(Updated - April 24, 2019 5:19 PM EDT)

Methanex (NASDAQ: MEOH) reported Q1 EPS of $0.73, $0.15 worse than the analyst estimate of $0.88. Revenue for the quarter came in at $733 million versus the consensus estimate of $795.57 million.

John Floren, President and CEO of Methanex, commented, "The lower Adjusted EBITDA and earnings in the first quarter primarily reflects lower average realized prices compared to the last quarter which was partially offset by higher sales of Methanex-produced methanol. In addition, in a declining price environment, our margins tend to be lower than in a stable price environment due to inventory timing differences. Our average realized methanol price decreased by $70 per tonne in the quarter to $331 per tonne, which compares to $401 per tonne realized in the fourth quarter. We were pleased to see methanol pricing stabilize, supported by steady demand combined with a number of supply outages globally.”

“In the quarter, we successfully completed our first major turnaround at our Geismar 1 facility and subsequently achieved a daily production record from the plant. We continued our long track record of returning excess cash to shareholders by returning $31 million through our regular dividend and share repurchases. On March 18, 2019, we commenced a normal course issuer bid to purchase up to 3,863,298 common shares. To March 31, 2019, we have repurchased 99,893 common shares for $5.8 million. In addition, I am pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has approved a 9% increase to the quarterly dividend to shareholders, to $0.36 per share from $0.33 per share."

“We have $285 million of cash on hand at the end of the first quarter, a committed revolving credit facility, and a robust balance sheet. The strategic investments we have made in our business have strengthened our asset base, significantly increased our global production capacity, enhanced our ability to serve customers and substantially improved our earnings capabilities and cash generation potential over a wide range of methanol prices.

"Our balanced approach to capital allocation remains unchanged. We believe we are well positioned to meet our financial commitments, pursue our growth opportunities and deliver on our commitment to return excess cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases," Floren said.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Methanex (MEOH) click here.