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Orion S.A. Announces Financial Results For The Full Year Ended December 31, 2023

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Orion S.A. (NYSE: OEC) reported full-year 2023 financial results with net sales of $1.89 billion, down $137 million year over year. Net income was $103.5 million, diluted EPS at $1.73, and adjusted EBITDA at $332.3 million. The company completed emissions projects, repurchased $70 million of stock, and reduced net leverage to 2.35 times.
Positive
  • Recorded net sales of $1.89 billion for full-year 2023, showing a decrease of $137 million compared to the previous year.
  • Net income for the full year was reported at $103.5 million, with diluted EPS at $1.73.
  • Adjusted EBITDA reached a record high of $332.3 million, marking an increase of $20 million year over year.
  • Orion completed multi-year emissions projects to upgrade U.S. plants and repurchased approximately 5% of outstanding stock (~$70 million) since inception.
  • Net leverage decreased to 2.35 times from around 3.0 times in mid-year 2022.
  • The company's CEO, Corning Painter, expressed satisfaction with the results but highlighted the impact of cooling demand in 2023. Orion's pricing strategy for 2024 aims at gradual recovery in demand with a clear growth pathway.
  • Jeff Glajch, Orion's CFO, noted improved results in 2023 with record Adjusted EBITDA, increased cash flow, and reduced debt. The completion of emissions projects provides flexibility for business growth and shareholder returns.
  • Orion projects an Adjusted EBITDA range of $340 million to $360 million for 2024, a 5% increase at the midpoint compared to 2023. The company also expects an Adjusted Diluted EPS of $2.05 to $2.20, up 9% at the midpoint.
  • The company will host a conference call on February 15, 2024, to discuss the financial results and outlook for 2024.
Negative
  • Net sales decreased by $137 million in 2023.
  • Net income saw a decline of $2.7 million year over year.
  • Adjusted Diluted EPS decreased by $0.04 compared to the previous year.
  • Specialty Carbon Black segment experienced a decrease in volume, net sales, and Adjusted EBITDA.
  • Rubber Carbon Black segment faced a decrease in volume and net sales, despite an increase in Adjusted EBITDA.
  • Gross profit per metric ton in the Specialty Carbon Black segment dropped by $170.8 year over year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA per ton in the Specialty Carbon Black segment decreased by $141.6 compared to the previous year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin in the Specialty Carbon Black segment decreased by 320 basis points year over year.
  • Gross profit per metric ton in the Rubber Carbon Black segment increased by $73.1 year over year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA per ton in the Rubber Carbon Black segment increased by $83.8 compared to the previous year.

Insights

Orion S.A.'s recently released full-year financial results for 2023 present a mixed picture, with a notable decline in net sales and net income, but an increase in Adjusted EBITDA. The decrease in net sales by 6.7% is a concerning trend, potentially indicative of broader market challenges or increased competition. However, the record Adjusted EBITDA suggests that the company has been successful in improving operational efficiency or cost management. Investors should consider the implications of the company's stock repurchase program, which reflects confidence in its intrinsic value and could be a positive signal for stock performance. The reduction in net leverage is also a positive sign, indicating a stronger balance sheet and potentially lower financial risk.

The outlook for 2024, with projected increases in Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted EPS, suggests optimism about the company's ability to grow despite market headwinds. However, the cautious sentiment expressed by customers could signal that these projections are subject to significant uncertainty. The completion of emissions projects may lead to reduced operational costs and improved sustainability credentials, which could enhance the company's reputation and market position in the long term.

The specialty chemicals industry, where Orion S.A. operates, is highly sensitive to macroeconomic factors such as oil prices and industrial demand. The reported decrease in volume across all regions except China reflects a potential slowdown in industrial activity, which could have ripple effects throughout the sector. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA despite these challenges indicates that Orion's pricing strategy and cost management initiatives may be effectively compensating for volume losses.

Investors should note the segment-specific performance, with the Specialty Carbon Black segment experiencing a significant decrease in Adjusted EBITDA and gross profit per metric ton, while the Rubber Carbon Black segment showed robust growth in Adjusted EBITDA and gross profit per metric ton. This divergence suggests that the company's portfolio may be resilient due to its diversification, but also highlights areas of vulnerability. The emphasis on additional supply lanes in Europe could be a strategic move to mitigate regional demand fluctuations and enhance supply chain robustness.

Orion S.A.'s completion of multi-year emissions projects is a significant development from an ESG perspective. This investment in environmental performance can be expected to pay dividends in terms of regulatory compliance, cost savings from potential carbon taxes and an improved corporate image among increasingly environmentally conscious stakeholders. The company's proactive approach to emissions reduction could also appeal to ESG-focused investors, who are becoming a more influential market segment.

While the financial impact of these projects on the current year's results is not detailed, the long-term benefits could include operational cost savings, which may contribute to future Adjusted EBITDA growth. The reduction in net leverage is another aspect that ESG-focused investors may view positively, as it suggests a prudent approach to financial management and a lower risk profile.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Orion S.A. (NYSE: OEC), a specialty chemical company, today announced financial results for the full year of 2023.

Full Year 2023 Financial Highlights

  • Net sales of $1,893.9 million, down $137.0 million, year over year.
  • Net income of $103.5 million, down $2.7 million, year over year.
  • Diluted EPS of $1.73 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
  • Adjusted Diluted EPS1 of $1.92, down $0.04, year over year.
  • Record Adjusted EBITDA1 of $332.3 million, up $20.0 million, year over year.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights

  • Net sales of $468.2 million, up $6.1 million, year over year
  • Net income of $4.9 million, down $7.3 million, year over year.
  • Diluted EPS of $0.08 down $0.12, year over year.
  • Adjusted Diluted EPS1 of $0.17, down $0.09, year over year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 of $66.6 million, up $1.4 million, year over year

Other Highlights

  • Completed multi-year emissions projects to upgrade plants in the U.S.
  • Repurchased nearly ~5% of outstanding stock — ~$70 million since inception.
  • Net leverage 2.35 times, down from ~3.0 times at mid-year 2022.

1

The reconciliations of Non-U.S. GAAP (“GAAP”) measures to the respective most comparable GAAP measures are provided in the section titled Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures below.

“The Orion team achieved record fourth quarter and full year results, in-line with our communication last month, yet we are not satisfied. Our results could have even beaten our original guidance if demand had not cooled over the course of 2023. Critically we executed our pricing strategy for the 2024 pricing cycle raising prices modestly from the new base we established last year while gaining additional supply lanes particularly in Europe,” said Corning Painter, Orion’s chief executive officer. “Being an essential material, we expect a gradual recovery of specialty and rubber carbon black demand in 2024, but for it to still lag pre-COVID levels. Most importantly, though, we foresee another year of growth with a clear pathway to achieve our long-term goals.”

Jeff Glajch, Orion’s chief financial officer added, “As Corning mentioned, our results continue to improve, with record Adjusted EBITDA in 2023, as well as increased cash flow and cash flow conversion that has enabled further reduction of debt from 2022 to 2.35 times and continued repurchase of stock. As we have now completed our emissions projects, we have much more flexibility to invest in growing the business balanced with providing returns to our shareholders.”

Full Year 2023 Overview:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

Year-Over-Year

(In millions, except per share data or stated otherwise)

 

2023

 

2022

 

Delta

Volume (kmt)

 

932.1

 

962.9

 

(30.8)

 

(3.2%)

Net sales

 

1,893.9

 

2,030.9

 

(137.0)

 

(6.7%)

Gross profit

 

451.0

 

448.8

 

2.2

 

0.5%

Gross profit per metric ton(1)

 

483.9

 

466.1

 

17.8

 

3.8%

Income from operations

 

205.3

 

197.1

 

8.2

 

4.2%

Net income

 

103.5

 

106.2

 

(2.7)

 

(2.5%)

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

 

332.3

 

312.3

 

20.0

 

6.4%

Basic EPS

 

1.75

 

1.74

 

0.01

 

0.6%

Diluted EPS

 

1.73

 

1.73

 

 

—%

Adjusted Diluted EPS(1)

 

1.92

 

1.96

 

(0.04)

 

(2.0%)

(1)

The reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the respective most comparable GAAP measures are provided in the section titled Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

Volume decreased by 30.8 kmt, or 3.2%, to 932.1 kmt, year-over-year reflecting weaker demand across all regions, except China, and in both segments.

Net sales decreased by $137.0 million, or 6.7%, to $1,893.9 million, driven primarily by the pass-through effect of declining oil prices and lower volume in both segments. Those were partially offset by improved contractual pricing.

Gross profit increased by $2.2 million or 0.5%, to $451.0 million, primarily driven by improved contractual pricing, partially offset by lower volume in both segments and lower cogeneration effects due to European electricity prices.

Income from operations increased by $8.2 million or 4.2%, to $205.3 million.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $20.0 million, or 6.4%, to $332.3 million. The increase was primarily due to improved contractual pricing. Those were partially offset by lower volume and cogeneration effects in both segments.

Full Year 2023 Segment Results

SPECIALTY CARBON BLACK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

Year-Over-Year

(In millions, unless otherwise indicated)

 

2023

 

2022

 

Delta

Volume (kmt)

 

221.4

 

224.3

 

(2.9)

 

(1.3)%

Net sales

 

610.6

 

675.4

 

(64.8)

 

(9.6)%

Cost of sales

 

450.3

 

474.7

 

(24.4)

 

(5.1)%

Gross profit

 

160.3

 

200.7

 

(40.4)

 

(20.1)%

Gross profit per metric ton(1)

 

724.0

 

894.8

 

(170.8)

 

(19.1)%

Adjusted EBITDA

 

110.7

 

143.9

 

(33.2)

 

(23.1)%

Adjusted EBITDA per metric ton(1)

 

500.0

 

641.6

 

(141.6)

 

(22.1)%

Adjusted EBITDA Margin (%)(1)

 

18.1%

 

21.3%

 

(320)bps

 

(15.0)%

(1)

The reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the respective most comparable GAAP measures are provided in the section titled Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

Volume of the Specialty Carbon Black segment decreased by 2.9 kmt, or 1.3%, to 221.4 kmt. The volume was lower primarily due to weakness across most geographies and in particular the printing market, offset by gains in China and the polymer market.

Net sales of the Specialty Carbon Black segment decreased by $64.8 million, or 9.6%, to $610.6 million. The net sales decrease in 2023 was primarily driven by the pass-through effect of declining oil prices.

Adjusted EBITDA of the Specialty Carbon Black segment decreased by $33.2 million, or 23.1%, to $110.7 million. The decrease was primarily due to unfavorable geographic and product mix and lower cogeneration effects due to lower European electricity prices.

Adjusted EBITDA per ton decreased by $141.6, or 22.1%, to $500.0, driven due to unfavorable product mix and lower cogeneration effects.

Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased 320 basis points to 18.1%, year over year.

RUBBER CARBON BLACK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

Year-Over-Year

(In millions, unless otherwise indicated)

 

2023

 

2022

 

Delta

Volume (kmt)

 

710.7

 

738.6

 

(27.9)

 

(3.8)%

Net sales

 

1,283.3

 

1,355.5

 

(72.2)

 

(5.3)%

Cost of sales

 

992.6

 

1,107.4

 

(114.8)

 

(10.4)%

Gross profit

 

290.7

 

248.1

 

42.6

 

17.2%

Gross profit per metric ton(1)

 

409.0

 

335.9

 

73.1

 

21.8%

Adjusted EBITDA

 

221.6

 

168.4

 

53.2

 

31.6%

Adjusted EBITDA/metric ton(1)

 

311.8

 

228.0

 

83.8

 

36.8%

Adjusted EBITDA Margin (%)(1)

 

17.3%

 

12.4%

 

490bps

 

39.5%

(1)

The reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the respective most comparable GAAP measures are provided in the section titled Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

Volume of the Rubber Carbon Black segment decreased by 27.9 kmt, or 3.8%, to 710.7 kmt. The decrease was primarily due to lower demand in the Americas and EMEA region, partially offset by China.

Net sales of the Rubber Carbon Black segment decreased by $72.2 million, or 5.3%, to $1,283.3 million. The decrease was primarily due to the pass-through effect of declining oil prices and lower volume, partially offset by improved contractual pricing.

Adjusted EBITDA of the Rubber Carbon Black segment increased by $53.2 million, or 31.6%, to $221.6 million. The increase was primarily due to improved contractual pricing, partially offset by lower volume and cogeneration effects.

Adjusted EBITDA per ton increased by $83.8, or 36.8%, to $311.8, primarily driven by improved contractual pricing.

Adjusted EBITDA margin rose 490 basis points to 17.3%, year over year.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Overview:

(In millions, except per share data or stated otherwise)

 

Q4 2023

Q4 2022

Y/Y Change

Y/Y Change in %

Volume (kmt)

 

226.2

215.1

11.1

5.2%

Net sales

 

468.2

462.1

6.1

1.3%

Gross profit

 

87.3

96.7

(9.4)

(9.7%)

Gross profit per metric ton(1)

 

385.9

449.6

(63.7)

(14.2%)

Income from operations

 

27.2

36.0

(8.8)

(24.4%)

Net income

 

4.9

12.2

(7.3)

(59.8%)

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

 

66.6

65.2

1.4

2.1%

Basic EPS

 

0.08

0.20

(0.12)

(60.0%)

Diluted EPS

 

0.08

0.20

(0.12)

(60.0%)

Adjusted Diluted EPS(1)

 

0.17

0.26

(0.09)

(34.6%)

(1)

The reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the respective most comparable GAAP measures are provided in the section titled Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

Volume increased by 11.1 kmt, or 5.2%, year over year, primarily due to higher volume in the Specialty Carbon Black polymer market.

Net sales increased by $6.1 million, or 1.3%, year over year, primarily driven by higher volume in both segments.

Gross profit decreased by $9.4 million, or 9.7%, year over year, primarily driven by lower cogeneration effects reflecting weaker European electricity pricing, unfavorable product and geographic mix in both segments and by maintenance, start-up and other timing related costs. Those were partially offset by higher volume in both segments.

Income from operations decreased by $8.8 million, or 24.4%, to $27.2 million, year over year, primarily driven by lower cogeneration effects and unfavorable product mix in both segments. Those were partially offset by higher volume.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $1.4 million, or 2.1%, to $66.6 million, year over year.

Quarterly Business Segment Results

SPECIALTY CARBON BLACK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In millions, unless stated otherwise)

 

Q4 2023

 

Q4 2022

 

Y/Y Change

 

Y/Y Change in %

Volume (kmt)

 

54.9

 

46.7

 

8.2

 

17.6%

Net sales

 

148.7

 

146.3

 

2.4

 

1.6%

Gross profit

 

27.0

 

37.7

 

(10.7)

 

(28.4)%

Gross profit per metric ton(1)

 

491.8

 

807.3

 

(315.5)

 

(39.1)%

Adjusted EBITDA

 

17.4

 

24.9

 

(7.5)

 

(30.1)%

Adjusted EBITDA/metric ton(1)

 

316.9

 

533.2

 

(216.3)

 

(40.6)%

Adjusted EBITDA margin (%)(1)

 

11.7%

 

17.0%

 

(530)bps

 

(31.2)%

(1)

The reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the respective most comparable GAAP measures are provided in the section titled Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

Volume increased by 8.2 kmt, or 17.6%, year over year, reflecting volume growth across all regions, partially in the polymer market.

Net sales increased by $2.4 million, or 1.6%, to $148.7 million, year over year.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $7.5 million, or 30.1%, to $17.4 million, year over year, primarily due to maintenance, start-up and other timing related costs, unfavorable product mix and lower cogeneration effects due to European electricity prices.

Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased 530 basis points to 11.7%, year over year.

RUBBER CARBON BLACK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In millions, unless stated otherwise)

 

Q4 2023

 

Q4 2022

 

Y/Y Change

 

Y/Y Change in %

Volume (kmt)

 

171.3

 

168.4

 

2.9

 

1.7%

Net sales

 

319.5

 

315.8

 

3.7

 

1.2%

Gross profit

 

60.3

 

59.0

 

1.3

 

2.2%

Gross profit per metric ton(1)

 

352.0

 

350.4

 

1.6

 

0.5%

Adjusted EBITDA

 

49.2

 

40.3

 

8.9

 

22.1%

Adjusted EBITDA/metric ton(1)

 

287.2

 

239.3

 

47.9

 

20.0%

Adjusted EBITDA margin (%)(1)

 

15.4%

 

12.8%

 

260bps

 

20.3%

(1)

The reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the respective most comparable GAAP measures are provided in the section titled Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

Volume increased by 2.9 kmt, or 1.7%, year over year.

Net sales increased by $3.7 million, or 1.2%, to $319.5 million, year over year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $8.9 million, or 22.1%, to $49.2 million, year over year, driven by pricing and favorable currency exchange impact. Those were partially offset by lower cogeneration effects and unfavorable product mix.

Adjusted EBITDA margin rose 260 basis points to 15.4%, year over year.

Net Debt Position

As of December 31, 2023, net debt was $780.7 million, down $78.2 million, and net leverage was 2.35x, down from 2.75x as of December 31, 2022.

Outlook

“For full year 2024, we are projecting an Adjusted EBITDA range of $340 million to $360 million, up 5 percent at the midpoint, compared with 2023. Additionally, we are projecting full year 2024 Adjusted Diluted EPS of $2.05 to $2.20, up 9 percent at the midpoint. We expect discretionary cash flow of approximately $160 million to $180 million in 2024. While there are multiple positive trends that we see could affect our results in 2024, our customers remain cautious,” Mr. Painter added. “Despite this we are looking forward to another year of notable growth, our fourth year in a row. It is also tremendous to have the air emission projects behind us.”

Conference Call

As previously announced, Orion will hold a conference call tomorrow, Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. (EST). The dial-in details for the live conference call are as follow:

U.S. Toll Free:

 

1-877-407-4018

International:

 

1-201-689-8471

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers through February 29, 2024:

U.S. Toll Free:

 

1-844-512-2921

International:

 

1-412-317-6671

Conference ID:

 

13743654

Additionally, an archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at www.orioncarbons.com.

To learn more about Orion, visit the company’s website at www.orioncarbons.com, where we regularly post information including notification of events, news, financial performance, investor presentations and webcasts, non-GAAP reconciliations, SEC filings and other information regarding our company, its businesses and the markets it serves.

About Orion Engineered Carbons

Orion Engineered Carbons (NYSE: OEC) is a leading global supplier of carbon black, a solid form of carbon produced as powder or pellets. The material is made to customers’ exacting specifications for tires, coatings, ink, batteries, plastics and numerous other specialty, high-performance applications. Carbon black is used to tint, colorize, provide reinforcement, conduct electricity, increase durability and add UV protection. Orion has innovation centers on three continents and 14 plants worldwide, offering the most diverse variety of production processes in the industry. The company’s corporate lineage goes back more than 160 years to Germany, where it operates the world’s longest-running carbon black plant. Orion is a leading innovator, applying a deep understanding of customers’ needs to deliver sustainable solutions. For more information, please visit orioncarbons.com.

Cautionary Statement for the Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This document contains and refers to certain forward-looking statements with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business, including those in the “Outlook” section above. These statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements concerning the potential exposure to market risks, statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions and statements that are not limited to statements of historical or present facts or conditions. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “anticipate,” "assume," “assure,” “believe,” “confident,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “objectives,” “outlook,” “probably,” “project,” “will,” “seek,” “target” “to be,” and other words of similar meaning.

These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about the following matters: • our outlook and expectations for 2024; • growth and strategies; • supply; • customer actions, behavior and demand for our products; • macroeconomic conditions; and • expectations and plans with respect to our capital, including investments and potential returns to our shareholders.

All these forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that, although believed to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Therefore, undue reliance should not be placed upon any forward-looking statements. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others: • possible negative or uncertain worldwide economic conditions and developments; • the volatility and cyclicality of the industries in which we operate; • the operational risks inherent in chemicals manufacturing, including disruptions due to technical facilities, severe weather conditions or natural disasters; • our dependence on major customers and suppliers; • unanticipated fluctuations in demand for our products, including due to factors beyond our control; • our ability to compete in the industries and markets in which we operate; • changes in the nature of transportation in the future, which may impact our customers and our business; • our ability to successfully develop new products and technologies; • the availability of substitutes for our products; • our ability to implement our business strategies; • our ability to respond to changes in feedstock prices and quality; • our ability to realize benefits from investments, joint ventures, acquisitions or alliances; our ability to negotiate satisfactory terms with counterparties, the satisfactory performance by such counterparties of their obligations to us, as well as our ability to meet our performance obligations towards such counterparties; • our ability to realize benefits from planned plant capacity expansions and site development projects and the impacts of potential delays to such expansions and development projects; • any information technology systems failures, network disruptions and breaches of data security; • our relationships with our workforce, including negotiations with labor unions, strikes and work stoppages; • our ability to recruit or retain key management and personnel; • our exposure to political or country risks inherent in doing business globally; • any and all impacts from the Russia-Ukraine war and the Hamas-Israel conflict and/or any escalation thereof related energy costs, raw material availability or other economic disruptions; • geopolitical events in the United States (“U.S.”), Middle-East, European Union (“EU”) and China, relations amongst Western countries and their neighbors as well as future relations between the U.S., EU, China and other countries and organizations; • all environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including nanomaterial and greenhouse gas emissions regulations, and the related costs of maintaining compliance and addressing liabilities; • any possible future investigations and enforcement actions by governmental, supranational agencies or other organizations; • our operations as a company in the chemical sector, including the related risks of leaks, fires and toxic releases as well as other accidents; • any market and regulatory changes that may affect our ability to sell or otherwise benefit from co-generated energy; • any litigation or legal proceedings, including product liability, environmental or asbestos related claims; • our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and know-how; • our ability to generate the funds required to service our debt and finance our operations; • any fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates; • the availability and efficiency of hedging; • any changes in international and local economic conditions, dislocations in credit and capital markets and inflation or deflation; • any potential impairments or write-offs of certain assets; • any required increases in our pension fund or retirement-related contributions; • the adequacy of our insurance coverage; • any changes in our jurisdictional earnings mix or in the tax laws or accepted interpretations of tax laws in those jurisdictions; • any challenges to our decisions and assumptions in assessing and complying with our tax obligations; • the potential difficulty in obtaining or enforcing judgments or bringing legal actions against Orion S.A. (a Luxembourg incorporated entity) in the U.S. or elsewhere outside Luxembourg; and • any current or future changes to disclosure requirements and obligations, including but not limited to new ESG-related disclosures, related audit requirements and our ability to comply with such obligations and requirements.

Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include those factors detailed under the captions “Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995” and “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in Note Q. Commitments and Contingencies to our audited Consolidated Financial Statements regarding contingent liabilities, including litigation. It is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement - including those in the “Outlook” and “Quarterly Business Segment Results” sections above - as a result of new information, future events or other information, other than as required by applicable law.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We present certain financial measures that are not prepared in accordance with GAAP or the accounting standards of any other jurisdiction and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their nearest comparable GAAP measures, see section Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.

These non-GAAP measures include, but are not limited to, Gross profit per metric ton, Adjusted EBITDA, Net Working Capital, Capital Expenditures, Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin (in percentage), Net debt and Net leverage.

We define Gross profit per metric ton as Gross profit divided by volume measured in metric tons. We define Adjusted EBITDA as Income from operations before depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, and non-recurring items (such as, restructuring expenses, legal settlement gain, etc.) plus Earnings in affiliated companies, net of tax. We definite Net Working Capital as Inventories, net plus Accounts receivable, net minus Accounts payable. We define Capital Expenditures as Cash paid for the acquisition of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment. We define Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin (in percentage) as Segment Adjusted EBITDA divided by segment revenue. We define Net debt as Total debt per Consolidated Balance Sheets plus Deferred debt issuance cost - Term loans minus Cash and cash equivalents. We define Net leverage as Net debt divided by trailing twelve month Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted EBITDA is used by our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to evaluate our operating performance and to make decisions regarding allocation of capital, because it excludes the effects of items that have less bearing on the performance of our underlying core business. We use this measure, together with other measures of performance under GAAP, to compare the relative performance of operations in planning, budgeting and reviewing our business. By eliminating potential differences in results of operations between periods caused by factors such as depreciation and amortization, historic cost and age of assets, financing and capital structures and taxation positions or regimes, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides a useful additional basis for evaluating and comparing the current performance of the underlying operations.

We believe our non-GAAP measures are useful measures of financial performance in addition to Net income, Income from operations and other profitability measures under GAAP, because they facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period. In addition, we believe these non-GAAP measures aid investors by providing additional insight into our operational performance and help clarify trends affecting our business.

Other companies and analysts may calculate non-GAAP financial measures differently, so making comparisons among companies on this basis should be done carefully. Non-GAAP measures are not performance measures under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or construed as substitutes for Net sales, Net income, Income from operations, Gross profit and other GAAP measures as an indicator of our operations in accordance with GAAP.

With respect to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted EPS outlook for 2024, we are not able to reconcile the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the closest corresponding GAAP measure without unreasonable efforts because we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of certain significant items. These items include, but are not limited to, significant legal settlements, tax and regulatory reserve changes, restructuring costs and acquisition and financing related impacts.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures

The following tables present a reconciliation of each of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted EPS to the most directly comparable GAAP measure:

Reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted EBITDA:

Reconciliation of profit

Fourth Quarter

 

Year Ended December 31,

(In millions)

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

Net income

$

4.9

 

 

$

12.2

 

 

$

103.5

 

 

$

106.2

 

Add back Income tax expense

 

15.3

 

 

 

13.2

 

 

 

60.3

 

 

 

51.5

 

Add back Earnings in affiliated companies, net of tax

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

(0.5

)

 

 

(0.5

)

Income before earnings in affiliated companies and income taxes

 

20.1

 

 

 

25.2

 

 

 

163.3

 

 

 

157.2

 

Add back Interest and other financial expense, net

 

9.3

 

 

 

10.8

 

 

 

50.9

 

 

 

39.9

 

Add back Reclassification of actuarial gain from AOCI

 

(2.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

(8.9

)

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

27.2

 

 

 

36.0

 

 

 

205.3

 

 

 

197.1

 

Add back Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of intangible assets and right of use assets

 

32.2

 

 

 

25.8

 

 

 

113.0

 

 

 

105.7

 

EBITDA

 

59.4

 

 

 

61.8

 

 

 

318.3

 

 

 

302.8

 

Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of tax

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

0.5

 

Long term incentive plan

 

7.1

 

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

15.4

 

 

 

7.7

 

Environmental reserve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2.2

)

 

 

(0.4

)

Other adjustments

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

1.7

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

66.6

 

 

$

65.2

 

 

$

332.3

 

 

$

312.3

 

Reconciliation of Gross profit per metric ton:

 

Fourth Quarter

 

Year Ended December 31,

(In millions, unless otherwise indicated)

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

Revenue

$

468.2

 

 

$

462.1

 

 

$

1,893.9

 

 

$

2,030.9

 

Cost of sales

 

(380.9

)

 

 

(365.4

)

 

 

(1,442.9

)

 

 

(1,582.1

)

Gross profit

$

87.3

 

 

$

96.7

 

 

$

451.0

 

 

$

448.8

 

Volume (in kmt)

 

226.2

 

 

 

215.1

 

 

 

932.1

 

 

 

962.9

 

Gross profit per metric ton

$

385.9

 

 

$

449.6

 

 

$

483.9

 

 

$

466.1

 

Reconciliation of total debt per the Consolidated Balance Sheet to Net debt:

(In millions)

2023

Current portion of long term debt and other financial liabilities

$

137.0

Long-term debt, net

 

677.3

Total debt as per Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

814.3

Add: Deferred debt issuance costs - Term loans

 

3.9

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

 

37.5

Net debt

$

780.7

Adjusted EPS

Fourth Quarter

 

Year Ended December 31,

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

Net income

$

4.9

 

 

$

12.2

 

 

$

103.5

 

 

$

106.2

 

add back long term incentive plan

 

7.1

 

 

 

2.6

 

 

 

15.4

 

 

 

7.7

 

add back environmental reserve

 

 

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(2.2

)

 

 

(0.4

)

add back other adjustment items

 

 

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

1.6

 

add back reclassification of actuarial gains from AOCI

 

(2.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

(8.9

)

 

 

 

add back amortization

 

1.8

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

7.2

 

 

 

7.1

 

add back foreign exchange rate impacts

 

(0.6

)

 

 

(0.7

)

 

 

2.3

 

 

 

1.8

 

add back amortization of transaction costs

 

0.7

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

1.9

 

Tax effect on add back items at estimated tax rate

 

(1.9

)

 

 

(1.3

)

 

 

(5.0

)

 

 

(5.9

)

Adjusted net income

$

9.8

 

 

$

15.7

 

 

$

115.3

 

 

$

120.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total add back items

$

4.9

 

 

$

3.5

 

 

$

11.8

 

 

$

13.8

 

Impact add back items per share

$

0.09

 

 

$

0.06

 

 

$

0.19

 

 

$

0.23

 

Earnings per share (diluted)

$

0.08

 

 

$

0.20

 

 

$

1.73

 

 

$

1.73

 

Adjusted diluted EPS

$

0.17

 

 

$

0.26

 

 

$

1.92

 

 

$

1.96

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

(In millions, except per share amounts)

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

 

Unaudited

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

468.2

 

 

$

462.1

 

$

1,893.9

 

 

$

2,030.9

Cost of sales

 

380.9

 

 

 

365.4

 

 

1,442.9

 

 

 

1,582.1

Gross profit

 

87.3

 

 

 

96.7

 

 

451.0

 

 

 

448.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

53.6

 

 

 

53.9

 

 

221.9

 

 

 

227.1

Research and development costs

 

6.2

 

 

 

5.8

 

 

24.5

 

 

 

21.7

Other expenses/(income)

 

0.3

 

 

 

1.0

 

 

(0.7

)

 

 

2.9

Income from operations

 

27.2

 

 

 

36.0

 

 

205.3

 

 

 

197.1

Interest and other financial expense, net

 

9.3

 

 

 

10.8

 

 

50.9

 

 

 

39.9

Reclassification of actuarial (gains)/losses from AOCI

 

(2.2

)

 

 

 

 

(8.9

)

 

 

Income before earnings in affiliated companies and income taxes

 

20.1

 

 

 

25.2

 

 

163.3

 

 

 

157.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

15.3

 

 

 

13.2

 

 

60.3

 

 

 

51.5

Earnings in affiliated companies, net of tax

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

0.5

Net income

$

4.9

 

 

$

12.2

 

$

103.5

 

 

$

106.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

58,140

 

 

 

60,913

 

 

58,995

 

 

 

60,902

Diluted

 

59,196

 

 

 

61,059

 

 

59,980

 

 

 

61,378

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

0.08

 

 

$

0.20

 

$

1.75

 

 

$

1.74

Diluted

$

0.08

 

 

$

0.20

 

$

1.73

 

 

$

1.73

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

 

 

December 31

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

 

(In millions, except share amounts)

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

37.5

 

 

$

60.8

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

241.0

 

 

 

367.8

 

Inventories, net

 

 

287.1

 

 

 

277.9

 

Income tax receivables

 

 

6.1

 

 

 

5.2

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

74.4

 

 

 

66.8

 

Total current assets

 

 

646.1

 

 

 

778.5

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

900.1

 

 

 

818.5

 

Right-of-use assets

 

 

110.6

 

 

 

97.6

 

Goodwill

 

 

76.1

 

 

 

73.4

 

Intangible assets, net

 

 

25.5

 

 

 

27.8

 

Investment in equity method affiliates

 

 

5.1

 

 

 

5.0

 

Deferred income tax assets

 

 

30.0

 

 

 

29.1

 

Other assets

 

 

39.9

 

 

 

58.8

 

Total non-current assets

 

 

1,187.3

 

 

 

1,110.2

 

Total assets

 

$

1,833.4

 

 

$

1,888.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

183.7

 

 

$

184.1

 

Current portion of long term debt and other financial liabilities

 

 

137.0

 

 

 

258.3

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

41.7

 

 

 

44.7

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

34.2

 

 

 

31.3

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

43.7

 

 

 

34.4

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

440.3

 

 

 

552.8

 

Long-term debt, net

 

 

677.3

 

 

 

657.0

 

Employee benefit plan obligation

 

 

60.4

 

 

 

50.0

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

 

66.3

 

 

 

70.0

 

Other liabilities

 

 

110.6

 

 

 

99.5

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

 

914.6

 

 

 

876.5

 

Stockholders' equity

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

 

 

Authorized: 65,035,579 and 65,035,579 shares with no par value

 

 

 

 

Issued – 60,992,259 and 60,992,259 shares with no par value

 

 

 

 

Outstanding – 57,898,772 and 60,571,556 shares

 

 

85.3

 

 

 

85.3

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 3,093,487 and 420,703

 

 

(70.1

)

 

 

(8.8

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

85.6

 

 

 

76.4

 

Retained earnings

 

 

417.6

 

 

 

319.0

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(39.9

)

 

 

(12.5

)

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

478.5

 

 

 

459.4

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 

$

1,833.4

 

 

$

1,888.7

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

(In millions)

 

2023

 

2022

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

103.5

 

 

$

106.2

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of intangible assets and right of use assets

 

 

113.0

 

 

 

105.7

 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

1.9

 

Stock-based incentive compensation

 

 

15.4

 

 

 

7.7

 

Deferred tax provision

 

 

6.3

 

 

 

7.2

 

Foreign currency transactions

 

 

5.0

 

 

 

(8.4

)

Reclassification of actuarial gains from AOCI

 

 

(8.9

)

 

 

 

Other operating non-cash items, net

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

(0.3

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

 

131.2

 

 

 

(95.6

)

Inventories

 

 

(7.7

)

 

 

(60.1

)

Trade payables

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

9.2

 

Other provisions

 

 

(4.4

)

 

 

(3.7

)

Income tax liabilities

 

 

(2.1

)

 

 

20.3

 

Other assets and liabilities, net

 

 

(10.5

)

 

 

(9.1

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

345.9

 

 

 

81.0

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

 

 

(172.8

)

 

 

(232.8

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(172.8

)

 

 

(232.8

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings

 

 

12.6

 

 

 

47.8

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

 

(3.0

)

 

 

(3.0

)

Payments for debt issue costs

 

 

(2.7

)

 

 

(1.5

)

Cash inflows related to current financial liabilities

 

 

284.4

 

 

 

223.2

 

Cash outflows related to current financial liabilities

 

 

(417.9

)

 

 

(107.7

)

Dividends paid to stockholders

 

 

(4.9

)

 

 

(5.0

)

Repurchase of common stock under Stock Repurchase Program

 

 

(65.6

)

 

 

(4.3

)

Other financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

(0.2

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

(197.1

)

 

 

149.3

 

Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(24.0

)

 

 

(2.5

)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period

 

 

63.4

 

 

 

68.5

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

(2.6

)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period

 

 

40.2

 

 

 

63.4

 

Less restricted cash at the end of the period

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

2.6

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

 

$

37.5

 

 

$

60.8

 

 

Wendy Wilson

Investor Relations

+1 281-974-0155

Source: Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.

FAQ

What were Orion S.A.'s net sales for the full year of 2023?

Orion S.A. reported net sales of $1.89 billion for the full year of 2023, showing a decrease of $137 million year over year.

What was the net income for Orion S.A. in 2023?

Orion S.A. reported a net income of $103.5 million for the full year of 2023.

What was the Adjusted EBITDA for Orion S.A. in 2023?

Orion S.A. achieved a record Adjusted EBITDA of $332.3 million in 2023, marking an increase of $20 million year over year.

What financial projects did Orion S.A. complete in the U.S.?

Orion S.A. completed multi-year emissions projects to upgrade plants in the U.S.

How much stock did Orion S.A. repurchase since inception?

Orion S.A. repurchased nearly 5% of outstanding stock, totaling around $70 million, since inception.

What was the net leverage ratio for Orion S.A. in mid-year 2022?

Orion S.A.'s net leverage ratio was around 3.0 times at mid-year 2022, which decreased to 2.35 times by the end of 2023.

Orion S.A.

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