Element Solutions

Element Solutions makes specialty chemicals that improve the performance of everyday products. Its technologies help manufacturers build better electronics, car parts, and energy equipment. These solutions protect surfaces from wear and help complex circuit boards function correctly.

Electronics and Surface Solutions

• Electronics: Chemical formulations and materials for hardware like smartphones and computers; represented 70% of 2025 net sales.
• Assembly Solutions: Solder pastes and attachment materials that join electrical pathways together; accounted for about 51% of Electronics net sales in 2025.
• Industrial Solutions: Chemical systems that protect or decorate metal and plastic surfaces; made up 85% of Specialties net sales in 2025.
• Semiconductor Solutions: Advanced copper and silver materials used for chip fabrication; contributed 20% of Electronics net sales in 2025.
• Energy Solutions: Hydraulic fluids used in subsea control systems for offshore oil and gas production; accounted for 12% of Specialties net sales in 2025.

Strategic Moves and Acquisitions

• Sold the flexographic printing plate business, MacDermid Graphics Solutions, for $320 million on February 28, 2025.
• Purchased EFC Gases & Advanced Materials for approximately $369 million on January 2, 2026, to expand into high-purity specialty gases.
• Acquired Micromax, a supplier of advanced electronics inks and pastes, for approximately $500 million on February 2, 2026.
• Bought Kuprion, Inc. on May 19, 2023, to add specialized technology to the electronics portfolio.

What Makes the Company Stand Out

The company maintains a light asset model by focusing on chemical formulations rather than heavy manufacturing infrastructure. Its competitive advantage stems from deep technical relationships with original equipment manufacturers who specify its chemistries for use in their supply chains.

The Recent Financial Record

• Net sales reached $2.55 billion in 2025, with approximately 79% generated from operations outside the United States.
• Revenue hit $676.2 million in Q4 2025, an 8.3% increase from the $624.2 million reported in Q4 2024.
• Operating income for Q4 2025 was $69.7 million, down 6.9% compared to the same period in 2024.
• Net income fell to $6.1 million in Q4 2025, an 88.8% decline from $54.7 million in Q4 2024.
• Free cash flow was $74.1 million in Q4 2025, down 36.3% from $116.4 million in Q4 2024.

Bottom Line

Element Solutions has transitioned from a broad chemical platform to a focused technology provider for high-growth electronics and industrial markets. Recent acquisitions and the sale of its graphics business reflect a strategy to prioritize high-value specialty materials over traditional printing products.