Core Viewpoint - LyondellBasell Industries is experiencing challenging market conditions, leading to a significant decline in stock price due to oversupply, rising raw material costs, and geopolitical factors [1]. Company Overview - LyondellBasell Industries is one of the largest producers of plastics and basic chemicals [1]. Market Conditions - The company is facing difficult market conditions characterized by oversupply and increasing raw material costs [1]. - Geopolitical factors are also contributing to the challenging environment for the company [1].

Group 1 - Huntsman Corporation has completed a strategic review of its European Maleic Anhydride business, leading to the decision to permanently close its facility in Moers, Germany, by the end of the current quarter [1][2] - The closure is a response to underperformance, with the European Maleic Anhydride operations recording an adjusted EBITDA loss of approximately $10 million in 2024 [2] - Huntsman plans to serve European customers through its North American facilities located in Pensacola, FL, and Geismar, LA [2] Group 2 - The company expects to incur a one-time, non-cash asset impairment charge of around $75 million in the second quarter of 2025 due to the facility closure [2] - Huntsman shares have lost 54% in the past year, significantly underperforming compared to the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry's 27.8% decline [3] - Order patterns in key markets such as construction and transportation are negatively impacted by low visibility and customer uncertainty regarding demand trends [4] Group 3 - Huntsman is focused on cost actions, including workforce reductions and asset optimization in both Europe and North America, in response to the current market conditions [4] - The company currently carries a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) [5] - Better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space include Carpenter Technology Corporation, Alamos Gold Inc., and Hawkins, Inc., with Carpenter Technology showing significant performance improvement [5][6][8]

Core Viewpoint - The comparison between Dow Inc. and DuPont de Nemours, Inc. highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both companies in the current challenging market environment, with DuPont appearing to have a more attractive investment profile due to its innovation-driven growth and better valuation metrics [2][27]. Group 1: Dow Inc. (DOW) - DOW benefits from a differentiated portfolio and low-cost feedstock positions, focusing on growth in attractive end markets such as pharma and home care [4][27]. - The company is implementing proactive measures to deliver approximately $6 billion in cash support, including infrastructure asset sales and cost savings [5]. - DOW is targeting $1 billion in cost reductions, primarily through workforce reductions of around 1,500 roles globally, with expected benefits of $300 million in 2025 [6]. - DOW has a strong balance sheet with over $11 billion in liquidity and returned $2.5 billion to shareholders in 2024 [7]. - The company offers a high dividend yield of 9.7%, although it has a high payout ratio of 239% [8]. - DOW faces demand softness, particularly in Europe, and challenges in the automotive and construction markets due to inflation and geopolitical tensions [9][16]. - The Performance Materials & Coatings unit is experiencing pricing pressure in siloxane products due to increased supply in Asia [10][11]. - DOW's stock has declined 29.4% year to date, with a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 45.80, representing a significant premium over the industry average [18][22]. Group 2: DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (DD) - DuPont is focused on growth through innovation and new product development, particularly in healthcare markets [12][13]. - The acquisition of Spectrum Plastics Group enhances DuPont's position in the healthcare sector, aligning with its innovation-driven strategy [13]. - DuPont is expected to realize cost synergy savings and productivity improvements, with annualized cost savings of $150 million anticipated from restructuring actions [14]. - The company achieved a transaction-adjusted free cash flow conversion of 105% in 2024 and raised its quarterly dividend by 8% to 41 cents per share [15]. - DuPont faces headwinds in the construction and automotive markets, impacting sales in its IndustrialsCo segment [16]. - The company anticipates separation costs related to its electronics business to be modestly below $700 million, affecting margins and free cash flow in 2025 [17]. - DuPont's stock has decreased by 10.7% year to date, trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 15.45, which is below DOW and the industry [18][20]. - The consensus estimates for DuPont suggest a year-over-year rise in sales and EPS of 2.9% and 4.9%, respectively, indicating positive growth prospects [26].

Group 1 - Moretus Research provides high-quality equity research focused on U.S. public markets, aiming to deliver clarity, conviction, and alpha for serious investors [1] - The research framework emphasizes identifying companies with durable business models, mispriced cash flow potential, and intelligent capital allocation [1] - Valuation methods are based on sector-relevant multiples tailored to each company's business model and capital structure, prioritizing comparability and simplicity [1] Group 2 - Research coverage targets underappreciated companies experiencing structural changes or temporary dislocations, where disciplined analysis can yield asymmetric returns [1] - Moretus Research aims to elevate the standard for independent investment research by providing actionable insights and a strong filter for relevant information in equity analysis [1]

Group 1: Sustainability Achievements - DuPont de Nemours, Inc. has achieved 100% grid electricity from renewable sources across its entire European Union operations, marking a significant milestone towards its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 [1][2] - The transition involved the installation of on-site solar panels and the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) at 13 manufacturing sites in the EU, emphasizing the company's commitment to environmental protection [2] Group 2: Financial Performance and Projections - For the second quarter, DuPont projects net sales of approximately $3.2 billion, operating EBITDA of around $815 million, and adjusted earnings per share of about $1.05, indicating a seasonal sequential increase in sales [6] - The company has maintained its full-year guidance for 2025, reflecting confidence in its operational performance [6] Group 3: Stock Performance - DuPont's stock has declined by 13.2% over the past year, which is a better performance compared to the industry's decline of 25.8% [5]

Core Viewpoint - Huntsman Corporation has completed a strategic review of its European Maleic Anhydride business, leading to the closure of its facility in Moers, Germany, by the end of the current quarter [1]. Group 1: Business Operations - The closure of the Moers facility is expected to result in a one-time non-cash asset impairment charge of approximately $75 million during the second quarter of 2025 [1]. - In 2024, the European Maleic Anhydride business reported an adjusted EBITDA loss of around $10 million [1]. - Post-closure, Huntsman plans to serve European customers from its North American facilities located in Pensacola, Florida, and Geismar, Louisiana [1]. Group 2: Company Overview - Huntsman Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals, with revenues of approximately $6 billion in 2024 [2]. - The company operates over 60 manufacturing, R&D, and operations facilities across approximately 25 countries, employing around 6,300 associates [2].

Core Viewpoint - Stepan Company has announced the sale of its manufacturing assets in the Philippines to Masurf, Inc., aligning with its strategy to focus on core growth areas and maintain service to its customer base in Southeast Asia [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The manufacturing assets located in Bauan, Batangas, Philippines will be sold to Masurf, a subsidiary of Musim Mas Holdings Pte. Ltd. [1] - A tolling agreement will be established between Stepan Philippines Quaternaries, Inc. (SPQI) and Masurf to continue serving customers post-transaction [2]. - The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed, and it is subject to normal closing conditions [2]. Group 2: Company Profile - Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of specialty and intermediate chemicals, particularly known for its surfactants used in cleaning, disinfection, and agricultural solutions [3]. - The company also supplies polyurethane polyols for the thermal insulation market and CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers) industries [3]. - Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Stepan operates a network of modern production facilities across North and South America, Europe, and Asia [4].

Announcement of Resolution of the 12th The maximum price per Bond is ILS 1.466, and the term of bonds buyback shall be one year following the adoption of this resolution by the Board. The funding sources for the bonds buyback include internal sources and/or unutilized loans/credit facilities from banks/related parties. The Board further agrees to authorize the management of Solutions to make decision and enter into documents and arrangements in relation to such Buyback Plan performed through Solutions, as w ...

Group 1: Company Innovations and Offerings - BASF SE is set to showcase innovative technologies for electromobility at The Battery Show Europe 2025, focusing on enhancing performance in electrified powertrain concepts and sustainable automotive mobility solutions [1] - The company offers cathode active materials (CAM) that enhance battery efficiency, reliability, costs, durability, and size, along with solutions for battery recycling [2] - BASF will present flame-retardant engineering plastics, adhesive solutions for next-gen batteries, and innovative coating solutions using CathoGuard and Oxsilan technology to address challenges in battery cell manufacturing [3] Group 2: New Product Introductions - BASF will introduce Path.Era, a scalable ecosystem for digital battery passports, enabling full traceability and circularity in the battery value chain [4] - The company will also showcase OPPANOL, a cathode binder for solid-state batteries, aimed at reducing electrochemical disturbances and improving performance [4] Group 3: Stock Performance - BASF's stock has declined by 6.8% over the past year, while the industry has seen a larger decline of 26.8% [6] - BASF currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials sector including Akzo Nobel N.V., Newmont Corporation, and Balchem Corporation [7]

Company Overview - Magnera Corporation (NYSE: MAGN) serves over 1,000 customers globally, providing a diverse range of material solutions including components for absorbent hygiene products, protective apparel, wipes, specialty building and construction products, and food and beverage industry products [2] - The company operates across 46 facilities worldwide and is supported by more than 8,500 employees [2] Corporate Purpose and History - Magnera's mission is to improve the world by realizing new possibilities, having delivered material solutions for over 160 years [3] - The company has consistently adapted to economic challenges, global pandemics, and evolving customer needs, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving capabilities [3] - Magnera emphasizes building personal partnerships that can endure in a changing environment, leveraging its extensive product portfolio to offer customers more choices [3] Upcoming Investor Conference - Magnera Corporation will participate in the Stifel 2025 Boston Cross Sector 1x1 Investor Conference, with key executives including the CEO, CFO, and EVP meeting with institutional investors on June 3-4, 2025, in Boston, MA [1]