Strategic Initiatives to Deliver Strong Cash Flows, Volume and Sales Growth Amid Challenging Market - Research Report on Dow, Ashland, Airgas, FMC, and Celanese

NEW YORK, July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Editor Note: For more information about this release, please scroll to bottom.

Today, Analysts' Corner announced new research reports highlighting The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW), Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), Airgas Inc. (NYSE: ARG), FMC Corp. (NYSE: FMC), and Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE). Today's readers may access these reports free of charge - including full price targets, industry analysis and analyst ratings - via the links below.

The Dow Chemical Company Research Report

On July 25, 2013, The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) reported its Q2 2013 financial results with earnings of $1.87 per share, up compared to earnings of $0.55 per share in Q2 2012. The Company's sales were $14.6 billion, a 0.4% YoY increase. Andrew N. Liveris, Dow's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Our results in the second quarter are indicative of Dow's focus and drive to aggressively manage our portfolio and generate momentum across our enterprise - expanding margins, growing cash flow and increasing earnings, even in the midst of a slow-growth macroeconomic environment. We also are fully implementing aggressive improvement plans in those segments that do not currently meet our return on capital expectations. Our strong cash generation, our deployment of K-Dow proceeds to pay down debt and our ongoing $1.5 billion share buyback program are all focused on rewarding our shareholders - and we will continue to do so as our earnings grow." The Full Research Report on The Dow Chemical Company - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/6908_DOW]

Ashland Inc. Research Report

On July 25, 2013, Ashland Inc. (Ashland) announced its preliminary Q3 FY 2013 (period ended June 30, 2013) financial results with earnings from continuing operations of $1.47 per diluted share. The Company reported operating income of $210 million versus $263 million in Q3 FY 2012. Adjusted EBITDA was $325 million compared to $381 million in Q3 FY 2012. Diluted EPS from net income came in at $1.55 compared to $1.90 in Q3 FY 2012. The Full Research Report on Ashland Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/dfdb_ASH]

Airgas Inc. Research Report

On July 25, 2013, Airgas Inc. (Airgas) reported its Q2 2013 financial results with earnings per diluted share declining 1% YoY to $1.14. The Company reported sales growth of 2% YoY to $1.3 billion, primarily led by recent acquisitions. The Company's operating margin was 12.2%, up 10 basis points over Q2 2012. "The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) unexpected ruling in late March to allow for an increase in the production of R-22 this year challenged our refrigerants business to a greater extent than we had estimated, with the unusually cool spring weather across much of the country exacerbating its impact on our results," said Airgas President and Chief Executive Officer Michael L. Molinini. "Absent the incremental refrigerants impact, our results for the quarter were in-line with the mid-point of our earnings per share guidance range, with Distribution segment organic sales up 1% in what continues to be a very challenging economic environment." The Company is updating its full-year 2014 diluted EPS guidance of $5.00 to $5.15, representing 15% to 18% YoY growth. The Full Research Report on Airgas Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/b17f_ARG]

FMC Corp. Research Report

On July 24, 2013, FMC Corp. (FMC) announced its acquisition of all of the shares of Epax Nutra Holding III AS (Norway) and Epax UK Holding III AS (United Kingdom). "Earlier this year, we committed to invest in our FMC Health and Nutrition platform by expanding participation in nutraceuticals and similar high growth markets," said Pierre Brondeau, FMC President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. "Today's announcement underscores our commitment to this strategy and builds on our strengths in functional ingredients for the food and pharmaceutical markets. It also illustrates our resolve to meet or exceed FMC's Vision 2015 growth goals through targeted acquisitions that complement our technology, business and financial priorities." According to the Company, the $345 million transaction reflects a 2013 EBITDA multiple in line with FMC's current trading multiple and is anticipated to be immediately accretive to the Company's EPS. The Full Research Report on FMC Corp. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/a00b_FMC]

Celanese Corporation Research Report

On July 18, 2013, Celanese Corp. (Celanese) reported its Q2 2013 financial results with adjusted EPS of $1.12, down compared to $1.14 in Q2 2012. The Company's segment income margin increased 22.3% YoY. Celanese's cash on hand increased to $1.1 billion while net debt decreased to less than $2 billion. "Celanese's second quarter results reflect the continued success we are having by delivering value-added solutions to our customers in diverse end-use markets and geographic regions as we increased segment income margins to 22.3% sequentially in Advanced Engineered Materials, Consumer Specialties and Industrial Specialties. This success was tempered by lower segment income in Acetyl Intermediates as the economies of Asia and Europe demonstrated softer conditions than the first quarter and as we executed a number of plant turnarounds," said Mark Rohr, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We are well positioned to pursue our balanced cash deployment strategy." The Company expects adjusted earnings growth of 12% YoY for 2013. The Full Research Report on Celanese Corporation - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/3763_CE]

EDITOR NOTES:

1. This is not company news. We are an independent source and our views do not reflect the companies mentioned.
2. Information in this release is fact checked and produced on a best efforts basis and reviewed by a CFA. However, we are only human and are prone to making mistakes. If you notice any errors or omissions, please notify us below.
3. This information is submitted as a net-positive to companies mentioned, to increase awareness for mentioned companies to our subscriber base and the investing public.
4. If you wish to have your company covered in more detail by our team, or wish to learn more about our services, please contact us at [email protected].
5. For any urgent concerns or inquiries, please contact us at [email protected].
6. Are you a public company? Would you like to see similar coverage on your company? Send us a full investors' package to [email protected] for consideration.

COMPLIANCE PROCEDURE

Content is researched, written and reviewed on a best-effort basis. This document, article or report is prepared and authored by Equity News Network. An outsourced research services provider has, through Chartered Financial Analysts, only reviewed the information provided by Equity News Network in this article or report according to the Procedures outlined by Equity News Network. Equity News Network is not entitled to veto or interfere in the application of such procedures by the outsourced provider to the articles, documents or reports, as the case may be.

NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE

Equity News Network makes no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness or fitness for a purpose (investment or otherwise), of the information provided in this document. This information is not to be construed as personal financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult their personal financial advisor before making any decisions to buy, sell or hold any securities mentioned herein.

NO WARRANTY OR LIABILITY ASSUMED

Equity News Network is not responsible for any error which may be occasioned at the time of printing of this document or any error, mistake or shortcoming. No liability is accepted by Equity News Network whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of this document. Equity News Network expressly disclaims any fiduciary responsibility or liability for any consequences, financial or otherwise arising from any reliance placed on the information in this document. Equity News Network does not (1) guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness or correct sequencing of the information, or (2) warrant any results from use of the information. The included information is subject to change without notice.

SOURCE Analysts' Corner

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED