Core Viewpoint - Huntsman Corporation reported a narrower loss in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year, but revenues fell short of expectations, indicating ongoing challenges in demand and pricing across its segments [1][5][6]. Financial Performance - The reported loss was 3 cents per share, an improvement from a loss of 22 cents per share in the same quarter last year [1]. - Adjusted loss per share was 11 cents, compared to a loss of 6 cents in the prior year, aligning with Zacks Consensus Estimate [1]. - Revenues totaled $1,410 million, down approximately 4% year over year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,479.2 million [1]. Segment Highlights - **Polyurethanes**: Revenues decreased by 2% to $912 million, missing estimates due to lower average selling prices, although sales volumes improved [2]. - **Performance Products**: Revenues fell 12% to $257 million, below estimates, primarily due to reduced sales volumes from lower customer demand and production outages [3]. - **Advanced Materials**: Revenues decreased by 5% to $249 million, falling short of estimates, driven by lower average selling prices and negative foreign currency impacts [4]. Cash Flow and Expenditures - Free cash flow from continuing operations was a use of $107 million, slightly higher than the $105 million used in the prior-year quarter [5]. - Capital expenditures were $36 million, down from $42 million in the previous year [5]. - As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $1.3 billion in combined cash and unused borrowing capacity [5]. Outlook - The company anticipates continued pressure on order patterns in key markets due to low visibility and customer uncertainty regarding demand trends [6]. - Huntsman is focusing on cost actions, including workforce reductions and asset optimization in Europe and North America [6]. - Capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be between $180 million and $190 million [7]. Stock Performance - Huntsman shares have declined by 53.1% over the past year, compared to a 25.5% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [8]. Zacks Rank - Huntsman currently holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), indicating a challenging outlook compared to better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials sector [9].

Core Insights - Albemarle Corporation reported an adjusted loss of 18 cents per share in Q1 2025, a decline from earnings of 26 cents per share a year ago, but better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 62 cents [1] - Revenues decreased approximately 21% year over year to $1,076.9 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,171.4 million, primarily due to lower prices in the Energy Storage segment [2] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $267 million, down from $291 million in the prior-year quarter, as a decline in net sales outweighed lower average input costs and cost reduction measures [2] Segment Performance - Sales from the Energy Storage unit fell around 35% year over year to $524.6 million, missing the consensus estimate of $589 million, attributed to reduced pricing despite flat sales volumes [3] - The Specialties segment recorded sales of $321 million, up around 2% year over year but below the consensus estimate of $330 million, with lower pricing offset by increased volumes [4] - The Ketjen unit's revenues were $231.3 million, down roughly 5% year over year and below the consensus estimate of $244 million, as higher prices were offset by reduced volumes [4] Financial Position - Albemarle ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1,518.5 million, up around 27% from the prior quarter, while long-term debt was around $3,128.7 million, up about 0.3% sequentially [5] - Cash from operations was around $545 million for Q1, increasing more than fivefold from the prior-year quarter [5] Outlook - The company is implementing cost-cutting measures, optimizing its conversion network, and enhancing efficiencies to maintain its long-term competitive position [6] - Albemarle achieved roughly 90% of its $350 million cost and productivity improvement target through April and identified opportunities to reach the high end of the $300-$400 million range [6] - Capital expenditures for the full year 2025 are expected to be in the range of $700-$800 million [6] Additional Financial Projections - Depreciation and amortization expenses are projected to be between $630-$670 million for 2025, with corporate costs expected to be $70-$100 million and interest and financing expenses forecasted at $180-$210 million for the full year [7] Stock Performance - Albemarle's shares have declined by 53.3% over the past year, compared to a 25.4% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [8]

Core Viewpoint - DuPont de Nemours, Inc. is set to report its first-quarter 2025 results on May 2, with expectations of continued growth driven by innovation and acquisitions despite facing pricing headwinds [1][2]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DuPont's first-quarter revenues is $3,040 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.7% [5]. - The Electronics & Industrial segment is expected to generate $1,479.8 million, indicating an 8.4% year-over-year rise, while the Water & Protection unit is projected at $1,293.6 million, suggesting a modest 0.2% increase [5]. Factors Influencing Performance - DuPont is anticipated to benefit from cost and productivity measures, as well as innovation-driven investments in high-growth areas [6]. - The company expects annualized cost savings of $150 million from ongoing restructuring actions [7]. - Recent acquisitions, including Spectrum Plastics Group and Donatelle Plastics, are likely to enhance DuPont's position in the healthcare market [8]. Pricing Challenges - DuPont has faced challenges from weak pricing in the first quarter, which impacted sales and margins, following a trend observed in the fourth quarter of 2024 [9]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current Earnings ESP for DuPont is -0.32%, and it holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating uncertainty regarding an earnings beat this quarter [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - Albemarle Corporation (ALB) is expected to report its first-quarter 2025 results on April 30, with challenges anticipated due to soft lithium market prices and a history of missing earnings estimates [1][2]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALB's revenues for the upcoming quarter is $1,171.4 million, indicating a decline of approximately 13.9% year-over-year [5]. - The Energy Storage unit's net sales are estimated at $588.6 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 26.5% [5]. - The Specialties unit's net sales are projected at $330 million, suggesting a year-over-year increase of 4.4% [6]. - The Ketjen unit's net sales are expected to be $243.9 million, remaining flat year-over-year [6]. Performance Factors - ALB's cost-saving, pricing, and productivity initiatives are anticipated to positively impact margins in the first quarter [7]. - The company is focused on enhancing operating efficiency and optimizing raw material utilization, which are expected to support performance [9]. - A comprehensive review of ALB's cost and operating structure is underway, with expected annual run-rate cost savings between $300 million and $400 million [9][10]. - ALB achieved over 50% of its cost improvement target by the end of 2024, aiming for full run-rate by the end of 2025 [10]. Market Conditions - The company is likely to face challenges due to declining lithium prices, which have been affected by slowing demand for electric vehicles, inventory surplus, and increased supply [11]. - The uncertain macroeconomic environment and high interest rates are also contributing to weaker demand, which may negatively impact ALB's top line and margins in the first quarter [11]. Earnings Prediction - The current Earnings ESP for ALB is -2.99%, with a consensus estimate indicating a loss of 62 cents for the first quarter [12][13].

Dow Inc. (DOW) recorded a loss (on a reported basis) of $307 million or 44 cents per share in first-quarter 2025. This compares to a profit of $516 million or 73 cents per share a year ago. The bottom line was hurt by lower prices and restructuring charges. On an adjusted basis (barring one-time items), DOW logged earnings of 2 cents for the reported quarter, down from 56 cents a year ago. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 2 cents. Dow recorded net sales of $10,431 million for the qu ...

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) is scheduled to report first-quarter 2025 earnings on April 25, before the opening bell.The company surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the last four quarters, missed once and reported in-line results on the other occasion, with the average earnings surprise being 0.2%.LYB stock has lost 42.3% in the past year compared with the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry’s 26.3% decline.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchLet’s see how things are shaping up for ...

Dow Inc. (DOW) is scheduled to report first-quarter 2025 results before the opening bell on April 24.DOW surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters and missed twice. It has a trailing four-quarter negative earnings surprise of 21.6% on average. Dow posted a negative earnings surprise of roughly 100% in the last reported quarter.While DOW is expected to have benefited from its productivity initiatives, soft demand due to weak global economic activities and pricing and cost pr ...

Eastman Chemical Company (EMN) is scheduled to release first-quarter 2025 results after the closing bell on April 24. What Do EMN's Revenue Estimates Say? The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues for EMN for the to-be-reported quarter is pinned at $2,320.1 million, suggesting a year-over-year rise of 0.4%. Our estimate for EMN's Additives and Functional Products division's revenues is pegged at $703.3 million, suggesting a decline of 0.1% year over year. The same for the Advanced Materials unit's revenues ...

DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (DD) gains on its innovation-driven investment, productivity actions and the acquisitions of the Spectrum Plastics Group and Donatelle Plastics amid headwinds from lower prices and hefty separation costs. DD’s shares are down 18.7% in a year compared to the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry’s 34.3% decline.Let’s find out why DD stock is worth retaining at the moment.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchProductivity, Innovation & Acquisition Aid DD StockDuPont remains focused on ...