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Ecoservices, Mr. Bitting held management positions at Kinder Morgan, Inc. and Sprint Corporation. He is also a former Company Commander in the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division. He graduated from Villanova University with a B.S. in Business Administration and holds an M.B.A. from Rider University.
“I am honored to take the reins as CEO of Ecovyst, having helped build its Ecoservices business during the past 15 years into a high growth industry leader that it is today. We have an exceptional opportunity to help our customers meet the clean energy and plastics needs of the global economy and prepare for a sustainable future by leveraging Ecovyst’s outstanding team, technology and operational capabilities. I look forward to working alongside Kevin and Tom to continue executing on our strategic growth plan and creating value for our shareholders,” said Mr. Bitting.
“I am excited to work with Kurt, Tom and the entire team to support their continued success, as we seek to drive sustainable growth at Ecovyst. My experience creating customer and shareholder value in similar end markets gives me confidence that we can drive substantial value for Ecovyst shareholders,” said Mr. Fogarty.
First Quarter 2022 Results
For the quarter ended March 31, 2022, sales of $180 million increased 42% on higher demand for regeneration services, virgin sulfuric acid and polyethylene catalysts as well as higher pricing covering increased costs (inclusive of a 12% sales increase from the pass-through of higher sulfur costs). Net income was $8 million, an increase of 393%, or $11 million, with a diluted income per share of $0.06. Adjusted net income was $20 million with an Adjusted diluted EPS of $0.15. Adjusted EBITDA was $59 million, an increase of $17 million, or 40% driven by strong volumes and higher pricing that more than offset increased costs, such as sulfur, labor, energy and freight. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 28% increased 120 bps versus the prior year period primarily on the benefit of higher prices covering increased variable costs.
“Our strong first quarter results and business fundamentals are a few of the reasons I am excited to lead this company going forward,” said Mr. Bitting. “Ecovyst continues to develop solutions, products, and services that are vital to the successful adoption of sustainable technologies, such as renewable and clean fuels, electrification, lightweight materials, and circularity, which are being rapidly deployed across the globe to lower environmental impact.”
Review of Segment Results and Business Trends
We believe the macroeconomic recovery that gained momentum throughout 2021 and drove improved demand across most product categories, end-uses, and customers is continuing into 2022. Inflationary factors, including higher costs for sulfur, energy, logistics, and other raw materials, continued through the first quarter, but customer contractual pass through mechanisms and targeted price increases mitigated the cost pressures and preserved earnings in our businesses. While supply chain challenges driving supply availability and transportation bottlenecks generated short-term headwinds, the Company moderated some of the impact on its businesses through enhanced coordination and planning with customers and suppliers using our strategic network.
Ecoservices
Our regeneration services support the production of alkylate, a high value gasoline component critical for meeting stringent gasoline standards and for producing premium grade gasoline. Tightening of gasoline standards and growing demand for premium grade gasoline to power fuel-efficient engines supported the high alkylation utilization results. Sulfuric acid is the most widely used commodity chemical and it plays a key role in producing a wide array of materials, particularly those supporting green infrastructure. Virgin sulfuric acid benefited from strong mining for metals and minerals that provide conductivity in low carbon technologies, as well as strong demand from numerous industrial segments producing construction, auto, and packaging materials. Sustainability trends continue to favor the treatment services business as customers seek the sustainability-focused waste solutions offered by Ecoservices.
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