The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business

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Ep 138 Show Notes

Weak demand, weak earnings, and a weak outlook were the resounding themes across the chemical companies' earnings reports in the third quarter, 2023. Inventory de-stocking and lower prices have continued to impact the industry, leading to challenging market conditions.

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer reflects on the third quarter 2023 earnings reports in the chemical industry. She discusses the challenges faced by companies, such as weak demand, lower earnings, and inventory de-stocking, as well as the actions they are taking to respond to the market conditions. 

Killer Quote: "2023 has been a challenging year, much more so than we expected at the beginning of the year.” Victoria Meyer

Join us to learn more about the following this week:

  • Breaking down 3Q23 Earnings Reports 
  • How earnings reports are interpreted
  • Keyword of third quarter earnings reports is “Weak”: weak demand, weak earnings, and weak outlook
  • Inventory and forecasting continue to be a challenge
  • Compression in buy-sell cycle
  • Strategies companies are using to manage their balance sheets
  • Focus on cash generation through commercial discipline 
  • Expectations for Q423
  • Lessons learned from industry leaders

Victoria highlights the importance of commercial discipline, continued investment in strategic projects, and the recognition and optimization of high-value products. She also touches on the need for better forecasting and communication between suppliers and customers. 

Additional Links:

Episode 118: Unpacking 2Q23 Chemical Earnings: Sluggish Economies, Inventory Destocking, and Future Outlooks
Grace Matthews Fall Outlook
Ep 120: Commercial Discipline: Unlocking Business Resilience in Challenging Times

This episode is sponsored by Clariant. Are you grappling with the lightning pace of regulatory and compliance changes in the printing inks industry? Do you want to know more about PFAS, supply chain transparency and extended producer responsibility? Check out Episode 137 of The Chemical Show to learn about PTFE-free solutions with Clariant and NAPIM. 

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Creators and Guests

Host
Victoria King Meyer
Founder & Host of The Chemical Show + The Chemical Summit; Victoria brings 25+ years industry leadership experience including Shell and Clariant and a Victoria brings a practical, business-focused perspective to conversations about leadership, strategy, innovation, and the forces shaping the future of the chemical industry.to

What is The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business?

Looking to lead, grow, and stay ahead in the global chemical industry?

The Chemical Show is the #1 business podcast for the chemical industry, bringing you leadership insights, business strategies, industry trends, and real-world lessons from the executives shaping the business of chemicals.

Each week, host Victoria King Meyer sits down with leaders from across the chemical industry, from Fortune 50 companies to mid-sized businesses and innovative startups. You’ll hear how they’re navigating today’s challenges and opportunities, the experiences that shaped their leadership, and the insights you can apply to your own business and career.

Conversations explore the issues that matter to chemical industry leaders, including:

• Business strategy and growth
• Leadership and talent
• Innovation and technology
• AI and digital transformation
• Supply chain and operational resilience
• Markets, customers, and industry trends

Victoria brings more than 25 years of chemical industry experience from companies including Shell, LyondellBasell, and Clariant. Today, she is an executive advisor and coach, founder of The Chemical Summit, and host of The Chemical Show.

Whether you’re an executive, business leader, or rising leader in chemicals and materials, The Chemical Show helps you stay informed, think differently, and lead with greater impact.

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