We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Kronos Worldwide, Westlake Chemical, Kraton, Albemarle and Celanese
Read MoreHide Full Article
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – December 14, 2017 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (KRO - Free Report) , Westlake Chemical Corporation (WLK - Free Report) , Kraton Corporation , Albemarle Corporation (ALB - Free Report) and Celanese Corporation (CE - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:
U.S. Chemical Industry Set to Ride High: 5 Stocks to Buy
The American chemical industry is riding an upswing of the major world economies with growth rate for the industry surpassing the 20-year average – according to the recently published “Year End 2017 Chemical Industry Situation and Outlook” by the American Chemistry Council (ACC).
The Washington, DC-based chemical industry trade group said that chemical output continued to improve this year notwithstanding the disruptions from Hurricane Harvey with strong gains expected continue in the next two years. “Manufacturing has turned a corner, business investment is on the rise, and domestic oil and gas production is on the rebound. It all sets the stage for tremendous momentum, expansion and capital investment,” ACC chief economist Kevin Swift noted. U.S. Chemical Industry Set for Solid Growth
The outlook for the American chemical industry paints an encouraging picture. The ACC envisions national chemical production (excluding pharmaceuticals) to rise 0.8% in 2017, further accelerating to a 3.7% growth in 2018 and a 3.9% growth in 2019. The growth is expected to be spurred by higher demand across light vehicles and housing markets, capital investments and improved export markets.
The trade group also expects basic chemicals production to expand 4.7% in 2018 and further gain steam with a 5.2% rise in 2019 on the heels of new capacity additions. Major export markets such as Latin American and Asia are expected to play a significant role in production growth. The specialty chemicals segment is also expected to see production growth of 3% in 2017 and 2.3% in 2018, per the ACC.
Surging Capital Spending
According to the ACC, the United States remains an attractive investment destination for chemical investment and domestic chemical makers continue to enjoy the advantage of access to abundant and cheaper feedstocks and energy. This is driving investment in chemical production projects.
The trade group noted that roughly 320 chemical projects have been already announced worth more than $185 billion, 62% of which is foreign direct investment. Moreover, roughly 65% of the chemical investment announced since 2010 are complete or under construction. New capacity is expected to provide a boost to chemical production as these investments come on stream.
Chemical industry capital spending also continues to go up, clocking $38 billion this year, per the ACC. This also accounts for one-half of overall construction spending by the manufacturing sector. The trade group expects capital spending to rise 6.3% in 2018 and 6.8% in 2019 and eventually reach $48 billion by 2022.
Strengthening Export Markets
The ACC expects improving export markets to contribute to solid growth of the domestic chemical industry. Strengthening export markets and increasing capital spending are driving chemical demand across key end-use markets such as light vehicles and housing.
Total chemical exports went up 4.9% to $127 billion this year while imports rose 2.8% to $96 billion, the trade group noted. Higher exports will result in the United States having a $32 billion trade surplus in chemicals (barring pharmaceuticals) in 2017. Moreover, the ACC sees two-way trade between the United States and its foreign partners to expand 4% year over year and reach $223 billion this year.
5 Chemical Stocks for 2018
The U.S. chemical industry’s upturn is expected to continue next year on continued demand strength across major end-markets and significant capital investment. Amid such a backdrop, it would be a prudent idea to invest in chemical stocks with compelling growth prospects if you are looking to reap solid returns from your portfolio in 2018.
Texas-based Kronos is a solid choice, with a Zacks Rank #1. The company has expected earnings growth of 41.1% for 2018. It also delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 58.8% over the trailing four quarters. Moreover, the company has long-term expected earnings per share (EPS) growth of 5%. The stock has also gained roughly 116% year to date.
Kronos is witnessing strong demand for titanium dioxide (TiO2) products across most segments. The company is also gaining from higher pricing and implementation of certain productivity-enhancing improvement projects at some of its facilities.
Westlake Chemical Corporation
Headquartered in Houston, TX, Westlake sports a Zacks Rank #1. The company has expected earnings growth of 25.7% for 2018. It also has an expected long-term EPS growth of 10.6%. Moreover, Westlake has topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average positive surprise of 23.5%. The stock has also gained roughly 80% year to date.
Westlake is gaining from higher demand for all major products in both Vinyls and Olefins segments and synergies of the Axiall acquisition. The Axiall acquisition has diversified the company’s product portfolio and geographical operations, creating a North American leader in Olefins and Vinyls.
Kraton Corporation
Our next pick in the space is Houston, TX-based Kraton, armed with a Zacks Rank #1. The company has expected earnings growth of 30.6% for 2018. It also delivered average positive earnings surprise of 32.9% over the trailing four quarters. Moreover, the stock has gained around 67% year to date.
Kraton is benefiting from the acquisition of Arizona Chemical in the form of cost reduction and operational improvements. The company also remains committed to steer organic growth in key markets through state-of-the-art innovation and infrastructure. It should also gain from its sustained efforts to reduce debt.
Albemarle Corporation
Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Albemarle carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company has an expected earnings growth of 16.9% for 2018. It delivered positive earnings surprise in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average positive surprise of 4.3%. The company also has an expected long-term EPS growth of 14.8%. The stock has also returned roughly 51% year to date.
Albemarle is seeing significant momentum in its lithium business and is well placed to leverage strong expected growth in the battery-grade lithium market. The company is executing a number of projects that should boost its global lithium derivative capacity.
Celanese Corporation
Irving, TX-based Celanese carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has long-term expected EPS growth of 9%. The company also has expected earnings growth of 11.7% for 2018. Moreover, it delivered positive earnings surprise in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average positive surprise of 2.5%. The stock has also gained 36% year to date.
Celanese’s strategic measures including operational cost savings through productivity actions and efficiency enhancement should lend support to its earnings in 2018. Further, the company should benefit from capacity expansion actions, acquisitions and its acetate tow joint venture with Blackstone.
Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?
Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.
With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit http://www.zacks.com/performancefor information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
See More Zacks Research for These Tickers
Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:
Image: Bigstock
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Kronos Worldwide, Westlake Chemical, Kraton, Albemarle and Celanese
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – December 14, 2017 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (KRO - Free Report) , Westlake Chemical Corporation (WLK - Free Report) , Kraton Corporation , Albemarle Corporation (ALB - Free Report) and Celanese Corporation (CE - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:
U.S. Chemical Industry Set to Ride High: 5 Stocks to Buy
The American chemical industry is riding an upswing of the major world economies with growth rate for the industry surpassing the 20-year average – according to the recently published “Year End 2017 Chemical Industry Situation and Outlook” by the American Chemistry Council (ACC).
The Washington, DC-based chemical industry trade group said that chemical output continued to improve this year notwithstanding the disruptions from Hurricane Harvey with strong gains expected continue in the next two years. “Manufacturing has turned a corner, business investment is on the rise, and domestic oil and gas production is on the rebound. It all sets the stage for tremendous momentum, expansion and capital investment,” ACC chief economist Kevin Swift noted.
U.S. Chemical Industry Set for Solid Growth
The outlook for the American chemical industry paints an encouraging picture. The ACC envisions national chemical production (excluding pharmaceuticals) to rise 0.8% in 2017, further accelerating to a 3.7% growth in 2018 and a 3.9% growth in 2019. The growth is expected to be spurred by higher demand across light vehicles and housing markets, capital investments and improved export markets.
The trade group also expects basic chemicals production to expand 4.7% in 2018 and further gain steam with a 5.2% rise in 2019 on the heels of new capacity additions. Major export markets such as Latin American and Asia are expected to play a significant role in production growth. The specialty chemicals segment is also expected to see production growth of 3% in 2017 and 2.3% in 2018, per the ACC.
Surging Capital Spending
According to the ACC, the United States remains an attractive investment destination for chemical investment and domestic chemical makers continue to enjoy the advantage of access to abundant and cheaper feedstocks and energy. This is driving investment in chemical production projects.
The trade group noted that roughly 320 chemical projects have been already announced worth more than $185 billion, 62% of which is foreign direct investment. Moreover, roughly 65% of the chemical investment announced since 2010 are complete or under construction. New capacity is expected to provide a boost to chemical production as these investments come on stream.
Chemical industry capital spending also continues to go up, clocking $38 billion this year, per the ACC. This also accounts for one-half of overall construction spending by the manufacturing sector. The trade group expects capital spending to rise 6.3% in 2018 and 6.8% in 2019 and eventually reach $48 billion by 2022.
Strengthening Export Markets
The ACC expects improving export markets to contribute to solid growth of the domestic chemical industry. Strengthening export markets and increasing capital spending are driving chemical demand across key end-use markets such as light vehicles and housing.
Total chemical exports went up 4.9% to $127 billion this year while imports rose 2.8% to $96 billion, the trade group noted. Higher exports will result in the United States having a $32 billion trade surplus in chemicals (barring pharmaceuticals) in 2017. Moreover, the ACC sees two-way trade between the United States and its foreign partners to expand 4% year over year and reach $223 billion this year.
5 Chemical Stocks for 2018
The U.S. chemical industry’s upturn is expected to continue next year on continued demand strength across major end-markets and significant capital investment. Amid such a backdrop, it would be a prudent idea to invest in chemical stocks with compelling growth prospects if you are looking to reap solid returns from your portfolio in 2018.
We highlight the following five stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) that are good options for investment right now. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Kronos Worldwide, Inc.
Texas-based Kronos is a solid choice, with a Zacks Rank #1. The company has expected earnings growth of 41.1% for 2018. It also delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 58.8% over the trailing four quarters. Moreover, the company has long-term expected earnings per share (EPS) growth of 5%. The stock has also gained roughly 116% year to date.
Kronos is witnessing strong demand for titanium dioxide (TiO2) products across most segments. The company is also gaining from higher pricing and implementation of certain productivity-enhancing improvement projects at some of its facilities.
Westlake Chemical Corporation
Headquartered in Houston, TX, Westlake sports a Zacks Rank #1. The company has expected earnings growth of 25.7% for 2018. It also has an expected long-term EPS growth of 10.6%. Moreover, Westlake has topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average positive surprise of 23.5%. The stock has also gained roughly 80% year to date.
Westlake is gaining from higher demand for all major products in both Vinyls and Olefins segments and synergies of the Axiall acquisition. The Axiall acquisition has diversified the company’s product portfolio and geographical operations, creating a North American leader in Olefins and Vinyls.
Kraton Corporation
Our next pick in the space is Houston, TX-based Kraton, armed with a Zacks Rank #1. The company has expected earnings growth of 30.6% for 2018. It also delivered average positive earnings surprise of 32.9% over the trailing four quarters. Moreover, the stock has gained around 67% year to date.
Kraton is benefiting from the acquisition of Arizona Chemical in the form of cost reduction and operational improvements. The company also remains committed to steer organic growth in key markets through state-of-the-art innovation and infrastructure. It should also gain from its sustained efforts to reduce debt.
Albemarle Corporation
Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Albemarle carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company has an expected earnings growth of 16.9% for 2018. It delivered positive earnings surprise in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average positive surprise of 4.3%. The company also has an expected long-term EPS growth of 14.8%. The stock has also returned roughly 51% year to date.
Albemarle is seeing significant momentum in its lithium business and is well placed to leverage strong expected growth in the battery-grade lithium market. The company is executing a number of projects that should boost its global lithium derivative capacity.
Celanese Corporation
Irving, TX-based Celanese carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has long-term expected EPS growth of 9%. The company also has expected earnings growth of 11.7% for 2018. Moreover, it delivered positive earnings surprise in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average positive surprise of 2.5%. The stock has also gained 36% year to date.
Celanese’s strategic measures including operational cost savings through productivity actions and efficiency enhancement should lend support to its earnings in 2018. Further, the company should benefit from capacity expansion actions, acquisitions and its acetate tow joint venture with Blackstone.
Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?
Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.
With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.
It's not the one you think.
See This Ticker Free >>
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
support@zacks.com
http://www.zacks.com
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit http://www.zacks.com/performancefor information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.