Here are 1-3 brief analogies for Element Solutions (ESI):

• A specialized DuPont for the electronics and industrial manufacturing sectors.

• Like a B2B version of 3M, providing critical chemical solutions for various industries.

• Imagine a more niche, high-performance BASF, focused on specialized chemicals vital for advanced manufacturing processes.

• Electronics Materials: Specialty chemicals and materials used in the fabrication of printed circuit boards, semiconductor packaging, and electronic assembly processes like soldering.
• Industrial Surface Finishing Chemicals: Advanced chemical solutions for plating, cleaning, and coating various metal and plastic surfaces in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and general manufacturing.

Element Solutions (symbol: ESI) sells primarily to other companies (B2B). As a specialty chemicals company, ESI's products are often inputs into complex manufacturing processes across a wide range of industries, and specific major customer names are typically not publicly disclosed due to competitive reasons.

However, Element Solutions' customer base can be categorized by the industries and types of companies they serve. Below are the primary categories of customers, along with examples of public companies that operate within these sectors. These examples illustrate the types of businesses Element Solutions supplies, rather than representing confirmed direct major customers.

• Electronics Manufacturers: This category includes companies that produce components for the electronics industry, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), semiconductor packaging, and electronic assembly. ESI provides solutions for surface finishing, metallization, and interconnection within these manufacturing processes.
  • Examples of companies in these industries (illustrative, not confirmed direct major customers):
    • TTM Technologies (symbol: TTMI) - a leading manufacturer of PCBs.
    • Jabil Inc. (symbol: JBL) - a global manufacturing services company that assembles electronic products.
    • Micron Technology, Inc. (symbol: MU) - a producer of memory and data storage, representing the semiconductor segment that utilizes ESI's advanced packaging solutions.
• Industrial & Decorative Finishers and Manufacturers: This category encompasses companies across various industrial sectors that require surface treatment, plating, and specialized finishes for their products. These can include manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, construction, general industrial, and consumer goods sectors for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
  • Examples of companies in these industries (illustrative, not confirmed direct major customers):
    • Magna International Inc. (symbol: MG) - a major automotive supplier that utilizes advanced surface technologies for vehicle components.
    • Eaton Corporation plc (symbol: ETN) - a power management company with diverse industrial products requiring durable finishes.
    • Masco Corporation (symbol: MAS) - a manufacturer of home improvement and building products, including plumbing fixtures and decorative finishes.
• Oil and Gas Service Companies: This category includes companies that provide services and materials for offshore oil and gas exploration and production. Element Solutions' products are used for applications like corrosion protection, cementing, and flow assurance in challenging deepwater environments.
  • Examples of companies in this sector (illustrative, not confirmed direct major customers):
    • Schlumberger Limited (symbol: SLB) - a leading provider of technology for reservoir characterization, drilling, production, and processing to the oil and gas industry.
    • Halliburton Company (symbol: HAL) - one of the world's largest providers of products and services to the energy industry.

Benjamin Gliklich, Chief Executive Officer

Benjamin Gliklich assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer and a director of Element Solutions in January 2019, also serving as President from July 2020 to October 2025. He joined the company in May 2014, holding various positions including Director of Corporate Development, Vice President - Corporate Development, Finance and Investor Relations, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President - Operations and Strategy. Prior to Element Solutions, he was a Senior Associate at General Atlantic, a global growth-oriented private equity firm, and earlier worked in the investment banking division of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC. As CEO, he has been instrumental in reducing business complexity and strengthening the company's financial structure.

Carey J. Dorman, President, Enterprise Operations and Chief Financial Officer

Carey J. Dorman was promoted to Chief Financial Officer of Element Solutions in 2019 and also serves as President, Enterprise Operations. His responsibilities encompass finance, information technology, human resources, legal, and other central functions. Mr. Dorman joined Element Solutions in 2015, holding roles such as Director and Senior Director of Corporate Development, and Corporate Treasurer and Vice President, Investor Relations. Before joining Element Solutions, he gained experience in investment and corporate finance at Taconic Capital Advisors and Goldman Sachs & Co. He also sits on the board of Nomad Foods Limited and several private companies.

Richard L. Fricke, President, Electronics

Richard L. Fricke is the President, Electronics, having served as Executive Vice President and Head of Electronics since July 2024. He brings over 15 years of experience in the semiconductor industry to Element Solutions, including his previous role as Vice President & General Manager of the Electronic Materials business at Honeywell International Inc.

Matthew Liebowitz, President, Specialties

Matthew Liebowitz is the President, Specialties. He has held various strategic and financial leadership roles at Element Solutions since November 2015, including Executive Vice President, Strategy and Head of Industrial & Specialty, and Senior Vice President of Strategy & Integration. His past responsibilities included strategy deployment, corporate development, merger integration, capital markets, financial planning, and investor relations.

John E. Capps, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

John E. Capps holds the position of Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Element Solutions.

The key risks to Element Solutions' (symbol: ESI) business include the cyclical nature of its end markets, exposure to trade and tariff volatility, and the increasing stringency of environmental and regulatory controls.

1. Cyclicality of End Markets: Element Solutions is vulnerable to the unpredictable demand swings in the cyclical electronics and automotive markets. While its Electronics segment has shown strong growth, particularly fueled by demand from data centers and AI, the Industrial & Specialty segment has been struggling due to a sluggish macro environment, impacting overall sales.
2. Trade and Tariff Volatility: Operating on a global scale, Element Solutions faces a constant threat from international trade actions and the potential for new or increased tariffs on materials. Such volatility can disrupt supply chains and impact profitability.
3. Environmental and Regulatory Scrutiny: As a specialty chemicals company, Element Solutions is subject to increasing pressure for more stringent regulatory control, especially concerning climate change and other environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. This trend could necessitate significant future capital expenditures or incremental operating expenses to ensure compliance and may lead to substantial costs, including cleanup expenses, fines, or third-party claims for environmental damages.

Electronics Segment

• Electronic Assembly Materials (Assembly Solutions): The global electronic assembly materials market was valued at approximately USD 61.49 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around USD 84.37 billion by 2031. Another report estimates the market at USD 58.24 billion in 2023, expected to reach USD 80.33 billion by 2030.
• PCB Chemicals (Circuitry Solutions): The global PCB Chemicals and Semiconductor Packaging Materials market (a combined category) is expected to rise to USD 33.49 billion in 2025, eventually reaching USD 58.04 billion by 2034. Separately, the global PCB Chemicals and Semiconductor Packaging Materials market was valued at US$27,640 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$42,770 million by 2030.
• Semiconductor Packaging Materials (Semiconductor Solutions): The global semiconductor packaging materials market was valued at US$22 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to be about US$28 billion in 2028. Other estimates for the global semiconductor & IC packaging materials market range from USD 40.34 billion in 2024, growing to USD 90.18 billion by 2033, to USD 49.88 billion in 2024, projected to surpass USD 132.95 billion by 2034.

Industrial & Specialty Segment

• Surface Treatment Chemicals (Industrial Solutions): The global chemical surface treatment market was valued at approximately USD 16.47 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 27.12 billion by 2033. This category encompasses plating chemicals and conversion coatings, which are significant sub-segments. Plating chemicals are expected to dominate the chemical surface market, holding the largest share of 42.36% in 2025.
• Imaging Chemicals (Graphics Solutions): The global imaging chemicals market size has grown to $26.63 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $36.5 billion in 2029. A more specific "photographic chemicals market" is projected to grow from USD 8.94 billion in 2024 to USD 12.2 billion by 2035 globally.
• Offshore Drilling Fluids (Energy Solutions): The global offshore drilling fluid market size was USD 3.87 billion in 2023 and is expected to expand to USD 5.66 billion by 2033. Other reports estimate the global market was valued at USD 4.10 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 6.36 billion by 2032, and USD 3.4 billion in 2022, estimated to achieve USD 6.8 billion by 2032.

• Growth in High-Value Electronics Markets: Element Solutions is strategically positioned to benefit from robust demand in high-end electronics, including data centers, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, and advanced packaging materials for semiconductors. The company has consistently reported strong organic growth in its Electronics segment, driven by these areas. For example, in Q1 2025, net sales in the Electronics segment grew by 13%, with an organic increase of 10%, largely due to high-value electronics sectors such as data centers and AI applications. Q2 2025 saw a 12% increase in net sales for Electronics, with 9% organic growth, specifically highlighting advanced packaging materials and new power electronics customers. This trend continued into Q3 2025, with the Electronics segment achieving its sixth consecutive quarter of high single-digit organic growth.
• New Product Introductions and Advanced Technology Solutions: The company emphasizes its role as a key enabler of developing technologies. Element Solutions is focused on providing innovative material solutions that address emerging customer needs, particularly in power and thermal management for complex circuit board and chip designs. Its advanced packaging applications and power electronics businesses have shown accelerated growth, driven by demand for data storage, certain EV applications, and circuit boards for high-performance computing. Continued traction with new product introductions is expected to contribute to revenue growth.
• Strategic Acquisitions: Element Solutions is actively pursuing inorganic growth opportunities. The recently announced acquisition of Micromax for approximately $500 million is a significant driver. This acquisition is expected to close in Q1 2026 and is projected to be over 5% accretive to adjusted EPS and contribute $40 million annually to adjusted EBITDA, enhancing growth and diversification within the electronics portfolio. This demonstrates a strategy of enhancing its value proposition in the highest end of the electronics industry through strategic investments.
• Market Share Gains and Customer Expansion in Asia: The company has noted growth in Asia, particularly India and China, for solder and paste volume demand due to increased electronics assembly activity in the region. This geographic expansion and new account wins, particularly in industrial solutions within Asia, contribute to organic sales growth.
• Optimized Portfolio and Margin Expansion: While not a direct revenue driver, Element Solutions' efforts in portfolio optimization, such as the divestiture of its MacDermid Graphics Solutions business, aim to improve the overall portfolio's longer-term growth rate and focus on higher-margin businesses. The company has also benefited from mix in electronics and raw material favorability, leading to improved gross margins. These actions contribute to a stronger financial position that can support and amplify revenue growth initiatives.

Share Repurchases

• In November 2021, Element Solutions' Board of Directors authorized a $565 million increase to its stock repurchase program, bringing the total authorized amount to $750 million, which included approximately $185 million in remaining capacity from its prior authorization.
• During the three months ended June 30, 2025, the company repurchased 0.9 million shares of its common stock for approximately $19.5 million at an average price of $20.45 per share.
• As of June 30, 2025, the remaining authorization under Element Solutions' stock repurchase program was approximately $562 million.

Share Issuance

• Element Solutions' shares outstanding in 2024 were 0.243 billion, a 0.33% increase from 2023.
• In the second quarter of 2025, 267.7 million shares were issued, compared to 267.2 million shares issued in 2024.

Outbound Investments

• In September 2024, Element Solutions entered into an agreement to sell its MacDermid Graphics Solutions business for approximately $325 million, a divestiture expected to enhance the company's focus and improve growth rates and margins.
• The company announced the acquisition of Micromax for $500 million in Q3 2025, a strategic addition to its electronics portfolio, expected to close in Q1 2026 and contribute $40 million adjusted EBITDA annually.
• In June 2023, Element Solutions acquired Kuprion, Inc., a developer of copper pastes and inks, and also signed a definitive agreement to acquire Electronic Fluorocarbons, Llc by the end of 2025.

Capital Expenditures

• Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $11 million, a decrease from $19 million in the first quarter of 2024.
• For the full year 2025, Element Solutions expects capital expenditures to be approximately $65 million.
• These capital expenditures are primarily focused on supporting strategic initiatives, including the scale-up of Cuprion manufacturing and investments in new technologies for organic growth.