Eastman Chemical

Eastman Chemical (EMN) Q1 2026 Earnings

Reported Apr 30, 2026 at 4:17 PM ET · SEC Source

Q1 26 EPS

$1.09

BEAT +2.42%

Est. $1.06

Q1 26 Revenue

$2.18B

MISS 0.06%

Est. $2.18B

vs S&P Since Q1 26

-6.0%

TRAILING MARKET

EMN -2.7% vs S&P +3.3%

Market Reaction

Did EMN Beat Earnings? Q1 2026 Results

Eastman Chemical posted a modest beat on the bottom line in Q1 2026, with adjusted diluted EPS of $1.09 edging past the consensus estimate of $1.06 by 2.42%, though the quarter still reflected meaningful year-over-year pressure as revenue fell 4.9% t… Read more Eastman Chemical posted a modest beat on the bottom line in Q1 2026, with adjusted diluted EPS of $1.09 edging past the consensus estimate of $1.06 by 2.42%, though the quarter still reflected meaningful year-over-year pressure as revenue fell 4.9% to $2.18 billion, essentially in line with expectations. The headline weakness was driven by a confluence of factors, most notably a 22% revenue decline in the Fibers segment from ongoing acetate tow destocking and soft consumer discretionary demand, compounded by Winter Storm Fern lifting energy costs across the business and Chemical Intermediates softness on weak commodity markets. GAAP diluted EPS came in at $0.93, down sharply from $1.57 a year ago, while gross profit slipped to $431.00 million from $567.00 million. Still, the company highlighted meaningful sequential momentum, with revenue up 10% from Q4 2025's $1.97 billion. Management pointed to tightening olefin markets and roughly $500.00 million in portfolio-wide price increases as key tailwinds, projecting Q2 2026 adjusted EPS of $1.70 to $1.90 and expressing confidence in significant full-year earnings improvement over 2025.

Key Takeaways

  • Sequential specialty business volume/mix improvement of >10% from Q4 2025
  • 240 basis points of sequential adjusted EBIT margin improvement
  • Favorable foreign currency exchange impact of 3%
  • Continued cost-reduction initiatives
  • Expected tariff refund under International Emergency Economic Powers Act
  • Customer inventory destocking in acetate tow reduced Fibers revenue significantly
  • Weak commodity market conditions in Chemical Intermediates
  • Winter Storm Fern increased energy costs across businesses

EMN Forward Guidance & Outlook

Management expects the Middle East conflict to create net earnings upside, particularly in Chemical Intermediates where tightening market conditions are rapidly improving margins. The company is implementing ~$500 million of price increases to offset raw material and distribution inflation. It remains on track for $125–$150 million in cost savings net of inflation. Consumer discretionary demand is expected to remain stable versus 2025, except automotive which is expected to decline low-single-digits. Capital expenditures are expected at approximately $400 million in 2026. For Q2 2026, adjusted EPS is projected in the range of $1.70 to $1.90, with tailwinds from improved specialty volumes and Chemical Intermediates spread improvement, offset by ~$45 million of planned maintenance costs. On cash, the inflationary environment is putting pressure on working capital, narrowing the pathway for operating cash flow to approach 2025 levels. The company remains confident it can significantly improve earnings in 2026 versus 2025.

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EMN YoY Financials

Q1 2026 vs Q1 2025, source: SEC Filings

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EMN Revenue by Segment

With YoY comparisons, source: SEC Filings

Q1 25 Q1 26
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EMN Revenue by Geography

With YoY comparisons, source: SEC Filings

Q1 25 Q1 26

“We delivered a solid first quarter that was in line with our expectations for both earnings and cash flow. I am proud of the way we took immediate steps to position our company to create opportunities and navigate yet another significant disruption in our industry. As global markets reacted to the conflict in the Middle East, the Eastman team quickly took decisive actions to secure supply for crucial raw materials, adjust prices where necessary, and partner with our customers to help them navigate this uncertainty.”

— Mark Costa, Q1 2026 Earnings Press Release