Material Sectors Report Mixed Performance; Performance Chemicals Grow 43%

The Performance Chemicals segment reported EBIT of $60 million for the quarter, marking a 43% year-over-year increase driven by favorable product mix, lower costs, and higher volumes in battery materials and specialty carbons. Conversely, the Reinforcement Materials segment reported EBIT of $87 million, a 27% decrease year-over-year, which management attributed to lower gross profit per ton and a less favorable regional product mix. The company provided fiscal 2027 guidance for adjusted EPS between $6.15 and $6.75.

The varied performance across material sectors reflects differing regional market conditions, with Reinforcement Materials volumes showing 5% global growth. The company also noted that US grants are supporting advanced additives in the Americas.