Key Takeaways Dow reports a Q3 adjusted loss of 19 cents per share, beating expectations.Quarterly sales fall 8% to $9.97 billion, missing estimates amid lower prices across all segments.Operating cash flow rises to $1.1 billion, driven by working capital gains and disciplined cost control.Dow Inc. (DOW) recorded a profit (on a reported basis) of $62 million or 8 cents per share for third-quarter 2025, down from a profit of $214 million or 30 cents per share a year ago. The bottom line was hurt by lower pri ...

Key Takeaways DOW will report Q3 2025 results on Oct. 23 before market open.Revenue estimates point to a 6.5% year-over-year decline to $10.18 billion.Dow's productivity gains may offset weak demand, pricing and maintenance headwinds.Dow Inc. (DOW) is scheduled to come up with third-quarter 2025 results before the opening bell on Oct. 23.DOW surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters and missed twice. It has a trailing four-quarter negative earnings surprise of 44.9% on aver ...

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]

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]

Core Insights - Eastman Chemical Company (EMN) reported second-quarter 2025 earnings of $1.20 per share, a decline of approximately 38% from $1.94 in the same quarter last year [1] - Adjusted earnings were $1.60 per share, down from $2.15 year-over-year, and below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.72 [1][9] - Revenues for the second quarter were $2,287 million, a decrease of around 3% year-over-year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,289.9 million [1][9] Financial Performance - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter stood at $423 million, with net debt at $4,703 million [6] - Cash provided by operating activities was $233 million, down approximately 37% year-over-year [6] - The company returned $145 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the quarter [6] Segment Performance - Advanced Materials segment sales fell 2% year-over-year to $777 million, beating the estimate of $770 million [3] - Additives & Functional Products segment sales increased by 7% year-over-year to $769 million, surpassing the estimate of $732 million [4] - Chemical Intermediaries segment sales decreased by 10% year-over-year to $463 million, missing the estimate of $529 million [5] - Fibers segment reported sales of $274 million, down 17% year-over-year, but beating the estimate of $252 million [5] Market Outlook - The company is facing significant challenges in the second quarter, with only modest signs of seasonal improvement across end markets [2] - EMN anticipates a challenging global macroeconomic environment in the second half, with cautious customer behavior due to changing tariffs and soft demand [7] - The company expects third-quarter adjusted earnings to be approximately $1.25 per share and aims for an operating cash flow of around $1 billion for the full year [7][9] Stock Performance - EMN's shares have declined by 25.5% over the past year, compared to a 22.8% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [10]

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]