SunCoke Energy(US:SXC)2025-04-30 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - SunCoke Energy reported consolidated adjusted EBITDA of $59.8 million for Q1 2025, a decrease from $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 [11][13] - Net income attributable to SunCoke was $0.20 per share in Q1 2025, down $0.03 compared to the prior year [13] - The company ended the quarter with a strong liquidity position of $543.7 million, including a cash balance of $193.7 million and a fully undrawn revolver of $350 million [12][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic coke adjusted EBITDA was $49.9 million with sales volumes of 898,000 tons, impacted by lower economics and volumes at Granite City due to the contract extension [14] - The logistics business generated adjusted EBITDA of $13.7 million, an increase from $13 million in the prior year, driven by higher transloading volumes [15] - Combined throughput volumes at terminals were 5.7 million tons in Q1 2025, up from 5.5 million tons in the same prior year period [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic coke market remains volatile, with the steel industry outlook uncertain, but the company has finalized all spot blast and foundry coke sales for the full year [11][14] - The pricing environment for coke is challenging, with expectations that the market will not strengthen significantly in the near term [42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining strong safety and environmental performance while executing operating and capital plans [19] - SunCoke is pursuing growth opportunities beyond the GPI project, emphasizing disciplined capital allocation to reward long-term shareholders [20][27] - The Granite City coke supply agreement has been extended through September 2025, with an option for an additional three-month extension [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed full-year consolidated adjusted EBITDA guidance of $210 million to $225 million, despite challenging market conditions [21] - The company is closely monitoring market conditions but does not foresee significant impacts on operations for the remainder of the year [13][19] Other Important Information - A dividend of $0.12 per share was announced, payable to shareholders on June 2, 2025 [11] - The company spent $4.9 million on capital expenditures in Q1 2025 and paid $10.9 million in dividends [18] 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 due to timing and expected margins from shipments in the second half of the year [24][25] Question: Update on capital allocation priorities and long-term growth opportunities? - Management stated they are looking for profitable growth opportunities while maintaining dividends and being judicious with spending [26][27] Question: What drove the inventory build on the coal side? - The inventory build was attributed to seasonal factors and the need to prepare for the year, with expectations for reversal later [29][30] Question: Health of the foundry and export coke markets? - Management noted the market is challenging, but they are sold out for the year and are monitoring pricing closely [40][42] Question: EBITDA per ton in the Domestic Coke segment was above guidance; any thoughts? - Management explained that the higher EBITDA per ton was due to lower spot blast coke sales this year compared to the previous year [44] Question: Production from Haverhill was below normal rates; was this timing? - Management confirmed that lower production in Q1 was planned and accounted for in their full-year guidance [45]