The Chemours Company Reports Strong Second Quarter Results, also for Refrigerants

The Chemours Company (Chemours) has announced its financial results for the second quarter 2021.

Second Quarter 2021 Results

  • Net Sales of $1.7 billion, up 51% year-over-year
  • Net Income of $66 million with EPS of $0.39
  • Adjusted Net Income* of $205 million with Adjusted EPS* of $1.20, up $1.02 year-over-year
  • Adjusted EBITDA* of $366 million, up 120% year-over-year
  • Free cash flow of $189 million, an increase of $139 million year-over-year
  • On July 28, 2021, the company’s Board of Directors approved a third quarter dividend of $0.25 per share, consistent with the prior quarter

Other Highlights

  • Announced appointment of Mark E. Newman as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective July 1, 2021, following retirement of Mark P. Vergnano who has assumed the position of non-executive Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors succeeding Richard H. Brown
  • Advanced our Corporate Responsibility Commitments (CRC) with publication of our 2020 CRC report
  • Signed definitive agreement to sell Mining Solutions business for $520 million
  • Expect 2021 Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS to be in the top end of our guidance ranges

We continue to execute well against our strategy and are driving improved performance across the portfolio. This quarter we have achieved multi-year highs for several key metrics on the back of improving demand,” said Chemours President and CEO Mark E. Newman.I am particularly proud of the work our teams are doing to mitigate persistent supply chain challenges while continuing to prioritize the safety of our people during the ongoing pandemic. Strong operating performance, focus and accountability is a strength of this company. Our customers increasingly value Chemours as a trusted partner, especially in this period of strong demand.

Second quarter 2021 Net Sales were $1.7 billion, 51% higher than the prior-year quarter. 46% volume growth was the primary driver of the better year-over-year sales performance with positive contributions from every segment. 2% higher pricing and 4% favorable currency translation more than offset a 1% portfolio headwind stemming from the exit of our Aniline business in the fourth quarter 2020. The 15% sequential sales improvement was driven by our ability to meet demand from the continuing global macro recovery and favorable seasonal trends that drove sales higher in Titanium Technologies, Thermal & Specialized Solutions (in other words, also refrigerants), Advanced Performance Materials, and Chemical Solutions.

Second quarter Net Income was $66 million, or EPS of $0.39. Adjusted Net Income was $205 million, which excludes a $169 million charge associated with onsite remediation at our Fayetteville site and a $25 million charge associated with the settlement of natural resource damage claims with the State of Delaware, resulting in Adjusted EPS of $1.20, up $1.02 vs. the prior-year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter 2021 was $366 million in comparison to $166 million in the prior-year second quarter, a result of higher volume, pricing and a favorable currency impact, partially offset by incremental cost headwinds associated with higher plant fixed costs to increase production to meet higher demand, higher legacy environmental and legal costs, and higher performance-related compensation expense.

Thermal & Specialized Solutions (also Refrigerants)
Thermal & Specialized Solutions (TSS) segment Net Sales in the second quarter were $340 million, a 47% increase vs. the prior-year quarter. Segment volume improved 48% year-over-year driven by demand recovery in all markets and all regions. Opteon™ low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant adoption was a driver of the better quarterly performance with strength across stationary and automotive OEM markets, despite constrained automotive production from the ongoing semiconductor chip shortages. During the quarter Chemours announced partnerships with select HVAC producers and stationary refrigerant customers to further promote the market transition to its low GWP solutions. Segment price declined 3% vs. the prior-year quarter, primarily due to contractual price adjustments for refrigerants as well as product and customer mix but improved 5% sequentially reflecting favorable market conditions. Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $117 million increased 113% vs. the prior-year quarter and Adjusted EBITDA margins of 34% improved 1000bps year-over-year driven by the recovery in key markets and improved product mix.

Outlook
Newman commented, “As I reflect on this quarter’s solid results, I wish to thank all 6,500 members of the Chemours team for their tireless work managing through a truly challenging and unprecedented time. I am confident that we have the right people and strategy to build upon our current strength. Given strong second quarter results and continued business momentum, we now expect 2021 Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS to be in the top end of our guidance ranges.