Syensqo - First Quarter 2025 Results

Core Insights - The company reported net sales of €1.62 billion, driven by growth in Composite Materials, Technology Solutions, and Novecare, with a resilient underlying EBITDA of €311 million, reflecting a 5% sequential increase [1][3][5] Financial Performance - Net sales for Q1 2025 were €1,619 million, showing a slight decrease of 0.3% year-on-year and an increase of 1.3% sequentially [2][5] - Gross profit was €514 million, down 11.9% year-on-year, with a gross profit margin of 31.7%, which is a decrease of 420 basis points year-on-year but an increase of 160 basis points sequentially [2][5] - Underlying EBITDA decreased by 14.2% year-on-year to €311 million, with an underlying EBITDA margin of 19.2%, down 310 basis points year-on-year but up 60 basis points sequentially [2][5] - Operating cash flow was €176 million, while free cash flow was €37 million, impacted by capital expenditures [2][5] Market Outlook - The company maintains its outlook for FY 2025, expecting continued macroeconomic and demand uncertainty due to ongoing tariff and global trade tensions [4][6] - The second quarter of 2025 is anticipated to have challenging visibility, with demand uncertainty expected to persist across most end markets [9][10] - The company plans to accelerate restructuring and cost-saving initiatives, including a proposed reduction of approximately 200 positions, aiming for over €200 million in run rate savings by the end of 2026 [8][10] Strategic Initiatives - The company is implementing mitigation measures to manage direct exposures to tariff impacts, including tariff surcharges and refining supply chain exposures [7] - The focus remains on executing controllable initiatives, such as completing separation processes and making disciplined, high-return investments [4][6]