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U.S. Chemicals Industry Analysis

UpdatedJun 24, 2026
DataAggregated Company Financials
Companies128
  • 7D-1.9%
  • 3M-1.0%
  • 1Y5.6%
  • YTD13.1%

Over the last 7 days, the Chemicals industry has dropped 1.9%, driven by a pullback from Linde of 1.1%. This takes the industry's 12 month performance to a gain of 5.6%. Looking forward, earnings are forecast to grow by 17% annually.

Industry Valuation and Performance

Has the U.S. Chemicals Industry valuation changed over the past few years?

DateMarket CapRevenueEarningsPEAbsolute PEPS
Wed, 24 Jun 2026US$826.7bUS$360.7bUS$11.6b25.8x71.1x2.3x
Fri, 22 May 2026US$821.4bUS$360.0bUS$11.4b27x72x2.3x
Sun, 19 Apr 2026US$841.3bUS$357.2bUS$7.3b29.9x116x2.4x
Tue, 17 Mar 2026US$814.4bUS$357.1bUS$7.4b28.2x109.7x2.3x
Thu, 12 Feb 2026US$829.9bUS$371.7bUS$7.3b26.6x114.1x2.2x
Sat, 10 Jan 2026US$761.4bUS$372.0bUS$11.0b25.6x69.4x2x
Mon, 08 Dec 2025US$706.9bUS$371.7bUS$11.0b23.4x64.4x1.9x
Wed, 05 Nov 2025US$697.9bUS$369.7bUS$13.1b26.4x53.4x1.9x
Fri, 03 Oct 2025US$754.7bUS$367.8bUS$15.6b26.7x48.5x2.1x
Sun, 31 Aug 2025US$799.9bUS$367.6bUS$15.5b26.5x51.5x2.2x
Tue, 29 Jul 2025US$801.1bUS$375.9bUS$16.6b23.3x48.2x2.1x
Thu, 26 Jun 2025US$775.2bUS$378.4bUS$18.1b21.9x42.7x2x
Sat, 24 May 2025US$762.3bUS$378.5bUS$17.1b22.1x44.5x2x
Mon, 21 Apr 2025US$725.1bUS$380.8bUS$23.0b17.4x31.5x1.9x
Wed, 19 Mar 2025US$792.9bUS$379.3bUS$22.8b21.2x34.7x2.1x
Fri, 14 Feb 2025US$818.0bUS$381.5bUS$23.6b21.8x34.7x2.1x
Sun, 12 Jan 2025US$768.1bUS$384.4bUS$23.5b18.3x32.7x2x
Tue, 10 Dec 2024US$847.4bUS$384.3bUS$23.4b22.7x36.2x2.2x
Thu, 07 Nov 2024US$859.3bUS$386.9bUS$23.6b26.3x36.4x2.2x
Sat, 05 Oct 2024US$873.4bUS$381.7bUS$23.8b25.6x36.7x2.3x
Mon, 02 Sep 2024US$873.6bUS$383.7bUS$23.4b25.6x37.3x2.3x
Wed, 31 Jul 2024US$838.9bUS$379.4bUS$23.5b26.4x35.8x2.2x
Fri, 28 Jun 2024US$805.0bUS$377.3bUS$23.4b25.8x34.3x2.1x
Sun, 26 May 2024US$826.9bUS$377.3bUS$23.4b26.1x35.3x2.2x
Tue, 23 Apr 2024US$804.1bUS$384.5bUS$25.7b20.8x31.2x2.1x
Thu, 21 Mar 2024US$837.8bUS$384.6bUS$25.4b21.1x33x2.2x
Sat, 17 Feb 2024US$793.3bUS$387.5bUS$29.3b19.9x27.1x2x
Mon, 15 Jan 2024US$794.6bUS$398.8bUS$31.9b20.4x24.9x2x
Wed, 13 Dec 2023US$782.9bUS$398.4bUS$31.6b20.4x24.8x2x
Fri, 10 Nov 2023US$730.4bUS$399.0bUS$31.8b15.6x23x1.8x
Sun, 08 Oct 2023US$740.7bUS$412.0bUS$31.2b15.6x23.7x1.8x
Tue, 05 Sep 2023US$798.8bUS$412.0bUS$31.2b16.7x25.6x1.9x
Thu, 03 Aug 2023US$806.5bUS$424.6bUS$32.8b14.2x24.6x1.9x
Sat, 01 Jul 2023US$814.9bUS$444.5bUS$39.1b14.4x20.9x1.8x
Price to Earnings Ratio

20.9x


Total Market Cap: US$814.9bTotal Earnings: US$39.1bTotal Revenue: US$444.5bTotal Market Cap vs Earnings and Revenue0%0%0%
U.S. Chemicals Industry Price to Earnings3Y Average 49.9x202420252026
Current Industry PE
  • Investors are optimistic on the American Chemicals industry, and appear confident in long term growth rates.
  • The industry is trading at a PE ratio of 71.1x which is higher than its 3-year average PE of 49.9x.
  • The industry is trading close to its 3-year average PS ratio of 2.5x.
Past Earnings Growth
  • The earnings for companies in the Chemicals industry have declined 33% per year over the last three years,
  • Revenues have also declined 6.7% per year.
  • This means overall sales from these companies are declining and profits are subsequently falling as well.

Industry Trends

Which industries have driven the changes within the U.S. Materials industry?

US Market-2.31%
Materials-4.50%
Chemicals-1.95%
Fertilizers and Agricultural Chemicals0.21%
Industrial Gases-0.76%
Specialty Chemicals-2.21%
Commodity Chemicals-7.59%
Diversified Chemicals-11.56%
Industry PE
  • Investors are most optimistic about the Fertilizers and Agricultural Chemicals industry which is trading above its 3-year average PE ratio of 27.7x.
    • Analysts are expecting annual earnings growth of 14.9%, which is higher than its past year's earnings growth of 9.6% per year.
Forecasted Growth
  • Analysts are most optimistic on the Commodity Chemicals industry, expecting annual earnings growth of 38% over the next 5 years.
  • This is better than its past earnings decline of 11% per year.
  • In contrast, the Diversified Chemicals industry is expected to see its earnings decline by 6.9% per year over the next few years.

Top Stock Gainers and Losers

Which companies have driven the market over the last 7 days?

CompanyLast Price7D1YValuation
CTVA CortevaUS$79.112.9%
+US$1.5b		7.9%PE42.3x
APD Air Products and ChemicalsUS$282.450.7%
+US$438.7m		0.5%PE29.7x
ESI Element SolutionsUS$45.862.9%
+US$316.7m		105.7%PE75.1x
SXT Sensient TechnologiesUS$118.746.3%
+US$299.3m		21.4%PE35.1x
SOLS Solstice Advanced MaterialsUS$84.671.3%
+US$176.3m		n/aPE71.5x

Latest News

ALB
US$149.98
Albemarle
7D
-9.7%
1Y
149.2%
Seeking Alpha • 6h

Albemarle: Why $20 Lithium Changes Everything

Summary Albemarle Corporation is rated Buy with a 12-month price target of $205, reflecting strong earnings leverage to recovering lithium prices. Q1 results demonstrate robust financial improvement: net sales up 33% YoY, adjusted EBITDA up 148%, and FCF at $248 million, driven by higher lithium prices and volumes. Grid-scale energy storage is emerging as a major lithium demand driver, with battery order books full through 2027 and demand growth trending above guidance. ALB's healthy balance sheet—$2.7B liquidity, 1x net debt/EBITDA, no major maturities until 2028—supports profitable growth and cushions against commodity price volatility. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
ECL
US$268.66
Ecolab
7D
-1.9%
1Y
0.7%
IFF
US$74.71
International Flavors & Fragrances
7D
-4.0%
1Y
-0.01%
Narrative Update • Jun 22

IFF: Food Ingredients Sale Will Support 2026 Framework Despite Near Term EPS Drag

The analyst price target for International Flavors & Fragrances is updated to $91.66 from $90.71, as analysts factor in recent target revisions across the Street and adjust for slightly different assumptions on discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on International Flavors & Fragrances has focused on the announced sale of the base food ingredients business and how that might affect earnings, guidance and valuation.
ESI
US$45.86
Element Solutions
7D
2.9%
1Y
105.7%
Seeking Alpha • Jun 22

Element Solutions: Buying Into An AI Bottleneck, But At A Fair Price

Summary Element Solutions (ESI) is executing a strategic pivot toward advanced semiconductor packaging, driving accelerated growth and margin expansion. ESI's Electronics segment leads revenue gains, with both organic growth and well-priced acquisitions like Micromax and EFC enhancing scale and profitability. Valuation is compelling: ESI trades at 25x FWD EV/EBITDA, with EBITDA guidance raised to $675M and further margin upside anticipated. Despite near-term working capital headwinds from elevated metal prices, ESI's core earnings and exposure to high-growth end-markets justify a Strong Buy rating. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
SOLS
US$84.67
Solstice Advanced Materials
7D
1.3%
1Y
n/a
SHW
US$322.90
Sherwin-Williams
7D
0.1%
1Y
-6.6%
Analysis Article • Jun 22

Sherwin Williams (SHW) Stock Could Be 14% Undervalued After Earnings And Outlook Hold

Why Sherwin-Williams Stock Is Back in Focus After Earnings and Financing Moves Sherwin-Williams (SHW) is drawing fresh investor attention after reporting revenues that exceeded analyst expectations, confirming full-year guidance and, separately, extending $200,000,000 in credit commitments out to 2031. The earnings report highlighted what management described as strong sales in a challenging global environment with demand softness still present. However, the stock moved lower after the...
SQM
US$76.50
Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile
7D
-8.0%
1Y
125.3%
Narrative Update • Jun 22

SQM: Lithium Volume Expansion And Rebound Pricing Will Support 2026 Earnings

Analysts have raised the fair value estimate for Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile to $110 from $106, reflecting updated views on revenue growth, profit margins, and lithium pricing that are in line with recent price target increases across the Street, even where ratings remain cautious. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile points to a mixed but generally constructive tone, with several bullish analysts lifting price targets following the company’s Q1 results and updated guidance.
AXTA
US$33.64
Axalta Coating Systems
7D
1.0%
1Y
12.2%
Narrative Update • Jun 22

AXTA: Proposed Akzo Merger And Mixed Ratings Will Shape Measured Outlook

Axalta Coating Systems' analyst price target has been revised slightly higher to $35.71 from $35.36, as analysts factor in a modestly lower discount rate and reaffirm expectations around the proposed Akzo merger following the withdrawal of competing bidders. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Axalta Coating Systems highlights a split between analysts who see upside tied to the proposed Akzo merger and those who are more cautious on execution and valuation risk.
CTVA
US$79.11
Corteva
7D
2.9%
1Y
7.9%
Analysis Article • Jun 20

Corteva (CTVA) Stock Could Be 13% Undervalued After FMC Herbicide Deal

Why the new FMC partnership matters for Corteva stock Corteva (CTVA) recently signed a multi-year, co-exclusive supply and license agreement with FMC Corporation for rimisoxafen herbicide technology, giving the company another tool in corn and soybean crop protection. The deal covers North and South American markets, includes a US$200 million prepurchase payment from Corteva, and allows both companies to create their own premix formulations. Commercial sales are targeted by the end of the...
WLK
US$76.48
Westlake
7D
-9.3%
1Y
0.9%
Narrative Update • Jun 19

WLK: Litigation Settlement And German Acquisition Will Support Future Stock Rebound

Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Westlake to about $113.40 per share, down from roughly $114.29, pointing to updated assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins, the discount rate, and a higher future P/E multiple. What’s in the News for Westlake Westlake stock is reported to be down 13.5% since its last earnings release, after the company reported a wider adjusted loss per share than expected in Q1 2026, with net sales down year over year and softer results in the Performance and Essential Materials segment.
DOW
US$30.33
Dow
7D
-8.0%
1Y
10.2%
APD
US$282.45
Air Products and Chemicals
7D
0.7%
1Y
0.5%
Narrative Update • Jun 18

APD: Semiconductor Contract And Raised Guidance Will Support Future Stock Upside

Analysts have raised their price targets for Air Products and Chemicals by about $20 in recent weeks, citing updated assumptions around discount rates, profit margins and future P/E multiples that support a slightly higher valuation framework. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Air Products and Chemicals clusters around a consistent theme, with several firms adjusting price targets and a few issuing upgrades as they revisit valuation assumptions, discount rates and profit expectations for the stock.
LIN
US$512.26
Linde
7D
-1.1%
1Y
10.6%
Analysis Article • Jun 17

Linde (LIN) Stock Could Be 4.9% Undervalued As Space Launch Demand Draws Attention

Fresh analyst commentary on Linde (LIN) highlights its role in supplying industrial gases to the growing commercial space launch market, with expectations of a modest positive contribution to annual volume growth. See our latest analysis for Linde. Linde’s recent analyst attention around commercial space launch activity comes on top of strong share price momentum, with a roughly 21% year to date share price return and a 5 year total shareholder return close to 91%, suggesting that interest...
LYB
US$57.60
LyondellBasell Industries
7D
-8.0%
1Y
-1.3%
Narrative Update • Jun 16

LYB: Dividend Reset And Polyethylene Pricing Will Shape Future Share Performance

Analysts have increased their fair value estimate for LyondellBasell Industries stock from $38.00 to $63.00, citing updated views on polyethylene pricing, earnings normalization for chemicals, and revised P/E assumptions that are reflected in recent Street price target changes. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on LyondellBasell Industries highlights a mix of optimism around polyethylene pricing and chemicals earnings, alongside more cautious views that focus on how long current conditions can last and what investors may be willing to pay for the stock.
SXT
US$118.74
Sensient Technologies
7D
6.3%
1Y
21.4%
Narrative Update • Jun 16

SXT: Fair Outlook Balances Higher EPS Guidance With Execution And Margin Risks

The analyst fair value estimate for Sensient Technologies has been updated from $95 to $124, reflecting a revised view on revenue, profit margin and long-term P/E assumptions that aligns with the more constructive stance recently outlined by analysts in Street research. Analyst Commentary on Sensient Technologies Stock Recent Street research around Sensient Technologies has centered on reassessing fair value in light of updated expectations for revenue, margins and long term P/E assumptions.
ASPI
US$7.08
ASP Isotopes
7D
9.9%
1Y
-7.9%