MS says 2025 turning point for EU chemicals, names Akzo as top pick
** Current demand growth in European chemicals lacks near term catalysts, but is set to improve from 2025, supported by interest rates' cuts and lower gas prices, says Morgan Stanley
** MS analysts anticipate 2.7% supply growth on average over the next four years (vs 4.6% over the past four years),
** It adds that combined with higher demand, the growth should lead to higher profits, based on higher utilisation rates and improving margins
** As chemicals companies have faced weak profitability in 2024 and are expected to provide 2025 guidance below consensus, the broker prefers names with high cash generation supported by identifiable growth drivers
** MS ups Wacker WCHG.DE, Lanxness LXSG.DE and Arkema AKE.PA on improved profitability, as the German companies are expected to see recovery in their main segments while the French group should benefit from the lithium batteries (LFP) market share gains within the EV market
** The broker names Akzo Nobel AKZO.AS its top pick, as shares recovery couples with expected growth and the relative low risk profile of the coating business
** It cuts Air Liquide AIRP.PA and Syensqo SYENS.BR to 'underweight', as the latter lacks near term catalysts to balance negative net pricing and the French group is challenged by sluggish customer capex growth
** The Stoxx Europe 600 Chemicals Index .SX4P is down 0.9%, with Air Liquide at the bottom of the index, at -2.2%, while Lanxess leads the risers, at +4.4%
Table summarizing Morgan Stanley's recommandation changes on European chemicals companies
FROM | TO | |
Chemicals Industry | Cautious | In-Line |
AKE.PA | EW | OW |
LXSG.DE | UW | OW |
WCHG.DE | EW | OW |
AIRP.PA | EW | UW |
SYENS.BR | EW | UW |
BASFn.DE | NA | EW |
ELK.OL | NA | EW |
Reporting by Alban Kacher
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