Commodity Chemical Makers Post Mixed Year-End Results

摘要

Earnings were mixed at commodity and diversified chemical makers during the final quarter of 2009. Volumes are mostly improving, but lower selling prices in the vinyls chain and certain specialty segments hurt results at some firms. Ebitda improved significantly in its polyurethanes segment due to higher margins and volumes, as well as a particularly weak 2008 quarter. Huntsman's pigments segment swung to a profit on higher margins, while losses in its textile effects segment narrowed on improved margins and sales volumes. CF Industries' fourth-quarter earnings tumbled 73%, to $51.4 million, on sales down 53%, to $506.7 million, due to lower selling prices.