Q1 2026 Orion SA Earnings Call

May 7, 2026

Speaker #1: Greetings and welcome to the Orion S.A. First Quarter 2026 earnings conference call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A brief question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation.

Operator: Greetings, and welcome to the Orion S.A. Q1 2026 Earnings Conference Call. It is now my pleasure to introduce your host, Mr. Chris Kapsch, Vice President of Investor Relations. Thank you, sir. You may begin.

Speaker #1: If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, please press star zero on your telephone keypad. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded.

Speaker #1: It is now my pleasure to introduce your host, Mr. Chris Kapsch, Vice President of Investor Relations. Thank you, sir. You may begin.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Michelle. Good morning, everyone. This is Chris Kapsch, VP of Investor Relations at Orion. And welcome to our conference call to discuss First Quarter 2026 results.

Corning Painter: Thank you, Michelle. Good morning, everyone. This is Chris Kapsch, VP of Investor Relations at Orion. Welcome to our conference call to discuss Q1 2026 results. Joining our call are Corning Painter, Orion's Chief Executive Officer, and Jeff Glajch, our Chief Financial Officer. We issued our Q1 results yesterday after the markets closed. We have posted a slide presentation to the investor relations portion of our website. We will be referencing this deck during the call. Before we begin, we are obligated to remind you that some of the comments made on today's call are forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our actual results may differ from those described during the call. In addition, all forward-looking statements are made as of today, 7 May 2026.

Chris Kapsch: Thank you, Michelle. Good morning, everyone. This is Chris Kapsch, VP of Investor Relations at Orion. Welcome to our conference call to discuss Q1 2026 results. Joining our call are Corning Painter, Orion's Chief Executive Officer, and Jon Puckett, our Chief Financial Officer. We issued our Q1 results yesterday after the markets closed. We have posted a slide presentation to the investor relations portion of our website. We will be referencing this deck during the call. Before we begin, we are obligated to remind you that some of the comments made on today's call are forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our actual results may differ from those described during the call. In addition, all forward-looking statements are made as of today, 7 May 2026.

Speaker #2: Joining our call are Corning Painter, Orion's Chief Executive Officer, and John Puckett, our Chief Financial Officer. We issued our First Quarter results yesterday after the markets closed.

Speaker #2: And we have posted a slide presentation to the Investor Relations portion of our website. We will be referencing this deck during the call. Before we begin, we are obligated to remind you that some of the comments made on today's call are forward-looking statements.

Speaker #2: These statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties described in the company's filings, with the securities and exchange commission and our actual results made differ from those described during the call.

Speaker #2: In addition, all forward-looking statements are made as of today, May 7th, 2026, Orion is not obligated to update any forward-looking statements based on new circumstances or revised expectations.

Chris Kapsch: Orion is not obligated to update any forward-looking statements based on new circumstances or revised expectations. All non-GAAP financial measures discussed during the call are reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in the tables attached to our press release and the quarterly earnings deck. Any non-GAAP financial measures presented in these materials should not be considered as alternatives to financial measures required by GAAP. With that, I will turn the call over to Corning. Good morning, thank you all for joining us. I'll start with a few high-level comments on our Q1 results. I want to touch on some of the bigger picture themes because they are directly related to how we're managing the company in these dynamic times. I will hand the call over to Jeff to discuss Q1 results in more detail before some concluding remarks in Q&A. Starting on slide 3.

Speaker #2: All non-GAAP financial measures discussed during the call are reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in the tables attached to our press release and the quarterly earnings deck.

Speaker #2: Any non-GAAP financial measures presented in these materials should not be considered as alternatives to financial measures required by GAAP. With that, I will turn the call over to Corning.

Speaker #3: Good morning. And thank you all for joining us. I'll start with a few high-level comments on our First Quarter results. Then I want to touch on some of the bigger picture themes because they are directly related to how we're managing the company in these dynamic times.

Corning Painter: Good morning, thank you all for joining us. I'll start with a few high-level comments on our Q1 results. I want to touch on some of the bigger picture themes because they are directly related to how we're managing the company in these dynamic times. I will hand the call over to Jon to discuss Q1 results in more detail before some concluding remarks in Q&A. Starting on slide three.

Speaker #3: Then I will hand the call over to John to discuss Q1 results in more detail. We'll pour some concluding remarks in Q&A. Starting on slide three, we feel good about our First Quarter results.

Corning Painter: We feel good about our Q1 results. Adjusted EBITDA of $46 million was ahead of our internal expectations, despite a relatively slow start to the Q1. Building from that start, we experienced a favorable progression with demand improving meaningfully during the month of March. The demand pickup was most pronounced in our Specialty segment, with broad-based improvement across most end markets we serve. Notably, demand strength has persisted through April and into May. This gives us confidence to increase our full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance range, which we'll address in a moment in more detail. We also believe the demand uptick reflects a shift in customer preference towards proven, more dependable, and more local regional suppliers because of the concern about extended supply chain.

Speaker #3: Adjusted EBITDA of $46 million was ahead of our internal expectations despite a relatively slow start to the quarter. Building from that start, we experienced a favorable progression with demand improving meaningfully during the month of March.

Speaker #3: The demand pickup was most pronounced in our specialty segment with broad-based improvement across most end markets we serve. Notably, demand strength has persisted through April and into May.

Speaker #3: This gives us confidence to increase our full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance range which will address in a moment in more detail. Naturally, stronger demand may reflect a response to the move in oil prices and uncertainty about future costs.

Speaker #3: But we also believe the demand uptick reflects a shift in customer preference towards proven and more dependable and more local regional suppliers because of the concern about extended supply chains.

Speaker #3: I think it goes without saying just how fluid the landscape has become. Energy prices are one factor. But our broader supply chain uncertainties related to the availability of crude oil and its derivatives being disrupted by the Middle East conflict are also in play.

Corning Painter: I think it goes without saying just how fluid the landscape has become. Energy prices are one factor, our broader supply chain uncertainties related to the availability of crude oil and its derivatives being disrupted by the Middle East conflict are also in play. We see these dynamics as creating opportunity for Orion to showcase the inherent resilience of our business and the agility of our entire organization. Most pointedly, we believe we are poised to benefit from our footprint, which is under indexed to Southeast Asia relative to the global carbon black industry. Our large global customers that have substantial production in Western Hemisphere should also be positioned to benefit from the current situation in the Middle East, as Middle East and Asia-based production is likely to be the most impacted. Given the almost daily volatility, I wanted to share how proud I am of the Orion team.

Speaker #3: We see these dynamics as creating opportunity for Orion to showcase the inherent resilience of our business and the agility of our entire organization. Most pointedly, we believe we are poised to benefit from our footprint which is under-indexed to Southeast Asia relative to the global carbon black industry.

Speaker #3: Our large global customers that have substantial production in Western Hemisphere should also be positioned to benefit from the current situation in the Middle East as Middle East and Asia-based production is likely to be the most impacted.

Speaker #3: Given the almost daily volatility I wanted to share how proud I am of the Orion team. Our actions include balancing demand responsiveness with continued judicious inventory management.

Corning Painter: Our actions include balancing demand responsiveness with continued judicious inventory management. We have adroitly and proactively been executing pricing actions and purchasing decisions intended to protect margin as well. I have provided the broader context of how to think about this conflict from Orion's perspective on slide four. As you know, 2026 is playing out against a rapidly evolving backdrop. To be certain, periods of geopolitical turbulence can reshape supply chains in precipitous and lasting ways, setting up a new normal. If there is just one takeaway from this slide, it would be how the current backdrop is reinforcing the value of reliable local manufacturing and logistics. In concrete terms, that means having the product in region with more stable raw material and logistic costs. It plays to Orion's supply and manufacturing footprint. A couple of other considerations on this slide. We don't mind high oil prices.

Speaker #3: We have adroitly and proactively been executing pricing actions and purchasing decisions intended to protect margin as well. I have provided the broader context of how to think about this conflict from Orion's perspective on slide four.

Speaker #3: As you know, 2026 is playing out against a rapidly evolving backdrop. To be certain, periods of geopolitical turbulence can reshape supply chains and precipitate lasting waves setting up a new normal.

Speaker #3: If there is just one takeaway from this slide, it would be how the current backdrop is reinforcing the value of reliable, local manufacturing and logistics.

Speaker #3: In concrete terms, that means having the product in regions with more stable raw material and logistics costs. It plays to Orion's supply and manufacturing footprint.

Speaker #3: A couple of other considerations on this slide. We don't mind high oil prices. We've disclosed sensitivities consistently over the years showing Orion's beneficial P&L leverage to higher oil prices.

Corning Painter: We've disclosed sensitivities consistently over the years, showing Orion's beneficial P&L leverage to higher oil prices. This is a function of the investments that we have made in productivity and process yields, which are more valuable at higher feedstock prices. We mentioned how the global supply chain and energy price volatility has boosted demand for our products. Note also the vast majority of our business is protected by contractual pass-through mechanisms, and these are performing as expected. Our customers generally absorb underlying feedstock cost volatility. Where energy prices are not passed along through formulas, for example, in the spot market in China or a bit more than half of our specialty portfolio, we have been actively and successfully implementing price increases and surcharges to offset the higher feedstock costs and protect margin.

Speaker #3: This is a function of the investments that we have made in productivity and process yields which are more valuable at higher feedstock prices. We mentioned how the global supply chain and energy price volatility has boosted demand for our products.

Speaker #3: Note also the vast majority of our business is protected by contractual pass-through mechanisms. And these are performing as expected. Our customers generally absorb underlying feedstock cost volatility.

Speaker #3: Where energy prices are not passed along through formulas, for example, in the spot market in China or a bit more than half of our specialty portfolio, we have been actively and successfully implementing price increases and surcharges to offset the higher feedstock costs and protect margin.

Speaker #3: For the most part, our feedstock availability has not been impacted by the Middle East conflict, largely because we buy in region or regional production.

Corning Painter: For the most part, our feedstock availability has not been impacted by the Middle East conflict, largely because we buy in region for regional production. As disclosed in our sensitivities, we do bear some working capital burden when oil prices move higher. Jeff will elaborate more in a moment, but in short, the working capital headwind based on recent oil prices is manageable. On slide five, we highlight actions we are taking, flexing our agility to support our customers, protect our business and create margin opportunity. We have been nimble and responsive to the strengthening in demand. Although not the largest, we do have the industry's most diverse portfolio of reactor process technologies. Against this backdrop, we are able to leverage our plant network to shuffle some production and fulfillment capabilities across our footprint to respond to higher demand trends and capture incremental opportunities at a premium.

Speaker #3: As disclosed in our sensitivities, we do bear some working capital burden when oil prices move higher. John will elaborate more in a moment. But in short, the working capital headwind based on recent oil prices is manageable.

Speaker #3: On slide five, we highlight actions we are taking. Flexing our agility to support our customers' protect our business and create margin opportunity. We have been nimble and responsive to the strengthening in demand.

Speaker #3: Although not the largest, we do have the industry's most diverse portfolio of reactor process technologies. Against this backdrop, we are able to leverage our plant network to shuffle some production and fulfillment capabilities across our footprint to respond to higher demand trends and capture incremental opportunities at a premium.

Speaker #3: Given the macro uncertainty, we remain intently focused on company-wide cost reductions. On top of the headcount reductions, we already have implemented we are uncovering additional efficiencies through operational excellence initiatives as well as incremental procurement savings.

Corning Painter: Given the macro uncertain, we remain intently focused on company-wide cost reductions. On top of the headcount reductions we already have implemented, we are uncovering additional efficiencies through operational excellence initiatives as well as incremental procurement savings. We remain on track to achieve the previously conveyed $20 million in gross savings as well as our $90 million full year CapEx expectation, which is about $70 million lower than 2025. We mentioned optimizing working capital during our February call. We now have good visibility on specific pathways focused on inventories, supplier payment terms, and receivables that should collectively unlock at least $30 million of cash from working capital over the course of 2026. We are pressing to find additional levers. On slide 6, we view recent tire industry trade flow data as highly encouraging.

Speaker #3: We remain on track to achieve the previously conveyed 20 million dollars in gross savings as well as our 90 million dollar full-year CapEx expectation which is about 70 million dollars lower than 2025.

Speaker #3: We mentioned optimizing working capital during our February fall. We now have good visibility on specific pathways focused on inventories, supplier payment terms, and receivables that should collectively unlock at least 30 million dollars of cash from working capital over the course of 2026.

Speaker #3: We are pressing to find additional levers. On slide six, we view recent tire industry trade flow data as highly encouraging. Notably, the most recent favorable data was before the Middle East conflict even started impacting global supply chains.

Corning Painter: Notably, the most recent favorable data was before the Middle East conflict even started impacting global supply chains. Many believe that chemical and rubber manufacturing in Asia will be significantly more impacted than in the US and Europe, strengthening demand in these regions. There are a handful of Southeast Asian countries exporting tires to the US, but Thailand is by far the largest. As shown in the chart on the left, February monthly tire exports from Thailand to the US were at their lowest level in more than two years, down 19% from last February and down 28% from last year's peak in May during the 2025 surge to the newly implemented Section 232 tariffs.

Speaker #3: Many believe that chemical and rubber manufacturing in Asia will be significantly more impacted than in the US and Europe, strengthening demand in these regions.

Speaker #3: There are a handful of Southeast Asian countries exporting tires to the US, but Thailand is by far the largest. As shown in the chart on the left, February monthly tire exports from Thailand to the US were at their lowest level in more than two years, down 19% from last February and down 28% from last year's peak in May.

Speaker #3: During the 2025 surge, to beat newly implemented Section 232 tariffs, conflict-induced tightness in key synthetic rubber inputs like butadiene and sharply higher other raw material and shipping costs may very well put further pressure on tire exports to the US.

Corning Painter: Conflict-induced tightness in key synthetic rubber inputs like butadiene and sharply higher other raw material and shipping costs may well, very well put further pressure on tire exports to the US. Exports appear in import data on a 1 to 2-month lag basis. As you can see in the US tire import graph on the right, pre-conflict February monthly tire import levels declined 9% year over year, already the lowest level in three years. It's worth mentioning several other potential catalysts or indicators for the H2 2026 and the setup into 2027. First, and most important, last week, the European Commission distributed a document outlining its expected definitive findings from its investigation into the dumping of Chinese passenger car and light truck tires into the EU.

Speaker #3: Exports appear in the import data on a one-to-two-month lagged basis. But as you can see, in the US, tire import graph on the right pre-conflict February monthly tire import levels declined 9% year over year, already the lowest level in three years.

Speaker #3: It's worth mentioning several other potential catalysts or indicators for the second half of 2026 and the setup into 2027. First, and most importantly, last week, the European Commission distributed a document outlining its expected definitive findings from its investigation into the dumping of Chinese passenger car and light truck tires into the EU.

Speaker #3: China is by far the largest exporter of tires into Europe comprising nearly 80% of the EU's Asian tire imports last year. The proposed duties basically range from 30 to 52% effective June 18th.

Corning Painter: China is by far the largest exporter of tires into Europe, comprising nearly 80% of the EU's Asian tire imports last year. The proposed duties basically range from 30% to 52%, effective 18 June. Separately, the anti-subsidy investigation there continues. Second, the USMCA trade agreement is scheduled for resetting on 1 July. Third, leading auto in-industrial macro indicators have turned positive, with Eurozone and North American PMI readings both exceeding 50 for the last 3 to 4 months. These foreshadow demand improvement in our specialty segment and possibly an upward inflection in the freight industry's cyclical trough as well. Four, most recent freight tonnage indices have depicted acute strengthening. For example, the March ATA index, a measure of freight tonnage in the US, posted its highest level since 2017.

Speaker #3: Separately, the anti-subsidy investigation there continues. Second, the USMCA trade agreement is scheduled for resetting on July 1. And third, leading auto industrial macro indicators have turned positive, with Eurozone and North American PMI readings both exceeding 50 for the last three to four months.

Speaker #3: These foreshadow demand improvement in our specialty segment and possibly an upward inflection in the freight industry's cyclical trough as well. Fourth, most recent freight tonnage indices have depicted acute strengthening.

Speaker #3: For example, the March ATA index, a measure of freight tonnage in the US, posted its highest level since 2017. A recovery in the freight market would bode very well for replacement truck tire demand as we discussed last quarter.

Corning Painter: A recovery in the freight market would bode very well for replacement truck tire demand, as we discussed last quarter. With that, I hand the call over to Jeff Glajch.

Speaker #3: With that, I hand the call over to John. Thank you, Corning. Slide seven covers our Q1 results at a high level. Overall, adjusted EBITDA of 46 million dollars was ahead of our internal expectations.

Jeff Glajch: Thank you, Corning. Slide 7 covers our Q1 results at a high level. Overall adjusted EBITDA of $46 million was ahead of our internal expectations, thanks to better demand late in the quarter, which drove 2% higher year-over-year volumes. However, adjusted EBITDA was down year-over-year, with essentially the entire bridge attributable to the outcome of our 2026 calendar pricing agreements within our rubber business. Our Specialty segment was a bright spot in Q1, with adjusted EBITDA improving 7% year-over-year to $27 million. Broad-based demand strength late in the quarter helped drive 3% higher specialty volumes. Favorable mix contributed to the earnings growth, more than offsetting a fixed cost absorption headwind from an inventory draw, in part reflecting the higher demand. Our rubber segment earnings declined sharply despite higher volumes, results were generally in line with expectations.

Jon Puckett: Thank you, Corning. Slide 7 covers our Q1 results at a high level. Overall adjusted EBITDA of $46 million was ahead of our internal expectations, thanks to better demand late in the quarter, which drove 2% higher year-over-year volumes. However, adjusted EBITDA was down year-over-year, with essentially the entire bridge attributable to the outcome of our 2026 calendar pricing agreements within our rubber business. Our Specialty segment was a bright spot in Q1, with adjusted EBITDA improving 7% year-over-year to $27 million. Broad-based demand strength late in the quarter helped drive 3% higher specialty volumes. Favorable mix contributed to the earnings growth, more than offsetting a fixed cost absorption headwind from an inventory draw, in part reflecting the higher demand. Our rubber segment earnings declined sharply despite higher volumes, results were generally in line with expectations.

Speaker #3: Thanks to better demand late in the quarter, which drove 2% higher year over year volumes. However, adjusted EBITDA was down year over year with essentially the entire bridge attributable to the outcome of our 2026 calendar pricing agreements within our rubber business.

Speaker #3: Our specially segment was a bright spot in Q1 with adjusted EBITDA improving 7% year over year to 27 million dollars. Broad-based demand strength late in the quarter helped drive 3% higher specialty volumes.

Speaker #3: Favorable mix contributed to the earnings growth. More than offsetting a fixed cost absorption headwind from an inventory draw, in part reflecting the higher demand.

Speaker #3: Our rubber segment earnings declined sharply despite higher volumes, but results were generally in line with expectations. In addition to the lower annual contract pricing, the pass-through effects of lower year-over-year oil prices and adverse regional mix were also factors.

Jeff Glajch: In addition to the lower annual contract pricing, the pass-through effects of lower year-over-year oil prices and adverse regional mix were also factors. During Q1, we had a free cash outflow of $48 million, including a working capital use of $54 million, a function of normal seasonality and the incremental impact from higher oil price volatility in March. Capital expenditures of $36 million were in line with expectations, reflecting some residual spending on growth projects that will taper off over the balance of the year. Slide 8 highlights our specialty segment's results in Q1, including 7% year-over-year adjusted EBITDA growth on 3% better volumes. In addition to favorable mix, foreign currency was a positive contributor to our earnings bridge, helping more than offset an absorption headwind from an inventory draw.

Jon Puckett: In addition to the lower annual contract pricing, the pass-through effects of lower year-over-year oil prices and adverse regional mix were also factors. During Q1, we had a free cash outflow of $48 million, including a working capital use of $54 million, a function of normal seasonality and the incremental impact from higher oil price volatility in March. Capital expenditures of $36 million were in line with expectations, reflecting some residual spending on growth projects that will taper off over the balance of the year. Slide 8 highlights our specialty segment's results in Q1, including 7% year-over-year adjusted EBITDA growth on 3% better volumes. In addition to favorable mix, foreign currency was a positive contributor to our earnings bridge, helping more than offset an absorption headwind from an inventory draw.

Speaker #3: During the quarter, we had a free cash outflow of 48 million dollars, including a working capital use of 54 million dollars, a function of normal seasonality and the incremental impact from higher oil price volatility in March.

Speaker #3: Capital expenditures of 36 million were in line with expectations, reflecting some residual spending on growth projects that will taper off over the balance of the year.

Speaker #3: Slide eight highlights our specially segments results in Q1, including 7% year-over-year adjusted EBITDA growth on 3% better volumes. In addition to favorable mix, foreign currency was a positive contributor to our earnings bridge, helping more than offset an absorption headwind from an inventory draw.

Speaker #3: Considering that industrial markets overall remain generally soft, we were pleased with the specially segments gross profit per ton of 675 dollars. Which was roughly flat on a sequential basis.

Jeff Glajch: Considering that industrial markets overall remain generally soft, we were pleased with the specialty segment's gross profit per ton of $675, which was roughly flat on a sequential basis. Looking forward, and based on current order books and customer discussions, we expect late Q1 demand strength will persist through our Q2. Recovery of demand in China should continue for Orion, where we're making progress in our manufacturing technology improvement at Huaibei and ramping profit contribution at the site. In the past few months, we have made excellent progress resolving technical challenges at this facility. More than half of our specialty business operates without contract cost pass-through terms, This is where a disproportionate amount of our commercial team's energy is focused, executing price increases and surcharges to mitigate higher feedstock, energy, or logistics costs and protect margins.

Jon Puckett: Considering that industrial markets overall remain generally soft, we were pleased with the specialty segment's gross profit per ton of $675, which was roughly flat on a sequential basis. Looking forward, and based on current order books and customer discussions, we expect late Q1 demand strength will persist through our Q2. Recovery of demand in China should continue for Orion, where we're making progress in our manufacturing technology improvement at Huaibei and ramping profit contribution at the site. In the past few months, we have made excellent progress resolving technical challenges at this facility. More than half of our specialty business operates without contract cost pass-through terms, This is where a disproportionate amount of our commercial team's energy is focused, executing price increases and surcharges to mitigate higher feedstock, energy, or logistics costs and protect margins.

Speaker #3: Looking forward and based on current order books and customer discussions, we expect late Q1 demand strength will persist through our second quarter. Recovery of demand in China should continue for Orion, where we're making progress in our manufacturing technology improvement at Huibei and ramping profit contribution at the side.

Speaker #3: In the past few months, we have made excellent progress resolving technical challenges at this facility. More than half of our specialty business operates without contract without contract costs pass-through terms, so this is where a disproportionate amount of our commercial team's energy is focused.

Speaker #3: Executing price increases and surcharges. To mitigate higher feedstock, energy, or logistics costs and protect margins. We are highly encouraged about the demand strength and near-term outlook in specialties, but I will say our visibility beyond the second quarter is limited.

Jeff Glajch: We are highly encouraged about the demand strength and near-term outlook in specialties, I will say our visibility beyond the Q2 is limited. The course and impact of the Middle East conflict is simply not known at this point. We are proactively monitoring order trends and our response to ensure that demand strength is genuine and not situational demand driven by price increases across the entire chemical chain. Our implied forecast for the H2 reflects today's uncertain geopolitical situation. Slide 9 summarizes our Q1 rubber segment results, including the 53% year-over-year decline to $19 million of adjusted EBITDA. Let me reiterate the factors contributing to the bridge, including the annual pricing outcome from our 2026 supply agreements, adverse regional mix, and the pass-through effects associated with lower year-over-year oil prices in Q1 that were down about $10 a barrel.

Jon Puckett: We are highly encouraged about the demand strength and near-term outlook in specialties, I will say our visibility beyond the Q2 is limited. The course and impact of the Middle East conflict is simply not known at this point. We are proactively monitoring order trends and our response to ensure that demand strength is genuine and not situational demand driven by price increases across the entire chemical chain. Our implied forecast for the H2 reflects today's uncertain geopolitical situation. Slide 9 summarizes our Q1 rubber segment results, including the 53% year-over-year decline to $19 million of adjusted EBITDA. Let me reiterate the factors contributing to the bridge, including the annual pricing outcome from our 2026 supply agreements, adverse regional mix, and the pass-through effects associated with lower year-over-year oil prices in Q1 that were down about $10 a barrel.

Speaker #3: The course and impact of the Middle East conflict is simply not known at this point. We are proactively monitoring order trends in our response.

Speaker #3: To ensure the demand strength is genuine and not situational demand, driven by price increases across the entire chemical chain. Our implied forecast for the second half reflects today's uncertain geopolitical situation.

Speaker #3: Slide nine summarizes our Q1 rubber segment results, including the 53% year-over-year decline to 19 million dollars of adjusted EBITDA. Let me reiterate the factors contributing to the bridge.

Speaker #3: Including the annual pricing outcome from our 2026 supply agreements, adverse regional mix, and the pass-through effects associated with lower year-over-year oil prices in Q1 that were down about $10 a barrel.

Speaker #3: The segment's overall volume improved, including strong year-over-year gains in Asia and modest growth in EMEA. More than offsetting lower volumes in the Americas that was impacted by low tire channel sell-through due to severe weather early in the quarter.

Jeff Glajch: The segment's overall volume improved, including strong year-over-year gains in Asia and modest growth in EMEA, more than offsetting lower volumes in the Americas that was impacted by low tire channel sell-through due to severe weather early in the quarter. On the right side of the slide, we have some forward-looking commentary. Based on current order books, we see the demand improvement witnessed late in Q1 continuing through Q2. Our contractual pass-through provisions will continue to protect Orion from oil price volatility, even as we continue to proactively optimize feedstock purchases. We expect the Middle East conflict's disruption will drive purchasing preferences to local regional supply chains, which is consistent with our footprint and should benefit Orion. We have limited visibility into H2 of 2026.

Jon Puckett: The segment's overall volume improved, including strong year-over-year gains in Asia and modest growth in EMEA, more than offsetting lower volumes in the Americas that was impacted by low tire channel sell-through due to severe weather early in the quarter. On the right side of the slide, we have some forward-looking commentary. Based on current order books, we see the demand improvement witnessed late in Q1 continuing through Q2. Our contractual pass-through provisions will continue to protect Orion from oil price volatility, even as we continue to proactively optimize feedstock purchases. We expect the Middle East conflict's disruption will drive purchasing preferences to local regional supply chains, which is consistent with our footprint and should benefit Orion. We have limited visibility into H2 of 2026.

Speaker #3: On the right side of the slide, we have some forward-looking commentary. Based on current order books, we see the demand improvement witnessed late in the first quarter continuing through the second quarter.

Speaker #3: Our contractual pass-through provisions will continue to protect Orion from oil price volatility. Even as we continue to proactively optimize feedstock purchases. We expect the Middle East conflict's disruption will drive purchasing preferences to local, regional supply chains.

Speaker #3: Which is consistent with our footprint and should benefit Orion. But we have limited visibility into the second half of 2026. On slide 10, you will see that normal seasonality and oil price volatility late in the use of 54 million dollars.

Jeff Glajch: On slide 10, you will see that normal seasonality and oil price volatility late in the quarter resulted in a net working capital use of $54 million, leading to an operating cash use of $12 million. After CapEx of $36 million in Q1, our free cash outflow was $48 million. Net debt ended the quarter at $965 million, resulting in net leverage and a net leverage ratio of 4.2x. This ratio is comfortably below what is required in our credit agreement. We ended the quarter with nearly $200 million in liquidity. With that, I will hand the call back to Corning.

Jon Puckett: On slide 10, you will see that normal seasonality and oil price volatility late in the quarter resulted in a net working capital use of $54 million, leading to an operating cash use of $12 million. After CapEx of $36 million in Q1, our free cash outflow was $48 million. Net debt ended the quarter at $965 million, resulting in net leverage and a net leverage ratio of 4.2x. This ratio is comfortably below what is required in our credit agreement. We ended the quarter with nearly $200 million in liquidity. With that, I will hand the call back to Corning.

Speaker #3: Leading to an operating cash use of 12 million dollars. After CapEx of 36 million dollars in Q1, our free cash outflow was 48 million dollars.

Speaker #3: Net debt ended the quarter at 965 million dollars, resulting in net leverage and a net leverage ratio of 4.2 times. This ratio is comfortably below what is required in our credit agreement.

Speaker #3: We ended the quarter with nearly 200 million dollars in liquidity. Without, I will hand the call back to Corning.

Speaker #2: Thanks, John. On slide seven, we share updated guidance. We're raising our full-year guidance by 10 million dollars to a range of 170 to 210 million dollars.

Corning Painter: Thanks, John. On slide seven, we share updated guidance. We're raising our full year guidance by $10 million to a range of $170 to 210 million. We now expect our earnings split between the H1 and H2 of 2026 will be roughly 50/50 because of the timing of annual European emission credits issuance has shifted from Q2 to Q3. Our implied H2 guidance anticipates modest weakening of market conditions and typical seasonality. Sustained strength in the current order books would take us to the upper end of this guidance range. Should the macro lead to a pronounced H2 weakening in our markets, we could reach the lower end of our guidance.

Speaker #2: We now expect our earnings split between the first and second half of 2026 will be roughly 50-50. Because of the timing of annual European emission credits issuance has shifted from Q2 to Q3.

Speaker #2: Our implied second-half guidance anticipates modest weakening of market conditions and typical seasonality. Sustained strength, sustained strength in the current order books would take us to the upper end of this guidance range.

Speaker #2: Should the macro lead to a pronounced second-half weakening in our markets, we could reach the lower end of our guidance. With the surge in volatility in oil prices, and related working capital headwind, we now expect a full year free cash outflow between 25 and 50 million dollars, which is based on the assumption that oil prices remain elevated through Q2.

Corning Painter: With the surge in volatility in oil prices and related working capital headwinds, we now expect a full year free cash outflow between $25 and mid-50 million, which is based on the assumption that oil prices remain elevated through Q2 before moderating to the mid-$80s per barrel in H2 2026. Q2 cash flow will be consistent with Q1 and should improve in Q3 and turn positive in Q4. This cash flow range and cadence is consistent with our rule of thumb sensitivities on oil prices, which have held true even in the current global uncertainty. On slide 12, some concluding remarks before we open the call to Q&A. Again, I'm proud of Orion's agility against a tumultuous backdrop.

Speaker #2: Before moderating to the mid-80s per barrel in the second half of 2026. Second-quarter cash flow will be consistent with first quarter and should improve in the third quarter and turn positive in the fourth quarter.

Speaker #2: This cash flow range and cadence is consistent with our rule of thumb sensitivities on oil prices, which have held true even in the current global uncertainty.

Speaker #2: On slide 12, some concluding remarks before we open the call to Q&A. Again, I'm proud of Orion's agility against a tumultuous background. The team is energized and working diligently to respond to higher customer demand.

Corning Painter: The team is energized and working diligently to respond to higher customer demand, manage input cost volatility, execute on price increases and surcharges to protect margin dollars, and to mitigate business risks. While testing our organization, we also believe the challenging environment is providing an opportunity for Orion to showcase our inherent resilience. Beyond feeling good about Q1 results and raising our full year guidance despite the turmoil, looking further out, we're increasingly optimistic about how the current trends set up for an earnings recovery in 2027. With that, Michelle, let's open the call for Q&A.

Speaker #2: Manage input cost volatility. Execute on price increases and surcharges to protect margin dollars. And to mitigate business risk. While testing our organization, we also believe the challenging environment is providing an opportunity for Orion to showcase our inherent resilience.

Speaker #2: Beyond feeling good about Q1 results and raising our full-year guidance despite the turmoil, looking further out, we're increasingly optimistic about how the current trends set up for an 2027.

Speaker #2: With that, Michelle, let's open the call for Q&A.

Speaker #3: Thank you. We'll now be conducting a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad.

Operator: Thank you. We will now be conducting a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star two if you would like to remove your question from the queue. For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys. One moment please while we poll for your questions. Our first question comes from the line of Lawrence Alexander with Jefferies. Please proceed with your question.

Speaker #3: A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star two if you'd like to move your question from the queue.

Speaker #3: For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys. One moment, please, while we pull for your questions.

Speaker #3: Our first question comes from the line of Lawrence Alexander with Jeffrey's. Please proceed with your question.

[Analyst] (Jefferies): Hey, good morning. This is Kevin on for Lawrence. Thank you for taking my questions. So you saw, you know, that meaningful pickup in orders in March that has lasted through May. I guess, to what extent do you think that recent order strength is being driven by customers that are, you know, securing supply versus, like, true underlying demand growth? I just wanna know how sustainable you think of this dynamic could be when and if supply chains eventually normalize.

Kevin Garrigan: Hey, good morning. This is Kevin on for Lawrence. Thank you for taking my questions. So you saw, you know, that meaningful pickup in orders in March that has lasted through May. I guess, to what extent do you think that recent order strength is being driven by customers that are, you know, securing supply versus, like, true underlying demand growth? I just wanna know how sustainable you think of this dynamic could be when and if supply chains eventually normalize.

Speaker #4: Hey, good morning. This is Kevin on for Lawrence. Thank you for taking my questions. So you saw that meaningful pickup in orders in March that have lasted through May.

Speaker #4: And I guess to what extent do you think that that recent order strength is being driven by customers that are securing supply versus underlying true underlying demand growth?

Speaker #4: Just want to know how sustainable you think of this dynamic could be when and if supply chains eventually normalize.

Speaker #2: Sure. So let's divide that into two markets. On the rubber side of the house, there really isn't much in the way of inventory building that kind of thing, especially on carbon black, just given the nature of the product and the quantities that are consumed in it.

Corning Painter: Sure. Let's divide that into two markets. On the rubber side of the house, there really isn't much in the way of inventory building, that kind of thing, especially on carbon black, just given the nature of the product and the quantities that are consumed in it. We think that reflects tire manufacturers making more tires in our key markets right now. If we move into the specialty area, okay, there's a supply chain before us, between us and the end consumer for, let's say, the consumer base portion of that. Again, our read, and we've been really cautious about this is pre-buying, trying to get ahead of a price increase, something like that. Our read is our direct customers have orders for that product.

Speaker #2: So we think that reflects higher manufacturers making more tires in our key markets right now. If we move into the specialty area, okay, there's a supply chain before us between us and the end consumer for, let's say, the consumer-based portion of that.

Speaker #2: Again, our read and we've been really cautious about this is this pre-buying trying to get ahead of a price increase, something like that. But our read is our direct customers have orders for that product.

Speaker #2: And then, of course, some of that specialty product goes more into the infrastructure side, that kind of area. And that's going to be less impacted by these dynamics.

Corning Painter: Of course, some of that specialty product goes more into the infrastructure side, that kind of area, and that's gonna be less impacted by those dynamics.

Speaker #4: Got it. Okay. Thanks. And then just a second question. So with the rubber EBITDA down, I guess curious to know whether you think that Q1 could be the trough.

[Analyst] (Jefferies): Got it. Okay, thanks. Just a second question. With the rubber EBITDA down, I guess curious to know whether you think that Q1 could be the trough? I guess, how do you expect pricing and gross costs to trend through the remainder of the year?

Kevin Garrigan: Got it. Okay, thanks. Just a second question. With the rubber EBITDA down, I guess curious to know whether you think that Q1 could be the trough? I guess, how do you expect pricing and gross costs to trend through the remainder of the year?

Speaker #4: And I guess how do you expect pricing versus cost to trend through the remainder of the year?

Speaker #2: Sure. So in rubber, for the most part, the pricing is set in an annual negotiation process. So we're in for this year's profitability and pricing.

Corning Painter: Sure. In rubber, for the most part, the pricing is set in an annual negotiation process. We're in for this year's profitability in pricing. We were struck last year by like a perfect storm of many different factors, which I think really weakened the pricing environment. As we look forward for 2027, I would say we see a strengthening in that environment, certainly compared to where we were last year in terms of fewer imports, in terms of supply-demand balance. You know, in talking to large customers recently, tier 1 customers, a renewed commitment of these guys to hold onto their market and rebuild from where they are.

Speaker #2: We were struck last year by a perfect storm of many different factors, which I think really weakened the pricing environment. As we look forward for 2027, I would say we see a strengthening in that environment compared certainly compared to where we were last year in terms of fewer imports in terms of supply-demand balance.

Speaker #2: And in talking to large customers recently, tier one customers, a renewed commitment of these guys to hold on to their market and rebuild from where they are.

Speaker #4: All right. Thank you.

[Analyst] (Jefferies): Great. Thank you.

Kevin Garrigan: Great. Thank you.

Speaker #3: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of John Roberts with Mizuho Securities. Please proceed with your question.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of John Roberts with Mizuho Securities. Please proceed with your question.

John Roberts: Thank you, and nice guidance. Are you seeing a lot of differentiation between the specialties end markets between plastic master batch versus coatings versus inks? Those customers have a lot of their other ingredients going up a lot because of the Persian Gulf conflict. I don't know if they have differentiated behaviors.

Speaker #4: Thank you. And nice guidance. Are you seeing a lot of differentiation between the specialties and markets between plastic master batch versus coatings versus inks?

Speaker #4: Those customers have a lot of their other ingredients going up a lot because of the Persian Gulf conflict. So I don't know if they have differentiated behaviors.

Speaker #2: Yeah. John, great question. So right now, I'd say it was really quite a cross the board. Geography-wise, end market-wise, we just saw a stronger level of activity.

Corning Painter: Yeah, John, great question. For right now, I'd say it was really quite across the board, geography-wise, end market-wise. We just saw a stronger level of activity. Maybe if you think about the PMI activity, that makes sense, as well as, again, direct customers feeling they've got orders for it. If you look at the margins, it was obviously also, you know, a good quarter for us in terms of the premium grades taking part in that rally.

Speaker #2: And maybe, if you think about the PMI activity, that makes sense. As well as, again, direct customers feeling they've got orders for it. If you look at the margins, it was obviously also a good quarter for us in terms of the premium grades taking part in that rally.

Speaker #4: Okay. And second question, I know it's not a big market, but I think it's your largest Asian market is South Korea. It's one of the countries that's stressed the most from the Persian Gulf conflict.

John Roberts: Okay. Second question. I know it's not a big market, but I think it's your largest Asian market is South Korea. It's one of the countries that stressed the most from the Persian Gulf conflict. I'd appreciate your thoughts on what you think happens in South Korea here as we go through the next couple of months.

Speaker #4: So I'd appreciate your thoughts on what you think happens in South Korea here as we go through the next couple of months.

Speaker #2: Yeah. I think South Korea is just indicative of, let's say, a lot of Asia ex-China, let's say, in that people who are reliant on petroleum and petroleum derivatives from the Middle East are in just a much more difficult situation.

Corning Painter: Yeah. I think South Korea is just indicative of, let's say, a lot of Asia, ex-China, let's say, in that, people who are reliant on petroleum and petroleum derivatives from the Middle East are in just a much more difficult situation. Even if this thing opens up tomorrow, I think it's very clear it's gonna take quite a while to get back on its feet. That's a negative, obviously, for business activity in those areas, including Korea for us, but I think it's a real positive for manufacturing in the US and yes, manufacturing in Europe as well.

Speaker #2: Even if this thing opens up tomorrow, I think it's very clear it's going to take quite a while to get back on its feet.

Speaker #2: So that's a negative, obviously, for business activity in those areas, including Korea for us. But I think it's a real positive for manufacturing in the US and, yes, manufacturing in Europe as well.

Speaker #4: Thank you.

John Roberts: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Thank you. Our final question comes from the line of Josh Spector with UBS. Please proceed with your question.

Operator: Thank you. Our final question comes from the line of Josh Spector with UBS. Please proceed with your question.

Speaker #4: Yeah. Hey, good morning. I was wondering if you could unpack the rubber bridge a little bit more. I mean, being down 20 million was kind of more than we thought it would.

Josh Spector: Yeah. Hi, good morning. I was wondering if you could unpack the rubber bridge a little bit more. I mean, being down $20 million was kinda more than we thought it would. We thought the pricing reset was maybe a $15 million headwind year-on-year, and you had a pretty easy comp from a mechanical outage a year ago that we thought would help by about $10 million, but we didn't really see that. What were some of the other factors that maybe drove that around? Is that price impact on an annual basis much larger than what I'm sizing?

Speaker #4: We thought the pricing reset was maybe a 15 million dollar headwind year on year. And you had a pretty easy comp from a mechanical outage a year ago.

Speaker #4: That we thought would help by about 10 million, but we didn't really see that. So what were some of the other factors that maybe drove that around?

Speaker #4: And is that price impact, on an annual basis, much larger than what I'm sizing?

Speaker #2: Sure. No, the price impact was larger than what you expected. And if you look at our volume, that was even having lost some volume in some of the key let's say America's markets.

Corning Painter: Sure. The price impact was larger than what you expected. If you look at our volume, that was even, you know, having lost some volume in some of the key, I'd say like Americas markets. I would look at that. That was a little bit offset by the higher oil pricing that we had in it, pretty much the whole story there is pricing. Again, if I look to 2027 and we look at what's happening in tire imports and the data on those graphs, the tumult in the marketplace, the resolve to hold onto their share, the ramping of some of the new investments in North America, I think it's a better setup, you know, last year was really tough.

Speaker #2: So I would look at that. That was a little bit offset by the higher oil pricing that we had in it. But pretty much the whole story there is pricing.

Speaker #2: And again, if I look to '27 and we look at what's happening in tire imports and the data on those graphs, the tumult in the marketplace, the resolve of the hold-on to their share, the ramping of some of the new investments in North America, I think it's a better setup.

Speaker #2: But last year was really tough.

Speaker #4: Did you get any cost help from the lapping of the manufacturing outages a year ago? So I guess I'm trying to figure is pricing down 20 million a quarter or 30 million a quarter?

Josh Spector: Did you get any cost help from the lapping of the manufacturing outages a year ago? I guess I'm trying to figure, is pricing down $20 million a quarter or $30 million a quarter?

Corning Painter: I would say it's not down quite that amount in either one, if you think about the net for the whole year. Yeah, certainly we had better manufacturing than we did last year, we also had lower volumes in some of our markets. In those markets, there's a fixed cost component as well. Does that answer your question, Josh? I'm not sure.

Speaker #2: I would say it's not down quite that amount in either one. If you think about the net for the whole year. But yeah, certainly, we had better manufacturing than we did last year.

Speaker #2: But we also had lower volumes in some of our markets. So in those markets, there's a fixed cost component as well. Does that answer your question, Josh?

Speaker #2: I'm not sure.

Josh Spector: Yeah. I mean, that's helpful, and we can follow up if need be. If I could just ask one other one, I guess, just on the specialty side. I mean, you made the comment like you have a lot of pricing and surcharges. You feel pretty good about that. Do you think that generally matches your cost movements as you look at Q2? Would you expect a headwind in specialty margins but then recover in Q3?

Speaker #4: Yeah. I mean, that's helpful. I mean, we could follow up if need be. And if I could just ask one other one, I guess, just on the specialty side.

Speaker #4: I mean, you made the comment like you have a lot of pricing and surcharges. You feel pretty good about that. Do you think that generally matches your cost movements as you look at 2Q?

Speaker #4: Or would you expect a headwind in specialty margins that then recover in 3Q?

Speaker #2: No, no. I think we had to raise prices again in May, too, because we saw, for example, natural gas in Europe move. We're very intent on trying to keep that even for us.

Corning Painter: No, no, I think we had to raise prices again in May to, 'cause we saw, for example, natural gas in Europe move. We're very intent on trying to keep those, keep that even for us.

Speaker #4: Okay. Thank you very much.

Josh Spector: Okay. Thank you very much.

Speaker #2: All right. Thank you all. I appreciate everyone's time today and your actually excellent questions given the situation that it is. I just want to, once again, thank everyone and our investors interested in it.

Corning Painter: All right. Thank you all. I appreciate everyone's time today and your actually excellent questions given the situation that it is. I just wanna once again thank everyone and our investors' interest in it and to say, look, we are determined to make the most of the current market tumult. It actually creates opportunities for Orion in terms of a reset of how supply chain work and something that can go in our benefit, and we are all over that. Beyond that, I look forward to a continuing dialogue with many of you over the next coming weeks and months. Thank you, and have a good rest of your day.

Speaker #2: And to say, look, we are determined to make the most of the current market tumult. It actually creates opportunities for Orion in terms of a reset of how supply chain work in something that can go in our benefit.

Speaker #2: And we are all over that. Beyond that, I look forward to a continuing dialogue with many of you over the next coming weeks and months.

Speaker #2: Thank you and have a good rest of your day.

Operator: Thank you. This concludes today's teleconference. You may disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation, and have a wonderful day.