•
Sep 30, 2020

Eastman Chemical Q3 2020 Earnings Report

Eastman Chemical's financial performance improved due to increased demand and cost management.

Key Takeaways

Eastman Chemical Company reported a decrease in sales revenue and EBIT compared to the third quarter of 2019, but saw improved demand and adjusted earnings sequentially. The company is on track to generate greater than $1 billion of free cash flow for the fourth consecutive year.

Demand across most end markets improved, resulting in higher sales revenue and adjusted earnings sequentially.

Sales volume recovered to 5 percent below 2019 levels, with significant increases in end markets negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Cost reduction actions significantly mitigated the financial impact of COVID-19.

Generated the highest free cash flow for the first nine months of a year in company history.

Total Revenue
$2.12B
Previous year: $2.33B
-8.7%
EPS
$1.57
Previous year: $1.94
-19.1%
Adjusted EBIT
$310M
Previous year: $369M
-16.0%
Gross Profit
$501M
Previous year: $574M
-12.7%
Cash and Equivalents
$650M
Previous year: $207M
+214.0%
Free Cash Flow
$360M
Previous year: $306M
+17.6%
Total Assets
$16B
Previous year: $16.1B
-0.8%

Eastman Chemical

Eastman Chemical

Eastman Chemical Revenue by Segment

Eastman Chemical Revenue by Geographic Location

Forward Guidance

Eastman Chemical expects fourth-quarter 2020 adjusted EPS to be similar to fourth-quarter 2019 adjusted EPS of $1.42 and remains on track to generate greater than $1 billion of free cash flow for the year.

Positive Outlook

  • Demand improved throughout the third quarter and into October.
  • Innovation-driven growth model is enabling better performance than recovering end markets.
  • On track to deliver approximately $150 million of cost savings, net of inflation, for full year 2020.
  • Expect approximately $40 million of cost savings in the fourth quarter.
  • Remains on track to generate greater than $1 billion of free cash flow for the year.

Challenges Ahead

  • Resurgence of COVID-19 is increasing uncertainty in the global economic outlook.
  • Limited visibility for the back half of the fourth quarter.
  • Economic conditions are uncertain.
  • Raw material prices are volatile.
  • Multi-year contracts impact acetate tow selling prices.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income