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].

Core Viewpoint - Dow Inc. is expected to report a decline in first-quarter 2025 results due to soft demand and pricing pressures, despite some benefits from productivity initiatives [1][2]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dow's revenues in the upcoming quarter is $10,271.4 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 4.6% [6]. - Revenue estimates for the Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment are projected at $5,172.1 million, indicating a 4.8% decline year over year [6]. - The Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure segment is expected to generate $2,872.6 million, showing a 4.5% year-over-year decline [6]. - The Performance Materials & Coatings segment is estimated to bring in $2,098.2 million, suggesting a 2.5% decline year over year [7]. Factors Affecting Q1 Results - Dow is facing demand softness in Europe and China, with lower consumer spending due to inflation impacting demand in Europe [8]. - Construction and manufacturing activities in Europe remain weak, while the property sector in China is sluggish with declining new home prices [8]. - Inflationary pressures are affecting demand for consumer durables and construction, with automotive demand in Europe also softening [9]. - The Performance Materials & Coatings unit is challenged by weak siloxane prices due to competitive pricing pressures from increased supply in Asia [10]. - Higher feedstock and energy costs are expected to impact earnings, with a projected $100 million headwind in the Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment [12]. Cost-Saving Initiatives - Dow is implementing targeted actions to reduce direct and labor costs, aiming to cut costs by $1 billion to improve margins [13]. - The benefits of these cost-saving actions are anticipated to be reflected in the company's bottom line for the upcoming quarter [13]. Earnings Prediction - The Earnings ESP for Dow is currently at 0.00%, with a consensus estimate indicating a loss of 2 cents for the first quarter [15]. - Dow carries a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), indicating a low likelihood of an earnings beat this season [16].

Core Viewpoint - Eastman Chemical Company (EMN) is expected to report first-quarter 2025 results on April 24, with a history of surpassing earnings estimates in the past four quarters, averaging an earnings surprise of approximately 11.7% [1][2] Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EMN's revenues in the upcoming quarter is $2,320.1 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 0.4% [4] - Revenue estimates for EMN's divisions include: - Additives and Functional Products: $703.3 million, a decline of 0.1% year-over-year [4] - Advanced Materials: $763.7 million, an increase of 2.1% [4] - Chemical Intermediates: $533.5 million, a rise of 2% [5] - Fiber segment: $325 million, a decrease of 1.8% [5] Factors Influencing Performance - EMN's innovation-focused growth strategy and cost-reduction efforts are expected to support performance despite weak demand in certain markets [2][6] - The company anticipates increased volumes in specialty businesses, driven by innovation, particularly in sectors like consumer durables, building & construction, and transportation [6] - The Kingsport methanolysis facility is projected to contribute an additional $75–$100 million in EBITDA in 2025 compared to the previous year [7] - The Advanced Materials division is expected to add $50–$75 million in incremental EBITDA [9] - Cost management strategies are anticipated to lower operational expenses and improve profitability, contributing $50 million of earnings growth in 2025 [10] Market Challenges - EMN is facing headwinds from subdued demand in specific markets, particularly in the building & construction sector and cautious purchasing in consumer durables and electronics [11] - The automotive sector is also under pressure due to a decline in global vehicle production, impacting revenue performance [12] Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for EMN, with an Earnings ESP of -1.01% and a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [13][14]

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 ...