FMC (NYSE:FMC) Shares Gap Down Following Weak Earnings

FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC)’s stock price gapped down before the market opened on Thursday after the company announced weaker than expected quarterly earnings. The stock had previously closed at $16.99, but opened at $15.09. FMC shares last traded at $12.8570, with a volume of 6,179,565 shares.

The basic materials company reported $1.20 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.21 by ($0.01). FMC had a negative net margin of 14.81% and a positive return on equity of 10.40%. The firm had revenue of $1.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.15 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.79 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was down 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. FMC has set its Q1 2026 guidance at -0.440–0.320 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 1.630-1.890 EPS.

FMC Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were issued a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 31st. FMC’s dividend payout ratio is -7.55%.

FMC News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting FMC this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Board authorized a review of strategic alternatives, including a possible sale — this opens the door to a transaction or other actions that could unlock shareholder value if a buyer or strategic plan emerges. FMC to Explore Strategic Alternatives Including Possible Sale
• Neutral Sentiment: News outlets note the stock is “trending” after the results and strategic review announcement — this reflects high intraday attention and volatility rather than a directional fundamental change. FMC Corporation Stock Is Trending Overnight – Here’s What You Should Know
• Neutral Sentiment: Coverage summarizing the strategic-options announcement and corporate priorities provides context on management’s stated focus for 2026 (balance-sheet, portfolio competitiveness, R&D/post-patent strategy). FMC Corp. to explore strategic options, including possible sale
• Neutral Sentiment: Industry/market items in the feed (Marico acquisition; Emami earnings) are unrelated to FMC’s business but add to broader agrochemical/consumer sector noise that can influence investor attention. Marico shares in focus on acquiring wellness brand for Rs 375 crore Emami shares surge 9% post Q3 earnings
• Negative Sentiment: FMC missed Q4 estimates — EPS of $1.20 vs. ~$1.21 consensus and revenue ~$1.08B vs. ~$1.15B, with revenue down ~11.5% YoY; this weak quarter pressured the stock. FMC (FMC) Misses Q4 Earnings and Revenue Estimates
• Negative Sentiment: More detailed third‑party reporting shows a large operating loss and a significant net loss in Q4 (sharp YoY deterioration in operating and net results, cash used in operations), amplifying investor concern about profitability and near-term cash flow. FMC Corporation (FMC) Stock Falls on Q4 2025 Earnings
• Negative Sentiment: Management issued Q1 and full‑year 2026 guidance well below Street expectations (Q1 EPS guide negative vs. positive consensus; FY revenue and EPS below forecasts), signaling weaker outlook and driving the selloff. FMC Corporation sets 2026 priorities and announces exploration of strategic options

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have weighed in on FMC. Wall Street Zen downgraded FMC from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. KeyCorp reiterated a “sector weight” rating on shares of FMC in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price objective on FMC from $17.00 to $16.00 and set a “sector perform” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of FMC from $43.00 to $14.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of FMC from $38.00 to $17.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $22.83.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director John Mitchell Raines bought 7,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 13th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $13.77 per share, for a total transaction of $96,390.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 13,784 shares in the company, valued at $189,805.68. This trade represents a 103.18% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.67% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On FMC

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its position in shares of FMC by 104.9% in the fourth quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 200,326 shares of the basic materials company’s stock valued at $2,779,000 after acquiring an additional 102,545 shares in the last quarter. Roffman Miller Associates Inc. PA purchased a new position in FMC in the 3rd quarter valued at $2,245,000. Inspire Trust Co. N.A. boosted its stake in FMC by 60.7% during the 3rd quarter. Inspire Trust Co. N.A. now owns 140,000 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $4,708,000 after purchasing an additional 52,900 shares during the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its holdings in shares of FMC by 6.3% during the third quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 728,716 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $24,514,000 after buying an additional 43,275 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dearborn Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of FMC in the third quarter valued at about $747,000. 91.86% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

FMC Trading Down 22.7%

The stock has a market capitalization of $1.64 billion, a PE ratio of -3.04, a P/E/G ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 0.65. The company’s 50 day moving average price is $14.50 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $25.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.40 and a quick ratio of 1.05.

FMC Company Profile

FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company specializing in the development, manufacture and marketing of crop protection products. Its portfolio includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and plant nutrition solutions designed to enhance crop yield, quality and sustainability. In addition to core crop protection, FMC delivers solutions for turf management and pest control in urban and industrial environments.

Founded in 1883 as the Bean Spray Pump Company and later known as Food Machinery Corporation, the business adopted the FMC name in 1948 and has since evolved through strategic acquisitions and divestitures.