Core Viewpoint - Pomerantz LLP is investigating potential securities fraud and unlawful business practices by Celanese Corporation and its officers or directors, following disappointing financial results and significant stock price declines [1][4][5]. Financial Performance - In Q3 2024, Celanese reported adjusted earnings of $2.44 per share, below the consensus estimate of $2.84, and revenue of $2.65 billion, a 2.6% year-over-year decline, also missing the consensus estimate of $2.69 billion [3]. - For the full year 2024, Celanese reported a U.S. GAAP diluted loss per share of $13.86 and adjusted earnings per share of $8.37, with net sales of $10.3 billion, a 6% decrease from the previous year due to a 4% decline in price and a 1% decline in volume [4]. - In Q2 2025, Celanese's Engineered Materials segment continued to experience below-normal volumes due to destocking in Europe, leading to further disappointing financial results [5]. Stock Price Reaction - Following the Q3 2024 results, Celanese's stock price fell by $32.50, or 26.32%, closing at $91.00 on November 5, 2024 [3]. - After the Q4 and full year 2024 results, the stock price dropped by $15.00, or 21.46%, closing at $54.91 on February 19, 2025 [4]. - On August 12, 2025, the stock price fell by $6.20, or 13.07%, closing at $41.22 due to ongoing issues in the Engineered Materials segment [5].

Core Viewpoint - Celanese Corporation is facing significant financial challenges due to weak demand in key markets, leading to substantial stock price declines and potential legal investigations regarding securities fraud [1][3][4][5]. Financial Performance - In Q3 2024, Celanese reported adjusted earnings of $2.44 per share, below the consensus estimate of $2.84 per share, with revenue of $2.65 billion, a 2.6% year-over-year decline, and also below the consensus estimate of $2.69 billion [3]. - For the full year 2024, Celanese reported a U.S. GAAP diluted loss per share of $13.86 and adjusted earnings per share of $8.37, with net sales of $10.3 billion, a 6% decrease from the previous year due to a 4% decline in price and a 1% decline in volume [4]. - In Q2 2025, Celanese reported continued low volumes in its Engineered Materials segment, indicating ongoing challenges in demand [5]. Stock Price Reaction - Following the Q3 2024 results, Celanese's stock price fell by $32.50, or 26.32%, closing at $91.00 per share [3]. - After the Q4 and full year 2024 results, the stock price dropped by $15.00, or 21.46%, closing at $54.91 per share [4]. - On disappointing Q2 2025 results, the stock price decreased by $6.20, or 13.07%, closing at $41.22 per share [5]. Legal Investigation - Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors regarding potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices by Celanese and its officers/directors [1].

Core Insights - H.B. Fuller Company is set to release its third-quarter earnings results on September 24, with analysts expecting earnings of $1.24 per share, an increase from $1.13 per share in the same period last year [1] - The company projects quarterly revenue of $893.89 million, down from $917.93 million a year earlier [1] Financial Performance - In the second quarter, H.B. Fuller reported better-than-expected earnings and raised its FY2025 adjusted EPS guidance above estimates [2] - The annual dividend yield is currently 1.58%, with a semi-annual dividend of 23 cents per share, totaling 94 cents annually [2] Investment Considerations - To achieve a monthly income of $500 from dividends, an investment of approximately $380,554 or around 6,383 shares is required [2] - For a more modest monthly income of $100, an investment of $76,135 or around 1,277 shares is necessary [2] Dividend Yield Mechanics - The dividend yield is calculated by dividing the annual dividend payment by the stock's current price [3] - Changes in stock price directly affect the dividend yield; for instance, if the stock price increases, the yield decreases, and vice versa [3][4] Stock Performance - H.B. Fuller shares fell 1.7% to close at $59.62 on the previous Tuesday [4]

Earnings Report - H.B. Fuller Company is set to release its third-quarter earnings results on September 24, with analysts expecting earnings of $1.24 per share, an increase from $1.13 per share in the same period last year [1] - The company projects quarterly revenue of $893.89 million, down from $917.93 million a year earlier [1] Dividend Information - H.B. Fuller currently offers an annual dividend yield of 1.58%, translating to a semi-annual dividend of 23 cents per share, or 94 cents annually [2] - To generate $500 monthly or $6,000 annually from dividends, an investment of approximately $380,554 or around 6,383 shares is required, while a more modest $100 monthly or $1,200 annually would need $76,135 or about 1,277 shares [2] Dividend Yield Calculation - The dividend yield is calculated by dividing the annual dividend payment by the stock's current price, which can fluctuate based on changes in stock price and dividend payments [3][4] - For example, if a stock pays an annual dividend of $2 and is priced at $50, the yield is 4%, but if the price rises to $60, the yield drops to 3.33% [3] Stock Performance - H.B. Fuller shares fell 1.7% to close at $59.62 on Tuesday [4]

Core Insights - Eastman Chemical Company (EMN) is a global specialty materials firm with a market cap of $7.4 billion, producing chemicals, fibers, and plastics for various industries [1][2] - The company is classified as a mid-cap stock, leveraging strong customer relationships and integrated operations to enhance efficiency and reliability, while focusing on sustainable solutions [2] Financial Performance - EMN shares have fallen 29.6% year-to-date and 40.5% over the past 52 weeks, significantly underperforming the S&P 500, which gained 13.2% in 2025 and 16.4% over the past year [4] - In Q2, EMN reported revenue of $2.3 billion, a decrease of 3.2% year-over-year, with adjusted EPS declining 25.6% to $1.60, falling short of analyst expectations [5] Market Position - EMN's stock touched a 52-week high of $114.50 on September 27 last year but is currently trading 43.9% below that peak, having underperformed the S&P 500 Index, which returned 10.5% over the same period [3][4] - The company's key rival, The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW), has shown a 1.3% rise year-to-date and has a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating from analysts, suggesting a potential upside of 17.5% from current price levels [6]

Group 1: Market Overview - Five large-cap companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange are underperforming compared to the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, primarily due to consumer inflation expectations affecting their sectors [2][3] - The impact of tariffs is leading to increased prices for goods, resulting in more sellers than buyers for these stocks, which have reached new lows [3] Group 2: Company Summaries - **Colgate-Palmolive**: Market cap of $64.78 billion, earnings up 2.13% this year and 11.19% over three years, with a price-earnings ratio of 22.53 and a high debt-to-equity ratio of 12.48. Offers a 2.61% dividend [4] - **International Flavors & Fragrances**: Market cap of $15.99 billion, earnings down 1.37% this year and 4.88% over three years, with a price-earnings ratio of 22.62. Pays a 2.62% dividend [5] - **Kellanova**: Formerly Kellogg's, with a market cap of $26.78 billion, earnings down 7.04% this year and 3.64% over three years, price-earnings ratio of 20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58 [7] - **McCormick & Co.**: Specializes in herbs, spices, and seasonings, affected by tariffs, with a price chart indicating a new low [8] - **U-Haul Holding Company**: Market cap of $10.29 billion, earnings down 32% this year and 69% over three years, with a price-earnings ratio of 40.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95 [9]

Core Viewpoint - Albemarle Corporation is a significant player in the specialty chemicals industry, with a market cap of $9.6 billion, focusing on engineered specialty chemicals for various sectors including mobility, energy, and health solutions [1]. Company Overview - Albemarle Corporation, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, develops and markets specialty chemicals essential for multiple industries such as automotive, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals [1]. - The company is categorized as a mid-cap stock due to its market cap exceeding $2 billion, highlighting its size and influence in the specialty chemicals sector [2]. - Albemarle's diversified portfolio includes leadership in lithium, bromine specialties, and catalysts, providing resilience and opportunities for cross-selling [2]. Stock Performance - ALB shares have decreased by 29.4% from their 52-week high of $113.91, reached on December 9, 2024 [3]. - Over the past three months, ALB stock has increased by 41.9%, outperforming the Nasdaq Composite's gains of 17.2% during the same period [3]. - Year-to-date, ALB shares have dipped by 6.6%, underperforming the Nasdaq Composite's YTD gains of 18% [4]. Market Challenges - The company's recent underperformance is attributed to a downturn in the lithium market, which has pressured margins and led to job cuts and project cancellations, including a major U.S. refinery [5]. - In Q2, ALB reported an adjusted EPS of $0.11, surpassing Wall Street's expectations of a loss of $0.83 per share, with revenue of $1.3 billion exceeding forecasts of $1.2 billion [5]. - Competitor Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) has shown stronger performance, with YTD gains of 19.1% and a 17.4% increase over the past 52 weeks [6].

Core Insights - Cabot Corporation published its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting progress in sustainability performance and the introduction of its 2030 Sustainability Goals [1][3] Group 1: 2025 Sustainability Report Highlights - The company achieved 11 out of 15 2025 Sustainability Goals ahead of schedule and anticipates further progress in 2025 [3] - Key achievements include a $10 million investment in local communities, the launch of the REPLASBLAK® product family, and significant waste diversion from landfills [5] - Greenhouse gas emissions intensity was reduced by over 5% compared to 2022 levels, meeting the 2025 goal ahead of schedule [5] Group 2: 2030 Sustainability Goals - The 2030 Sustainability Goals were defined through a materiality assessment conducted in 2024, involving research and engagement with over 20 internal teams and external stakeholders [3][4] - Goals include a 15% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity, a 20% reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions, and a 10% reduction in freshwater withdrawal intensity from water-stressed areas [6] - The company aims to reduce the average portfolio product carbon footprint by 5-10% and improve health and safety metrics by reducing total recordable incident rates and lost time incident rates by 25% [6]

Core Insights - The private credit landscape is evolving, demonstrating adaptability amid economic challenges, with a notable shift from traditional lending to private credit as a primary financing mechanism for middle-market companies [1][2] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Direct lenders are increasingly stepping in where banks are unable to provide financing, particularly due to macroeconomic uncertainties and tariff policies [2][4] - The private credit sector is experiencing a resurgence in deal activity, particularly in refinancings and growth financings tailored to middle-market needs [5][12] Group 2: Notable Transactions - ABC Technologies secured a $2.3 billion loan package to refinance existing syndicated debt, consisting of a $1.6 billion senior term loan and a $675 million junior tranche [3] - Sapiens International Corporation locked in a $1.145 billion debt stack to support Advent International's $2.5 billion buyout, highlighting private credit's role in leveraged buyouts [7][8] - Liquid Tech Solutions initiated an $807.5 million term loan B to replace prior private credit arrangements, indicating ongoing refinancing activity in the sector [5] Group 3: Financial Metrics - Middle-market private credit issuance increased by 12% week-over-week, reaching $4.2 billion across 15 deals, reflecting a robust demand for private credit solutions [12] - Leverage multiples averaged 5.2x EBITDA, down from 5.8x in the previous quarter, indicating a cautious approach from lenders [13] - Spreads remained steady at 650-750 basis points over SOFR, with 70% of volume in unitranche structures, which are preferred for their speed in financing sub-$1 billion borrowers [13] Group 4: Future Outlook - The thawing of tariff effects could potentially unlock $50 billion in stalled syndications, suggesting a positive outlook for the private credit market [14] - With $1.5 trillion in dry powder, direct lenders are well-positioned to capture additional market share, offering solutions that traditional banks may not be able to match [14]

Core Insights - The current investment landscape presents opportunities for growth investors despite market volatility, facilitated by modern brokerages that provide access to a wide range of global stocks [1] Group 1: Strategic Reviews and Resets - Companies undergoing strategic reviews can reposition themselves for sustainable growth by focusing on high-potential areas and exiting unprofitable segments [3] - Hongkong Land Holdings announced a strategic review in October, planning to exit the build-to-sell property segment and focus on integrated commercial developments to generate steady income [4] - Singtel has been executing a strategic reset since May 2021, aiming to capitalize on 5G opportunities and improve return on invested capital (ROIC), targeting low double-digit ROIC by fiscal 2026 [5][6] Group 2: Sustainable Trends and Catalysts - Identifying sustainable trends, such as the rise of athleisure, can uncover promising growth stocks, exemplified by Lululemon's revenue growth from US$8.1 billion in fiscal 2023 to US$10.6 billion in fiscal 2025 [9][10] - Mercadolibre's revenue surged from US$10.8 billion in 2022 to US$20.8 billion in 2024, driven by the e-commerce market's projected 19% CAGR from 2022 to 2027 [11] - Coupang's revenue increased from US$20.6 billion in 2022 to US$30.3 billion in 2024, achieving profitability in 2023 with US$1.4 billion in net income [12] Group 3: Large Total Addressable Market (TAM) - Companies with a large TAM, such as ResMed, which aims to serve 500 million people by 2030, present significant long-term growth potential [13][14] - Dexcom targets a growing market for continuous glucose monitoring, with only 5% penetration among Type 2 diabetics not on insulin, indicating substantial room for expansion [15] Group 4: Successful Serial Acquirers - Companies like Hawkins have successfully executed multiple acquisitions, resulting in revenue growth from approximately US$935 million in fiscal 2023 to over US$974 million in fiscal 2025 [18] - Rollins, a pest control company, added 24 businesses through acquisitions in 2023 and 32 in 2024, leading to revenue growth from US$2.7 billion in 2022 to US$3.4 billion in 2024 [19][20]