Chemours(US:CC)2025-05-07 13:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for Q1 2025 were approximately $1.4 billion, consistent with the prior year, with a 5% increase in volume offset by a 4% price decline and a slight 1% currency headwind [19] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $166 million, down from $191 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower pricing across all businesses and unfavorable currency movements [19][20] - The company reported a net loss of $4 million or $0.03 per diluted share compared to net income of $54 million or $0.36 per diluted share in the prior year [19][20] Business Segment Performance - TSS achieved net sales of $466 million in Q1 2025, a 3% increase from the prior year, driven by a 10% volume increase, partially offset by a 6% price decline [21][22] - TT's net sales increased 1% year over year to $597 million, primarily due to a 6% increase in volume, offset by a 4% decrease in price [25] - APM reported net sales of $294 million, a 3% decrease compared to the prior year, driven by a 2% currency headwind and a 1% decrease in volume [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In TSS, Opteon refrigerants saw a 40% year-over-year net sales increase due to increased demand related to the U.S. AIM Act [6][22] - TT's sales in Western markets, which have established fair trade regulations, drove a 12% sales increase sequentially [11] - Weaker sales were noted in China, India, and other parts of Asia and Latin America due to Chinese TiO2 product dumping [12] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company announced a strategic agreement with Naveen Fluorine to produce Opteon two-phase immersion cooling fluid, addressing data cooling needs driven by AI and next-generation chips [5] - The Pathway to Thrive strategy focuses on enabling growth and operational excellence, with a commitment to cost reductions and portfolio management [46][55] - The company anticipates a shift towards low GWP offerings, with Freon sales projected to decrease by half in 2025 compared to the prior year [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in mitigating impacts from recent tariff announcements and emphasized the importance of maintaining a flexible balance sheet [16][41] - The company expects strong results for TSS in 2025, with continued double-digit net sales growth in Opteon refrigerants [36] - APM is expected to face ongoing weakness in cyclical end markets, but cost reduction efforts are anticipated to alleviate some headwinds [40] Other Important Information - The company announced a 65% reduction in its dividend to $0.08 per share to enhance balance sheet flexibility [34][68] - Consolidated gross debt stood at $4.1 billion with approximately $1.1 billion in total liquidity as of March 31, 2025 [30] - The company is focused on resolving legacy liabilities and improving operational performance as part of its long-term strategy [54][55] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capacity from Naveen Fluorine and commercialization timeline - Management highlighted a $14 million investment in the asset, with field trials expected to require two to five tons, and opportunities for additional volume as customer commitments are secured [60] Question: TiO2 EBITDA expectations for 2025 - Management confirmed that 2025 EBITDA is expected to be better than 2024, with a focus on optimizing cash conversion related to high-grade ore contracts [62][64] Question: Timing of dividend cut - The dividend reduction was made to provide balance sheet flexibility for growth investments and to settle liabilities responsibly [68] Question: TiO2 pricing trends in regulated markets - Management noted stabilization in pricing and volume increases in fair trade markets, but refrained from discussing forward pricing [73] Question: Supply tightness in refrigerants and cylinders - Management indicated that the cylinder shortage is not a Chemours issue and expects normalization in the next couple of months [83]