Citigroup views Dow Chemical's (DOW) chlor-alkali/ethylene transaction with Olin (OLN) as very good for shareholders and also a positive for Axiall (AXLL). Citi says consolidation in the U.S. chlor-alkali industry is positive for Axiall and points out that Olin commented on the conference call that it will look to optimize its expanded chlor-alkali asset base.

RBC Capital raised the firm's price target on Olin to $69 from $64 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares as part of a broader research note previewing Q1 results in Commodity Chemicals. Destocking has ended in most chains, but high interest rates and weak demand have persisted, the analyst tells investors in a research note. RBC further notes that it no longer expects three rate cuts from the Fed this year, warning that volume recoveries across consumer, auto, and construction could likely be slower, resulting in companies tempering FY24 guides. The firm adds however that it has raised its assumed EBITDA multiple on the stock to 8.0-times from 7.5-times, driving a higher price target.