KRO

Kronos Worldwide (KRO) has seen its shares surge 72.2% year-to-date, driven by a 16% increase in titanium dioxide sales volumes, market-share gains, and improving profitability. The company is implementing cost-reduction and pricing initiatives to support margin expansion, while maintaining strong liquidity with $261 million in revolving credit availability.

Kronos Worldwide (KRO) has significantly outperformed its Basic Materials sector peers in 2026, returning 72.2% year-to-date compared to the sector average of 10.8%. The stock holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating with analyst consensus estimates for full-year earnings rising 205.2% in the past quarter, indicating strong improving sentiment. Quaker Chemical (KWR) is also highlighted as another outperforming Basic Materials stock with a 13.6% return and Zacks Rank #2 rating.

As Q3 earnings season begins, three stocks stand out with projected earnings growth exceeding 100%: Chime Financial, Marqeta, and Kronos Worldwide. All three companies have received upward estimate revisions and demonstrated strong earnings surprises in recent quarters, supported by a broader earnings outlook showing S&P 500 earnings expected to grow 24.6% year-over-year.