Kingsport, Tennessee-based Eastman Chemical Company (EMN) specializes in specialty chemicals, producing chemicals, fibers, and plastics. With a market cap of $6.6 billion, the company offers a wide range of products, including coatings, adhesives, specialty polymers, inks, fibers, performance chemicals and intermediates, performance polymers, and specialty plastics. Shares of this specialty chemicals giant have considerably underperformed the broader market over the past year. EMN has declined 44.7% over ...

Core Viewpoint - Flexible Solutions International, Inc. reported its financial results for Q3 2025, highlighting a 13% increase in sales compared to the previous year, despite a net loss for the quarter due to increased costs and expenses related to new contracts and production preparations [6][2]. Financial Performance - Q3 2025 sales reached $10,556,291, up from $9,314,937 in Q3 2024, marking a 13% increase [6][8]. - The net loss for Q3 2025 was $503,358, or $0.04 per basic share, compared to a net income of $611,858, or $0.05 per basic share in Q3 2024 [6][8]. - Operating cash flow for the first nine months of 2025 was $4,257,973, or $0.34 per basic share, down from $5,909,621, or $0.47 per basic share in the same period of 2024 [6][8]. Operational Developments - The company has initiated full production for a second food-grade contract, which involved hiring and training four shifts of new employees [2]. - Significant improvements and equipment installations were completed in Panama, with final equipment installation and testing expected to occur before the end of the year [2][3]. - The NanoChem division and ENP subsidiary remain the primary sources of revenue and cash flow, with plans to begin production of existing products in Panama [3]. Future Outlook - The company anticipates substantial revenue generation from the food contract in Q4 2025, following the completion of improvements in Panama [2]. - Opportunities in various sectors, including detergent, water treatment, oil field extraction, and food and nutrition supplement manufacturing, are expected to drive future sales growth [3].

Core Insights - Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) is recognized as one of the 15 overlooked dividend stocks to consider for investment [1] - BofA has increased its price target for Eastman Chemical to $75 from $74 while maintaining a Buy rating, citing potential earnings growth in 2026 due to cost savings and improved asset utilization [2] - The company aims for $100 million in cost savings in 2026, building on $75 million achieved in the current year, with potential utilization boosts contributing an additional $50 million to $75 million [3] Financial Performance - Eastman Chemical reported Q3 2025 revenue of $2.2 billion, reflecting a 10.6% year-over-year decline and falling short of analysts' estimates by $73.4 million [4] - Despite the revenue drop, the company generated $402 million in operating cash flow, consistent with the same quarter last year, and returned $146 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [4] Company Overview - Eastman Chemical is a global specialty materials firm that produces a diverse range of advanced materials, chemicals, and fibers utilized in everyday products [5]

Core Insights - Global equity markets experienced significant growth in Q3, with the S&P 500 rising 8.12% for the quarter and 14.83% year-to-date, while the MSCI EAFE Index increased by 4.77% for the quarter and 25.14% year-to-date [2][3] Market Performance - The S&P 500 achieved back-to-back annual returns of 26% and 25% in 2023 and 2024, respectively, with valuation metrics like the "Buffett Indicator" and CAPE-Shiller P/E at or near record highs [2] - Non-US equities, particularly European stocks, outperformed the S&P 500 year-to-date, benefiting from a weaker US dollar and a resurgence in value recognition [3][11] Fund Performance - Tweedy, Browne Funds reported year-to-date returns ranging from 15.98% for the Value Fund to 23.17% for the International Value Fund II, with the Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value Fund outperforming its benchmark [3][5] - The International Value Fund II had a return of 23.17%, trailing its benchmark, the unhedged MSCI EAFE Index, by 197 basis points [3] Portfolio Activity - The company made strategic adjustments to its portfolio, trimming or selling holdings that reached estimated value and adding to companies perceived as attractively priced, such as Berkeley Group Holdings and Breedon Group [8] - New positions were initiated in Santec Holdings and additional investments were made in companies like Dentium and Azelis Group, reflecting a focus on growth potential and reasonable valuations [8] Outlook - The company is optimistic about the resurgence of non-US equity returns and believes its funds are well-positioned for future market conditions, whether they favor non-US equities or face broader market challenges [11]

Core Points - Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTIC) is set to release its fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter financial results on November 18, 2025, before market opening [1] - A conference call with management will take place on the same day at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results and outlook [2][3] Company Overview - NTIC develops and markets environmentally beneficial products and services in over 65 countries, primarily focusing on corrosion prevention under the ZERUST® brand [5] - The company has over 50 years of experience in selling rust and corrosion inhibiting products to various markets, including automotive, electronics, and military, and has recently expanded into the oil and gas industry [5] - NTIC also offers bio-based and biodegradable polymer resin compounds and finished products marketed under the Natur-Tec® brand [5]

Financial Performance - FutureFuel Corp. reported a net loss of $9.3 million or $0.21 per diluted share for Q3 2025, a significant decline from a net income of $1.2 million or $0.03 per diluted share in Q3 2024 [1][10] - Revenues for Q3 2025 were $22.7 million, down 56% from $51.1 million in Q3 2024 [10][41] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was ($6.8) million, compared to ($1.0) million in Q3 2024 [10][37] Strategic Initiatives - The company has achieved three consecutive quarters of reduced net losses, decreasing from $17.6 million in Q1 to $10.4 million in Q2, and further to $9.3 million in Q3 2025 [3] - FutureFuel is focusing on managing its cost structure amidst challenges in the biodiesel market while investing in plant reliability and other critical areas to drive market share and sustainable revenue growth [3][8] Market Conditions - The U.S. is experiencing a record soybean oil harvest, which may lead to decreased input costs for biodiesel production [4] - The company is gaining a clearer understanding of regulatory support under IRA 45Z for biodiesel, which is expected to positively impact operations [3] Chemical Segment Performance - The chemicals business has shown improvement in demand during Q3 2025, with several processes ramping up to full capacity [5] - FutureFuel has built a strong backlog of new projects in its chemicals business, expected to lead to increased production at its Batesville site in 2026 [6] Operational Changes - The company idled its biodiesel production line in July 2025 due to weak market conditions [16] - FutureFuel completed a major capital project that will enable backward integration into a key raw material, with production expected to come online in Q4 2025 [7] Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $85.6 million as of September 30, 2025, down from $109.5 million at the end of 2024 [21] - Capital expenditures increased to $14.8 million in the first nine months of 2025, compared to $10.6 million in the same period in 2024, primarily due to the construction of a custom chemical plant [20]

Core Viewpoint - Albemarle Corporation has underperformed compared to the broader market, with mixed quarterly results impacting investor sentiment [2][4]. Company Overview - Albemarle Corporation, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializes in engineered specialty chemicals and has a market capitalization of $11.4 billion. The company operates through three segments: Energy Storage, Specialties, and Ketjen [1]. Stock Performance - Over the past year, ALB stock has gained 12.9% year-to-date but has declined 2.8% over the past 52 weeks, while the S&P 500 Index has seen gains of 14.4% in 2025 and 12.7% over the past year [2]. - Compared to the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB), which saw a 2% increase in 2025 and a 10% decline over the past 52 weeks, ALB has outperformed the sector [3]. Quarterly Results - In Q3, Albemarle reported a topline of $1.3 billion, down 3.5% year-over-year but 1.2% above Street expectations. The specialties segment saw a volume drop of 1%, while energy storage and Ketjen volumes increased by 8% each. Unfavorable pricing significantly impacted overall results [4]. - The adjusted EPS for the quarter was reported at a negative $0.19, surpassing consensus estimates by 79.4% [4]. Earnings Forecast - For the full fiscal year 2025, ending in December, Albemarle is expected to report an adjusted loss of $1.59 per share, an improvement from the loss of $2.34 per share in the previous year [5]. Analyst Ratings - Among 28 analysts covering ALB, the consensus rating is a "Hold," consisting of six "Strong Buys," two "Moderate Buys," 16 "Holds," and two "Strong Sells" [6]. - This rating is slightly more pessimistic compared to a month ago when seven analysts had given "Strong Buy" recommendations [7]. Price Target - Truist Securities analyst Peter Osterland maintained a "Hold" rating on ALB and raised the price target from $87 to $91. Currently, ALB is trading above its mean price target of $95.21, with the highest target of $135 indicating a potential upside of 38.9% from current levels [8].

Core Viewpoint - Linde plc has underperformed the broader market despite reporting better-than-expected earnings, leading to a reduction in its full-year earnings guidance, which has negatively impacted investor sentiment [2][4][5]. Company Overview - Linde plc, based in Woking, UK, operates as a specialty chemical company, offering various atmospheric gases and processing oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, and acetylene, with a market cap of $196.4 billion [1]. Stock Performance - Linde's stock has seen a marginal increase of 44 basis points year-to-date but has declined by 9.7% over the past 52 weeks, contrasting with the S&P 500 Index's gains of 14.4% in 2025 and 12.7% over the past year [2]. - The stock has also underperformed the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLB) 2% uptick in 2025, although it marginally outperformed XLB's 10% decline over the past 52 weeks [3]. Q3 Results - Following the release of Q3 results on October 31, Linde's stock dropped by 2.7%. The company's sales in the Americas grew by 6%, while EMEA sales increased by 3%, leading to a 3.1% year-over-year increase in topline revenue to $8.6 billion, surpassing expectations by 17 basis points [4]. - Adjusted EPS rose by 6.9% year-over-year to $4.21, exceeding consensus estimates by 72 basis points [4]. Earnings Guidance - Despite the positive earnings report, Linde reduced the high-end of its full-year earnings guidance, which was not well-received by investors. Analysts expect an adjusted EPS of $16.43 for the full fiscal 2025, reflecting a 5.9% year-over-year increase [5]. Analyst Ratings - Among 27 analysts covering Linde, the consensus rating is a "Strong Buy," consisting of 19 "Strong Buys," two "Moderate Buys," and six "Holds" [6]. - This rating configuration shows a slight improvement from a month ago, when only 18 analysts recommended "Strong Buy" [6]. - RBC Capital analyst Arun Viswanathan reiterated an "Outperform" rating on November 6 but lowered the price target from $576 to $540 [7].

Group 1 - Calumet, Inc. plans to attend the Bank of America Global Energy Conference in Houston on November 11, 2025, and will hold one-on-one investor meetings at the conference [1] - Calumet manufactures, formulates, and markets a diversified range of specialty branded products and renewable fuels for various consumer-facing and industrial markets [2] - The company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, and operates twelve facilities across North America [2] Group 2 - Montana Renewables, in collaboration with Calumet Montana Refining, has launched MaxSAF™ Blended, which advances sustainable aviation fuel by commissioning onsite blending and shipping facilities [4]

Core Insights - Lanxess AG reported an earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.01, missing the estimated EPS of $0.002 [1][5] - The company's actual revenue was approximately $1.54 billion, falling short of the estimated $1.64 billion [2][5] - Following the earnings report, Lanxess shares experienced a significant decline, dropping 14% [2][5] - The company adjusted its guidance to the lower end, with all business units underperforming expectations [2] Challenges - The underperformance is attributed to challenges such as Chinese dumping, US trade policies, weak demand, and uncertainty surrounding the sale of Envalior [2] - Despite these challenges, Lanxess has managed to maintain steady EBITDA margins, showcasing its resilience [3] Financial Ratios - The company has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately -8.88, indicating negative earnings [3] - The price-to-sales ratio stands at about 0.24, suggesting that the stock is valued at 24 cents for every dollar of sales [3] - The enterprise value to sales ratio is approximately 0.19, reflecting the company's valuation relative to its sales [3] - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is around 2.59, indicating how many times the operating cash flow can cover the enterprise value [4] - The earnings yield is approximately -11.26%, consistent with the negative earnings situation [4] Liquidity Position - Lanxess maintains a strong liquidity position, with a current ratio of about 2.41, meaning its current assets are more than twice its current liabilities [4]