Q3 2025 Element Solutions Inc Earnings Call

Speaker #2: Good morning , ladies and gentlemen . And welcome to the Element Solutions . Third quarter 2020 financial results conference call . I will now turn the call over to Varun Gokarn vice President of Strategy and Integration .

Speaker #2: Please go ahead .

Speaker #3: Good morning and thank you for participating in our third quarter 2020 earnings conference call . Joining me today are our CEO , Ben Glicklich and CFO Carey Dorman .

Varun Gokarn: Good morning and thank you for participating in our third quarter 2025 earnings conference call. Joining me today are our CEO, Ben Gliklich, and CFO, Carey Dorman. In accordance with Regulation FD, we are webcasting this conference call. A replay will be made available in the investors' section of the company's website. During today's call, we will make certain forward-looking statements that reflect our current views about the company's future performance and financial results. These statements are based on assumptions and expectations of future events, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Please refer to the earnings release, supplemental slides, and most recent SEC filings on our website for a discussion of material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations and predictions. Today's materials also include financial information that has not been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Speaker #3: In accordance with regulation FD , we webcasting this conference call . A replay will be made available in the investor section of the company's website .

Speaker #3: During today's call , we will make certain forward looking statements that reflect our current views about the company's future performance and financial results .

Speaker #3: These statements are based on assumptions and expectations of future events which are subject to risks and uncertainties . Please refer to the earnings Release , supplemental slides and most recent SEC filings on our website .

Speaker #3: For a discussion of material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations and predictions, today's materials also include financial information that has not been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Speaker #3: Please refer to the earnings release and supplemental slides for definitions and reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to comparable GAAP financial measures . It is now my pleasure to introduce our CEO , Ben Glicklich .

Varun Gokarn: Please refer to the earnings release and supplemental slides for definitions and reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to comparable GAAP financial measures. It is now my pleasure to introduce our CEO, Ben Gliklich.

Speaker #4: Thank you . Varun , and good morning , everybody . Thank you for joining . This is an exciting morning for us . When we launched Issi , we talked about a value creation model marrying operational excellence and prudent capital allocation .

Ben Gliklich: Thank you, Varun. Good morning, everybody. Thank you for joining. This is an exciting morning for us. When we launched ESI, we talked about a value creation model marrying operational excellence and prudent capital allocation. Today is a solid proof point showcasing our ability to do both. In addition to reporting record results yesterday, we're also announcing the acquisition of MicroMax, a highly accretive strategic transaction and a value-enhancing addition to our electronics portfolio. Before we get into that, I want to give proper due to our operating results. This was an outstanding quarter. We set multiple records. Despite selling our graphics business, this was our highest quarterly adjusted EBITDA since the inception of Element Solutions Inc. Our electronics segment posted its sixth consecutive quarter of high single-digit organic growth and achieved a record level of revenue.

Speaker #4: Today is a solid proof point showcasing our ability to do both . In addition to reporting record results . Yesterday we're also announcing the acquisition of Micromax , a highly accretive strategic transaction and a value enhancing addition to our electronics portfolio .

Speaker #4: Before we get into that , though , I want to give proper due to our operating results . This was an outstanding quarter .

Speaker #4: We set multiple records despite selling our graphics business . This was our highest quarterly adjusted EBITDA since the inception of Element Solutions . Our electronics segment posted its sixth consecutive quarter of high single digit organic growth and achieved a record level of revenue , excluding the impact of graphics , adjusted EBITDA growth would have been 10% , despite some of our legacy end markets remaining below prior peak volume levels , a weaker EV outlook and a soft macroeconomic backdrop in Western industrial markets .

Ben Gliklich: Excluding the impact of graphics, adjusted EBITDA growth would have been 10%, despite some of our legacy end markets remaining below prior peak volume levels, a weaker EV outlook, and a soft macroeconomic backdrop in Western industrial markets. Our teams are executing well on their strategies. In our industrial segment, portfolio optimization, productivity initiatives, and high margin wins in both verticals drove strong profit growth despite a flat top line. The segment saw meaningful margin improvement, and excluding the impact of our graphics divestiture, adjusted EBITDA growth would have been almost 30%. On the electronics side, we've built a unified platform of technologies to solve emerging customer pain points, just as burgeoning investment in data centers and their associated infrastructure accelerates demand for innovative material solutions.

Speaker #4: Our teams are executing well on their strategies and our industrial segment portfolio optimization , productivity initiatives and high margin wins in both verticals drove strong profit growth despite a flat top line .

Speaker #4: The segment saw meaningful margin improvement and excluding the impact of our graphics divestiture , adjusted EBITDA growth would have been almost 30% on the electronic side , we've built a unified platform of technologies to solve emerging customer pain points .

Speaker #4: Just as burgeoning investment in data centers and their associated infrastructure accelerates demand for innovative material solutions . Our portfolio is uniquely positioned to provide those solutions for metallization chemistries for high layer count , printed circuit boards to specialized thermal management materials used in assembly to advance packaging , chip scale chemistries Micromax will add to those solutions its portfolio and electronics , inks and pastes with a specialization in the highest performance , most technically challenging applications such as aerospace , defense and healthcare is a great fit for element solutions .

Ben Gliklich: Our portfolio is uniquely positioned to provide those solutions, from metalization chemistries for high-layer count printed circuit boards to specialized thermal management materials used in assembly to advanced packaging chip-scale chemistries. MicroMax will add to those solutions. Its portfolio in electronics inks and pastes, with a specialization in the highest performance, most technically challenging applications such as aerospace, defense, and healthcare, is a great fit for Element Solutions Inc. The acquisition broadens our offerings to our supply chains and enhances our value propositions to OEMs and specifiers. In 2019, our electronics business was just over a billion dollars, and with this transaction, it will exceed two. Like our business, MicroMax is a leader in niche electronics markets reliant on innovation that is co-developed with customers and requires high levels of applications expertise.

Speaker #4: The acquisition broadens our offerings to our supply chains and enhances our value propositions to OEMs and specifiers . In 2019 , our electronics business was just over $1 billion .

Speaker #4: And with this transaction , it will exceed two . Like our business , Micromax is a leader in niche electronics markets . Reliant on innovation .

Speaker #4: That is co-developed with customers and requires high levels of applications expertise . Its products are known for durability and performance in harsh environments and provide mission critical solutions in highly specialized end markets .

Ben Gliklich: Its products are known for durability and performance in harsh environments and provide mission-critical solutions in highly specialized end markets. MicroMax sits at the intersection of our assembly and circuitry businesses. Its metals-based manufacturing resembles assembly solutions, but its products are used more in circuit pathway applications like our circuitry solutions business. These products also fit our core competencies in formulation and our high-touch, low-capital intensity operating model. The business has a proven team of experienced, highly technical leaders who add depth and expertise to our electronics business, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. The transaction meets our robust acquisition criteria and is consistent with our strategy of disciplined investment in markets we understand and in growth businesses that we believe are better under our ownership.

Speaker #4: Micromax sits at the intersection of our assembly and circuitry businesses . Its metals based manufacturing resembles assembly solutions , but its products are used more in circuit pathway applications like our circuitry Solutions business .

Speaker #4: These products also fit our core competencies and formulation , and our high touch , low capital intensity operating model . The business has a proven team of experienced , highly technical leaders who add depth and expertise to our electronics business , McDermott Alpha Electronic Solutions .

Speaker #4: The transaction meets our robust acquisition criteria and is consistent with our strategy of disciplined investment in markets . We understand and in growth businesses that we believe are better under our ownership .

Speaker #4: We expect the Micromax transaction to be more than 5% accretive to adjusted earnings per share , and based on its projected 2025 results , contribute approximately $40 million of adjusted EBITDA on a full year basis at Accretive Metals , adjusted EBITDA margins subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions .

Ben Gliklich: We expect the MicroMax transaction to be more than 5% accretive to adjusted EPS, and based on its projected 2025 results, contribute approximately $40 million of adjusted EBITDA on a full-year basis at accretive metals-adjusted EBITDA margins. Subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, we expect to close in the first quarter of 2026. We are looking forward to welcoming the MicroMax team into the Element Solutions Inc family and to capitalizing on the unique value opportunities associated with this combination. Shortly, you'll hear more from Carey on our results. To me, the most exciting thing about the quarter is what it means for our future. We've been able to generate great organic outcomes while ramping up investment in future internal and inorganic opportunities. While growing nicely in 2025, we're simultaneously building levers to accelerate that growth going forward.

Speaker #4: We expect to close in the first quarter of 2026 , and we're looking forward to welcoming the Micromax team into the Element Solutions Inc family and to capitalizing on the unique value opportunities associated with this combination .

Speaker #4: Shortly , you'll hear more from Carrie on our results . But to me , the most exciting thing about the quarter is what it means for our future .

Speaker #4: We've been able to generate great organic outcomes while ramping up investment in future internal and inorganic opportunities . While growing nicely in 2025 .

Speaker #4: We're simultaneously building levers to accelerate that growth going forward. Those include several new product introductions and high-value categories. In 2026, the accretive, highly strategic acquisition of Micromax is underway, and we have substantial remaining balance sheet capacity to put to work should the right opportunities present themselves.

Ben Gliklich: Those include several new product introductions and high-value categories in 2026, the accretive, highly strategic acquisition of MicroMax underway, and substantial remaining balance sheet capacity to put to work should the right opportunities present themselves. The outlook is quite positive. Carey.

Speaker #4: The outlook is quite positive . Carrie . Thanks , Ben . Good morning everyone . On slide four , you can see a summary of our third quarter financial results .

Carey Dorman: Thanks, Ben. Good morning, everyone. On slide four, you can see a summary of our third quarter financial results. Organic sales grew 5%, and adjusted EBITDA would have increased 10% when adjusting the graphics business out of both the 2024 and 2025 periods to account for that divestiture. Adjusted EBITDA was a record $147 million and exceeded our initial guidance for the quarter of $140 million to $145 million. Electronics' organic growth of 7% was driven by solid performance in semi and assembly and exceptional volume growth in circuitry solutions. Through economic and industry investment cycles, we benefit from diversification within the electronics supply chain. This quarter, our circuitry business was a primary beneficiary of AI-related investments, as our market-leading pulse plating products are used to support fabrication of high-layer count server boards.

Speaker #4: Organic sales grew 5% and adjusted EBITDA would have increased 10% when adjusting the graphics business out of both the 2024 and 2025 periods to account for that divestiture .

Speaker #4: Adjusted EBITDA was a record 147 million and exceeded our initial guidance for the quarter of 140 million to 145 million electronics . Organic growth of 7% was driven by solid performance in semi and assembly , an exceptional volume growth in circuitry solutions through economic and industry investment cycles .

Speaker #4: We benefit from diversification within the electronics supply chain . This quarter , our circuitry business was a primary beneficiary of AI related investments as our market leading pulse plating products are used to support fabrication of high layer count server boards .

Speaker #4: This demand , along with its sequential ramp in smartphones , allowed us to deliver high single digit organic growth for the segment , even as customer related volume weakness weighed on power electronics growth in our semiconductor business , the additions of Micromax should further enhance end market diversification and increase opportunities to deliver on customer led growth across a broader manufacturing landscape .

Carey Dorman: This demand, along with a sequential ramp in smartphones, allowed us to deliver high single-digit organic growth for the segment, even as customer-related volume weakness weighed on power electronics growth in our semiconductor business. The addition of MicroMax should further enhance end market diversification and increase opportunities to deliver on customer-led growth across a broader manufacturing landscape. Our core industrial surface treatment business has demonstrated stable or growing adjusted EBITDA for several quarters, even as volume has been under pressure. This quarter, underlying volumes improved as a result of strong growth in Asia and new business wins ramping in the Americas. At the same time, margins benefited from improved fixed cost absorption, portfolio optimization in ancillary business lines, and favorable product mix. ESI's adjusted EBITDA margin improved roughly 20 basis points year over year in constant currency terms and was negatively impacted by higher pass-through metal prices.

Speaker #4: Our core industrial surface treatment business has demonstrated stable or growing adjusted EBITDA for several quarters , even as volume has been under pressure this quarter .

Speaker #4: Underlying volumes improved as a result of strong growth in Asia and new business wins ramping in the Americas . At the same time , margins benefited from improved fixed cost absorption portfolio optimization and ancillary business lines , favorable product mix uses .

Speaker #4: Adjusted EBITDA margin , improved roughly 20 basis points year over year in constant currency terms , and was negatively impacted by higher pass through metal prices .

Speaker #4: Excluding the impact of roughly $125 million of pass through metal sales in Assembly solutions , our adjusted EBITDA margin would have been 28% .

Carey Dorman: Excluding the impact of roughly $125 million of pass-through metal sales in assembly solutions, our adjusted EBITDA margin would have been 28%, a 100 basis point improvement year over year. Foreign exchange provided modest favorability of about $3 million in the quarter, and at current rates, should provide a similar level of year-on-year benefit in the coming quarter as well. On slide five, we share additional detail on the drivers of organic net sales growth. Starting with electronics. In assembly, the third quarter saw an increase in China volumes associated with smartphone activity, as well as continued growth from customers serving the high-performance computing and telecom infrastructure markets. Advanced specialty solder paste volumes for various computing applications continue to grow as well. Circuitry solutions sales grew 13% organically.

Speaker #4: A 100 basis point improvement year over year . Foreign exchange provided modest and favorability of about $3 million in the quarter , and at current rates , should provide a similar level of year on year benefit in the coming quarter as well .

Speaker #4: On slide five , we share additional detail on the drivers of organic net sales growth , starting with electronics in assembly . The third quarter saw an increase in China volumes associated with smartphone activity , as well as continued growth from customers serving the high performance computing and telecom infrastructure markets .

Speaker #4: Advanced solder paste volumes for various computing applications continue to grow as well . Circuitry solutions sales grew 13% organically . This was driven by continued demand for data center applications .

Carey Dorman: This was driven by continued demand for data center applications, a seasonal ramp in mobile phone activity, and circuit board demand in the Asian EV market. Data center growth is also increasing demand for data storage, which drove sequential acceleration in our memory disk business that should continue through year-end. Semiconductor solutions' organic net sales grew 5% as continued double-digit growth in wafer-level packaging was offset by lower power electronic sales from a softer EV market. Copper plating products for foundry and tier one OSAT customers continue to see sustained demand. We also saw a rise in products with high precious metals content, such as gold and palladium in our semi business, which show a negative mix impact to margins overall. While we saw a year-on-year decline in power electronics from EV demand dynamics, we continue to win business with new customers, and the outlook for this business remains compelling.

Speaker #4: A seasonal ramp in mobile phone activity and circuit board demand in the Asian EV market , data center growth is also increasing . Demand for data storage , which sequential acceleration in our memory disk business .

Speaker #4: Drove end semiconductor solutions, organic net sales grew 5% as continued double-digit growth in wafer level plating was offset by lower power electronics sales from a softer EV market.

Speaker #4: Copper plating products for foundry and tier one customers continue to see sustained demand . We also saw a rise in products with high precious content such as gold and palladium .

Speaker #4: In our semi business , which drove negative mix impact to margins . Overall , while we saw a year on year decline in power electronics from EV demand dynamics , we continue to win business with new customers and the outlook for this business remains compelling .

Speaker #4: Industrial and specialty organic net sales were flat year over year . Underlying chemistry volumes for the industrial solutions vertical were up mid-single metals digits .

Carey Dorman: Industrial and specialty organic net sales were flat year over year. Underlying chemistry volumes for the industrial solutions vertical were up mid-single digits as we saw strength in Asia, modest improvement in Europe, and a roughly flat end market in the Americas, which grew due to the contribution of new account wins. Reported revenue growth in this business was impacted by a large customer equipment deal in the third quarter of last year, which is tied to a high-value multi-year chemistry contract. Excluding this impact, organic sales would have been up 4% year over year. Finally, the offshore business continues to grow nicely on the back of market strength, pricing, and competitive wins. Slide six covers cash flow and the balance sheet. We generated $84 million of adjusted free cash flow in Q3.

Speaker #4: As we saw strength in Asia . Modest improvement in Europe and a roughly flat end market in the Americas , which grew due to the contribution of new account wins .

Speaker #4: Reported revenue growth in this business was impacted by a large customer equipment deal in the third quarter of last year , which is tied to a high value , multi-year chemistry contract .

Speaker #4: Excluding this impact , organic sales would have been up 4% year over year . And finally , the offshore business continues to grow nicely on the back of market strength .

Speaker #4: Pricing and competitive wins . Slide six covers cash flow in the balance sheet . We generated $84 million of adjusted free cash flow in Q3 .

Speaker #4: This included a $22 million investment in working capital , primarily driven by accounts receivable on the back of sequential revenue growth and slightly higher inventory values driven by metal inflation .

Carey Dorman: This included a $22 million investment in working capital, primarily driven by accounts receivable on the back of sequential revenue growth and slightly higher inventory values driven by metal inflation. Our days of inventory continue to improve, reflecting progress we have made to drive efficiencies in inventory management after several years of supply chain disruption. CapEx in the quarter was $17 million, primarily going towards compelling growth investments such as our first manufacturing site for CUPRION. We expect to invest roughly $65 million on a full-year basis in line with our prior forecast. Now turning to the balance sheet, our net leverage ratio at the end of the quarter was 1.9 times, and our capital structure remains fully fixed at an effective interest rate of roughly 4%. We expect to fund the MicroMax transaction with a combination of cash on hand and modest incremental debt.

Speaker #4: Our days of inventory continue to improve , reflecting progress we have made to drive efficiencies in inventory management . After several years of supply chain disruption , CapEx in the quarter was 17 million , primarily going towards compelling growth investments such as our first manufacturing site for Cuprophan .

Speaker #4: We expect to invest roughly $65 million on a full year basis , in line with our prior forecast . Now , turning to the balance sheet , our net leverage ratio at the end of the quarter was 1.9 times , and our capital structure remains fully fixed at an effective interest rate of roughly 4% .

Speaker #4: We expect to fund the Micromax transaction with a combination of cash on hand and modest incremental debt . Assuming no further capital deployment this year , pro forma net leverage at year end would be roughly 2.5 times .

Carey Dorman: Assuming no further capital deployment this year, pro forma net leverage at year-end would be roughly 2.5 times. This is comfortably below our 3.5 times long-term target ceiling and leaves us with plenty of further financial flexibility to continue deploying capital should the right opportunities appear. I will turn the call back to Ben.

Speaker #4: This is comfortably below our 3.5 times long term target ceiling . And leaves us with plenty of further financial flexibility to continue deploying capital to the right .

Speaker #4: Opportunities appear . And with that , I will turn the call back to Ben . Thank you Kerry . As you've heard , our strategy and execution are driving record results at Element Solutions .

Varun Gokarn: Thank you, Carey. As you've heard, our strategy and execution are driving record results at Element Solutions Inc, and we're nicely ahead of our plan for the year, despite real end market volatility over the course of the year. We now expect full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA to be between $545 and $550 million at the high end of the guidance range we provided last quarter. This translates to fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA of roughly $135 to $140 million. This quarterly expectation incorporates lower EV volume, the end of the seasonal smartphone ramp, and targeted incremental OpEx investment in support of high-growth initiatives by CUPRION. We expect leading-edge electronics driven by high-performance computing and data center to remain robust and have assumed stable industrial demand through year-end. We're pleased to have found a solid outlet for some of the balance sheet capacity we've been building.

Speaker #4: And we're nicely ahead of our plan for the year despite real end market volatility . Over the course of the year , we now expect full year 2020 adjusted EBITDA to be between 545 and $550 million at the high end of the guidance range , we provided last quarter .

Speaker #4: This translates to fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA of roughly 135 to $140 million . This quarterly expectation incorporates lower EV volume . The end of the seasonal smartphone ramp , and targeted incremental OpEx investment in support of high growth initiatives like Cupreum .

Speaker #4: We expect leading edge electronics driven by high performance computing and data center to remain robust and have assumed stable industrial demand through year end .

Speaker #4: We're pleased to have found a solid outlet for some of the balance sheet capacity we've been building . Micromax meets our high bar for acquisitions .

Varun Gokarn: MicroMax meets our high bar for acquisitions. It's a growing business that matches our asset-light, customer-intimate, people-intensive attributes. It'll be a great addition to our portfolio and reinforces our conviction that we can continue to find high-value inorganic opportunities to accelerate per-share earnings growth. We have capacity for more, but we'll continue to be disciplined about quality and fit. I'll close, as always, by thanking all of our stakeholders for their continued support of Element Solutions Inc. Most importantly, let me express my deep gratitude for our people around the world for their effort and commitment. Our combination of strong positioning, thoughtful strategy, and solid execution is entirely a product of our team, and our exceptional people continue to deliver for us. With that, operator, please open the line for questions.

Speaker #4: It's a growing business that matches our asset light . Customer . Intimate people intensive attributes . It'll be a great addition to our portfolio and reinforces our conviction that we can continue to find high value inorganic opportunities to accelerate per share earnings growth .

Speaker #4: We have capacity for more , but will continue to be disciplined about quality and fit . I'll close , as always , by thanking all of our stakeholders for their continued support of Element Solutions .

Speaker #4: Most importantly , let me express my deep gratitude for our people around the world for their effort and commitment . A combination of strong positioning , thoughtful strategy , and solid execution is entirely a product of our team and our exceptional people .

Speaker #4: Continue to deliver for us . With that , operator , please open the line for questions .

Speaker #2: Thank you . We will now begin the question and answer session . If you've dialed in and would like to ask a question , please press Star One on your telephone keypad to raise your hand and join the queue .

Operator: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. If you have dialed in and would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad to raise your hand and join the queue. If you would like to withdraw your question, simply press star one again. If you are called upon to ask your question and are listening via speakerphone on your device, please pick up your headset to ensure that your phone is not on mute when asking your question. Again, press star one to join the queue. Our first question comes from Varun Gokarn from BMO Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: If you would like to withdraw your question , simply press star one again . If you are called upon to ask your question and are listening via speakerphone on your device , please pick up your handset to ensure that your phone is not on mute .

Speaker #2: When asking your question again, press star one to join the queue. Our first question comes from Bhavesh Madiah from BMO Capital Markets.

Speaker #2: Please go ahead .

Speaker #4: Hi. Good morning, Ben.

[Analyst 1]: Hi. Good morning, Ben and team. Congrats on multiple fronts. On MicroMax, could you share some thoughts on how you expect this platform to perform under the Element Solutions Inc umbrella, just compared to your prior ownership? Maybe opportunities with your existing customers? How should we expect the growth and synergy starting from that $40 million EBITDA mark?

Speaker #5: And team , congrats on multiple fronts . On on Micromax . Could you share some thoughts on how you expect this platform to perform under the umbrella just compared to your prior ownership ?

Speaker #5: Maybe opportunities with your existing customers ? And how should we expect the growth and synergies starting from that $40 million EBITDA mark ?

Speaker #4: Yeah , thanks for the question , we're really excited by the opportunity to bring Micromax into the EIC family of businesses and make it a part of our electronic segment , McDermott Alpha Electronic Solutions .

Ben Gliklich: Yeah. Thanks for the question, Bhavesh. We're really excited by the opportunity to bring MicroMax into the ESI family of businesses and make it a part of our electronics segment, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. This is a business with a market growth algorithm in the mid-single digits. Just like with all of our other electronics businesses, we think we can outperform the market. The benefit of having this business inside of Element Solutions Inc as opposed to where it's been most recently is the depth of our connectivity in the supply chain, in particular in the circuit board supply chain. This is a product category that really fits right in between our assembly and circuitry capabilities. There's a modest amount of customer overlap, and there's a great deal of OEM and specifier overlap, and our relationships can help accelerate that growth.

Speaker #4: This is a business with a market growth algorithm in the mid-single digits , and just like with all of our other electronic businesses , we think we can outperform the market .

Speaker #4: The benefit of having this business inside of element , as opposed to where it's been most recently , is the depth of our connectivity in the supply chain , in particular in the circuit board supply chain .

Speaker #4: This is a product category that really fits right in between our assembly and circuitry capabilities . There's a modest amount of customer overlap , and there's a great deal of OEM and specifier overlap .

Speaker #4: And our relationships can help accelerate that growth from a cost perspective , we would expect those to be modest because we're going to run it from a functional perspective and a supply chain perspective separately .

Ben Gliklich: From a cost synergy perspective, we would expect those to be modest because we're going to run it from a functional perspective and a supply chain perspective separately. We do believe we can accelerate the growth here, and the value proposition to our supply chains should translate into value creation from a margin perspective and profit perspective for the company.

Speaker #4: But we do believe we can accelerate the growth here and the value proposition to our supply chains , which should translate into value creation from a margin perspective .

Speaker #4: And profit perspective for the company . Thanks .

Speaker #5: And then maybe stepping to Q3 , can you give us an update around the commercialization activities there ? Are we on track for , I believe the startup was planned for this quarter and any initial thoughts around earnings or EBITDA contribution next year from that ?

[Analyst 1]: Thanks. Maybe stepping to CUPRION, can you give us an update around the commercialization activities there? Are we on track for, I believe the startup was planned for this quarter, and any initial thoughts around earnings or EBITDA contribution next year from that?

Speaker #4: Yeah . So Brian , there are two major thrusts . I would say commercialization and supply chain . Our mid scale site where we ramped up investment meaningfully in the third quarter , is on track to be operational at the end of the year , which will provide more product to both qualify and sell .

Ben Gliklich: Yeah. CUPRION, you know, there are two major thrusts, I would say: commercialization and supply chain. Our mid-scale site where we ramped up investment meaningfully in the third quarter is on track to be operational at the end of the year, which will provide more product to both qualify and sell. We should have some meaningful sales and profits into next year. Commercialization is really qualifying this product with our customers and the specifiers, and that also continues at pace. I would say that there's a handful of very compelling commercial opportunities that are working their way through the different layers of approval required to sell something into this high-value, high-performance supply chain. We should be getting some qualification milestones here in the fourth quarter.

Speaker #4: And so we should have some meaningful sales and and profits into next year . Commercialization is really qualifying this product with our customers and the specifiers .

Speaker #4: And that also continues at pace . I would say that there's a handful of very compelling commercial opportunities that are working their way through the different layers of approval required to sell something , you know , into this high value , high performance supply chain .

Speaker #4: And so we should be getting some qualification milestones here in the fourth quarter .

Speaker #2: Our next question comes from Josh Spector from UBS . Please go ahead .

Operator: Our next question comes from Josh Spector from UBS. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Yeah . Hey good morning . And congrats on the Micromax deal . I wanted to ask on that one first . Just I don't know if you can provide any more color around the growth of that business from a top and bottom line perspective over the last couple of years I guess .

[Analyst 2]: Yeah. Hey, good morning, and congrats on the MicroMax deal. I just wanted to ask on that one first. I don't know if you could provide any more color around the growth of that business from a top and bottom line perspective over the last couple of years. I guess, you know, would that have been accretive to ESI's growth over that time? Also, as you think about the stability of that growth, does it provide, I mean, basically, does it improve the stability of overall ESI growth in your view, or is it slightly more volatile? Any characterization there would be helpful. Thanks.

Speaker #6: Would that have been accretive to Esi's growth over that time ? And then also , as you think about the stability of that growth , does it provide ?

Speaker #6: I mean , basically , does it improve the stability of overall growth , in your view , or is it slightly more volatile just any characterization , there would be helpful .

Speaker #6: Thanks .

Speaker #4: Yeah . So the way to think about top line here is X metals . So you know of the roughly $300 million of revenue here , about two thirds of that is metal value .

Ben Gliklich: Yeah. The way to think about top line here is X Metals. Of the roughly $300 million of revenue here, about two-thirds of that is metal value. There's been quite a bit of metal volatility, and that's been impacting the, we'll call it SEC or GAAP revenue here, but the profits have been very stable. I would say that there was a pretty significant drawdown in the electronics ecosystem in 2022 and into 2023. This business fared better than our electronics business did through that period. It's a very sticky product portfolio, so it didn't have the same drawdown. They have a price lever as well that has been flexed reasonably well, and we see opportunity associated with it.

Speaker #4: And so there's been quite a bit of metal volatility, and that's been impacting the, we'll call it, SEC or GAAP revenue here.

Speaker #4: But the profits have been very stable . I would say that there was a pretty significant drawdown in the electronics ecosystem in 2022 and into 2023 .

Speaker #4: This business fared better than our electronics business did through that period . It's a very sticky product portfolio , and so it didn't have the same drawdown .

Speaker #4: And they have a price lever as well that that has been flexed reasonably well . And we see opportunity associated with on the way back from that drawdown .

Ben Gliklich: On the way back from that drawdown, I would say the growth has been roughly in line with our assembly business, maybe a little bit faster over the past couple of years. This business enhances stability for sure, certainly X Metal, and on the profit line, and we see an opportunity to accelerate growth going forward. The products that this company sells are really specialized for the most demanding applications. They've got a concentration in aerospace and defense, low Earth orbit satellites, healthcare applications, and we're just starting to see the pull into the data center complex. That, as a market vector and also as a virtue of being inside of Element Solutions Inc, and our access to that market should lead to an acceleration in earnings growth here.

Speaker #4: I would say the growth has been roughly in line with our business , maybe a little bit faster over the past couple of years .

Speaker #4: So this business enhances stability for sure . Certainly ex metal and on the profit line . And we see an opportunity to accelerate growth going forward .

Speaker #4: There's you know , the products that this company sells are really specialized for the most demanding applications . So they've got a concentration in aerospace and defense .

Speaker #4: Low Earth orbit satellites , healthcare applications . And we're just starting to see the pull into the data center complex so that as a market vector and also as a virtue of as a product of being inside of element , and our access to that market should lead to an acceleration in earnings growth here .

Speaker #6: Thanks . That's helpful . And just as a quick follow up , I mean , you made comments in the release about still having capital flexibility .

[Analyst 2]: Thanks. That's helpful. Just as a quick follow-up, you made comments in the release about still having capital flexibility. I think you're two and a half times as pro forma for the deal closing. I guess at first blush, when that closes without those numbers, that leverage will go higher. Can you just talk about your ability over the next six to nine months to deploy cash to the extent that there's maybe a bigger opportunity in your stock in a drawdown or otherwise? How high would you be willing to bring leverage in that scenario?

Speaker #6: So I mean , I think your two and a half times is pro forma for the deal closing . I guess , you know , at first blush when that closes without those numbers , that leverage will go higher .

Speaker #6: So can you just talk about your ability I guess over the next 6 to 9 months to deploy cash to the extent that there's maybe a bigger opportunity in your stock and a drawdown or otherwise , how high would you be willing to bring leverage in that scenario ?

Speaker #4: Yeah . So we think about things on a pro forma basis . And so the two and a half we have is pro forma for the contribution of the expected contribution of Micromax .

Ben Gliklich: Yeah. We think about things on a pro forma basis. The 2.5 we have is pro forma for the expected contribution of MicroMax and taking into consideration the full purchase price of MicroMax. So 2.5 would be the number at year-end. You know, given the cash flow characteristics of our business and the growth opportunity we see into 2026, that number will be closer to 2 again by the end of 2026, barring any further capital deployment. We've always said that our long-term target ceiling for leverage is about 3.5 times. We see plenty of capacity even in the near term should something interesting become available to deploy incremental capital.

Speaker #4: And taking consideration the full purchase price of Micromax . So two and a half would be the number at year end . You know , given the cash flow characteristics of our business and the growth opportunity we see into 2026 , that number will be closer to two .

Speaker #4: Again by the end of 2026 , barring any further capital deployment . We've always said that our long term target ceiling for leverage is about three and a half times , so we see plenty of capacity even in the near term .

Speaker #4: Should something interesting , you know , become available to deploy incremental capital .

Speaker #2: Our next question comes from Chris Parkinson from Wolfe Research . Please go ahead .

Operator: Our next question comes from Chris Parkinson from Wolfe Research. Please go ahead.

Speaker #7: Great . Thank you so much , Ben . Given Micromax's history as part of DuPont , you know , what would you say to somebody who perhaps would critique the business and say , well , why did they get rid of it in the first place ?

[Analyst 3]: Great. Thank you so much. Ben, given MicroMax's history as part of DuPont, what would you say to somebody who perhaps would critique the business and say, "Why did they get rid of it in the first place?" Essentially, what has evolved over the last 5 to 10 years and what ultimately makes Element Solutions Inc the best owner or best home for the platform as it stands today?

Speaker #7: And essentially , what would make , you know , what's evolved over the last 5 to 10 years and what ultimately makes Element Solutions the best owner or best home for the platform as it stands today ?

Speaker #4: Yeah . Thanks for the question , Chris . Look , we can't speak to to DuPont's decision making as we really weren't a party to it , but but if I had to speculate , I'd probably say two things .

Ben Gliklich: Yeah. Thanks for the question, Chris. Look, we can't speak to DuPont's decision-making as we really weren't a party to it. If I had to speculate, I'd probably say two things. The first is, you know, the SEC or the GAAP margins of this business, on the face of them, are lower than some of our other businesses and some of DuPont's other businesses. DuPont doesn't have other metals-related businesses where they would make an X Metals adjustment like we do, right? To that point, on an X Metals basis, the margins of this business are in excess of 40%, which really speaks to how highly valued these materials are to their supply chain. This is a business that is highly specified by its customer base with substantial switching costs, very long qualification cycles. It's a very sticky business.

Speaker #4: The first is, you know, the SEC or the GAAP margins of this business, on the face of them, are lower than some of our other businesses and some of DuPont's other businesses.

Speaker #4: And DuPont doesn't have other metals related businesses where they would make an X metals adjustment like we do . Right ? To that point on an X metals basis , the margins of this business are in excess of 40% , which really speaks to how highly valued these materials are to their supply chain .

Speaker #4: This is a business that is highly specified by its customer base , with substantial switching costs , very long qualification cycles . It's a very sticky business .

Speaker #4: It's a very high value business . Even if the margins on the face of them , again , on a GAAP basis appear lower .

Ben Gliklich: It's a very high-value business, even if the margins on the face of them, again, on a GAAP basis, appear lower. The other reason may be that, you know, when DuPont chose to divest this business, the recent surge in innovation in the printed circuit board market, which has been away from the chip, right? Innovation in the integrated circuit has moved back into packaging and onto the circuit board. That hadn't really started at that point. As we sit here today, there's a huge amount of innovation and technology moving back from the chip to the circuit board, and these materials are an important part of that.

Speaker #4: The other reason may be that , you know , when DuPont chose to divest this business , this the recent surge in innovation in the printed circuit market , which has been away from the chip , right ?

Speaker #4: Innovation in the integrated circuit , has moved back into packaging and onto the board circuit board . That hadn't really started at that point .

Speaker #4: And so as we sit here today , there's a huge amount of innovation and technology moving back from the chip to the circuit board .

Speaker #4: And these materials are an important part of that . You know , finally , I think it's worth noting that in the , you know , whatever , 12 , 16 hours since we announced this transaction , I've had , you know , many messages from DuPont and DuPont people congratulating us on the acquisition and lamenting , frankly , that they no longer own it .

Ben Gliklich: Finally, I think it's worth noting that in the, you know, whatever, 12, 16 hours since we announced this transaction, I've had many messages from DuPont and ex-DuPont people congratulating us on the acquisition and lamenting, frankly, that they no longer own it. This is a really good business. It's a market leader in a high-value market with strong technology, solid growth outlook, great cash flows, and we've got several avenues to make it better as part of Element Solutions Inc. It fits within this really cogent portfolio of technologies that we have to support high-value electronics.

Speaker #4: So this is a this is a really good business . It's a market leader in a high value market with strong technology , solid growth outlook , great cash flows , and we've got several avenues to make it better .

Speaker #4: As part of Element Solutions Inc , it fits within this really cogent portfolio of technologies that we have to support high value electronics .

Speaker #7: That's a great color . Thank you . And just as a quick follow up , Ben , as we , you know , start thinking about on a preliminary basis about 26 , you know , how should we be thinking about the semiconductor growth side of it .

[Analyst 3]: That's a great color. Thank you. Just as a quick follow-up, Ben, as we start thinking on a preliminary basis about 2026, how should we be thinking about the semiconductor growth side of it and the comments in the PowerPoint about software power electronics? Was that a singular customer that caused an issue? How should we think about the momentum into year-end and ultimately over the next 12 to 18 months? Thank you so much.

Speaker #7: And you know , the comments in the PowerPoint about software , power electronics , is that a singular customer that caused an issue ?

Speaker #7: I mean , how should we think about the momentum into year end and ultimately over the next 12 to 18 months ? Thank you so much .

Speaker #4: Yeah , absolutely . So , you know , within the semi business , there's really two prongs . There's semi assembly and wafer level packaging business .

Ben Gliklich: Yeah, absolutely. Within the semi business, there's really two prongs. There's semi-assembly and our wafer-level packaging business. The semi-assembly business has a strong capability in power electronics, and we've all seen what's happened in the EV market, certainly with some of the larger participants in that market. That's what weighed on the semi business in the third quarter. The wafer-level packaging business continued to grow in the teens and has a pretty compelling growth runway ahead from here. In the power electronics business, even with a weaker EV market, we see substantial customer wins as we gain share with our material over competitive, more legacy technology materials for power semis and power modules. There's a growth vector there as well. The semi business will continue to grow, certainly above market and healthily, as we get into 2026.

Speaker #4: The semi assembly business has a strong capability and power electronics . And we've all seen what's happened in the EV market . And certainly with some of the larger participants in that market .

Speaker #4: And that's what weighed on on the semi business in the third quarter . The wafer level packaging business continued to grow in the teens and has a pretty compelling growth runway ahead from here and in the power electronics business , even with a weaker EV market , we see substantial customer wins as we gain share with our material over competitive more legacy technology materials for power semis and power modules .

Speaker #4: And so there's a growth vector there as well . The semi business will continue to grow . Certainly above market and healthily as we get into 2026 .

Speaker #2: Our next question comes from Frank Mitch from Fermium Research . Please go ahead .

Operator: Our next question comes from Frank Mitsch from Wolfe Research. Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: Thank you . And and congrats on Micromax . I'm assuming that given the quick time to complete the deal , looking at the first quarter of 26 that you're not anticipating any antitrust issues in terms of government approvals .

Varun Gokarn: Thank you and congrats on MicroMax. I'm assuming that, given the quick time to complete the deal, looking at the first quarter of 2026, that you're not anticipating any antitrust issues in terms of government approvals?

Speaker #4: Yeah . So as we've said , this is a complementary capability . While there's some customer overlap , there really isn't a technology or market share overlap .

Ben Gliklich: As we've said, this is a complementary capability. While there's some customer overlap, there really isn't a technology or market share overlap. We don't anticipate substantial regulatory hurdles going forward.

Speaker #4: And so we don't anticipate substantial regulatory hurdles going forward .

Speaker #8: Thank you . And you know nice job on the third quarter upside . What what most positively surprised you relative to the guidance .

Varun Gokarn: Thank you. You know, a nice job on the third quarter upside. What most positively surprised you relative to the guidance, and how is that trending so far here in the fourth quarter?

Speaker #8: And how is how is that trending so far here in in the fourth quarter .

Speaker #4: Yeah . So so you know the industrial solutions business had a really strong third quarter . Even if you don't necessarily see it in the organic sales .

Ben Gliklich: Yeah. The industrial solutions business had a really strong third quarter, even if you don't necessarily see it in the organic sales, right? We were lapping a period where we sold a big piece of equipment in Q3 of 2024. When you adjust that out, which was a low margin sale, we actually had volume growth and organic growth in that business, which was mixed favorable and positive. I think entering the third quarter, our expectations for industrial were probably weaker than what we ultimately delivered. If I had to call that one surprise, it would be that. As we sit here in the fourth quarter, we're almost through October, the momentum in the electronics side of the business has been a positive surprise thus far. We're seeing real strong continued momentum in electronics, and that's a positive indicator as we move into 2026.

Speaker #4: We were lapping a period where we sold a big piece of equipment in Q3 of 2024 . And so when you adjust that out , which was a low margin sale , when you adjust that out , we actually had volume growth and organic growth in that business , which was mixed , favorable and positive .

Speaker #4: I think entering the third quarter , our expectations for industrial were probably weaker than what we ultimately delivered . So if I had to call out one surprise , it would be that .

Speaker #4: And as we sit here in the fourth quarter, right, we're almost through October. The momentum in the electronic side of the business has been a positive surprise thus far.

Speaker #4: And so we're seeing real strong continued momentum in electronics and , you know , that's a positive indicator as we as we move into 2026 .

Speaker #2: Our next question comes from Aleksey here from from KeyBanc Capital Markets . Please go ahead .

Operator: Our next question comes from Alexei Yefremov from KeyBanc Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Speaker #9: Thanks . Good morning Ben , I realized you already talked a lot about Micromax , but I was hoping to give you an opportunity to talk about growth synergies here , either on commercial side or technology or anything else .

[Analyst 4]: Thanks. Good morning. Ben, I realized you already talked a lot about MicroMax, but I was hoping to give you an opportunity to talk about growth synergies here, either on the commercial side or technology or anything else.

Speaker #4: Yeah . No , I appreciate it . Look , our . 70% of our business and correspondingly 70% of our people wake up every day thinking about the electronics supply chain and how they can add value to their customers .

Ben Gliklich: Yeah. No, I appreciate it. Look, 70% of our business and correspondingly 70% of our people wake up every day thinking about the electronic supply chain and how they can add value to their customers and the specifiers, right? Now we've got a new capability that's highly strategic. It's a market leader in a high-value market that we can add to the quiver of capabilities that we bring to bear to those suppliers. We're doing tech days with the largest OEMs, with the largest participants in the supply chain, bringing all of our capabilities to bear, and MicroMax will be one of those capabilities. That's not something that they had in their prior ownership. I believe that we will drive greater commercial traction through that.

Speaker #4: And the specifiers . Right . And so now we've got a new capability that's highly strategic . It's a market leader in a high value market that we can add to the quiver of capabilities that we bring to bear to those suppliers .

Speaker #4: We're doing tech days with the largest OEMs , with the largest participants in the supply chain , bringing all of our capabilities to bear .

Speaker #4: And Micromax will be one of those capabilities . That's not something that they had in their prior ownership . And so I believe that we will drive greater commercial traction through that at the same time , you know , the technologies they have are becoming increasingly important as the demands that are being placed on the printed circuit board versus the semiconductor versus the chip are changing and growing .

Ben Gliklich: At the same time, the technologies they have are becoming increasingly important as the demands that are being placed on the printed circuit board versus the semiconductor versus the chip are changing and growing. That is a market growth vector that will support this technology leader and will be able to get them into the right rooms and provide them with greater access than they would have had previously. This should allow for this business to grow faster than its market, and its market's already got a solid growth outlook.

Speaker #4: And so that is a market growth vector that will support this technology leader and will be able to get them into the right rooms and provide them with greater access than they would have had previously .

Speaker #4: And so this is a , you know , that allows for that should allow for this business to grow faster than its market and its markets already got a solid growth outlook .

Speaker #9: Thanks , Ben . And then hopefully I was hoping to look a little bit into 26 on your electronics side , how do you feel about just volumes in general given there's been some destocking that occurred this year across sort of several key products ?

[Analyst 4]: Thanks, Ben. I was hoping to look a little bit into 2026 on your electronics side. How do you feel about just volumes in general, given there's been some destocking that occurred this year across sort of several key products? Do you see generally volume growth accelerating next year, about the same, or slower?

Speaker #9: Do you see generally volume growth accelerating next year about the same or slower ?

Speaker #4: Yes . So , you know , we think about units and you know , we have conviction that the growth we're seeing in high end electronics will continue into 2026 .

Ben Gliklich: Yeah. We think about units, and we have conviction that the growth we're seeing in high-end electronics will continue into 2026. The growth that we've delivered in high-end electronics year to date has been really strong and I would say clearly above market. We should continue to deliver that. The outlook for automotive units, in particular EVs, is really hard to predict at this point. We'd simply be speculating. We've got, especially on the power electronics side, plenty of market share to go after that should allow for us to outgrow that market. The question mark as we entered the third quarter was smartphones. We're seeing a healthy smartphone environment, as we sit here today, probably better than we would have expected. We'll see what the pull-through on that is into 2026. It's hard to call that right now.

Speaker #4: And and you know , the growth that we've delivered in high end electronics year to date has been really strong . And I would say clearly above market .

Speaker #4: So we should continue to deliver that . The outlook for automotive units in particular EVs , is really hard , is hard to predict at this point .

Speaker #4: We'd simply be speculating , but we've got especially on the power electronics side , plenty of market share to go after that should allow for us to outgrow that market .

Speaker #4: And so , you know , the question mark , as we entered the third quarter was smartphones . We're seeing a healthy smartphone environment as we sit here today .

Speaker #4: Probably better than we would have expected . We'll see what the pull through on that is into 2026 . It's hard to call that right now .

Speaker #4: All told , you know , next year has promised to be another solid year of organic growth . And you know , we've just added a strong impact from inorganic opportunity .

Ben Gliklich: All told, next year has promise to be another solid year of organic growth. We've just added a strong impact from inorganic opportunity. We're very optimistic about 2026 and beyond.

Speaker #4: So, you were very optimistic about 2026 and beyond.

Speaker #2: Our next question comes from Keith Osterlund from tourism . Please go ahead .

Operator: Our next question comes from Pete Osterland from Truist Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #10: Hey good morning . Thanks for taking the questions . First . Just following up on Micromax . Do you view these assets as historically underinvested in ?

[Analyst 4]: Hey, good morning. Thanks for taking the questions. First, just following up on MicroMax, do you view these assets as historically underinvested in? Do you see the need for any elevated capital spending initially in order for the business to reach the full potential you're looking for? Could you share what you're expecting in terms of one-time costs to stand up and integrate the business?

Speaker #10: I mean, do you see the need for any elevated capital spending initially in order for the business to reach its full potential? You're looking for?

Speaker #10: And you know , could you share what you're expecting in terms of one time costs to stand up and integrate the business ?

Speaker #4: Sure . So . This business is just like our businesses . It's a people intensive technical applications oriented employee base , customer facing type of business and correspondingly , its asset light formulation .

Ben Gliklich: Sure thing, Pete. This business is just like our businesses. It's a people-intensive, technical applications-oriented, employee-based, customer-facing type of business. Correspondingly, it's asset-light formulation, and I would think this is about a 2% of sales capital business just like ours. It's got the capacity it needs to support substantial incremental growth. We don't see this driving an uptick in CapEx across Element Solutions Inc nor requiring significant investment in physical assets. There is a standalone cost dynamic, which is burdened, which is in the approximately $40 million that we've communicated as the full-year contribution for this business of a few million dollars. We'll see, synergies could come from that over a 12 to 18-month period, driving the earnings here higher.

Speaker #4: And so , you know , I would think this is about a 2% of sales capital business , just like ours . And it's got , you know , the capacity it needs to support substantial incremental growth .

Speaker #4: So we don't see this driving an uptick in in CapEx across element and nor requiring significant investment . You know , in physical assets .

Speaker #4: There is a standalone cost dynamic , which is burdened , you know , which is which is in the approximately $40 million that we've communicated as the full year contribution for this business of a few million dollars .

Speaker #4: We'll see . You know , synergies could come from that over a 12 to 18 month period . Driving the the earnings here higher .

Speaker #10: Very helpful . Thank you . And then , you know , switching gears on the INS business , the margin performance in the third quarter was very strong .

[Analyst 4]: Very helpful. Thank you. Then, switching gears, on the IMS business, the margin performance in the third quarter was very strong, despite kind of continued challenges in the overall industrial operating environment. My question is, where can margins go in this business? In a more normalized demand environment, is there room to move margins meaningfully higher from the almost 24% that you put up in the third quarter?

Speaker #10: You know despite continued challenges in the overall industrial operating environment . So you know my question is where can margins go in this business .

Speaker #10: I mean , in a more normalized demand environment , is there room to move margins meaningfully higher from the almost 24% that you put up in the third quarter ?

Speaker #4: Yes , the short answer , the industrial business , while it had modest volume growth , is still very far dislocated from its prior peak volumes .

Ben Gliklich: Yes, is the short answer, Pete. You know, the industrial business, while it's had modest volume growth, is still very far dislocated from its prior peak volumes. The productivity and procurement we're driving to drive those margins higher will contribute, I would say, a very strong incremental as and when volume growth recovers. We get better absorption through our sites. The offshore business also continues to be strong, and that's mixed positive. There's room for further margin expansion. I'd note that when you look across the Element Solutions Inc complex, our metals-adjusted margins were 28% in the quarter. That's only 100 basis points off of our prior peak, and we're continuing to invest in OpEx in anticipation of and in support of pretty significant margin accretive future growth. Across all of Element Solutions Inc, we see material opportunity for incremental margin expansion from here.

Speaker #4: And so the productivity and procurement were driving to drive those margins higher will contribute . You know , I would say a very strong incremental as and when volume growth recovers , we get better absorption through our sites .

Speaker #4: The offshore business also continues to be strong . And that's mixed positive . So , you know , there's room for further margin expansion .

Speaker #4: And I'd note that when you look across the ESI complex, our ex-metal margins were 28% in the quarter. That's only 100 basis points off of our prior peak.

Speaker #4: And you know, we're continuing to invest in opex in anticipation of and in support of pretty significant margin-accretive future growth.

Speaker #4: So across all of element , we see material opportunity for incremental margin expansion from here .

Speaker #2: Our next question comes from John Tang from CJS securities . Please go .

Operator: Our next question comes from Jon Tanwanteng from CJS Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #11: Ahead .

Speaker #3: Great .

Speaker #12: Thanks for the question , guys . And congrats on a quarter on the Micromax deal . I was wondering if you could drill down to the offshore business a little bit .

[Analyst 5]: Great. Thanks for the question, guys, and congrats on a nice quarter on the MicroMax deal. I was wondering if we could drill down to the offshore business a little bit. How sustainable is the strength there? I think you mentioned that there are some good tailwinds, but I'm wondering, were there any first-fill programs there that might tail off and kind of what the demand outlook is, you know, as we go off into next year?

Speaker #12: How sustainable is the strength there ? I think you mentioned that there was some good tailwinds , but I'm wondering were there any first fill up programs there that might tail off and kind of what the demand outlook is , you know , as we go off into next year ?

Speaker #4: Yeah , the offshore business is a longer cycle business . So what drives that is , is a solid , stable energy price , which drives drilling activity , which subsequently translates into new producing wells .

Ben Gliklich: Yeah. The offshore business is a longer cycle business, and what drives that is a solid, stable energy price, which drives drilling activity, which subsequently translates into new producing wells. We get a large sale when you see a fill. When a drill is completed, there are ongoing, more annuity recurring, like monthly orders for each well on which our fluids are being used. Drilling rates are pretty good right now. I think that there is an expected lull to some extent in drilling activity into 2026. I wouldn't count on, you wouldn't have expected in a 70% electronics business, for the fastest growing vertical to be offshore drilling. I wouldn't expect that to continue into 2026. It's a healthy market. It's a healthy business. We've got a pricing lever there as well that's pretty compelling, and we see sustained growth into 2026, but probably not at these rates.

[Analyst 5]: Got it. Thank you. Maybe a similar question, but focused on just the margins in the electronics side and the EV specifically. Do you expect that headwind from the larger customer there to continue for the foreseeable future, or is that something you expect to reverse out at some point, and how do you think about that market overall?

Ben Gliklich: Look, I think it's safe to say EV volumes are likely to be down again year over year in Q4, globally. I think that the worst of it has passed. I see opportunity for this power electronics business to continue to grow. We see a compelling growth opportunity in power electronics going forward, you know, into 2026. It's not just actually for EV applications. We're starting to see pull for these materials, these high-thermal materials, into other applications, network infrastructure and data center applications as well. We see a very strong pipeline for ArgoMax, you know, into 2026 and beyond.

Operator: Our next question comes from John Roberts from Mizuho. Please go ahead.

[Analyst 4]: Thank you. MKS has decided to exit the AutoTech industrial metal plating business. As the main competitor, was part of your volume pickup share gain opportunities as they go through that process?

Ben Gliklich: Really can't speak to that, John. I would say that our industrial business has been growing really nicely, executing very well. We've outgrown our market for sure, so there has been some share gain. I don't think it's appropriate to speak about any specific competitors. We've got great capability there and a really good value proposition to the supply chain. The team's been executing really, really well.

[Analyst 4]: Okay. Maybe I missed this, but you described MicroMax as fitting between assembly and circuitry. Will it be reported in either of those two subsegments, or will it be reported standalone?

Ben Gliklich: I don't expect it to be reported in either of the segments. I think it'll be standalone. I would note that we will report, you know, this business ex-metals to give a better picture on organic volume and, you know, appropriate margin.

and and I would note that we will we will report uh you know, this business X metals

To give a better picture on organic volume and, you know, appropriate margin.

Operator: That concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the call over back to Ben Gliklich for further remarks.

That concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the call back over to Ben for further remarks.

Ben Gliklich: All right. Great. Thank you very much. Thanks to everybody again for joining, and we're looking forward to seeing many of you in the days and weeks to come on the road. Have a great day.

All right, great. Thank you very much. Thanks to everybody again for joining. And we're looking forward to seeing many of you in the days and weeks to come on the road, have a great day.

Operator: This concludes today's conference call. Thank you for joining. You may now disconnect.

This concludes today's conference call, thank you for joining. You may now disconnect