Chemical Mc's Nuggets

Research evidence excerpt

Chemical Mc's Nuggets

previously anticipated pricing decreases starting in September to pricing decreases starting in July (currently calling for a total of 25c/lb declines for US PE across Jul-Sept). Current

nominations are for a +20c/lb. hike in June, whereas buyside consensus calls a flat M/M pricing with risk to the downside—we believe pricing will be down at least modestly in

June. Click for note

• Activist fund Cruiser Capital Urged Ashland to Explore Sale 6/18: ASH is facing pressure from another activist investor Cruiser Capital Advisors to sell itself. Cruiser reportedly sent

a letter to ASH's board saying the company is able to maximize shareholder value despite having attractive assets and that certain potential acquirers will be able to reduce costs

and realize synergies of at least $100mm. This comes after another activist investor, Ancora Alternatives, revealed its stake in Ashland and urged it to sell itself.

• Air Liquide Advances Largest Steel ASU in China 6/17: Air Liquide's (not covered) subsidiary, Air Liquide (Zhangjiagang) Industrial Gases has installed two distillation columns at

its planned 100,000 Nm3/h ASU in Zhangjiagang, China. This ASU is expected to be operational in March 2027.

Westlake Acquires PVC and VCM Plants in Wilhelmshaven, Germany 6/15: WLK's German subsidiary, Westlake Vinnolit GmbH & Co. KG, has completed the previously announced

acquisition of a PVC and VCM production site located in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The site has the capacity to produce 380,000 mt/y of PVC. No terms were disclosed.

• Strait Talk on Chemicals 6/17: In this week of the Strait Talk on Chemicals, we brought a host of key updates on the chemicals space as the fragile ceasefire between U.S./Israel

US Chemicals | Page 3 June 18, 2026