KRO

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Kronos Worldwide (KRO). Shares have added about 2.7% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500. Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Kronos Worldwide due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts. Kronos reported second-quarter 2026 earnings of 13 cents per share, reversing the year-ago loss of 8 cents. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 4 cents, resulting in a 425% positive surprise. Net sales rose 12.9% year over year to $558.1 million and surpassed the consensus mark of $520.3 million by 7.3%. Higher TiO2 sales volumes and lower production costs aided results, while lower average selling prices remained a headwind. TiO2 sales volumes increased 15.9% year over year to 153 thousand metric tons from 132 thousand metric tons. The company attributed the increase primarily to market share gains across all markets. Production volumes rose 8% to 135 thousand metric tons from 125 thousand metric tons in the year-ago quarter. Average TiO2 selling prices remained below year-ago levels and reduced the year-over-year change in second-quarter net sales by 3%. Kronos entered 2026 with average TiO2 selling prices below early-2025 levels, though prices increased 4% during the first six months of 2026. The company implemented price increases and surcharges during the second quarter to address higher operating costs. TiO2 segment profit jumped to $41 million from $10.9 million a year earlier. Higher sales volumes, lower production and raw material costs, lower unabsorbed fixed costs and benefits from cost-reduction initiatives supported the increase. Lower selling prices and unfavorable currency movements partly offset these gains. Kronos ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $26.6 million as of June 30, 2026. Long-term debt stood at $569.6 million as of June 30, 2026, up from $557.4 million as of Dec. 31, 2025. Management emphasized continued execution on pricing and cost initiatives as key priorities following the restructuring actions implemented in late 2025. Additional pricing actions may be needed as overall selling prices remain below 2025 levels. Kronos expects gross margin to improve as lower-cost inventory produced during 2026 flows through the system and more favorable selling prices take hold, though higher production, energy and logistics costs remain a pressure point. Customers remain cautious on inventories, but longer lead times and a favorable backlog entering the third quarter have improved near- and intermediate-term production flexibility. Demand has strengthened from 2025 levels but remains below historical norms, particularly in North America, where elevated interest rates, economic uncertainty and subdued consumer spending continue to weigh on activity. Kronos expects full-year 2026 net sales to exceed 2025 levels, with gross margin and operating income margin also improving year over year, although geopolitical instability, tariffs, shipping disruptions and energy costs remain sources of uncertainty. In the past month, investors have witnessed a upward trend in fresh estimates. The consensus estimate has shifted 134.48% due to these changes. Currently, Kronos Worldwide has a great Growth Score of A, a grade with the same score on the momentum front. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock has a grade of B on the value side, putting it in the top 40% for this investment strategy. Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in. Estimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of this revision looks promising. It comes with little surprise Kronos Worldwide has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months. Kronos Worldwide belongs to the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry. Another stock from the same industry, Methanex (MEOH), has gained 9.1% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended June 2026. Methanex reported revenues of $1.4 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +75%. EPS of $3.87 for the same period compares with $0.97 a year ago. Methanex is expected to post earnings of $3.10 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +5066.7%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +14.6%. Methanex has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of A. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Kronos Worldwide Inc (KRO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Methanex Corporation (MEOH) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Kronos Worldwide, Inc. KRO reported second-quarter 2026 earnings of 13 cents per share, reversing the year-ago loss of 8 cents. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 4 cents, resulting in a 425% positive surprise. Net sales rose 12.9% year over year to $558.1 million and surpassed the consensus mark of $520.3 million by 7.3%. Higher TiO2 sales volumes and lower production costs aided results, while lower average selling prices remained a headwind. Kronos Worldwide Inc price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Kronos Worldwide Inc Quote TiO2 sales volumes increased 15.9% year over year to 153 thousand metric tons from 132 thousand metric tons. The company attributed the increase primarily to market share gains across all markets. Production volumes rose 8% to 135 thousand metric tons from 125 thousand metric tons in the year-ago quarter. Average TiO2 selling prices remained below year-ago levels and reduced the year-over-year change in second-quarter net sales by 3%. Kronos entered 2026 with average TiO2 selling prices below early-2025 levels, though prices increased 4% during the first six months of 2026. The company implemented price increases and surcharges during the second quarter to address higher operating costs. TiO2 segment profit jumped to $41 million from $10.9 million a year earlier. Higher sales volumes, lower production and raw material costs, lower unabsorbed fixed costs and benefits from cost-reduction initiatives supported the increase. Lower selling prices and unfavorable currency movements partly offset these gains. Kronos ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $26.6 million as of June 30, 2026. Long-term debt stood at $569.6 million as of June 30, 2026, up from $557.4 million as of Dec. 31, 2025. Management emphasized continued execution on pricing and cost initiatives as key priorities following the restructuring actions implemented in late 2025. Additional pricing actions may be needed as overall selling prices remain below 2025 levels. Kronos expects gross margin to improve as lower-cost inventory produced during 2026 flows through the system and more favorable selling prices take hold, though higher production, energy and logistics costs remain a pressure point. Customers remain cautious on inventories, but longer lead times and a favorable backlog entering the third quarter have improved near- and intermediate-term production flexibility. Demand has strengthened from 2025 levels but remains below historical norms, particularly in North America, where elevated interest rates, economic uncertainty and subdued consumer spending continue to weigh on activity. Kronos expects full-year 2026 net sales to exceed 2025 levels, with gross margin and operating income margin also improving year over year, although geopolitical instability, tariffs, shipping disruptions and energy costs remain sources of uncertainty. Shares of Kronos have gained 53.3% in the past year compared with the 8.5% rise of the industry. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research KRO currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Some other top-ranked stocks are Almonty Industries Inc. ALM, ClearSign Technologies Corporation CLIR and Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. AIT Almonty is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 13. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 10 cents per share. ALM carries a Zacks Rank #2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. ClearSign is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 19. The consensus estimate for CLIR’s loss per share is pegged at 25 cents. CLIR presently carries a Zacks Rank #2. Applied Industrial is scheduled to report fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Aug. 13. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AIT’s fiscal fourth-quarter earnings per share is pegged at $2.92. AIT carries a Zacks Rank #2 at present. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Kronos Worldwide Inc (KRO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (AIT) : Free Stock Analysis Report ClearSign Technologies Corporation (CLIR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Almonty Industries Inc. (ALM) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Kronos Worldwide (KRO) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.13 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.04 per share. This compares to a loss of $0.08 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +425.00%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this maker of titanium dioxide pigments would post a loss of $0.33 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.04, delivering a surprise of +87.88%. Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. Kronos Worldwide, which belongs to the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry, posted revenues of $558.1 million for the quarter ended June 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.26%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $494.4 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters. The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call. Kronos Worldwide shares have added about 41.2% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 13%. While Kronos Worldwide has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately. Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions. Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Kronos Worldwide was favorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to outperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.07 on $513.1 million in revenues for the coming quarter and -$0.33 on $2.02 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year. Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Chemical - Diversified is currently in the top 42% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. Another stock from the broader Zacks Basic Materials sector, Pan American Silver (PAAS), has yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2026. The results are expected to be released on August 12. This silver mining company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.86 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +100%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 5.6% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. Pan American Silver's revenues are expected to be $1.2 billion, up 47.3% from the year-ago quarter. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Kronos Worldwide Inc (KRO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Pan American Silver Corp. (PAAS) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

DALLAS, TEXAS, Aug. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:KRO) today reported net income of $15.2 million, or $.13 per share, in the second quarter of 2026 compared to a net loss of $9.2 million, or $.08 per share, in the second quarter of 2025. For the first six months of 2026, Kronos reported net income of $10.4 million, or $.09 per share, compared to net income of $8.9 million, or $.08 per share, in the first six months of 2025. Net income increased in the second quarter and first six months of 2026 compared to the prior year periods primarily due to higher sales volumes and lower production costs resulting from cost reduction initiatives implemented in the fourth quarter of 2025, as well as lower raw material costs (primarily feedstock costs) and lower unabsorbed fixed costs. These favorable factors were partially offset by lower average TiO2 selling prices. Comparability of our results was also impacted by the effects of changes in currency exchange rates. Net sales of $558.1 million in the second quarter of 2026 were $63.7 million, or 13%, higher than in the second quarter of 2025. Net sales of $1.1 billion in the first six months of 2026 were $83.7 million, or 9%, higher than the first six months of 2025. Net sales increased in the second quarter and first six months of 2026 compared to the same periods of 2025 primarily due to market share gains across all markets and the favorable impact of changes in currency exchange rates (primarily the euro), which we estimate increased our net sales by approximately $10 million and $41 million, respectively. These favorable impacts were partially offset by lower average TiO2 selling prices and the unfavorable impact of both lower average selling prices and sales volumes within our complementary businesses. We started 2026 with average TiO2 selling prices lower than at the beginning of 2025; however, our average TiO2 selling prices increased 4% during the first six months of 2026. During the second quarter of 2026, we announced and implemented various price increases and surcharges in response to higher operating costs. The table at the end of this press release shows how each of these items impacted net sales. Our TiO2 segment profit (see description of non-GAAP information below) was $41.0 million in the second quarter of 2026 compared to $10.9 million in the second quarter of 2025. For the first six months of 2026, our segment profit was $56.1 million compared to $52.5 million in the first six months of 2025. Segment profit increased in both the second quarter and first six months of 2026 compared to corresponding 2025 periods primarily due to higher sales volumes, lower production costs, including lower raw material costs (primarily feedstock) and lower unabsorbed fixed costs, and the benefits of the cost reduction initiatives implemented in the fourth quarter of 2025 designed to permanently improve our cost structure and operational efficiency. These favorable factors were partially offset by lower average TiO2 selling prices and the unfavorable impact of changes in currency exchange rates. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates (primarily the euro) decreased our segment profit by approximately $12 million in the second quarter of 2026 and approximately $18 million in the first six months of 2026 compared to the same prior year periods. Our net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization expense (EBITDA) (see description of non-GAAP information below) in the second quarter of 2026 was $52.9 million compared to EBITDA of $22.2 million in the second quarter of 2025. For the first six months of 2026, our EBITDA was $80.6 million compared to EBITDA of $73.4 million in the first six months of 2025. "Our second quarter results reflect solid progress against the priorities we established at the beginning of the year," said Brian Christian, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Higher sales volumes, improving operating performance and the benefits of our cost reduction initiatives contributed to stronger results during the quarter. We believe we have positive momentum entering the second half of 2026, driven by continued execution of our operational, commercial and cost reduction initiatives. While energy and related costs remain elevated, we expect ongoing pricing actions and disciplined cost management to help offset these pressures. Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, we remain focused on controlling what we can control through disciplined execution, delivering sustainable earnings improvement and generating stronger cash flow." Our net income for the six months ended June 30, 2026 includes an income tax expense of $2.0 million ($.02 per share) to recognize an uncertain tax position related to a German tax audit. The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that represent management's beliefs and assumptions based on currently available information. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements. While it is not possible to identify all factors, we continue to face many risks and uncertainties. The factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the following: Future supply and demand for our products; Our ability to realize expected cost savings from strategic and operational initiatives; Our ability to integrate acquisitions into our operations and realize expected synergies and innovations; The extent of the dependence of certain of our businesses on certain market sectors; The cyclicality of our business; Customer and producer inventory levels; Unexpected or earlier-than-expected industry capacity expansion; Changes in raw material and other operating costs (such as energy and ore costs); Changes in the availability of raw materials (such as ore); General global economic and political conditions that harm the worldwide economy, disrupt our supply chain, increase material and energy costs or reduce demand or perceived demand for our titanium dioxide pigments (“TiO2”) products or impair our ability to operate our facilities (including changes in the level of gross domestic product in various regions of the world, tariffs, natural disasters, terrorist acts, global conflicts and public health crises); Operating interruptions (including, but not limited to, labor disputes, leaks, natural disasters, fires, explosions, unscheduled or unplanned downtime, transportation interruptions, certain regional and world events or economic conditions and public health crises); Technology related disruptions (including, but not limited to, cyber-attacks; software implementation, upgrades or improvements; technology processing failures; or other events) related to our technology infrastructure (including manufacturing and accounting systems) that could impact our ability to continue operations, or at key vendors which could impact our supply chain, or at key customers which could impact their operations and cause them to curtail or pause orders; Competitive products and substitute products; Competition from Chinese suppliers with less stringent regulatory and environmental compliance requirements; Customer and competitor strategies; Potential consolidation of our competitors; Potential consolidation of our customers; The impact of pricing and production decisions; Competitive technology positions; The introduction of new, or changes in existing, tariffs, trade barriers or trade disputes; Fluctuations in currency exchange rates (such as changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and each of the euro, the Norwegian krone and the Canadian dollar and between the euro and the Norwegian krone), or possible disruptions to our business resulting from uncertainties associated with the euro or other currencies; Our ability to renew or refinance credit facilities or other debt instruments in the future; Changes in interest rates; Our ability to comply with covenants contained in our revolving bank credit facility; Our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity; The ultimate outcome of income tax audits, tax settlement initiatives or other tax matters, including future tax reform; Our ability to utilize income tax attributes, the benefits of which may or may not have been recognized under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria; Environmental matters (such as those requiring compliance with emission and discharge standards for existing and new facilities); Government laws and regulations and possible changes therein including new environmental, sustainability, health and safety, or other regulations (such as those seeking to limit or classify TiO2 or its use); and Pending or possible future litigation or other actions. Should one or more of these risks materialize (or the consequences of such a development worsen), or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those forecasted or expected. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement whether as a result of changes in information, future events or otherwise. In an effort to provide investors with additional information regarding the Company's results of operations as determined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), the Company has disclosed certain non-GAAP information which the Company believes provides useful information to investors: The Company discloses segment profit, which is used by the Company’s management to assess the performance of the Company’s TiO2 operations. The Company believes disclosure of segment profit provides useful information to investors because it allows investors to analyze the performance of the Company’s TiO2 operations in the same way that the Company’s management assesses performance. The Company defines segment profit as net income (loss) before income tax expense and certain general corporate items. These general corporate items include corporate expense and the components of other income (expense) except for trade interest income; and The Company discloses EBITDA, which is also used by the Company’s management to assess the performance of the Company’s TiO2 operations. The Company believes disclosure of EBITDA provides useful information to investors because it allows investors to analyze the performance of the Company’s TiO2 operations in the same way that the Company’s management assesses performance. The Company defines EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization expense. Kronos Worldwide, Inc. is a major international producer of titanium dioxide products. Investor Relations Contact:            Bryan A. HanleySenior Vice President & TreasurerTel:  (972) 233-1700 KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS(Unaudited) (In millions, except per share and metric ton data) KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC.RECONCILIATION OF INCOME FROMOPERATIONS TO SEGMENT PROFIT(Unaudited)(In millions) RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO EBITDA(Unaudited)(In millions) IMPACT OF PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN NET SALES(Unaudited)

Chemours (CC) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.42 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.43 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.58 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -2.33%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this chemical company would post a loss of $0.05 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.05, delivering a surprise of +200%. Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. Chemours, which belongs to the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry, posted revenues of $1.59 billion for the quarter ended June 2026, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.97%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $1.62 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates just once over the last four quarters. The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call. Chemours shares have added about 45.1% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 11%. While Chemours has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately. Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions. Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Chemours was favorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to outperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.49 on $1.58 billion in revenues for the coming quarter and $1.18 on $6.05 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year. Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Chemical - Diversified is currently in the top 40% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. One other stock from the same industry, Kronos Worldwide (KRO), is yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2026. The results are expected to be released on August 5. This maker of titanium dioxide pigments is expected to post quarterly loss of $0.04 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +50%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. Kronos Worldwide's revenues are expected to be $520.34 million, up 5.3% from the year-ago quarter. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Chemours Company (CC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Kronos Worldwide Inc (KRO) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company SMG reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended June 27, 2026) adjusted earnings of $2.82 per share, up 7.6% year over year. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.53 by 11.5%, aided by stronger results from the Bonnie Plants joint venture and a lower tax rate. Net sales rose 1.1% year over year to $1.172 billion but marginally missed the consensus estimate of $1.174 billion by 0.2%. Adjusted gross margin contracted 100 basis points to 31.3% as higher freight and commodity costs tied to the Iran conflict weighed on profitability. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Quote U.S. Consumer sales were $1.03 billion, essentially flat compared with the year-ago quarter. It missed our estimate of $1.04 billion. Segment profit declined 2% to $229.8 million from $235.2 million, reflecting pressure from higher freight and commodity costs. Hawthorne was classified as a discontinued operation after the company determined in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 that the business met the held-for-sale criteria. ScottsMiracle-Gro completed the divestiture of Hawthorne on April 8, 2026. Hawthorne was removed from reportable segment results, and prior-period continuing operations were reclassified. Sales in the Other segment, which primarily includes the company’s Canadian consumer lawn-and-garden business, increased 8% to $139.2 million from $129.1 million. The figure beat our estimate of $131.5 million. Segment profit advanced 10% to $18.6 million. Cash and cash equivalents were $27.7 million as of June 27, 2026. Long-term debt declined to $1.84 billion from $2.14 billion a year ago. Scotts Miracle-Gro raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings guidance from continuing operations to $4.30-$4.45 per share from the previous range of $4.15-$4.35. Management linked the increase to disciplined execution, margin management, balance-sheet progress and strategic investments in the company’s brands and operations. The company reaffirmed its expectation for low-single-digit growth in U.S. Consumer sales. It also maintained its forecast for an adjusted gross margin of at least 32% and mid-single-digit growth in adjusted EBITDA. Management continues to expect free cash flow of $275 million, which is projected to reduce the leverage ratio to the high-3-times range. Supply-chain automation, expanded use of artificial intelligence, manufacturing capital expenditures and purchasing efficiencies are expected to support year-over-year margin expansion despite recent cost pressures. SMG’s shares have gained 11.1% in the past year compared with a 5.3% rise in the industry. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research SMG currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space are Neo Performance Materials Inc. NOPMF, Kronos Worldwide, Inc. KRO and Avient Corporation AVNT. Neo Performance is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 11. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at $1.48 per share. NOPMF sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Kronos is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 5. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KRO’s second-quarter loss per share is pegged at 33 cents, indicating 65.63% year-over-year growth. KRO also flaunts a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. Avient is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 6. The consensus estimate for AVNT’s earnings per share is pegged at $3.08. AVNT presently carries a Zacks Rank #2. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Kronos Worldwide Inc (KRO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Avient Corporation (AVNT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Neo Performance Materials Inc. (NOPMF) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Kinross Gold Corporation KGC reported adjusted earnings of 71 cents per share for the second quarter of 2026, up 61.4% from 44 cents in the year-ago quarter. The bottom line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 66 cents by 7.6%. Revenues increased 29.5% year over year to $2.2 billion but missed the consensus estimate of $2.3 billion by 2%. Higher realized gold prices supported the sales increase and helped offset lower attributable gold-equivalent production. Kinross Gold Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Kinross Gold Corporation Quote Kinross produced 492,326 attributable gold-equivalent ounces in the reported quarter, down 4% from 512,574 ounces in the prior-year period. Consolidated production totaled 501,341 gold-equivalent. The attributable production figure was below our estimate of 497,365. The average realized gold price was $4,483 per ounce, up 36.5% from $3,284 per ounce in the second quarter of 2025. The improvement in gold pricing was the primary driver of the company’s year-over-year revenue growth. The figure was lower than our estimate of $4,598 per ounce. Production cost of sales per gold-equivalent ounce sold increased 25.2% year over year to $1,352. The rise resulted mainly from higher fuel expenses, increased royalties associated with stronger gold prices and elevated labor costs. This was above our estimate of $1,291. Attributable all-in sustaining cost per gold-equivalent ounce sold rose 22% to $1,821 from $1,493. This was above our estimate of $1,625. Despite higher costs, margin per gold-equivalent ounce sold increased 42.1% to $3,131 from $2,204, reflecting the benefit of significantly higher realized gold prices. Cash and cash equivalents were $2.7billion at the end of the second quarter. Kinross added around $470 million to its cash position during the quarter after returning more than $275 million to shareholders. Long-term debt was $738.8 million as of June 30, 2026. Capital expenditures increased to $411 million from $306.1 million a year ago due to higher development spending across several growth projects. Kinross remains on track to meet its 2026 annual guidance. The company expects attributable production of 2 million gold-equivalent ounces (+/- 5%). Production cost of sales is projected at $1,360 per gold-equivalent ounce sold (+/- 5%). Attributable all-in sustaining cost is forecast at $1,730 per ounce sold (+/- 5%). Total attributable capital expenditures are expected to be $1.5 billion (+/- 5%). The spending plan supports the advancement of Great Bear, Round Mountain Phase X, Curlew, Bald Mountain Redbird and other development initiatives. The company also remains on track to return 40% of its 2026 free cash flow to shareholders. Kinross repurchased $480 million of shares during the first half and an additional $40 million in July. Including dividends, it had returned approximately $615 million to shareholders year to date as of July 29, 2026. Kinross’ shares have surged 33.8% in the past year compared with a 31.3% rise in the industry. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research KGC currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). Some better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space are Neo Performance Materials Inc. NOPMF, Kronos Worldwide, Inc. KRO and Avient Corporation AVNT. Neo Performance is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 11. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at $1.48 per share. NOPMF sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Kronos is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 5. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KRO’s second-quarter loss per share is pegged at 33 cents, indicating 65.63% year-over-year growth. KRO also flaunts a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. Avient is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 6. The consensus estimate for AVNT’s earnings per share is pegged at $3.08. AVNT presently carries a Zacks Rank #2. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Kronos Worldwide Inc (KRO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Avient Corporation (AVNT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Neo Performance Materials Inc. (NOPMF) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Eastman Chemical Company EMN reported adjusted earnings of $1.97 per share for the second quarter of 2026, up 23.1% from $1.60 a year ago. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.80 by 9.4%. Sales rose 9.9% year over year to $2,513 million and surpassed the consensus estimate of $2,367.3 million by 6.2%. Higher volume/mix and selling prices supported the top line, led by a sharp improvement in Chemical Intermediates. Companywide sales volume/mix increased 5%, while selling prices rose 4%. Advanced Materials and Chemical Intermediates recorded higher volume/mix, partly offset by weakness in Fibers. Chemical Intermediates pricing benefited from tightening market conditions tied to the Middle East conflict, while specialty-business price increases offset higher raw material and distribution costs. Eastman Chemical Company price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Eastman Chemical Company Quote Advanced Materials sales increased 5% year over year to $817 million from $777 million. The improvement reflected 4% higher volume/mix, driven by growth across the segment, and a 1% favorable currency impact. Price-cost was stable as specialty-plastics price increases offset modestly weaker price-cost in advanced interlayers. Additives & Functional Products revenues rose 5% to $807 million from $769 million. The increase was primarily driven by 4% higher selling prices related to cost-pass-through contracts, along with a 1% favorable foreign-currency effect. Chemical Intermediates sales surged 39% to $643 million from $463 million. Volume/mix increased 24%, while selling prices advanced 14%. Higher availability and supply disruptions supported volumes and pricing, particularly for olefin and derivative products. Fibers revenues declined 11% to $243 million from $274 million. Volume/mix fell 10% due to continued acetate tow inventory destocking and weakness in textiles compared with tariff-related volume strength in the prior-year period. Selling prices decreased 2%, partly reflecting lower acetate tow contract pricing. Eastman ended the second quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $691 million. Total borrowings were $5,217 million as of June 30, 2026. Net debt was $4,526 million at quarter end. Cash provided by operating activities was $224 million. The company returned $96 million to stockholders through dividends and did not repurchase shares during the quarter. For 2026, Eastman expects earnings to improve significantly from 2025. The company remains on track to deliver cost reductions of $125 million to $150 million, net of inflation, and continues to project capital expenditures of approximately $400 million. Operating cash flow is now expected to approach $900 million, modestly below the prior expectation of approaching the 2025 level. For the third quarter, adjusted earnings are projected to approach the second-quarter level of $1.97 per share. Advanced Materials EBIT is expected to increase on improved price-cost and asset utilization, while Fibers earnings should benefit from higher acetate tow purchases. Additives & Functional Products earnings are expected to decline modestly due to seasonal agriculture weakness, while Chemical Intermediates earnings are projected to ease as supply-chain disruptions lessen. EMN’s shares have gained 19.2% over a year compared with the 7% growth recorded by the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research EMN currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Some better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space are The Chemours Company CC, Kronos Worldwide, Inc. KRO and Avient Corporation AVNT. Chemours is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 4. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 43 cents per share. CC sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Kronos is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 5. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KRO’s second-quarter loss per share is pegged at 33 cents, indicating 65.63% year-over-year growth. KRO also flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 at present. Avient is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 6. The consensus estimate for AVNT’s earnings per share is pegged at $3.08. AVNT presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Eastman Chemical Company (EMN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Kronos Worldwide Inc (KRO) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Chemours Company (CC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Avient Corporation (AVNT) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

FMC Corporation FMC reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 26 cents per share, down 62% year over year. The bottom line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 21 cents as favorable costs and a moderate currency tailwind partly offset lower pricing and volumes. Revenues, excluding India, were $841.4 million, down 20% year over year and 7% below the consensus estimate of $905 million. Organic revenues declined 22%, while the growth portfolio expanded in mid-single digits on strength in new active ingredients and Cyazypyr. FMC Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | FMC Corporation Quote North America sales declined 22.4% year over year to $249 million from $321 million. The decrease reflected weaker demand for core legacy products as strained grower margins affected purchasing, along with lower diamide partner orders and pricing pressure. EMEA revenues fell 17.7% to $214 million from $260 million. Latin America sales decreased 10.3% to $278 million from $310 million. The unfavorable comparisons reflected the broader impact of lower prices, reduced partner demand and weakness across core legacy products. Asia revenues, excluding India in the reported quarter, declined 36.5% to $101 million from $159 million a year earlier. India generated an additional $26 million in second-quarter 2026 reported revenues. As of June 30, 2026, FMC had cash and cash equivalents of $476.6 million. Long-term debt was $3.95 billion. FMC lowered its full-year 2026 revenue guidance, excluding India, to $3.50-$3.70 billion from $3.60-$3.80 billion. Adjusted EBITDA is now projected at $620-$680 million. Adjusted earnings are expected between $1.19 and $1.49 per share. Free cash flow guidance was raised to $75-$225 million because it now includes the licensing payment. For the third quarter, revenues excluding India are expected between $840 million and $900 million. Adjusted EBITDA is projected at $120-$140 million, with adjusted earnings of 5-13 cents per share. Fourth-quarter revenues excluding India are forecast between $1.06 billion and $1.20 billion, representing 4% growth at the midpoint. Adjusted EBITDA is expected at $275-$315 million, while adjusted earnings are projected between $1.09 and $1.33 per share. Shares of FMC have lost 74.4% in the past year compared with the industry’s 17.5% rise. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research FMC currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). Some better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space are The Chemours Company CC, Kronos Worldwide, Inc. KRO and Avient Corporation AVNT. Chemours is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 4. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 43 cents per share. CC sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Kronos is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 5. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KRO’s second-quarter loss per share is pegged at 33 cents, indicating 65.63% year-over-year growth. KRO also flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 at present. Avient is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 6. The consensus estimate for AVNT’s earnings per share is pegged at $3.08. AVNT presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report FMC Corporation (FMC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Kronos Worldwide Inc (KRO) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Chemours Company (CC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Avient Corporation (AVNT) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. APD reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended June 30, 2026) adjusted earnings of $3.47 per share, up 12.3% from $3.09 a year ago. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.36 by 3.3%. Sales rose 4.6% year over year to $3.16 billion but missed the consensus mark of $3.18 billion by 0.5%. Higher on-site volumes, favorable currency and pricing supported results. Adjusted operating margin expanded 110 basis points to 25.6%. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Quote Americas sales increased 5% year over year to $1.32 billion. The gain reflected 7% higher volumes, driven by HyCO facilities and a new on-site asset, partially offset by a 2% decline in energy cost pass-through. Favorable pricing also supported the region. Asia sales rose 9% to $886 million on 6% higher volumes, 2% favorable currency and 1% higher energy cost pass-through. Growth came from stronger on-site volumes, new assets and improved helium volumes. The region's operating income climbed 18%, while operating margin expanded 210 basis points to 28.9%. Europe sales advanced 6% to $815.7 million as a 3% higher energy cost pass-through, 3% favorable currency and 2% higher pricing outweighed a 2% volume decline. Higher pricing, favorable currency and a richer on-site business mix supported earnings, but fixed-cost inflation contributed to a 90-basis-point margin contraction. Air Products ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $980.5 million. Long-term debt was $16.59 billion as of June 30, 2026. Capital expenditures totaled $2.65 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2026, down from $4 billion in the year-ago period. APD raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings guidance to $13.39-$13.49 per share from the prior range of $13.00-$13.25. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, Air Products expects adjusted earnings of $3.55-$3.65 per share The company now anticipates fiscal 2026 capital expenditures of approximately $3.5 billion, below its earlier projection of about $4 billion. Management expects new asset contributions, pricing actions and productivity initiatives to support performance, while remaining cautious because of macroeconomic uncertainty. Shares of APD have gained 2.3% in the past year compared with the industry’s 1.7% rise. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research APD currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space are The Chemours Company CC, Kronos Worldwide, Inc. KRO and Avient Corporation AVNT. Chemours is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 4. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 43 cents per share. CC sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Kronos is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 5. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KRO’s second-quarter loss per share is pegged at 33 cents, indicating 65.63% year-over-year growth. KRO also flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 at present. Avient is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 6. The consensus estimate for AVNT’s earnings per share is pegged at $3.08. AVNT presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Kronos Worldwide Inc (KRO) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Chemours Company (CC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Avient Corporation (AVNT) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research