COLUMBUS, OH — Hexion Inc. recently announced results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. The company reported total net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 were $753 million, an increase of 10% compared with $687 million in the prior year period. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2021, was $11 million compared to a net loss of $59 million in the prior-year period.

"Our first quarter 2021 results demonstrated strength across the board as Segment EBITDA increased by $41 million, or 56 percent compared to the prior year," said Craig Rogerson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "This is the third consecutive quarter we've posted solid year-over-year improvements in Segment EBITDA as our product portfolio is well positioned to benefit from the improving demand we are seeing from new home construction, remodeling, wind energy, and general commercial construction, as well as the general economic recovery from the pandemic. We were also pleased to drive a significant increase in our Segment EBITDA margins in the first quarter, which exceeded 15%, and reflects our multi-year efforts to strategically invest in highly-targeted growth capital expenditure projects and align our portfolio with more sustainable products. For example, in 2020, about 20 percent of our sales came from new products that were developed within the last five years, such as our recently-introduced ArmorBuilt™ fire resistant wrap, and we are working closely with our research and development teams to drive this percentage even higher over the next several years. In addition, our first quarter results, while very strong, were negatively impacted by the winter storms and do not reflect any potential insurance recovery proceeds in the period. Our associates also remain focused on operating our plants safely by following closely all the proper COVID-19 protocols, and I'd like to recognize their ongoing dedication to serving our valued customers."

Rogerson added, "We were also pleased to complete the sale of our Phenolic Specialty Resin, Hexamine and European-based Forest Products Resins businesses at the end of April. The proceeds from the transaction further improves our financial flexibility and liquidity profile as we used a portion of the proceeds to repay €125 million of the EUR-denominated Senior Secured Term Loan in early May. We are encouraged by the underlying demand trends we are seeing. We expect continued strong progress and a robust second quarter 2021. Going forward, supported by tail winds in multiple key end markets and a track record of controlling costs, we are focused on driving year-over-year earnings growth, generating strong levels of free cash flow, and increasing stakeholder value through opportunistic share repurchases and debt reduction."