ab 18 November 2025 Global Research China Chemical Sector MDI, refrigerant, electrolyte and TiO2 experts call takeaways MDI: expert estimates a pMDI price range of Rmb14.5-16k/t in 2026 The TiO2 expert (replay) indicates domestic marginal TiO2 producers have been loss- making YTD, as pricing remained subdued amid oversupply coupled with elevated costs. Domestic TiO2 capacity additions YTD totalled 230ktpa, but 9M25 exports slid 6% YoY amid anti-dumping headwinds on demand. As per the expert, a total of 200k ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company exceeded adjusted EBITDA expectations despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges, driven by strong performance in Opteon Refrigerants and lower corporate costs [4][5] - Opteon sales grew by 80% year-over-year, accounting for 80% of total refrigerant sales, up from 58% the previous year, with a 35% adjusted EBITDA margin [5][6] - Consolidated fourth quarter net sales are expected to decrease by 10%-15% sequentially, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $130 million and $160 million [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The TSS business reported record Opteon sales, with double-digit growth and strong commercial execution [5][6] - APM business is expected to see low single-digit % decrease in net sales due to global industrial market weakness, with adjusted EBITDA anticipated at $30 million-$40 million [15] - TT business is projected to experience a sequential net sales decrease in the high single digits to low teens % range, primarily due to seasonality and destocking [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted destocking activities in Western markets, which are expected to be short-term as customers preserve cash [8][10] - Fair trade actions in Europe and finalized actions in Brazil and Saudi Arabia are expected to provide longer-term opportunities in Western markets [10] - The company anticipates a modest recovery in demand in 2026, with restocking efforts expected in the first quarter [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to execute its Pathway to Thrive strategy, focusing on operational excellence, cost reduction, and portfolio management [19][25] - The company is exploring opportunities in critical minerals, with an estimated $90 million in annual mineral sales, leveraging government funding for innovative separation technologies [21][24] - The company is committed to improving its financial position and optimizing its real estate footprint to enhance operational efficiency [19][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving double-digit Opteon growth into early 2026, driven by OEM transitions [12][43] - The company remains focused on controlling costs and aligning production with anticipated demand, despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges [17][19] - Management acknowledged that operational disruptions experienced in 2025 are now resolved, positioning the company for improved performance in 2026 [36][54] Other Important Information - The company incurred higher-than-anticipated one-time costs related to liquid cooling product development, which are expected to decrease in the future [6][56] - The company is reviewing its business portfolio for potential value creation opportunities, including critical minerals and data centers [19][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on TSS business performance and expectations for 2026 - Management highlighted strong performance in TSS, with expectations for continued double-digit growth driven by a broad portfolio and effective quota management [29][30] Question: Concerns about managing multiple growth opportunities - Management expressed confidence in their ability to manage various initiatives under the Pathway to Thrive strategy, focusing on operational excellence and portfolio optimization [32][33] Question: Updates on operational performance within the TT business - Management confirmed that operational disruptions are resolved, and they are implementing contingency plans to enhance reliability [36][38] Question: Confidence in TiO2 price increases despite weak demand - Management indicated stability in pricing within fair trade markets and expressed confidence in customer restocking in early 2026 [39][40] Question: Impact of destocking on future performance - Management acknowledged the impact of destocking but emphasized that share gains and operational improvements will balance the effects [74] Question: Importance of architectural coatings to overall profit pool - Architectural coatings represent approximately 70% of the TT business, highlighting their significance [76] Question: Future of refrigerant gases and innovation - Management confirmed ongoing innovation in next-generation refrigerants, aiming to address environmental concerns [78] Question: Industry pricing and volume impacts from competitor actions - Management noted that competitor inventory liquidation would have a short-term impact, with expectations for recovery in the current quarter [89]

Core Insights - Valhi, Inc. reported a significant net loss of $22.2 million, or $0.78 per share, in Q3 2025, contrasting with a net income of $57.5 million, or $2.01 per share, in Q3 2024 [1] - For the first nine months of 2025, the company experienced a net loss of $4.4 million, or $0.15 per share, compared to a net income of $85.2 million, or $2.99 per share, in the same period of 2024 [1] - The decline in net income is attributed to lower operating results from the Chemicals Segment, a non-cash gain in Q3 2024 related to the acquisition of Louisiana Pigment Company, and increased tax expenses due to new legislation in Germany [1] Chemicals Segment Performance - The Chemicals Segment's net sales were $456.9 million in Q3 2025, down $27.8 million, or 6%, from Q3 2024, and $1.4 billion for the first nine months of 2025, down $22.9 million, or 2%, from the same period in 2024 [3] - The decrease in sales is primarily due to lower average TiO2 selling prices and reduced sales volumes in European and export markets, partially offset by higher sales volumes in North America [3] - Average TiO2 selling prices fell by 6% in Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024 and by 2% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [3] Operating Income and Loss - The Chemicals Segment reported an operating loss of $15.9 million in Q3 2025, down from an operating income of $42.6 million in Q3 2024, and an operating income of $35.6 million for the first nine months of 2025, down from $105.9 million in the same period of 2024 [4] - The decline in operating income is attributed to unfavorable fixed cost absorption due to reduced operating rates, higher inventory costs, and currency fluctuations [4][5] - Unabsorbed fixed production costs in Q3 2025 were approximately $27 million, with an additional $45 million recognized in the first nine months of 2025 due to reduced operating rates [4] Component Products Segment - The Component Products Segment's net sales increased to $40.0 million in Q3 2025 from $33.6 million in Q3 2024, and to $120.6 million in the first nine months of 2025 from $107.5 million in the same period of 2024 [6] - The increase in sales is driven by higher security product sales to the government market and increased marine component sales [6] - Operating income for this segment rose to $4.8 million in Q3 2025 from $3.3 million in Q3 2024, and to $17.0 million in the first nine months of 2025 from $12.1 million in the same period of 2024 [6] Real Estate Management and Development Segment - The Real Estate Management and Development Segment reported net sales of $6.6 million in Q3 2025, down from $15.3 million in Q3 2024, and $20.8 million in the first nine months of 2025, down from $52.4 million in the same period of 2024 [7] - The decrease in land sales revenue is attributed to a slower pace of development activities for previously sold parcels [7] - The segment recognized tax increment infrastructure reimbursements of $34.2 million in the first nine months of 2025, compared to $14.2 million in the same period of 2024 [7] Corporate Expenses and Interest - Corporate expenses increased by 11% in Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024, mainly due to higher litigation fees [8] - Interest income decreased by $0.8 million in Q3 2025 and $4.0 million in the first nine months of 2025, primarily due to lower average interest rates and decreased cash balances [8] - Interest expense rose by $1.5 million in Q3 2025 and $5.3 million in the first nine months of 2025, driven by higher debt levels and interest rates [8]

NL Industries, Inc. Financial Performance - NL Industries reported a net loss of $7.8 million, or $0.16 per share, in Q3 2025, a significant decline from a net income of $36.0 million, or $0.74 per share, in Q3 2024 [1] - For the first nine months of 2025, NL Industries experienced a net loss of $6.8 million, or $0.14 per share, compared to a net income of $50.7 million, or $1.04 per share, in the same period of 2024 [1] - The results included an unrealized loss of $0.5 million in Q3 2025 related to marketable equity securities, contrasting with an unrealized gain of $18.6 million in Q3 2024 [1] Kronos Worldwide, Inc. Performance - Kronos reported net sales of $456.9 million in Q3 2025, a decrease of $27.8 million, or 6%, compared to Q3 2024 [4] - For the first nine months of 2025, Kronos' net sales totaled $1.4 billion, down $22.9 million, or 2%, from the same period in 2024 [4] - The decline in sales was primarily due to lower average TiO2 selling prices and reduced sales volumes in European and export markets, partially offset by higher sales volumes in North America [4] Kronos' Income from Operations - Kronos reported a loss from operations of $19.2 million in Q3 2025, compared to income of $38.9 million in Q3 2024 [5] - For the first nine months of 2025, Kronos' income from operations was $26.6 million, down from $94.3 million in the same period of 2024 [5] - The decrease in income from operations was attributed to unfavorable fixed cost absorption due to reduced operating rates and higher inventory costs [5][6] CompX Financial Performance - CompX's net sales increased to $40.0 million in Q3 2025 from $33.6 million in Q3 2024, and for the first nine months of 2025, sales rose to $120.6 million from $107.5 million in the same period of 2024 [2] - The increase in sales was driven by higher Security Products sales to the government security market and increased Marine Components sales [2] - CompX's segment profit rose to $4.8 million in Q3 2025 from $3.3 million in Q3 2024, and for the first nine months, it increased to $17.0 million from $12.1 million [2] Market Conditions Impacting Kronos - Kronos faced unprecedented global uncertainty affecting the TiO2 industry, including U.S. trade policies and geopolitical tensions, which prolonged market downturns [4] - Average TiO2 selling prices started 2025 at 2% higher than the beginning of 2024 but declined by 6% during the first nine months of 2025 [4] - Currency fluctuations, particularly with the euro, impacted Kronos' net sales, increasing them by approximately $14 million in Q3 2025 [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $699 million, a decrease of 13% year-over-year, driven by lower sales volumes and unfavorable pricing for TiO2 and zircon [8][9] - Loss from operations was $43 million, with a net loss attributable to Tronox of $99 million, including $27 million in restructuring charges [8][9] - Adjusted EBITDA was $74 million, representing a 48% decline year-on-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.6% [8][11] - Free cash flow was a use of $137 million, including $80 million in capital expenditures [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - TiO2 revenues decreased by 11% year-over-year, driven by an 8% decrease in volumes and a 5% decline in average selling prices [9][10] - Zircon revenues decreased by 20% compared to the prior year, due to a 16% decrease in price and a 4% decline in volumes [10] - Revenue from other products decreased by 21% year-over-year, but increased by 18% sequentially due to higher sales of pig iron and heavy mineral concentrate tailings [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The zircon market faced unexpected headwinds, particularly in China, where both pricing and volumes continued to decline [3][4] - Europe, the Middle East, and North America experienced sharper seasonal declines amid market weakness and competitive pressures [9] - Latin America saw typical seasonal uplift, although weaker than expected, while Asia-Pacific growth was muted by competition and a temporary stay on India anti-dumping duties [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on cost improvement programs, targeting over $60 million in annualized savings by the end of 2025 and $125-$175 million by the end of 2026 [4][20] - Tronox is reinforcing its operational foundation and cash flow management through temporary idling of certain plants and adjusting production rates [4][21] - The company is also advancing its rare earth strategy, with mining operations in Australia and South Africa containing substantial amounts of monazite [7][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing challenges from weaker demand, downstream destocking, and heightened competition, but expressed optimism about future sales volumes due to competitors' insolvency proceedings [3][4] - The company expects Q4 2025 revenue and adjusted EBITDA to be relatively flat compared to Q3, driven by weaker pricing but improving volumes [19][20] - Management remains confident in the ability to navigate the current downturn and deliver long-term shareholder value [23] Other Important Information - The company raised $400 million in senior secured notes to enhance liquidity and repay borrowings [5][12] - Liquidity as of September 30 was $664 million, with $185 million in cash and cash equivalents [12][13] - The company returned $20 million to shareholders in the form of dividends in Q3 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of anti-dumping measures and market size - Management acknowledged that the Brazil and Saudi Arabia markets are lower than India, but expressed confidence that India's duties will be reinstated soon, which would stabilize volumes [25][27] Question: Rare earths opportunity and refining capabilities - Management confirmed ongoing mining of monazite in Australia and South Africa, with plans for further development in refining and separation through partnerships [30][32] Question: Duration of idling plants and potential permanence - The Fuzhou plant is idled to preserve cash, with decisions on its future dependent on market conditions, while Stallingborough is expected to return to full rates in Q4 [37][39] Question: 2026 earnings potential and cost savings impact - Management indicated that the Sustainable Cost Improvement Program is expected to yield significant savings in 2026, with a focus on operational efficiencies [40][42] Question: Destocking and inventory rebuilding expectations - Management noted that destocking occurred earlier than expected, but anticipated a return to normal buying patterns in Q4, indicating a potential recovery [51][53]

Core Insights - A technology-driven critical metals exploration company is focusing on reshoring Western metal production through patented processing intellectual property and strategic exploration assets [1] - The company has contracted Magnor Exploration Inc., a seasoned drilling operator in Quebec, Canada, to assist in its exploration efforts [1] - The company plans to conduct approximately 2,500 meters of HQ diamond drilling at the La Blache Ti02 Mineral Exploration Project [1]

Core Viewpoint - Tronox Holdings plc is facing a class action securities lawsuit due to alleged securities fraud that negatively impacted investors between February 12, 2025, and July 30, 2025 [1][2] Company Performance - The lawsuit claims that Tronox provided overly positive statements while concealing material adverse facts about its commercial division and forecasting processes, which ultimately led to declining sales and increased costs [2] - On July 30, 2025, Tronox reported a significant reduction in TiO2 sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, attributing the decline to a softer coatings season and heightened competition [2] - Following the announcement, Tronox revised its 2025 financial outlook, lowering full-year revenue guidance and reducing its dividend by 60% [2] - The stock price of Tronox plummeted from $5.14 per share on July 30, 2025, to $3.19 per share on July 31, 2025, marking a decline of approximately 38% in one day [2] Legal Proceedings - Investors who suffered losses during the specified timeframe have until November 3, 2025, to request appointment as lead plaintiff in the class action [3] - Participation in the lawsuit does not require serving as a lead plaintiff, and there are no out-of-pocket costs for class members [3] Firm Background - Levi & Korsinsky, LLP has a strong track record in securities litigation, having secured hundreds of millions of dollars for shareholders over the past 20 years [4] - The firm has been recognized in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report for seven consecutive years as one of the leading securities litigation firms in the United States [4]

Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against Tronox Holdings plc for allegedly providing misleading statements about its financial health and sales forecasts, leading to significant losses for investors [8]. Allegation Details - The lawsuit claims that Tronox made overly positive statements while concealing adverse facts about its commercial division and sales forecasting capabilities, which ultimately resulted in a decline in revenue projections [8]. - The company reported a significant reduction in TiO2 sales for Q2 2025, attributing the decline to a weaker coatings season and increased competition, which led to a 60% reduction in its dividend and a lowered full-year revenue guidance [8]. Stock Performance - Following the announcement of disappointing financial results on July 30, 2025, Tronox's stock price plummeted from $5.14 to $3.19 per share, marking a decline of approximately 38% in just one day [8].

Core Viewpoint - Tronox Holdings plc is facing a class action securities lawsuit due to alleged securities fraud that negatively impacted investors between February 12, 2025, and July 30, 2025 [1][2] Company Performance - The lawsuit claims that Tronox provided overly positive statements while concealing material adverse facts about its commercial division and demand forecasting for its products [2] - Following the announcement of a significant reduction in TiO2 sales for Q2 2025, Tronox revised its full-year revenue guidance downward and cut its dividend by 60% [2] - The stock price of Tronox fell dramatically from $5.14 per share on July 30, 2025, to $3.19 per share on July 31, 2025, marking a decline of approximately 38% in one day [2] Legal Proceedings - Investors who suffered losses during the relevant timeframe have until November 3, 2025, to request to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit [3] - Class members may be entitled to compensation without any out-of-pocket costs or fees [3] Firm Background - Levi & Korsinsky, LLP has a strong track record in securities litigation, having secured hundreds of millions of dollars for shareholders over the past 20 years [4] - The firm has been recognized as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States for seven consecutive years [4]

Core Viewpoint - Tronox Holdings plc is facing a class action securities lawsuit due to alleged securities fraud that negatively impacted investors between February 12, 2025, and July 30, 2025 [1][2] Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit claims that Tronox provided overly positive statements while concealing material adverse facts about its commercial division and forecasting processes, which ultimately led to declining sales and increased costs [2] - On July 30, 2025, Tronox reported a significant reduction in TiO2 sales, attributing the decline to a "softer than anticipated coatings season and heightened competitive dynamics," leading to a lowered financial outlook and a 60% reduction in dividends [2] - Following the announcement, Tronox's stock price plummeted from $5.14 per share to $3.19 per share, marking a decline of approximately 38% in just one day [2] Group 2: Next Steps for Investors - Investors who suffered losses during the specified timeframe have until November 3, 2025, to request appointment as lead plaintiff, although participation in any recovery does not require serving as a lead plaintiff [3] - Class members may be entitled to compensation without any out-of-pocket costs or fees [3] Group 3: Firm Background - Levi & Korsinsky, LLP has a strong track record in securities litigation, having secured hundreds of millions of dollars for shareholders over the past 20 years and consistently ranking among the top securities litigation firms in the United States [4]