Big chemical companies with a broad mix of products — spanning basic and specialty chemicals at once, so they serve many industries rather than just one.
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DuPont Launches Sugar Separation Advisor Digital Tool
DuPont de Nemours has launched the DuPont Sugar Separation Advisor, an interactive digital tool that helps sugar and sweetener manufacturers evaluate chromatographic separation opportunities and identify suitable DuPont AmberLite resins for further testing. The tool builds on decades of chromatography application expertise and years of experimental separation data, letting users select a target sugar or sweetener, add up to four additional sugars or impurities to represent their feed stream, and generate a predicted chromatogram that yields a qualitative separation assessment and candidate AmberLite resin suggestions. DuPont developed the platform in response to recurring customer questions involving sugars and sweeteners such as allulose, tagatose, sorbitol, oligosaccharides, xylose and inositol, and it could support applications ranging from high-fructose corn syrup and beet sugar processing to rare sugars, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and sugar alcohols. The launch expands access to DuPont's chromatography expertise as the company focuses on innovation, productivity and growth across healthcare, water and industrial markets. In August, DuPont raised the midpoint of its full-year 2026 operating EBITDA and adjusted earnings guidance after second-quarter outperformance, now expecting net sales of $7.16-$7.19 billion, operating EBITDA of $1.75-$1.77 billion and adjusted earnings of $7.17-$7.32 per share.
DD · Technology · Positive DuPont launched the Sugar Separation Advisor digital tool, expanding its chromatography product/tech offering for sugar and sweetener manufacturers
Arkema Invests €10 Million to Expand Global Battery R&D Center in France
Arkema announced a €10 million expansion project for its Global Battery Center of Excellence in Oullins-Pierre-Bénite, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The investment will triple the center's footprint and modernize its research infrastructure, including a significant increase in the digitalization of R&D activities. The expansion builds on the Group's global battery R&D network, which spans France, China, South Korea, Japan and the United States, and follows the September 2025 inauguration of a solvent-free battery electrode manufacturing laboratory in Normandy. Arkema said the project will let its researchers replicate customers' manufacturing conditions to accelerate integration of its advanced materials into cell makers' production processes and support batteries with greater energy density, faster charging and enhanced safety. Chief Technology Officer Armand Ajdari called the investment a major milestone in Arkema's ambition to support the rapid evolution of the battery market. The project received support from the French Research Tax Credit and the French State as part of the France 2030 program.
Arkema Appoints François Desné to Executive Committee as SVP High Performance Polymers and Fluorogases
Arkema has appointed François Desné as Senior Vice President High Performance Polymers and Fluorogases and a member of the Group's Executive Committee, effective 12 October 2026. He succeeds Laurent Tellier, who was appointed Arkema's Chief Operating Officer last July. Desné brings nearly 30 years of international experience in materials and chemicals, having served since 2022 as Chief Executive Officer of the Steel Wire Solutions and Bekaert Bridon Ropes Group divisions and as a member of the Bekaert Group Executive Committee. He previously held senior roles at Recticel, BASF and Rhodia, and holds a Master's degree in Physics from the Université of Paris-Cité, an MBA from the Wharton School and a Master's degree in International Business from the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. Arkema, which reported sales of around €9.1 billion in 2025 and operates in some 55 countries with 20,700 employees worldwide, is structured into three Specialty Materials segments — Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials and Coating Solutions — accounting for some 85% of Group sales in 2025, plus a Primary Materials segment.
AKE.PA · · Neutral Arkema appoints François Desné to its Executive Committee as SVP High Performance Polymers and Fluorogases; a leadership change with no clear financial driver.
Asahi Kasei's Biggest Profit Pillar Is Housing; Chemicals Slips to Third as Shares Rise Over 30% Since Last Autumn
In its fiscal year ending March 2026, Asahi Kasei's largest operating profit pillar was housing, not the chemicals business its name evokes. Among its three main pillars, Materials posted sales of 1.3062 trillion yen, accounting for 42.5% of consolidated revenue, but operating profit came to just 68.3 billion yen, falling below Housing's 99.7 billion yen and Healthcare's 83.4 billion yen to rank third. Operating margins tell the same story: Materials at 5.2%, versus Housing at 9.3% and Healthcare at 12.6%, meaning the largest business by scale is the least profitable. Materials saw both revenue and profit decline year on year, with sales down 4.6% and operating profit down 14.5%, while booking 164.8 billion yen in capital investment and 18.7 billion yen in impairment losses. Healthcare, by contrast, grew sales 7.8% to 664.1 billion yen and operating profit 30.3% to 83.4 billion yen, while Housing also rose 4.0% on both lines, to 1.0773 trillion yen in sales and 99.7 billion yen in operating profit. The share price climbed from the 1,100 yen range at the end of October 2025 to the 1,800 yen range by the end of February 2026, having traded near 1,600 yen in September, putting the gain from that starting point at more than 30%.
3407.JP · Capital · Neutral Materials (largest segment) saw sales down 4.6% and operating profit down 14.5% with impairment losses, while Housing and Healthcare grew profit, making the overall earnings picture mixed.
Mitsui Chemicals' New President Satoshi Ichimura Discusses Petrochemical Restructuring and Growth Areas
Satoshi Ichimura, president of Mitsui Chemicals, has laid out a management policy centered on restructuring the petrochemical business and expanding growth areas in life and healthcare, mobility, and ICT. Ichimura, who took office as president in April 2026, said that after the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, the company set up an emergency response meeting in March, switched naphtha procurement to regions outside the Middle East, and kept operations going with information provided by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In petrochemicals, the company will consolidate ethylene production at a single plant in Chiba Prefecture in eastern Japan together with Idemitsu Kosan in 2027, and in western Japan will consolidate the plants of Asahi Kasei and Mitsubishi Chemical at its Osaka works into one. Overseas sales account for about half of the total, and roughly 70 percent of sales in the growth areas. In dental materials, the company decided in June to acquire Ultradent, a U.S. dental materials maker that is the world leader in whitening, for about 140 billion yen.
4183.JP · Capital · Neutral Mitsui Chemicals' new president outlines petrochemical restructuring (ethylene consolidation with Idemitsu in Chiba) and growth-area expansion.
Ultradent Products, Inc. · Capital · Positive Ultradent, the world leader in whitening, is being acquired by Mitsui Chemicals for about 140 billion yen.
5019.JP · Competition · Neutral Idemitsu Kosan will consolidate ethylene production with Mitsui Chemicals at a single Chiba plant in 2027.
3407.JP · Competition · Neutral Asahi Kasei's western Japan plants are to be consolidated with Mitsubishi Chemical's at the Osaka works.
4188.JP · Competition · Neutral Mitsubishi Chemical's Osaka petrochemical plant is to be consolidated with Asahi Kasei's into one, a restructuring move affecting its petrochemical footprint.
Arkema Launches Foranext Continuum Additive for Polyurethane Foam
Arkema S.A. has launched Foranext Continuum, a new low-viscosity additive for rigid polyurethane foam formulations that use Forane Foam Blowing Agent 1233zd, expanding the company's high-performance polyurethane foam systems portfolio. The additive is designed to improve B-side shelf stability and help maintain formulation performance over time, supporting manufacturers as they shift to hydrofluoroolefin-based technologies, and is suitable for insulation, roofing, appliance and other rigid foam applications. The launch builds on Arkema's investments in HFO technology and supply reliability, including a new 15-kiloton Forane 1233zd production unit recently started up in Calvert City, Kentucky, to support growing customer demand. Foranext Continuum is available globally through Arkema's fluorochemicals business. Arkema shares have gained 3.2% in the past year compared with the industry's 1.8% rise over the same period.
AKE.PA · Technology · Positive Arkema launched Foranext Continuum, a new low-viscosity additive for rigid polyurethane foam, expanding its high-performance foam systems portfolio
AKE.PA · Supply · Positive New 15-kiloton Forane 1233zd production unit in Calvert City supports growing customer demand and supply reliability
Chemours, DuPont, Corteva Settle North Carolina PFAS Claims for US$455 Million
Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva reached a settlement with North Carolina and 11 nearby local entities on September 9, 2026, agreeing to pay US$455 million over 15 years to resolve PFAS-related claims tied to Chemours' Fayetteville Works facility and other contamination issues. The agreement clears a significant portion of Chemours' legacy PFAS exposure and introduces a shared, net-present-value framework under the companies' existing US$4.00 billion cost-sharing cap. The North Carolina deal follows Chemours' June 2026 agreement with the U.S. EPA, which added US$90 million of PFAS mitigation and a US$22.5 million civil penalty, as well as settlements with New Jersey and a water district. Chemours' narrative projects $6.6 billion in revenue and $686.0 million in earnings by 2029, requiring 4.7% yearly revenue growth and a $990.0 million earnings increase from -$304.0 million today, with a $19.78 fair value implying 37% upside. The most pessimistic analysts assume only about 3.3% annual revenue growth and roughly US$556 million of earnings by 2029.
CC · Regulation · Positive Settles North Carolina PFAS claims for $455M, clearing a significant portion of its legacy PFAS exposure under the existing cost-sharing cap.
CTVA · Regulation · Positive Corteva is party to the $455M North Carolina PFAS settlement, resolving claims within the companies' shared $4.00B cost-sharing framework.
DD · Regulation · Positive DuPont is party to the $455M North Carolina PFAS settlement, resolving legacy contamination claims under the shared cost-sharing cap.
Chemours Narrows Q2 Loss to $274 Million as Free Cash Flow Jumps 128%
The Chemours Company reported a second-quarter net loss attributable to the company of $274 million, or $1.81 per diluted share, an improvement from a $380 million loss, or $2.53 per share, a year earlier. Net sales were roughly flat at $1.6 billion, as a 4% volume decline was offset by a 2% price increase and a 1% currency tailwind, while adjusted EBITDA fell 5% to $247 million and adjusted net income dropped 30% to $64 million. Free cash flow jumped 128% year over year with conversion reaching 46%, operating cash flow climbed to $158 million from $93 million, and net leverage fell to 4.4 times EBITDA as the company paid down 230 million euros of its B-3 euro-denominated term loan due August 2028. Advanced Performance Materials posted the weakest segment result, with net sales down 6% and adjusted EBITDA down 48% to $26 million, while Thermal & Specialized Solutions adjusted EBITDA margin rose to 36% from 35%. Chemours guided third-quarter net sales to fall 5% to flat sequentially, with Thermal & Specialized Solutions sales sliding mid-teens to 20% as refrigerant demand cools further.
Olin and Huntsman Merger Clears HSR Antitrust Waiting Period
Olin Corporation and Huntsman Corporation announced that the waiting period under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 has expired for their pending merger of equals, satisfying one of the key closing conditions. Shareholders of both companies overwhelmingly approved the transaction on August 25, 2026. The closing remains subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of additional regulatory approvals that are already underway. Huntsman reported 2025 revenues of approximately $6 billion from continuing operations and operates more than 55 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 25 countries with roughly 6,000 associates. Olin is a vertically integrated global chemical manufacturer and a leading U.S. ammunition maker through its Winchester business.
HUN · Capital · Positive HSR antitrust waiting period expired and shareholders approved the merger of equals, advancing a key closing condition for Huntsman.
OLN · Capital · Positive HSR antitrust waiting period expired and shareholders approved the merger of equals, advancing a key closing condition for Olin.
DuPont, Chemours, Corteva to Pay $455M in North Carolina PFAS Settlement
DuPont de Nemours, Chemours and Corteva have agreed to pay $455 million to settle PFAS contamination claims in North Carolina, including discharges tied to the Fayetteville Works manufacturing site. The settlement resolves lawsuits brought by the state and 11 local governments near the plant, and also covers certain statewide claims involving PFAS contamination from other sources, including firefighting foam. Payments will be made over 15 years, beginning within 30 days of the agreement's execution, and the companies estimated the payments have a combined net present value of about $355 million. Of the $455 million total, $18 million is attributed to contamination allegations not connected to Fayetteville Works, with no more than $14.4 million of that amount relating to aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF. DuPont's pre-tax share has a present value of about $126 million, with 44%, or roughly $55 million, to be reimbursed by Qnity Electronics, leaving DuPont with an effective share of about $71 million before taxes and other adjustments; DuPont said its portion is largely covered by existing reserves. The agreement remains subject to the dismissal of the covered lawsuits, and the companies said PFAS remains a continuing legal risk, citing pending or potential personal-injury cases, natural-resource damage claims, remediation obligations and changing environmental regulations.
CC · Regulation · Negative Chemours is a party to the $455M North Carolina PFAS settlement resolving state and local contamination lawsuits tied to Fayetteville Works.
CTVA · Regulation · Negative Corteva is a party to the $455M PFAS settlement resolving North Carolina contamination claims, with continuing legal risk noted.
DD · Regulation · Negative DuPont agreed to pay its share of the $455M PFAS settlement, with an effective pre-tax share of about $71M largely covered by existing reserves.
Chemours, DuPont and Corteva Settle North Carolina PFAS Claims for $455 Million
The Chemours Company, DuPont de Nemours and Corteva have entered into a settlement with the State of North Carolina and 11 local entities near Chemours' Fayetteville Works facility to resolve PFAS-related litigation. Overall settlement payments total $455 million over 15 years, beginning within 30 days of the agreement's execution, with $18 million of that amount attributed to alleged PFAS contamination unrelated to Fayetteville Works. Under the January 2021 Memorandum of Understanding, Chemours is responsible for 50% of settlement payments, a share of approximately $180 million on a net present value basis that is covered by existing accruals, while DuPont and Corteva carry the remaining 50%. For purposes of calculating qualified spend, the settlement amount will account for approximately $210 million, and all future contributions to the MOU escrow account are considered satisfied, including Chemours' $50 million escrow contribution that would have been due in September 2026. The agreement recognizes progress under the 2019 Consent Order, including substantial reductions in PFAS emissions from Fayetteville Works, and remains subject to entry of dismissals of the covered litigations.
CC · Regulation · Positive Chemours resolves North Carolina PFAS litigation for a $455M settlement, with its ~$180M share covered by existing accruals and future MOU escrow obligations satisfied.
CTVA · Regulation · Positive Corteva shares the remaining 50% of the $455M North Carolina PFAS settlement, resolving covered litigation and satisfying future MOU escrow contributions.
DD · Regulation · Positive DuPont shares the remaining 50% of the $455M North Carolina PFAS settlement, resolving covered litigation and satisfying future MOU escrow contributions.
Mitsui Chemicals up 6% as Q1 operating profit triples, PBR at 0.96x looks cheap
Mitsui Chemicals' stock rose to 2,320 yen on September 1, up 6% from the previous trading day. The company's operating profit for the first quarter of fiscal year ending March 2027 expanded to 48.4 billion yen, 3.8 times the year-ago level, reaching 58% of the full-year forecast of 83 billion yen. Revenue was 460 billion yen, up just over 10% year on year, but profit growth was significant, clearly showing improved profitability. However, the PBR is 0.96 times, below 1 time, and ROE is 4.0%, below the chemical industry median of 6.6%, indicating that profitability metrics still lag the industry average. The market is trying to determine whether this profitability improvement is sustainable, with next quarter's results being the focus.
Jinhe Industrial's 2026 interim net profit was 256 million yuan, down 23.51% year-on-year
Jinhe Industrial released its 2026 interim report. The company's total operating revenue was 3.037 billion yuan, and net profit attributable to the parent was 256 million yuan, down 23.51% from the same period last year. Net cash inflow from operating activities was 439 million yuan, the asset-liability ratio was 27.73%, gross margin was 19.60%, ROE was 3.21%, and diluted earnings per share was 0.45 yuan. The company had 31,800 shareholders, and the top ten shareholders held 55.37% of the total share capital.
Huayang New Materials' 2026 interim net profit was 2.3726 million yuan, down 97.11% year-on-year
Huayang New Materials released its 2026 interim report. Total operating revenue was 241 million yuan, up 60.43% year-on-year, but net profit attributable to the parent was only 2.3726 million yuan, a sharp year-on-year decline of 97.11%. Net cash flow from operating activities was negative 78.9919 million yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 43.2135 million yuan. The company's asset-liability ratio rose to 93.31%, up 8.28 percentage points year-on-year. Gross margin was 11.51%, up 10.97 percentage points year-on-year, achieving three consecutive years of growth. ROE was 4.05%, down 53.13 percentage points year-on-year. Diluted earnings per share were 0.00 yuan, down 97.12% year-on-year.
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Forecasts Operating Profit of 300 Billion Yen for FY2027, Stock Flat with PBR at 0.87x
Mitsubishi Chemical Group expects operating profit of 300 billion yen for the fiscal year ending March 2027, an increase of about nine times from the previous year's 30 billion yen. As of August 27, the company's stock price was 1,171 yen, with a PBR of 0.87 times, below its net assets. The previous year's operating profit fell sharply due to an impairment loss of 98.4 billion yen, but core operating profit was nearly flat at 225 billion yen. First-quarter operating profit was 118.4 billion yen, with a progress rate of 39.5% against the full-year forecast, exceeding the plan. The company cites uncertainty due to rising raw material and fuel prices amid Middle East tensions, but the first-quarter profit margin was 11.8%, above the full-year forecast of 7.9%, suggesting the plan is conservative.
4188.JP · Capital · Positive Company forecasts FY2027 operating profit of 300 billion yen, ~9x the prior year, with Q1 profit margin of 11.8% above the full-year plan.
Olin and Huntsman Shareholders Approve All-Stock Merger
Olin Corporation and Huntsman Corporation have received overwhelming shareholder approval for their all-stock merger of equals, creating OlinHuntsman Corporation, a leading North American integrated chemicals producer. At Olin's special meeting, approximately 97% of votes cast, representing 81% of outstanding shares, supported the deal, while Huntsman saw roughly 99% of votes cast, representing 75% of outstanding shares, in favor. The combined company is expected to have about $12.5 billion in 2025 revenues and a broader manufacturing footprint across North America, Europe, and Asia. The merger is projected to deliver more than $400 million in total cost synergies and integration benefits, including over $300 million from purchasing efficiencies, raw material integration, operational optimization, and SG&A savings, plus an additional $100 million in raw material integration benefits beginning in 2031 and about $125 million in cash tax benefits. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
Xin'an Co. first-half net profit up 268.03% year on year
Xin'an Co. released its 2026 semi-annual report, achieving operating revenue of 8.563 billion yuan, up 6.26% year on year; net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company was 254 million yuan, up 268.03% year on year. Second-quarter net profit was 158 million yuan, first-quarter net profit was 96 million yuan, with second-quarter net profit up 64% quarter on quarter.
Sumitomo Chemical surges, first-quarter operating profit for fiscal 2027 up 2.4 times
Sumitomo Chemical's share price jumped more than 7 percent from the previous day on August 21, reaching 560 yen, its highest level in the past month. First-quarter operating profit for fiscal 2027 swelled to 61 billion yen, 2.4 times the same period a year earlier, while profit attributable to owners of the parent swung to a profit of 40.7 billion yen. Progress against full-year forecasts reached 34.5 percent for operating profit and 58.1 percent for net profit. Meanwhile, the equity ratio stands at 29.6 percent, less than half the chemical industry median of 64.4 percent, and some analysts point out that financial leverage is amplifying the swings in the share price.
Huayang New Materials Hit with Two Lawsuits After Selling Subsidiary for 1 Yuan, Accused of Evading Debt
Huayang New Materials has received two lawsuits in August after transferring 100% equity in its subsidiary, Bio New Materials, for 1 yuan, and is accused of excessive control over asset disposal and evading debt. On August 12, Yangzhou Huitong Technology filed a lawsuit against Bio New Materials and Huayang New Materials over a construction contract dispute, claiming unpaid project payments of 58.389 million yuan and overdue interest of 5.4667 million yuan, and demanding joint liability from the two companies. In early August, Shanxi Yunzhuo Construction Group sued Huayang New Materials, Taihua Group, and Bio New Materials over a creditor's right of revocation dispute, claiming unpaid project payments of 15.1964 million yuan, and requesting that the equity transfer agreement be revoked and the equity be returned and registered under Huayang New Materials. The combined principal and provisional interest in the two cases total nearly 80 million yuan, and both are currently in the first-instance stage and have not yet opened. Huayang New Materials expects attributable net profit of 2 million to 3 million yuan in the first half of 2026, a year-on-year decrease of 79.13 million to 80.13 million yuan, with non-GAAP net profit of negative 32 million to negative 23 million yuan.
600281.CG · Regulation · Negative Facing two lawsuits alleging debt evasion and unpaid project payments totaling nearly 80 million yuan, with potential liability and equity transfer revocation.
山西华阳生物降解新材料有限责任公司 · Regulation · Negative Subject of lawsuits over unpaid project payments and equity transfer revocation, facing joint liability claims.
扬州惠通科技股份有限公司 · Regulation · Negative Filed lawsuit against Bio New Materials and Huayang New Materials for unpaid project payments, seeking joint liability.
U.S. court approves New Jersey PFAS settlements totaling $2.5 billion
A federal judge approved more than $2.5 billion in settlements reached by New Jersey with DuPont, 3M, Chemours, and Corteva to resolve claims over PFAS pollution. The settlement with DuPont entities, valued at more than $2 billion, is the largest environmental settlement ever achieved by a single state, while the combined settlements with DuPont entities and 3M total approximately $2.5 billion. Chemours and Corteva were part of DuPont prior to spinoffs. The judge called the total value an impressive windfall given litigation risks and said the settlements were fair, reasonable, and in the public interest.
Core Subsidiary of *ST Weiming Halts Production for Over 15 Months, Intensifying Delisting Risk
The core subsidiary of *ST Weiming, Tianjin Weiming, has suspended production for more than 15 months, far exceeding the previously promised three-month resumption deadline. This has widened the company's main business losses and heightened delisting risks. The company expects a first-half 2026 loss of 90 million to 120 million yuan, with the loss expanding by 33.72% to 78.30% year-on-year, while its core net profit also recorded a substantial loss. Tianjin Weiming's key product is interferon, which generated revenue of 217 million yuan in 2024, accounting for 60.09% of the company's total revenue. Since April 2025, it has been ordered to halt production for failing to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice standards and has yet to resume operations. The company previously used the gross method to recognize revenue from its intermediary trading of Chinese herbal medicine pieces to avoid a delisting risk warning. After correcting an accounting error, it reduced revenue by 79.021 million yuan, causing its 2025 revenue after deduction to fall to 272 million yuan. Combined with dual losses, this led to a delisting risk warning being imposed in April 2026. For this information disclosure violation, the Shandong Securities Regulatory Bureau issued a warning letter, and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange concurrently issued a public reprimand to the company and its then-serving senior executives. Although the company holds a 26.91% stake in Beijing Kexing and receives annual dividends of approximately 135 million yuan, this income is classified as non-recurring and cannot offset the main business losses. If the 2026 annual report again shows dual losses in net profit and core net profit, with revenue below 300 million yuan, the company will be delisted.
Chemours targets 2026 adjusted EBITDA of $775M to $825M and net leverage around 3.8x
Chemours outlined full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA expectations of between $775 million and $825 million while targeting a net leverage ratio of approximately 3.8x by year-end. President and CEO Denise Dignam said second-quarter adjusted EBITDA exceeded expectations, supported by stronger operational performance, an improved product mix in Advanced Performance Materials, lower corporate costs, and pricing strength in Titanium Technologies. Senior Vice President and CFO Shane Hostetter guided third-quarter consolidated adjusted EBITDA to a range of $175 million to $205 million, with a sharp sequential decline in Thermal and Specialized Solutions due to aftermarket destocking, and set full-year net sales growth of 1% to 5% over 2025 alongside free cash flow conversion above 25%. Management also signaled openness to portfolio actions, with Dignam stating that no portfolio action is off the table where it can unlock a step change in shareholder value.
The Chemours Company reported second quarter 2026 net sales of $1.6 billion, approximately flat year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA of $247 million came in near the high end of its guidance range and free cash flow improved 128% to $114 million. Net loss attributable to Chemours narrowed to $274 million, or $1.81 per diluted share, from a loss of $380 million, or $2.53 per diluted share, a year earlier, with the prior-year period weighed down by a New Jersey settlement and the current quarter impacted by legal and environmental reserves tied to EPA and WVDEP settlements. Adjusted net income fell to $64 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, from $91 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, partly due to tax impacts from the Kuan Yin property sales. The company paid down €230 million of its B-3 Euro-denominated Term Loan, reducing gross debt to $3.9 billion and net leverage to 4.4 times. For the third quarter, Chemours expects consolidated adjusted EBITDA between $175 million and $205 million, with free cash flow of at least $50 million, and it maintained its full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA outlook of $775 million to $825 million.
Monteverde & Associates investigates mergers of Planet 13, Olin, Huntsman, and First Seacoast
Monteverde & Associates PC, a class action firm, is investigating four proposed mergers. Planet 13 Holdings Inc. is merging with Vireo Growth Inc., with Planet 13 shareholders expected to receive 0.015383618 shares of Vireo for each Planet 13 share. Olin Corporation is merging with Huntsman Corporation, and Olin shareholders will own approximately 54.5% of the combined company, with a shareholder vote scheduled for August 25, 2026. Huntsman Corporation is being sold to Olin Corporation, and Huntsman shareholders are expected to receive 0.5476 shares of Olin for each Huntsman share, also with a vote on August 25, 2026. First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. is being sold to Cambridge Financial Group, Inc., and First Seacoast shareholders are expected to receive $17.25 per share in cash, with a shareholder vote scheduled for August 27, 2026.
FSEA · Capital · Positive Acquired for $17.25 per share in cash, a premium to market.
HUN · Capital · Positive Being acquired by Olin, shareholders receive 0.5476 Olin shares per share.
OLN · Capital · Positive Merging with Huntsman, shareholders will own 54.5% of combined company.
Planet 13 Holdings Inc. · Capital · Positive Being acquired by Vireo, shareholders receive 0.015383618 Vireo shares per share.
Vireo Growth Inc. · Capital · Positive Acquiring Planet 13 in a stock-for-stock merger.
Cambridge Financial Group, Inc. · Capital · Positive Acquiring First Seacoast Bancorp for $17.25 per share in cash is a positive M&A deal for Cambridge Financial Group.
Sumitomo Chemical Q1 Core Operating Income Surges to ¥62.3 Billion
Sumitomo Chemical reported a sharp rise in first-quarter core operating income to 62.3 billion yen, up 34.7 billion yen year on year, marking its second-best Q1 on record. Consolidated sales revenue reached 578.2 billion yen, while net income attributable to owners of the parent swung to a profit of 40.8 billion yen from a loss a year earlier. The Essential and Green Materials segment drove the improvement with core operating income of 27.2 billion yen, up 32.7 billion yen, helped by better margins at Petro Rabigh and inventory valuation gains. Agro and Life Solutions also contributed, with core operating income rising 7.4 billion yen to 9.6 billion yen on steady crop protection shipments and improved feed additive margins. However, ICT and Mobility Solutions saw core operating income fall 5.3 billion yen to 13 billion yen due to lower polarizing film prices and the absence of a prior-year gain, while Advanced Medical Solutions posted a core operating loss of 1.9 billion yen. The company maintained its full-year forecast, citing uncertainty from Middle East turmoil, and kept its annual dividend forecast at 16 yen per share.
Huntsman Posts Narrower Q2 Loss, Reaffirms Olin Merger with $300 Million Synergy Target
Huntsman Corporation reported second-quarter 2026 sales of US$1,663 million and a net loss of US$6 million, an improvement from prior losses, and declared a US$0.0875 per share cash dividend payable on September 30, 2026 to shareholders of record on September 15, 2026. The company also reaffirmed its proposed merger with Olin, highlighting an expected US$300 million in synergies and additional benefits after a key chlorine supply contract expires, reinforcing its push toward higher-margin specialty products and efficiency gains. The reaffirmed merger remains the central catalyst for Huntsman's strategy, with management emphasizing specialty products and efficiency against risks of overcapacity, weak housing demand, and high European costs.
Huntsman Q2 Revenue Rises but Stock Slides 19% in a Day
Huntsman posted higher second-quarter 2026 sales and a narrower net loss, yet its shares fell 19.14% in a single day and are down 33.29% over 90 days. The company also declared a new dividend alongside the earnings release. A widely followed community narrative values the stock at $14.25, implying it is 32% undervalued from its last close of $9.76, while a Simply Wall St discounted cash flow model estimates fair value at $9.11, suggesting a slight premium. The bullish case rests on demand for advanced materials and polyurethanes tied to sustainability and electric vehicle trends, while bears point to overcapacity and weak construction demand as key risks.
Mitsubishi Chemical Group raises first-half net profit forecast to 86 billion yen
Mitsubishi Chemical Group has revised upward its consolidated net profit forecast for the April–September 2026 period to 86 billion yen, from the previous 59 billion yen. Inventory valuation gains arose from soaring naphtha prices due to turmoil in the Middle East, while temporary demand increases driven by customers' raw material procurement concerns and strong semiconductor-related sales also contributed. The full-year net profit forecast remains unchanged at 127 billion yen, with the company noting that assessing second-half performance is difficult.
4188.JP · Supply · Positive Inventory valuation gains from soaring naphtha prices due to Middle East turmoil, plus temporary demand from customers' procurement concerns and strong semiconductor sales, boost first-half profit forecast.
Arkema Reports 7% EBITDA Growth in Q2 Driven by Pricing and Mix
Arkema reported second-quarter sales of 2.4 billion euros, up 3.2% year-on-year organically, with EBITDA rising 7% to 391 million euros and the EBITDA margin expanding 90 basis points to 16.1%. Recurring EBIT increased 11% to 220 million euros, while adjusted net income reached 129 million euros, or 1.70 euros per share. The Adhesive Solutions segment achieved its best-ever quarter with EBITDA up 7% and a margin of 15.1%, driven by a mix shift toward higher-value durable goods and pricing actions. Coating Solutions saw a strong recovery with EBITDA significantly up and a margin of 18.5%, while Advanced Materials maintained a solid margin of around 19% despite a significant decline in Performance Additives due to the Middle East crisis and weak demand. Growth projects contributed approximately 25 million euros in additional EBITDA in the first half, on track for the full-year target of 50 million euros.
Mitsubishi Chemical halts operations at Kumamoto plant after earthquake, affecting LCD film production
Mitsubishi Chemical Group announced on the 29th that it has suspended operations at its Kumamoto plant since the 28th, following an earthquake that registered a seismic intensity of 7 in Kumamoto Prefecture. The plant manufactures films for liquid crystal displays, and there is no timeline for recovery.
Several once-reliable dividend payers are showing signs that their payouts remain unsustainable even after recent cuts. Huntsman slashed its quarterly dividend by roughly 65% in late 2025, yet continues to post negative earnings and burned $53 million in operating cash flow in the first quarter of 2026. Nordic American Tankers' dividend swung 450% in eighteen months, but trailing earnings of $0.27 per share fall far short of the $0.62 per share payout, and capital expenditures dwarfed operating cash flow in 2025. Newell Brands cut its dividend by about 70% in early 2023, but has since reported three straight years of net losses and saw operating cash flow drop from $930 million in 2023 to negative $233 million in the first quarter of 2026. BCE Inc. has reduced its quarterly payout by more than 50% over two years, yet management guides for a 5% to 11% decline in 2026 adjusted earnings per share while funding a $1.7 billion data center build with debt. Dow Inc. halved its dividend in mid-2025, but full-year 2025 free cash flow was negative $1.447 billion against $1.49 billion in dividend payments, and reported earnings per share remained negative in four of the last five quarters.
BCE · Capital · Negative BCE cut dividend by >50% over two years, guides for 5-11% decline in 2026 adjusted EPS, and funds $1.7B data center build with debt, indicating financial strain.
DOW · Capital · Negative Dow halved dividend in mid-2025, but 2025 FCF was -$1.447B vs $1.49B in dividends, and EPS negative in 4 of last 5 quarters, showing payout unsustainability.
HUN · Capital · Negative Huntsman cut dividend ~65% in late 2025, yet continues negative earnings and burned $53M operating cash flow in Q1 2026, indicating ongoing financial weakness.
NAT · Capital · Negative Nordic American Tankers' dividend swung 450% in 18 months, but trailing EPS of $0.27 falls short of $0.62 payout, and capex dwarfed operating cash flow in 2025.
NWL · Capital · Negative Newell Brands cut dividend ~70% in early 2023, but has three straight years of net losses and operating cash flow dropped from $930M to -$233M in Q1 2026.
Xin'an Shares expects first-half net profit to rise 247% to 276% year-on-year
Xin'an Shares disclosed an earnings forecast, estimating that net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company in the first half of 2026 will be 240 million to 260 million yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 247.46% to 276.41%. The company stated that the profit growth was mainly driven by the gradual recovery of the macro economy and an improvement in industry supply and demand dynamics, leading to a steady rise in the market prices of its main products.
Xin'an Shares expects first-half net profit to rise 247% to 276% year-on-year
Xin'an Shares announced that it expects net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company for the first half of 2026 to be between 240 million and 260 million yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 247% to 276%. The change in performance is mainly due to higher market selling prices for its main products, cost control, and an increased proportion of sales from high-value-added products. The company's net profit for the first quarter was 96 million yuan, implying that second-quarter net profit is expected to rise 49% to 70% quarter-on-quarter.
On July 8, multiple research firms upgraded their investment ratings on five stocks. Nikko upgraded GLP from Neutral to Bullish, raising its target price from 153,000 yen to 175,000 yen. Tokai Tokyo upgraded Tokuyama from Neutral to Bullish, raising its target price from 3,670 yen to 5,560 yen. Mito upgraded AGC from B to B+, with a target price of 7,700 yen. Nikko upgraded Nippon Building Fund from Neutral to Bullish, raising its target price from 155,000 yen to 160,000 yen. Nikko also upgraded Japan Real Estate Investment from Neutral to Bullish, raising its target price from 142,000 yen to 148,000 yen.
DuPont de Nemours Is A Top Stock To Buy According To Billionaire Jeffrey Talpins
DuPont de Nemours is one of the 10 best stocks to buy according to billionaire Jeffrey Talpins. The chemicals giant's shares have risen 53% over the past year and 14% year-to-date. RBC Capital maintained an Outperform rating, adjusting its price target to $51 from $48 in January, while Citi kept a Buy rating and raised its target to $170 from $68. In May, DuPont reported first-quarter net sales of $1.7 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $0.55, beating analyst estimates of $1.687 billion and $0.48, sending shares 8.4% higher on May 5th.
Chemours’ PFAS settlement includes $90 million in mitigation projects over 15 years
Chemours has reached a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and West Virginia authorities to resolve PFAS-related claims at several facilities. The company will pay a $22.5 million civil penalty over three years and commit $90 million to mitigation projects over 15 years. The agreement clarifies future environmental compliance obligations and expands off-site drinking water programs, which is expected to increase environmental reserves. This settlement addresses one of the largest outstanding U.S. environmental disputes for Chemours, reducing near-term legal exposure but embedding higher long-term mitigation spending that could weigh on free cash flow.
Eastman Chemical currently holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a Value grade of A, suggesting it may be undervalued. The stock has a forward P/E ratio of 9.55, below the industry average of 12.70, and a price-to-book ratio of 1.27, compared to the industry average of 2.06. Over the past year, its forward P/E ranged from 7.66 to 13.09, while its P/B ranged from 1.14 to 2.33. These metrics, combined with a positive earnings outlook, indicate Eastman Chemical could be a compelling value stock.
EMN · Capital · Positive Article highlights low P/E and P/B ratios relative to industry, suggesting undervaluation, and assigns a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and Value grade A.
DuPont enacts 1-for-3 reverse stock split and joins Russell defensive indices
DuPont de Nemours has enacted a 1-for-3 reverse stock split, consolidating every three existing shares into one new share, and has been added to the Russell 1000 Defensive and Russell 1000 Value-Defensive Indices. The reverse split reduces the number of shares outstanding and proportionally increases the per-share price without changing the company's overall market value, while the board maintained a quarterly dividend of US$0.60 per share adjusted for the new share structure. The index inclusions may increase visibility with large index-tracking and rules-based funds, potentially broadening the investor base. Investors may want to monitor how trading volumes, price behavior, and fund ownership patterns evolve as these changes are absorbed by the market.
DD · Capital · Positive Reverse stock split and index inclusion are financial/valuation events that may attract index-tracking funds and broaden investor base.
DuPont de Nemours Boosts Quarterly Dividend by 200% to $0.60 Per Share
DuPont de Nemours declared a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per share on June 24, 2026, a 200% increase from its previous payout, marking one of the sharpest single-quarter dividend resets by a blue-chip industrial company this year. The dividend is payable on September 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of August 31. The move follows a 58% rise in DuPont's stock over the past 52 weeks and a 13% gain year-to-date, with the company reporting first-quarter net sales of $1.7 billion, up 4%, and adjusted earnings per share of $0.55. DuPont also completed the Aramids divestiture on April 1 and announced a $275 million accelerated share repurchase, while full-year guidance points to about 4% organic sales growth. Analysts rate the stock a consensus Strong Buy with an average price target of $167.60, implying roughly 22% upside from current levels.
Chemours to pay $450 million in first federal PFAS settlement, North Carolina calls deal 'an insult'
The Trump administration has reached a multi-state settlement with Chemours over illegal PFAS discharges, marking the first time the federal government has settled with a manufacturer of these 'forever chemicals.' The agreement requires Chemours to pay an estimated $450 million in penalties and relief programs, including $22.5 million in civil penalties and $90 million over 15 years to reduce contamination in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey. The company will also spend $60 million on pollution-control systems at its West Virginia facility and $280 million to provide clean drinking water protection near its locations in West Virginia and New Jersey, while reducing PFAS releases in North Carolina pending an independent assessment. North Carolina's attorney general Jeff Jackson blasted the deal as a 'backroom deal' that does practically nothing to clean up the state's water, calling it 'an insult to the people of eastern North Carolina.' The settlement allows Chemours to continue manufacturing PFAS for commercial and military applications but aims to prevent further contamination.
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