We came across a bullish thesis on Huntsman Corporation on Unfair Advantage’s Substack by AK. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on HUN. Huntsman Corporation's share was trading at $11.72 as of January 26th. HUN’s forward P/E was 153.85 according to Yahoo Finance. ASP Isotopes (ISP) Loses 5% as Exec Unloads Stake Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com Huntsman Corporation is a diversified chemical manufacturer specializing in organic compounds, primarily polyurethanes and amines, serving a ...

Summary of Key Points from Conference Call Records Industry Overview - The chemical industry has experienced a "global price surge" in the past month, with major companies like BASF, Dow, and Huntsman implementing price increases across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East [1][1][1] - Significant price increases have been noted for certain chemical products, with propylene oxide prices rising by 7.9% week-over-week [2][2][2] Companies Mentioned - Companies involved in the chemical sector include: - Xinxiang Chemical Fiber - Cangzhou Dahua - Weiyuan Co. - Shandong Heda - Hongbaoli - Hongbai New Materials - Red Wall Co. - Zhongyida - Zanyu Technology - China National Chemical - Jiangtian Chemical - Meibang Technology [2][2][2] Core Insights and Arguments - The recent price increases in the chemical market are attributed to a combination of supply chain pressures and increased demand for chemical products globally [1][1][1] - The government has introduced new policies to support urban renewal and stimulate the economy, which may further impact the demand for chemical products [2][2][2] Additional Important Information - The National Energy Administration reported that national electricity load has reached a historical winter high, exceeding 1.4 billion kilowatts for the first time, indicating strong energy demand [2][2][2] - The investment in new power systems is expected to grow significantly, with a projected 40% increase in investment during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [2][2][2] - The chemical industry is likely to benefit from these macroeconomic trends, as increased urban development and energy demands will drive further consumption of chemical products [1][1][1]

Core Viewpoint - Huntsman Corporation will hold a conference call on February 18, 2026, to discuss its fourth quarter 2025 financial results, with a question and answer session following the opening remarks [1]. Financial Information - The earnings press release, including financial statements and segment information, will be distributed after the market closes on February 17, 2026 [2]. - Huntsman Corporation reported revenues of approximately $6 billion for the year 2024 [3]. Company Overview - Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals, operating over 60 manufacturing, R&D, and operations facilities in about 25 countries [3]. - The company employs approximately 6,300 associates within its continuing operations [3].

Core Viewpoint - Huntsman Corporation, a global chemicals company, is facing significant challenges with its stock price down 45% over the past year, while the S&P 500 has increased by about 15% [2]. Despite this, the company continues to generate positive cash flow and is focusing on balance sheet preservation [4]. Company Overview - Huntsman Corporation specializes in specialty chemicals, providing innovative solutions across various end markets, with a diversified product portfolio aimed at meeting industrial and consumer needs [1]. Financial Performance - In the third quarter, Huntsman reported an operating cash flow of $200 million and free cash flow of $157 million, despite a GAAP net loss of $25 million and a decline in adjusted EBITDA year over year [4]. - The company's liquidity stood at approximately $1.4 billion at the end of the quarter, indicating a strong cash position [4]. Shareholder Activity - First Wilshire Securities Management increased its stake in Huntsman by purchasing 431,403 additional shares during the third quarter, bringing its total holdings to about 1.13 million shares valued at $10.13 million [3]. Market Context - Huntsman's stock has been adversely affected by the broader chemicals cycle, but it is viewed as a potential opportunity for investors looking for balance-sheet durability in a cyclical industry [5]. The company is not expected to rebound quickly, but it offers operating leverage if pricing stabilizes and volumes recover [5]. Dividend Strategy - The company implemented a controversial 65% dividend reset, which may reflect a realistic approach to its current financial situation rather than a sign of distress [4].

Core Insights - The chemical industry is currently at the bottom of its cycle, with expectations of gradual recovery driven by global economic growth and demand increase [2][5][20] - The report emphasizes the importance of supply-side dynamics, noting the retreat of foreign investment and the slowdown of domestic capacity expansion, which may lead to a turning point for the industry [2][5][36] - Key recommendations include focusing on cyclical resilient and growth sectors such as industrial silicon, organic silicon, PTA, spandex, caprolactam, soda ash, and chlor-alkali, as well as high-demand products like refrigerants and potassium fertilizers [2][5][6] Demand Side Analysis - The chemical industry is closely tied to global economic performance, with a projected global GDP growth of 3.09% in 2026, driven mainly by developing countries like India [22][25] - China's GDP growth is expected to be 4.16% in 2026, indicating robust domestic demand [22][25] - Emerging sectors such as new energy and AI are expected to drive material consumption, with significant growth in electric vehicle sales and energy storage capacity anticipated [27][29] Supply Side Dynamics - The report highlights the challenges faced by foreign chemical giants due to rising energy costs and increased competition, leading to significant profit declines [36][41] - Major foreign companies are closing high-cost production facilities in Europe, which may create opportunities for domestic players [36][41][47] - Domestic chemical companies are experiencing pressure on investment returns, leading to a slowdown in capital expenditure growth and a pause in new capacity plans [49] Investment Strategy - The report suggests a focus on cyclical resilient products and growth sectors, with specific attention to high-quality companies that possess competitive advantages [6][36] - The potential for price increases or stable prices with volume growth in bottom-tier products is emphasized, particularly in industrial silicon and organic silicon [6][36] - The report also identifies opportunities in the tire and civil explosives sectors, particularly as companies expand internationally [7][36] Emerging Opportunities - New material sectors, including humanoid robots and AI materials, are highlighted as areas of potential growth, driven by domestic policy support and the need for localized supply chains [8][36] - The report notes the increasing importance of domestic production capabilities in high-end materials due to international trade tensions [8][36]

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]