial SE's shares gained 17.7% over the last three months, also outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 2.7% [3]

Core Insights - Quaker Chemical's international operations are crucial for understanding its financial resilience and growth potential [1][2] - The company's reliance on international markets can provide a hedge against domestic downturns but also introduces complexities [3] Revenue Performance - Total revenue for the recent quarter was $442.91 million, a decline of 5.7% year-over-year [4] - Asia/Pacific contributed $99.93 million (22.56%) to total revenue, down 5.26% from expectations of $105.48 million [5] - EMEA generated $129.28 million (29.19%), missing the consensus estimate of $132.47 million by 2.41% [6] Future Projections - Analysts project revenues of $462.11 million for the ongoing fiscal quarter, a slight decline of 0.3% from the previous year [7] - For the full year, total revenue is expected to reach $1.86 billion, an increase of 1% from the prior year [8] - Contributions from Asia/Pacific and EMEA are anticipated to be $455.33 million (24.5%) and $535.09 million (28.8%), respectively [8] Market Context - The company's international revenue trends are essential for projecting its future trajectory amid global economic interconnections and geopolitical risks [9][10] - Shifts in earnings projections significantly influence stock prices, with improved forecasts generally leading to price increases [11][12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales from continuing operations totaled $24.7 million, down from $28 million in Q1 2024, reflecting broader market softness [4] - Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations improved significantly, swinging from a loss of $2.7 million in the prior year to a positive $843,000 this quarter, marking a $3.5 million turnaround [5][20] - Gross profit nearly doubled to $4.8 million, or 19.3% of sales, compared to $2.3 million, or 8.3% last year, an expansion of over 1,100 basis points [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tubular Segments generated $6.9 million in revenue, down slightly year over year, but gross margin increased from 12.3% to 24.8%, with adjusted EBITDA rising nearly five times to $1.3 million [6] - Specialty Chemicals segment revenue declined year over year to $17.8 million, but gross profit increased by $2.1 million, rising from $1.6 million to $3.7 million, a 131% improvement, with gross margin expanding from 7.6% to 21% [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average daily trading volume increased to approximately 63,000 shares in Q1 2025, a 60% lift compared to Q1 2024, indicating growing market interest [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic repositioning, actively choosing to exit low-margin business in favor of higher value, more technically demanding opportunities [15][16] - The goal for the Specialty Chemicals segment is to shift from a 75% commodity and 25% blended mix to a 60% and 40% mix by the end of 2025, aiming for a more balanced portfolio [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there are signs of improvement, demand remains soft, and they are still evaluating options to monetize the value of their assets [28][29] - The company is not ready to provide forward-looking guidance for 2025, as they are still stabilizing their operations [30][31] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $14.3 million in cash and no debt before the divestiture of Bristol assets for $45 million, providing significant flexibility for capital deployment [21][22] - The company repurchased approximately 17,000 shares at an average price of $12.73, reinforcing confidence in intrinsic value and long-term fundamentals [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on the ASTI business and its attractiveness as a target - Management indicated that while there are additional looks due to tariffs, demand remains incredibly soft, and the market conditions have not materially changed [28] Question: Possibility of selling ASTI in 2025 - Management confirmed they are always evaluating options to monetize the value of all assets [29] Question: Guidance for profitability in chemicals - Management stated it is premature to provide guidance as they are still stabilizing operations [30][31] Question: Growth plans for chemicals by 2026 - Management expects to see some growth in the second half of the year, with a more compelling top line anticipated in 2026 [33] Question: Capacity and CapEx for growth - Management confirmed that growth can be achieved with existing capacity and minimal CapEx, with a run rate of $1 to $3 million per year [36] Question: Stock buyback limitations - Management explained that the buyback was executed within the confines of the existing program, and optionality has increased post-Bristol sale [37] Question: Perception of stock valuation - Management expressed the opinion that the stock remains undervalued at current levels [38]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales from continuing operations totaled $24.7 million, down from $28 million in Q1 2024, reflecting broader market softness [4] - Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations improved significantly, swinging from a loss of $2.7 million in the prior year to a positive $843,000 this quarter, a $3.5 million turnaround [5][21] - Gross profit nearly doubled to $4.8 million, or 19.3% of sales, compared to $2.3 million, or 8.3% last year, an expansion of over 1,100 basis points [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tubular Segments generated $6.9 million in revenue, down slightly year over year, but gross margin increased from 12.3% to 24.8%, with adjusted EBITDA rising nearly five times to $1.3 million [6] - Specialty Chemicals segment revenue declined year over year to $17.8 million, but gross profit increased by $2.1 million, rising from $1.6 million to $3.7 million, a 131% improvement, with gross margin expanding from 7.6% to 21% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 95% of revenue is supported by domestically sourced raw materials, providing a competitive advantage as tariffs loom [7] - Average daily trading volume increased to roughly 63,000 shares in Q1 2025, a 60% lift compared to Q1 2024, indicating growing market interest [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic repositioning, actively choosing to exit low-margin business in favor of higher value, technically demanding business [16] - The goal for the Specialty Chemicals segment is to grow from $80 million a year to $120 million by 2030, with growth expected to start in the second half of 2025 [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there has been some improvement in Q1, demand remains soft, and stabilization activities are still ongoing [30] - The company is committed to capital preservation and disciplined execution while evaluating capital deployment options post-divestiture [22] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $14.3 million in cash and no debt before the divestiture of Bristol assets for $45 million, providing significant flexibility [22] - The company repurchased approximately 17,000 shares at an average price of $12.73, reinforcing confidence in intrinsic value and long-term fundamentals [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the ornamental stainless domestic manufacturer a more attractive target now? - Management indicated that while there are additional looks due to tariffs, demand remains incredibly soft and has not materially changed [30] Question: Will guidance be provided for 2025? - Management stated that it is too premature to provide guidance as stabilization activities are still ongoing [32][33] Question: Is the growth plan for chemicals to reach $120 million by 2030? - Management confirmed that growth is expected to start in the second half of the year, leading to a more compelling top line in 2026 [34] Question: Can this growth be achieved with existing capacity and minimal CapEx? - Management affirmed that organic growth can be achieved with current capacity and a reasonable CapEx assumption of $1 to $3 million per year [37] Question: Is the stock still considered undervalued? - Management expressed a personal opinion that the stock is indeed undervalued at current levels [39]

Core Viewpoint - Huntsman Corporation will hold a conference call on May 2, 2025, to discuss its first quarter 2025 financial results, with a question and answer session following the opening remarks [1][2]. Financial Information - The earnings press release, including financial statements and segment information, will be distributed after the market closes on May 1, 2025 [2]. - Huntsman Corporation reported approximately $6 billion in revenues for the year 2024 [3]. Company Overview - Huntsman Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals, operating over 60 manufacturing, R&D, and operations facilities in around 25 countries [3]. - The company employs approximately 6,300 associates within its continuing operations [3].