Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, adjusted EBITDA was just under $56 million, exceeding the high end of guidance range [12] - Adjusted free cash flow was a use of $2 million compared to a use of $14 million in 2024, with guidance raised to $70 million to $80 million for the year [17][21] - Net debt leverage ratio rose to 3.5 times from 3.2 times at the end of the prior quarter, primarily due to the acquisition and share repurchases [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ecoservices sales increased by 14% compared to 2024, driven by favorable pricing and the addition of the Wagaman site [5] - Eco Services sales were $176 million, up $22 million year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA for Eco Services at $49.8 million, unchanged from 2024 [14][15] - Advanced Silicas sales decreased to $24 million from $29 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower custom catalyst sales [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand fundamentals for Eco Services remained stable, with high refinery utilization supporting regeneration services [7] - The outlook for virgin sulfuric acid demand remains positive, with expectations for stronger sales in the mining sector as expansion projects come online [7][26] - Sales in the Zeolyst joint venture were projected to be strong, with expectations for hydrocracking catalyst sales to surpass 2024 levels [9][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company closed the acquisition of the sulfuric acid production assets of Cornerstone Chemical Company, with ongoing integration expected to yield meaningful synergies [6] - Focus on emerging technologies for growth opportunities, including advanced silicas for biocatalysis and carbon capture applications [8][26] - The company is taking an opportunistic approach to share repurchases while targeting a long-term leverage ratio of 2 to 2.5 times [19][49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The operating environment remains challenging due to global production overcapacity and pricing pressures, but the company has demonstrated resilience [25] - Anticipated strong sales performance for hydrocracking catalysts in 2025, supported by a substantial order book [26] - The company expects stable demand fundamentals across most end uses for the remainder of the year, with some caution regarding polyethylene sales due to trade uncertainties [20][33] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 2.9 million shares of common stock for approximately $22 million during the quarter [6] - The Kansas City expansion project is expected to support growth in customer demand as expansion projects come online in 2026 and 2027 [8] - The strategic review of the Advanced Materials and Catalysts segment is ongoing, with updates expected in the near future [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Initial indications from customers regarding new EPA guidelines for renewable fuel volume - Management is encouraged by the new requirements but noted it is still early as the guidelines are draft [30][32] Question: Outlook for polyethylene sales amid trade uncertainty - Management acknowledged global polyethylene utilization rates have been impacted but still expects year-over-year sales growth [33] Question: Update on synergies from the Cornerstone acquisition - Management believes the acquisition will provide additional opportunities and integration is progressing well [37][38] Question: Sensitivity of the business to proposed RVO changes - Management indicated that increased RVO will drive utilization and lead to more frequent catalyst changeouts, translating into growth [52] Question: Visibility on nylon and mining demand - Management expects year-over-year growth in virgin sulfuric acid sales, with strong momentum in mining due to new projects [54][56] Question: Timeline for Wagaman to contribute to free cash flow - Management does not expect significant free cash flow from Wagaman this year but anticipates positive contributions in 2026 [59] Question: Order timing implications for 2026 - Management expects order timing shifts will not materially impact 2026 [64]

WAYNE, Pa., Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecovyst Inc. (NYSE: ECVT) ("Ecovyst" or the "Company"), a leading integrated and innovative global provider of advanced materials, specialty catalysts, virgin sulfuric acid and sulfuric acid regeneration services, today reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. Second Quarter 2025 Results & Highlights "We are pleased with our results for the second quarter of 2025. With demand fundamentals generally in line with our expectations, we delivered Adjus ...

Company Overview - Ecovyst Inc. is a leading integrated and innovative global provider of advanced materials, specialty catalysts, virgin sulfuric acid, and sulfuric acid regeneration services [3][4] - The company supports customers globally through a strategically located network of manufacturing facilities, contributing to environmental sustainability [3] Business Segments - Ecoservices, one of the company's specialty businesses, provides sulfuric acid recycling to the North American refining industry and high-quality virgin sulfuric acid for industrial and mining applications [4] - Ecoservices also offers chemical waste handling and treatment services, along with ex-situ catalyst activation services for the refining and petrochemical industry [4] - The Advanced Materials & Catalysts segment includes the Advanced Silicas business, which supplies finished silica catalysts and functionalized silicas for high-performing plastics and sustainable chemistry [4] - The Zeolyst Joint Venture innovates and supplies specialty zeolites used in catalysts for sustainable fuel production and emission reduction from diesel engines [4] Upcoming Events - Ecovyst Inc. will conduct a conference call and audio-only webcast on August 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to review its second quarter 2025 financial results [1] - Investors can access the live conference call via telephone or through an audio-only live webcast [2]