** Shares of U.S. Chemical companies are set to end 2025 on a negative note as the sector continues to struggle with weak demand, higher input costs and tightening European regulations
** Chemicals firms serve an array of end markets such as automobiles, building and construction, medical, and electronics
** As of last close, LyondellBasell LYB.N has fallen 41.2%, Eastman Chemical EMN.N has lost ~30%, Dow DOW.N has declined 41.4% and Chemours Co CC.N has lost 30%
** DOW and LYB are among the worst performers on the S&P 500 Materials index .SPLRCM
** "We see risk of degradation in integrated polyethylene margins with more risk of oil-to-gas spread compression and pressure on export markets," Citi analyst Patrick Cunningham said in a note
** Compressed margins and higher ethane costs could weigh on free cash flow and dividend sustainability for DOW and LYB - Cunningham
** Agri-chemical companies: FMC Corp FMC.N and Mosaic MOS.N have fallen 71.4% and 1.8% respectively in 2025
(Reporting by Sumit Saha in Bengaluru)
((Sumit.Saha@thomsonreuters.com;))
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