Core Insights - Ashland Inc. is implementing a $60 million manufacturing network optimization plan to enhance operational consistency and profitability, which includes closing its Parlin, New Jersey facility and transferring hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) production to Hopewell, Virginia [1][2] - The company is also consolidating its microbial protection production from Chatham, New Jersey to Freetown, Massachusetts, aiming to improve cost efficiency across its manufacturing sites [1][2] - The optimization plan is expected to strengthen core technologies, including vinyl pyrrolidone and derivatives (VP&D) and HEC, with the Hopewell facility receiving increased investments to expand capacity [2][3] Manufacturing Strategy - The completion of the HEC plans is a vital component of Ashland's overall savings initiative, with the newly consolidated HEC network capable of supporting demand in the United States, Europe, and China [2] - Ashland is focused on identifying and accelerating productivity within its plant network to drive savings beyond the $60 million target [2][3] - The company emphasizes a strategic approach to innovation and organic growth, allowing for cost-effective repurposing of assets while maintaining operational efficiency [5] Investment and Growth - Significant investments have been made in various regions, including Ireland, the United States, Brazil, and China, to enhance capabilities in injectables, tablet coatings, and microbial protection [3] - Ashland is also in the process of building a tablet coating plant in India, further expanding its global footprint [3] - The company showcased new patented technologies during a recent Innovation Day, aimed at unlocking new markets with differentiated performance [4]

Core Viewpoint - Cabot Corporation will release its third quarter operating results for fiscal 2025 on August 4, 2025, after market close, followed by a conference call on August 5, 2025 [1]. Company Overview - Cabot Corporation is a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts [3]. - The company specializes in providing reinforcing carbons, specialty carbons, battery materials, engineered elastomer composites, inkjet colorants, masterbatches, conductive compounds, fumed metal oxides, and aerogel [3]. Conference Call Details - The conference call will begin at 8:00 am (ET) on August 5, 2025, and will be available via live webcast on Cabot's website [1][2]. - An archived version of the call and accompanying slide presentation will also be accessible on the company's website for those unable to attend the live session [2].

Group 1 - Avient Corporation plans to release its second quarter 2025 earnings on August 1, 2025, before the market opens [1] - A webcast with a slide presentation will be hosted at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day [1] - Participants in the conference call must pre-register to receive the dial-in number and personal PIN for the Q&A session [2] Group 2 - A recording of the webcast and the slide presentation will be available on the company's investor website immediately after the conference call and will remain accessible for one year [3] - Avient Corporation focuses on being an innovator of materials solutions, aiming to help customers succeed while promoting sustainability [4] - The company employs over 9,000 employees globally, leveraging their collective strength to innovate solutions that address customer challenges and capitalize on market opportunities [4]

Core Viewpoint - Huntsman Corporation will hold a conference call on August 1, 2025, to discuss its second quarter 2025 financial results, with a question and answer session following the opening remarks [1]. Financial Information - The earnings press release, including financial statements and segment information, will be distributed after the market closes on July 31, 2025 [2]. - The company reported revenues of approximately $6 billion for the year 2024 [3]. Company Overview - Huntsman Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals, operating over 60 manufacturing, R&D, and operations facilities in about 25 countries [3]. - The company employs approximately 6,300 associates within its continuing operations [3].

Core Viewpoint - Innospec Inc. will release its second quarter 2025 earnings results on August 5, 2025, followed by an interactive conference call on August 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET [1] Company Overview - Innospec Inc. is an international specialty chemicals company with approximately 2,400 employees across 22 countries [4] - The company manufactures and supplies a wide range of specialty chemicals for various markets including Personal Care, Home Care, Agrochemical, Mining, and Industrial [4] - Innospec's Fuel Specialties business focuses on fuel additives that enhance fuel efficiency, improve engine performance, and reduce harmful emissions [4] - The Oilfield Services segment provides specialty chemicals for the oil and gas exploration and production industry [4] Conference Call Details - The public can listen to the conference call by registering in advance through an online registration link [2] - Participants will receive an email confirmation with dial-in numbers and a unique Personal PIN for joining the conference [2] - An audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the company's website, along with a slide presentation [3] - A replay of the webcast will be accessible for 30 days following the call [3]

Company Overview - Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTIC) develops and markets proprietary, environmentally beneficial products and services in over 65 countries, primarily focusing on corrosion prevention under the ZERUST® brand [5] - NTIC has been in the corrosion prevention market for over 50 years, serving various sectors including automotive, electronics, military, and more recently, the oil and gas industry [5] - The company also offers bio-based and biodegradable polymer resin compounds marketed under the Natur-Tec® brand [5] Upcoming Financial Results - NTIC is set to release its fiscal 2025 third-quarter financial results on July 10, 2025, before the market opens [1] - A conference call with management will take place on the same day at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, where the President and CEO, along with the CFO, will review the financial results and outlook [2] Conference Call Details - Participants must register to join the live call and will receive a dial-in number and unique PIN after registration [3] - An audio-only webcast of the conference call will be available, and a replay will be accessible for approximately one year on NTIC's Investor Relations webpage [4]

Core Insights - Cabot Corporation has achieved a platinum rating from EcoVadis for the fifth consecutive year, placing it among the top 1% of companies globally in sustainability performance [1][2] - The company's overall score increased by three points this year, with notable improvements in the sustainable procurement category, and it received "outstanding" scores in both the environment and labor & human rights categories [2][4] - Cabot also maintained a 'B' rating in climate change and water security from CDP, positioning it as a leading carbon black manufacturer [3][4] Group 1: Sustainability Recognition - Cabot Corporation has been recognized for its exceptional sustainability performance by EcoVadis, receiving the highest platinum rating [1][3] - The company is committed to continuous improvement in sustainability, as reflected in its ability to maintain high ratings despite evolving criteria [4] Group 2: Performance Metrics - Cabot's overall EcoVadis score increased by three points this year, indicating significant progress in sustainability efforts [2] - The company received top scores in the environment and labor & human rights categories, showcasing its strong performance in these areas [2][4] Group 3: Industry Positioning - Cabot's 'B' ratings from CDP in climate change and water security highlight its leadership among carbon black manufacturers [3][4] - The rigorous evaluation frameworks of EcoVadis and CDP emphasize the increasing challenges in maintaining high sustainability scores [4]

Core Viewpoint - IMCD N.V. has announced the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Trichem Healthcare Private Limited, Trichem Lifesciences Limited, and Chemistry & Health FZ LLC, enhancing its portfolio in the life-sciences industry, particularly in active pharmaceutical ingredients [1][4]. Company Overview - IMCD is a global leader in the distribution and formulation of specialty chemicals and ingredients, headquartered in Rotterdam, The Netherlands [5]. - In 2024, IMCD reported revenues of EUR 4,728 million and employed over 5,100 staff [6]. Trichem Overview - Trichem, founded in 1998 and based in Mumbai, India, specializes in supplying high-quality active pharmaceutical ingredients and pharmaceutical intermediates, along with regulatory assistance for the pharmaceutical markets in India [2]. - The company operates with 36 employees and generated annual revenue of approximately INR 1.7 billion (around EUR 18 million) for the financial year ending 31 March 2025, with 33% of this revenue derived from commission income [3]. Strategic Importance - The acquisition is positioned to strengthen IMCD's presence in the Indian market, which is a major supplier of generic drugs globally, and to leverage Trichem's market expertise and industry relationships [4].

Core Insights - The global Sulfolane market is projected to grow from USD 150-280 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 3.5%-5.5% from 2025 to 2030, driven by demand in semiconductor and battery applications [3][9]. Industry Overview - Sulfolane is a polar organic solvent known for its high thermal stability and excellent solvency, widely used in semiconductor cleaning, electrolyte formulations, and aromatic hydrocarbon extraction [2]. - The industry focuses on high-purity solvents for advanced applications, driven by demand in electronics, energy storage, and petrochemicals [2]. Regional Analysis - North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3%-5.3%, led by the U.S. semiconductor and petrochemical sectors [8]. - Europe is projected to achieve a CAGR of 3.0%-5.0%, with Germany emphasizing sustainable solvents for battery applications [8]. - Asia Pacific is anticipated to record the highest growth at 4.0%-6.0%, driven by semiconductor and battery industries in China, Japan, and South Korea [8]. - The Rest of the World, particularly Brazil, is expected to grow at 2.8%-4.8%, focusing on petrochemical applications [8]. Application Analysis - Semiconductor cleaning solvent applications are estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.0%-6.0%, driven by sulfolane's use in wafer cleaning [8]. - Electrolyte solvent applications are projected to expand at 3.8%-5.8%, supported by innovations in lithium-ion batteries [8]. - Solvent for removal of benzene/toluene/xylene applications are expected to grow at 3.5%-5.5%, as sulfolane extracts aromatics in refineries [8]. Key Market Players - Chevron Phillips Chemical is a leader in sulfolane production, known for advanced solvent technologies [8]. - Sumitomo Seika specializes in sulfolane for semiconductor cleaning, emphasizing high-purity formulations [8]. - Liaoyang Liaodong Fine Chemical Co. Ltd focuses on scalable production capabilities for electrolyte solvents [8]. - The Sulfolane Company provides specialized solvent solutions for battery applications [8]. - Liaoning Guanghua Chemical emphasizes cost-competitive solutions for aromatic extraction [8]. Market Opportunities and Challenges - Rising demand for semiconductors and advancements in lithium-ion battery electrolytes enhance market growth [9]. - Emerging markets in Asia Pacific offer expansion opportunities due to electronics growth [9]. - High production costs and regulatory scrutiny on chemical solvents present challenges to market scalability [9].

Chemicals: Specialty, Commodity, Agricultural, and Paper & Packaging North America Equity Research 20 June 2025 J P M O R G A N Lithium May China Export/Import Data Jeffrey J. Zekauskas AC (1-212) 622-6644 jeffrey.zekauskas@jpmorgan.com Katie Zhang (1-212) 622-3262 katie.zhang@jpmchase.com Silke Kueck (1-212) 622-6503 silke.x.kueck@jpmorgan.com Lydia Huang (1-212) 622-0086 lydia.huang@jpmorgan.com J.P. Morgan Securities LLC {[{xTcfaSlj-ZSQMv-ljRpIM5Uga-4kBPAT_ahKYJjGBc6uIT3IvliwlA}]} • Lithium hydroxide exp ...