Element Solutions Inc ESI recorded net loss from continuing operations (as reported) of $14.2 million or 5 cents per share in fourth-quarter 2018, narrower than a loss of around $18.8 million or 6 cents a year ago.
Adjusted earnings for the reported quarter were 2 cents per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
The specialty chemicals company raked in net sales of $478 million for the quarter, down roughly 2% year over year. It also lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $480 million. Organic net sales, barring the impact of currency changes, specific pass-through metal prices and acquisitions, rose 1%.
Adjusted EBITDA for the reported quarter came in at $99 million, down 5% year over year. Adjusted EBITDA fell 1% on a constant currency basis.
FY18 Results
For 2018, net loss from continuing operations (as reported) was $77 million or 27 cents per share, lower than net loss $191.8 million or 68 cents per share recorded in 2017.
Net sales for the year rose roughly 4% year over year to $1,961 million. Organic net sales went up 3%. The company achieved organic growth notwithstanding a difficult macro environment.
Segment Highlights
Net sales from the Electronics segment fell 4% year over year to $282.1 million. Organic net sales dipped 1%. Adjusted EBITDA for the division was $58.3 million, down 8%.
Net sales from the Industrial & Specialty unit rose 1% to $196.3 million. Organic net sales rose 4%. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment was $40.6 million, up 1%.
Financial Position
Element Solutions exited 2018 with cash and cash equivalents of $233.6 million, down roughly 10% year over year. Long-term debt at the end of the year was $5,350.7 million, down around 2%.
Outlook
The company reiterated its earlier guidance for 2019. It expects organic net sales growth of 1-3% and adjusted EBITDA growth (in constant currency) of 5-8% for 2019. The company expects foreign exchange headwinds of roughly 2% to net sales and around $15 million to adjusted EBITDA factoring in end-2018 exchange rates.
Element Solutions also expects adjusted earnings for the year to be 82-87 cents per share, including the impact of lower share count as a result of its repurchase of 37 million shares on Feb 8, 2019.
Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider
Element Solutions currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Better-ranked stocks worth considering in the basic materials space include Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. KL, Israel Chemicals Ltd. ICL and Franco-Nevada Corporation FNV.
Kirkland Lake Gold has an expected earnings growth rate of 8.8% for the current year and carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Its shares have shot up around 128% in the past year. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Israel Chemicals has an expected earnings growth rate of 10.8% for the current year and carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The company’s shares have rallied around 35% over the past year.
Franco-Nevada has an expected earnings growth rate of 11.2% for the current year and carries a Zacks Rank #2. Its shares have gained roughly 7% in the past year.
This Could Be the Fastest Way to Grow Wealth in 2019
Research indicates one sector is poised to deliver a crop of the best-performing stocks you'll find anywhere in the market. Breaking news in this space frequently creates quick double- and triple-digit profit opportunities.
These companies are changing the world – and owning their stocks could transform your portfolio in 2019 and beyond. Recent trades from this sector have generated +98%, +119% and +164% gains in as little as 1 month.
Click here to see these breakthrough stocks now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Be the first to comment