Cabot CorporationNYSE: CBT

Q4 FY26 Earnings Call Slides

· Issued by Cabot Corporation

Key figures

  • Increased corporate credit facility capacity to $1.3 billion; completed bond offering for $350 million
  • Ended the year with $1.5 billion in liquidity and net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.4 times
  • Anticipate lower year-over-year EBIT due to outcomes of our CY26 customer agreements
  • Lower gross profit per ton driven by CY26 customer agreement outcomes and less favorable regional product mix, partially offset by higher volumes
  • Volumes up 5% year-over-year with increases in Asia and the Americas

On 6ix: 6ix.com/news/cabot-q4-fy26-earnings-call-slides

CABOT CORPORATION EARNINGS TELECONFERENCE FOURTH QUARTER - FISCAL 2026

Q4 Fiscal 2026 1

Fiscal 2026 Financial Highlights Fourth-quarter performance and full-year financial results Q4 2026

ADJUSTED EPS¹

$1.61

Diluted EPS $1.25

REINFORCEMENT MATERIALS

$87M

Segment EBIT

PERFORMANCE CHEMICALS

$60M

Segment EBIT

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS & RETURNS

$143M

$70M returned to shareholders

FULL-YEAR 2026

ADJUSTED EPS¹

$6.42

Diluted EPS of $4.02

$379M

Reinforcement Materials segment EBIT

$235M

Performance Chemicals segment EBIT

$421M

Cash flow from operations

$243M returned to shareholders $97M dividends | $146M share repurchases

1. Non-GAAP measure - See Appendix

Q4 Fiscal 2026 3

Strong strategic execution and financial performance for our Performance Chemicals segment

  • New level of EBIT performance for both the segment and the Battery Materials product line

  • Built Battery Materials momentum through customer wins and targeted growth investments

Q4 FISCAL 2026

4

Fiscal 2026 Strategic Highlights

Completed acquisition of new reinforcing carbons plant in Mexico

  • Performing well with long-term supply agreement for Bridgestone

  • Integration activities completed as planned and on-track to meet financial targets

Continued recognition for strong sustainability performance

  • 6th straight year of EcoVadis platinum rating

  • 2026 Responsible Care® Awards from the American Chemistry Council (ACC) for Waste & Water Stewardship and Facility Safety

Enhanced liquidity position in dynamic environment

  • Increased corporate credit facility capacity to $1.3 billion; completed bond offering for $350 million

  • Ended the year with $1.5 billion in liquidity and net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.4 times

Battery Materials Delivered Strong Performance Customer momentum, portfolio breadth and capital-efficient expansions reinforce the long-term growth opportunity

Fiscal 2026 performance of $43 million of EBTIDA ahead of expectations and EBITDA margins of 26%

Signed a multi-year supply agreement with PowerCo SE, a leading European original equipment battery manufacturer

Future investments underway to enable continued growth that supports industry growth projected to be 15% through 2030

Awarded $50 million DOE grant in the fiscal year to support our targeted U.S. conductive additives investments

Q4 Fiscal 2026 5

Q4 2026 Financial Highlights Adjusted EPS1

$1.61

Diluted EPS

$1.25

Cash & Cash Equivalents2

$254 Million

Debt Balance2

$1.3 Billion

Liquidity2

$1.5 Billion

Operating Cash Flow

$143 Million

Discretionary Free Cash Flow1

$117 Million

YTD Operating Tax Rate1

29%

Capex

$55 million

Full year CapEx of

$207 million

  1. Non-GAAP measure - See Appendix

  2. As of September 30, 2026

Q4 Fiscal 2026 6

Reinforcement Materials Segment

1. Non-GAAP measure - See Appendix

Q4 Fiscal 2026 7

Q1 FY27 Outlook

  • Expect modest sequential EBIT improvement despite normal volume seasonality due to favorable regional product mix

  • Anticipate lower year-over-year EBIT due to outcomes of our CY26 customer agreements

Q4 FY26 Highlights

  • Lower gross profit per ton driven by CY26 customer agreement outcomes and less favorable regional product mix, partially offset by higher volumes

  • Volumes up 5% year-over-year with increases in Asia and the Americas

Operating Performance

Q4 FY26

Q4 FY25

o

Segment EBIT

$87M

$119M

(27%)

Segment EBITDA1

$111M

$137M

(19%)

EBITDA Margin1

18%

24%

Performance Chemicals Segment

1. Non-GAAP measure - See Appendix

Q4 Fiscal 2026 8

Q1 FY27 Outlook

  • Expect lower sequential EBIT driven by the timing of higher costs and less favorable product mix

  • Anticipate higher year-over-year EBIT due to increased volumes

Q4 FY26 Highlights

  • Volumes increased year-over-year in the battery materials and specialty carbons product lines

  • Higher gross profit per ton was primarily due to favorable product mix and lower costs

Operating Performance

Q4 FY26

Q4 FY25

o

Segment EBIT

$60M

$42M

+43%

Segment EBITDA1

$83M

$64M

+30%

EBITDA Margin1

24%

21%

Global tire production forecast to grow 0.3% in CY 2026 1, including declines in the

Americas

Globally 0.9% growth forecast in CY 2027 1, with declines in China and growth in South Asia.

North America

-5%

Europe

-11%

South America

+21%

Sources: 1. Global Data LV Production Q3 Forecast

2. GTT Import Data as of August

Q4 Fiscal 2026 9

  • Global tire production forecast to grow 0.3% in CY 2026 1, including declines in the Americas

  • Globally 0.9% growth forecast in CY 2027 1, with declines in China and growth in South Asia.

TIRE PRODUCTION OUTLOOK

Relatively flat demand projected with regional differences and some positive signs on tire imports into North America and Europe

South America

+21%

Europe

-11%

North America

-5%

REGIONAL TRADE FLOWS

(Tire Imports YTD through August 20262)

Reinforcement Materials Business Environment

Certain end markets impacted by geopolitical and economic challenges

Automotive: A decline of -1.8% projected for light vehicle production in CY2026; modest global growth of 0.5% expected in CY20271

Construction: Continued softness in China and Europe; U.S. market more resilient

Strong growth expected in battery, conductive and electronic applications supported by macro tailwinds

Battery: Strong demand growth of 15%2 through 2030 supported by EVs and BESS

Conductive and Electronics: Growth expected supported by grid modernization, energy infrastructure investment and electronics applications

Performance Chemicals Business Environment

DIVERSE SET OF END MARKETS

Certain end markets impacted by geopolitical and economic challenges

  • Automotive: A decline of -1.8% projected for light vehicle production in CY2026; modest global growth of 0.5% expected in CY20271

  • Construction: Continued softness in China and Europe; U.S. market more resilient

    Strong growth expected in battery, conductive and electronic applications supported by macro tailwinds

  • Battery: Strong demand growth of 15%2 through 2030 supported by EVs and BESS

  • Conductive and Electronics: Growth expected supported by grid modernization, energy infrastructure investment and electronics applications

Diverse set of applications served provides growth opportunities to offset mixed expectations for automotive and construction applications

Q4 Fiscal 2026 10

Sources: 1. IHS LV Production Oct Forecast

2. Benchmark Minerals Intelligence, Q3CY26 Forecast

$200M - $250M

Q4 Fiscal 2026 11

FAVORABLE FREE CASH FLOW

Cash generation supports strategic investments and return of capital to shareholders.

Fiscal 2027 Outlook

ADJUSTED EPS¹

$6.15 - $6.75

EXPECTED TAX RATE

28% - 30%

CAPITAL SPENDING

$200M - $230M

Focus Areas for Fiscal 2027

1

GROW IN ATTRACTIVE END MARKETS

Advance volume growth with key customers and key

growth markets, including in battery materials, conductive and electronics

2

STRENGTHEN COMPETITIVENESS

Drive commercial and operational excellence and optimization actions, and complete previously announced restructuring activities

3

EXECUTING ORGANIC GROWTH PROJECTS

Execute high-return, organic growth investments in Battery Materials and invest in yield and process technology to enhance our margins

4

PURSUE INORGANIC OPPORTUNITIES

Pursue opportunities that strengthen our competitive position, drive growth and provide attractive economic returns in a 3-to-5-year time frame

Q4 FISCAL 2026 12

A STRONG PLATFORM

FOR VALUE CREATION

Well positioned

for strong performance and to pursue attractive growth opportunities to deliver value for shareholders

Financial flexibility

Strong cash generation

Flexible global footprint

Competitive cost position

Participation in high growth end markets

Leading business positions

Cabot is Well Positioned for the Future

Q4 Fiscal 2026 13

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q4 Fiscal 2026 14

APPENDIX

Q4 Fiscal 2026 15

FY27 Guidance & Modeling Assumptions

Full Year Modeling Assumptions

Adjusted Earnings per Share1 Interest Expense

~$6.15 to $6.75

~($73M) to ($77M)

General Unallocated Income (Expense)

~$28M to $36M

Capital Expenditures

~$200M to $230M

Shares Repurchases

~$150M to $250M

Operating Tax Rate1

~28% to 30%

Forecast FX Rates

October Rates

Oil & Energy Prices

October Forward Curve

1. Non-GAAP measure - See Appendix

Q4 Fiscal 2026 16

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This presentation includes references to adjusted earnings per share (EPS), segment EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, discretionary free cash flow, and operating tax rate, which are non-GAAP measures. Reconciliations of Adjusted EPS to net income (loss) per share attributable to Cabot Corporation, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, Segment EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliated companies, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure of each such non-GAAP measure, operating tax rate to effective tax rate, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure and Free Cash Flow and Discretionary Free Cash Flow to Cash flow from operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, are provided in the tables included in our fourth quarter 2026 earnings release and filed on our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 2, 2026. Reconciliations for segment EBITDA for each segment are included in the following slides.

Cabot does not provide an expected GAAP EPS range or reconciliation of the Adjusted EPS range with an expected GAAP EPS range because, without unreasonable effort, we are unable to predict with reasonable certainty the matters we would allocate to "certain items," including unusual gains and losses, costs associated with future restructurings, acquisition-related expenses and litigation outcomes. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could have a material impact on GAAP EPS in future periods.

This presentation also includes our forecast of the range we expect our "operating tax rate", which represents the tax rate on our recurring operating results, to fall within. This rate excludes discrete tax items, which are included in the effective tax rate. Discrete tax items are comprised of (i) unusual or infrequent items, (ii) items related to uncertain tax positions, and (iii) other tax items, such as the impact from the timing of losses in certain jurisdictions and cumulative tax rate adjustments, the tax impact of legislative changes and tax accruals on historic earnings due to changes in indefinite reinvested assertions. The operating tax rate also excludes the impact of the items of expense and income we identify as certain items on both our operating income and the tax provision.

Management believes that the operating tax rate is useful supplemental information because it helps our investors compare our tax rate year to year on a consistent basis and to understand what our tax rate on current operations would be without the impact of these items.

Cabot does not provide a forward-looking reconciliation of the operating tax rate range with an effective tax rate range because, without unreasonable effort, we are unable to predict with reasonable certainty the matters we would allocate to "certain items," including unusual gains and losses, costs associated with future restructurings, acquisition-related expenses and litigation outcomes. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could have a material impact on the effective tax rate in future periods.

To calculate "Discretionary Free Cash Flow" we deduct sustaining and compliance capital expenditures and changes in Net Working Capital from cash flow from operating activities. To calculate "Free Cash Flow" we deduct capital expenditures as disclosed in the consolidated statement of cash flows (as Additions to property, plant and equipment) from cash flow from operating activities.

Explanation of Terms Used

Product Mix. The term "product mix" refers to the mix of types and grades of products sold or the mix of geographic regions where products are sold, and the positive or negative impact this has on the revenue or profitability of the business or segment.

Net Working Capital. The term "net working capital" includes accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

Q4 Fiscal 2026 17

Non-GAAP Financial Measures Adjusted EPS

Fiscal 2026 (A)

Dec. Q

Mar. Q June Q

Sept. Q

FY 2026

Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS to GAAP EPS

Net income (loss) per share attributable to Cabot Corporation Less: Certain items after tax per share

Adjusted earnings (loss) per share

$ 1.37

(0.16)

$ 1.27 $ 0.12

(0.34) (1.55)

$ 1.25

(0.36)

$ 4.02

(2.40)

$ 1.53

$ 1.61 $ 1.67

$ 1.61

$ 6.42

Fiscal 2025 (A)

Dec. Q

Mar. Q June Q

Sept. Q

FY 2025

Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS to GAAP EPS

Net income (loss) per share attributable to Cabot Corporation

$ 1.67

$ 1.69 $ 1.86

$ 0.79

$ 6.02

Less: Certain items after tax per share

(0.09)

(0.21) (0.04)

(0.91)

(1.23)

Adjusted earnings (loss) per share

$ 1.76

$ 1.90 $ 1.90

$ 1.70

$ 7.25

(A) Per share amounts are calculated after tax.

Q4 Fiscal 2026 18

Non-GAAP Financial Measures Adjusted EBITDA

Dollars in millions

Fiscal 2025

Fiscal 2026

Sept. Q

Full Year

Sept. Q

Full Year

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Income (loss) from operations before

income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliated companies

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of

affiliated companies

$ 115

$ 565

$ 110

$ 406

Interest expense

20

76

21

75

Certain items

17

30

15

109

General unallocated (income) expense

(6)

(28)

(13)

(36)

Less: Equity in earnings of affiliated companies

(2)

(7)

(1)

(6)

Depreciation and amortization

40

154

47

175

Adjusted EBITDA

$ 188

$ 804

$ 181

$ 735

Q4 Fiscal 2026 19

Non-GAAP Financial Measures Segment EBITDA

Dollars in millions

Fiscal 2025

Sept. Q Full Year

Fiscal 2026

Sept. Q Full Year

Reinforcement Materials EBIT

Reinforcement Materials Depreciation and amortization

Reinforcement Materials EBITDA

Reinforcement Materials Sales

Reinforcement Materials EBITDA Margin

$ 119

18

$ 508

70

$ 87

24

$ 379

84

$ 137

$ 563

$ 578

$ 2,341

$ 111

$ 634

$ 463

$ 2,297

24% 25%

18% 20%

Dollars in millions

Fiscal 2025

Sept. Q Full Year

Fiscal 2026

Sept. Q Full Year

Performance Chemicals EBIT

Performance Chemicals Depreciation and amortization

Performance Chemicals EBITDA

Performance Chemicals Sales

Performance Chemicals EBITDA Margin

$ 42

22

$ 194

84

$ 60

23

$ 235

91

$ 64

$ 308

$ 278

$ 1,250

$ 83

$ 340

$ 326

$ 1,319

21% 22%

24% 25%

Q4 Fiscal 2026 20

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Free Cash Flow (FCF) & Discretionary Free Cash Flow (DFCF)

Dollars in millions

Fiscal 2026

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow and Discretionary Free Cash Flow to Cash

provided by (used in) operating activities

Dec. Q

Mar. Q

June Q

Sept. Q

FY 2026

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities (B)

$ 126

$ 77

$ 75

$ 143

$ 421

Less: Additions to property, plant and equipment

69

45

38

55

207

Free cash flow

$ 57

$ 32

$ 37

$ 88

$ 214

Plus: Additions to property, plant and equipment

69

45

38

55

207

Less: Changes in net working capital (C)

5

(19)

(44)

(10)

(68)

Less: Sustaining and compliance capital expenditures

50

33

28

36

147

Discretionary free cash flow

$ 71

$ 63

$ 91

$ 117

$ 342

(B) As provided in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

(C) Defined as changes in Accounts and notes receivable, Inventories, and Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as presented on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Q4 Fiscal 2026 21

Non-GAAP Financial Measures Operating Tax Rate

TABLE 3: RECONCILIATION OF EFFECTIVE TAX RATE TO OPERATING TAX RATE

Three months ended September 30 2026 2025

(Provision) /

Dollars in millions (unaudited)

Benefit for

Income Taxes

Rate

Provision) / Benefit

for Income Taxes

Rate

Effective Tax Rate

$ (38)

34% $

(63)

55%

Less: Non-GAAP tax adjustments(B)

(3)

(30)

Operating tax rate (D) (E)

$ (35)

28% $

(33)

25%

Twelve months ended September 30 2026 2025

(Provision) /

Benefit for (Provision) / Benefit

Dollars in millions (unaudited) Income Taxes Rate for Income Taxes Rate

Effective Tax Rate

$ (165)

41% $

(196)

35%

Less: Non-GAAP tax adjustments(B)

(17)

(36)

Operating tax rate (D) (E)

$ (148)

29% $

(160)

27%

(

(B) Non-GAAP tax adjustments are made to arrive at the operating tax provision. It includes the income tax (expense) benefit on certain items, discrete tax items, and, on a quarterly basis the timing of losses in certain jurisdictions. The income tax (expense) benefit on certain items is determined using the applicable rates in the taxing

jurisdictions in which the certain items occurred and includes both current and deferred income tax (expense) benefit based on the nature of the certain items. Discrete tax items include, but are not limited to, changes in valuation allowance, uncertain tax positions, and other tax items, such as the tax impact of legislative changes and tax accruals on historic earnings due to changes in indefinite reinvestment assertions.

(C) This table indicates the line items where certain items are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(D) The operating tax rate is calculated based upon management's forecast of the annual operating tax rate for the fiscal year applied to adjusted pre-tax earnings. The operating tax rate excludes income tax (expense) benefit on certain items, discrete tax items and, on a quarterly basis the timing of losses in certain jurisdictions.

(E) Our operating tax rate for fiscal 2027 is expected to be in the range of 28% to 30%.

Q4 Fiscal 2026 22

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