Core Insights - Huntsman Corporation reported a narrower loss of 14 cents per share in Q3 2025, compared to a loss of 19 cents per share in the same quarter last year, and adjusted loss per share was 3 cents, better than the expected loss of 13 cents [1][9] Revenue Performance - Revenues for Huntsman Corporation were $1,460 million, reflecting a 5% year-over-year decline, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,443.4 million [2][9] - The Polyurethanes segment saw revenues decrease by 5% to $956 million, missing the estimate of $971 million due to lower average selling prices despite higher sales volumes [3] - Performance Products revenues fell 12% to $246 million, below the estimate of $256 million, primarily due to lower sales volumes and prices [4] - Advanced Materials revenues increased by 2% to $265 million, surpassing the estimate of $261 million, driven by higher average selling prices [4] Financial Highlights - Free cash flow from continuing operations was $157 million, up from $93 million in the prior-year quarter [5] - The company had approximately $1.4 billion in combined cash and unused borrowing capacity as of September 30, 2025 [5] - Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $200 million in the reported quarter [5] Strategic Outlook - Huntsman Corporation emphasized cost management and cash generation as top priorities, with restructuring programs expected to yield over $100 million in savings [6] - The company reduced its annual dividend to 35 cents per share, a 65% decrease, to maintain financial flexibility amid challenging economic conditions [7] Stock Performance - Huntsman shares have declined by 58.5% over the past year, compared to a 37% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [8]

Core Insights - Albemarle Corporation (ALB) reported adjusted losses of 19 cents per share in Q3 2025, a significant improvement from losses of $1.55 per share a year ago, and better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 92 cents [1][9] - Revenues decreased by approximately 3.5% year over year to $1,307.8 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,292 million, impacted by lower prices in the Energy Storage segment but partially offset by volume growth [2][9] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $225.6 million, an increase from $211.5 million in the prior-year quarter, driven by lower input costs and cost reduction efforts [2] Segment Performance - The Energy Storage unit's sales fell around 7.6% year over year to $708.8 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $678 million, with the decline attributed to reduced pricing but offset by an 8% increase in sales volumes [3] - The Specialties segment recorded sales of $345 million, up approximately 0.8% year over year but below the consensus estimate of $349 million, with foreign exchange benefits offsetting lower volume [4] - The Ketjen unit achieved revenues of $254.1 million, up roughly 3.7% year over year, beating the consensus estimate of $248 million, although higher volumes were partially offset by lower prices [4] Financial Position - Albemarle ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1,931.8 million, an increase from $1,664.5 million in the prior-year quarter, while long-term debt rose to around $3,181 million, up about 2% sequentially [5] - Cash from operations for the first nine months of 2025 was around $893.8 million, reflecting a 29% increase from the prior-year period [5] 2025 Outlook - The company is implementing measures to enhance costs, productivity, and efficiencies, raising its full-year outlook for the enterprise and Energy Storage segments, expecting results near the higher end of the earlier $9/kg forecast range due to strong performance and higher lithium prices [6] - Capital expenditures for full-year 2025 are projected to be roughly $600 million, with depreciation and amortization expenses estimated between $630-$670 million [7]

Core Insights - Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings from continuing operations of 2 cents per share, a significant decline from $8.81 in the same quarter last year. Adjusted earnings per share were $3.39, down from $3.56, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.41 [1][8] Revenue Performance - The company generated revenues of $3,166.9 million, a decrease of approximately 1% year over year, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,217.7 million. The decline was attributed to lower volumes, although it was somewhat offset by higher energy cost pass-through and favorable currency effects [2][8] - In the Americas segment, revenues decreased by 1% year over year to $1,290.1 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,357 million. This decline was primarily due to lower volumes, partially mitigated by higher energy cost pass-through and increased pricing [3] - The Europe segment saw a 1% increase in revenues year over year to $789.4 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $784 million. This growth was driven by higher energy cost pass-through and favorable currency, which offset lower volumes and reduced pricing [4] - Revenues in the Asia segment rose by 8% year over year to $869.8 million, driven by higher volumes, favorable currency exchange impacts, and increased pricing, although it missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $876 million [4] Financial Position - At the end of the fiscal fourth quarter, the company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1,856 million, a decrease of around 38% year over year. Long-term debt increased to $16,769.9 million, up roughly 25% year over year [5] Future Outlook - The company anticipates adjusted earnings per share for fiscal 2026 to be in the range of $12.85 to $13.15. For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, adjusted earnings are projected to be between $2.95 and $3.10. Additionally, capital expenditures for the full fiscal year are expected to be around $4 billion [6][8] Stock Performance - Over the past year, the company's shares have declined by 24.1%, compared to a 40.3% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [7]

Core Insights - Eastman Chemical Company (EMN) reported third-quarter 2025 earnings of 40 cents per share, a decline of approximately 74% from $1.53 in the same quarter last year [1] - Adjusted earnings were $1.14 per share, down from $2.26 year over year, and below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.18 [1] - Revenues for the third quarter were $2,202 million, a decrease of around 10.6% year over year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,242 million [1] Segment Performance - **Advanced Materials**: Sales fell 7% year over year to $728 million, missing the estimate of $742.1 million due to lower sales volume and weak demand in high-value consumer discretionary markets [3] - **Additives & Functional Products**: Sales were $716 million, down 4% from the previous year, missing the estimate of $735.4 million, impacted by lower sales volume and weak demand in building and construction and auto refinish markets [4] - **Chemical Intermediaries**: Sales decreased 16% year over year to $499 million, missing the estimate of $514.4 million, due to an 8% decline in sales volume from weak market demand in North American building and construction [5] - **Fibers**: Sales reported at $254 million, down 24% year over year, lagging behind the estimate of $286.8 million, primarily due to lower acetate tow volume [6] Financial Overview - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $489 million and net debt of $4,586 million [7] - Operating cash flow was $402 million, up approximately 1.5% year over year [7] - EMN returned $146 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the quarter [7] Guidance and Outlook - EMN anticipates a challenging global macroeconomic environment with cautious customer behavior due to changing tariffs and soft demand [8] - The company aims to cut over $75 million in costs this year and approximately $100 million in 2026, focusing on lower shutdown expenses and improved plant efficiency [8] - Full-year adjusted earnings are projected to be between $5.40 and $5.65 per share, with an expected operating cash flow of around $1 billion [9] Stock Performance - EMN's shares have declined by 40.2% over the past year, compared to a 36.1% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [11]

Core Insights - Albemarle Corporation (ALB) is set to announce its third-quarter 2025 results on November 5, 2025 [1][7] - The company has missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three of the last four quarters, with an average negative earnings surprise of 136% [2] - ALB's shares have decreased by 3.2% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry's decline of 28.9% [3] Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALB's revenues in the upcoming quarter is $1,291.9 million, indicating a year-over-year decline of approximately 4.6% [5] - The Energy Storage unit's net sales are estimated at $678 million, reflecting an 11.7% year-over-year decline [5] - The Specialties unit's net sales are projected at $349 million, suggesting a 1.5% year-over-year increase [5] - The Ketjen unit's net sales are expected to be $248 million, indicating a 10.8% year-over-year decline [8] Performance Factors - ALB is anticipated to benefit from cost-saving, pricing, and productivity initiatives, which may support margins despite weak lithium prices [9] - The company has made progress in optimizing its cost and operating structure, achieving a 100% run-rate against its cost and productivity improvement target of $300-$400 million for 2025 [10] - The decline in lithium market prices, driven by slowing demand for electric vehicles and increased supply, is expected to negatively impact ALB's performance [11] Earnings Prediction - The Earnings ESP for ALB is -2.16%, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the third quarter currently at a loss of 92 cents [13] - ALB holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a hold rating [13]

Core Insights - LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) reported a loss of $890 million or $2.77 per share, contrasting with a profit of $573 million or $1.75 per share from the previous year [1] - Adjusted earnings were $1.01 per share, down from $1.91 year-over-year, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 80 cents [1][8] - Net sales for the quarter were $7,727 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7,493.9 million, but down approximately 10% from $8,604 million in the prior-year quarter [2] Segment Performance - The Olefins & Polyolefins — Americas segment saw revenues decline around 13% year-over-year to $2,606 million, beating the consensus estimate of $2,531 million [3] - Olefins & Polyolefins — Europe, Asia, and international segment revenues fell 8% year-over-year to $2,587 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $2,293 million [3] - In the Intermediates and Derivatives segment, sales were $2,343 million, down roughly 13% year-over-year, but beating the consensus estimate of $2,325 million [4] - Advanced Polymer Solutions revenues were $870 million, a decline of around 3% year-over-year, missing the consensus estimate of $891 million [4] - The Technology segment's revenues were $115 million, marking a decline of roughly 21%, lagging behind the consensus estimate of $137 million [4] Financial Overview - LyondellBasell generated $983 million in cash from operating activities during the quarter [5] - The company spent $406 million on capital expenditures and returned $443 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks [5] - At the end of the quarter, LYB had $1.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents, along with $6.5 billion in total available liquidity [5] Future Outlook - For the fourth quarter, LyondellBasell anticipates reduced operating rates and seasonal impacts to affect results across most businesses [6] - Increased natural gas and feedstock costs are expected to pressure integrated polyolefins margins in North America, with soft industrial and consumer demand persisting in Europe [6] - The company is on track with its Cash Improvement Plan, targeting $600 million by 2025 and at least $1.1 billion by the end of next year [7] Stock Performance - LyondellBasell shares have declined by 47.8% over the past year, compared to a 27.4% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [9]

Core Insights - Methanex Corporation (MEOH) is scheduled to release its third-quarter 2025 results on October 29, with expectations of benefiting from higher methanol volumes despite facing challenges from lower prices [1][7] - The company has consistently surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the past four quarters, averaging an earnings surprise of approximately 83.2%, with a notable 130.9% surprise in the last quarter [1] Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Methanex's third-quarter consolidated revenues is currently $974 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.2% [4] Performance Factors - Methanex's third-quarter performance is anticipated to be positively influenced by increased methanol sales volumes, driven by a 4% rise in global methanol demand in the second quarter, particularly in China [5] - However, weaker methanol prices are expected to negatively impact the company's results, with the average realized price for methanol projected to decline to $345 per ton, a 3% year-over-year decrease from the previous quarter's $374 per ton [8] Earnings Prediction - The current model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for Methanex this quarter, as it holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), despite an Earnings ESP of +22.53% [9][10]

Core Insights - Dow Inc. reported a profit of $62 million or 8 cents per share for Q3 2025, a decline from $214 million or 30 cents per share a year ago, primarily due to lower prices [1] - On an adjusted basis, Dow recorded a loss of 19 cents per share, compared to earnings of 47 cents a year ago, which was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 31 cents [1][10] - Net sales for the quarter were $9,973 million, down 8% year over year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $10,175.4 million [2] Financial Performance - Cash flow from operating activities increased to $1.1 billion, up $330 million from the same period last year, attributed to working capital improvements [7] - Shareholder returns for the quarter totaled $249 million in dividends [7] - DOW's shares have decreased by 57.4% over the past year, compared to a 30.9% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [11] Segment Performance - **Packaging & Specialty Plastics**: Sales fell 11% year over year to $4,891 million, missing estimates, with local prices down 10% [4] - **Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure**: Sales decreased 4% year over year to $2,834 million, beating estimates, with local prices down 8% [5] - **Performance Materials & Coatings**: Revenues fell 6% year over year to $2,082 million, slightly above estimates, with local prices down 5% [6] Market Outlook - Dow aims to maintain financial flexibility and enhance competitiveness to boost earnings, while focusing on cost savings and disciplined cash flow management [8] - The company is on track to generate over $6.5 billion in near-term cash support, having already achieved more than half of this target [9]

Core Insights - Dow Inc. (DOW) is set to release its third-quarter 2025 results on October 23, with expectations of a revenue decline of 6.5% year-over-year to $10.18 billion [1][7] - The company has a history of mixed earnings performance, with a trailing four-quarter negative earnings surprise averaging 44.9% and a significant negative surprise of 281.8% in the last quarter [1][2] Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DOW's revenues is $10,175.4 million, indicating a 6.5% decline from the previous year [4] - Revenue estimates for specific segments include: - Packaging & Specialty Plastics: $5,129.9 million, down 7% year-over-year [4] - Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure: $2,812.4 million, down 5.1% year-over-year [4] - Performance Materials & Coatings: $2,080.1 million, down 6.1% year-over-year [5] Factors Impacting Performance - Demand softness in Europe and China is expected to negatively affect DOW's performance, with lower consumer spending and weak construction and manufacturing activities in Europe [8][9] - Inflationary pressures are impacting demand across consumer durables and construction sectors, contributing to weak volumes [9] - The Performance Materials & Coatings unit is facing challenges from weak siloxane prices due to increased supply in Asia, alongside a $125 million headwind from higher maintenance activities [10] Cost-Saving Initiatives - DOW is implementing cost-saving measures aimed at reducing direct and labor costs, targeting $1 billion in savings to improve margins [11] - The company anticipates around $400 million in benefits from these actions in 2025, with full benefits expected by 2026 [11] Earnings Prediction - Current models do not predict an earnings beat for DOW, with an Earnings ESP of -1.12% and a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [12][13]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry is facing headwinds due to demand weakness in key markets such as consumer durables and building & construction, exacerbated by inflationary pressures in Europe and a slow recovery in China [1][4][5] - The industry includes manufacturers of basic chemicals, plastics, specialty chemicals, and agricultural chemicals, serving various end markets like automotive, construction, and electronics [3] Demand Challenges - Demand weakness is particularly pronounced in the building & construction and consumer electronics markets, with elevated borrowing costs and inflation impacting residential construction and consumer behavior [4] - In China, a slower economic recovery and a weak real estate market are contributing to reduced chemical demand, while Europe is experiencing similar challenges due to high inflation and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war [5] Strategic Responses - Companies like DuPont, Albemarle, and Methanex are implementing strategic measures such as cost-cutting, productivity improvements, and aggressive price hikes to navigate the challenging environment [2][6] - These actions aim to sustain margins amid rising costs and demand challenges [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry has underperformed the S&P 500 and the broader Zacks Basic Materials sector, losing 21% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's gain of 18.4% [9] - The industry's current valuation, based on the trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio, is 19.29X, which is below the S&P 500's 23.02X but above the sector's 16.31X [12] Company Highlights - **Methanex Corporation (MEOH)**: The world's largest supplier of methanol, benefiting from healthy demand and strategic acquisitions to enhance production capacity and shareholder returns [17][18] - **DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (DD)**: Focused on innovation and growth in high-demand markets, with a projected earnings growth rate of around 7.9% for 2025 and ongoing cost synergy initiatives [20][22] - **Albemarle Corporation (ALB)**: Positioned to capitalize on the growing battery-grade lithium market, with expected earnings growth of 20.9% for 2025 and strategic investments in high-return projects [23][25]