Rotterdam, The Netherlands (6 June 2025) – IMCD N.V. ("IMCD" or "Company"), a global leading partner for the distribution and formulation of speciality chemicals and ingredients, has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Ferrer Alimentación, S.A. and Medir Ferrer Y Compañía, S.A. (jointly “Ferrer Alimentación”). Founded in 1955, Ferrer Alimentación is a leading distributor in Iberia of food and beverage ingredients. Ferrer Alimentación is well established and recognised for its strong presenc ...

Celanese (CE) FY Conference June 05, 2025 11:50 AM ET Speaker0 Thank you and good morning. My name is Dave Begleiter of the U. S. Pembos team here at Deutsche Bank. Next up is the team from Celanese led by Scott Richardson. Scott became CEO January first. He spent over twenty years at Celanese in various roles in Asia and U. S. Driving value and outcomes. So a lot of happiness in Celanese the last couple of years. We'll have Scott make a few brief comments around where they are today. We'll go into the fire ...

Core Insights - FMC Corporation has formed a strategic partnership with Corteva Agriscience to enhance the use of fluindapyr fungicide technology in the U.S. corn and soybean markets, aiming to assist farmers in combating challenging foliar diseases like tar spot and southern rust [1][8] Partnership Details - The agreement entails both companies marketing fluindapyr-based fungicides to corn and soybean growers across the U.S. FMC will continue to sell its Adastrio fungicide and develop additional fluindapyr products, while Corteva plans to launch its fluindapyr-based product at the start of the 2026 growing season, pending EPA registration [2][8] Market Impact - This partnership is expected to extend FMC's fluindapyr technology to a significant portion of the U.S. corn and soybean markets, which encompass approximately 95 million acres and 80 million acres of planted land, respectively, thereby providing farmers with advanced solutions for managing costly diseases and optimizing crop yields [3] Product Efficacy - Fluindapyr, the active ingredient in Adastrio fungicide, offers long-lasting control and effectively targets pathogens resistant to other fungicides. FMC has already introduced fluindapyr-containing products in several countries and plans to expand to additional markets, including Chile, Honduras, India, and Ukraine, subject to regulatory approvals [4] Financial Outlook - FMC has maintained its revenue outlook for 2025 at $4.15-$4.35 billion, with an adjusted EBITDA forecast of $870-$950 million, indicating a 1% increase at the midpoint from the previous year. The adjusted earnings per share outlook remains at $3.26-$3.70, and the free cash flow forecast is set at $200-$400 million [7]

Core Insights - Stepan Company has announced a 25% increase in its production capacity for Alpha Olefin Sulfonates (AOS) through strategic capital investments and process improvements [1][2][4] - The company operates the broadest network of AOS production sites in North America, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability for customers [2][4] - AOS is a versatile surfactant used in various applications, including detergents and personal care products, and is increasingly preferred due to its environmental benefits and suitability for sulfate-free formulations [3][4] Company Overview - Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of specialty and intermediate chemicals, particularly known for its surfactants used in cleaning, agricultural, and oilfield solutions [5][6] - The company is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, and has a global production network across North and South America, Europe, and Asia [6]

Core Insights - Dow Inc. (DOW) has agreed to sell its 50% stake in DowAksa Advanced Composites Holdings BV to its joint venture partner Aksa Akrilik Kimya Sanayii A.S. for an estimated $125 million, reflecting an enterprise value of approximately 10 times the projected 2025 operating EBITDA [1][9] - The divestiture aligns with DOW's strategy to focus on its core, high-value downstream businesses, and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025 [2][9] - DOW's stock has experienced a significant decline of 47.1% over the past year, compared to a 24.9% decline in the industry [3] Financial and Strategic Actions - DOW remains committed to disciplined execution and enhancing profitability while addressing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties, including delaying the construction of the Fort Saskatchewan Path2Zero project [4] - The company is expanding its review of European assets, particularly in polyurethanes, to tackle challenging demand conditions and regulatory issues, with expected cash support of around $6 billion from these actions [5] Market Position - DOW currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), while other companies in the Basic Materials sector, such as Akzo Nobel N.V. and Newmont Corporation, have higher rankings, indicating better market performance [6]

Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong momentum characteristics for investors to consider today, June 3rd:Flotek Industries (FTK) : This company which develops and delivers prescriptive chemistry-based technology, including specialty chemicals, to clients in the energy, consumer industrials and food & beverage industries, has a Zacks Rank #1(Strong Buy), and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 12.8% over the last 60 days.Flotek Industries’ shares gained 10 ...

JOINT VENTURE FOR INNOVATIVE PLASTICS RECYCLING PROMOTES CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Sika and Sulzer have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint venture to advance plastics recycling in the construction industry. The aim is to combine the strengths of both companies: Sika's extensive expertise in polymer applications and high-performance building materials and Sulzer's leading process knowledge in chemical recycling. The joint venture, based in the Zurich area, will be ...

Core Insights - Dow Inc. is set to launch a wider range of skin, hair, and color cosmetics, including its first low-carbon silicone elastomer blends under the Decarbia platform at the New York SCC Suppliers' Day 2025 [1][7] - The new product offerings are designed for various applications such as conditioning, styling, cleansing, and sun care, emphasizing sustainable and high-performance formulations [1][7] Product Launch Details - The company will introduce four low-carbon DOWSIL Silicone Elastomers Blends, achieved through the decarbonization of silicon metal feedstocks, supported by verified carbon compensation certification and third-party environmental assessments [2] - Additional prototypes will be unveiled under the theme 'From Shower to Sensational,' including a formulation kit, low viscosity conditioning agent DEXCARE CD-2 Polymer, hair styling polymer ACUDYNE 2000, and ACULYN F1 Polymer for smooth flow and clarity [3] - The launch will also feature the "ProtecTress 2.0 program," which focuses on effective hair heat protection options [3] Market Performance - Dow Inc.'s stock has experienced a significant decline of 46.9% over the past year, compared to a 25.7% decline in the industry [5] - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating underperformance relative to peers [6]

Core Viewpoint - BASF SE is set to acquire DOMO Chemicals' 49% stake in the Alsachimie joint venture, which will grant BASF full ownership of the JV, enhancing its position in the polyamide 6.6 value chain [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Details - BASF currently holds a 51% stake in the Alsachimie joint venture and plans to acquire the remaining 49% from DOMO Chemicals [1] - The transaction will undergo consultations with Alsachimie's relevant social bodies before a binding purchase agreement is signed, with an expected closure by mid-2025 [1][2] Group 2: Strategic Implications - Full ownership of Alsachimie will strengthen BASF's operations at its Chalampé site in France, a key hub for polyamide 6.6 precursor production [2] - With sole control, BASF aims to enhance production efficiency and deepen backward integration into critical raw materials, solidifying its presence across the entire PA 6.6 value chain [2] Group 3: Market Position and Performance - The acquisition reinforces BASF's leadership and commitment to the PA 6.6 value chain, positioning the company for future growth in industries such as automotive and textiles [3] - BASF shares have declined by 7.9% over the past year, compared to a 28.4% decline in its industry [3]

Investment Rating - The report downgrades Sipchem to Neutral from Buy due to limited earnings upside and full valuation [3][62]. Core Insights - The energy sector is experiencing a lower-for-longer oil price environment, with oil prices dropping approximately 13% since the start of the year to US$65/bbl, and forecasts suggest an average of US$64/bbl for 2025 and 2026 [1][34]. - The report favors GCC upstream/midstream names, particularly Abu Dhabi energy companies, which are better positioned to weather market volatility due to secured growth potential and advantageous contractual frameworks [2][34]. - In the chemicals sector, fertilizers are preferred due to strong demand dynamics, while caution is advised on petrochemicals due to high uncertainty and oversupply concerns [3][62]. Summary by Sections Energy Sector - The report highlights a preference for Abu Dhabi energy names due to their regulated returns and visible growth potential, with companies like ADNOC Drilling, ADNOC Gas, and Saudi Aramco rated as Buy [2][36]. - GCC energy names have shown strong year-on-year growth, with an average EBITDA consensus beat of approximately 6%, although share price performance has been muted [35][38]. - The report notes that the UAE's natural gas supply is expected to grow significantly, with Saudi Aramco aiming to increase gas production by over 60% by 2030 [12][54]. Chemicals Sector - The ME&A chemicals sector has underperformed, down approximately 11% year-to-date, with a notable decline in share prices for companies like Sipchem and Kayan [20][62]. - The report indicates that while margins are expected to expand in the second quarter, a weak macro backdrop could pressure earnings into the second half of 2025 [22][67]. - Companies with balanced product exposure and those benefiting from shareholder returns have fared better, while Sipchem is seen as less likely to benefit from a lower oil price environment due to its high fixed feed component [62][63].