Ellington Credit Company (NYSE:EARN) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call March 13, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Alaael-Deen Shilleh - Associate General Counsel and Secretary Laurence E. Penn - Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Tecotzky - Co-Chief Investment Officer Christopher Smernoff - Chief Financial Officer Gregory Borenstein - Head of Corporate Credit at Ellington Management Group Conference Call Participants Douglas Harter - UBS Matthew Erdner - JonesTrading Operator Good morning, ladie ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation reported earnings per common share of $0.16 for Q4 2024 and $0.02 for the full year [7] - Net cash flow from operating activities was $7.5 million for Q4 and $18 million for 2024 [8] - Consolidated net sales for Q4 2024 were $100.9 million, a decline of 6.6% compared to Q4 2023 [28] - Net income attributable to Ampco-Pittsburgh for Q4 2024 was $3.1 million, compared to a net loss of $41.8 million in Q4 2023 [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Air and Liquid Processing segment achieved record sales for 2024, improving 11% from the prior year [9] - The Forged and Cast Engineered Products segment reported total net sales of $66.5 million in Q4 2024, down from $75.8 million in Q4 2023 [20] - Operating income for the Forged and Cast Engineered Products segment reached $10.5 million for the full year 2024, up from $7.6 million in 2023 [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and Europe remained stable markets, with Europe experiencing market softness [23] - The company anticipates increased demand in the U.S. due to potential tariffs, slightly offset by lower demand in Mexico and stable demand in Europe [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on turning Air and Liquid into a growth-oriented business, with revenue 56% higher than three years ago [18] - A formal collective consultation process has been initiated for the UK plant to address ongoing losses [10][45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the UK plant has faced significant losses and a sustainable path forward is uncertain without intervention [44] - The U.S. Navy's expansion plans and activity in the nuclear market are expected to drive future growth opportunities [51] Other Important Information - The total backlog at December 31, 2024, was $378.9 million, flat compared to December 31, 2023 [36] - Capital expenditures for full-year 2024 were $12.2 million, including final capitalization of the U.S. Forged plant modernization [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the UK situation and potential plant closure - Management indicated that significant losses have occurred in the UK, and without intervention, a sustainable path forward is not visible. The collective consultation process may lead to various outcomes, including potential closure [44][46] Question: Potential for market expansion in the air and liquid division - Management noted that there is increased activity in current markets, particularly with the U.S. Navy and nuclear sector, and opportunities for expansion beyond North America [51] Question: Debt levels and future CapEx plans - Management stated that debt levels are flat year-over-year, and future CapEx is expected to remain stable, supported by government grants [52][94] Question: Year-end backlog by business segment - The total backlog was reported as flat at $379 million, with $250.5 million in Forged and Cast Engineered Products and $128.4 million in Air and Liquid Processing [68] Question: Asbestos-related revaluations frequency - Management indicated that asbestos-related revaluations will likely be conducted annually moving forward to stay on top of changes [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2024 was approximately $520 million, representing an 8.6% increase over the prior year period [8] - Full year 2024 revenue was approximately $2.024 billion, a 6.8% increase over the prior year [9] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $55.2 million, a 42.6% increase year-over-year, primarily due to improved payer rates and cost reduction efforts [8][9] - Full year 2024 adjusted EBITDA was $183.5 million, a 31.8% increase over the prior year [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Private Duty Services (PDS) revenue for Q4 was approximately $422.2 million, a 10.1% increase, driven by a volume increase of 4% [28][29] - Home Health and Hospice segment revenue for Q4 was approximately $54.4 million, a 0.6% increase, with 76% of admissions being episodic [33][35] - Medical Solutions segment revenue for Q4 was $43.3 million, a 4.8% increase, with revenue per unique patient served at approximately $486, up 5.9% [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Preferred payer agreements accounted for approximately 50% of total PDS Managed Care Organization (MCO) volumes, up from 47% in Q3 [16] - The company secured twelve private duty services state rate increases for the full year 2024, with significant improvements in Georgia and Massachusetts [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to execute its strategic transformation strategy focused on preferred payers and obtaining adequate rates from government partners [9][11] - Five primary strategic initiatives for 2025 include enhancing partnerships with government partners, identifying cost efficiencies, modernizing the medical solutions business, managing capital structure, and engaging employees [22][24] - The company anticipates a 2025 revenue range of $2.1 billion to $2.12 billion and an adjusted EBITDA range of $190 million [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the demand for home and community-based care remains strong, with ongoing efforts to address labor market challenges [10][11] - The company is optimistic about returning to a normalized growth rate in its business segments, supported by improved caregiver hiring and retention trends [12] - Management expressed confidence in achieving their strategic goals and highlighted the importance of aligning clinical capacity with preferred payers [19][21] Other Important Information - The company had liquidity of approximately $260 million at the end of Q4, with cash on hand of approximately $84 million [40] - The company expects to see continued cash flow benefits as top-line growth and cost management initiatives come to fruition in 2025 [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on top-line growth and EBITDA margins - Management characterized their guidance as prudent, expecting continued momentum in 2025 with significant transformation [50][52] Question: M&A pipeline and focus areas - The company is focused on tuck-in M&A in home health and private duty services, with plans to remain within their capital structure [56][58] Question: PDS segment rate growth and gross margin progression - Management indicated confidence in PDS growth rates, with expectations for a return to a $10 to $10.50 spread per hour [62][66] Question: Medical solutions payer strategy and contract conversions - The company is aligning clinical capacity with preferred payers to improve clinical outcomes and cash collections [78][80] Question: Medicaid regulatory changes and policy discussions - Management expressed optimism about being a cost saver for government programs and maintaining strong dialogue with regulatory counterparts [88][90] Question: Revenue guidance for PDS revenue growth - Management expects 3% to 5% total revenue growth in the PDS segment, with a focus on increasing preferred payer agreements [108][110]

Companhia Sider??rgica Nacional (NYSE:SID) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call March 13, 2025 10:30 AM ET Company Participants Marco Rabello - CFO and IRO Helena Guerra - ESG and Sustainability Director Benjamin Steinbruch - President, Executive Board, Chairman and CEO Edvaldo Rabelo - Director, Cement Business Luis Martinez - Executive Director, Commercial and Logistics Area & Member of Executive Board Conference Call Participants Caio Ribeiro - Bank of America Rafael Barcellos - Bradesco BBI Daniel Sasson - ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total production volumes increased approximately 5% year over year, with royalty volume up 8% for the year [3][9] - EBITDA was down slightly year over year, supported by a traditional hedging program [4] - Natural gas, oil, and NGL sales revenues increased 13% to $8.9 million for the quarter, but decreased 8% to $33.7 million for the full year compared to 2023 [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $5.4 million, up from $4.9 million in the previous quarter, while for the full year it was $21.3 million compared to $22.7 million in 2023 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Royalty production increased 8% to 8,760 million CFE, with quarterly royalty production remaining flat from the previous quarter [10][11] - Oil represented 11% of production volumes, while NGL represented 9% [11] - Total proved reserves decreased 11% to 63.7 BCFE, with improved royalty reserves decreasing 9% to 52.5 BCFE [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Realized natural gas prices for Q4 2024 averaged $2.64 per Mcf, compared to $2.00 in Q3 2024 [18] - Realized oil prices averaged $69.82, down 7% from the previous quarter, while NGLs averaged $23.01, up 17% [18] - For the full year 2024, natural gas prices averaged $2.19 compared to $2.61 in 2023, and oil averaged $74.59 compared to $76.76 in 2023 [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to maintaining a strong conservative balance sheet and has applied proceeds from the sale of non-core minerals to reduce debt [6][7] - The company is evaluating strategic alternatives to unlock value, with a focus on high-quality assets and improving financial position [7][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by lower rig counts and reduced industry capex budgets, but expressed optimism about improving natural gas fundamentals [2][3] - The company remains optimistic about prospects for 2025, citing a solid foundation of high-quality assets and a commitment to exploring strategic opportunities [28] Other Important Information - The company sold non-producing minerals for $8 million, which were old legacy assets with no production cash flow [6] - Total debt as of December 31, 2024, was $29.5 million, with a trailing debt to twelve-month adjusted EBITDA of 1.38 times [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the strategic alternatives review process - Management stated that they do not comment on ongoing processes [35] Question: Approach to M&A and ground game leasing during the review - Management confirmed that the business continues to operate as usual, with no changes to their approach [37] Question: Production guidance for 2025 - Management indicated that while they are not providing guidance, trends from the past two years suggest a continuation of current production levels [39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company generated $292 million of adjusted EBITDA, a 9% increase from 2023, and reduced hedged LOE by 12% [9][35] - The average annual production was 25,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day, consistent with 2023 and near the top of guidance [10] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $82 million, a 22% increase from Q3 [35] - Total debt at year-end was $450 million, with a leverage ratio of 1.5 times [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company drilled a total of 56 gross wells in 2024, with 46 in California and 10 in Utah [11] - The thermal diatomite reservoir in California delivered exceptional results, with a reserve replacement ratio of 147% [13][14] - In the Uinta Basin, the company executed a second farm-in to drill an additional 12 horizontal wells [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The realized oil price for the full year was 92% of Brent [32] - Non-energy LOE was $13.10 per BOE, while energy LOE was $11.21 per BOE on an unhedged basis [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on unlocking development potential from its thermal diatomite reservoir and expanding its horizontal well development program in the Uinta Basin [8][19] - Plans for 2025 include drilling approximately 50 gross wells and sustaining production levels [11] - The company aims to deploy 40% of its capital to Utah in 2025, up from 25% in 2024 [38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to create sustainable value and highlighted a compelling pipeline of opportunities [19][40] - The company is not dependent on the Kern County EIR for its near-term plans, as most of its PUD locations can be accessed through available permitting processes [26][82] - Management noted that the recent results from the Uinta Basin could be transformational for the company [54][86] Other Important Information - The company completed a methane emissions reduction project, achieving an 80% reduction compared to a 2022 baseline [28] - A new CFO, Jeff Majid, joined the company, bringing over 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Uinta wells and expectations for the first operated pad - Management discussed the differences in production rates between the first and second farm-in wells, noting the geology is uniform and pressure gradients are similar [48][50] Question: Acquisition environment in California - Management is actively pursuing bolt-on opportunities in California, particularly in Kern County, and is in talks with several small operators [57] Question: Update on joint venture discussions for Utah - Management is in discussions for a potential JV to mitigate capital requirements but is comfortable drilling independently for now [66][68] Question: Impact of recent abandonment legislation in California - The legislation will have minimal impact on Berry but will significantly affect larger operators [70][72] Question: Timeline for permitting processes - Management indicated that the timeline for conditional use permits is similar to the Kern County EIR, likely extending into 2026 [84] Question: Long-term potential for Utah assets - Management highlighted the significant potential in Utah, with the ability to grow production significantly over the next decade [87][88]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's revenue for Q4 2024 was $5.9 million, down from $6.7 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to the fulfillment of a U.S. Navy armor contract [10][11] - The operating loss for Q4 was approximately $1.3 million, compared to an operating income of about $0.1 million in Q4 2023 [16] - A net loss of $1 million or $0.07 per share was reported, contrasting with a net income of $0.2 million or $0.01 per diluted share in Q4 of fiscal 2023 [17] - The gross loss in Q4 was $0.3 million, representing approximately negative 4.6% of sales, compared to a gross profit of $1.1 million or 17% of sales last year [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales declined year-over-year due to the completion of the armor contract, but there was a significant sequential increase of 40% in revenue from Q3 2024 due to increased customer shipments [6][21] - The company is fulfilling a $13.3 million contract with a semiconductor manufacturer for power module components, which is expected to continue through September 2025 [23] - Continued strong demand for power module components and related solutions from both new and existing customers was noted [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing strong demand for its metal matrix composites and hermetic packaging applications, particularly in high-speed rail, wind turbines, and electric vehicle applications [24][39] - The company is actively seeking new customers in the aerospace industry for its fiber reinforced aluminum (FRA) products [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its product offerings and target new applications in key markets with demanding technical requirements [25] - Plans to add new product lines leveraging proprietary technology, including aluminum infiltrated products, were discussed [27] - The company is optimistic about securing additional armor orders for Navy vessels in fiscal 2025, despite current budget challenges [40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about a turnaround from Q3 results, with expectations for improved financial performance and operational execution in 2025 [21][38] - The company anticipates improving gross margins and bottom-line results as production volumes increase and one-time expenses are behind them [38] - Management highlighted the importance of ongoing strong customer demand and expanded manufacturing capabilities for future growth [41] Other Important Information - The company has transitioned to a new auditing firm, PKF O'Connor Davies, for its 2024 audit [9][19] - The company reported a significant increase in cash and marketable securities, ending the year with $3.3 million in cash and $1 million in marketable securities, compared to $8.8 million in cash at the start of 2024 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the market size for radiation shielding in the trucking business? - Management indicated that the market is still in development, with early interest from various applications beyond trucking, including facility management and aerospace [44][48] Question: What kind of revenues might be expected in the next year or two for those applications? - Management stated it is difficult to quantify revenues at this stage due to the diverse markets and the need for certification as a supplier [49][50] Question: Will the company manufacture munitions rounds if accepted by the army? - Management explained that the SBIR funding allows for potential sole source provision if the company can meet the army's needs through the development process [53][56] Question: What is the timeline for the munitions development process? - The SBIR program has a 6-month Phase-1, followed by a potential 24-month Phase-2, depending on the progress made [58][60] Question: What is the status of the Southeast Asian Armor contract? - Management confirmed that development work is ongoing to restore potential for the armor contract, but a timeline for further testing is not currently available [104][106]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded a revenue of RMB 93.2 million for Q4 2024, achieving a remarkable 20% year-over-year growth [8][35] - Adjusted EBITDA was positive for the full year 2024, marking the first full year of profitability since the company's inception [8][36] - Net operating cash inflow reached RMB 19.5 million, the highest quarterly number in the past 17 quarters, bringing the cash balance close to RMB 120 million as of December 31, 2024 [9][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Developer Services revenue increased by 28% year-over-year and 24% quarter-over-quarter, with subscription revenue growing by 12% year-over-year and 6% quarter-over-quarter [10][11] - Value-added services revenue grew by 142% year-over-year and 180% quarter-over-quarter, driven by online shopping festivals [11][18] - EngageLab revenue saw a significant increase of close to 200% year-over-year, with a cumulative signed contract value of RMB 48 million [13][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The number of contracted customers for EngageLab reached 678, representing a 32% sequential growth [16] - The total deferred revenue was at a record high of RMB 147.1 million, marking the 12th consecutive quarter where it exceeded RMB 130 million [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to an "AI First" strategy, integrating AI into workflows and using it as a KPI for performance assessments [21][22] - There is a focus on expanding overseas market share, with plans to direct more resources towards this initiative [13][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth trajectory, citing strong market signals and a commitment to optimizing operational efficiency [51] - The company anticipates Q1 2025 revenue guidance to be in the range of RMB 74 million to RMB 77.5 million, representing a 15% to 20% year-over-year growth [38] Other Important Information - Operating expenses for Q4 were RMB 16.3 million, showing a slight decrease year-over-year and an increase quarter-over-quarter [28] - The company repurchased 33,000 ADS in the quarter ended December 31, 2024, with a total of 279,000 ADS repurchased since the start of the program [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: What measures or actions were taken by management to achieve such good results? - Management highlighted strong revenue growth, diligent spending, and a focus on overseas expansion as key factors contributing to the success [45][51] Question: How should the trend of developer subscription revenue be viewed going forward? - Management noted that the developer subscription business has strong demand and a suite of products catering to customer needs, indicating a healthy growth trajectory [56][57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, the company generated distributable earnings of $0.29 per basic weighted average share, with a GAAP net loss of $1 million or $0.05 per share [14][31] - For the fiscal year 2024, net interest income was $45.7 million, with distributable earnings of $34.9 million or $1.68 per share, and a GAAP net income of $16.8 million or $0.78 per share [31] - As of December 31, 2024, total assets were $402.1 million, with total shareholder equity of $201.4 million and a book value per share of $9.02 [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company originated $135 million in new commitments for the fiscal year 2024, exceeding the goal of $100 million [9] - The weighted average portfolio yield to maturity was approximately 18% as of December 31, 2024 [33] - The company received $119 million in paydowns from five underperforming credits during 2024 [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The active deal pipeline as of March 1, 2025, was over $380 million, indicating strong demand for capital in the cannabis sector [10][17] - The company noted a growing supply-demand imbalance for debt capital in the cannabis industry, driven by refinancing activity and market expansions [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company refocused efforts solely on the cannabis sector after spinning off its commercial real estate portfolio [9] - The management aims to diversify the portfolio while enhancing underwriting and reducing exposure to underperforming credits [9] - The company is targeting loan sizes between $10 million and $40 million for future investments [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the opportunities in the cannabis space, citing a demand for capital that exceeds supply [10] - The company is focused on supporting strong operators in attractive limited license states, despite challenges in the market [18] - Management acknowledged the impact of underperforming legacy loans on earnings but emphasized ongoing efforts to manage the portfolio effectively [15][28] Other Important Information - The company declared a first-quarter dividend of $0.23 per share, reflecting a sustainable payout based on current performing assets [15] - The CECL reserve was $30.6 million, approximately 10.4% of loans at carrying value, indicating a cautious approach to credit risk [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Justice Grown and next steps - Management indicated they would not negotiate in public but emphasized setting dividends at sustainable levels based on performing assets [38][39] Question: Commentary on the pipeline and opportunities - Management noted a robust pipeline of opportunities across refinancing, CapEx, and M&A, with a focus on good operators and strong credits [41][46] Question: Outlook for new fundings in 2025 - Management stated they would likely wait until the next quarter to set a new target for fundings, citing a better opportunity set than the previous year [50][53] Question: Clarification on liquidity and credit lines - Management confirmed approximately $89 million available under revolving credit facilities as of March 1, 2025 [55] Question: Sustainability of the dividend - Management clarified that the recent dividend adjustments were based on new developments and the need to set a sustainable payout level [56][59] Question: Demand for assets in New Jersey and Pennsylvania - Management refrained from commenting on specific market conditions but acknowledged the competitive landscape in those states [66] Question: Perspective on 280E tax implications - Management recognized the complexities of 280E and its impact on companies, expressing a desire for reform but noting it is not a priority for the current administration [72][73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, total revenue was approximately $44 million, representing an increase of 4.3% over Q4 2023 [20] - Year-to-date total revenue was approximately $182 million, reflecting a 4.6% increase over the full year 2023 [20] - Hotel EBITDA for Q4 was approximately $10.7 million, up 3.6% from the same quarter last year [20] - Year-to-date hotel EBITDA was approximately $46.8 million, representing a 4.5% increase over the full year 2023 [20] - Adjusted FFO for Q4 was approximately $2 million, an increase of about $850,000 from Q4 2023 [21] - Year-to-date adjusted FFO was approximately $14.3 million, a decrease of approximately $250,000 from the prior year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR for Q4 increased by 2.9%, driven by a 7% increase in occupancy, despite a 3.7% decrease in ADR [7] - For the full year 2024, RevPAR performance increased by 3.5% over 2023, driven by a 6.1% increase in occupancy and a 2.5% decrease in rate [8] - The DoubleTree Resort in Hollywood, Florida, saw a RevPAR increase of 13.8%, fueled by a 13.4% increase in occupancy [13] - The Whitehall in Houston experienced nearly 50% RevPAR growth, driven by occupancy growth of 46.1% [14] - Hotel Ballast in Wilmington posted a RevPAR increase of 7.1%, supported by a 1.9% increase in occupancy and a 5% increase in rate [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio's occupancy growth was particularly strong in slower-to-recover urban markets, indicating normalization of lodging fundamentals post-pandemic [9] - Preliminary January RevPAR showed a 12.8% improvement over the prior year, driven by strong demand in urban and South Florida hotels [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is planning two upcoming PIP renovations, with a focus on enhancing properties to drive increased profitability [18] - A new ten-year franchise agreement with Hilton for the DoubleTree flag in Philadelphia has been executed, with an $11.5 million renovation budget [18] - The company aims to manage cash and portfolio structure effectively, considering refinancing options and potential asset sales [49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the portfolio's performance, highlighting improved operating fundamentals and occupancy growth [27] - Despite challenges in the debt markets, the company is focused on refinancing legacy loans to improve financial outcomes [33] - The company remains cautiously optimistic about the lodging industry, with expectations for continued occupancy growth [34] Other Important Information - Hurricane Helene impacted operations at Hotel Alba, but restoration efforts allowed the hotel to remain operational [11] - The company anticipates routine capital expenditures of approximately $7.2 million for 2025, with significant projects planned for the DoubleTree locations [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on FFO trajectory despite revenue and EBITDA growth - Management indicated that rising interest costs from refinancing legacy loans are impacting FFO, despite improvements in revenue and EBITDA [38][39] Question: Thoughts on stock trading below a dollar and potential reverse split - Management confirmed they have 180 days to address the deficiency, potentially through a reverse split or if the stock price rises above a dollar [41] Question: Guidance on insurance recoveries related to hotel repairs - Management stated that guidance assumes normal operations and minimal business interruption impacts, with insurance proceeds already accounted for [44] Question: Consideration of selling assets to improve leverage - Management is exploring options for managing cash and portfolio structure but has not focused heavily on asset sales for this purpose [49][50]