The Chemours Company Reports Strong Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Results with Solid Momentum Across Core Markets

WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chemours Company (Chemours) (NYSE: CC), a global chemistry company with leading market positions in Titanium Technologies, Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Advanced Performance Materials, and Chemical Solutions today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2020.

Full Year 2020 Results & Highlights

• Net Sales of $5.0 billion
• Net Income of $219 million with EPS of $1.32
• Adjusted Net Income* of $329 million with Adjusted EPS* of $1.98
• Adjusted EBITDA* of $879 million
• Free Cash Flow* of $540 million
• Extended debt maturities while preserving strong balance sheet; ample liquidity of $1.8 billion
• Delivered on actions to achieve $160 million cost reduction and $125 million capex reduction in 2020
• Chemours, DuPont and Corteva announced resolution of legacy PFAS claims

Fourth Quarter 2020 Results & Highlights

• Net Sales of $1.3 billion, nearly level with prior-year quarter
• Net Income of $19 million, with EPS of $0.11
• Adjusted Net Income* of $103 million, with Adjusted EPS* of $0.61
• Adjusted EBITDA* of $246 million up 8% year-over-year
• Free Cash Flow* of $300 million
• The company's Board of Directors approved a first quarter 2021 dividend of $0.25 per share, consistent with the prior quarter
• As concurrently announced, Chemours is reporting two new segments starting in Q4 2020 – Advanced Performance Materials and Thermal & Specialized Solutions – formerly the Fluoroproducts segment

2021 Outlook

• Adjusted EBITDA* between $1.0 to $1.15 billion, up 22% from 2020 at the mid-point
• Adjusted EPS* between ~$2.40 and $3.12
• Capex of ~$350 million with Free Cash Flow* expected to be greater than $350 million

"2020 was an unprecedented year, but I am proud of this company and the 6,500 members of our team that delivered solid results," said Chemours President and CEO Mark Vergnano.  "Our COVID-19 response plan enabled Chemours to deliver robust Free Cash Flow as we prioritized cash and liquidity in a challenging demand environment.  As the recovery gained momentum, we were ready to safely serve our customers and delivered fourth quarter sales performance nearly equal to pre-pandemic levels."

2020 Net Sales were $5.0 billion, 10% lower than the prior year.  Higher year-over-year sales in Titanium Technologies were offset by declines in Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Advanced Performance Materials and Chemicals Solutions where customer demand was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

2020 Net Income was $219 million resulting in EPS of $1.32.  2020 Adjusted Net Income was $329 million resulting in Adjusted EPS of $1.98.  Adjusted EBITDA for 2020 was $879 million in comparison to $1,020 million in the prior year, a result of lower sales, partially offset by lower costs related to cost reductions and savings initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and structural cost reductions.

Fourth quarter 2020 Net Sales were $1.3 billion, 1% lower than the prior-year quarter, which included a (2%) portfolio impact from the divested MAP business. The 8% sequential sales improvement was supported by a global macro recovery that drove sales higher in Titanium Technologies, Advanced Performance Materials and Chemicals Solutions. Thermal & Specialized Solutions sales declined modestly quarter-over-quarter from typical seasonal selling patterns, as expected.  Strong sequential volume growth accounted for the majority of the fourth quarter sales performance with a partial offset from lower global average prices. 

Fourth quarter Net Income was $19 million, resulting in EPS of $0.11.  Adjusted Net Income was $103 million, resulting in Adjusted EPS of $0.61, up $0.05 from the prior year.  Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter 2020 was $246 million in comparison to $227 million in the prior-year fourth quarter, a result of higher volume, lower cost and favorable currency impact, partially offset by lower average pricing.   

Titanium TechnologiesTitanium Technologies (TT) segment Net Sales in the full year were $2.4 billion, a 2% increase vs. the prior year.  This was the result of 8% higher volume, primarily driven by Ti-Pure™ titanium dioxide, partially offset by 6% lower global average selling prices.  Volume increased in nearly all regions, led by EMEA.  All selling channels contributed to the annual volume growth with strong year-over-year improvement in Plastics and Laminates sales.  2020 segment Adjusted EBITDA was $510 million as compared to $505 million in the prior-year period as the impact of higher sales and cost reductions was offset by reduced global average selling price. 

Titanium Technologies segment Net Sales in the fourth quarter were $691 million in comparison to $610 million in the prior-year quarter. Volume increased 17% versus the prior-year fourth quarter, a result of demand recovery in the architectural coatings, laminates and plastics markets.  Global average selling prices were down 6% on a year-over-year basis largely as a result of price changes made in 2019.  Ti-Pure™ account level pricing has been largely stable across much of 2020, in-line with our TVS Strategy.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased by 30% to $149 million, in comparison to $115 million in the prior-year fourth quarter.  Titanium Technologies segment net sales increased 13% on a sequential basis, with Adjusted EBITDA up 16% on a sequential basis.  Sequential volume strength was driven by a continuation of demand recovery across most geographic regions and end-markets.   

Thermal & Specialized SolutionsThermal & Specialized Solutions (TSS), formerly referred to as Fluorochemicals, is comprised of Opteon™ and Freon™ refrigerants, alongside several other related product categories.  TSS Net Sales in the full year were $1.1 billion, a 16% decline vs. 2019 driven by 9% lower volume and 7% lower prices.  COVID-19 significantly impacted end-market demand in the year, particularly in the automotive sector.  Sales volume rebounded in the second half of the year as the global recovery proceeded, supporting the continued Opteon™ adoption.  Full year 2020 Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $354 million vs. $398 million in 2019.  The impact of lower sales on segment profit was offset by enhanced operational performance and cost savings associated with ramp up of Opteon™ production in Corpus Christi. 

TSS segment Net Sales in the fourth quarter were $272 million in comparison to $290 million in the prior-year quarter.  Segment volume was flat versus the prior-year quarter, despite higher Opteon™ volume from continued adoption in stationary applications and in the auto aftermarket.  Price declined 7% versus the prior-year quarter, primarily due to contractual price adjustments for refrigerants as well as product and customer mix.  As expected, typical seasonal selling patterns led to a sequential volume decline of 4% as better Opteon™ sales volume was offset by weaker volume in other product categories.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $105 million increased 28% versus the prior-year quarter driven by improved cost performance from ramp up of Opteon™ production at our Corpus Christi site and enhanced operating discipline, which more than offset the impact of reduced price. 

Advanced Performance MaterialsAdvanced Performance Materials (APM), formerly referred to as Fluoropolymers, includes the Teflon™, Viton™, Nafion™, and Krytox™ polymer platforms.  APM Net Sales in the full year were $1.1 billion, a 17% decline, driven by 15% lower volume and 2% reduced average selling price.  COVID-19 negatively impacted demand across most end-markets and geographies with select areas of demand resiliency in our more differentiated product platforms.  Full year Adjusted EBITDA of $126 million was 30% lower than 2019, primarily attributable to the impact of lower sales.  We also incurred costs associated with the temporary idling of certain of our production lines due to reduced customer demand that were partially offset by enhanced operational performance at certain of our operating facilities, our cost reductions and savings initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and structural cost reductions. 

APM segment Net Sales in the fourth quarter were $279 million in comparison to $324 million in the prior-year quarter.  Volume and price declined 10% and 6%, respectively, on a year-over-year basis.  Demand headwinds persisted as a result of COVID-19, but the impact moderated in the fourth quarter as the global recovery gained momentum in our key end markets.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $25 million decreased 29% versus the prior-year quarter primarily due to lower net sales partially offset by improved operational performance and cost reduction actions.  On a sequential basis, APM Net Sales in the fourth quarter increased by 16%, primarily driven by the delayed impact from the global recovery benefiting our product categories deep within their respective value chains.  

Chemical SolutionsChemical Solutions (CS) segment Net Sales in the full year were $358 million, a decrease of 33% vs. the prior year.  Volume was negatively impacted primarily by mine closures in Latin America, related to COVID-19.  Average price declined 4%, driven by market dynamics compared with the prior year.  The divesture of our MAP business in the fourth quarter of 2019 resulted in a 19% impact on a year-over-year basis.  Adjusted EBITDA was $73 million in comparison to $80 million in the prior year.

Chemical Solutions segment Net Sales in the fourth quarter were $95 million, 26% lower vs. the prior year.  Prices and volume were both lower vs. the prior-year quarter, but on a sequential basis, volume increased substantially as Mining Solutions sales strengthened into year-end and Glycolic Acid market demand remained robust.  The divesture of our MAP business in the fourth quarter of 2019 resulted in a 21% impact on a year-over-year basis.  Adjusted EBITDA was $28 million in comparison to $25 million in the prior-year quarter, driven by higher licensing income. 

Corporate and OtherCorporate and Other represented a $184 million cost included in Adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2020 in comparison to a $143 million offset in the prior year, primarily attributable to $23 million of higher costs associated with legacy environmental remediation matters and $10 million of higher costs associated with legacy legal matters. Corporate and Other in the fourth quarter 2020 represented a $61 million offset to Adjusted EBITDA vs. $30 million in the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by aforementioned legacy environmental remediation and legal matters.

LiquidityAs of December 31, 2020, consolidated gross debt was $4.1 billion. Debt, net of $1.1 billion cash, was $3.0 billion, resulting in a net leverage ratio of approximately 3.4 times on a trailing twelve-month Adjusted EBITDA basis.  Total liquidity was $1.8 billion.

For the full-year 2020, cash provided by operating activities was $807 million, versus $650 million in 2019. Capital expenditures for 2020 were $267 million in comparison to $481 million in full-year 2019. Full-year 2020 Free Cash Flow was $540 million versus the prior-year Free Cash Flow of $169 million in 2019. 

Cash provided by operating activities for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $353 million. Capital expenditures for the fourth quarter 2020 were $53 million.  Free Cash Flow for the fourth quarter 2020 was $300 million vs. the prior-year quarter of $304 million, a decline of $4 million.

As previously announced, during the fourth quarter the company completed a private offering of $800 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.750% senior unsecured notes due 2028.  The proceeds of the offering together with cash on hand were used to fund the purchase price and accrued and unpaid interest for all remaining outstanding 6.625% senior notes due 2023.

OutlookThe company expects to deliver 2021 Adjusted EBITDA within a range of $1.0 to $1.15 billion.  Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $350 million, with Free Cash Flow of greater than $350 million.  The company expects to deliver Adjusted EPS of between $2.40 and $3.12.

Mr. Vergnano concluded: "We ended 2020 with solid momentum as the global recovery boosted demand in our key end-markets.  Our outlook strikes a balance between the recovery and the natural uncertainty in the progression of the global COVID-19 pandemic.  Our teams have prepared for this moment.  Since spin we have transformed the company to be more resilient and have invested behind key growth strategies.  Looking ahead I strongly believe that we are ready to capitalize on our strategic transformation and create value for all of our stakeholders."

Conference CallAs previously announced, Chemours will hold a conference call and webcast on Friday, February 12, 2021 at 8:30 AM EST. The webcast and additional presentation materials can be accessed by visiting the Events & Presentations page of Chemours' investor website, investors.chemours.com. A webcast replay of the conference call will be available on the Chemours' investor website.

About The Chemours Company The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) is a global leader in Titanium Technologies, Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Advanced Performance Materials, and Chemical Solutions providing its customers with solutions in a wide range of industries with market-defining products, application expertise and chemistry-based innovations. We deliver customized solutions with a wide range of industrial and specialty chemicals products for markets, including coatings, plastics, refrigeration, and air conditioning, transportation, semiconductor and consumer electronics, general industrial, mining and oil and gas.  Our flagship products include prominent brands such as Ti-Pure™, Opteon™, Freon™, Teflon™, Viton™, Nafion™, and Krytox™.  In 2019, Chemours was named to Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies. The company has approximately 6,500 employees and 30 manufacturing sites serving approximately 3,300 customers in approximately 120 countries. Chemours is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and is listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC.

For more information, we invite you to visit chemours.com or follow us on Twitter @Chemours or LinkedIn. 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures We prepare our financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Within this press release, we may make reference to Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Adjusted EPS, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Effective Tax Rate, Return on Invested Capital and Net Leverage Ratio which are non-GAAP financial measures. The company includes these non-GAAP financial measures because management believes they are useful to investors in that they provide for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making.

Management uses Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Adjusted EPS, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Effective Tax Rate, Return on Invested Capital and Net Leverage Ratio to evaluate the company's performance excluding the impact of certain noncash charges and other special items which we expect to be infrequent in occurrence in order to have comparable financial results to analyze changes in our underlying business from quarter to quarter.

Accordingly, the company believes the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures, when used in conjunction with GAAP financial measures, is a useful financial analysis tool that can assist investors in assessing the company's operating performance and underlying prospects. This analysis should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. This analysis, as well as the other information in this press release, should be read in conjunction with the company's financial statements and footnotes contained in the documents that the company files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the company in this press release may be different from the methods used by other companies. For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the attached schedules or the table, "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to GAAP Financial Measures" and materials posted to the company's website at investors.chemours.com.

Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to a historical or current fact. The words "believe," "expect," "will," "anticipate," "plan," "estimate," "target," "project" and similar expressions, among others, generally identify "forward-looking statements," which speak only as of the date such statements were made. These forward-looking statements may address, among other things, the outcome or resolution of any pending or future environmental liabilities, the commencement, outcome or resolution of any regulatory inquiry, investigation or proceeding, the initiation, outcome or settlement of any litigation, changes in environmental regulations in the U.S. or other jurisdictions that affect demand for or adoption of our products, anticipated future operating and financial performance for our segments individually and our company as a whole, business plans, prospects, targets, goals and commitments, capital investments and projects and target capital expenditures, plans for dividends or share repurchases, sufficiency or longevity of intellectual property protection, cost reductions or savings targets, plans to increase profitability and growth, our ability to make acquisitions, integrate acquired businesses or assets into our operations, and achieve anticipated synergies or cost savings, all of which are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events that may not be accurate or realized. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements also involve risks and uncertainties that are beyond Chemours' control. In addition, the current COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the national and global economy and commodity and financial markets, which has had and we expect will continue to have a negative impact on our financial results. The full extent and impact of the pandemic is unknown and to date has included extreme volatility in financial and commodity markets, a significant slowdown in economic activity, and increased predictions of a global recession. The public and private sector response has led to significant restrictions on travel, temporary business closures, quarantines, stock market volatility, and a general reduction in consumer and commercial activity globally. Matters outside our control have affected our business and operations and may or may continue to limit travel of employees to our business units domestically and internationally, adversely affect the health and welfare of our personnel, significantly reduce the demand for our products, hinder our ability to provide goods and services to customers, cause disruptions in our supply chains, adversely affect our business partners or cause other unpredictable events. Additionally, there may be other risks and uncertainties that Chemours is unable to identify at this time or that Chemours does not currently expect to have a material impact on its business. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Chemours assumes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason, except as required by law.

CONTACT:

INVESTORS Jonathan Lock VP, Corporate Development and Investor Relations +1.302.773.2263 [email protected] 

NEWS MEDIA Thomas SuetaDirector, Corporate Communications +1.302.773.3903[email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-chemours-company-reports-strong-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2020-results-with-solid-momentum-across-core-markets-301227291.html

SOURCE The Chemours Company