Lenzing Ag Ord

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Lensync AG analyst conference call and live webcast. I am Mathilde, the chorus call operator. I would like to remind you that all participants will be in listen-only mode and the conference is being recorded. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. You can register for questions at any time by pressing star and 1 on your telephone. For operator assistance, please press star and 0. The conference must not be recorded for publication or broadcast. At this time, it's my pleasure to hand over to Rohit Agarwal, CEO. Please go ahead.

Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the presentation of Lenzing's results for the first nine months 2025. With us today is also Nico Reiner, our CFO. Let's go through our agenda for today. I'll start with a summary of the key developments, followed by the market update, as well as our refined strategy. Niko will then guide you through the financials, and I will talk about our investment highlights, as well as the outlook. And as usual, at the end, we are looking forward to your questions in our Q&A session. Let's start with the overview of the key highlights of the first three quarters. The market continued to remain challenging, and it's even more important that we have refined our strategy with a clear focus on premiumization and excellence. Revenue and EBITDA continued to improve in the first nine months, supported by a strong first quarter. However, market headwinds impacted us continuously in quarter three. The market environment is marked by geopolitical uncertainty and especially the aggressive customs policy. EBITDA was additionally negatively impacted by restructuring one-offs. Operational excellence continues to be key for us, and we are further raising the bar on our agility and flexibility. Liquidity is one of our key priorities, and we made great progress. After this year's refinancing, our liquidity cushion reached a very solid level of 1 billion euros. What remains unchanged are our core strengths. innovation and sustainability, where we were just confirmed as worldwide leader. This leads us to a confirmed EBITDA outlook by year end. However, it needs to be said that visibility remains quite limited. International tariff measures have very much characterized the last couple of months globally. In Q1, markets were impacted only in a very limited way by tariff developments, and Lensing achieved a strong result. However, the escalation from this brokered tariffs followed in early April. This has led to both supply and demand shocks, impacting global value chains. Ongoing and repeatedly changing international tariff measures and the resulting uncertainty led to tangible stress along the textile value chain and impacting consumer confidence negatively. The direct impact for Lensing is limited, however, lead to indirect effects on both demand and prices. On a more positive side, I can state that the nonwoven markets were less affected by these tariff developments. To mitigate the tariff impact, Lensing took actions in four ways. Number one, we maintained very close contact to our customers and regional value chains to handle the situation in the best possible way and to strengthen demand visibility. We believe that we are better positioned than other fiber manufacturers given our global footprint, which allows us to share fiber volumes between our production sites in order to manage cost and create impact. Number three, we further strengthen our operational efficiency, which includes the target to reduce around 600 jobs in Austria, mainly in administration. We decided to start a review of strategic options, including a potential sale for the Indonesian production site, which supports a strategic focus on branded, high-performance fibers with higher margins. Let's look now in more detail how the markets have developed. The relevant markets for lensing are textiles, nonwovens on the fiber side, as well as dissolved wood pulp. When adjusted for inflation, demand for parallel worldwide was up 2% in the first nine months of 2025 versus a year ago. Consumer sentiment remains low, which is negatively impacting discretionary spending with elevated saving rate and a vacancy attitude. Growth driver was the U.S., which was driven by consumers pulling forward purchases in quarter two and quarter three in response to tariffs, while Europe and China were mostly flat in a challenging macro and cost-of-living environment. Let's turn our attention to non-wogans. Here, end markets show higher resiliency with a relatively stable consumer demand. Compared to previous years, the seasonality period with weaker demand lasted a bit longer into September. However, I can say that the development in October was promising, given also a more positive sentiment towards 2026. The trend towards less plastics is ongoing, and the carbon footprint and other sustainability credentials are increasingly becoming a differentiator for nonwoven manufacturers and brands driven by consumer awareness and retail commitment, especially the U.S. and regulatory pressure in Europe. DWP demand is mostly driven by the production of regenerated cellulosic fibers. The production cuts we have seen in the viscose industry in quarter two where negatively impacting DWP demand and prices accordingly. As operating rates and viscous plans increase in Q3 and paper pulp prices stabilize, DWP prices saw some support, at least in U.S. terms, U.S. dollar terms. Let's have now a look at the fiber prices on the Chinese market. Please keep in mind that prices shown on this slide are generic market prices. Generic viscose prices in China increased gradually in the third quarter in U.S. dollar terms. In July and August, demand improved, and inventories fell as peak season was on the horizon. However, the pace of price increases remained cautious. At the end of September, the price for medium-grade generic viscose fiber stood just 2% higher compared to the end of second quarter at RMB 13,050 per ton. However, due to the weakened U.S. dollar, prices have decreased in Euro terms, which is impacting Lenzen negatively. The situation of the cotton market did not change much in the third quarter, and international cotton prices fluctuated on a low level within the range. Dissolving pulp prices stopped falling in the third quarter, with support from improved demand from viscous plants and some temporary supply constraints. In the third quarter, imported hardwood DWP prices went up by 2% to US dollar $818 per ton. Here again, prices in Euro terms have decreased due to the weakened US dollar. Lending prices are mainly traded at a premium compared to generic prices, as the current share of specialties is at around 90%, and we are gradually withdrawing from the lower margin commodity segments. Let us now turn to the development of cost. Energy and chemical costs remain significantly higher than historical levels, especially energy prices in Europe, but at least they decreased somewhat in quarter three compared to the second quarter. Geopolitical conflicts such as Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East continue to fuel the volatility of European gas prices. Lower demand due to warmer weather led to somewhat reduced gas prices in summer. Cost of soda prices remain high across regions, but reduced in general compared to Q2 due to weaker seasonal demand. Even with a slight improvement in the second quarter, both energy and capital costs remain a major challenge for fiber production. As the relevant markets for us still show no signs of a sustainable recovery, it is even more important that we continue to keep our full focus on cost excellence, which remains a key pillar of our performance program. In 2024, we already realized over €130 million in cost savings, and we do expect cost savings to further increase to annual cost savings of more than €180 million for this year. We are clearly well on track to meet this target as well. To make it clear, we're talking about a recurring target with an ongoing impact beyond this year as well. We can certainly be satisfied with our success so far, but there are still improvement areas ahead of us in order to maximize our full potential. As communicated about a month back, we are refining lensing strategy. Our refined strategy is built around four strategic priorities that together unlock value and prepare lensing for the future. Unlocking value happens in the first two pillars, premiumization and excellence. Premiumization means that we will concentrate more strongly on our branded and innovative fibers like Tencel, Viocell, and Ecovero, and gradually step back from less profitable commodity segments. By doing so, we improve margins and position lensing in areas where we can truly differentiate. The second is excellence. We are embedding a culture of efficiency and discipline across the group, not just through one-off savings, but by institutionalizing cost control, optimizing our footprint, and streamlining structures. This makes us leaner, more agile, and more resilient. We are implementing tough but necessary measures. By the end of 2025, around 300 positions will be reduced in Austria, mainly in overhead, supported by a social plan and with full assistance for those affected. This is expected to result in annual savings of over Euro 25 million from 2026 onwards. By 2027, another 300 positions will be reduced through internationalization as we strengthen our footprint in Asia and North America. Both measures will lead to total annual savings of more than 45 million euros, latest fully effective before end of 2027. The third pillar is innovation. Now, here we will focus resources on fewer but higher impact projects, accelerating time to market and ensuring that our pipeline continues to provide the next generation of premium fibers, whether in textiles or non-verbal. And finally, sustainability. This has always been part of Lensing's DNA, but going forward, it will be leveraged even more as a value driver. With growing regulation and customer demand for sustainable products, our leadership in this area is a true competitive advantage. Taken together, these four priorities Optimization, excellence, innovation, and sustainability ensure that we just don't react to changes in the market, but actively shape them, creating long-term value for customers, employees, and shareholders. Innovation and sustainability remain the foundation of Lenzing's long-term strategy, that they are what sets us apart from our competition. Even if we streamline, we will not compromise in these areas. On the innovation side, our pipeline continues to create real opportunities. One example is our new Tencel HV100 fibers. The fiber features variable cut lengths designed to mirror the irregularities of natural fibers and brings undefined rawness of nature into Tencel's lifestyle portfolio for woven products such as denim. On the sustainability side, our leadership is recognized worldwide. We have just been reaffirmed our eco-wide platinum status, and with this, Lensing is now in the top 1% of companies in sustainability performance. We've also just been confirmed as a global leader in the Canopy sustainability ranking, as we have taken, once again, first place in this year's hot button report published by the Canadian nonprofit organization, Canopy. These achievements are not just certificates, they are an asset that strengthens our brand, enhances customer partnerships, and increasingly drives premium pricing. And with this, I hand over now to Nico for an update on financials.

Thank you, Rohit, and a warm welcome from my side as well. The third quarter was negatively impacted by weakened fiber demand in continuously challenging markets, with revenues decreasing by 3% year on year. EBITDR decreased by 27 million euros to 72 million euros. This was partially driven by the decrease in revenue just to mention. In addition, one of restructuring costs for the headcount reduction program to mitigate market impact in the amount of 13 million have also negatively impact EBITDR. Additionally to that is to mention that we had the annual maintenance shutdown of LDC in the third quarter. Looking at the first nine months in total, both our revenues and our margins increased thanks to the measures that we have actively taken. Revenue increased by 14 million euros in the first nine months compared to the nine months of 2024 and reached 1.97 billion euros. EBITDA increased by 77 million euros to 340 million euros. As the number of CO2 certificates held continued to increase, we decided to sell some of them in the amount of 37 million euros in the first nine months of this year, which positively impacted the EBITDA. Deprivation was at 320 million euros. including an impairment of 82 million euros, which I will talk about on the next slide. This led to an EBIT of 21 million euros, which compares to 38 million euros in the first nine months of 24. Income taxes amounted to 6 million euros compared to 78 million euros in the first nine months of 24, and the financial result was minus 119 million euros compared to minus 72 million euros in the first nine months of 24. As a result, there was a loss of 169 million euros for Lansing shareholders, which compares to a loss of 135 million euros in the first three quarters of 2024. Let's make it clear. Even so, Q3 was negatively impacted by one-offs such as the restructuring costs we are not satisfied with the result. However, on a positive note, we saw some stability in fiber demand in September compared to July and August. And October looks also more promising with a currently quite stable order book situation. Let's move to the next slide. As communicated, Our refined strategy also addresses reviewing selected sites, including the Indonesian plant, where potential sale is under consideration. In this context, non-cash impairment losses on non-current assets, in particular property, plant, and equipment of 82.1 million euros were carried out. The impairment losses have a negative impact on EBIT but not effect on EBITDA. EBIT excluding the impact of the impairment would have been slightly negative at minus 6 million euros, which compares to minus 88 million reported EBIT. Please note that this impairment amount is not audited for Q3 closing and therefore subject to change. Looking now at cash flow, trading working capital further decreased and was down by 6% compared to the end of the second quarter due to lower inventory levels. With regards to capex, Lansing continues to put a clear focus on maintenance and license to operate projects as part of its performance program, and capex remains on low levels of 32 million euros in Q3. As you can see, we continue to have a very disciplined approach to capital allocation. As a result, unlevered free cash flow more than doubled to 103 million euros in Q3, and we clearly continue to have a very clear focus on free cash flow generation. Let's move to the balance sheet. On the left side of the slide, we show the development of net financial debt. Even though the markets are challenging in the third quarter, net financial debt continues to move into the right direction and came further down by 35 million euros to about 1.4 billion euros by the end of September. On the right side, you see the development of our liquidity cushion. It increased by 23 million euros compared to the end of last quarter and reached a very solid level of 993 million euros. Let us look at our debt maturities on the next slide. Let's have a short recap on the refinancing measures we have taken recently. In October last year, we have converted the project financing of our Brazilian joint venture of 1 billion USD into a standalone corporate finance structure with a further shift of debt maturities. The successful placement of the new hybrid bond in the amount of 500 million euros in July this year follows the 545 million syndicated loan secured in May. Those measures mark further milestones in the professional and forward-looking management of our capital structure. With this, we have proven to have access to capital markets despite challenging times, and we have essentially secured our financing through 2027. we can now continue to fully focus on executing our successful performance program aimed at improving margins and free cash flow as well as implementing the refi strategy. With this, I hand over back to you, Rohit.

Thank you, Nico. Let me summarize now why Lensing represents a compelling investment case today. First, we are recalibrating our asset base. That means moving away from a volume-driven model toward one that prioritizes economic value creation. We are reviewing underperforming assets, including the Indonesian side, and focusing investment returns are highest. Second, we are refocusing the organization. With leaner structures, institutionalized cost discipline, and a stronger international footprint, particularly in North America and Asia, we are aligning resources with future growth opportunities. Third, we are resharpening our market focus. We are withdrawing from commoditized fibers and concentrating on premium branded products and resilient non-woven applications. This makes our business less cyclical and more predictable. Finally, we are positioned to regain valuation. We combine a proven ability to execute, whether it's savings, refinancing, EBITDA growth, with unique differentiation through innovation and sustainability. This is how we will restore investor competition and create long-term value. We now come to the outlook. I can clearly say that thanks to our performance program, the operational performance in the first nine months, 2025, was solid, despite the still challenging market environment in the third quarter. In terms of fiber demand, I expect that we have already passed a low point with a positive development in September compared to July and August. As Nico also mentioned, we have seen continued promising developments in October, and the order book situation looks currently quite stable. We assume relatively stable demand in PALP and have a cautious outlook on the generic fiber market development in the fourth quarter of 2025. We expect energy and cost to remain on elevated levels. However, market visibility remains still on relatively low levels. While the market has not helped us so far, we continue to take the future in our own hands. We expect operational results to continue to be positively impacted by the performance program, and we keep the expectation for EBITDA for 2025 financial year to be higher than in the previous year. By 2027, we target approximately 550 million euros EBITDA, assuming stable market conditions. I will hand over back to the operator for Q&A.

We will now begin the question and answer session. Anyone who wishes to ask a question may press star and 1 on their telephone. You will hear a tone to confirm that you have entered the queue. If you wish to remove yourself from the question queue, you may press star and 2. Questioners on the phone are requested to disable the loudspeaker mode and eventually turn off the volume from the webcast while asking a question. In the interest of time, please limit yourself to a maximum of three questions at a time. Anyone who has a question may press star and one at this time. The first question comes from the line of Christian Seitz from Kepler-Chevreux. Please go ahead.

Yes, good afternoon, everybody. Thanks for taking my two questions, please. First of all, your free cash flow continues to be on a nice, good trajectory. Congrats on that. Would you be able to provide us with free cash flow guidance for the few months remaining in the year? And then second of all, can you tell us a bit about the capacity utilization? I note obviously your statements that things in terms of order income have improved, I guess from September also into October. But where are your capacity of negotiations at this point in time versus historical trends? Thanks.

Thank you, Christian. First question with regard to potential outlook on the fourth quarter for the free cash flow. Nico, please.

Yeah, thank you. So overall, as we have communicated now since, I think, meanwhile, seven or eight quarters, we are very much focused on generating free cash flow. And we are continuing this journey. So we overall will still work heavily to improve our free cash flow generation. And we are also clearly positive to have a positive further continuation of that story. But nevertheless, don't forget in the fourth quarter, there are always some one-timers, especially in regards to interest payments and so on. But overall, I think we will clearly continue the journey with a positive free cash flow for 2025. Thanks.

The second question with regards to the utilization, capacity utilization, can you give us some indication there?

Yeah. Thanks. Question for that question. I mean, what I can say is the year has been a bit of a roller coaster given what we spoke about from a tariff leading to a lot of uncertainty in the value chain. So we've seen movements through the year which were pretty strong starting quarter one. We did see the, you know, books getting a bit slowed down in quarter two, quarter three, and then we're seeing now a recovery. At this point in time, I can say that we are running fairly back to normal. capacity utilization. Of course, based on plants and products, it could vary slightly. But by and large, I would say we are recovering almost back to a full normalized state.

Thanks very much. Very helpful.

As a reminder, if you wish to register for a question, please press star and 1 on your telephone. The next question comes from the line of Patrick Steiner from Otto BHF. Please go ahead.

Good afternoon, Patrick Schenner speaking. Two questions from my side. Firstly, on your annual expected cost savings of 45 million euros due to the personal reduction of the roughly 600 jobs in Austria, you said it will take full effect by the end of 2027. What can we expect for 2026 and 2027 in absolute terms? That's the first one. And the second one, in your Q3 report, you wrote that you expected the passing of higher costs related to tariffs will lead to falling demand in the US by next year at the latest. Could you please elaborate further on this and how this might hit you in terms of timing and so on? This would be nice. Thank you.

Thank you, Patrick. So the first question with regards to the Ray, or how does 45 million personal cost reduction savings will be reflected in 2026 and 2027? This one for you, Nico, please.

Yeah, Patrick. So we do have our program here separated in two waves. So there is wave number one. Wave number one would mean the first 300. And as already mentioned, commented during the presentation, there will be a 25 million ticket jumping in 2026, and then as a continued improvement also going forward. And for the second phase of COSMOS, here we see further improvement starting already in 2027. and then fully being embedded in 2028. So in 2028, we see the additional 20 million. So if you would sum it up, 25 plus the 20, that's the 45 million ticket we have been talking. I think that gives a relatively clear picture.

Thank you. And the second question from Patrick is with regards to the expected falling demand that we expect in the U.S. in terms of overall apparel demand.

Yeah, sure. Thank you for that question. You know, we've seen a bit of consumer behavior in America, which has been largely trying to circumvent or delay, and therefore they have been pulling forward their purchases in terms of, you know, apparel. So there have been a lot of pre-purchasing that has happened, and therefore that we saw impact on the value chain kind of playing out through quarter three. The prices are going to be looking to move up in the U.S. market. We expect that most of the retail would be affected, and we're continuously monitoring that very, very closely. Now, if you look at and compare that to overall other supply chains outside textiles, we have seen that, by and large, those demands have stayed, you know, pretty flat in terms of consumer behavior has not been impacted that significantly. But again, it's too early at this stage to make any prediction on how that will play out, because it will be to the scale of what level of price increases the retailers are able to put on the shelves, and also how much of efficiency gains will happen in the supply chain through managing the cost mitigation around the tariffs. But on our side, we are looking to continue to move our product into nonwovens, and there we are able to find ways to offset our tariffs and then past price increases where the contracts allow.

Okay, thank you very much. It's very helpful. Thank you.

Once again, to ask a question, please press star M1 on your telephone. Ladies and gentlemen, that was the last question. I would now like to turn the conference back over to Rohit Agarwal for any closing remarks.

Well, thank you very much for joining us today, and we appreciate the questions. We hope to be able to see you again on March 19th when we will disclose our full year results for 2025, so look forward to interacting that time. Thank you very much for joining us again.

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