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Chemical Stock Q1 Earnings Due on May 2: FMC, WLK & More
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A host of chemical companies are gearing up to report their quarterly numbers on May 2. The chemical industry is gradually gaining strength on continued momentum across automotive and construction – the two key end-markets for chemicals. While the industry remains exposed to several headwinds including concerns over China’s economy and weak demand in the energy and agriculture markets, its upturn is expected to last this year on continued strength in the light vehicles market, positive trends in the construction space and significant shale-linked capital investment.
Strategic initiatives including continued focus on cost and productivity, operational efficiency improvement and expansion of scale through acquisitions should also help chemical makers weather macroeconomic and industry-specific headwinds in 2017.
As per the Zacks Industry classification, the chemical industry is grouped under the broader Basic Materials sector. Based on the Earnings Preview as of Apr 28, 70% of the sector participants on the S&P 500 index have reported their quarterly numbers. Earnings for these companies increased 19.9% from the same period last year while sales rose 6.5%.
Basic Materials is among the four sectors that are forecast to see double-digit earnings growth in the first quarter. Overall earnings for the sector are projected to rise 16.9% while revenues are expected to increase 2.1%.
We take a sneak peek into five chemical companies that are gearing up to report first-quarter results on May 2.
FMC Corporation (FMC - Free Report) , which will report results after the bell, has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate stand at 56 cents. While the stock carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), its 0.00% ESP makes surprise prediction difficult. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
The company beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average positive surprise of 7.23%. FMC Corp. should benefit from its strategic investments, acquisitions, strength in the lithium business as well as efforts to expand its market position and strengthen its portfolio. (Read more: FMC Corp Q1 Earnings: What's in Store for the Stock?)
Westlake Chemical Corporation (WLK - Free Report) will report results before the bell. The company is expected to come up with a positive earnings surprise as it has an Earnings ESP of +1.25% and carries a favorable Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The company beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters while missed in the other, resulting in an average positive surprise of 11.14%. The company is expected to benefit from strong demand and rising prices for Vinyls and Olefins products. Westlake should also to gain from improving commodity prices along with continued recovery of crude oil prices. (Read more: Is Westlake Chemical Poised to Beat on Q1 Earnings?)
Westlake Chemical Corporation Price and EPS Surprise
Ecolab Inc. (ECL - Free Report) will report earnings numbers ahead of the bell. It has an Earnings ESP of -1.24% as the Most Accurate estimate stands at 80 cents while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 81 cents. While the stock carries a Zacks Rank #3, its negative ESP makes surprise prediction difficult.
In the last four quarters, the company delivered an average negative earnings surprise of 0.06%. Ecolab’s earnings growth despite the challenging business environment raises optimism over the company. Additionally, the company's large base of recurring revenues, industry-leading technologies and excellent field service are significant drivers. (Read more: What's in the Cards for Ecolab this Earnings Season?)
Olin Corporation (OLN - Free Report) , which will report results after the bell, is expected to come up with a positive earnings surprise as it has an Earnings ESP of +3.57% and a favorable Zacks Rank #3.
The company beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in one of the trailing four quarters, missed in one and reported in line on the other two occasions. Over this timeframe, it delivered an average nagative surprise of 2.55%.
Koninklijke DSM N.V. has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate stand at 21 cents. While the stock carries a Zacks Rank #2, its 0.00% ESP makes surprise prediction difficult.
Just released, today's 220 Zacks Rank #5 Strong Sells demand urgent attention. If any are lurking in your portfolio or Watch List, they should be removed immediately. These are sinister companies because many appear to be sound investments. However, from 1988 through 2016, stocks from our Strong Sell list have actually performed 6X worse than the S&P 500. See today's Zacks "Strong Sells" absolutely free >>
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Chemical Stock Q1 Earnings Due on May 2: FMC, WLK & More
A host of chemical companies are gearing up to report their quarterly numbers on May 2. The chemical industry is gradually gaining strength on continued momentum across automotive and construction – the two key end-markets for chemicals. While the industry remains exposed to several headwinds including concerns over China’s economy and weak demand in the energy and agriculture markets, its upturn is expected to last this year on continued strength in the light vehicles market, positive trends in the construction space and significant shale-linked capital investment.
Strategic initiatives including continued focus on cost and productivity, operational efficiency improvement and expansion of scale through acquisitions should also help chemical makers weather macroeconomic and industry-specific headwinds in 2017.
As per the Zacks Industry classification, the chemical industry is grouped under the broader Basic Materials sector. Based on the Earnings Preview as of Apr 28, 70% of the sector participants on the S&P 500 index have reported their quarterly numbers. Earnings for these companies increased 19.9% from the same period last year while sales rose 6.5%.
Basic Materials is among the four sectors that are forecast to see double-digit earnings growth in the first quarter. Overall earnings for the sector are projected to rise 16.9% while revenues are expected to increase 2.1%.
We take a sneak peek into five chemical companies that are gearing up to report first-quarter results on May 2.
FMC Corporation (FMC - Free Report) , which will report results after the bell, has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate stand at 56 cents. While the stock carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), its 0.00% ESP makes surprise prediction difficult. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
The company beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average positive surprise of 7.23%. FMC Corp. should benefit from its strategic investments, acquisitions, strength in the lithium business as well as efforts to expand its market position and strengthen its portfolio. (Read more: FMC Corp Q1 Earnings: What's in Store for the Stock?)
FMC Corporation Price and EPS Surprise
FMC Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | FMC Corporation Quote
Westlake Chemical Corporation (WLK - Free Report) will report results before the bell. The company is expected to come up with a positive earnings surprise as it has an Earnings ESP of +1.25% and carries a favorable Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The company beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters while missed in the other, resulting in an average positive surprise of 11.14%. The company is expected to benefit from strong demand and rising prices for Vinyls and Olefins products. Westlake should also to gain from improving commodity prices along with continued recovery of crude oil prices. (Read more: Is Westlake Chemical Poised to Beat on Q1 Earnings?)
Westlake Chemical Corporation Price and EPS Surprise
Westlake Chemical Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | Westlake Chemical Corporation Quote
Ecolab Inc. (ECL - Free Report) will report earnings numbers ahead of the bell. It has an Earnings ESP of -1.24% as the Most Accurate estimate stands at 80 cents while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 81 cents. While the stock carries a Zacks Rank #3, its negative ESP makes surprise prediction difficult.
In the last four quarters, the company delivered an average negative earnings surprise of 0.06%. Ecolab’s earnings growth despite the challenging business environment raises optimism over the company. Additionally, the company's large base of recurring revenues, industry-leading technologies and excellent field service are significant drivers. (Read more: What's in the Cards for Ecolab this Earnings Season?)
Ecolab Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
Ecolab Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Ecolab Inc. Quote
Olin Corporation (OLN - Free Report) , which will report results after the bell, is expected to come up with a positive earnings surprise as it has an Earnings ESP of +3.57% and a favorable Zacks Rank #3.
The company beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in one of the trailing four quarters, missed in one and reported in line on the other two occasions. Over this timeframe, it delivered an average nagative surprise of 2.55%.
Olin Corporation Price and EPS Surprise
Olin Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | Olin Corporation Quote
Koninklijke DSM N.V. has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate stand at 21 cents. While the stock carries a Zacks Rank #2, its 0.00% ESP makes surprise prediction difficult.
Koninklijke DSM NV Price and EPS Surprise
Koninklijke DSM NV Price and EPS Surprise | Koninklijke DSM NV Quote
Sell These Stocks. Now.
Just released, today's 220 Zacks Rank #5 Strong Sells demand urgent attention. If any are lurking in your portfolio or Watch List, they should be removed immediately. These are sinister companies because many appear to be sound investments. However, from 1988 through 2016, stocks from our Strong Sell list have actually performed 6X worse than the S&P 500. See today's Zacks "Strong Sells" absolutely free >>