Cabot Q1 2026 Cabot Corp Earnings Call | AllMind AI Earnings | AllMind AI
Q1 2026 Cabot Corp Earnings Call
Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by, and welcome to the Q1 fiscal year 2026 Cabot Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star one one on your telephone. You will then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised, and we do ask that you please limit to one question, and one follow-up. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. I would like now to turn the conference over to Robert Riss, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Planning. Please go ahead, sir.
Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by, and welcome to the Q1 fiscal year 2026 Cabot Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star one one on your telephone. You will then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised, and we do ask that you please limit to one question, and one follow-up. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. I would like now to turn the conference over to Robert Riss, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Planning. Please go ahead, sir.
Speaker #1: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by, and welcome to the first quarter fiscal year 2026 CABOT earnings conference call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode.
Speaker #1: After the speakers' presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the on your telephone, you would then hear an automated message advising session, you would need to press star 11 your hand is raised, and we do ask that you please limit to one question and one follow-up.
Speaker #1: And to withdraw your question, please press star 11 again. Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. I would like now to turn the conference over to Robert Risk, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Planning.
Speaker #1: Please go ahead,
Speaker #1: sir. Thank you, Michelle.
Robert Riss: Thank you, Michelle. Good morning. I would like to welcome you to the Cabot Corporation Earnings Teleconference. With me today are Sean Keohane, CEO and President, and Erica McLaughlin, Executive Vice President and CFO. Last night, we released results for our Q1 of fiscal 2026, copies of which are posted in the Investor Relations section of our website. The slide deck that accompanies this call is also available in the Investor Relations portion of our website and will be available in conjunction with the replay of this call. During this conference call, we will make forward-looking statements about our expected and future operational and financial performance. Each forward-looking statement is subject to the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements.
Robert Riss: Thank you, Michelle. Good morning. I would like to welcome you to the Cabot Corporation Earnings Teleconference. With me today are Sean Keohane, CEO and President, and Erica McLaughlin, Executive Vice President and CFO. Last night, we released results for our Q1 of fiscal 2026, copies of which are posted in the Investor Relations section of our website. The slide deck that accompanies this call is also available in the Investor Relations portion of our website and will be available in conjunction with the replay of this call. During this conference call, we will make forward-looking statements about our expected and future operational and financial performance. Each forward-looking statement is subject to the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements.
Speaker #2: Good morning. I would like to welcome you to the CABOT Corporation earnings teleconference. With me today are Sean Keohane, CEO and President, and Erica McLaughlin, Executive Vice President and CFO.
Speaker #2: Last night, we released results for our first quarter of fiscal 2026, copies of which are posted in the Investor Relations section of our website.
Speaker #2: The slide deck that accompanies this Relations portion of our website, and will be call is also available in the Investor available in conjunction with the replay of this call.
Speaker #2: During this conference call, we will make forward-looking statements about our expected and future operational and financial performance. Each forward-looking statement is subject to the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements.
Speaker #2: Additional information regarding these factors appears under the heading 'Forward-Looking Statements' in the press release we issued last night and in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.
Robert Riss: Additional information regarding these factors appears under the heading Forward-Looking Statements in the press release we issued last night, and in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and in subsequent filings we make with the SEC, all of which are available on the Investor Relations section of the website. In order to provide greater transparency regarding our operating performance, we refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures that involve adjustments to GAAP results. Any non-GAAP financial measure presented should not be considered to be an alternative to financial measure required by GAAP. Any non-GAAP financial measure referenced on this call are reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure in a table at the end of our earnings release issued last night and available in the Investor Relations section of our website.
Robert Riss: Additional information regarding these factors appears under the heading Forward-Looking Statements in the press release we issued last night, and in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and in subsequent filings we make with the SEC, all of which are available on the Investor Relations section of the website. In order to provide greater transparency regarding our operating performance, we refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures that involve adjustments to GAAP results. Any non-GAAP financial measure presented should not be considered to be an alternative to financial measure required by GAAP. Any non-GAAP financial measure referenced on this call are reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure in a table at the end of our earnings release issued last night and available in the Investor Relations section of our website.
Speaker #2: And in subsequent filings, we make with the SEC, all of which are available on the Investor Relations section of the website. In order to provide greater transparency regarding our operating performance, we refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures that involve adjustments to GAAP results.
Speaker #2: Any non-GAAP financial measure presented should not be considered to be an alternative to financial measure required by GAAP. Any non-GAAP financial measure referenced on this call are reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure in a table at the end of our earnings release issued last night and available in the Investor Relations section of our website.
Speaker #2: I will now turn the call over to Sean, who will discuss the first quarter highlights, followed by several company and business updates. Erica will review the corporate financial details and the business segment results for the first quarter.
Robert Riss: I will now turn the call over to Sean, who will discuss the Q1 highlights, followed by several company and business updates. Erica will review the corporate financial details and the business segment results for Q1. Following this, Sean will provide an update to our 2026 outlook, discuss market demand drivers, provide some closing comments, and then open the floor to questions. Sean? Thank you, Rob. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to our call today. In Q1, we continued to execute at a high level in a challenging economic environment, delivering adjusted earnings per share of $1.53 in the quarter. EBIT in the Reinforcement Materials segment declined by 22% compared to Q1 of fiscal 2025, in what remains a challenging demand environment.
Robert Riss: I will now turn the call over to Sean, who will discuss the Q1 highlights, followed by several company and business updates. Erica will review the corporate financial details and the business segment results for Q1. Following this, Sean will provide an update to our 2026 outlook, discuss market demand drivers, provide some closing comments, and then open the floor to questions. Sean?
Speaker #2: Following this, Sean will provide an update to our 2026 outlook, discuss market demand drivers, provide some closing comments, and then open the floor to questions.
Speaker #2: Sean?
Speaker #3: Thank you, Rob. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to our call continued to execute at a high today. In the first quarter, we environment, delivering adjusted earnings per share of $1.53 in the quarter.
Sean Keohane: Thank you, Rob. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to our call today. In Q1, we continued to execute at a high level in a challenging economic environment, delivering adjusted earnings per share of $1.53 in the quarter. EBIT in the Reinforcement Materials segment declined by 22% compared to Q1 of fiscal 2025, in what remains a challenging demand environment.
Speaker #3: EBIT in the Reinforcement Materials segment declined by 22% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2025, in what remains a challenging demand environment, primarily driven by lower volumes in the Americas and Asia Pacific.
Robert Riss: This decline was driven primarily by lower volumes in the Americas and Asia Pacific. EBIT in the Performance Chemicals segment increased by 7% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2025 on a more favorable product mix and continued momentum in our battery materials product line. Later in the presentation, I'll spend more time highlighting the strong performance and momentum we see in this growth vector, including the exciting announcement of our multiyear agreement with PowerCo. Operating cash flow was strong in the quarter, which allows us to invest to sustain our high-quality asset base and gives us the flexibility to invest in high-confidence growth projects while returning significant levels of cash to shareholders. As we indicated in our fourth quarter fiscal 2025 call, the global demand environment, particularly in the Reinforcement Materials segment, remains challenging.
Sean Keohane: This decline was driven primarily by lower volumes in the Americas and Asia Pacific. EBIT in the Performance Chemicals segment increased by 7% compared to the Q1 of fiscal 2025 on a more favorable product mix and continued momentum in our battery materials product line. Later in the presentation, I'll spend more time highlighting the strong performance and momentum we see in this growth vector, including the exciting announcement of our multiyear agreement with PowerCo. Operating cash flow was strong in the quarter, which allows us to invest to sustain our high-quality asset base and gives us the flexibility to invest in high-confidence growth projects while returning significant levels of cash to shareholders. As we indicated in our Q4 fiscal 2025 call, the global demand environment, particularly in the Reinforcement Materials segment, remains challenging.
Speaker #3: EBIT in the Performance Chemicals segment increased by 7% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2025. This increase was driven by a more favorable product mix and continued momentum in our battery materials product line.
Speaker #3: Later in the presentation, I'll spend more time highlighting the strong performance and momentum we see in this growth vector, including the exciting PowerCo. Operating cash flow was strong in the quarter, which allows us to invest to sustain our high-quality asset base and gives us the flexibility to invest in high-confidence growth projects while returning significant levels of cash to shareholders.
Speaker #3: As we indicated in our fourth quarter fiscal 2025 call, the global demand environment, particularly in the Reinforcement Materials segment, remains challenging. Tire production levels have been depressed, and we are lagging growth in miles driven, as inflation has likely caused the delay in the replacement cycle and a trade-down effect at the lower end of the market.
Sean Keohane: ... Tire production levels have been depressed and are lagging growth in miles driven, as inflation has likely caused a delay in the replacement cycle and a trade-down effect at the lower end of the market. In the Western geographies of the Americas and Europe, we have seen several years of tire production declines, which has impacted carbon black utilization rates. Tire imports from Asia continue to take share from domestically produced tires, and while Western countries are taking increasingly aggressive actions to address unfair trade practices, we have yet to see tariffs or other trade measures result in a meaningful decline in the flow of imported tires. In the United States, imports from Asia have declined sequentially in the last few months, but remain up approximately 4% year-over-year.
Sean Keohane: ... Tire production levels have been depressed and are lagging growth in miles driven, as inflation has likely caused a delay in the replacement cycle and a trade-down effect at the lower end of the market. In the Western geographies of the Americas and Europe, we have seen several years of tire production declines, which has impacted carbon black utilization rates. Tire imports from Asia continue to take share from domestically produced tires, and while Western countries are taking increasingly aggressive actions to address unfair trade practices, we have yet to see tariffs or other trade measures result in a meaningful decline in the flow of imported tires. In the United States, imports from Asia have declined sequentially in the last few months, but remain up approximately 4% year-over-year.
Speaker #3: In the Western geographies of the Americas and Europe, we have seen several years of tire production declines, which has impacted carbon black utilization rates.
Speaker #3: Tire imports from Asia continue to take share from domestically produced tires, and while Western countries are taking increasingly aggressive actions to address unfair trade practices, we have yet to see tariffs or other trade measures result in a meaningful decline in the flow of imported tires.
Speaker #3: In the United States, imports from Asia have declined sequentially in the last few months, but remain up approximately 4% year over year. In Brazil, tariffs have held slow from China, resulting in a the flow of imported tires, particularly 4% year-over-year decline in 2025 of passenger car tire imports.
Sean Keohane: In Brazil, tariffs have helped slow the flow of imported tires, particularly from China, resulting in a 4% year-over-year decline in 2025 of passenger car tire imports. In Europe, tire imports continue to be at elevated levels as few protection measures have been implemented to date. The tire industry currently has an antidumping petition under review, with a determination scheduled for June 2026. It is against this backdrop that we conducted our annual negotiations and reinforcement materials for our calendar year 2026 supply agreements. As we communicated in November, these negotiations were challenging and took longer to conclude. As you know, our tire agreements are heavily concentrated in the Americas and Europe, as Asia Pacific is largely a spot market.
Sean Keohane: In Brazil, tariffs have helped slow the flow of imported tires, particularly from China, resulting in a 4% year-over-year decline in 2025 of passenger car tire imports. In Europe, tire imports continue to be at elevated levels as few protection measures have been implemented to date. The tire industry currently has an antidumping petition under review, with a determination scheduled for June 2026. It is against this backdrop that we conducted our annual negotiations and reinforcement materials for our calendar year 2026 supply agreements. As we communicated in November, these negotiations were challenging and took longer to conclude. As you know, our tire agreements are heavily concentrated in the Americas and Europe, as Asia Pacific is largely a spot market.
Speaker #3: In Europe, tire imports continue to be at elevated levels as few protection measures have been implemented to date. The tire industry currently has an anti-dumping petition under review with a 2026.
Speaker #3: It is against this backdrop that we conducted our annual negotiations and reinforcement materials for our calendar year 2026 supply agreements. As we communicated in November, these negotiations were challenging and took longer to conclude.
Speaker #3: As you know, our tire agreements are heavily concentrated in the Americas and Europe, as Asia Pacific is largely a spot market. The level of tire imports from Asia into the Western regions contributed to a reduction in local tire production, leading to a decline in local carbon black capacity utilization and a more intense competitive environment.
Sean Keohane: The level of tire imports from Asia into the Western regions contributed to a reduction in local tire production, leading to a decline in local carbon black capacity utilization and a more intense competitive environment. In the Americas, we faced pricing pressure as carbon black industry utilization rates dipped below 80%. In Europe, the challenges were even more pronounced, with both pricing and volumes coming under pressure as tire imports increased 8% year to date November 2025. Pricing declined across Western regions, and in defending our pricing levels, we lost volume in Europe. Pricing impacts varied by region, but were generally in the range of 7% to 9% decline as compared to 2025 levels, reflecting the competitive pressures in the market. Across all regions, we continue to price our products based on our value proposition of reliable in-region supply, quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Sean Keohane: The level of tire imports from Asia into the Western regions contributed to a reduction in local tire production, leading to a decline in local carbon black capacity utilization and a more intense competitive environment. In the Americas, we faced pricing pressure as carbon black industry utilization rates dipped below 80%. In Europe, the challenges were even more pronounced, with both pricing and volumes coming under pressure as tire imports increased 8% year to date November 2025. Pricing declined across Western regions, and in defending our pricing levels, we lost volume in Europe. Pricing impacts varied by region, but were generally in the range of 7% to 9% decline as compared to 2025 levels, reflecting the competitive pressures in the market. Across all regions, we continue to price our products based on our value proposition of reliable in-region supply, quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Speaker #3: In the Americas, we faced pricing pressure as carbon black industry utilization rates dipped below 80%. In Europe, the challenges were even more pronounced, with both pricing and volumes coming under pressure as tire imports increased 8% year to date in November 2025.
Speaker #3: Pricing declined across Western regions, and in defending our pricing levels, we lost volume in Europe. Pricing impacts varied by region but were generally in the range of 7% to 9% decline as compared to 2025 levels, reflecting the competitive pressures in the market.
Speaker #3: Across all regions, we continue to price our products based on our value proposition of reliable in-region supply quality, sustainability, and innovation. However, the competitive dynamics negatively impacted the outcome of the negotiations.
Sean Keohane: However, the competitive dynamics negatively impacted the outcome of the negotiations. As we look forward, the picture on regional carbon black utilizations is a dynamic one. There are some recent signals that trade protection measures may be starting to have an impact on tire imports in the Americas, and we do see the global tire majors actively investing to reinvigorate and defend their Tier Two tire brands. Furthermore, there is an expectation embedded in GlobalData's tire production forecast for 2026 for growth in Western geographies as demand recovers from depressed levels. While these factors would be supportive of an improving regional utilization picture for our Reinforcement Materials segment, we are taking a series of actions to reinforce our leadership and to provide a foundation for sustained strong margins and cash generation.
Sean Keohane: However, the competitive dynamics negatively impacted the outcome of the negotiations. As we look forward, the picture on regional carbon black utilizations is a dynamic one. There are some recent signals that trade protection measures may be starting to have an impact on tire imports in the Americas, and we do see the global tire majors actively investing to reinvigorate and defend their Tier Two tire brands. Furthermore, there is an expectation embedded in GlobalData's tire production forecast for 2026 for growth in Western geographies as demand recovers from depressed levels. While these factors would be supportive of an improving regional utilization picture for our Reinforcement Materials segment, we are taking a series of actions to reinforce our leadership and to provide a foundation for sustained strong margins and cash generation.
Speaker #3: As we look forward, the picture on regional carbon black utilizations is a dynamic one. There are some recent signals that trade protection measures may be starting to have an impact on tire imports in the Americas, and we do see the global tire majors actively investing to reinvigorate and defend their Tier II tire brands.
Speaker #3: Furthermore, there is an expectation embedded in Global Data's tire production forecast for 2026 for growth in Western geographies as demand recovers from depressed levels.
Speaker #3: While these factors would be supportive of an improving regional utilization picture for our reinforcement materials segment, we are taking a series of actions to reinforce our leadership and to provide a foundation for sustained, strong margins and cash generation.
Speaker #3: In fiscal year 2025, we delivered $50 million of cost savings, and we expect to maintain these benefits in fiscal 2026. While we have new growth assets coming online that we anticipate will increase costs in fiscal year 2026, we expect these new assets will drive bottom-line profitability.
Sean Keohane: In fiscal year 2025, we delivered $50 million of cost savings, and we expect to maintain these benefits in fiscal 2026. While we have new growth assets coming online that we anticipate will increase costs in fiscal year 2026, we expect these new assets will drive bottom-line profitability. We also are focused on additional programs in fiscal 2026 that are targeted to reduce existing costs by another $30 million. These programs include procurement savings, headcount reductions in Reinforcement Materials, and benefits from accelerating technology deployment for improved yield and manufacturing efficiencies that we expect will be rolled out during fiscal 2026 and into fiscal 2027. In addition to cost actions, we have reduced our capital expenditures for the full year to align with the current market environment.
Sean Keohane: In fiscal year 2025, we delivered $50 million of cost savings, and we expect to maintain these benefits in fiscal 2026. While we have new growth assets coming online that we anticipate will increase costs in fiscal year 2026, we expect these new assets will drive bottom-line profitability. We also are focused on additional programs in fiscal 2026 that are targeted to reduce existing costs by another $30 million. These programs include procurement savings, headcount reductions in Reinforcement Materials, and benefits from accelerating technology deployment for improved yield and manufacturing efficiencies that we expect will be rolled out during fiscal 2026 and into fiscal 2027. In addition to cost actions, we have reduced our capital expenditures for the full year to align with the current market environment.
Speaker #3: We also are focused on additional programs in fiscal 2026 that are targeted to reduce existing costs by another $30 million. These programs include procurement savings, headcount reductions in reinforcement materials, and benefits from accelerating technology deployment for improved yield and manufacturing efficiencies that we expect will be rolled out during fiscal 2026 and into fiscal 2027.
Speaker #3: In addition to cost actions, we have reduced our capital expenditures for the full year to align with the current market environment. We are tensioning this spend while continuing to maintain our assets and invest in attractive growth opportunities to sustain strategic momentum.
Sean Keohane: We are tensioning this spend while continuing to maintain our assets and invest in attractive growth opportunities to sustain strategic momentum. We expect our new CapEx range to be approximately $60 million lower at the midpoint compared to 2025 actuals, which would support robust free cash flow generation, enabling us to sustain a high level of cash return to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Finally, as a result of the declining carbon black utilization levels in Western geographies, we believe it is prudent to look at our network capacity and align it to current demand levels. With this in mind, we are finalizing plans to rationalize carbon black capacity in the Americas and Europe to position us to operate more efficiently, enhance profitability, and maintain flexibility as we navigate this challenging demand environment. We will communicate any decisions when they are made.
Sean Keohane: We are tensioning this spend while continuing to maintain our assets and invest in attractive growth opportunities to sustain strategic momentum. We expect our new CapEx range to be approximately $60 million lower at the midpoint compared to 2025 actuals, which would support robust free cash flow generation, enabling us to sustain a high level of cash return to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Finally, as a result of the declining carbon black utilization levels in Western geographies, we believe it is prudent to look at our network capacity and align it to current demand levels. With this in mind, we are finalizing plans to rationalize carbon black capacity in the Americas and Europe to position us to operate more efficiently, enhance profitability, and maintain flexibility as we navigate this challenging demand environment. We will communicate any decisions when they are made.
Speaker #3: We expect our new CapEx range to be approximately $60 million lower at the midpoint compared to 2025 actuals, which would support robust free cash flow generation, enabling us to sustain a high level of cash return to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
Speaker #3: Finally, as a result of the declining carbon black utilization levels in Western geographies, we believe it is prudent to look at our network capacity and align it to current demand levels.
Speaker #3: With this in mind, we are finalizing plans to rationalize carbon black capacity in the Americas and Europe to position us to operate more efficiently and enhance profitability and maintain flexibility as we navigate this challenging demand environment.
Speaker #3: We will communicate any decisions when they are made. Before I hand it over to Erica to discuss our financial performance, I also want to highlight an area of our portfolio that continues to perform well: our battery materials product line.
Sean Keohane: Before I hand it over to Erica to discuss our financial performance, I also want to highlight an area of our portfolio that continues to perform well, our battery materials product line. We are a global leader in this space with the broadest range of conductive additives, formulations, and blends, and strong participation with leading global customers. Battery materials represents a significant strategic opportunity for Cabot, and we are excited about the progress we've made and the momentum we see ahead. Our battery materials product line delivered another strong quarter, with revenue growth of 39% compared to Q1 of fiscal 2025. This growth reflects the continued momentum in electric vehicle and energy storage applications, as well as the benefits of new customer agreements and capacity expansions that we believe position us well for sustained performance.
Sean Keohane: Before I hand it over to Erica to discuss our financial performance, I also want to highlight an area of our portfolio that continues to perform well, our battery materials product line. We are a global leader in this space with the broadest range of conductive additives, formulations, and blends, and strong participation with leading global customers. Battery materials represents a significant strategic opportunity for Cabot, and we are excited about the progress we've made and the momentum we see ahead. Our battery materials product line delivered another strong quarter, with revenue growth of 39% compared to Q1 of fiscal 2025. This growth reflects the continued momentum in electric vehicle and energy storage applications, as well as the benefits of new customer agreements and capacity expansions that we believe position us well for sustained performance.
Speaker #3: We are a global leader in this space with the broadest range of conductive additives, formulations, and blends, and strong participation with leading global customers.
Speaker #3: Battery materials represents a significant strategic opportunity for CABOT, and we are excited about the progress we've made and the momentum we see ahead. Our battery materials product line delivered another strong quarter with revenue growth of 39% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2025.
Speaker #3: This growth reflects the continued momentum in electric vehicle and energy storage applications, as well as the benefits of new customer agreements and capacity expansions that we believe position us well for sustained performance.
Speaker #3: EBITDA margins in this product line remain attractive, running at 22% on a trailing 12-month basis. Which underscores the strength of our technology and disciplined execution of our strategy.
Sean Keohane: EBITDA margins in this product line remain attractive, running at 22% on a trailing 12-month basis, which underscores the strength of our technology and disciplined execution of our strategy. Global demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to accelerate meaningfully over the remainder of the decade, with the sector projected to grow at roughly a 20% compound annual growth rate through 2030. This expected growth is being driven by both the continued rise in electric vehicle adoption on a global basis, and also by the rapid rollout of large-scale battery energy storage systems. We believe our LITX and ENERMAX brands are increasingly well-positioned. These brands bring together our most advanced conductive additives, formulations, and blends, solutions that are enabling superior battery performance in both EV applications and battery ESS installations.
Sean Keohane: EBITDA margins in this product line remain attractive, running at 22% on a trailing 12-month basis, which underscores the strength of our technology and disciplined execution of our strategy. Global demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to accelerate meaningfully over the remainder of the decade, with the sector projected to grow at roughly a 20% compound annual growth rate through 2030. This expected growth is being driven by both the continued rise in electric vehicle adoption on a global basis, and also by the rapid rollout of large-scale battery energy storage systems. We believe our LITX and ENERMAX brands are increasingly well-positioned. These brands bring together our most advanced conductive additives, formulations, and blends, solutions that are enabling superior battery performance in both EV applications and battery ESS installations.
Speaker #3: lithium-ion batteries is expected to Global demand for accelerate meaningfully over the remainder of the decade, with the sector projected to grow at roughly a 20% compound annual growth rate through 2030.
Speaker #3: This expected growth is being driven by both the continued rise in electric vehicle adoption on a global basis and also by the rapid rollout of large-scale battery energy storage systems.
Speaker #3: We believe our LITEX and Enermax brands are increasingly well-positioned. These brands bring together our most advanced conductive additives, formulations, and blends—solutions that are enabling superior battery performance in both EV applications and battery ESS installations.
Speaker #3: A critical element of our battery materials strategy is to establish incumbency in the Western geographies, as Gigafactories are built there. Last month, we signed a multi-year agreement with Powerco, and I want to take a moment to highlight why we believe this is such an important milestone for our battery materials product line.
Sean Keohane: A critical element of our battery material strategy is to establish incumbency in the Western geographies as gigafactories are built there. Last month, we signed a multi-year agreement with PowerCo, and I want to take a moment to highlight why we believe this is such an important milestone for our battery materials product line. PowerCo is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, the second-largest auto producer globally, with a broad and deep lineup of electric vehicles. VW has made clear its strategic intent to produce a substantial portion of its own batteries through the build-out of several gigafactories, and this agreement positions Cabot squarely at the center of that strategy. The agreement represents the first step in what we expect will be a multi-site, multi-year expansion of PowerCo's battery production footprint.
Sean Keohane: A critical element of our battery material strategy is to establish incumbency in the Western geographies as gigafactories are built there. Last month, we signed a multi-year agreement with PowerCo, and I want to take a moment to highlight why we believe this is such an important milestone for our battery materials product line. PowerCo is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, the second-largest auto producer globally, with a broad and deep lineup of electric vehicles. VW has made clear its strategic intent to produce a substantial portion of its own batteries through the build-out of several gigafactories, and this agreement positions Cabot squarely at the center of that strategy. The agreement represents the first step in what we expect will be a multi-site, multi-year expansion of PowerCo's battery production footprint.
Speaker #3: Powerco is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, the second-largest auto producer globally, with a broad and deep lineup of electric vehicles. VW has made clear its strategic intent to produce a substantial portion of its own batteries through the buildout of several Gigafactories and this agreement positions CABOT squarely at the center of that strategy.
Speaker #3: The agreement represents the first step in what we expect will be a multi-site, multi-year expansion of Powerco's battery production footprint. Securing this agreement not only reinforces our leadership position in conductive additives, formulations, and blends for lithium-ion battery applications, but it also creates a strong foundation for growth as Powerco scales its operations.
Sean Keohane: Securing this agreement not only reinforces our leadership position in conductive additives, formulations, and blends for lithium-ion battery applications, but it also creates a strong foundation for growth as PowerCo scales its operations. We are excited about the opportunity to grow alongside an industry leader and deepen our role as a trusted partner in the global EV battery value chain. Over time, we expect this agreement to be a material contributor to profit growth in our battery materials product line. It underscores the strength of our technology and the confidence our customers have in Cabot as a leader in this space. As I mentioned, one area that is helping to fuel the strong growth in our battery materials product line is the rapidly growing battery energy storage systems application.
Sean Keohane: Securing this agreement not only reinforces our leadership position in conductive additives, formulations, and blends for lithium-ion battery applications, but it also creates a strong foundation for growth as PowerCo scales its operations. We are excited about the opportunity to grow alongside an industry leader and deepen our role as a trusted partner in the global EV battery value chain. Over time, we expect this agreement to be a material contributor to profit growth in our battery materials product line. It underscores the strength of our technology and the confidence our customers have in Cabot as a leader in this space. As I mentioned, one area that is helping to fuel the strong growth in our battery materials product line is the rapidly growing battery energy storage systems application.
Speaker #3: We are excited about the opportunity to grow alongside an industry leader and deepen our role as a trusted partner in the global EV battery value chain.
Speaker #3: Over time, we expect this agreement to be a material contributor to profit growth in our battery materials product line. It underscores the strength of our technology and the confidence our customers have in CABOT as a leader in this space.
Speaker #3: As I mentioned, one area that is helping to fuel the strong growth in our battery materials product line is the rapidly growing battery energy storage systems application.
Speaker #3: These systems play a critical role in enabling clean, reliable, and flexible power for the energy grid, renewable energy sources, and the fast-growing network of data centers.
Sean Keohane: These systems play a critical role in enabling clean, reliable, and flexible power for the energy grid, renewable energy sources, and the fast-growing network of data centers. As demand for uninterrupted power supply accelerates, driven in part by the proliferation of AI-enabled data centers, the demand for battery ESS is expected to grow at a 26% compound annual growth rate through 2030. Cabot is well positioned to capitalize on this growth. Our advanced conductive additives, formulations, and blends are designed to improve cycle life and enhance battery efficiency, delivering the performance that customers in this application require. As we look ahead, we anticipate that battery ESS will be a significant contributor to the long-term growth of our battery materials product line. We expect the combination of this rapidly expanding sector and the larger battery electric vehicle market to create a powerful growth engine for Cabot.
Sean Keohane: These systems play a critical role in enabling clean, reliable, and flexible power for the energy grid, renewable energy sources, and the fast-growing network of data centers. As demand for uninterrupted power supply accelerates, driven in part by the proliferation of AI-enabled data centers, the demand for battery ESS is expected to grow at a 26% compound annual growth rate through 2030. Cabot is well positioned to capitalize on this growth. Our advanced conductive additives, formulations, and blends are designed to improve cycle life and enhance battery efficiency, delivering the performance that customers in this application require. As we look ahead, we anticipate that battery ESS will be a significant contributor to the long-term growth of our battery materials product line. We expect the combination of this rapidly expanding sector and the larger battery electric vehicle market to create a powerful growth engine for Cabot.
Speaker #3: As demand for uninterrupted power supply accelerates, driven in part by the proliferation of AI-enabled data centers, the demand for battery ESS is expected to grow at a 26% compound annual growth rate through 2030.
Speaker #3: CABOT is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. Our advanced conductive additives, formulations, and blends are designed to improve cycle life and enhance battery efficiency, delivering the performance that customers in this application require.
Speaker #3: As we look ahead, we anticipate that battery ESS will be a significant contributor to the long-term growth of our battery materials product line. We expect the combination of this rapidly expanding sector and the larger battery electric vehicle market to create a powerful growth engine for CABOT.
Speaker #3: With strong fundamentals, increasing demand for energy storage, and CABOT's differentiated technology, we believe we are well-positioned to create a high-growth business that can drive long-term shareholder value creation.
Sean Keohane: With strong fundamentals, increasing demand for energy storage, and Cabot's differentiated technology, we believe we are well positioned to create a high-growth business that can drive long-term shareholder value creation. I'll now turn the call over to Erica to discuss the financial and performance results of the quarter in more detail. Erica?
Sean Keohane: With strong fundamentals, increasing demand for energy storage, and Cabot's differentiated technology, we believe we are well positioned to create a high-growth business that can drive long-term shareholder value creation. I'll now turn the call over to Erica to discuss the financial and performance results of the quarter in more detail. Erica?
Speaker #3: I'll now turn the call over to Erica to discuss the financial and performance results of the quarter in more
Speaker #3: detail. Erica?
Speaker #2: Thanks,
Erica McLaughlin: Thanks, Sean. Adjusted EPS in the first quarter was $1.53. This performance was 13% below the same quarter last year, driven by lower EBIT in our reinforcement materials segment, partially offset by higher EBIT in our performance chemicals segment. Cash flow from operations was strong at $126 million in the quarter, which included a working capital decrease of $5 million. Discretionary free cash flow was $71 million in the quarter. We ended the quarter with a cash balance of $230 million, and our liquidity position remains strong at approximately $1.4 billion. Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2026 were $69 million, and we expect capital expenditures in fiscal 2026 to be between $200 and $230 million. Additional uses of cash during the first quarter were $24 million for dividends and $52 million for share repurchases.
Erica McLaughlin: Thanks, Sean. Adjusted EPS in the Q1 was $1.53. This performance was 13% below the same quarter last year, driven by lower EBIT in our reinforcement materials segment, partially offset by higher EBIT in our performance chemicals segment. Cash flow from operations was strong at $126 million in the quarter, which included a working capital decrease of $5 million. Discretionary free cash flow was $71 million in the quarter. We ended the quarter with a cash balance of $230 million, and our liquidity position remains strong at approximately $1.4 billion. Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2026 were $69 million, and we expect capital expenditures in fiscal 2026 to be between $200 and $230 million. Additional uses of cash during the first quarter were $24 million for dividends and $52 million for share repurchases.
Speaker #2: Sean: Adjusted EPS in the first quarter was $1.53. This performance was 13% below the same quarter last year, driven by lower EBIT in our Reinforcement Materials segment, partially offset by higher EBIT in our Performance Chemicals segment.
Speaker #2: Cash flow from operations was strong at $126 million in the quarter, which included a working capital decrease of $5 million. Discretionary free cash flow was $71 million in the quarter.
Speaker #2: We ended the quarter with a cash balance of $230 million and our liquidity position remains strong at approximately $1.4 billion. Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2026 were $69 million and we expect capital expenditures in fiscal 2026 to be between $200 and $230 million.
Speaker #2: Additional uses of cash during the first quarter were $24 million for dividends and $52 million for share repurchases. Our debt balance was $1.1 billion, and our net debt to EBITDA remained at 1.2 times as of December 31, 2025.
Erica McLaughlin: Our debt balance was $1.1 billion, and our net debt to EBITDA remained at 1.2 times as of 31 December 2025. The operating tax rate for Q1 was 28%, and we continue to anticipate our operating tax rate for fiscal 2026 to be in the range of 27% to 29%. Now, moving to Reinforcement Materials. EBIT decreased by $28 million in Q1 compared to the same period last year, primarily due to lower volumes, which were down 7% year-over-year. Regionally, volumes were down 15% in the Americas and 7% in Asia Pacific, while volumes in Europe were up 6%. Volumes were impacted by lower production levels and year-end inventory management by our tire customers in the Americas and increased competitive intensity in Asia Pacific....
Erica McLaughlin: Our debt balance was $1.1 billion, and our net debt to EBITDA remained at 1.2 times as of 31 December 2025. The operating tax rate for Q1 was 28%, and we continue to anticipate our operating tax rate for fiscal 2026 to be in the range of 27% to 29%. Now, moving to Reinforcement Materials. EBIT decreased by $28 million in Q1 compared to the same period last year, primarily due to lower volumes, which were down 7% year-over-year. Regionally, volumes were down 15% in the Americas and 7% in Asia Pacific, while volumes in Europe were up 6%. Volumes were impacted by lower production levels and year-end inventory management by our tire customers in the Americas and increased competitive intensity in Asia Pacific....
Speaker #2: The operating tax rate for the first quarter was 28% and we continue to anticipate our operating tax rate for fiscal 2026 to be in the range of 27% to 29%.
Speaker #2: Now moving to reinforcement materials. EBIT decreased by $28 million in the first fiscal quarter compared to the same period last year, primarily due to lower volumes, which were down 7% year over year.
Speaker #2: Regionally, volumes were down 15% in the Americas and 7% in Asia Pacific, while volumes in Europe were up 6%. Volumes were impacted by lower production levels and year-end inventory management by our entire customers in the Americas and increased competitive intensity in Asia Pacific.
Speaker #2: Looking to the second quarter of fiscal 2026, we expect a sequential decrease in EBIT of approximately $5 to $10 million driven by the outcomes of our calendar year 2026 customer agreements, partially offset by higher volumes from seasonal improvements.
Erica McLaughlin: Looking to Q2 of fiscal 2026, we expect a sequential decrease in EBIT of approximately $5 to 10 million, driven by the outcomes of our calendar year 2026 customer agreements, partially offset by higher volumes from seasonal improvements. As fiscal 2026 progresses, we expect to see improving EBIT in Q3 and Q4 as compared to Q2, driven by the benefits from our new capacity in Indonesia and our acquisition in Mexico, as well as improved costs from the countermeasures we are driving. Now turning to Performance Chemicals. During Q1 of fiscal 2026, EBIT for the segment increased by $3 million as compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in Q1 was due to higher gross profit per ton from a more favorable product mix, and continued optimization and cost reduction efforts.
Erica McLaughlin: Looking to Q2 of fiscal 2026, we expect a sequential decrease in EBIT of approximately $5 to 10 million, driven by the outcomes of our calendar year 2026 customer agreements, partially offset by higher volumes from seasonal improvements. As fiscal 2026 progresses, we expect to see improving EBIT in Q3 and Q4 as compared to Q2, driven by the benefits from our new capacity in Indonesia and our acquisition in Mexico, as well as improved costs from the countermeasures we are driving. Now turning to Performance Chemicals. During Q1 of fiscal 2026, EBIT for the segment increased by $3 million as compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in Q1 was due to higher gross profit per ton from a more favorable product mix, and continued optimization and cost reduction efforts.
Speaker #2: As fiscal 2026 progresses, we expect to see improving EBIT in the third and fourth quarters as compared to the second quarter, driven by the benefits from our new capacity in Indonesia and our acquisition in Mexico, as well as improved costs from the countermeasures we are driving.
Speaker #2: Now turning to performance chemicals. During the first quarter of fiscal 2026, EBIT for the segment increased by $3 million as compared to the same period in the prior year.
Speaker #2: The increase in the first quarter was due to higher gross profit per ton from a more favorable product mix and continued optimization in cost reduction efforts.
Speaker #2: Volumes were lower by 3% year over year, primarily due to lower demand in Europe. Looking ahead to the second quarter of fiscal 2026, we expect EBIT to remain relatively consistent with the first quarter as sequential volume improvement in the Western regions is expected to be offset by the timing of costs.
Erica McLaughlin: Volumes were lower by 3% year-over-year, primarily due to lower demand in Europe. Looking ahead to Q2 of fiscal 2026, we expect EBIT to remain relatively consistent with Q1, as sequential volume improvement in the Western regions is expected to be offset by the timing of costs. As fiscal 2026 progresses, we expect to see improving EBIT in Q3 and Q4 as compared to Q2, driven by stronger volumes in the back half of the year. I will now turn it back to Sean to discuss our 2026 outlook. Sean?
Erica McLaughlin: Volumes were lower by 3% year-over-year, primarily due to lower demand in Europe. Looking ahead to Q2 of fiscal 2026, we expect EBIT to remain relatively consistent with Q1, as sequential volume improvement in the Western regions is expected to be offset by the timing of costs. As fiscal 2026 progresses, we expect to see improving EBIT in Q3 and Q4 as compared to Q2, driven by stronger volumes in the back half of the year. I will now turn it back to Sean to discuss our 2026 outlook. Sean?
Speaker #2: As fiscal 2026 progresses, we expect to see improving EBIT in the third and fourth quarters as compared to the second quarter, driven by stronger volumes in the back half of the year.
Speaker #2: I will now turn it back to Sean to discuss our 2026 outlook. Sean?
Speaker #3: Thanks, Erica. As we look to the balance of fiscal year 2026, we are narrowing our adjusted earnings per share guidance range to between $6.00 and $6.50.
Sean Keohane: Thanks, Erica. As we look to the balance of fiscal year 2026, we are narrowing our adjusted earnings per share guidance range to between $6 and $6.50. This guidance incorporates the final outcomes of our calendar year 2026 annual Reinforcement Materials customer agreements that I discussed earlier. In terms of assumptions that underpin this outlook, in Reinforcement Materials, we anticipate volumes to be relatively flat year-over-year, which includes the impact of the Q1 volumes and some volume loss in Europe in our calendar year 2026 customer agreements, which are offset by volumes from new assets, including our new line in Indonesia and our plant acquisition in Mexico. We closed this acquisition at the end of January, and results will be consolidated starting in February.
Sean Keohane: Thanks, Erica. As we look to the balance of fiscal year 2026, we are narrowing our adjusted earnings per share guidance range to between $6 and $6.50. This guidance incorporates the final outcomes of our calendar year 2026 annual Reinforcement Materials customer agreements that I discussed earlier. In terms of assumptions that underpin this outlook, in Reinforcement Materials, we anticipate volumes to be relatively flat year-over-year, which includes the impact of the Q1 volumes and some volume loss in Europe in our calendar year 2026 customer agreements, which are offset by volumes from new assets, including our new line in Indonesia and our plant acquisition in Mexico. We closed this acquisition at the end of January, and results will be consolidated starting in February.
Speaker #3: This guidance incorporates the final outcomes of our calendar year 2026 annual Reinforcement Materials customer agreements that I discussed earlier. In terms of assumptions that underpin this outlook, in Reinforcement Materials, we anticipate volumes to be relatively flat year over year, which includes the impact of the first quarter volumes and some volume loss in Europe in our calendar year 2026 customer agreements, which are offset by volumes from new assets, including our new line in Indonesia and our plant acquisition in Mexico.
Speaker #3: We closed this acquisition at the end of January and results will be consolidated starting in February. Our outlook also reflects lower pricing year over year, driven by the annual agreements that I discussed earlier.
Sean Keohane: Our outlook also reflects lower pricing year-over-year, driven by the annual agreements that I discussed earlier. In Performance Chemicals, we anticipate low single-digit volume growth year-over-year, driven by our battery materials product line and tailwinds in certain end markets, such as infrastructure and consumer. We expect to maintain our gross profit per ton as compared to the prior year. Our balance sheet continues to be very strong, with net debt to EBITDA of 1.2 times as of December 31, 2025. We anticipate continued strong free cash flow generation, driven by robust operating cash flow and moderating CapEx spending. The combination of balance sheet strength and cash flow-generating capacity allows for significant flexibility in our usage of cash, which we plan to invest to maintain our global asset base, drive strategic growth opportunities, and return cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
Sean Keohane: Our outlook also reflects lower pricing year-over-year, driven by the annual agreements that I discussed earlier. In Performance Chemicals, we anticipate low single-digit volume growth year-over-year, driven by our battery materials product line and tailwinds in certain end markets, such as infrastructure and consumer. We expect to maintain our gross profit per ton as compared to the prior year. Our balance sheet continues to be very strong, with net debt to EBITDA of 1.2 times as of December 31, 2025. We anticipate continued strong free cash flow generation, driven by robust operating cash flow and moderating CapEx spending. The combination of balance sheet strength and cash flow-generating capacity allows for significant flexibility in our usage of cash, which we plan to invest to maintain our global asset base, drive strategic growth opportunities, and return cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
Speaker #3: In performance chemicals, we anticipate low single-digit volume growth year over year, driven by our battery materials product line and tailwinds in certain end markets such as infrastructure and consumer.
Speaker #3: We expect to maintain our gross profit per ton as compared to the prior year. Our balance sheet continues to be very strong with net debt to EBITDA of $1.2 times as of December 31st, 2025.
Speaker #3: We anticipate continued strong free cash flow generation driven by robust operating cash flow and moderating CapEx spending. The combination of balance sheet strength and cash flow-generating capacity allows for significant flexibility in our usage of cash, which we plan to invest to maintain our global asset base drives strategic growth opportunities and return cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
Speaker #3: While the current environment remains challenging, there are a number of factors that would provide support for an improved demand profile over the medium and longer term.
Sean Keohane: While the current environment remains challenging, there are a number of factors that would provide support for an improved demand profile over the medium and longer term. As I've discussed, for reinforcement materials, demand in the Western geographies has been impacted by elevated tire imports and depressed tire sales. Looking forward, industry forecasts project domestic tire production in the Western regions to return to growth in 2026 and 2027. The rate and pace of this recovery will likely be influenced in part by trade measures on tire imports, such as tariffs and antidumping duties, which are currently playing out across the various regions. In addition, pent-up demand for a delayed tire replacement cycle is expected to support volume growth as consumers return to more normal buying patterns, as inflation abates and interest rates move down.
Sean Keohane: While the current environment remains challenging, there are a number of factors that would provide support for an improved demand profile over the medium and longer term. As I've discussed, for reinforcement materials, demand in the Western geographies has been impacted by elevated tire imports and depressed tire sales. Looking forward, industry forecasts project domestic tire production in the Western regions to return to growth in 2026 and 2027. The rate and pace of this recovery will likely be influenced in part by trade measures on tire imports, such as tariffs and antidumping duties, which are currently playing out across the various regions. In addition, pent-up demand for a delayed tire replacement cycle is expected to support volume growth as consumers return to more normal buying patterns, as inflation abates and interest rates move down.
Speaker #3: As I've discussed, for reinforcement materials, demand in the Western geographies has been impacted by elevated tire imports and depressed tire sales. Looking forward, industry forecasts project domestic tire production in the Western regions to return to growth in 2026 and 2027.
Speaker #3: The rate and pace of this recovery will likely be influenced, in part, by trade measures on tire imports such as tariffs and anti-dumping duties, which are currently playing out across the various regions.
Speaker #3: In addition, pent-up demand for a delayed tire replacement cycle is expected to support volume growth as consumers return to more normal buying patterns as inflation abates and interest rates move down.
Speaker #3: At the same time, the global tire manufacturers are reinvigorating and leveraging their tier-two brands to defend share from Asian tire imports into Western geographies, which should help stabilize regional demand and support volume growth moving forward.
Sean Keohane: At the same time, the global tire manufacturers are reinvigorating and leveraging their Tier Two brands to defend share from Asian tire imports into Western geographies, which should help stabilize regional demand and support volume growth moving forward. In Performance Chemicals, we expect our diverse portfolio of applications to deliver GDP plus growth over time. While some end markets, such as housing, construction, and consumer durable applications, remain subdued, we see strong growth prospects in certain applications that are driven by macro tailwinds. As I discussed previously, our battery materials product line is expected to continue benefiting from the rapid build-out of battery energy storage systems and continued penetration of electric vehicles, particularly in Asia and Europe. Beyond batteries, our product sales into infrastructure-related applications continue to experience strong demand, as are our consumer and semiconductor-related applications.
Sean Keohane: At the same time, the global tire manufacturers are reinvigorating and leveraging their Tier Two brands to defend share from Asian tire imports into Western geographies, which should help stabilize regional demand and support volume growth moving forward. In Performance Chemicals, we expect our diverse portfolio of applications to deliver GDP plus growth over time. While some end markets, such as housing, construction, and consumer durable applications, remain subdued, we see strong growth prospects in certain applications that are driven by macro tailwinds. As I discussed previously, our battery materials product line is expected to continue benefiting from the rapid build-out of battery energy storage systems and continued penetration of electric vehicles, particularly in Asia and Europe. Beyond batteries, our product sales into infrastructure-related applications continue to experience strong demand, as are our consumer and semiconductor-related applications.
Speaker #3: In performance chemicals, we expect our diverse portfolio of applications to deliver GDP plus growth over time. While some end markets such as housing and construction and consumer durable applications remain subdued, we see strong growth prospects in certain applications that are driven by macro tailwinds.
Speaker #3: previously, our battery materials product line is As I discussed expected to continue benefiting from the rapid buildout of battery energy storage systems and continued penetration of electric vehicles, particularly in Asia and Europe.
Speaker #3: Beyond batteries, our product sales into infrastructure-related applications continue to experience strong demand, as are our consumer and semiconductor-related applications. As we look ahead, we would expect a continued easing of inflation and a further rate cut cycle to be supportive of demand levels overall.
Sean Keohane: As we look ahead, we would expect a continued easing of inflation and a further rate cut cycle to be supportive of demand levels overall. Given our broad global footprint and recognized technology leadership, we believe we are well positioned to capture value as demand recovers. While the environment remains dynamic, we are focused on leveraging Cabot's strengths to position the company for long-term success. It starts with our leadership position. Cabot is a proven technology leader with the widest global scale in our industry, and this positions us well to win and outcompete others. Our large global network of competitive assets and leading technologies enable us to optimize globally, serve customers effectively, and maximize returns. In the current environment, our focus will be on global asset optimization, process technology deployment, efficiency programs, and cost reductions to extend our leadership position and maintain our strong margins.
Sean Keohane: As we look ahead, we would expect a continued easing of inflation and a further rate cut cycle to be supportive of demand levels overall. Given our broad global footprint and recognized technology leadership, we believe we are well positioned to capture value as demand recovers. While the environment remains dynamic, we are focused on leveraging Cabot's strengths to position the company for long-term success. It starts with our leadership position. Cabot is a proven technology leader with the widest global scale in our industry, and this positions us well to win and outcompete others. Our large global network of competitive assets and leading technologies enable us to optimize globally, serve customers effectively, and maximize returns. In the current environment, our focus will be on global asset optimization, process technology deployment, efficiency programs, and cost reductions to extend our leadership position and maintain our strong margins.
Speaker #3: Given our broad global footprint and recognized technology leadership, we believe we are well positioned to capture value as demand recovers. While the environment remains dynamic, we are focused on leveraging CABOT's strengths to position the company for long-term success.
Speaker #3: It starts with our leadership position. Cabot is a proven technology leader with the widest global scale in our industry, and this positions us well to win and outcompete others.
Speaker #3: Our large global network of competitive assets and leading technologies enable us to optimize globally, serve customers effectively, and maximize returns. In the current environment, our focus will be on global asset optimization, process technology deployment, efficiency programs, and cost reductions to extend our leadership position and maintain our strong characteristics of CABOT are and our margins.
Sean Keohane: The cash flow characteristics of Cabot are, and our investment-grade balance sheet are enduring strengths of the company. The financial capacity allows us to fund strategic growth opportunities while maintaining a high level of cash return through dividends and share repurchases. We expect cash flow and liquidity to remain strong, and our investment-grade balance sheet provides great flexibility to execute our Creating for Tomorrow strategy. Finally, we see clear growth opportunities ahead and are investing to win. We are building momentum in our battery materials product line, which is a proven high-growth platform supported by strong macro tailwinds, fueling the data center build-out and electrification of mobility. In the infrastructure sector, wire and cable applications and investments in alternative energy generation are experiencing robust growth, and Cabot's products and global footprint are well recognized by leading customers in these key applications.
Sean Keohane: The cash flow characteristics of Cabot are, and our investment-grade balance sheet are enduring strengths of the company. The financial capacity allows us to fund strategic growth opportunities while maintaining a high level of cash return through dividends and share repurchases. We expect cash flow and liquidity to remain strong, and our investment-grade balance sheet provides great flexibility to execute our Creating for Tomorrow strategy. Finally, we see clear growth opportunities ahead and are investing to win. We are building momentum in our battery materials product line, which is a proven high-growth platform supported by strong macro tailwinds, fueling the data center build-out and electrification of mobility. In the infrastructure sector, wire and cable applications and investments in alternative energy generation are experiencing robust growth, and Cabot's products and global footprint are well recognized by leading customers in these key applications.
Speaker #3: investment-grade balance sheet are enduring The cash flow strengths of the company. The financial capacity allows us to fund strategic growth opportunities while maintaining a high level of cash return through dividends and share repurchases.
Speaker #3: We expect cash flow and liquidity to remain strong and our investment-grade balance sheet provides great flexibility to execute our creating for tomorrow strategy. Finally, we see clear growth opportunities ahead and our investing to win.
Speaker #3: We are building momentum in our battery materials product line, which is a proven high-growth platform supported by strong macro tailwinds fueling the data center buildout and electrification of mobility.
Speaker #3: In the infrastructure sector, wire and cable applications and investments in alternative energy generation are experiencing robust growth and CABOT's products and global footprint are well recognized by leading customers in these key applications.
Sean Keohane: Cabot is well positioned to navigate the current uncertainty, and this management team brings a track record of experience, disciplined execution, and a commitment to shareholder value creation. I am confident in our ability to execute our strategy and to return to a path for growth beyond 2026. I will now turn the call back over for our Q&A session.
Sean Keohane: Cabot is well positioned to navigate the current uncertainty, and this management team brings a track record of experience, disciplined execution, and a commitment to shareholder value creation. I am confident in our ability to execute our strategy and to return to a path for growth beyond 2026. I will now turn the call back over for our Q&A session.
Speaker #3: navigate the current uncertainty and this CABOT is well positioned to management team brings a track record of experience, disciplined execution, and a commitment to shareholder value creation.
Speaker #3: I am confident in our ability to execute our strategy and to return to a path for growth beyond 2026. I will now turn the call back over for our Q&A session.
Speaker #2: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press star 11 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. And to withdraw your question, please press star 11 again.
Operator: As a reminder, to ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. Again, we ask you, please limit to one question and one follow-up. Our first question will come from John Roberts with Mizuho. Your line is now open.
Operator: As a reminder, to ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. Again, we ask you, please limit to one question and one follow-up. Our first question will come from John Roberts with Mizuho. Your line is now open.
Speaker #2: Again, we ask you, please limit to one question and one follow-up. And our first question will come from John Roberts with Mizuho. Your line is now open.
Speaker #2: Again, we ask you, please limit to one question and one follow-up. And our first question will come from John Roberts with Mizuho. Your line is now open.
John Roberts: Thank you. I think the Asian country tire export data leads the US import data by a couple of months. What are you seeing on those tires that are leaving the ports in Asia?
Speaker #3: Thank you. I think the Asia country tire export data leads the US import data by a couple of months. What are you seeing on those tires that are leaving the ports in
John Roberts: Thank you. I think the Asian country tire export data leads the US import data by a couple of months. What are you seeing on those tires that are leaving the ports in Asia?
Speaker #3: Asia? Hey,
Sean Keohane: Hey, John. I would say the picture kind of remains pretty consistent. I think in the Americas, you know, we're definitely seeing in more recent months that the tire imports have been coming down a bit sequentially, certainly in North America. And I think the current data would be, you know, consistent with that, so we'll have to see how that plays out, but that would be the current view. And certainly in South America, the import levels have, as a result of tariff measures down there, particularly in Brazil, you know, have resulted in a modest year-over-year decline. And again, I think current data would be consistent with that. So there can be turbulence here, of course, as various regions implement various protective policies.
Sean Keohane: Hey, John. I would say the picture kind of remains pretty consistent. I think in the Americas, you know, we're definitely seeing in more recent months that the tire imports have been coming down a bit sequentially, certainly in North America. And I think the current data would be, you know, consistent with that, so we'll have to see how that plays out, but that would be the current view. And certainly in South America, the import levels have, as a result of tariff measures down there, particularly in Brazil, you know, have resulted in a modest year-over-year decline. And again, I think current data would be consistent with that. So there can be turbulence here, of course, as various regions implement various protective policies.
Speaker #4: John. I would say the picture kind of remains pretty consistent. I think in the Americas, we're definitely seeing in more recent months that the tire imports have been coming down a bit sequentially.
Speaker #4: Certainly in North America, and I think the current data would be consistent with that. So we'll have to see how that plays out, but that would be the current view.
Speaker #4: And certainly in South America, the import levels have, as a result of tariff measures down there—particularly in Brazil—resulted in a modest year-over-year decline.
Speaker #4: And again, I think current data would be consistent with that. So there can be turbulence here, of course, as various regions implement various protective policies.
Speaker #4: You can have a bit of channel stuffing that can happen ahead of changes in those policies, but I would see that those directional trends, I think, seem to be continuing.
Sean Keohane: You can have, you know, a bit of channel stuffing that can happen ahead of changes in those policies. But I would see that those directional trends, I think, you know, seem to be continuing, so we'll be watching that closely. In Europe, I think, you know, there haven't been significant measures put in place yet. There, there's an anti-dumping duty petition that's under review right now, so we'll have to see what happens, you know, there. So I would say the tire imports continue into Europe.
Sean Keohane: You can have, you know, a bit of channel stuffing that can happen ahead of changes in those policies. But I would see that those directional trends, I think, you know, seem to be continuing, so we'll be watching that closely. In Europe, I think, you know, there haven't been significant measures put in place yet. There, there's an anti-dumping duty petition that's under review right now, so we'll have to see what happens, you know, there. So I would say the tire imports continue into Europe.
Speaker #4: So we'll be watching that. We'll be watching that closely. In Europe, I think they haven't been significant measures put in place yet. There is an anti-dumping duty petition that's under review right now.
Speaker #4: So we'll have to see what happens. So I would say the tire imports continue into
Speaker #4: Europe. And is the volume weakness
John Roberts: Is the volume weakness in Europe silicas, just the construction silicones market, or is it being exacerbated by Dow's silanes closure?
John Roberts: Is the volume weakness in Europe silicas, just the construction silicones market, or is it being exacerbated by Dow's silanes closure?
Speaker #3: in Europe silicas just the construction silicones market, or is it being exacerbated by Dow's silane's closure?
Speaker #4: Yeah, I would say overall our demand is not been materially impacted by Dow's silane's closure. We reached an agreement there to be compensated for any non-performance or underperformance that that contract calls for.
Sean Keohane: Yeah, I would say our overall, our demand has not been, you know, materially impacted by Dow's silanes closure. We reached an agreement there to be, you know, compensated for any non-performance or underperformance that contract calls for. I think Europe, just in general, is weaker in terms of housing and construction, which is a big end market for silicones, and so I would say it's more of a general market weakness than anything specific.
Sean Keohane: Yeah, I would say our overall, our demand has not been, you know, materially impacted by Dow's silanes closure. We reached an agreement there to be, you know, compensated for any non-performance or underperformance that contract calls for. I think Europe, just in general, is weaker in terms of housing and construction, which is a big end market for silicones, and so I would say it's more of a general market weakness than anything specific.
Speaker #4: I think Europe just in general is weaker in terms of housing and construction, which is a big end market for silicones. And so I would say it's more of a general market weakness than anything
Speaker #4: specific. Great.
John Roberts: Great. Thank you.
John Roberts: Great. Thank you.
Speaker #3: Thank you.
Operator: Thank you. And the next question will come from Kevin Estok with Jefferies. Your line is open.
Operator: Thank you. And the next question will come from Kevin Estok with Jefferies. Your line is open.
Speaker #2: Thank you. And the next question will come from Kevin Eastock with Jefferies. Your line is open.
Speaker #5: Hi, good morning. Thank you for taking my questions. So, just real quick, on your multi-year supply agreement with PowerCo, I guess, have you quantified what the, I guess, expected earnings contribution is from this agreement?
Kevin Estok: Hi, good morning. Thank you for taking my questions. So just real quick, on your multiyear supply agreement with PowerCo, I guess, have you quantified what the, I guess, expected, you know, earnings contribution is from this agreement?
Kevin Estok: Hi, good morning. Thank you for taking my questions. So just real quick, on your multiyear supply agreement with PowerCo, I guess, have you quantified what the, I guess, expected, you know, earnings contribution is from this agreement?
Sean Keohane: No. Hi, Kevin. We have not, for obvious confidentiality reasons, but obviously, the agreement's an important one strategically because of how significant PowerCo, we expect, will be, given VW's very broad lineup of EVs and their intent to make a substantial portion of their own batteries, number one. Number two, you know, as part of our strategy, we not only compete and do very well as a leader in China, but our strategy calls for establishing incumbency outside of China as battery, you know, gigafactories get developed. And this contract is an important one in that, in pursuit of that strategy.
Speaker #4: No. Hi, Kevin. We have not for obvious confidentiality reasons, but obviously the agreements and important ones strategically because of how significant PowerCo we expect will be given VW's very broad lineup of EVs and their intent to make a substantial portion of their own batteries.
Sean Keohane: No. Hi, Kevin. We have not, for obvious confidentiality reasons, but obviously, the agreement's an important one strategically because of how significant PowerCo, we expect, will be, given VW's very broad lineup of EVs and their intent to make a substantial portion of their own batteries, number one. Number two, you know, as part of our strategy, we not only compete and do very well as a leader in China, but our strategy calls for establishing incumbency outside of China as battery, you know, gigafactories get developed. And this contract is an important one in that, in pursuit of that strategy.
Speaker #4: Number one. Number two, as part of our strategy, we not only compete and do very well as a leader in China, but our strategy calls for establishing incumbency outside of China as battery gigafactories get developed.
Speaker #4: And in this contract is an important one in that in strategy. pursuit of that
Josh Spector: ... Okay, understood. Thank you. And I guess my second question would be just, so obviously you're largely a make in region, sell in region model. But I guess I was wondering what the magnitude of your cross-border specialty product sales were that were basically exposed to tariffs, and I guess whether you had any pricing mechanisms that would, you know, recover some of those costs?
Kevin Estok: ... Okay, understood. Thank you. And I guess my second question would be just, so obviously you're largely a make in region, sell in region model. But I guess I was wondering what the magnitude of your cross-border specialty product sales were that were basically exposed to tariffs, and I guess whether you had any pricing mechanisms that would, you know, recover some of those costs?
Speaker #5: Okay. Understood. Thank you. And I guess my second question would be just so obviously you're largely a making region, selling region model. But I guess I was wondering what the magnitude of your cross-border specialty product sales were that were basically exposed to tariffs and I guess whether you had any pricing mechanisms that would recover some of those costs.
Speaker #4: Sorry, Kevin, could you just repeat it? You're talking about in the reinforcement segment or are you talking about in performance chemicals?
Sean Keohane: Sorry, Kevin, could you just repeat? Are you talking about in the Reinforcement segment, or are you talking about in Performance Chemicals?
Sean Keohane: Sorry, Kevin, could you just repeat? Are you talking about in the Reinforcement segment, or are you talking about in Performance Chemicals?
Speaker #5: Actually, well, in either. If you have any I guess any points there,
Josh Spector: Actually, well, in either, if you have any, I guess, any points there, yeah.
Kevin Estok: Actually, well, in either, if you have any, I guess, any points there, yeah.
Speaker #5: yeah. Yeah.
Sean Keohane: Yeah. No, the company is largely a make in region, sell in region. We do have some relatively small volumes of products in Performance Chemicals that move across regions. Given the unique and specialty nature of certain technologies, they're not necessarily replicated in every region, and so there are some small, you know, cross-regional volumes that do move there. But they would be quite small in the overall, as an overall proportion of Cabot's sales. And so we've not really had any material impacts as in those product lines as a result of the trade tensions that are underway globally.
Sean Keohane: Yeah. No, the company is largely a make in region, sell in region. We do have some relatively small volumes of products in Performance Chemicals that move across regions. Given the unique and specialty nature of certain technologies, they're not necessarily replicated in every region, and so there are some small, you know, cross-regional volumes that do move there. But they would be quite small in the overall, as an overall proportion of Cabot's sales. And so we've not really had any material impacts as in those product lines as a result of the trade tensions that are underway globally.
Speaker #4: No, the company is largely a making region, selling region. We do have some relatively small volumes of products in Performance Chemicals that move across regions.
Speaker #4: Given the unique and specialty nature of certain technologies, they're not necessarily replicated in every region. And so there are some small cross-regional volumes that do move there.
Speaker #4: But they would be quite small in the overall as an overall proportion of CABOT sales. And so we've not really had any material impacts in those product lines as a result of the trade tensions that are underway globally.
Speaker #5: Okay. Understood. Thank you. I appreciate it.
Josh Spector: Okay, understood. Thank you, I appreciate it.
Kevin Estok: Okay, understood. Thank you, I appreciate it.
Speaker #2: Thank you. And our next question will come with Deutsche Bank.
Operator: Thank you. And our next question will come from David Begleiter with Deutsche Bank. Your line is open.
Operator: Thank you. And our next question will come from David Begleiter with Deutsche Bank. Your line is open.
Speaker #2: Your line is open. Thank you.
David Begleiter: Thank you. Good morning. Sean, can you talk to how your new Mexico plant fits into Americas' manufacturing footprint now that you look at the closed capacity in the Americas?
David Begleiter: Thank you. Good morning. Sean, can you talk to how your new Mexico plant fits into Americas' manufacturing footprint now that you look at the closed capacity in the Americas?
Speaker #6: Good morning. I'm Sean Keohane. Talk to how your new Mexico plant fits into look to close capacity in the America's manufacturing footprint now they Americas?
Speaker #4: Yeah, sure. David. So the is an important one strategically, as you know, we already have a plant in Mexico. In Altamira, very close by to where this plant is.
Sean Keohane: Yeah, sure, David. So the Mexico plant is an important one strategically. As you know, we already have a plant in Mexico in Altamira very close by to where this plant is. So there will certainly be operational synergies as we integrate this site into our existing management structure there in Mexico. And Mexico continues to be an important market where there is tire expansion. And so we see this as an important strategic asset. I think the other thing to remember here is I think it's an important and strong signal of our long-term partnership with Bridgestone. This agreement has a long-term supply agreement providing materials back to Bridgestone for use in their tire production in Mexico and in the Americas.
Sean Keohane: Yeah, sure, David. So the Mexico plant is an important one strategically. As you know, we already have a plant in Mexico in Altamira very close by to where this plant is. So there will certainly be operational synergies as we integrate this site into our existing management structure there in Mexico. And Mexico continues to be an important market where there is tire expansion. And so we see this as an important strategic asset. I think the other thing to remember here is I think it's an important and strong signal of our long-term partnership with Bridgestone. This agreement has a long-term supply agreement providing materials back to Bridgestone for use in their tire production in Mexico and in the Americas.
Speaker #4: operational synergies So there will certainly be as we integrate this site into our existing management structure there in Mexico. And Mexico continues to be an important market where there is tire expansion.
Speaker #4: So we see this as an important strategic asset. I think the other thing to remember here is I think it's an important and strong signal of our long-term partnership with Bridgestone.
Speaker #4: This agreement has a long-term supply providing materials, back to Bridgestone for use in their tire production. In Mexico and in the Americas. So it's underpinned by a long-term agreement.
Sean Keohane: It's underpinned by a long-term agreement. I think our view here is that it fits in strategically, given our existing footprint and the integration with our assets there, as well as the close partnership with customers that are investing in that region for growth and tire production.
Sean Keohane: It's underpinned by a long-term agreement. I think our view here is that it fits in strategically, given our existing footprint and the integration with our assets there, as well as the close partnership with customers that are investing in that region for growth and tire production.
Speaker #4: So I in strategically think our view here is that it fits given our existing footprint and the integration with our assets there, as well as the close partnership with customers that are investing in that region for growth and tire production.
David Begleiter: Well, very clear. That's helpful. And one more question, Sean. Can you talk to, on the, on your annual contracts, how the volumes were realized by region, North America, South America, Europe, for the upcoming, for the current year? Thank you.
David Begleiter: Well, very clear. That's helpful. And one more question, Sean. Can you talk to, on the, on your annual contracts, how the volumes were realized by region, North America, South America, Europe, for the upcoming, for the current year? Thank you.
Speaker #6: Well, very clear. That's helpful. And one more your annual contracts, how the question, Sean. Can you talk to on volumes were realized by region, North America, South America, Europe for the upcoming for the current year?
Speaker #6: Thank you.
Sean Keohane: Sure. So in terms of the contract agreements from a volume standpoint, I would say overall, as was commented earlier, we're expecting volumes across reinforcement to be, you know, relatively flat globally. And but if we look at the contract specifically, I would say in the Americas, there's basically no real change in share position here. So, you know, we would expect those volumes to sort of grow with market, which will be kind of flattish, is the outlook. A little bit up, perhaps, but in that range. And then in Europe, we did lose some volume in the contract negotiations there, and so we would expect European volumes to be down in 2026.
Sean Keohane: Sure. So in terms of the contract agreements from a volume standpoint, I would say overall, as was commented earlier, we're expecting volumes across reinforcement to be, you know, relatively flat globally. And but if we look at the contract specifically, I would say in the Americas, there's basically no real change in share position here. So, you know, we would expect those volumes to sort of grow with market, which will be kind of flattish, is the outlook. A little bit up, perhaps, but in that range. And then in Europe, we did lose some volume in the contract negotiations there, and so we would expect European volumes to be down in 2026.
Speaker #4: Sure. So in terms of the contract agreements from a volume standpoint, I would say overall as was commented earlier, we're expecting volumes across reinforcement to be relatively flat at the contracts globally.
Speaker #4: In the Americas, there's basically no real change in share position here. So we would expect those volumes to sort of grow with the market, which will be kind of flattish as the outlook—a little bit up, perhaps.
Speaker #4: But in that—and but if we look at the range. And then in Europe, we did lose some volume in the contract negotiations there. And so we would expect European volumes to be down in 2026.
Speaker #6: Thank
Speaker #6: you. Thank
David Begleiter: Thank you.
David Begleiter: Thank you.
Operator: Thank you. Our next question will come from Josh Spector with UBS. Your line is open.
Operator: Thank you. Our next question will come from Josh Spector with UBS. Your line is open.
Speaker #2: Thank you. And our next question will be from UBS. Your line is open. Please go ahead, Josh Specter.
Speaker #7: Yeah. Hi. Good morning. I had two questions just on the battery materials piece. I mean, I think if we go back a couple of years like 25 million in EBITDA, and we expected it to grow.
Josh Spector: Yeah. Hi, good morning. I had two questions just on the battery materials piece. I mean, I think if we go back a couple of years ago, you sized that business as something like $25 million in EBITDA, and we expected it to grow. Then there was pricing pressure, and it came down. So can you help us re-level set to the earnings in that business in fiscal 2025? And then second, you know, I think a lot of the growth in conductive additives were more about energy density. We talked about EV batteries and extended range. Does conductive carbons have the same value add in battery energy storage systems, where maybe the space requirement isn't as much of a constraint? Just curious if you can comment on those two pieces. Thank you.
Josh Spector: Yeah. Hi, good morning. I had two questions just on the battery materials piece. I mean, I think if we go back a couple of years ago, you sized that business as something like $25 million in EBITDA, and we expected it to grow. Then there was pricing pressure, and it came down. So can you help us re-level set to the earnings in that business in fiscal 2025? And then second, you know, I think a lot of the growth in conductive additives were more about energy density. We talked about EV batteries and extended range. Does conductive carbons have the same value add in battery energy storage systems, where maybe the space requirement isn't as much of a constraint? Just curious if you can comment on those two pieces. Thank you.
Speaker #7: ago, you sized that business as something pricing pressure, and it came down. So can you help us re-level set to the earnings in that business in fiscal '25?
Speaker #7: And then second, I think a lot of the energy density. We talked about EV batteries and extended range. Does conductive carbons have the same value add in battery maybe the space requirement isn't as much of a constraint?
Speaker #7: Just energy storage systems where growth in conductive additives were more about curious if you can comment on those two pieces. Thank you.
Sean Keohane: ... Sure. Thank you, Josh. So in terms of the ESS application and the EV application, there are similarities in terms of expectations for battery performance, but there are also some differences. You highlighted one of the biggest ones, which is obviously in an EV, there's a space constraint. And so trying to pack more energy density, you know, into smaller spaces is important, and that leads to slightly different requirements in terms of the conductive additives and the blends or formulations of those additives to meet that requirement. Whereas energy storage systems generally are less space constrained. And so I would say that's the most significant difference.
Sean Keohane: ... Sure. Thank you, Josh. So in terms of the ESS application and the EV application, there are similarities in terms of expectations for battery performance, but there are also some differences. You highlighted one of the biggest ones, which is obviously in an EV, there's a space constraint. And so trying to pack more energy density, you know, into smaller spaces is important, and that leads to slightly different requirements in terms of the conductive additives and the blends or formulations of those additives to meet that requirement. Whereas energy storage systems generally are less space constrained. And so I would say that's the most significant difference.
Speaker #4: Sure. Thank you, Josh. So in terms of the ESS application and the EV application, there are similarities in terms of expectations for battery performance, but there are also some differences.
Speaker #4: You highlighted one of the biggest EV, there's a space constraint. And so trying ones, which is obviously in an to pack more energy density into smaller space is important.
Speaker #4: And that leads to slightly different requirements in terms of the conductive additives and the blends or formulations of those additives to meet that requirement.
Speaker #4: Whereas energy storage systems generally are less space constrained. And so I would say that's the most significant difference. In both cases, they require high-value conductive additives and blends and formulations of those to optimize the performance.
Sean Keohane: In both cases, they require high-value conductive additives and blends and formulations of those to optimize the performance. So the profitability of both of these applications is quite good. So we're excited about the build-out there. Certainly, the momentum behind the build-out of energy storage is accelerating. And then outside of, you know, when you look at China and Europe for EVs, there's continued penetration there. With respect to the overall profitability of the business, we have not disclosed, you know, a more recent number. You are correct, back in that period of time, where we were, and then the industry went through a sort of prolonged destocking cycle.
Sean Keohane: In both cases, they require high-value conductive additives and blends and formulations of those to optimize the performance. So the profitability of both of these applications is quite good. So we're excited about the build-out there. Certainly, the momentum behind the build-out of energy storage is accelerating. And then outside of, you know, when you look at China and Europe for EVs, there's continued penetration there. With respect to the overall profitability of the business, we have not disclosed, you know, a more recent number. You are correct, back in that period of time, where we were, and then the industry went through a sort of prolonged destocking cycle.
Speaker #4: So the profitability of is quite good. So we're excited about the build-out there. Certainly, the momentum behind the build-out of energy storage is accelerating.
Speaker #4: And then, outside of when you look at China and Europe for EVs, there's continued penetration there. With respect to the overall profitability of the business, we have not disclosed a more recent number.
Speaker #4: You are correct, back in that period of time, where we were. And then the industry went through a sort of prolonged destocking cycle. So I would say it took a while to kind of level out.
Sean Keohane: So I would say it took a while to kind of level out. I think people realized that there was excess inventory of battery cells in 2023 and into 2024. So there was kind of a normalizing that's been quite difficult to figure out what the current, you know, run rate is. That being said, you know, we have been growing very nicely here in this business, and I commented earlier on our overall profit EBITDA margin level in this business. So you can see that it's a material contributor to the Performance Chemicals segment and one that we believe will grow as the build-out outside of China happens to be a, you know, material contributor to Cabot. That's certainly our aspiration here, and we're making investments to make that happen.
Sean Keohane: So I would say it took a while to kind of level out. I think people realized that there was excess inventory of battery cells in 2023 and into 2024. So there was kind of a normalizing that's been quite difficult to figure out what the current, you know, run rate is. That being said, you know, we have been growing very nicely here in this business, and I commented earlier on our overall profit EBITDA margin level in this business. So you can see that it's a material contributor to the Performance Chemicals segment and one that we believe will grow as the build-out outside of China happens to be a, you know, material contributor to Cabot. That's certainly our aspiration here, and we're making investments to make that happen.
Speaker #4: I think people realize that there was excess inventory of battery cells in '23 and into 2024. So there was kind of a normalizing that's been quite difficult to figure out what the being said, we have current run rate is.
Speaker #4: been growing very nicely here in this business. And I commented earlier on our overall profit EBITDA margin level in this business. So you can see that it's a material contributor to the performance chemical segment and one that we believe will grow as the build-out outside of China happens to be a material contributor to CABOT.
Speaker #4: That's certainly our aspiration here. And we're making investments to make that happen. And in a really strong we sit here today position. We've got the broadest range of conductive additives and an ability to formulate blends of both conductive carbons and carbon nanotubes and carbon nanostructures and I think that portfolio is a distinguishing one.
Sean Keohane: And we sit here today in a really strong position. We've got the broadest range of conductive additives and an ability to formulate blends of both conductive carbons, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanostructures. And I think that portfolio is a distinguishing one, and then the global footprint that we offer as customers build out outside of China is an important feature of Cabot's position here. And we're very well positioned with the top global producers around the world as they're building out. So we feel like we're hitting the milestones here, and in any new business, there's always some choppiness as things evolve. But we're focused on the long term here and very pleased with the momentum we're seeing.
Sean Keohane: And we sit here today in a really strong position. We've got the broadest range of conductive additives and an ability to formulate blends of both conductive carbons, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanostructures. And I think that portfolio is a distinguishing one, and then the global footprint that we offer as customers build out outside of China is an important feature of Cabot's position here. And we're very well positioned with the top global producers around the world as they're building out. So we feel like we're hitting the milestones here, and in any new business, there's always some choppiness as things evolve. But we're focused on the long term here and very pleased with the momentum we're seeing.
Speaker #4: offer as customers build out And then the global footprint that we outside of China is an important feature of CABOT's position here. And we're very well positioned with the top global producers around the world as they're building out.
Speaker #4: So we feel like we're hitting the milestones here. And in any new some choppiness as business, there's always things here and very pleased with the evolve.
Speaker #4: But we're focused on the long term.
Speaker #4: momentum we're seeing.
Speaker #7: Okay. Thank
Erica McLaughlin: Okay, thank you.
Josh Spector: Okay, thank you.
Speaker #7: you.
Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone. The next question comes from Lydia Wong with J.P. Morgan. Your line is open.
Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone. The next question comes from Lydia Wong with J.P. Morgan. Your line is open.
Speaker #2: Thank you. And as a reminder to ask a question, please press star 11 on your telephone. The next question comes from Lydia Wong with JPMorgan.
Speaker #2: Your line is open.
Lydia Wong: Hi, thank you for taking my question. How does it affect your margins when you sell to a higher mix of lower-tier tires versus when you sell to more higher-tier tires? And have there been changes to your customer mix?
Lydia Wong: Hi, thank you for taking my question. How does it affect your margins when you sell to a higher mix of lower-tier tires versus when you sell to more higher-tier tires? And have there been changes to your customer mix?
Speaker #8: Hi. Thank you for taking my question. How does it affect your margins when you sell to a higher mix of lower-tier tires versus when you sell to more higher-tier tires?
Speaker #8: And have there been changes to your
Speaker #8: mix? Hi,
Sean Keohane: Hi, Lydia. So I would say in terms of the, you know, major, you know, customer mix, I would say not, not major changes, to, to that, that mix or profile as we, as we look out into, into 2026. I think the, your question about profitability by, by tire, I think it's important to think about, this in a couple of different ways. First of all, every, every tire has, several grades of carbon black in it, depending on which part of the tire you're, you're talking about, so each is specifically designed to impart performance in that, part of the tire architecture.
Sean Keohane: Hi, Lydia. So I would say in terms of the, you know, major, you know, customer mix, I would say not, not major changes, to, to that, that mix or profile as we, as we look out into, into 2026. I think the, your question about profitability by, by tire, I think it's important to think about, this in a couple of different ways. First of all, every, every tire has, several grades of carbon black in it, depending on which part of the tire you're, you're talking about, so each is specifically designed to impart performance in that, part of the tire architecture.
Speaker #4: Lydia. So I would say in terms of the
Speaker #4: I would say not major changes. To that mix or profile as we look out into 2026. I think the your question about profitability by tire, I think it's important to think about this in a couple of different ways.
Speaker #4: First of all, every tire customer has several grades of carbon black in it, depending on which part of the tire you're talking about. So each is specifically designed to impart performance in that part of the tire architecture.
Speaker #4: So segmentation is important for us, not only in terms of customers—which types of tires—and then which grades of carbon black we try to tailor for different parts of each tire.
Sean Keohane: So segmentation is important for us, not only in terms of customers, which types of tires, and then which grades of carbon black we try to tailor for different parts of each tire. And so the market choices and the segmentation are important. You know, traditionally, what you find is that reinforcing grades impart more performance on the tire. Those are the ones that are, you know, on the tread or part of the tread architecture. And so that's very important in terms of delivering, not only the wear, but the fuel economy requirements of the tire. So, you'd traditionally see higher performance related to those types of grades.
Sean Keohane: So segmentation is important for us, not only in terms of customers, which types of tires, and then which grades of carbon black we try to tailor for different parts of each tire. And so the market choices and the segmentation are important. You know, traditionally, what you find is that reinforcing grades impart more performance on the tire. Those are the ones that are, you know, on the tread or part of the tread architecture. And so that's very important in terms of delivering, not only the wear, but the fuel economy requirements of the tire. So, you'd traditionally see higher performance related to those types of grades.
Speaker #4: And so the market choices and the segmentation are important. Traditionally, what you find is that reinforcing grades impart more performance on the tire. Those are the ones that are on the tread or part of the tread architecture.
Speaker #4: And so that's very important in terms of delivering not only the wear but the fuel economy requirements of the tire. So you'd traditionally see higher performance related to those types of grades.
Speaker #4: But the segmentation is a very important part of how we run this business, both customer types of tires whether they're for domestic or export as well as which products we try to tailor for different parts of the tire.
Speaker #4: But the segmentation is a very important part of how we run this business, both customer types of tires whether they're for domestic or export as well as which products we try to tailor for different parts of the tire.
Sean Keohane: But the segmentation is a very important part of how we run this business, both types of tires, whether they're for domestic or export, as well as which products we try to tailor for different parts of the tire.
Sean Keohane: But the segmentation is a very important part of how we run this business, both types of tires, whether they're for domestic or export, as well as which products we try to tailor for different parts of the tire.
Speaker #8: Thank you. And how is reinforcement materials volume trending quarter to date in the Americas, compared to the December quarter? And are the performances different in South America and in North
Lydia Wong: Thank you. And how is Reinforcement Materials volume trending quarter to date in the Americas compared to the December quarter? And are the performances different in South America and in North America?
Lydia Wong: Thank you. And how is Reinforcement Materials volume trending quarter to date in the Americas compared to the December quarter? And are the performances different in South America and in North America?
Speaker #4: So in terms of America? volumes, so far in January, we are seeing that volumes are up a little bit year over year. In the Americas, and so I think that's in Europe, that's positive.
Sean Keohane: So in terms of volumes so far in January, we are seeing that volumes are up a little bit year-over-year in the Americas. So I think that's positive in Europe. And then if you look at sequentially, you know, it's up you know, some 15-ish% or something in that range, I think sequentially, but that's not a surprise. You normally have a seasonally weaker December quarter, and I think that was even more pronounced as you saw in our volume results for December because of significant inventory management by customers at the end of the year. So seeing a sequential step up like that would - was expected.
Sean Keohane: So in terms of volumes so far in January, we are seeing that volumes are up a little bit year-over-year in the Americas. So I think that's positive in Europe. And then if you look at sequentially, you know, it's up you know, some 15-ish% or something in that range, I think sequentially, but that's not a surprise. You normally have a seasonally weaker December quarter, and I think that was even more pronounced as you saw in our volume results for December because of significant inventory management by customers at the end of the year. So seeing a sequential step up like that would - was expected.
Speaker #4: And then if you look at sequentially, it's up some 15-ish percent or something in that range. I think sequentially, but that's not a surprise.
Speaker #4: You normally have a seasonally weaker December quarter. And I think that was even more pronounced as you saw in our volume results for December because of significant inventory management by customers at the end of the year.
Speaker #4: So seeing a sequential step up like that would was expected. So on a year-over-year basis through January, it seems like it's developing fine. And as
Sean Keohane: So on a year-over-year basis through January, it seems like it's developing fine and as expected.
Sean Keohane: So on a year-over-year basis through January, it seems like it's developing fine and as expected.
Speaker #4: expected. Thank
Operator: Thank you. I am showing no further questions in the queue at this time. I would now like to turn the call back over to Sean for closing remarks.
Operator: Thank you. I am showing no further questions in the queue at this time. I would now like to turn the call back over to Sean for closing remarks.
Speaker #2: you. I am showing no further questions in the queue at this time. I would now like to turn the call back over to Sean for closing
Speaker #2: remarks. Great.
Sean Keohane: Great. Thank you, Michelle, and thank you all for joining today, our Q1 call, and we look forward to talking with you again in the upcoming quarters. And thank you for your continued support of Cabot Corporation. Have a great day.
Sean Keohane: Great. Thank you, Michelle, and thank you all for joining today, our Q1 call, and we look forward to talking with you again in the upcoming quarters. And thank you for your continued support of Cabot Corporation. Have a great day.
Speaker #4: Thank you, Michelle. And thank you all for joining today. Our Q1 call. And we look forward to talking with you again in the upcoming quarters.
Speaker #4: And thank you for your continued support of CABOT Corporation. Have a great day.
Operator: This concludes today's conference call. Thank you for participating, and you may now disconnect.
Operator: This concludes today's conference call. Thank you for participating, and you may now disconnect.
