The global demand for chemicals grew weaker in 2012. However, it is anticipated that the stagnant growth trend will come to an end in 2013. The players in this industry are using various strategies and business alliances to increase their market shares and to improve their margins. In this article, I will analyze the impacts of the recent acquisition made by a well-known industry player FMC Corp (NYSE:FMC). Later in the article is a brief discussion of the strategies and alliances of FMC’s two peers, Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX) and Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN).
Industry players’ growth strategies
FMC Corp (NYSE:FMC) has announced the purchase of Epax, a leading manufacturer of concentrated omega-3 fatty acids. FMC operates in three different segments: agricultural products, specialty chemicals and industrial chemicals. FMC does not have any omega-3 products in its existing portfolio, but it has considerable expertise in its marine sourced ingredients.
The current market size for Omega-3 fatty acids is $2.1 billion per year, and it is projected to grow by 12% to 15% annually. Therefore, we can expect that after this acquisition, the revenue of FMC Corp (NYSE:FMC) will also see an increase of 12% to 15% annually, leading to higher net profits and per share earnings.
Moreover, the acquisition will help FMC Corp (NYSE:FMC) serve in the nutraceutical market, which is also a very high growth market. The nutraceutical product market is anticipated to reach $204.8 billion by 2017, growing at a rate of 6.3%. It is evident from these facts that this acquisition will turn out to be very beneficial for FMC.
Now, let’s have a look at FMC Corp (NYSE:FMC)’s competitors.
Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX) is penetrating into the chemical market by adopting many different approaches. To begin with, the company has entered into an industrial gas joint venture with KuibyshevAzot in Central Russia. This agreement will increase the production of liquified natural gas. At the same time, it will also result in cost savings to the company. It will further increase the production efficiency and the long-term competitiveness of the company.
Secondly, Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX) has also decided to expand its presence in South Korea. This expected to bring immediate synergies and drive new profitable growth from VOF’s large packaged gas in this region.
Lastly, Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX) has expanded its hydrogen supply in the Gulf Coast plant and also expanded its new air separation plant in Korea, after which it became the largest atmosphere air gasses supplier to Samsung. The expansion of the hydrogen plant will provide additional capacity to supply 135 million standard cubic feet per day of hydrogen, 450,000 pounds per hour of steam and produce 1.2 barrels of high value low sulpher products.
As the market for industrial gasses is not very sensitive to economic fluctuations, its demand is constantly increasing over time. It is projected that the industrial gases market will grow at a rate of 9% until 2016 and will be worth $98,788 million. Due to this rising demand for industrial gasses, these joint ventures and acquisition by Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX) will increase the profits of the company due to its capacity enhancement.
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN), another peer in the industry, acquired Solutia for approximately $4.8 billion. The acquisition will establish a diverse and sustainable portfolio for Eastman and expand its geographical outreach in emerging markets. It will strengthen the company’s position as a top-tier specialty chemical supplier.
This transaction will increase the sales revenue and profit margins of the company. Moreover, Eastman will be able to generate a solid return on its capital and contribute towards strong cash flow generation. It is also expected that the above transaction will be accretive to the company’s earnings.
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) has also expanded its Therminol 66 plant capacity in Wales, which increases the plant’s capacity by 50%. The demand for Therminol 66 fluid is increasing in oil and gas and polymers markets. Hence, this increase in capacity will boost the sales of the company.
Final words
FMC Corp (NYSE:FMC) has a very sound financial position, unlike its competitors, due to its diversified revenue base. The revenue of the company grew at a rate of 6.3% while per share earnings grew at a rate of 20.5% over the last three years. The dividends announced for investors have been increasing year on year since the company started paying a dividend. Its margins are considerably higher than the industry average, and the debt profile is also better than its industry peers. Due to the recent acquisition, the company’s profitability will further improve making this stock more attractive for the investors. So, I recommend this stock as a strong buy.
Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX) has a stable financial position. The company’s EPS has been growing at a rate of 13.4%. Its dividend has also increased year on year. Its recent approaches to achieve deeper market penetration will add huge profits to its income statement due to the bright future outlook for industrial gasses market. So, in my opinion, this stock is profitable for both short term and long term investors.
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN)’s financial position is also very stable. Previously, the company used to pay constant dividends, but for the last three years, its dividend yield has been increasing every year. Its acquisition of Solutia and expansion of Therminol 66 plant will bring higher revenue and improve profit margins. Therefore, I would recommend this stock as a buy.
usman iftikhar has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.
The article Stocks to Consider in the Chemical Industry originally appeared on Fool.com.
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