Core Viewpoint - The recent price increases of MDI (Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate) by major chemical companies are driven by rising raw material costs, production disruptions, and increased demand for lightweight materials in various industries [3][4]. Price Increases - Major chemical companies including BASF, Huntsman, Wanhua Chemical, and Dow Chemical have announced significant price hikes for MDI products across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with increases reaching up to €350 per ton [3]. - Specific price adjustments include BASF raising prices by $200 per ton in South Asia, Wanhua Chemical increasing prices by $200 per ton in Southeast Asia and South Asia, and Huntsman announcing a €350 per ton increase in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East [3]. Reasons for Price Increases - The price hikes are attributed to several factors: fluctuations in international oil prices raising core raw material costs, increased transportation and energy costs, and compliance pressures [4]. - Additionally, 45% of China's MDI production capacity is undergoing maintenance, which includes major plants from Wanhua and BASF, leading to reduced output [4]. - The demand for MDI is also supported by trends in building insulation materials, a recovery in home appliance exports, and the growing need for lightweight materials in the electric vehicle sector [4]. Capacity Expansion - Wanhua Chemical is accelerating its MDI capacity expansion project in Fujian, expected to add 700,000 tons of capacity by Q2 2026, potentially increasing its global market share to 42% [4]. - Mitsui Chemicals announced plans to further increase its MDI production capacity by 10,000 tons per year, following a recent expansion that brought its total capacity to 610,000 tons [5]. Environmental Considerations - Mitsui Chemicals is also focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing a recovery system during its capacity expansion, aligning with global efforts to improve building insulation performance and combat climate change [5]. Supply Chain Developments - The production process for MDI at Mitsui Chemicals has been enhanced through the implementation of advanced technology, which has improved the efficiency of chlorine production and reduced waste [6].

European Companies - BASF Group reported Q3 2025 sales of €15.23 billion (approximately $17.7 billion), down 3.2% year-on-year from €15.739 billion. Operating profit (EBIT) increased by 11.4% to €278 million, while net profit fell by 40% to €172 million [1] - LyondellBasell's Q3 2025 sales and other revenues were $7.727 billion, down from $8.604 billion year-on-year. The company reported a net loss of $890 million compared to a net profit of $573 million in the same period last year [2] - INEOS Group Holdings reported Q3 2025 revenue of €3.418 billion (approximately $3.97 billion), down from €4.273 billion year-on-year. Operating profit decreased to €113 million from €339 million, with a net loss of €56.5 million compared to a profit of €283 million last year [3] - Evonik Group's Q3 2025 sales were €3.391 billion (approximately $3.94 billion), down from €3.832 billion year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA fell to €448 million from €577 million, with a net loss of €106 million compared to a net profit of €223 million [4] - Covestro reported Q3 2025 sales of €3.171 billion (approximately $3.68 billion), down 12% from €3.603 billion. EBITDA decreased by 15.7% to €242 million, with a net loss of €47 million compared to a net profit of €33 million last year [5] - DSM-Firmenich's Q3 2025 sales were €3.07 billion (approximately $3.57 billion), down 5% from €3.244 billion. Adjusted EBITDA remained stable at €540 million [6] - Sika reported Q3 2025 sales of CHF 3.078 billion (approximately $3.4 billion), down 3.8% from CHF 3.915 billion. EBITDA decreased to CHF 1.645 billion from CHF 1.702 billion, with net profit falling to CHF 871 million from CHF 923 million [8] - Henkel's Q3 2025 sales fell by 6.3% to €5.147 billion, with the adhesives technology division reporting sales of approximately $3.145 billion, down 3.3% year-on-year [9] - Arkema's Q3 2025 sales were €2.187 billion (approximately $2.54 billion), down 8.6% from €2.394 billion. EBITDA fell by 23.8% to €310 million, with adjusted net profit down 53.6% to €78 million [10] - Syensqo reported Q3 2025 sales of €1.517 billion (approximately $1.76 billion), down 7.1% from €1.633 billion. EBITDA decreased by 12.8% to €326 million, with net profit down 31.8% to €110 million [11] - LANXESS reported Q3 2025 sales of €1.338 billion (approximately $1.55 billion), down 16.3% from €1.598 billion. EBITDA fell by 35.6% to €105 million, with a net loss of €77 million compared to a profit of €1 million last year [12] - Solvay's Q3 2025 sales were €1.044 billion (approximately $1.21 billion), down 9.7% from €1.156 billion. EBITDA decreased by 10.3% to €232 million, with net profit down 15% to €88 million [13] - Clariant reported Q3 2025 sales of CHF 906 million (approximately $1.03 billion), down 9% from CHF 991 million. EBITDA increased by 14% to CHF 159 million [14] Asian Companies - Rongsheng Petrochemical reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥79.185 billion (approximately $11.2 billion), down 5.67% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥286 million, up 1427.94% [15] - SABIC's Q3 2025 revenue was SAR 34.333 billion (approximately $9.147 billion), down from SAR 36.88 billion year-on-year. Operating profit decreased to SAR 1.663 billion from SAR 2.477 billion, with net profit falling to SAR 1.135 billion from SAR 1.763 billion [16] - Hengli Petrochemical reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥53.496 billion (approximately $7.67 billion), down 17.98% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥1.972 billion, up 81.47% [17] - Wanhua Chemical reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥53.324 billion (approximately $7.54 billion), up 5.52% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥3.035 billion, up 3.96% [18] - Mitsubishi Chemical Group reported H1 2025 revenue of ¥1,799.124 billion (approximately $11.5 billion), down 10.5% year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 19.6% to ¥86.489 billion, with net profit attributable to shareholders up 169% to ¥110.132 billion [19] - Taiwan Chemical announced Q3 2025 revenue of NT$69.576 billion (approximately $2.22 billion), down from NT$86.899 billion. The company reported a net profit of NT$1.78 billion, compared to a net loss of NT$1.918 billion last year [20] - Nanya Plastics reported Q3 2025 revenue of NT$64.2 billion (approximately $2.04 billion), down from NT$66.4 billion. Operating profit increased to NT$1.04 billion from NT$990 million, with net profit rising to NT$4 billion from NT$490 million [21] - Formosa Plastics reported Q3 2025 revenue of NT$41.718 billion (approximately $1.33 billion), down from NT$50.492 billion. The company reported a net loss of NT$2.685 billion, compared to a loss of NT$3.092 billion last year [22] - Asahi Kasei Corporation reported H1 2025 revenue of ¥1,486.368 billion (approximately $9.54 billion), down slightly from ¥1,490.334 billion. Operating profit increased to ¥108.915 billion from ¥107.454 billion, while net profit decreased to ¥60.248 billion from ¥66.266 billion [23] - Dongfang Shenghong reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥31.245 billion (approximately $4.5 billion), down 11.91% year-on-year. The company reported a net loss of ¥260 million [24] - Shin-Etsu Chemical reported H1 2025 revenue of ¥1,284.522 billion (approximately $8.24 billion), up 1.4% year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 17.7% to ¥333.935 billion, with net profit down 12.3% to ¥257.844 billion [25] - Toray reported H1 2025 revenue of ¥1,234.31 billion (approximately $7.92 billion), down 4.6% year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 19.1% to ¥642.99 billion, with net profit down 33.5% to ¥369.35 billion [26] - Hengyi Petrochemical reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥27.925 billion (approximately $3.95 billion), down 7.07% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥4.4079 million, up 102.21% [27] - LG Chem reported Q3 2025 sales of ₩111.962 trillion (approximately $76.24 billion), down 11.3% from ₩126.2 trillion. Operating profit increased by 38.9% to ₩6.797 trillion, while net profit fell to ₩4.470 trillion from ₩10.13 trillion [28] American Companies - Dow reported Q3 2025 net sales of $9.973 billion, down from $10.879 billion year-on-year. Net profit attributable to common shareholders was $62 million, down from $214 million [36] - Ecolab reported Q3 2025 net sales of $4.165 billion, up from $3.999 billion year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 27% to $760 million, with net profit down 21% to $585 million [37] - DuPont reported Q3 2025 net sales of $3.072 billion, up from $2.862 billion year-on-year. The company reported a net loss of $123 million, compared to a profit of $455 million last year [39] - Westlake Corporation reported Q3 2025 net sales of $2.838 billion, down from $3.117 billion. The company reported an operating loss of $766 million, compared to a profit of $180 million last year [40] - IFF reported Q3 2025 net sales of $2.694 billion, down from $2.925 billion year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 9% to $226 million, with net profit down to $40 million from $58 million [41] - Celanese reported Q3 2025 net sales of $2.419 billion, down from $2.648 billion. The company reported an operating loss of $1.275 billion, compared to a profit of $245 million last year [42] - Eastman Chemical Company reported Q3 2025 sales of $2.202 billion, down from $2.464 billion. Net profit attributable to the company was $47 million, down from $180 million [43] - Huntsman Corporation reported Q3 2025 revenue of $1.46 billion, down from $1.54 billion. The company reported a net loss of $25 million, compared to a loss of $33 million last year [44] Industrial Gases - Linde plc reported Q3 2025 sales of $8.615 billion, up from $8.356 billion year-on-year. Operating profit increased to $2.367 billion from $2.086 billion, with net profit rising to $1.929 billion from $1.55 billion [45] - Air Liquide reported Q3 2025 revenue of €6.599 billion (approximately $7.66 billion), down from €6.762 billion year-on-year [46] - Air Products & Chemicals reported Q4 2025 sales of $3.167 billion, down from $3.188 billion. The company reported an operating profit of $16.8 million, down from $242.4 million last year, with a net profit of $4.9 million compared to $195 million [47] Crop Science - Syngenta Group reported Q3 2025 revenue of $6.4 billion, down 6% year-on-year. EBITDA increased by 28% to $900 million [48] - Bayer Group reported Q3 2025 sales of €9.66 billion, down from €9.968 billion. EBIT loss was €543 million, compared to a loss of €382.2 million last year, with a net loss of €963 million compared to a loss of €4.183 billion last year [49] - Corteva, Inc. reported Q3 2025 net sales of $2.618 billion, up from $2.326 billion year-on-year. The company reported a net loss of $320 million, compared to a loss of $524 million last year [50] Fertilizers - Nutrien reported Q3 2025 sales of $6.007 billion, up from $5.348 billion year-on-year. Net profit increased to $469 million from $25 million [51] - Yara International ASA reported Q3 2025 revenue of $4.108 billion, up from $3.654 billion. Operating profit increased to $470 million from $309 million, with net profit rising to $320 million from $286 million [52] - The Mosaic Company reported Q3 2025 net sales of $3.452 billion, up from $2.811 billion. Operating profit increased to $340 million from $115 million, with net profit rising to $411 million from $122 million [53] - CF Industries reported Q3 2025 net sales of $1.659 billion, up from $1.37 billion. Net profit attributable to common shareholders was $353 million, compared to $276 million last year [54] Coatings - PPG Industries reported Q3 2025 net sales of $4.082 billion, up from $4.032 billion year-on-year, with net profit remaining stable at $444 million [55] - AkzoNobel reported Q3 2025 revenue of €2.547 billion (approximately $2.96 billion), down from €2.668 billion. The company reported an operating loss of €29 million, compared to a profit of €259 million last year, with a net loss of €194 million compared to a profit of €163 million last year [56] - Nippon Paint Holdings reported YTD revenue of ¥1,318.378 billion (approximately $8.467 billion), up 7.8% year-on-year. Operating profit increased by 36.4% to ¥190.579 billion, with net profit rising by 38.6% to ¥134.336 billion [57] - Sherwin-Williams reported Q3 2025 net sales of $6.358 billion, up from $6.163 billion. Net profit increased to $833 million from $806 million, with the paint retail group reporting sales of $3.837 billion, up 5.1% [58] - Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. reported Q3 2025 net sales of $1.288 billion, down from $1.32 billion. Operating profit increased to $204 million from $193 million, with net profit rising to $110 million from $101 million [59] - Three Trees reported YTD revenue of ¥9.392 billion (approximately $1.33 billion), up 2.69% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥744 million, up 81.22% [60]

Core Insights - Huntsman Corporation (HUN) has revised its fourth-quarter 2025 outlook due to an unplanned outage at its Polyurethanes facility in Rotterdam, which is expected to negatively impact adjusted EBITDA by approximately $10 million [1][7] - The company now anticipates fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted EBITDA to be at the lower end of the previously announced range of $25 million to $50 million [2][7] - HUN's shares have declined by 43.3% over the past year, compared to a 21.4% decline in the industry [2] Financial Performance - HUN's restructuring programs are projected to yield over $100 million in savings this year, with a focus on cost management and cash generation [3] - The company has reset its regular dividend to 35 cents per share annually, reflecting a reduction of 65% to maintain financial flexibility [3] Market Position - HUN currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4] - In the Basic Materials sector, better-ranked stocks include Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), and Fortuna Mining Corp. (FSM) and Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (HMY) both with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [4]

Core Viewpoint - Huntsman Corporation is facing an unplanned outage at its Polyurethanes facility in Rotterdam, which is expected to negatively impact its fourth quarter 2025 adjusted EBITDA by approximately $10 million, leading to expectations of adjusted EBITDA at the low end of the previously communicated range of $25 million to $50 million [1]. Company Overview - Huntsman Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals, with revenues of approximately $6 billion in 2024 [2]. - The company operates over 60 manufacturing, R&D, and operations facilities across approximately 25 countries and employs around 6,300 associates [2].

Core Insights - Huntsman Corporation reported a narrower loss of 14 cents per share in Q3 2025, compared to a loss of 19 cents per share in the same quarter last year, and adjusted loss per share was 3 cents, better than the expected loss of 13 cents [1][9] Revenue Performance - Revenues for Huntsman Corporation were $1,460 million, reflecting a 5% year-over-year decline, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,443.4 million [2][9] - The Polyurethanes segment saw revenues decrease by 5% to $956 million, missing the estimate of $971 million due to lower average selling prices despite higher sales volumes [3] - Performance Products revenues fell 12% to $246 million, below the estimate of $256 million, primarily due to lower sales volumes and prices [4] - Advanced Materials revenues increased by 2% to $265 million, surpassing the estimate of $261 million, driven by higher average selling prices [4] Financial Highlights - Free cash flow from continuing operations was $157 million, up from $93 million in the prior-year quarter [5] - The company had approximately $1.4 billion in combined cash and unused borrowing capacity as of September 30, 2025 [5] - Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $200 million in the reported quarter [5] Strategic Outlook - Huntsman Corporation emphasized cost management and cash generation as top priorities, with restructuring programs expected to yield over $100 million in savings [6] - The company reduced its annual dividend to 35 cents per share, a 65% decrease, to maintain financial flexibility amid challenging economic conditions [7] Stock Performance - Huntsman shares have declined by 58.5% over the past year, compared to a 37% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [8]

Financial Performance - Revenues for Q3 2025 were $1,460 million, a decrease of 5% compared to $1,540 million in Q3 2024[151] - Gross profit for Q3 2025 was $204 million, down 13% from $234 million in Q3 2024[151] - Operating income for Q3 2025 was $6 million, an 86% decline from $42 million in Q3 2024[151] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $94 million, a decrease of 28% from $131 million in Q3 2024[152] - Loss from continuing operations for Q3 2025 was $24 million, compared to a loss of $21 million in Q3 2024[152] - Net loss for Q3 2025 was $25 million, a decrease from a net loss of $33 million in Q3 2024[152] - Operating income for Q3 2025 was $7 million, an 84% decline from $43 million in Q3 2024[153] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $95 million, a decrease of 28% from $132 million in Q3 2024[155] - The company reported a net loss of $11 million for Q3 2025, compared to a net loss of $16 million in Q3 2024[154] - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the net loss attributable to Huntsman Corporation was $145 million, compared to a net loss of $2 million for the same period in 2024[156] - Adjusted net loss income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $58 million, while adjusted net income for the same period in 2024 was $30 million[156] Cash Flow and Expenses - Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations increased by 75% to $221 million compared to $126 million in Q3 2024[152] - Total operating expenses for Q3 2025 were $198 million, a 3% increase from $192 million in Q3 2024[151] - Capital expenditures from continuing operations were $116 million, down 13% from $133 million in Q3 2024[152] - Free cash flow from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $105 million, compared to a negative free cash flow of $7 million for the same period in 2024[156] - Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations increased to $221 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $126 million in the same period of 2024[182] - Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $74 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, from $87 million in the prior year[183] - Cash and cash equivalents increased by $128 million to $468 million as of September 30, 2025, representing a 38% increase from December 2024[187] - Total current assets rose by $57 million to $2,182 million, a 3% increase compared to December 2024[187] - Working capital increased by $21 million to $581 million, reflecting a 4% change from December 2024[187] Segment Performance - Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2025, decreased by $80 million, or 5%, compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to lower average selling prices[165] - Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2025, decreased by $30 million, or 13%, compared to the same period in 2024, driven by lower gross profits in the Polyurethanes and Performance Products segments[165] - Segment adjusted EBITDA for Polyurethanes decreased by 37% to $48 million, while Performance Products saw a 31% decline to $29 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025[169] - Performance Products segment revenues decreased by 11% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, primarily due to lower sales volumes[174] - Advanced Materials segment revenues increased slightly by 2% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, primarily due to higher average selling prices[171] Tax and Capital Expenditures - Income tax expense from continuing operations decreased by 92% to $3 million compared to $39 million in Q3 2024[151] - The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was (21)%, compared to 76% for the same period in 2024[156] - The company expects to spend between $170 million to $180 million on capital expenditures during 2025[193] Shareholder Returns and Debt - A cash dividend of $0.0875 per share was declared, marking a 65% decrease from the previous dividend[190] - Approximately $547 million remains under the authorization of the existing share repurchase program[193] - The current portion of debt increased by $53 million to $378 million, primarily due to increased borrowings under the 2022 Revolving Credit Facility[187] - The company has approximately $465 million of cash held by foreign subsidiaries, intended to fund local operations[191]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered $200 million of operating cash in Q3 2025, with year-to-date free cash flow exceeding $100 million [7] - The latest dividend levels were adjusted down by 65%, resulting in approximately $60 million of cash requirements for the dividend next year, down from $115 million [9][49] - The company is on track to complete a $100 million cost reduction program, which includes the elimination or relocation of over 600 positions and the closure of seven sites, primarily in Europe [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The performance products division is expected to see modest recovery starting in 2026, with new capacities being introduced and improvements in contracts within automotive segments [56][57] - The maleic anhydride market remains strong in North America, with the company positioned as the low-cost producer [67] - Performance products volumes have been running down close to double digits, but the reduction is significantly influenced by the closure of the Moors site in Germany [66][68] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. economy is under pressure due to high inflation and rising interest rates, impacting consumer durables and home building [4][5] - Consumer confidence and spending in China are low, while European deindustrialization continues due to high business costs and regulations [5][6] - The U.S. MDI market is experiencing a sluggish demand, with a year-over-year growth of about 6% in Q3 2025 [36][72] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to continue calibrating its cost structure to align with market realities and manage cash flow during prolonged downturns [6][7] - There is a focus on sourcing energy-intensive raw materials from regions with more competitive costs, while maintaining a strong presence in profitable markets like aerospace and automotive [7][8] - The company is exploring opportunities for consolidations and rationalizing capacities to enhance competitiveness [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about a potential recovery in the U.S. and China economies as trade tensions ease and consumer confidence returns [5][6] - The company anticipates typical seasonality in Q4 2025, coupled with higher-than-average destocking, particularly in Europe [10] - Management emphasized the importance of protecting the balance sheet for long-term stability and growth [8][9] Other Important Information - The company is not planning to take on more debt to increase dividends and will consider dividend increases only when market conditions improve [9] - The company is actively managing working capital and has been aggressive in reducing inventory levels [13][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Cash flow and inventory reduction actions in Q3 - Management indicated that inventory reduction actions may lead to lower utilization rates in Q4, but they aim to calibrate production to actual demand as they enter 2026 [13][17] Question: Risk of European manufacturing capacity leaving - Management is closely monitoring the situation and believes that their supply chain remains strong, particularly in Rotterdam, despite potential risks [22][24] Question: U.S. MDI imports from Europe - Management hopes that the increase in U.S. MDI imports from Europe is not a structural change, as it may not make economic sense in the long term [30][31] Question: Performance products market demand - Management expects gradual improvement in the maleic market and flat to positive performance in ethyleneamines, despite competitive conditions [66][67] Question: Future MDI growth rates - Management anticipates MDI growth to align with GDP growth, plus additional growth from product substitution, estimating a growth rate of about 1.5 times GDP [89]

Financial Performance - Q3 2025 - Revenues decreased to $1460 million from $1540 million in 3Q24[8], a decrease of approximately 5%[16] - Net loss attributable to Huntsman Corporation was $25 million, compared to a net loss of $33 million in 3Q24[8] - Adjusted net loss was $5 million, compared to an adjusted net income of $17 million in 3Q24[8] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $94 million from $131 million in 3Q24[8] - Free cash flow from continuing operations increased to $157 million from $93 million in 3Q24[8] Segment Performance - Q3 2025 - **Polyurethanes:** Revenues decreased to $956 million from $1003 million in 3Q24[11], and adjusted EBITDA margin was 5% compared to 8% in 3Q24[13] - **Performance Products:** Revenues decreased to $246 million from $280 million in 3Q24[20], a 12% decrease[25], and adjusted EBITDA margin was 12% compared to 15% in 3Q24[22] - **Advanced Materials:** Revenues increased slightly to $265 million from $261 million in 3Q24[28], a 2% increase[33], and adjusted EBITDA margin was 17% compared to 18% in 3Q24[30] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash flow from operations increased to $200 million in 3Q25 from $134 million in 3Q24[43] - Liquidity at the close of the quarter was $1372 million[43] - Net debt was $1540 million[43] Cost Realignment Plans - Targeted run rate benefits of approximately $100 million by the end of 2026[45] - Expected restructuring cash costs of approximately $80 million[45] - Total headcount reduction of approximately 500[45] Q4 2025 Outlook - Total adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between approximately $25 million and $50 million[52]

Core Viewpoint - Huntsman Corporation (HUN) has experienced a significant decline in stock value, losing over 60% in the past year due to a challenging macroeconomic environment affecting the chemicals sector, particularly weak construction activity and excess supply [1] Company Performance - Huntsman's stock has been a poor performer, with a loss exceeding 60% over the last year [1] Industry Context - The chemicals sector is currently facing a brutal macro environment characterized by weak construction activity and meaningful excess supply [1]

Core Viewpoint - Huntsman Corporation (HUN) has experienced a significant decline in its stock value, losing over 60% in the past year due to a challenging macroeconomic environment affecting the chemicals sector, particularly weak construction activity and excess supply [1]. Company Performance - Huntsman's stock has been a poor performer, with a loss exceeding 60% over the last year [1]. Industry Context - The chemicals sector is currently facing a brutal macro environment characterized by weak construction activity and meaningful excess supply [1].