Chemical makers still have appeal

Article Excerpt

Demand for chemicals follows the ups and downs of the industrial sector—in other words, it’s cyclical. With the recent slowdown in the global economy, shares of Huntsman and its former subsidiary Venator are also down in the last year. Still, both are leaders in their markets and are poised to rebound strongly on positive U.S.-China trade news. HUNTSMAN CORP. $20 (New York symbol HUN; Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 233.2 million; Market cap: $4.7 billion; Dividend yield: 3.3%; Takeover Target Rating: Lowest; www.huntsman.com) is a leading producer of specialty chemicals for makers of adhesives, textiles, construction materials, paints, detergents and automotive products. In August 2017, Huntsman used an IPO to sell 26.1 million shares of its Venator (see below) unit for $20.00 a share. Since then, it has sold more of its stake but still holds 49%. It plans to sell its remaining shares—worth $225.2 million. The company used the IPO proceeds to fund its March 2018 purchase of Demilec, which makes polyurethane foam to…