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.

As Q3 earnings season begins, three stocks are projected to deliver exceptional earnings growth exceeding 100%. Chime Financial expects 153.3% earnings growth with estimates up 60% in 60 days, Marqeta projects 275% growth with estimates up 40%, and Kronos Worldwide anticipates 188.9% growth with estimates up 128.6%. The broader S&P 500 is expected to report 24.6% year-over-year earnings growth, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth.

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.