Core Insights - Huntsman Corporation reported a second-quarter 2025 loss of 92 cents per share, a significant decline from earnings of 13 cents per share in the same quarter last year [1] - Adjusted loss per share was 20 cents, wider than the expected loss of 15 cents, compared to earnings of 14 cents in the prior year [1][9] - Revenues decreased by approximately 7% year over year to $1,458 million, missing the consensus estimate of $1,476.7 million due to lower global construction and industrial activity [2][9] Segment Highlights - **Polyurethanes**: Revenues fell 7% year over year to $932 million, surpassing the estimate of $906 million, primarily due to lower average selling prices and reduced sales volumes [3] - **Performance Products**: Revenues decreased by 10% to $270 million, below the estimate of $300 million, driven by lower sales volumes attributed to reduced operating rates at the Moers facility in Germany [4] - **Advanced Materials**: Revenues declined 5% to $264 million, falling short of the estimate of $267 million, with decreases in both average selling prices and volumes due to unfavorable sales mix and reduced demand in coatings and aerospace markets [5] Financials - Free cash flow from continuing operations was $55 million, up from $5 million in the prior-year quarter [6] - The company had approximately $1.3 billion in combined cash and unused borrowing capacity as of June 30, 2025 [6] - Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $92 million in the reported quarter [6] Outlook - The company anticipates continued muted construction demand in the third quarter and has implemented cost-cutting measures, including the closure of the European Maleic Anhydride facility in Moers and other downstream facilities in North America and Europe [7] Stock Performance - Huntsman shares have declined by 57.1% over the past year, compared to a 25% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [8]

Key Takeaways EMN posted Q2 adjusted EPS of $1.60, down from $2.15 last year and below the consensus estimate.Eastman Chemical's Q2 sales fell 3% year over year to $2.29B, missing estimates amid weak end-market demand.EMN expects Q3 adjusted EPS of $1.25 and full-year operating cash flow of approximately $1 billion.Eastman Chemical Company (EMN) logged second-quarter 2025 earnings of $1.20 per share, a roughly 38% decline from the year-ago quarter's figure of $1.94.EMN posted adjusted earnings of $1.60 per ...

Core Insights - Albemarle Corporation (ALB) reported adjusted earnings of 11 cents per share for Q2 2025, an increase from 4 cents per share a year ago, and exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 83 cents [1][9] Financial Performance - Revenues decreased approximately 7% year over year to $1,330 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,243.2 million, primarily due to lower prices in the Energy Storage segment, although volume growth in Energy Storage and Specialties partially offset this decline [2] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $336.5 million, down from $386.4 million in the prior-year quarter, as a decline in lithium pricing outweighed lower average input costs and cost reduction measures [2] Segment Highlights - The Energy Storage unit's sales fell around 13.5% year over year to $717.7 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $589.4 million, with the decline attributed to reduced pricing despite a 15% increase in sales volumes [3] - The Specialties segment recorded sales of $351.6 million, up approximately 5.1% year over year, surpassing the consensus estimate of $344.7 million, as increased volumes offset low prices [4] - The Ketjen unit generated revenues of $260.8 million, down roughly 1.8% year over year, slightly beating the consensus estimate of $260 million, with higher prices offset by reduced volumes [4] Financial Position - At the end of the quarter, Albemarle had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1,806.8 million, an increase from $1,518.5 million in the prior quarter, while long-term debt rose to around $3,178.1 million, up about 1.6% sequentially [5] - Cash from operations for the first half of 2025 was around $538 million, reflecting a 15.7% increase from the prior-year period [5] 2025 Outlook - The company is implementing measures to enhance costs, productivity, and efficiencies to maintain its long-term competitive position, expecting volume growth in key end markets within the Specialties unit [6] - Capital expenditures for the full year 2025 are anticipated to be in the range of $650-$700 million [6] - Depreciation and amortization expenses are projected to be between $630-$670 million, with corporate costs expected to be $40-$70 million, and interest and financing expenses forecasted at $180-$210 million for the full year [7] Stock Performance - Albemarle's shares have declined by 24.9% over the past year, compared to a 19.4% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [8]

Core Viewpoint - Albemarle Corporation (ALB) is expected to report a decline in revenue for the second quarter of 2025, primarily due to weak lithium market prices and a projected overall revenue drop of 13.1% year-over-year [5][8]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALB's revenues for the upcoming quarter is $1,243.2 million, indicating a 13.1% decrease from the same quarter last year [5]. - The Energy Storage unit's revenue is expected to decline by 28.4% to $589 million [5][8]. - The Specialties unit is projected to see an 11.3% increase in net sales, estimated at $345 million [6][8]. - The Ketjen unit's net sales are expected to remain flat year-over-year at $260 million [6]. Performance Insights - ALB has missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three of the last four quarters, with an average negative earnings surprise of 136% [2]. - The company achieved a positive earnings surprise of 71% in the most recent quarter [2]. - ALB's shares have decreased by 19.2% over the past year, slightly better than the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry's decline of 19.4% [3]. Cost and Productivity Actions - The company has implemented cost-saving and productivity initiatives that are expected to support margins despite challenges from declining lithium prices [9][10]. - ALB has made significant progress in its cost and operating structure review, achieving approximately 90% of its $350 million cost and productivity improvement target [10]. Market Conditions - The performance of ALB is likely to be impacted by soft lithium market 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 have also contributed to weaker demand for lithium [11].

Core Viewpoint - Dow Inc. (DOW) is expected to report second-quarter 2025 results on July 24, with anticipated challenges from weak demand and pricing pressures despite productivity initiatives [1][6]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DOW's revenues in the upcoming quarter is $10,445.6 million, indicating a year-over-year decline of 4.6% [4]. - Revenue estimates for specific segments include: - Packaging & Specialty Plastics: $5,197.9 million, a decline of 5.8% year over year [4]. - Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure: $2,884.6 million, a decline of 2.3% year over year [4]. - Performance Materials & Coatings: $2,142.1 million, a decline of 4.5% year over year [7]. Factors Affecting Performance - DOW is facing headwinds from soft demand in Europe and China, with lower consumer spending and weak construction and manufacturing activities impacting performance [8][9]. - Inflationary pressures are affecting demand in consumer durables and construction, while automotive demand in Europe is also weak [9]. - The Performance Materials & Coatings segment is challenged by weak siloxane prices due to increased supply in Asia, particularly from China [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 expects to realize around $300 million in benefits from these actions in 2025, with full benefits anticipated by 2026 [11]. Earnings Prediction - The Earnings ESP for DOW is -53.04%, indicating a low likelihood of an earnings beat this quarter, with a consensus estimate of a loss of 8 cents [12][13]. - DOW currently holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [13].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry includes manufacturers of basic chemicals, plastics, specialty chemicals, and agricultural chemicals, serving various end markets such as automotive, construction, transportation, electronics, aerospace, and agriculture [3] - Basic chemicals produced include petrochemicals, polymers, and inorganic chemicals, while specialty chemicals are used in specific applications based on performance [3] Current Challenges - The industry is facing persistent demand weakness in key markets, particularly in consumer durables and building & construction, due to lower consumer spending driven by inflationary pressures in Europe and a slow recovery in China [1][4] - The U.S. housing market uncertainties and elevated borrowing costs are negatively impacting the building & construction sector, while the consumer electronics market is experiencing a slowdown post-pandemic [4][5] - In China, a sluggish real estate market and slower economic recovery are contributing to reduced chemical demand, compounded by the ongoing economic challenges in Europe due to high inflation and interest rates [5] Strategic Responses - Industry players such as DuPont, Albemarle, and Kronos are implementing strategic measures including cost reductions, productivity improvements, and aggressive price hikes to navigate the challenging environment [2][6] - Companies are focusing on operational efficiency and strengthening their balance sheets to enhance cash flows and sustain margins amid rising costs [6] Market Performance - The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry has underperformed both the S&P 500 and the broader Zacks Basic Materials sector, with a decline of 25.2% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's increase of 9.1% [9] - The industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 208, placing it in the bottom 15% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating bleak near-term prospects [7][8] Valuation Metrics - The industry is trading at a trailing 12-month enterprise value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio of 17.47X, which is below the S&P 500's 21.85X but above the sector's 15.61X [12] - Historical trading ranges for the industry have been between 8.76X and 19.29X over the past five years, with a median of 14.53X [12] Company Highlights - **DuPont**: Focused on technology-based materials and solutions, with a projected earnings growth rate of 4.9% for 2025. The company is benefiting from cost synergy savings and productivity improvements [15][16] - **Albemarle**: A premier specialty chemicals company with expected earnings growth of 28.6% for 2025, well-positioned to capitalize on the growing battery-grade lithium market [19][21] - **Kronos Worldwide**: Expected earnings growth of 20% for 2025, benefiting from higher demand for titanium dioxide (TiO2) products and easing pricing pressure [22][24]

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 - Dow Inc.'s shares have declined by 22% over the past three months due to soft end-market demand and pricing pressures in a challenging macroeconomic environment [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - Dow has underperformed compared to the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry's decline of 16.6% and the S&P 500's fall of 4.3% in the same period [2] - The stock has been trading below the 200-day simple moving average (SMA) since October 7, 2024, indicating a bearish trend [5][7] Group 2: Demand Challenges - Demand softness in Europe and China is impacting Dow, with lower consumer spending and weak construction and manufacturing activities [9] - The infrastructure end market, including residential construction, remains weak, and inflationary pressures are affecting demand in consumer durables [10] Group 3: Pricing Pressures - Dow's Performance Materials & Coatings unit is facing weak siloxane prices due to supply additions in Asia, which have negatively impacted sales [11] Group 4: Growth and Cost Management - Dow is focused on high-return growth projects and cost actions, expecting to deliver approximately $6 billion in cash support through infrastructure asset sales and cost savings [13] - The company plans to cut costs by $1 billion, including a workforce reduction of around 1,500 roles globally [13] Group 5: Financial Health - Dow has a strong balance sheet with over $11 billion in liquidity and has returned $2.5 billion to shareholders in 2024 [14] - The company offers a healthy dividend yield of 9.1%, which is perceived as safe and reliable despite a high payout ratio of 239% [15] Group 6: Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dow's 2025 earnings has been revised downward over the past 60 days, indicating declining earnings prospects [16] Group 7: Valuation - Dow is currently trading at a forward P/E of 43X, representing a 138% premium compared to the industry average of 18.07X [17]

Core Viewpoint - Koppers Holdings Inc. reported a loss of $13.9 million or 68 cents per share for Q1 2025, contrasting with a profit of $13 million or 59 cents per share in the same quarter last year. Adjusted earnings were 71 cents per share, up from 62 cents year-over-year and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 56 cents [1][2]. Financial Performance - Revenues for Koppers in Q1 2025 were $456.5 million, down approximately 8% year-over-year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $488 million [2]. - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $33.3 million, a decrease of around 24% from the previous quarter. Long-term debt increased to $975.9 million, up about 5% sequentially [5]. Segment Highlights - The Railroad and Utility Products and Services (RUPS) segment saw sales rise about 4% year-over-year to $235 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $230 million, driven by increased volumes and price rises [3]. - The Performance Chemicals (PC) segment recorded sales of $120.9 million, down around 20% year-over-year, falling short of the consensus estimate of $139 million due to reduced volumes [4]. - Sales from the Carbon Materials and Chemicals (CMC) division fell approximately 18% year-over-year to $100.6 million, missing the consensus estimate of $119 million, attributed to lower volumes and reduced prices [4]. Outlook - Koppers anticipates sales for 2025 to be in the range of $2 billion to $2.2 billion, slightly lower than the previous expectation of $2.17 billion, considering the competitive landscape and global economic conditions. The company expects adjusted EBITDA to be around $280 million and adjusted earnings per share to be $4.75 for 2025 [6]. - Capital expenditures are projected at $65 million for the year, with operating cash flows expected to be $150 million in 2025 [7]. Stock Performance - Koppers' shares have declined by 31.7% over the past year, compared to a 25.4% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [8].

Core Viewpoint - Innospec Inc. reported a decline in profits and revenues for the first quarter of 2025, with mixed performance across its business segments, particularly impacted by unfavorable market conditions and currency fluctuations [1][2][4]. Financial Performance - Innospec recorded a profit of $32.8 million or $1.31 per share, down from $41.4 million or $1.65 per share in the same quarter last year [1]. - Earnings, excluding one-time items, were $1.42 per share, a decrease from $1.75 per share a year ago, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.40 [1]. - Revenues fell approximately 12% year over year to $440.8 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $459.3 million [1]. Segment Performance - The Fuel Specialties unit experienced a decline in revenues of about 4% year over year to $170.3 million, below the consensus estimate of $180 million, due to unfavorable price/mix and currency impacts [3]. - The Performance Chemicals unit reported sales of $168.4 million, up around 5% year over year, but still below the consensus estimate of $174 million [2]. - Revenues in the Oilfield Services division plummeted around 37% year over year to $102.1 million, significantly lower than the consensus estimate of $113 million, affected by weak recovery in Latin America and lower activity in U.S. completions and production [4]. Cash Flow and Dividends - Innospec ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $299.8 million, reflecting a sequential increase of about 4% [5]. - Net cash provided by operating activities was $28.3 million, down from $80.6 million in the previous year [5]. - The company increased its semi-annual dividend by 10% and initiated a $50 million share buyback program [5]. Outlook - Innospec anticipates challenges in the Performance Chemicals and Oilfield Services segments due to the current economic environment, while expecting stability in the Fuel Specialties segment [6]. - The company is focused on positioning its businesses for growth and margin improvement as market conditions recover [6]. Stock Performance - Innospec's shares have declined by 31.3% over the past year, compared to a 24.9% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [7].