Eastman vs CMC

Eastman and CMC are compared on this page to illuminate how their business models, financial performance, and market contexts diverge and align. The analysis presents both companies' strategic approaches, revenue drivers, cost structures, and competitive landscapes in plain, accessible language. Educational content, not financial advice.

Eastman and CMC are compared on this page to illuminate how their business models, financial performance, and market contexts diverge and align. The analysis presents both companies' strategic approac...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

EMN

Metric

CMC

$7.86B

Market Cap

$8.48B

7.46%

Potential Profit

-3.27%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Buy

Investment Analysis

Eastman

EMN

Pros

Eastman has a diversified specialty materials portfolio serving multiple end markets including transportation, personal care, and construction.
The company has a strong focus on cash generation and disciplined capital allocation alongside structural cost reductions.
Analyst consensus is bullish with an average 12-month price target around $80.62, implying significant upside from current levels.

Considerations

Q3 2025 revenue and earnings declined notably due to weak macroeconomic conditions and order slowdowns amid inventory destocking.
Eastman’s stock has experienced a year-to-date decline of approximately 32.8%, reflecting investor concerns over near-term growth prospects.
Margins contracted sharply with adjusted EBIT falling by over 40% year-on-year in Q3 2025, indicating profitability pressure.

CMC

Pros

CMC operates integrated steel mills and recycling facilities supporting the nonresidential construction sector, a vital infrastructure market.
The company maintains a solid liquidity position with a current ratio of 2.82 and a quick ratio of 1.66, indicating short-term financial strength.
Valuation metrics show reasonable price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios suggesting potential value compared to industry peers.

Considerations

ROE and ROIC are modest at 9.14% and 7.76% respectively, indicating moderate efficiency in generating shareholder returns.
Interest coverage ratio of 3.11 suggests moderate financial leverage and risk, potentially vulnerable if interest rates rise.
Exposure to cyclicality and commodity price volatility in steel markets could impact earnings stability and growth prospects.

Related Market Insights

Chemical Sector Shake-Up: Riding Berkshire's Ripple

Berkshire Hathaway's $10B OxyChem bid signals confidence in the chemical sector. Discover investment opportunities & ripple effects. Invest commission-free with Nemo.

Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst

October 1, 2025

Read Insight

The Unglamorous Giants: Why Society's Necessary Evils Make Compelling Investments

These companies handle society's dirty work—waste management, hazardous chemicals, and industrial cleanup—creating defensive investment opportunities with inelastic demand and regulatory moats.

Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst

July 25, 2025

Read Insight

Related Market Insights

Chemical Sector Shake-Up: Riding Berkshire's Ripple

Berkshire Hathaway's $10B OxyChem bid signals confidence in the chemical sector. Discover investment opportunities & ripple effects. Invest commission-free with Nemo.

Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst

October 1, 2025

Read Insight

The Unglamorous Giants: Why Society's Necessary Evils Make Compelling Investments

These companies handle society's dirty work—waste management, hazardous chemicals, and industrial cleanup—creating defensive investment opportunities with inelastic demand and regulatory moats.

Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst

July 25, 2025

Read Insight

About The Companies

Eastman (EMN)

Eastman Chemical Company (EMN) is a diversified specialty materials and chemicals manufacturer serving markets from coatings and packaging to transportation and consumer goods. With a market capitalisation around $7.14 billion, the business blends long‑cycle specialty products and commodity chemicals, supplying additives, fibres, adhesives and engineered materials to industrial customers worldwide. Investors should note the firm’s exposure to raw‑material and energy prices, global manufacturing cycles and evolving environmental regulation — all of which can affect margins and demand. Eastman aims to differentiate through technology, product quality and customer partnerships, but performance can vary with end‑market trends and commodity swings. For those researching EMN, focus on cash flow, debt levels, capital allocation (including dividends and reinvestment), and management’s strategy for higher‑margin speciality growth. This summary is for educational purposes only and not personalised advice; values can fall as well as rise and prospective investors should carry out their own due diligence or consult a professional.

CMC (CMC)

Commercial Metals Company (CMC) is a vertically integrated steel company focused on recycling, producing and fabricating steel products for construction and infrastructure. With a market capitalisation of about $6.89B, CMC operates mini-mills, scrap recycling facilities and fabrication businesses in the United States and select international markets. Its revenue is driven by construction activity, rebar and structural steel demand, scrap prices and fabrication contracts. Investors should note CMC’s exposure to commodity cycles, commodity-price volatility and capital-intensive operations; earnings can swing with changes in steel prices, interest rates and housing or public infrastructure spending. The company has a history of returning cash to shareholders, but dividend levels and share performance can vary. This is educational information only — not advice. Investors should consider their own risk tolerance, time horizon and seek independent financial or tax advice before acting.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Chemical Sector: Berkshire's $10B Acquisition Impact

Berkshire Hathaway's potential $10 billion acquisition of Occidental's OxyChem unit signals a major investment in the industrial chemical sector. This move could create ripple effects, presenting opportunities for other chemical manufacturers who stand to gain from shifts in the market.

Published: October 1, 2025

Explore Basket

Necessary Evils Portfolio

These companies provide the essential infrastructure and services our society can't function without, even if they're not always popular. Carefully selected by our analysts, these stocks offer defensive stability thanks to their non-negotiable role in the global economy.

Published: June 17, 2025

Explore Basket

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Chemical Sector: Berkshire's $10B Acquisition Impact

Berkshire Hathaway's potential $10 billion acquisition of Occidental's OxyChem unit signals a major investment in the industrial chemical sector. This move could create ripple effects, presenting opportunities for other chemical manufacturers who stand to gain from shifts in the market.

Published: October 1, 2025

Explore Basket

Necessary Evils Portfolio

These companies provide the essential infrastructure and services our society can't function without, even if they're not always popular. Carefully selected by our analysts, these stocks offer defensive stability thanks to their non-negotiable role in the global economy.

Published: June 17, 2025

Explore Basket

Discover More Comparisons

Eastman vs IAMGOLD

Eastman vs IAMGOLD: Company comparison

Eastman vs Gerdau

Eastman vs Gerdau: Stock comparison

Eastman vs Eagle Materials

Eastman vs Eagle Materials: stock comparison

Eastman vs CMC

Comparison Snapshot