Huntsman’s transformation will pay off

Article Excerpt

Huntsman came to our attention after announcing it would spin off its Venator subsidiary. The company’s plans have since changed, and instead of a spinoff, it used an IPO to sell shares in Venator. Huntsman now intends to merge with a Swiss chemical maker. We think the company’s new plans will still unlock considerable value for shareholders. HUNTSMAN CORP. $27 (New York symbol HUN; Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 240.0 million; Market cap: $6.5 billion; Takeover Target Rating: Lowest; Dividend yield: 1.9%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.huntsman.com) is a leading maker of specialty chemicals. It sells these to makers of adhesives, textiles, construction materials, paints, detergents and automotive products. In, 1974, Huntsman also created the styrofoam clamshell container for McDonald’s Big Mac hamburger. The company has more than 100 plants and research facilities in 30 countries. In 2016, the U.S. accounted for 31% of its sales, followed by China (11%), Germany (7%), Mexico (5%) and other countries (46%). Huntsman sales fell from $11.2…