SunCoke Energy(SXC)2025-04-30 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - SunCoke Energy reported consolidated adjusted EBITDA of 67.9 million in the prior year period, primarily due to lower economics on the Granite City contract extension and lower spot blast coke sales volumes [9][11][12] - Net income attributable to SunCoke was 0.03 compared to the prior year [11] - The company ended the quarter with a strong liquidity position of 193.7 million and a fully undrawn revolver of 49.9 million with sales volumes of 898,000 tons, impacted by lower economics and volumes at Granite City due to the contract extension [12] - The logistics business generated adjusted EBITDA of 13 million in the prior year, driven by higher transloading volumes [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The spot glass coke pricing environment remains highly challenged, but demand for coke is present, with all spot blast and foundry coke sales finalized for the full year [9] - The company reaffirmed its full-year consolidated adjusted EBITDA guidance range of 225 million [11][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining strong safety and environmental performance while executing its operating and capital plans [16] - SunCoke is pursuing growth opportunities beyond the GPI project, emphasizing disciplined capital allocation to reward long-term shareholders [17][24] - The Granite City coke supply agreement with U.S. Steel has been extended through September 30, 2025, with an option for further extension [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the uncertain and volatile outlook for the steel industry but stated that coke production and sales plans remain on track [12] - The company expects to see improved margins in the second half of the year as contracts are adjusted and spot exposure increases [21][22] - Management remains cautious regarding capital expenditures, indicating a likelihood of not spending the previously planned 0.12 per share is payable to shareholders on June 2, 2025 [9] - The company spent $4.9 million on capital expenditures in Q1 2025 [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Annual guidance implies an uplift in quarterly adjusted EBITDA; can you discuss the cadence? - Management indicated that lower EBITDA in Q1 was expected due to contract timing, with expectations for improved performance in the second half of the year [20][21][22] Question: What are the capital allocation priorities beyond the GPI project? - Management emphasized a disciplined approach to identifying profitable growth opportunities while maintaining dividends to reward shareholders [24][25] Question: What drove the inventory build on the coal side? - The inventory build was attributed to seasonal factors and the new coal blend at the beginning of the year, with expectations for reversal later in the year [27][28] Question: Can you provide insights on the health of the foundry and export coke markets? - Management noted that while the market is challenging, they are closely monitoring conditions and have made strategic decisions to sell early in the year [36][37] Question: What drove the higher EBITDA per ton in the Domestic Coke segment? - The higher EBITDA per ton was influenced by the absence of lower-margin blast coke sales in Q1, with expectations to revert to guidance levels later in the year [40] Question: Was the lower production from Haverhill planned? - Yes, the lower production was planned and accounted for in the full-year guidance due to challenges in the spot coke market [41]