EMN

DuPont delivered 4% organic sales growth in Q2 2026 driven by high-growth markets including healthcare, water, aerospace, and EVs. The company raised its full-year 2026 EBITDA and earnings guidance following acquisitions of Spectrum Plastics and Donatelle Plastics, and is targeting 3% productivity gains. Peer chemical companies Dow, Air Products, and Eastman Chemical also raised their 2026 guidance.

Eastman Chemical (EMN) receives a #3 (Hold) rating on the Zacks Rank with a VGM Score of B. The company benefits from attractive valuation metrics including a forward P/E ratio of 10.03 and a Value Style Score of A. Two analysts revised earnings estimates higher in the last 60 days, with the consensus estimate increasing to $6.47 per share and an average earnings surprise of +1.7%.

Air Products is advancing a $3 billion industrial gas backlog and expanding renewable ammonia strategy through NEOM and Yara partnerships, while implementing $250 million in annual cost savings from headcount reductions. However, the company faces headwinds from weak helium prices. Peer chemical companies including Dow, Eastman Chemical, and Celanese are also pursuing productivity initiatives and cost reduction programs to support earnings growth in 2026.

DuPont launched the Sugar Separation Advisor, a digital tool helping sugar and sweetener manufacturers evaluate chromatographic separation options using AmberLite resins. The company raised its 2026 full-year guidance for operating EBITDA and adjusted earnings following strong Q2 performance. Competitors Dow, Eastman Chemical, and Celanese also provided positive 2026 outlooks.

LyondellBasell is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings of $2.73 per share (up 170.3% YoY) with revenues of $8.47 billion (up 9.7% YoY) on October 30. However, the company has a negative Earnings ESP of -1.18%, suggesting analysts have recently become bearish on earnings prospects. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), the stock is not considered a compelling earnings-beat candidate.

The global textile recycling market is projected to grow from USD 6.4 billion in 2026 to USD 14.2 billion by 2036, with a 7.5% CAGR. Growth is driven by EPR mandates, regulatory pressure, and advances in chemical fiber-to-fiber recycling technologies. Europe leads the market, while Asia-Pacific is expected to post the fastest growth through 2036.

Dow Inc. exited Q2 with $14 billion in liquidity and generated $1.3 billion in operating cash flow. The company returned $253 million to shareholders through dividends in Q2, with a long-term target of returning 65% of operating net income.

Dow has no substantial debt maturities until 2029, supporting financial flexibility. The stock has gained 24.6% over the past year and trades at a forward P/S ratio of 0.48, below industry average.