Huntsman Corp
Q1 2026 Earnings
Market Reaction
S&P 500 over the same 30 days: +4.66%.
Did HUN Beat Earnings? Q1 2026 Results
Huntsman Corporation edged past Wall Street expectations in Q1 2026, delivering results that beat on both the top and bottom lines despite a quarter severely disrupted by the outbreak of war in the Middle East. The specialty chemicals maker posted an adjusted loss per share of $0.20, narrowly ahead of the $0.21 consensus estimate by 2.58%, while revenue of $1.42 billion topped forecasts by 2.17% and inched 0.7% higher year over year. The central story of the quarter, however, was the sharp surge in feedstock costs, particularly benzene and European natural gas, that struck in March and drove the GAAP net loss attributable to Huntsman to $53.00 million, compared with just $5.00 million a year ago. Advanced Materials provided the brightest spot, with revenue climbing 12% to $279.00 million and adjusted EBITDA jumping 25% to $45.00 million, while Performance Products struggled amid a facility closure and shipment disruptions. Management signaled a meaningful recovery ahead, expecting higher volumes and pricing-driven margin expansion to lift profitability in Q2 2026, even as the company simultaneously moves to exit its nitriles business as part of a broader strategic reshaping.
- Middle East war caused sharp rise in feedstock costs (benzene, European natural gas) introducing significant volatility in March
- Polyurethanes volumes grew 4% YoY including improvement in Europe and Americas
- Advanced Materials revenues grew over 10% driven by aerospace sales increases
- MDI average selling prices decreased due to less favorable supply/demand dynamics
- Performance Products impacted by Moers Germany maleic anhydride facility closure, lower demand, and Saudi Arabia JV shipment disruptions in March
- Favorable foreign currency exchange rate movements against the U.S. dollar benefited selling prices
- Cost optimization program delivering savings
“The first two months of the first quarter progressed as expected with some early trends of year-on-year volume improvement. In March, the onset of the war in the Middle East introduced significant volatility with a sharp rise in feedstock costs, particularly benzene and European natural gas. We immediately increased prices across all products and regions to ensure margins were protected. Despite the conflict, we did see year on year volume growth of 4% in Polyurethanes including some improvement in Europe, and our Advanced Materials revenues grew over 10% as sales into Aerospace increased. While conditions remain highly unpredictable, we are concentrating on margin improvement, cost reduction and cash flow generation. Looking ahead to the second quarter of 2026, we anticipate a step up in profitability, with an increase in volumes combined with margin expansion resulting from our worldwide pricing initiatives.”
Huntsman CEO, on the earnings call
Forward Guidance & Outlook
Management anticipates a step-up in profitability in Q2 2026, driven by an increase in volumes combined with margin expansion resulting from worldwide pricing initiatives. Capital expenditures for full-year 2026 are expected to be similar to 2025 levels. However, conditions remain highly unpredictable due to the war in the Middle East and volatile feedstock costs.
HUN YoY Financials
HUN Revenue by Segment
Figures from SEC filings and company reports. Not investment advice.