The largest chemical companies in the world are the leading players in the complex chemicals industry sphere. It takes into purview the chemicals sector in its entirety including commodity petrochemicals to specialized chemical products. The chemicals industry comprises companies that are engaged in production of industrial chemicals, and therefore, it’s an industry a whole lot of other industries are dependent on as a source of their raw materials. The GICS classification further breaks down the industry into sub-industries of Commodity Chemicals , Diversified Chemicals, Fertilizers & Agricultural Chemicals , Industrial Gases, and Specialty Chemicals. Chemicals producers can hence be positioned in a wide range of products and catering to a varied stream of industries – from fertilizers for the agriculture industry to users of high value-added chemicals, ultimately producing fine chemicals, additives, advanced polymers, adhesives, sealants and specialty paints, pigments and coatings. Usage of chemicals is prevalent in 96% of manufactured goods, and we can easily gauge how indispensable such an industry is to the smooth movement of the economy.
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) notes that 25% of the U.S. GDP is supported by this very industry, and the US also provides 14% of the world’s chemicals. Big players in the country include Dow (NYSE:DOW), LyondellBasell (NYSE:LYB), Linde (NYSE:LIN) and DuPont(NYSE:DD). Following the merger of Dow and DuPont in 2017, it briefly became the leading player in the global chemicals market. The company’s 2018 revenues were as high as 86 billion in even surpassing BASF’s revenue for the year. The company however, went on to be split into three separate units – Dow, DuPont and Corteva, specializing in commodity chemicals, specialty chemicals and agricultural chemicals respectively. Dow and DuPont continue to have a place amongst the largest chemical companies, post split off.
Globally the industry’s market size is $2.4 trillion while China has been the global leader in production of chemicals in 2018, contributing 35.8%of global chemical sales in the year. Total sales from the country alone amounted to €1,198 billion in the said year. Undoubtedly, the chemicals industry is also one of the fastest growing industries in the world. According to a report by The European Chemical Industry Council, World chemicals turnover was valued at €3,347 billion in 2018 as global sales grew by 2.5% compared to 2017.
Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com
However, much like a lot of other heavy industries, 2020 has been a tough year for Chemicals companies. At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, as demand and sales of chemicals shrunk, most companies have been struggling to keep up sales volumes. This has not only impacted year end performance but as margins were depressed well into the year with lower oil prices and overcapacity in markets, prices took a hit. The sales for the 100 largest chemical companies fell by 4.9% as global manufacturing slowed down and several key chemical markets dealt with overcapacity. Upstream petrochemicals and materials manufacturers have particularly struggled to keep prices and profits afloat in the market slump. The industry, after doing well for the past several years, had already encountered a fall in profits in 2019. As observed in the Special Report on Top 100 Chemical Companies by ICIS, profits for the Top 100 chemical companies fell 17.4% on average in the course of the year, while net income decreased by 46% and several of the top companies experienced losses. Companies worldwide were forced to go through cut backs and react swiftly against the general uncertainty the pandemic brought.
As economies prepare to recover from the global slowdown, things are starting to clear up for the chemicals industry as well, and experts believe that the performances in the second half of 2020 could possibly bring out better results. However, the profits for the year have already been hit, and the overall performance is clearly going to be a notch down from the previous years. The only way companies can come out strong is by rethinking their efficiencies. It is more important than ever to take efficiency measures and identify opportunities to cut back as a reactive measure. In 2019, US companies were quick to ride the shale boom and channelize investments into production facilities.
The COVID 19 pandemic is a wake-up call that shows how economies are vulnerable in a crisis. The global chemical market had been going through a sea of change in 2019, due to the oil price crash and was worsened due to the pandemic. The Top 100 companies generated a revenue of $1tr, which was still significantly lower than in 2018. Amidst the changing scenarios, the largest chemical companies in the world have also been performing under pressure. Our list today summarizes the leading players according to their sales in 2019, giving a picture how each company’s performance has ultimately fared in the global market and where they are currently placed. It is based on ICIS’s report that reports the sales data for major players’ chemical business in the given financial year. As some companies do not clearly
US-based Sherwin-Williams is a company operating in paints and coatings. Compared to other chemicals sectors coatings manufacturers were able to show a stronger position in the market in 2020, against the pandemic slowdown. However, the company recorded a net sales decrease of $273.8 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2020, as opposed to the same period in 2019.
14. Merck KGaA
Sales 2019 – $18,134 m
Germany’s Merck KGaA is one of the world’s oldest operating chemical and pharmaceutical companies. The company deals in life-science chemicals and lab solutions. The Group expects some organic growth in the upcoming quarter.
Pixabay/Public Domain
13. Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings
Sales 2019 – $19,679m
The Japanese company was a product of a merger between Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Mitsubishi Pharma Corporation in 2005. The company has three segments namely, Performance Products, Industrial Materials, and Health Care. The chemical segment is under the Industrial Materials and had a revenue of $19,679 million in FYE 2019, ended March 31st, 2020.
12. Reliance Industries
Sales 2019 – $20,376m
Reliance industries has several units dealing in energy, petrochemicals, textiles, natural resources, retail, and telecommunications. The chemicals section made a revenue of $20,376 million in 2020.
11. Toray
Sales 2019 – $20,378m
Headquartered in Japan, Toray is engaged in organic synthetic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and biochemistry. The company is using its Tendotoxin adsorption cartridge TORAYMYXIN®, as a treatment for COVID-19 patients.
10. Sumitomo Chemical
Sales 2019 $20,480 m
Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical engages in petrochemical, plastics, energy and functional materials as well as IT-related chemicals and agricultural chemicals.
The company was featured in CDP’s “Climate A List 2019” for its responses to Climate change issues.
DuPont was formed as part of the spin off after the merger of DowDuPont, to exclusively focus on specialty chemicals. Slump in the automotive industry due to COVID-19 resulted in a $2.5 billion non-cash impairment charge in the Transportation & Industrial segment in the 2Q for the company.
8. LG Chem
Sales 2019 – $24,793 m
The largest Korean Chemical company, under the LG Group, produces petrochemicals, advanced materials, life-science and energy solutions. The company managed to keep high operating profits in 2020, thanks to its flourishing EV battery segment. Operating profits were $794 million, up by 159% year-over-year in 3Q.
US oil and gas giant, operates in the chemicals segment as ExxonMobil Chemicals, dealing mainly in petrochemicals. The products include olefins and aromatics, ethylene glycol, polyethylene, and polypropylene and also some specialty lines. The company announced planned reductions in capital spending as a response to the Covid crisis, in order to increase efficiency.
Katherine Welles / Shutterstock.com
6. INEOS
Sales 2019 – $32,103 m
British MNC is one of the largest chemical companies in the world, with over 20 standalone units under its umbrella. The company has varied chemicals products such as biodiesel, POV compound, solvents, and upstream shale.
Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!
It’s the revolution reshaping every industry on the planet.
From driverless cars to medical breakthroughs, AI is on the cusp of a global explosion, and savvy investors stand to reap the rewards.
Here’s why this is the prime moment to jump on the AI bandwagon:
Exponential Growth on the Horizon: Forget linear growth – AI is poised for a hockey stick trajectory.
Imagine every sector, from healthcare to finance, infused with superhuman intelligence.
We’re talking disease prediction, hyper-personalized marketing, and automated logistics that streamline everything.
This isn’t a maybe – it’s an inevitability.
Early investors will be the ones positioned to ride the wave of this technological tsunami.
Ground Floor Opportunity: Remember the early days of the internet?
Those who saw the potential of tech giants back then are sitting pretty today.
AI is at a similar inflection point.
We’re not talking about established players – we’re talking about nimble startups with groundbreaking ideas and the potential to become the next Google or Amazon.
This is your chance to get in before the rockets take off!
Disruption is the New Name of the Game: Let’s face it, complacency breeds stagnation.
AI is the ultimate disruptor, and it’s shaking the foundations of traditional industries.
The companies that embrace AI will thrive, while the dinosaurs clinging to outdated methods will be left in the dust.
As an investor, you want to be on the side of the winners, and AI is the winning ticket.
The Talent Pool is Overflowing: The world’s brightest minds are flocking to AI.
From computer scientists to mathematicians, the next generation of innovators is pouring its energy into this field.
This influx of talent guarantees a constant stream of groundbreaking ideas and rapid advancements.
By investing in AI, you’re essentially backing the future.
The future is powered by artificial intelligence, and the time to invest is NOW.
Don’t be a spectator in this technological revolution.
Dive into the AI gold rush and watch your portfolio soar alongside the brightest minds of our generation.
This isn’t just about making money – it’s about being part of the future.
So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your investment life!
Act Now and Unlock a Potential 10,000% Return: This AI Stock is a Diamond in the Rough (But Our Help is Key!)
The AI revolution is upon us, and savvy investors stand to make a fortune.
But with so many choices, how do you find the hidden gem – the company poised for explosive growth?
That’s where our expertise comes in.
We’ve got the answer, but there’s a twist…
Imagine an AI company so groundbreaking, so far ahead of the curve, that even if its stock price quadrupled today, it would still be considered ridiculously cheap.
That’s the potential you’re looking at. This isn’t just about a decent return – we’re talking about a 10,000% gain over the next decade!
Our research team has identified a hidden gem – an AI company with cutting-edge technology, massive potential, and a current stock price that screams opportunity.
This company boasts the most advanced technology in the AI sector, putting them leagues ahead of competitors.
It’s like having a race car on a go-kart track.
They have a strong possibility of cornering entire markets, becoming the undisputed leader in their field.
Here’s the catch (it’s a good one): To uncover this sleeping giant, you’ll need our exclusive intel.
We want to make sure none of our valued readers miss out on this groundbreaking opportunity!
That’s why we’re slashing the price of our Premium Readership Newsletter by a whopping 70%.
For a ridiculously low price of just $29.99, you can unlock a year’s worth of in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single restaurant meal!
Here’s why this is a deal you can’t afford to pass up:
• Access to our Detailed Report on this Game-Changing AI Stock: Our in-depth report dives deep into our #1 AI stock’s groundbreaking technology and massive growth potential.
• 11 New Issues of Our Premium Readership Newsletter: You will also receive 11 new issues and at least one new stock pick per month from our monthly newsletter’s portfolio over the next 12 months. These stocks are handpicked by our research director, Dr. Inan Dogan.
• One free upcoming issue of our 70+ page Quarterly Newsletter: A value of $149
• Bonus Reports: Premium access to members-only fund manager video interviews
• Ad-Free Browsing: Enjoy a year of investment research free from distracting banner and pop-up ads, allowing you to focus on uncovering the next big opportunity.
• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: If you’re not absolutely satisfied with our service, we’ll provide a full refund within 30 days, no questions asked.
Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.
Here’s what to do next:
1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $29.99.
2. Enjoy a year of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the revolutionary AI company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter over the next 12 months.
3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!
No worries about auto-renewals! Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies whether you’re joining us for the first time or renewing your subscription a year later!
I work for one of the largest independent financial publishers in the world – representing over 1 million people in 148 countries.
We’re independently funding today’s broadcast to address something on the mind of every investor in America right now…
Should I put my money in Artificial Intelligence?
Here to answer that for us… and give away his No. 1 free AI recommendation… is 50-year Wall Street titan, Marc Chaikin.
Marc’s been a trader, stockbroker, and analyst. He was the head of the options department at a major brokerage firm and is a sought-after expert for CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and Yahoo! Finance…
But what Marc’s most known for is his award-winning stock-rating system. Which determines whether a stock could shoot sky-high in the next three to six months… or come crashing down.
That’s why Marc’s work appears in every Bloomberg and Reuters terminal on the planet…
And is still used by hundreds of banks, hedge funds, and brokerages to track the billions of dollars flowing in and out of stocks each day.
He’s used this system to survive nine bear markets… create three new indices for the Nasdaq… and even predict the brutal bear market of 2022, 90 days in advance.
