AVNT

Avient (AVNT), a maker of resins for plastic products, is highlighted as a stock likely to beat upcoming earnings estimates. The company has a track record of beating earnings in recent quarters with an average surprise of 5.17%, a positive Earnings ESP of +0.58%, and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating, suggesting strong potential for another earnings beat in its November 4, 2026 report.

Avient (AVNT) and Innospec (IOSP), both Basic Materials stocks with Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), are outperforming their sector peers year-to-date. AVNT has returned 24.8% versus the sector average of 9.5%, while IOSP has gained 26.2%. Both stocks have seen improving analyst sentiment with consensus EPS estimates increasing 4% over the past three months.

Avient (AVNT) has been upgraded to Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) due to upward trends in earnings estimates. The company, which makes resins for plastic pipes and other products, is expected to earn $3.20 per share for fiscal year 2026.

Analysts have steadily raised estimates over the past three months, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing 3.9%. The upgrade positions Avient in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential near-term stock price appreciation.

Avient (AVNT), a Basic Materials company specializing in resins for plastic products, offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.91%, outperforming its industry average of 1.58%. With a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating, the company has increased dividends annually over the past 5 years at an average rate of 6.00%. Earnings are expected to grow 13.48% in 2026, supported by a conservative 36% payout ratio that provides room for future dividend growth.

Zacks highlights two stocks with Strong Buy ratings and value characteristics: Peoples Bancorp (PEBO), a financial holding company with a P/E of 10.20 and earnings estimate increases of 0.8% over 60 days, and Avient (AVNT), a specialty-materials company with a P/E of 12.58 and earnings estimate increases of 3.9% over 60 days. Both stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 and possess a Value Score of B.

Zacks highlights three Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks with attractive dividend yields: Gray Media Inc. (GTN) with 7.1% yield and 24.9% earnings estimate increase, Peoples Bancorp (PEBO) with 4.6% yield and 0.8% earnings increase, and Avient (AVNT) with 2.7% yield and 3.9% earnings increase over the last 60 days.

Avient (AVNT) has significantly outperformed the Basic Materials sector year-to-date, gaining 30.5% compared to the sector average of 11.5%. The stock holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) with improving analyst sentiment, as consensus earnings estimates have increased 3.9% over the past 90 days. Stepan Co. (SCL) is another strong performer in the same Chemical - Diversified industry, returning 31.3% year-to-date.

Zacks highlights two stocks with Strong Buy ratings and attractive value metrics: Industrial Logistics Properties Trust (ILPT) with a P/E of 5.24 and earnings estimate increases of 2.2%, and Avient (AVNT), a specialty-materials company with a P/E of 12.74 and earnings estimate increases of 3.9%.

Dow Inc. reported Q3 2026 adjusted EPS of 71 cents, beating consensus estimates, with sales rising 13% to $11.3B. The company's self-help initiatives and higher pricing offset rising input costs. Operating EBITDA reached $1.55B, and Dow remains on track to deliver $700M in transformation benefits in 2026 with approximately $2B total uplift expected by 2027.

Arkema S.A. has officially opened the expansion of its Shanghai R&D Center in China, increasing laboratory space by 20% and adding collaborative facilities including an interactive showroom. The expansion supports the company's focus on high-growth markets including energy, electronics, and mobility through sustainable materials research and development.

Zacks Equity Research designated GigaCloud Technology Group Inc. as the Bull of the Day due to its strong earnings growth, upward estimate revisions, and attractive valuation in the e-commerce logistics space. Conversely, Shoe Station Group Inc. was named the Bear of the Day as it faces declining sales, shrinking profit margins, and deteriorating earnings forecasts with no clear turnaround in sight.

BASF SE has launched new Ultradur RC1 grades containing up to 30% post-consumer recycled content for automotive applications. These glass fiber-reinforced compounds deliver performance comparable to conventional grades while helping customers meet sustainability goals and regulatory requirements for recycled content. The company will showcase the new materials at Fakuma 2026.

Ingevity Corporation (NGVT) shares have gained 33.9% over the past year driven by portfolio transformation, strategic divestitures, and disciplined capital allocation. The company is focusing on high-return markets and targeting $300 million in share repurchases through 2027.

However, challenges include weakness in the APT business segment, macroeconomic uncertainties, and softer North American auto production forecasts. NGVT carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.

Dow Inc. (DOW) is benefiting from high-return growth projects, cost initiatives, and advantaged feedstock positions, with over $1.3 billion in self-help benefits expected in 2026. However, the company faces headwinds from soft demand, seasonal construction weakness, and elevated energy and feedstock costs. DOW carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.

Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) announced a partnership with Albioma and the Beasley Group to construct the Altamaha Green Energy project, a 70-megawatt biomass cogeneration facility adjacent to its Jesup, Georgia manufacturing facility. RYAM will retain a 14% equity interest with an option to increase to 16%, and expects $8-10 million in annual distributions once operations begin in 2029. The project is projected to save RYAM $30 million in future capital expenditures while improving environmental performance and reliability.

Hawkins, Inc. (HWKN) has completed its acquisition of Eagle Labs, Inc., expanding its Water Treatment business into the Dallas-Fort Worth region of Texas. The acquisition adds two locations and brings HWKN's total Texas Water Treatment facilities to seven.

Eagle Labs brings expertise in coagulants and polymers along with established North Texas customer relationships. However, HWKN shares are down 30.7% over the past year and currently carry a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Ingevity Corporation (NGVT) shares have gained 30.6% over the past year, outperforming its industry. The company's portfolio optimization through divestitures and acquisitions, combined with improved cash flow generation and debt reduction to 2.5X leverage, has boosted investor confidence. NGVT is pursuing growth opportunities in PFAS filtration, biofuels applications, and capacity expansions while planning a $300 million share repurchase program through 2027.

Westlake Corporation announced the closure of its 165,000-metric-ton PVC plant in Cologne, Germany, to optimize costs and improve profitability amid weak demand, elevated energy costs, and rising Asian imports. The closure is expected to result in $205 million in pre-tax charges ($100 million cash, $105 million non-cash), with approximately $110 million recognized in 2026 and the remainder in 2027. The company will continue serving customers from lower-cost German PVC sites, including the recently acquired Wilhelmshaven facility.

Ashland Inc. (ASH) shares have surged 30.2% over the past six months, significantly outperforming its industry. The rally is driven by improved margin resilience from cost reductions and portfolio optimization, strong free cash flow generation of $103 million, and a doubled $1 billion share buyback authorization. The company's shift to a business-unit-focused operating model supports profitable growth in specialty chemicals.