In This Article:
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Revenue: Increased 3% to $738 million.
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Adjusted Operating Profit: Up 24% to $129 million.
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Adjusted Operating Margin: Improved to 17.4% from 14.6% in the prior year.
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Adjusted Earnings Per Share: Increased 23% to $0.133.
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Net Debt: Reduced to $157 million with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.0 times.
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Final Dividend: Up 38% to $0.029 per share, totaling $0.04 per share for the year.
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Cost Savings: Achieved $18 million, exceeding the initial expectation of $12 million.
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Talc Impairment: Recorded at $126 million for the year.
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Adjusted Operating Margin (Personal Care): Increased to 28.3%, up 420 basis points.
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Revenue from Innovation Sales: Accounted for 15% of sales, up from 14% in the prior year.
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Operating Cash Conversion: Three-year average at 88%, with annual performance at 104%.
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Return on Capital Employed (Excluding Goodwill): Increased to 23%, excluding Talc impairment at 19%.
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Personal Care Revenue Growth in Asia: Up 18%.
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Coatings Revenue: Increased 5% to $386 million.
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Coatings Adjusted Operating Margin: Improved to 20.3% from 15.3% last year.
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Free Cash Flow: $56 million after cash impact of $33 million adjusting items.
Release Date: March 06, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
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Elementis PLC (EMNSF) reported strong revenue and earnings growth across both coatings and personal care businesses in 2024.
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The company achieved $18 million in annual cost savings, surpassing the initial expectation of $12 million.
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Net debt was reduced significantly, with a year-end net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.0 times.
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The final dividend increased by 38% compared to the prior year, reflecting a strong balance sheet.
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Elementis PLC (EMNSF) launched 22 new products, contributing to innovation sales growth, with new products accounting for 15% of sales.
Negative Points
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Elementis PLC (EMNSF) recorded a Talc impairment of $126 million for the year.
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The Talc business faced challenges due to a nationwide strike in Finland and weak demand across key markets.
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The European automotive sector saw a 5% reduction in light vehicle production, impacting the Talc segment.
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Despite revenue growth, the Talc segment's adjusted operating profit reduced to $8 million, with a decline in operating margin to 5.9%.
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The company faces ongoing regulatory uncertainty regarding the classification of Talc as carcinogenic by the European Commission.
Q & A Highlights
Q: How is the personal care segment performing in light of market headwinds, and what is the trading outlook for coatings, particularly in China for 2025? A: (Lynn Paul Waterman, CEO) The personal care segment is healthier with reasonable inventory levels and is supported by higher value new products and investments in Asia. Coatings face a challenging demand environment, particularly in the Americas and Europe, but self-help initiatives and new business are driving performance. In Asia, while China is not stimulating demand, growth is seen in Southeast Asia and India.