MALVERN, Pa., May 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecovyst Inc. (NYSE:ECVT) ("Ecovyst" or the "Company"), a leading integrated and innovative global provider of advanced materials, specialty catalysts and services, today reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. First Quarter 2024 Results & Highlights Sales of $160.5 million, compared to $160.9 million in the first quarter of 2023, reflecting higher sales volume in virgin sulfuric acid and regeneration services, offset by lower sales of advanced silicas and lower average selling prices in Ecoservices as a result of the pass-through of lower costs, including the lower sulfur costs of approximately $5 million. Net income of $1.2 million, compared to a net loss of $1.5 million in the year-ago quarter, with a net income margin of 0.7% and diluted net income per share of $0.01. Adjusted Net Income of $5.1 million with Adjusted Diluted Income per share of $0.04. Adjusted EBITDA of $45.5 million, up 6% compared to the first quarter of 2023, with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 24.7%. Strong cash generation and earnings growth provided for reduction in the net debt to net income ratio to 10.4x and the net debt leverage ratio to 2.9x at March 31, 2024. "Ecovyst delivered solid results and year-over-year growth for the first quarter of 2024, reflecting positive demand fundamentals across the majority of our end use exposures. Ecoservices' Adjusted EBITDA increased 13% compared to the first quarter of 2023, benefiting from higher sales volume for both virgin sulfuric acid and regeneration services. Order timing and residual destocking in Advanced Silicas offset higher sales in the Zeolyst Joint Venture for sustainable fuels applications and custom catalysts, compared to the first quarter of 2023," said Kurt J. Bitting, Ecovyst's Chief Executive Officer. "As a result, we delivered first quarter 2024 Adjusted EBITDA of $45.5 million. In addition, cash generation in the first quarter was particularly strong, providing for further reduction in net debt leverage ratio to 2.9x. We expect that favorable cash generation over the balance of the year will provide flexibility for our capital allocation strategy," Bitting added. First Quarter 2024 Results Sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 were $160.5 million, compared to $160.9 million in the first quarter of 2023. The change reflects higher sales volume for virgin sulfuric acid and regeneration services within Ecoservices and higher sales of catalysts used in the production of sustainable fuels and sales growth in customized catalyst applications within the Zeolyst Joint Venture.  This growth was offset by lower sales volume of advanced silicas used for the production of polyethylene and the pricing pass-through effect on sales of lower sulfur costs of approximately $5 million. Net income was $1.2 million, compared to a net loss of $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2023, with a diluted net income per share of $0.01. Adjusted Net Income was $5.1 million with an Adjusted Diluted Income per share of $0.04. Adjusted EBITDA was $45.5 million, compared to $42.9 million in the first quarter of 2023, with the increase largely driven by higher sales volume in Ecoservices. Review of Segment Results and Business Trends High refinery utilization and favorable refining margins during the first quarter of 2024 continued to support demand for our regeneration services. In addition, sales of virgin sulfuric acid increased compared to the first quarter of 2023, in which sales were adversely impacted by Winter Storm Elliott and extended turnaround activity. In the first quarter of 2024, we also saw increased demand for catalysts used in sustainable fuel production and growth in customized catalyst applications, compared to the first quarter of 2023. For Advanced Silicas, while sales of finished catalysts used to produce polyethylene increased compared to the first quarter of 2023 on improved demand in the U.S. and China, sales of polyethylene catalyst supports decreased, largely due to customer order timing and limited destocking. Ecoservices Our regeneration services support the production of alkylate, a high value gasoline component critical for meeting stringent gasoline standards and for producing premium grade gasoline. More stringent gasoline standards and increasing demand for higher-octane premium fuels used in high compression, more fuel-efficient engines have contributed to high utilization rates for our customers' alkylation units. We expect that refinery utilization will remain high in 2024, supporting demand for our regeneration services. Sulfuric acid is a widely used chemical that plays a key role in the production of a wide array of materials, particularly those supporting green infrastructure. We expect our virgin sulfuric acid sales to continue to benefit from mining activity for metals and minerals that provide conductivity in low carbon technologies, as well as from demand in a wide range of industrial applications. Our catalyst activation services provide for ex-situ sulfiding and pre-activation for hydro-processing catalysts, with expected demand growth in both traditional and sustainable fuel production. We believe sustainability trends will continue to translate into favorable demand for our treatment services business as customers seek the sustainability-focused waste solutions offered by Ecoservices. First quarter 2024 sales were $141.6 million, compared to $137.8 million in the first quarter of 2023. The increase in sales reflects higher sales volume for virgin sulfuric acid and regeneration services, partially offset by the pass-through of lower sulfur costs of approximately $5 million, as well as natural gas, electricity and other variable costs. First quarter 2024 Adjusted EBITDA was $41.5 million, compared to $36.8 million in the first quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by higher sales volume for virgin sulfuric acid and for regeneration services, compared to the first quarter of 2023. Advanced Materials & Catalysts Our Advanced Silicas business supplies critical catalyst components for the production of high-density polyethylene, a high-strength and high-stiffness plastic used in bottles, containers, and molded applications and linear low-density polyethylene used predominately for films. While we continue to expect long-term demand for polyethylene films and packaging to remain positive, during the second half of 2023 we saw evidence of softer global demand and lower operating rates for polyethylene producers, which have continued into the beginning of 2024.  Our future expectations for sales of advanced silicas used for the production of polyethylene are based, in part, on the planned expansion of our Advanced Silicas production capability at our Kansas City, KS facility, that is intended to support growth in demand for polyethylene production, backed by long-term customer commitments. We expect the expansion at our Kansas City, KS site to be complete in late 2025. Through the Zeolyst Joint Venture, we also supply specialty catalysts to customers for use in the production of both traditional and sustainable fuels, petrochemicals, and emission control systems for both on-road and non-road diesel engines. Demand for traditional fuels remained positive and demand for sustainable fuels has increased. Additionally, we supply niche-custom catalysts in the refining and petrochemical industries. We continue to expect growth in demand for catalysts used in these applications. During the first quarter of 2024, Advanced Silicas sales were $18.9 million, compared to $23.1 million in the first quarter of 2023, with the change reflecting lower sales of advanced silicas used for the production of polyethylene associated with customer order timing and limited destocking, compared to the first quarter of 2023. Our proportionate 50% share of first quarter sales for the Zeolyst Joint Venture was $23.5 million, up 6.3%, compared to $22.1 million in the first quarter of 2023. The increase in Zeolyst Joint Venture sales was due to primarily to higher sales of catalysts used in sustainable fuel production and sales growth in customized catalyst applications. First quarter 2024 Adjusted EBITDA for Advanced Materials & Catalysts, which includes our proportionate 50% share of the Zeolyst Joint Venture, was $11.1 million, compared to $13.0 million in the first quarter of 2023, with the change reflecting lower sales for Advanced Silicas, partially offset by higher sales in the Zeolyst Joint Venture. Cash Flows and Balance Sheet Cash flows from operating activities was $36.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by the timing of dividends received from the Zeolyst Joint Venture and lower variable employee compensation payments. At March 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $103.1 million, total gross debt of $875.3 million and availability under the ABL facility of $70.2 million, after giving effect to $4.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and no revolving credit facility borrowings outstanding, for total available liquidity of $173.3 million. The net debt to net income ratio was 10.4x as of March 31, 2024 and the net debt leverage ratio was 2.9x as of March 31, 2024. 2024 Financial Outlook Full year 2024 guidance is as follows: Sales of $715 million to $755 million Sales of $145 million to $165 million for proportionate 50% share of Zeolyst Joint Venture, which is excluded from GAAP Sales Adjusted EBITDA1 of $255 million to $275 million Free Cash Flow1 of $85 million to $105 million Capital expenditures of $70 million to $80 million Interest expense of $45 million to $55 million Depreciation & Amortization Ecovyst - $85 million to $95 million Zeolyst J.V. - $12 million to $14 million Effective tax rate in the mid 20% range 1In reliance upon the unreasonable efforts exemption provided under Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K, the Company is not able to provide a reconciliation of its non-GAAP financial guidance to the corresponding GAAP measures without unreasonable effort because of the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts necessary for such a reconciliation such as certain non-cash, nonrecurring or other items that are included in net income and EBITDA as well as the related tax impacts of these items and asset dispositions / acquisitions and changes in foreign currency exchange rates that are included in cash flow, due to the uncertainty and variability of the nature and amount of these future charges and costs. Because this information is uncertain, the Company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information, which could be material to future results. Stock Repurchase Authorization In April 2022, the Company's Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $450.0 million of the Company's outstanding common stock over the next four years. To date, repurchases under the program have been funded using cash on hand and cash generated from operations, with repurchases conducted through negotiated transactions with the Company's equity sponsors, as well as through open market repurchases. Future repurchases may also be conducted through negotiated transactions with an equity sponsor, open market repurchases or other means, including through Rule 10b-18 trading plans or through the use of other techniques such as accelerated share repurchases. During the first quarter of 2023, in connection with a secondary offering of the Company's common stock in March 2023, the Company repurchased 3,000,000 shares of its common stock sold in the offering from the underwriter at a price of $9.95 per share concurrently with the closing of the offering, for a total of $29.9 million. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the first quarter of 2024. For possible future repurchases, the actual timing, number, and nature of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including stock price, trading volume, and general business and market conditions. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any number of shares in any specific period, or at all, and the repurchase program may be amended, suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company's discretion. As of March 31, 2024, $234.6 million was available for share repurchases under the program. Conference Call and Webcast Details On Thursday, May 2, 2024, Ecovyst management will review the first quarter results during a conference call and audio-only webcast scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Conference Call: Investors may listen to the conference call live via telephone by dialing 1 (800) 343-5419 (domestic) or 1 (203) 518-9731 (international) and use the participant code ECVTQ124. Webcast: An audio-only live webcast of the conference call and presentation materials can be accessed at https://investor.ecovyst.com. A replay of the conference call/webcast will be made available at https://investor.ecovyst.com/events-presentations. Investor Contact: Gene Shiels(484) About Ecovyst Inc. Ecovyst Inc. and subsidiaries is a leading integrated and innovative global provider of advanced materials, specialty catalysts and services. We support customers globally through our strategically located network of manufacturing facilities. We believe that our products and services contribute to improving the sustainability of the environment. We have two uniquely positioned specialty businesses: Ecoservices provides sulfuric acid recycling to the North American refining industry for the production of alkylate and provides high quality and high strength virgin sulfuric acid for industrial and mining applications. Ecoservices also provides chemical waste handling and treatment services, as well as ex-situ catalyst activation services for the refining and petrochemical industry. Advanced Materials & Catalysts provides finished silica catalysts, catalyst supports and functionalized silicas necessary to produce high performing plastics and to enable sustainable chemistry, and through its Zeolyst Joint Venture, innovates and supplies specialty zeolites used in catalysts that support the production of sustainable fuels, remove nitrogen oxides from diesel engine emissions and that are broadly applied in refining and petrochemical process. For more information, see our website at https://www.ecovyst.com. Presentation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures In addition to the results provided in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") throughout this press release, the Company has provided non-GAAP financial measures — Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Income per share, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Diluted Income per share, Net Debt to Net Income ratio and Net Debt Leverage Ratio (collectively, "Non-GAAP Financial Measures") — which present results on a basis adjusted for certain items. The Company uses these Non-GAAP Financial Measures for business planning purposes and in measuring its performance relative to that of its competitors. The Company believes that these Non-GAAP Financial Measures are useful financial metrics to assess its operating performance from period-to-period by excluding certain items that the Company believes are not representative of its core business. These Non-GAAP Financial Measures are not intended to replace, and should not be considered superior to, the presentation of the Company's financial results in accordance with GAAP. The use of the Non-GAAP Financial Measures terms may differ from similar measures reported by other companies and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures. These Non-GAAP Financial Measures are reconciled from the respective measures under GAAP in the attached appendix. Zeolyst Joint Venture The Company's zeolite catalysts product group operates through its Zeolyst Joint Venture, which is accounted for as an equity method investment in accordance with GAAP. The presentation of the Zeolyst Joint Venture's sales represents 50% of the sales of the Zeolyst Joint Venture. The Company does not record sales by the Zeolyst Joint Venture as revenue and such sales are not consolidated within the Company's results of operations. However, the Company's Adjusted EBITDA reflects the share of earnings of the Zeolyst Joint Venture that have been recorded as equity in net income from affiliated companies in the Company's consolidated statements of income for such periods and includes Zeolyst Joint Venture adjustments on a proportionate basis based on the Company's 50% ownership interest. Accordingly, the Company's Adjusted EBITDA margins are calculated including 50% of the sales of the Zeolyst Joint Venture for the relevant periods in the denominator. Note on Forward-Looking Statements Some of the information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects" and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our future results of operations, financial condition, capital expenditure projects, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies, capital allocation program (including the stock repurchase program), product and service offerings, expected demand trends and our 2024 financial outlook. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We caution you, therefore, against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions, including tariffs and trade disputes, currency exchange rates, the effects of inflation and other factors, including those described in the sections titled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our filings with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.   ECOVYST INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (in millions, except share and per share amounts) Three months ended March 31, 2024 2023 % Change Sales $       160.5 $       160.9 (0.2) % Cost of goods sold 121.3 124.4 (2.5) % Gross profit 39.2 36.5 7.4 % Selling, general and administrative expenses 21.6 21.1 2.4 % Other operating expense, net 3.7 6.7 (44.8) % Operating income 13.9 8.7 59.8 % Equity in net (income) from affiliated companies (2.1) (0.2) NM Interest expense, net 13.4 9.9 35.4 % Other expense (income), net