Zacks senior chemical industry analyst Paul Raman, CFA has issued a Hold recommendation to specialty chemicals company Chemtura Corporation (CEM). Here's what his latest update had to say:
'Chemtura is a globally diversified producer of specialty chemicals (including agricultural chemicals), polymer products and polymer processing equipment. It is emerging as a leading specialty chemicals company in the U.S. and is the largest plastics additives company in the world.
'Polymer additives contribute 45% to the combined companies' annual revenues; Performance Specialties 22%, Crop Protection 9% and Consumer Products 19%. The company has a 12% global market share in this product line. About 53% of sales are in North America, with 27% in Europe, and 15% in Asia-Pacific.
'Chemtura is benefiting from cost cutting, higher prices and deleveraging initiatives. However, the company has huge unfunded pension obligations and a variable rate debt.
'Currently, shares of Chemtura Corporation are trading at 15.9x our 2007 EPS estimate of $0.56 per share. Weak volumes and loss of market share are forcing us to rate the stock as a Hold with a target of $10.00. This is 17.9x our 2007 EPS estimate.'
Read the full analyst report on CEM.
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