Orion Engineered Carbons(OEC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a challenging start to the year, with Q1 results not indicative of stronger underlying performance, masking at least $10 million of greater earnings power [7][8] - Overall plant operations have improved sequentially, contributing favorably moving forward [9] - Free cash flow guidance for the year has been reaffirmed despite lower EBITDA guidance [30][41] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rubber segment volumes improved by 2.5% year over year and 13% sequentially, benefiting from contractual mandates and operational improvements in China [33] - Specialty segment volumes improved 3% sequentially but declined 2% year over year, with demand characterized as choppy [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. tire production was down low double-digit percentages in the first two months of the quarter, remaining dramatically below pre-COVID levels [10] - The company expects a demand inflection starting in the second half of 2025 as tire imports are anticipated to slow [16][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is taking protective measures to manage costs and bolster free cash flow in light of potential economic recession [7] - The ongoing shift in global trade policies is expected to benefit the carbon black industry and the company specifically [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the increased likelihood of an economic recession but does not see a pronounced weakening in order books at this time [7] - The company is optimistic about the structural benefits from the changing trade paradigm, which should positively affect demand for manufacturing in the U.S. and Europe [14][41] Other Important Information - The company has reduced its 2025 CapEx spending expectations by $10 million, down to $150 million [30] - The company has initiated programs to improve cash flow conversion, expecting working capital to be a source of cash in 2025 [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of outages in Q1 - Management indicated that the $13 million impact from outages was primarily contained in Q1, with some costs related to fixed cost absorption and timing [46][48] Question: Expectations for Q2 earnings - Management expects a step-up in earnings in Q2, despite a negative inventory adjustment due to lower oil prices [50][54] Question: Timing of tariff benefits - Management anticipates seeing benefits from tariffs in the second half of 2025, as tire companies are expected to shift capacity to the U.S. [61][66] Question: Specialty Black business inventory drawdown - Management noted that while there is some cautiousness from distributors, demand remains choppy, with no clear trends yet [66]