Mitsui Chemicals clarified no decision exists on acquiring JSR Corp despite media reports. The company is exploring strategic options, including the purchase of the world's leading photoresist producer, to enhance corporate value.
U.S. markets closed higher driven by Big Tech and AI stocks, with notable gains from chemical firms DuPont and Celanese. Oil prices swung between $101 and $107 per barrel amidst geopolitical uncertainty.
UK government grants Ofgem powers to penalize rogue energy brokers and curtail executive bonuses via a new bill saving businesses £100m annually, while also enforcing a fracking moratorium.
DIC Corp announced its affiliate Sun Chemical Colors & Effects GmbH secured AEO-C certification, enabling streamlined customs procedures and priority treatment within the EU. This move enhances operational efficiency and improves cash flow by reducing inspection frequencies.
Cyberattacks targeting refrigeration units in European supermarkets have caused widespread food spoilage and financial losses across multiple nations. Security experts attribute the breaches to vulnerabilities in legacy controllers from manufacturers such as Danfoss and Copeland.
China Datang's Fuxin coal-to-gas project has officially launched after a decade-long suspension, while Saudi Aramco reported over 20% growth in net profit for the first three quarters.
Taco Bell's U.S. sales are rebounding after a summer cyclospora outbreak linked to Mexican lettuce forced a temporary decline. Yum Brands reported same-store sales outperforming the industry since September once the CDC declared the outbreak over.
International Flavors & Fragrances reported adjusted earnings of 83 cents per share, beating estimates, while sales rose 4% year-over-year to $1.94 billion. The company raised its full-year sales guidance citing solid volumes across scent, taste, and health segments.
Saudi Aramco reported a 22% year-on-year increase in adjusted net profit to $98.38 billion for the first nine months of 2026, driven by high oil prices and refining margins. Third-quarter earnings hit $31.2 billion, exceeding expectations despite regional disruptions.
Four M&A transactions were announced for the week ending November 2, with year-to-date volumes and values trending below 2025 levels. The week's most notable deal involved LyondellBasell agreeing to sell its assets.
Celanese reported Q3 net income of $78 million, beating estimates despite weaker automotive demand impacting engineered materials. The company raised full-year earnings guidance and projects over $1.5 billion in free cash flow by 2026.
BP has appointed former Shell chemicals executive Emma Lewis to lead its downstream business starting January 2027. The move aims to strengthen refining and fuels operations amid Shell's ongoing discussions regarding the sale of its chemical assets.
Smith+Nephew confirmed failed merger talks with Johnson & Johnson's orthopaedics unit due to leadership disagreements. Consequently, the company cut its full-year revenue and profit forecasts citing persistent weakness in the Orthopaedics segment.
Novo Nordisk announced that CFO Karsten Munk Knudsen will step down, succeeded by Luigi La Corte. The Danish pharmaceutical firm confirmed the executive change on Wednesday.
Coca-Cola HBC raised its fiscal 2026 organic revenue growth forecast to 6-7%, driven by pricing actions and robust demand despite rising commodity costs. The company remains on track to complete its acquisition of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa by the end of 2026.
DSM-Firmenich reported Q3 core profit slightly above consensus and raised its full-year growth forecast to around 5%, driven by contract wins and strong perfumery & beauty sales.
Novo Nordisk reported third-quarter adjusted operating profit above expectations and raised its full-year profit and sales outlook.
Bayer AG raised its full-year EBITDA forecast to €9.8–10.3 billion following strong pharmaceutical performance, despite a widened Q3 net loss of €678 million. Sales grew 4.1% year-over-year, driven by pharma growth while crop science faced headwinds.
Continental raised its 2026 operating profit margin forecast to 13.4%-14% due to strong tyre business performance, surpassing the analyst consensus of 13.7%.
NHPC and Essar Renewables will jointly develop a 300-megawatt green energy project integrating solar, wind, and battery storage in Andhra Pradesh. The $475 million investment supports India's national goal of reaching 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.
ChemBrief