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ESI Stock Analysis 2026 - Element Solutions Inc AI Rating

ESI NYSE Miscellaneous Chemical Products CIK: 0001590714
Recently Updated • Analysis: Mar 24, 2026 • SEC Data: 2025-12-31
HOLD
62% Conf
Pending
Analysis scheduled

📊 ESI Key Takeaways

Revenue: $2.6B
Net Margin: 7.5%
Free Cash Flow: $-36.2M
Current Ratio: 3.68x
Debt/Equity: 0.61x
EPS: $0.79
AI Rating: HOLD with 62% confidence

Is ESI a Good Investment? Thesis Analysis

Claude

Element Solutions exhibits strong revenue growth and solid profitability margins, but concerning operational metrics reveal deteriorating cash generation despite positive net income. The company's massive revenue spike (4877.5% YoY) requires scrutiny for sustainability, while negative free cash flow and declining EPS suggest operational challenges beneath the surface.

Why Buy ESI? Key Strengths

Claude
  • + Exceptional revenue growth of 4877.5% YoY indicates significant business expansion or strategic acquisition
  • + Healthy gross margin of 42% and operating margin of 13.4% demonstrate pricing power and operational efficiency
  • + Strong liquidity position with 3.68x current ratio and 3.00x quick ratio provides financial flexibility
  • + Moderate leverage with 0.61x debt-to-equity ratio indicates manageable debt load

ESI Investment Risks to Consider

Claude
  • ! Negative free cash flow of -$36.2M despite $190.8M net income signals potential working capital issues or unsustainable profitability
  • ! Declining diluted EPS of -21.8% YoY contrasts sharply with rising net income, indicating significant shareholder dilution
  • ! Weak interest coverage of 2.3x leaves limited cushion for debt service under economic stress
  • ! Massive 4877.5% revenue growth is anomalous and difficult to validate as sustainable organic growth
  • ! Low ROE of 7.1% and ROA of 3.7% suggest inefficient capital deployment despite growth narrative

Key Metrics to Watch

Claude
  • * Free cash flow trend and working capital management over next 2-3 quarters
  • * Sustainability and composition of 4877% revenue growth (organic vs. acquisition-driven)
  • * EPS trajectory and shareholder dilution dynamics
  • * Operating cash flow stability and cash conversion ratio
  • * Debt paydown progress and interest coverage improvement

ESI Financial Metrics

Revenue
$2.6B
Net Income
$190.8M
EPS (Diluted)
$0.79
Free Cash Flow
$-36.2M
Total Assets
$5.1B
Cash Position
$626.5M

💡 AI Analyst Insight

Strong liquidity with a 3.68x current ratio provides a solid financial cushion.

ESI Profitability Ratios

Gross Margin 42.0%
Operating Margin 13.4%
Net Margin 7.5%
ROE 7.1%
ROA 3.7%
FCF Margin -1.4%

ESI vs Default Sector

How Element Solutions Inc compares to Default sector averages

Net Margin
ESI 7.5%
vs
Sector Avg 12.0%
ESI Sector
ROE
ESI 7.1%
vs
Sector Avg 15.0%
ESI Sector
Current Ratio
ESI 3.7x
vs
Sector Avg 1.8x
ESI Sector
Debt/Equity
ESI 0.6x
vs
Sector Avg 0.7x
ESI Sector

Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.

Is ESI Overvalued or Undervalued?

Based on fundamental analysis, Element Solutions Inc has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Default sector in 2026.

Return on Equity
7.1%
Sector avg: 15%
Net Profit Margin
7.5%
Sector avg: 12%
Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Debt/Equity
0.61x
Sector avg: 0.7x

Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.

ESI Balance Sheet & Liquidity

Current Ratio
3.68x
Quick Ratio
3.00x
Debt/Equity
0.61x
Debt/Assets
47.3%
Interest Coverage
2.32x
Long-term Debt
$1.6B

ESI 5-Year Financial Trend & Growth Analysis

ESI 5-year financial data: Year 2021: Revenue $2.4B, Net Income N/A, EPS $0.35. Year 2022: Revenue $2.5B, Net Income N/A, EPS $0.30. Year 2023: Revenue $2.5B, Net Income N/A, EPS $0.82. Year 2024: Revenue $2.5B, Net Income $187.2M, EPS $0.76. Year 2025: Revenue $2.6B, Net Income $118.1M, EPS $0.49.
Revenue
Net Income
EPS (right axis)

5-Year Trend Summary: Element Solutions Inc's revenue has shown modest growth of 6% over the 5-year period. The most recent EPS of $0.49 reflects profitable operations.

ESI Growth Metrics (YoY)

Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Net Income Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
EPS Growth
N/A
Earnings per share
FCF Margin
-1.4%
Free cash flow / Revenue

ESI Quarterly Performance

Quarterly financial performance data for Element Solutions Inc including revenue, net income, and earnings per share.
Quarter Revenue Net Income EPS
Q3 2025 $645.0M $39.3M $0.16
Q2 2025 $612.7M $47.4M $0.20
Q1 2025 $575.0M N/A $0.23
Q3 2024 $599.3M -$31.8M $-0.13
Q2 2024 $586.1M $29.9M $0.12
Q1 2024 $574.4M $42.9M $0.18
Q3 2023 $599.3M -$31.8M $-0.13
Q2 2023 $586.1M $29.9M $0.12

Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.

ESI Capital Allocation

Operating Cash Flow
$26.0M
Cash generated from operations
Stock Buybacks
$25.0M
Shares repurchased (TTM)
Capital Expenditures
$62.2M
Investment in assets
Dividends Paid
$77.8M
Returned to shareholders

ESI SEC 10-K & 10-Q Filing Analysis

Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Element Solutions Inc (CIK: 0001590714)

📋 Recent SEC Filings

Date Form Document Action
Mar 23, 2026 DEF 14A esi-20260323.htm View →
Mar 23, 2026 8-K esi-20260323.htm View →
Feb 24, 2026 4 xslF345X05/wk-form4_1771968250.xml View →
Feb 24, 2026 4 xslF345X05/wk-form4_1771968213.xml View →
Feb 24, 2026 4 xslF345X05/wk-form4_1771968167.xml View →

Frequently Asked Questions about ESI

What is the AI rating for ESI?

Element Solutions Inc (ESI) has an AI rating of HOLD with 62% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.

What are ESI's key strengths?

Claude: Exceptional revenue growth of 4877.5% YoY indicates significant business expansion or strategic acquisition. Healthy gross margin of 42% and operating margin of 13.4% demonstrate pricing power and operational efficiency.

What are the risks of investing in ESI?

Claude: Negative free cash flow of -$36.2M despite $190.8M net income signals potential working capital issues or unsustainable profitability. Declining diluted EPS of -21.8% YoY contrasts sharply with rising net income, indicating significant shareholder dilution.

What is ESI's revenue and growth?

Element Solutions Inc reported revenue of $2.6B.

Does ESI pay dividends?

Element Solutions Inc pays dividends, with $77.8M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.

Where can I find ESI SEC filings?

Official SEC filings for Element Solutions Inc (CIK: 0001590714) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.

What is ESI's EPS?

Element Solutions Inc has a diluted EPS of $0.79.

How is the AI analysis conducted?

Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.

Is ESI a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our AI fundamental analysis in March 2026, Element Solutions Inc has a HOLD rating with 62% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.

Is ESI stock overvalued or undervalued?

Valuation metrics for ESI: ROE of 7.1% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 7.5% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.

Should I buy ESI stock in 2026?

Our dual AI analysis gives Element Solutions Inc a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.

What is ESI's free cash flow?

Element Solutions Inc's operating cash flow is $26.0M, with capital expenditures of $62.2M. FCF margin is -1.4%.

How does ESI compare to other Default stocks?

Vs Default sector averages: Net margin 7.5% (avg: 12%), ROE 7.1% (avg: 15%), current ratio 3.68 (avg: 1.8).

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by Claude AI (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) based on publicly available SEC EDGAR filings. It does not include stock price data and should not be considered financial advice. All fundamental data is sourced from SEC public domain filings. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Data Source: SEC EDGAR | Analysis Date: Mar 24, 2026 | Data as of: 2025-12-31 | Powered by Claude AI