CE, APR, NTR: Wells Fargo Upgrades Chemical Stocks as Iran Conflict Lifts Pricing Outlook

Wells Fargo WFC +0.08% ▲ is taking a more optimistic stance on the chemicals sector, upgrading Celanese CE -1.16% ▼ , Nutrien NTR -1.27% ▼ , and Air Products APD +1.04% ▲ stocks to Buy from Hold on expectations that geopolitical tensions in Iran will lift pricing across key chemical and fertilizer markets.

Claim 70% Off TipRanks Premium

• Unlock hedge fund-level data and powerful investing tools for smarter, sharper decisions

• Stay ahead of the market with the latest news and analysis and maximize your portfolio’s potential

Analyst Michael Sison said the conflict is creating supply constraints and pushing oil prices higher, conditions that typically strengthen margins for commodity chemical producers.

Sison argued that several chemical chains are already showing signs of pricing momentum, which he believes will support investor sentiment and improve second‑half 2026 outlooks. He also expects this environment to justify “elevated trough multiples” for chemical stocks.

Celanese Stock: PT Raised to $70

The analyst lifted Celanese stock’s price target to $70 from $55. He sees upside in the company’s acetyl and engineered materials chains as tighter supply and higher feedstock costs ripple through the market. Sison says the setup could help Celanese outperform as pricing improves across multiple product lines.

Air Products Stock: PT Raised to $325

Air Products also earned an upgrade to Overweight, with its price target increased to $325 from $270. Sison expects the industrial gas giant to benefit from stronger pricing in downstream chemical chains tied to oil‑linked inputs. The firm believes improving sentiment and better‑than‑expected second‑half visibility could help re‑rate the stock.

Nutrien Stock: PT Raised to $100

Nutrien received a new price target of $100, up from $77. The analyst sees fertilizer pricing strengthening as global supply tightens and energy costs rise, two dynamics that historically support the company’s margins. He expects NTR to benefit from both higher potash and nitrogen prices as the year progresses.

Which Stock Is a Better Buy?

We used TipRanks’ Comparison Tool to see which chemical stock analysts favor. According to analysts, Celanese stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating and the highest upside potential of 5.9%.

Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue