Huntsman Corp is a USA-based manufacturer of differentiated organic chemical products... Show more
Huntsman's third quarter results offer a key checkpoint on the company's cyclical recovery and its transition toward the planned merger with Olin Corporation. After a volatile first quarter marked by a Middle East conflict and rising feedstock costs, the company has leaned on pricing initiatives, cost reductions, and improving demand in aerospace and power markets. For investors, the report signals whether underlying operating profitability — measured through adjusted EBITDA — is truly firming even as reported results remain under pressure from high tax rates and restructuring charges. The outcome also shapes expectations around deleveraging, free cash flow, and the combined company's earnings power ahead of the merger's expected completion.
For the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, Huntsman posted revenue of $1,717 million, an 18% increase from $1,460 million in the prior-year period and above the consensus estimate of about $1,613 million. Net loss attributable to Huntsman narrowed to $18 million from $25 million a year earlier, with a GAAP diluted loss per share of $0.10 versus $0.14 previously.
On an adjusted basis, the company reported net income of $7 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, up from an adjusted net loss of $5 million, or $0.03 per share, in the year-ago quarter. That adjusted figure fell short of analyst expectations of roughly $0.06 to $0.07 per share. Adjusted EBITDA climbed to $132 million from $94 million, reflecting stronger margins and volumes.
Segment performance was broadly positive. Polyurethanes revenue rose 21% and its adjusted EBITDA increased 56%, helped by higher MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) selling prices and volumes. Advanced Materials revenue rose 18%, with adjusted EBITDA up 41% on aerospace, automotive, and power demand. Performance Products revenue increased 6%, with adjusted EBITDA up 7%. Free cash flow was $82 million, down from $157 million a year earlier, while the company ended the quarter with roughly $0.9 billion in combined cash and unused borrowing capacity.
Tickeron's AI Screener is an AI-powered stock and ETF discovery tool that helps traders and investors filter the market based on technical patterns, fundamentals, trends, volatility, and AI-driven signals. Users can scan thousands of stocks and ETFs using customizable filters such as industry, market capitalization, technical indicators, price patterns, and performance metrics. The screener can help identify trade ideas, trending stocks, breakout candidates, and market opportunities more efficiently than manual screening. For investors tracking names like Huntsman, it offers a streamlined way to surface opportunities that match specific criteria.
The market's response to Huntsman's report has been mixed, reflecting the gap between a strong top-line beat and an adjusted earnings miss. Investors have welcomed the sharp year-over-year improvement in revenue and adjusted EBITDA as evidence that pricing and demand are recovering, particularly in Polyurethanes and Advanced Materials. At the same time, the shortfall on adjusted EPS, a high effective tax rate, and lighter free cash flow relative to last year have tempered enthusiasm. Broader sentiment also continues to hinge on progress toward the Olin merger, which shareholders approved in August 2026 and which is expected to reshape the company's cost structure and market position.
Looking ahead, investors will be watching whether the pricing momentum in Polyurethanes and the volume strength in Advanced Materials can be sustained into 2027. Raw material costs, European energy prices, and inflation remain the most direct risks to margins, and any renewed volatility in those inputs could quickly reverse recent gains.
The merger with Olin Corporation is the dominant upcoming catalyst. The timing of completion, expected synergies, and the combined company's capital allocation priorities will likely matter more to long-term shareholders than any single quarterly figure.
Balance sheet progress is another key monitor. Management has signaled an aim to reduce net debt leverage to roughly four times by year-end, supported by improving results and cash generation. Free cash flow recovery, capital expenditure discipline, and the trajectory of the adjusted tax rate will also be important indicators of how much earnings power ultimately converts into shareholder value.
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
a manufacturer of chemicals for the plastics, automotive and construction industries
Industry ChemicalsMajorDiversified