Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) ranks 8th on our list of the S&P 500 stocks with a low PE ratio. On August 14, S&P Global Ratings downgraded EMN’s outlook to Negative from Stable, noting that there are sector pressures. The firm kept its ‘BBB’ rating intact. According to the rating agency, trade tensions and tariffs are anticipated to exert more pressure on product demand and shake up Eastman’s 2025 performance. During its Q2 earnings call, the company noted that American tariffs and retaliatory measu ...

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter results were in line with expectations, showing a rebound in Advanced Materials, which offset sluggish construction activity and tariff uncertainties, particularly in polyurethanes [6][8] - Positive cash flow was generated in the second quarter, despite a $25 million EBITDA impact due to aggressive inventory and working capital management [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advanced Materials showed normalized earnings, while construction activity remained disappointing [6][8] - The polyurethane segment faced challenges with low utilization rates, operating in the low to mid-80 percent range [12][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall market conditions are characterized by low inventories and muted consumer confidence, with expectations for gradual improvement in construction [7][8] - MDI utilization rates are expected to be higher in North America compared to China, which is operating at lower rates [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and is cautious about capital spending beyond necessary safety and maintenance [8][10] - There is an ongoing review of the asset portfolio, with a focus on creating value over volume [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a cautious outlook for the third quarter, indicating neither panic nor excessive optimism, while anticipating long-term improvements in construction [8] - The company is preparing for potential impacts from higher tariffs and interest rate cuts, aiming for better profit and loss outcomes [10][11] Other Important Information - The closure of the Maleka anhydride facility was due to a lack of competitiveness in the European market, with the decision made after exploring all options [60][61] - The company is not planning to build a new MDI plant, citing sufficient global capacity [51][53] Q&A Session Summary Question: MDI utilization rates in the second quarter and expectations for the third quarter - The industry is operating in the low to mid-80 percent range, with North America slightly higher and China lower [12][13] Question: Update on order books in July - The order books are stable, with customers ordering just in time due to low inventories [17][18] Question: Thoughts on the dividend - The board is carefully considering the dividend, focusing on cash generation and market conditions [29][30] Question: Impact of trade finality on customer behavior - Customers prefer clarity on trade policies to reduce volatility, which affects purchasing behavior [36][42] Question: Future of European footprint and MDI facility - The European facility is expected to remain competitive, with ongoing evaluations of operating costs [62] Question: Price declines in polyurethanes - A 5% year-over-year price decline was noted, primarily driven by competitive dynamics in Europe [90][91] Question: Expectations for MTBE margins - Margins are expected to struggle in the second half of the year, with typical seasonal performance [114] Question: Rate cuts and their impact on construction - The direction of rate cuts is more important than the amount, with potential for significant economic catalysis if multiple cuts are anticipated [116]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter results were in line with expectations, showing a rebound in Advanced Materials, which offset sluggish construction activity and tariff uncertainties, particularly in polyurethanes [5][6] - Positive cash flow was generated in the second quarter, despite a $25 million EBITDA impact due to aggressive inventory and working capital management [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advanced Materials showed normalized earnings, while construction activity remained weak, impacting overall performance [5][6] - Polyurethanes utilization rates were reported in the low to mid-80s percentile, with North America slightly higher than China [11][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Order books in July were described as stable, with customers ordering just in time due to low inventories [14][15] - The automotive sector in China continues to perform well, contrasting with struggles in Europe and North America [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and prudent capital spending, emphasizing value creation over volume [6][8] - There is an ongoing review of the asset portfolio, with a focus on bolt-on acquisitions in Advanced Materials rather than in the more volatile polyurethane sector [43][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about potential improvements in construction and consumer confidence, particularly in the long term [6][30] - The impact of tariffs and trade disputes remains a concern, with management advocating for clarity in trade policies to reduce volatility [35][40] Other Important Information - The closure of the Maleka anhydride facility was attributed to a lack of competitiveness in the European market, with the decision made after exploring all options [58][59] - The company does not foresee new MDI plants being built under current market conditions, citing sufficient existing capacity [48][102] Q&A Session Summary Question: MDI utilization rates in the second quarter and expectations for the third quarter - Management indicated that the industry is operating in the low to mid-80s percentile, with North America slightly higher and China lower [11][20] Question: Update on order books in July - Management described the situation as stable, with customers ordering just in time due to low inventories [14][15] Question: Thoughts on the dividend - The board is carefully considering the dividend, focusing on cash generation and market conditions, with no immediate changes expected [26][30] Question: Impact of trade finality on customer behavior - Management noted that volatility is the primary concern, and customers prefer clarity in trade policies to stabilize purchasing behavior [35][40] Question: Future of the European footprint and MDI facility - Management believes the Rotterdam facility will remain competitive for several years, despite market challenges [60][61] Question: Price declines in polyurethanes - A 5% year-over-year price decline was noted, primarily driven by competitive dynamics in Europe [89] Question: Expectations for MTBE margins - Management indicated that MTBE typically performs best during driving seasons, but struggles are expected to continue through the end of the year [113]

Financial Performance Overview - Revenues for 2Q25 were $1458 million, a decrease compared to $1574 million in 2Q24[8] - Net loss attributable to Huntsman Corporation was $(158) million in 2Q25, compared to a net income of $22 million in 2Q24[8] - Adjusted net loss was $(34) million in 2Q25, compared to an adjusted net income of $24 million in 2Q24[8] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $74 million in 2Q25 from $131 million in 2Q24[8] - Free cash flow from continuing operations increased to $55 million in 2Q25 from $5 million in 2Q24[8] Segment Performance - **Polyurethanes:** Revenues decreased to $932 million in 2Q25 from $1001 million in 2Q24, with adjusted EBITDA at $31 million (3% margin) compared to $80 million (8% margin) in 2Q24[10, 12] - **Performance Products:** Revenues decreased to $270 million in 2Q25 from $299 million in 2Q24, with adjusted EBITDA at $32 million (12% margin) compared to $46 million (15% margin) in 2Q24[19, 21] - **Advanced Materials:** Revenues decreased to $264 million in 2Q25 from $279 million in 2Q24, with adjusted EBITDA at $45 million (17% margin) compared to $52 million (19% margin) in 2Q24[27, 29] Cost Realignment Plans - The company plans to deliver ~$100 million in run rate benefits by the end of 2026[43] - Expected restructuring cash costs are approximately ~$100 million, with associated capital expenditures of ~$20 million[43] - The cost savings program is expected to provide a benefit of ~$65 million in 2025, excluding inflation[54] 3Q25 Outlook - Polyurethanes adjusted EBITDA is estimated to be between $35 million and $50 million[50] - Performance Products adjusted EBITDA is estimated to be between $20 million and $30 million[50] - Advanced Materials adjusted EBITDA is estimated to be between $40 million and $45 million[50] - Corporate adjusted EBITDA is expected to be around ~($40 million)[50]

Core Insights - Huntsman reported revenue of $1.46 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, a decrease of 7.4% year-over-year, with an EPS of -$0.20 compared to $0.14 in the same quarter last year [1] - The revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.48 billion by 1.26%, and the EPS was 33.33% below the consensus estimate of -$0.15 [1] Financial Performance - Huntsman's stock has returned -12.5% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.7% change, and currently holds a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) [3] - Sales volume for Polyurethanes decreased by 2%, while the average estimate was a decline of 5.4% [4] - Revenue from Polyurethanes was reported at $932 million, which is lower than the average estimate of $942.75 million, reflecting a year-over-year change of -6.9% [4] - Revenue from Advanced Materials was $264 million, slightly below the estimated $267.32 million, marking a -5.4% change year-over-year [4] - Performance Products revenue was reported at $270 million, compared to the average estimate of $292.22 million, indicating a -9.7% year-over-year change [4]

Core Insights - Huntsman Corporation reported a significant net loss of $158 million for Q2 2025, compared to a net income of $22 million in Q2 2024, indicating a challenging financial environment [2][10] - The company's revenues decreased to $1,458 million in Q2 2025 from $1,574 million in Q2 2024, reflecting a 7% decline [2][10] - Adjusted EBITDA fell to $74 million in Q2 2025, down from $131 million in the same period last year, highlighting operational difficulties [2][10] Financial Performance - Revenues for the first half of 2025 totaled $2,868 million, down from $3,044 million in the first half of 2024 [13] - The diluted loss per share for Q2 2025 was $0.92, compared to a diluted income per share of $0.13 in Q2 2024 [10][13] - Free cash flow from continuing operations improved to $55 million in Q2 2025, up from $5 million in Q2 2024 [7][10] Segment Analysis - The Polyurethanes segment saw a revenue decrease of 7% year-over-year, primarily due to lower average selling prices and sales volumes [4][13] - Performance Products segment revenues declined by 10%, driven by lower sales volumes despite stable average selling prices [5][13] - Advanced Materials segment revenues fell by 5%, attributed to lower average selling prices and reduced demand in coatings and aerospace markets [6][13] Cost Management and Restructuring - The company is implementing cost reduction measures, including the closure of its European Maleic Anhydride facility and a global workforce reduction of nearly 10% [3] - Restructuring efforts initiated at the end of 2024 have expanded in 2025, reflecting the need to adapt to current market conditions [3] Liquidity and Capital Resources - As of June 30, 2025, Huntsman had approximately $1.3 billion in combined cash and unused borrowing capacity [7] - Capital expenditures for Q2 2025 were $37 million, down from $50 million in Q2 2024, with expectations to spend between $180 million to $190 million for the full year [8][10] Tax and Effective Rates - The effective tax rate for Q2 2025 was reported at -5%, indicating a unique tax situation for the period [9]

Core Insights - Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) is scheduled to report its earnings on July 29, 2025, with historical data indicating a tendency for negative one-day returns post-earnings announcements, occurring in 60% of cases [2][3] Financial Performance - Analysts project earnings of $0.57 per share on revenues of $3.84 billion for the upcoming quarter, showing an improvement from the previous year's earnings of $0.47 per share on revenues of $3.60 billion [3] - Corning has an estimated market capitalization of around $48 billion, with $14 billion in revenue generated over the past twelve months, operational profits of $1.3 billion, and a net income of $454 million [4] Historical Earnings Reaction - Over the past five years, Corning has recorded 20 earnings data points, with 8 positive and 12 negative one-day returns, resulting in positive returns approximately 40% of the time [6] - The median of the 8 positive returns is 3.9%, while the median of the 12 negative returns is -3.1% [6] Post-Earnings Return Analysis - The correlation between short-term (1D) and medium-term (5D, 21D) returns can guide trading strategies, with a focus on pairs that show the strongest correlation [7] - Historical data indicates that the correlation between 1D and 5D returns can be utilized for positioning trades following earnings announcements [7] Competitor Influence - The performance of competitors can impact Corning's post-earnings stock response, with pricing effects potentially starting before the earnings announcement [8]

Summary of Conference Call Company Overview - The conference call discusses the performance and outlook of a company involved in the Additives and Functional Products, Advanced Materials, and Chemical Intermediates sectors. Key Points Industry and Business Segments - **Additives and Functional Products**: Expected to perform similarly or slightly better than Q1 due to stable end markets and a pause in tariffs [1] - **Advanced Materials**: Anticipated modest sequential improvement, with challenges in the automotive sector impacting performance [2] - **Fibers Business**: Expected to see favorable outcomes due to the tariff pause, although less than Additives and Functional Products [2] - **Chemical Intermediates**: Facing challenges with propylene and propane spreads, impacted by an unplanned outage at the Longview, Texas facility, resulting in a $15 million impact for the quarter [3][4] Financial Performance - The company is targeting $1.2 billion in cash flow for the year, with operational scenarios being evaluated for Q3 [5] - The impact of the unplanned outage and weakness in chemical intermediates may lead to performance at the low end of the expected range [4] - The company is navigating a dynamic environment with trade and tariff discussions affecting cash flow and operational efficiency [5][6] Market Conditions - The automotive sector remains challenging, with uncertainty about production levels in the second half of the year [2][7] - Stable end markets account for about 50% of the company's portfolio, with Europe showing stability at current demand levels [8] - Consumer confidence in the U.S. is relatively healthy compared to other regions, despite overall low levels [10] Cost Management - The company has seen lower propane and ethane prices, which could be beneficial in the second half of the year [11] - Cost savings initiatives have been increased, with a focus on making most savings permanent [12] - The company is converting fixed costs to variable costs to enhance operational efficiency [13][14] Circular Economy and Project Updates - The Department of Energy (DOE) pulled funding for a clean energy project, which was unexpected and disappointing for the company [18][19] - The company is exploring multiple paths forward for the Longview project, including potential re-scoping and leveraging existing contracts [20][22] - The Kingsport facility is performing well, with increased production levels expected in the second half of the year [34] Competitive Landscape - The company is gaining traction in processing hard-to-recycle materials, which is becoming a competitive advantage [36] - There is no significant change in the competition for feedstock material, and acquiring it remains manageable [37] Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about new applications and customer engagement, particularly in the context of mechanical recycling challenges [39] - Future discussions regarding expansion and new projects will depend on demonstrating progress and operational success [40] Conclusion - The company is navigating a complex market environment with a focus on operational efficiency, cost management, and strategic project developments while maintaining a positive outlook for the second half of the year.

Core Viewpoint - Huntsman Corporation reported a narrower loss in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year, but revenues fell short of expectations, indicating ongoing challenges in demand and pricing across its segments [1][5][6]. Financial Performance - The reported loss was 3 cents per share, an improvement from a loss of 22 cents per share in the same quarter last year [1]. - Adjusted loss per share was 11 cents, compared to a loss of 6 cents in the prior year, aligning with Zacks Consensus Estimate [1]. - Revenues totaled $1,410 million, down approximately 4% year over year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,479.2 million [1]. Segment Highlights - **Polyurethanes**: Revenues decreased by 2% to $912 million, missing estimates due to lower average selling prices, although sales volumes improved [2]. - **Performance Products**: Revenues fell 12% to $257 million, below estimates, primarily due to reduced sales volumes from lower customer demand and production outages [3]. - **Advanced Materials**: Revenues decreased by 5% to $249 million, falling short of estimates, driven by lower average selling prices and negative foreign currency impacts [4]. Cash Flow and Expenditures - Free cash flow from continuing operations was a use of $107 million, slightly higher than the $105 million used in the prior-year quarter [5]. - Capital expenditures were $36 million, down from $42 million in the previous year [5]. - As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $1.3 billion in combined cash and unused borrowing capacity [5]. Outlook - The company anticipates continued pressure on order patterns in key markets due to low visibility and customer uncertainty regarding demand trends [6]. - Huntsman is focusing on cost actions, including workforce reductions and asset optimization in Europe and North America [6]. - Capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be between $180 million and $190 million [7]. Stock Performance - Huntsman shares have declined by 53.1% over the past year, compared to a 25.5% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [8]. Zacks Rank - Huntsman currently holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), indicating a challenging outlook compared to better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials sector [9].