Core Insights - Huntsman Corporation reported a fourth-quarter 2025 loss of 56 cents per share, an improvement from a loss of 82 cents in the same quarter last year. Adjusted loss per share was 37 cents, wider than the previous year's loss of 25 cents and above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 29 cents [1][9]. Revenue Performance - Revenues for the quarter were $1,355 million, down approximately 7% year over year, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,327.9 million. The company faced volume pressure and lower pricing in certain segments [2][9]. Segment Highlights - **Polyurethanes**: Revenues decreased by 8% year over year to $897 million, surpassing the estimate of $883 million. The decline was attributed to lower average selling prices, although higher sales volumes partially offset this [3]. - **Performance Products**: Revenues fell 6% to $224 million, below the estimate of $225.7 million, primarily due to lower sales prices, while sales volumes remained stable [4]. - **Advanced Materials**: Revenues decreased by 4% to $243 million, missing the estimate of $264.6 million. The decline was mainly due to lower sales volumes, particularly in infrastructure coatings and general industry segments, despite higher average selling prices [5]. Financial Overview - Free cash flow from continuing operations was $20 million, down from $108 million in the prior-year quarter. The company had approximately $1.3 billion in combined cash and unused borrowing capacity as of December 31, 2025. Capital expenditures from continuing operations were $57 million, compared to $51 million in the previous year [6]. Q1 2026 Outlook - For the first quarter of 2026, adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $25 million to $40 million for Polyurethanes, $20 million to $30 million for Performance Products, and $38 million to $42 million for Advanced Materials. The outlook reflects ongoing challenging market conditions, seasonal softness, and benefits from cost-saving measures [7]. Stock Performance - Huntsman shares have declined by 30.6% over the past year, compared to a 14.6% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [10].

Core Insights - Albemarle Corporation (ALB) reported an adjusted loss of 53 cents per share in Q4 2025, compared to a loss of $1.09 per share a year ago, which was wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 40 cents [1] Revenue Performance - Revenues increased by approximately 15.9% year over year to $1,428 million in the quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,349.8 million, driven by higher volumes in Energy Storage and Ketjen, as well as increased pricing in Energy Storage [2] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $268.7 million, up from $250.7 million in the prior-year quarter, fueled by higher pricing in Energy Storage and increased volumes in Ketjen [2] Segment Highlights - Sales from the Energy Storage unit rose around 23.1% year over year to $759.1 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $717 million, attributed to higher volumes and pricing [3] - The Specialties segment recorded sales of $348.9 million, up around 4.8% year over year, in line with the consensus estimate, benefiting from higher volumes and pricing [3] - The Ketjen unit generated revenues of $320.1 million, up roughly 13.5% year over year, beating the consensus estimate of $296 million, driven by higher fluidized catalytic cracking volumes and timing of Clean Fuels technology [4] Financial Position - Albemarle ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1,618 million, an increase from $1,192.2 million reported in the prior-year quarter, while long-term debt remained around $3,119.5 million [5] - Cash from operations for the year ended December 31, 2025, was around $1.3 billion, reflecting an 85% increase from the prior-year period [5] 2026 Outlook - Albemarle anticipates energy storage sales volumes to be roughly flat in 2026 following inventory drawdowns in 2025, with modest volume growth expected in the Specialties segment, projecting net sales to be flat to down year over year [6] - The sale of the Ketjen unit is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 [6] Expenses Forecast - Depreciation and amortization expenses are expected to be between $660 million and $680 million for 2026, with capital expenditures projected at $550 million to $600 million, and interest and financing expenses forecasted at $150 million to $170 million for the full year [7] Stock Performance - Albemarle's shares have increased by 116.5% over the past year, contrasting with a 11.9% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [8]

Core Viewpoint - Albemarle Corporation is a leading player in specialty chemicals, particularly in lithium production for energy storage and electric vehicle batteries, with significant competition from SQM and Livent Corporation [1] Financial Performance - Albemarle is expected to report a quarterly earnings per share (EPS) loss of $0.40, with revenue projected at approximately $1.35 billion, reflecting a 9.6% increase year-over-year driven by growth in the Energy Storage segment [2][6] - The anticipated EPS loss for the quarter ending December 2025 shows a 54.1% improvement compared to the same period last year, indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates [3] Stock Performance - Albemarle's stock has increased by 113.5% over the past year, significantly outperforming the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry, which has seen a decline of 17.4% [4][6] - The company has exceeded earnings expectations in three of the last four quarters, achieving an average earnings surprise of 35.3%, with a notable surprise of 79.4% in the most recent quarter [4] Strategic Initiatives - Strategic cost and productivity initiatives, along with a recovery in lithium prices, have positively impacted Albemarle's performance [5][6] - Financial metrics indicate a price-to-sales ratio of 3.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, reflecting the company's valuation and financial health, although a negative price-to-earnings ratio suggests ongoing financial challenges [5]

Core Viewpoint - Albemarle Corporation (ALB) is expected to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 11, with positive indicators suggesting a potential earnings beat [1][5]. Financial Performance - Albemarle has outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of approximately 35.3% [2]. - The company achieved a remarkable earnings surprise of 79.4% in the most recent quarter [2]. - ALB's stock has surged by 113.5% over the past year, contrasting with a 17.4% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [3]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Albemarle's revenues in the upcoming quarter is $1,349.8 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of about 9.6% [9]. - The Energy Storage unit is projected to generate net sales of $716.9 million, indicating a 16.2% year-over-year growth [9]. - The Specialties unit's net sales are estimated at $348.7 million, suggesting a 4.7% increase from the previous year [10]. - The Ketjen unit is expected to report net sales of $296.4 million, representing a 5.1% year-over-year rise [10]. Growth Drivers - Higher lithium volumes and improved prices are anticipated to contribute positively to ALB's performance in the December quarter [11]. - Strong customer demand, capacity expansion, and enhanced plant productivity are expected to support volume growth [11]. - The rebound in lithium prices, driven by robust demand from electric vehicles and energy storage systems, along with supply disruptions, is likely to have aided performance [12]. - Cost-saving measures, pricing strategies, and productivity initiatives are expected to bolster margins [13]. - Albemarle aims to achieve approximately $450 million in cost and productivity improvements for the full year 2025, exceeding its initial target of $300-$400 million [14].

Core Insights - Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings of $3.04 per share, an increase from $2.77 in the same quarter last year, driven by a favorable mix and lower costs related to productivity improvements and reduced maintenance [1] - Adjusted earnings per share were $3.16, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.04 [1][9] Revenue Performance - The company generated revenues of $3,102.5 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of approximately 5.8%, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,044.8 million [2] - Revenue growth was attributed to higher prices, favorable currency impacts, and energy cost pass-through, although volumes remained flat [2] Segment Analysis - Revenues in the Americas segment rose 4.2% year over year to $1,341.7 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,332 million, driven by higher energy cost pass-through and favorable pricing [3] - The Europe segment saw a 12.2% year-over-year increase in revenues to $782 million, attributed to higher pricing, volumes, and favorable currency, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $746 million [4] - Revenues in the Asia segment increased by 1.8% year over year to $831.5 million, driven by higher energy cost pass-through and favorable currency impacts, outperforming the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $811 million [5] Financial Position - At the end of the fiscal first quarter, the company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1,026.4 million, a decrease of around 44% year over year [6] - Long-term debt stood at $17,114.6 million, reflecting an increase of roughly 30% year over year [6] Future Outlook - The company anticipates adjusted earnings per share for fiscal 2026 to be in the range of $12.85 to $13.15, with second-quarter adjusted earnings projected between $2.95 and $3.10 [7] - Capital expenditures for the full fiscal year are expected to be around $4 billion [7] Stock Performance - Over the past year, the company's shares have declined by 23.6%, compared to a 22.2% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [8]

Core Insights - LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) reported a fourth-quarter 2025 loss of $140 million or 45 cents per share, an improvement from a loss of $603 million or $1.87 per share in the same quarter last year [1] - The adjusted loss was 26 cents per share, down from earnings of 77 cents in the prior year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 18 cents [1] Financial Performance - Net sales for the quarter were $7,091 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6,984.4 million, but down approximately 9.2% from $7,808 million in the prior-year quarter [2] - The company generated $2.3 billion in cash from operating activities in 2025, with $450 million spent on capital expenditures in the fourth quarter and $1.9 billion for the year [6] - LyondellBasell distributed $2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks in 2025, ending the quarter with $3.45 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $8.1 billion in total available liquidity [6] Segment Performance - The Olefins & Polyolefins — Americas segment saw revenues decline by about 15.1% year over year to $2,337 million, missing the consensus estimate of $2,536 million [3] - The Olefins & Polyolefins — Europe, Asia, and international segment revenues fell 5.5% year over year to $2,336 million, also missing the consensus estimate of $2,378 million [4] - The Intermediates and Derivatives segment reported sales of $2,153 million, a decline of roughly 9% year over year, missing the consensus estimate of $2,203 million [4] - Advanced Polymer Solutions revenues were $777 million, down around 6% year over year, missing the consensus estimate of $837 million [4] - The Technology segment's revenues increased by approximately 2% to $177 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $137 million [5] Outlook - The company is managing feedstock and energy price volatility, with expectations for polyethylene price increases in North America due to tight inventories and seasonal demand recovery in Europe [7] - LyondellBasell plans to align operating rates with global demand, targeting 85% utilization in Olefins & Polyolefins Americas, 75% in Olefins & Polyolefins EAI, and 85% in Intermediates & Derivatives [8] - The Cash Improvement Plan target has been raised from $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion by the end of 2026 [10] Stock Performance - LyondellBasell's shares have declined by 34% over the past year, compared to a 21.7% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [11]

Core Insights - Eastman Chemical Company (EMN) reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings of 92 cents per share, a decline of approximately 67% from $2.82 in the same quarter last year [1] - Adjusted earnings were 75 cents per share, down from $1.87 year-over-year, and below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 76 cents [1][10] - Revenues for the fourth quarter were $1,973 million, a decrease of around 12% year-over-year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,037.2 million [2] Financial Performance - The company achieved approximately $100 million in cost savings, surpassing its target of over $75 million for 2025 [3] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter were $566 million, down about 32% year-over-year, while net debt increased to $4,221 million, up roughly 1% [8] - Operating cash flow was $502 million for the quarter, a decline of around 7% year-over-year, with nearly $1 billion generated from operating activities in 2025 [8] Segment Performance - Advanced Materials segment sales fell 9% year-over-year to $656 million, missing estimates [4] - Additives & Functional Products segment sales were $662 million, down 5% from the previous year, also missing estimates [5] - Chemical Intermediaries segment sales decreased 17% year-over-year to $418 million, below estimates due to weak market demand [6] - Fibers segment reported sales of $234 million, down 27% year-over-year, but exceeded estimates [7] Guidance and Outlook - For Q1 2026, EMN expects adjusted EPS to be in the range of $1.00-$1.20, driven by volume growth and reduced customer caution [10][14] - The company aims to enhance cost reduction actions to a range of $125-$150 million, building on previous efforts [11] - EMN anticipates improved earnings year-over-year in 2026, supported by innovation, better manufacturing utilization, and favorable currency exchange rates [12] Market Performance - EMN's shares have declined by 30.7% over the past year, compared to a 21.8% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [15]

Core Insights - Dow Inc. reported a significant loss of $1,543 million or $2.15 per share for Q4 2025, compared to a loss of $53 million or 8 cents per share in the same quarter last year, primarily due to lower prices and volumes [1] - On an adjusted basis, the loss was 34 cents, which was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 46 cents [1] Financial Performance - Net sales for the quarter were $9,460 million, down 9% year over year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9,487.1 million [2] - Volume decreased by 2% year over year, largely due to declines in the Packaging & Specialty Plastics unit, with local prices falling 8% year over year [2] - Cash flow from operating activities for continuing operations was $298 million, a decrease of $513 million from the same period last year, with full-year cash flow at $1.1 billion compared to $2.9 billion in 2024 [6] Segment Highlights - **Packaging & Specialty Plastics**: Sales fell 11% year over year to $4,744 million, missing the consensus estimate of $4,834 million, with volume down 2% and local prices down 9% [3] - **Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure**: Sales decreased 9% year over year to $2,688 million, beating the consensus estimate of $2,653 million, with local prices down 9% and volume down 1% [4] - **Performance Materials & Coatings**: Revenues fell 6% year over year to $1,852 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $1,836 million, with volume down 2% and local prices down 4% [5] Strategic Initiatives - Dow is committed to delivering near-term cost savings through the "Transform to Outperform" initiative, targeting at least $2 billion in near-term operating EBITDA improvement, with two-thirds expected from productivity enhancements [7] - This initiative is in addition to an earlier announced $1 billion cost savings program [7] Market Performance - Dow's shares have declined by 27.9% over the past year, compared to a 20.8% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [9]

Core Viewpoint - LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) is expected to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on January 30, 2026, with anticipated challenges due to seasonality, reduced operating rates, and increased feedstock costs [1][7]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LYB's fourth-quarter consolidated revenues is $6,984.4 million, indicating a year-over-year decline of 26.5% [4]. - For the Olefins and Polyolefins – Americas division, the revenue estimate is $2,536 million, reflecting a 7.9% decrease year-over-year [4]. - The Olefins and Polyolefins – Europe, Asia & International division is estimated at $2,378 million, suggesting a 3.8% decline from the previous year [4]. - The Advanced Polymer Solutions segment is expected to generate $837 million in revenue, representing a 1.5% increase year-over-year [5]. - The Intermediaries and Derivatives segment's revenue estimate is $2,203 million, indicating a 6.5% decrease from last year [8]. - The Technology segment's revenue is pegged at $137 million, reflecting a 21.3% decline year-over-year [8]. Factors Impacting Performance - Lower operating rates and seasonal factors are anticipated to negatively affect volumes and margins, with North American olefins and polyolefins assets expected to operate at 80% capacity, European facilities at 60%, and Intermediates & Derivatives assets at 75% [9]. - The company plans to idle one of its PO/SM units in Channelview and one of its crackers in Germany, which is likely to impact production volumes and margins [10]. - Year-end seasonality, reduced demand, and customer inventory reductions are expected to weigh on volumes in the Olefins and Polyolefins – Americas unit, with weak industrial and consumer demand in Europe [10]. - Higher natural gas and feedstock costs are likely to exert pressure on margins in both North America and Europe [11]. - The Advanced Polymer Solutions segment is facing challenges due to lower demand in the automotive sector, which is expected to continue affecting this segment [12]. Earnings Prediction - The model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for LyondellBasell this quarter, as the combination of a positive Earnings ESP of +1.85% and a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) does not support an earnings beat [13][14].

Key Takeaways Dow will release Q4 2025 results before the opening bell on Jan. 29.DOW faces headwinds from soft demand in Europe and Asia, weaker prices and higher feedstock costs.DOW targets $1 billion in cost cuts and sees $400 million in 2025 benefits.Dow Inc. (DOW) is scheduled to come up with fourth-quarter 2025 results before the opening bell on Jan. 29.DOW surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters and missed twice. It has a trailing four-quarter negative earnings sur ...