Huntsman Q1 Loss Of US$0.30 Per Share Tests Bullish Margin Recovery Narratives

Huntsman Corporation

Huntsman Corporation

HUN

0.00

Huntsman (HUN) opened 2026 with Q1 revenue of US$1.4 billion and a basic EPS loss of US$0.30, while the trailing twelve months show revenue of US$5.7 billion and a basic EPS loss of US$1.87. Over recent quarters, revenue has ranged between US$1.4 billion and US$1.5 billion, with quarterly basic EPS losses stretching from roughly US$0.02 to US$0.92. Investors are therefore looking at a business that is still working through margin pressure rather than expanding profitability.

See our full analysis for Huntsman.

With the latest numbers on the table, the next step is to see how this earnings profile lines up with the widely held narratives around Huntsman, and where those stories might need a reset.

NYSE:HUN Earnings & Revenue History as at May 2026
NYSE:HUN Earnings & Revenue History as at May 2026

Losses remain wide on a US$323 million trailing basis

  • Looking beyond a single quarter, Huntsman reported trailing twelve month net income loss of US$323 million and a basic EPS loss of US$1.87, compared with quarterly net income losses ranging from US$4 million to US$159 million over the last six reported quarters.
  • Bulls point to cost reductions and portfolio streamlining as the basis for more resilient margins over time. However, the current trailing loss of US$323 million and recent quarterly EPS outcomes between a US$0.02 loss and a US$0.92 loss highlight that the company is still some distance from the improved earnings quality that the bullish view expects.
    • Bullish arguments around lasting cash generation and better net margins sit against a five year trend where losses have reportedly widened at about 67.5% per year.
    • The optimistic idea of a step change in earnings power needs to be weighed against the fact that every one of the last six reported quarters still shows a net income loss.

Bulls argue that a leaner cost base could turn this loss making period into a turning point, but the current numbers show how much ground still needs to be made up before that story shows through in reported earnings. 🐂 Huntsman Bull Case

4.4% revenue growth paired with continuing losses

  • On a trailing basis Huntsman generated US$5.7b of revenue, growing at about 4.4% per year, while remaining unprofitable with trailing net income loss of US$323 million and quarterly net income losses consistently reported across the last six quarters.
  • Critics in the bearish camp argue that rising costs and industry headwinds will keep pressure on margins, and the combination of modest 4.4% annual revenue growth and ongoing losses across both the quarter and trailing period gives that concern real footing.
    • Bears highlight that trailing revenue growth of 4.4% sits below the cited 11% growth rate for the wider US market, which lines up with their view of slower top line progress.
    • The fact that quarterly net income losses reached up to US$159 million in recent periods adds weight to the bearish claim that profitability is under strain even as revenue holds in the US$1.4b to US$1.5b range.

Skeptics warn that slow revenue growth combined with repeated losses is exactly the pattern that can keep pressure on the share price if it persists, so this mix of 4.4% growth and a US$323 million trailing loss is central to their case. 🐻 Huntsman Bear Case

Low P/S of 0.4x versus peers’ 1.5x

  • Huntsman is trading on a P/S of 0.4x compared with a peer average of 1.5x and a US chemicals industry average of 1.1x, while the company remains loss making over the last 12 months with net income loss of US$323 million and trailing EPS loss of US$1.87.
  • Supporters of the bullish narrative see this discount as a sign of potential value, but the same data set also shows material risks, including debt that is not well covered by operating cash flow and a 2.39% dividend that is poorly covered by earnings, which fits more closely with the cautious arguments raised by bears.
    • The low 0.4x P/S multiple can be read as the market adjusting for persistent unprofitability and leverage concerns, not just overlooking a healthier business.
    • Dividend coverage that is described as weak alongside inadequate debt coverage helps explain why the valuation gap versus peers may not close without clear progress in earnings and cash generation.

Next Steps

To see how these results tie into long-term growth, risks, and valuation, check out the full range of community narratives for Huntsman on Simply Wall St. Add the company to your watchlist or portfolio so you'll be alerted when the story evolves.

If this mix of risks and potential rewards feels finely balanced, it may be worth moving quickly and checking the underlying data yourself to shape a clear view, starting with 1 key reward and 2 important warning signs.

See What Else Is Out There

Huntsman is facing a trailing net income loss of US$323 million, a basic EPS loss of US$1.87 and dividend coverage described as weak.

If you are uneasy about repeated losses and fragile dividend cover, you can use the solid balance sheet and fundamentals stocks screener (44 results) to quickly focus on companies with healthier financial foundations and resilience.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.