Huntsman Stock Earnings Reports

Huntsman reported stronger-than-expected demand entering Q2 driven by seasonality, customers buying ahead of announced price increases, and trade-flow disruptions that have tightened supply in some regions. Management is focused on aggressively raising prices to offset a material (~$100M+ in Q2) jump in raw material costs, protecting margins rather than acting as a shock absorber. Operations are running reliably with high utilization across MDI and polyurethanes (industry moving from low/mid-80s toward high-80s utilization), and several plants (including Huntsman’s) are largely sold out in key regions (China and the U.S.). Advanced Materials continues a steady recovery (aerospace, power) largely as expected. Key near-term uncertainties are the sustainability of demand later in the year given inflationary pressures and potential weakening in housing permits, and the duration/impact of Middle East disruptions on regional energy/feedstock costs and shipping. Management expects continued price capture into Q2 and plans to maintain discipline on volumes vs. spot buying; they view polyurethanes’ mid-cycle profitability target as mid-teens EBITDA on average but timing to reach that depends on sustained demand and raw material stability. They estimate 30–45 days to resume full sea-based exports if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, noting short-term shipping bottlenecks.