Core Insights - Ingevity reported total sales of $1.3 billion in 2025, an 8% decline year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA increased by approximately 10% to $398 million, and diluted adjusted EPS rose by 30% to $4.55 [1][7][8] Financial Performance - The company achieved adjusted EBITDA of $398 million, with a margin expansion of 500 basis points to 30.8% [9] - Free cash flow reached $274 million, the highest level in the past five years, and exceeded previous guidance [9][10] - A net loss of $167 million was reported on a GAAP basis, primarily due to $337 million in pre-tax special charges, including a goodwill impairment of $184 million [7][9] Segment Performance - Performance Materials sales remained flat at $607 million, with an EBITDA margin of 53.8% despite lower automotive production [11] - Performance Chemicals saw a total segment EBITDA increase of $45 million year-over-year, with combined segment EBITDA margin expanding to 13.5% from 4% [13] - Advanced Polymer Technologies (APT) sales declined by 15% in 2025, with segment EBITDA falling by 18% due to weak demand in automotive and industrial markets [15] Strategic Actions - On January 1, 2026, Ingevity completed the sale of its North Charleston CTO refinery and most of its Industrial Specialties product line to Mainstream Pine Products, aimed at reducing portfolio volatility and enhancing profitability [2][6] - The company is actively reshaping its portfolio, initiating sales processes for APT and Road Markings, with expectations of interest in both segments [16] 2026 Guidance - For 2026, Ingevity guided adjusted EPS of $4.08 to $5.20, sales of $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion, and adjusted EBITDA of $380 million to $400 million [5][17] - Free cash flow guidance excludes approximately $95 million in expected litigation payments, with plans for continued share repurchases totaling $300 million through 2027 [18] Market Outlook - The company anticipates low single-digit sales growth in Performance Materials and mid-single-digit growth in Performance Chemicals, with EBITDA margins in the mid-teens [18] - Long-term market drivers include potential emissions regulations in China and India, with a focus on higher-value filtration applications expected to expand over the next few years [20]

GREENWICH, Conn., Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gabelli Funds will host its 17th Annual Specialty Chemicals Symposium in Midtown Manhattan, New York City on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The event will feature discussions with leading companies and organizations across the specialty chemicals ecosystem, with an emphasis on industry dynamics, current trends, and business fundamentals, as well as Specialty Chemicals investing. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one meetings with ...

Group 1 - Wells Fargo raised the price target on Ingevity (NGVT) to $65 from $60 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the shares [1] - The adjustment in estimates is due to the sale of the majority of Ingevity's Industrial Specialties business, which was completed on January 5 [1] - Wells Fargo remains cautious and on the sidelines as Ingevity explores alternatives for other businesses, indicating uncertainty in future performance [1]

Core Insights - The London Company Small Cap Strategy reported a 1.9% appreciation in its small-cap portfolio for Q3 2025, underperforming the Russell 2000 Index which gained 12.4% [1] - The report highlighted Ingevity Corporation (NYSE:NGVT) as a key holding, noting its significant margin recovery and performance improvements in the Performance Chemicals segment [3] Company Performance - Ingevity Corporation's stock closed at $53.84 on November 3, 2025, with a market capitalization of $1.963 billion [2] - The company achieved a one-month return of 0.71% and a 52-week gain of 24.11% [2] - Ingevity Corporation outperformed its benchmark due to a recovery in margins and strategic portfolio shifts, despite facing a cyclical downturn [3] Hedge Fund Interest - Ingevity Corporation was held by 25 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2025, an increase from 22 in the previous quarter [4] - While the company shows potential, the report suggests that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Core Viewpoint - ICL Group Ltd reported a decline in profits for the first quarter of 2025, with adjusted earnings per share beating estimates despite lower overall sales [1][2]. Financial Performance - ICL recorded profits of $91 million or 7 cents per share, down from $109 million or 8 cents in the same quarter last year [1]. - Adjusted earnings per share were 9 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 8 cents [1]. - Sales increased approximately 2% year-over-year to $1,767 million, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,770.3 million [1]. Segment Performance - Sales in the Industrial Products segment rose roughly 3% year-over-year to $344 million, driven by improved volumes in flame retardants [2]. - The Potash segment saw a decline of around 4% year-over-year to $405 million, impacted by lower potash prices [3]. - Sales in the Phosphate Solutions segment increased approximately 3% year-over-year to $573 million, supported by strength in commodities [3]. - The Growing Solutions segment's sales grew around 3% year-over-year to $495 million, with increases in Brazil, North America, and Asia, partially offset by a decrease in Europe [4]. Financial Position - At the end of the quarter, ICL had cash and cash equivalents of $312 million, down about 14% year-over-year [5]. - Long-term debt was reported at $1,856 million, a decrease of nearly 1% year-over-year [5]. - Net cash provided by operating activities was $165 million for the quarter [5]. Guidance - ICL expects the EBITDA for specialties-driven segments to be between $0.95 billion and $1.15 billion for 2025 [6]. - For potash, the company anticipates sales volumes to be between 4.5 million metric tons and 4.7 million metric tons in 2025 [6]. Stock Performance - ICL's shares have increased by 37.4% over the past year, significantly outperforming the Zacks Fertilizers industry's growth of 5.3% [7].

Core Viewpoint - Flexible Solutions International, Inc. (FSI) reported a loss of 2 cents per share for Q1 2025, a decline from earnings of 4 cents per share in the same quarter last year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 5 cents [1] - Revenues for the quarter were approximately $7.5 million, down about 19% year over year, also falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $10.2 million [1] Segment Highlights - Sales from FSI's Energy and Water Conservation products decreased roughly 3% year over year to around $0.04 million, impacted by lower customer orders [2] - Sales of Biodegradable Polymers fell approximately 19% year over year to around $7.4 million due to reduced customer orders [2] Financials - FSI ended the quarter with cash of approximately $9.6 million, an increase of around 26% from the prior quarter [3] - Long-term debt was roughly $6.5 million, down about 2% sequentially [3] Outlook - FSI indicated that customers who adjusted inventory in Q1 returned to normal order patterns in April [4] - The company noted new opportunities in various applications, including detergent, oil field extraction, and water treatment, which are expected to boost sales in the NanoChem division and the ENP subsidiary [4] - FSI expects its cash resources to be sufficient to meet cash flow requirements and future commitments [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Flexible Solutions have increased by 102.4% over the past year, contrasting with a 0.6% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Specialty industry [5]

Core Viewpoint - Koppers Holdings Inc. reported a loss of $13.9 million or 68 cents per share for Q1 2025, contrasting with a profit of $13 million or 59 cents per share in the same quarter last year. Adjusted earnings were 71 cents per share, up from 62 cents year-over-year and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 56 cents [1][2]. Financial Performance - Revenues for Koppers in Q1 2025 were $456.5 million, down approximately 8% year-over-year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $488 million [2]. - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $33.3 million, a decrease of around 24% from the previous quarter. Long-term debt increased to $975.9 million, up about 5% sequentially [5]. Segment Highlights - The Railroad and Utility Products and Services (RUPS) segment saw sales rise about 4% year-over-year to $235 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $230 million, driven by increased volumes and price rises [3]. - The Performance Chemicals (PC) segment recorded sales of $120.9 million, down around 20% year-over-year, falling short of the consensus estimate of $139 million due to reduced volumes [4]. - Sales from the Carbon Materials and Chemicals (CMC) division fell approximately 18% year-over-year to $100.6 million, missing the consensus estimate of $119 million, attributed to lower volumes and reduced prices [4]. Outlook - Koppers anticipates sales for 2025 to be in the range of $2 billion to $2.2 billion, slightly lower than the previous expectation of $2.17 billion, considering the competitive landscape and global economic conditions. The company expects adjusted EBITDA to be around $280 million and adjusted earnings per share to be $4.75 for 2025 [6]. - Capital expenditures are projected at $65 million for the year, with operating cash flows expected to be $150 million in 2025 [7]. Stock Performance - Koppers' shares have declined by 31.7% over the past year, compared to a 25.4% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [8].

Core Viewpoint - Innospec Inc. reported a decline in profits and revenues for the first quarter of 2025, with mixed performance across its business segments, particularly impacted by unfavorable market conditions and currency fluctuations [1][2][4]. Financial Performance - Innospec recorded a profit of $32.8 million or $1.31 per share, down from $41.4 million or $1.65 per share in the same quarter last year [1]. - Earnings, excluding one-time items, were $1.42 per share, a decrease from $1.75 per share a year ago, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.40 [1]. - Revenues fell approximately 12% year over year to $440.8 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $459.3 million [1]. Segment Performance - The Fuel Specialties unit experienced a decline in revenues of about 4% year over year to $170.3 million, below the consensus estimate of $180 million, due to unfavorable price/mix and currency impacts [3]. - The Performance Chemicals unit reported sales of $168.4 million, up around 5% year over year, but still below the consensus estimate of $174 million [2]. - Revenues in the Oilfield Services division plummeted around 37% year over year to $102.1 million, significantly lower than the consensus estimate of $113 million, affected by weak recovery in Latin America and lower activity in U.S. completions and production [4]. Cash Flow and Dividends - Innospec ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $299.8 million, reflecting a sequential increase of about 4% [5]. - Net cash provided by operating activities was $28.3 million, down from $80.6 million in the previous year [5]. - The company increased its semi-annual dividend by 10% and initiated a $50 million share buyback program [5]. Outlook - Innospec anticipates challenges in the Performance Chemicals and Oilfield Services segments due to the current economic environment, while expecting stability in the Fuel Specialties segment [6]. - The company is focused on positioning its businesses for growth and margin improvement as market conditions recover [6]. Stock Performance - Innospec's shares have declined by 31.3% over the past year, compared to a 24.9% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [7].

Group 1: Product Launch and Innovation - BASF SE has launched three new natural-based products for personal care: Verdessence Maize, Lamesoft OP Plus, and Dehyton PK45 GA/RA [1][2] - Verdessence Maize is a plant-based styling polymer made from renewable feedstocks, offering performance comparable to synthetic polymers [3] - Lamesoft OP Plus is a biodegradable opacifier dispersion that enhances the appearance of formulations, while Dehyton PK45 GA/RA is a betaine derived from Rainforest Alliance Certified coconut oil, suitable for shampoos and cleansers [3] Group 2: Market Position and Performance - BASF's focus on biodegradable solutions aims to capture the conscious consumer market in the personal care sector [3] - The company's stock has declined by 18.4% over the past year, slightly worse than the industry average decline of 17.1% [4] - BASF currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials sector including Ingevity Corporation, Axalta Coating Systems, and Carpenter Technology Corporation [5]

Core Insights - DuPont de Nemours, Inc. has launched the Liveo Pharma TPE Ultra-Low Temp Tubing, designed for biopharmaceutical processing applications that require low-temperature resistance [1][2][3] Product Details - The new tubing is manufactured in an ISO Class 7 cleanroom, is sterilizable, weldable, and sealable, offering improved toughness and ductility [2] - It features resistance to bending, good pumpability, low spallation, and is phthalate-free, making it suitable for the biopharmaceutical industry [2] - This product is the second TPE tubing introduced by DuPont, complementing the existing Liveo Pharma TPE Tubing in their biopharma processing solutions [3] Financial Performance - DuPont's stock has decreased by 2.4% over the past year, while the industry has seen a decline of 18.8% [5] - The company anticipates full-year 2025 net sales to be between $12,800 million and $12,900 million, with operating EBITDA forecasted at $3,325 million to $3,375 million [6] Market Position - DuPont currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials sector including Ingevity Corporation, Axalta Coating Systems, and Carpenter Technology Corporation [7] - Ingevity's current-year earnings estimate is $4.45 per share, while Axalta's is $2.51 per share, and Carpenter Technology's is $6.95 per share, with all showing positive earnings surprises in recent quarters [8][9]