Core Viewpoint - Dow Inc.'s shares have declined by 22% over the past three months due to soft end-market demand and pricing pressures in a challenging macroeconomic environment [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - Dow has underperformed compared to the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry's decline of 16.6% and the S&P 500's fall of 4.3% in the same period [2] - The stock has been trading below the 200-day simple moving average (SMA) since October 7, 2024, indicating a bearish trend [5][7] Group 2: Demand Challenges - Demand softness in Europe and China is impacting Dow, with lower consumer spending and weak construction and manufacturing activities [9] - The infrastructure end market, including residential construction, remains weak, and inflationary pressures are affecting demand in consumer durables [10] Group 3: Pricing Pressures - Dow's Performance Materials & Coatings unit is facing weak siloxane prices due to supply additions in Asia, which have negatively impacted sales [11] Group 4: Growth and Cost Management - Dow is focused on high-return growth projects and cost actions, expecting to deliver approximately $6 billion in cash support through infrastructure asset sales and cost savings [13] - The company plans to cut costs by $1 billion, including a workforce reduction of around 1,500 roles globally [13] Group 5: Financial Health - Dow has a strong balance sheet with over $11 billion in liquidity and has returned $2.5 billion to shareholders in 2024 [14] - The company offers a healthy dividend yield of 9.1%, which is perceived as safe and reliable despite a high payout ratio of 239% [15] Group 6: Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dow's 2025 earnings has been revised downward over the past 60 days, indicating declining earnings prospects [16] Group 7: Valuation - Dow is currently trading at a forward P/E of 43X, representing a 138% premium compared to the industry average of 18.07X [17]

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].

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 ...

Core Viewpoint - LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) is set to report its first-quarter 2025 earnings on April 25, with expectations of a significant revenue decline compared to the previous year [1][3]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LYB's first-quarter revenues is $7,593 million, reflecting a decline of approximately 23.5% year-over-year [3]. - Revenue estimates for specific segments include: - Olefins and Polyolefins – Americas: $2,737.8 million, a year-over-year decline of 4.6% [4]. - Olefins and Polyolefins – Europe, Asia & International: $2,550.7 million, indicating a 7.1% decrease from last year [4]. - Advanced Polymer Solutions: $948.4 million, suggesting a 1.7% decline year-over-year [4]. - Intermediaries and Derivatives: $2,472.9 million, a 4.4% decrease from the previous year [5]. - Technology segment: $175.4 million, reflecting an 8.6% fall from a year ago [5]. Factors Influencing Performance - The company is expected to face margin pressures due to increased ethane and natural gas prices, driven by higher winter energy demand [6]. - Operations at O&P-Americas facilities are projected to run at around 80% capacity due to scheduled maintenance and disruptions from Winter Storm Enzo [7][9]. - Despite challenges, LYB anticipates demand gains across most product categories as customers begin restocking after year-end inventory reductions [9]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for LYB, with an Earnings ESP of -11.7% and a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [10][11].

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 ...