Shell Targets Polycarbonate Market to Set Up Plant in China

Royal Dutch Shell plc RDS.A recently entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China’s state owned CNOOC Limited CEO to establish its first polycarbonate (PC) production facility. The plant, with an expected capacity of 260,000 metric tonnes of PC per annum, would be sited at their jointly owned chemical complex located in Huizhou, China. In the meantime, Shell has already commenced the construction of a PC unit at its chemicals plant in Jurong Island, Singapore.

Rationale Behind the Deal

The objective of this deal is to establish a commercial-scale plant which would mark Shell’s entry in the polycarbonate market. PC, used in the manufacturing of automotive parts, electronic components and eyewear, to name a few, are transparent and impact-resistant polymers. The addition of PC to Shell’s differentiated product basket will pave way for growth in the chemical business.  Along with PC, the production unit will also manufacture alkyl carbonates, required in lithium ion batteries.

Shell plans to combine its patented diphenyl carbonate (DPC) process technology with melt-phase PC technology licensed from German company EPC Engineering & Technology GmbH. DPC, which has been developed over the years by Shell, has noteworthy advantages in terms of costs, safety, efficiency and CO2 footprint.

About Shell

Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies. It is involved in all phases of the petroleum industry from exploration to final processing and delivery. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.0% on average in the last four quarters.You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Royal Dutch Shell PLC Price

Royal Dutch Shell PLC Price

Royal Dutch Shell PLC price | Royal Dutch Shell PLC Quote

Stocks to Consider

Some better-ranked stocks from the Zacks Oils and Energy sector are given below:

California Resources Corporation’s CRC earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the prior four quarters with average surprise earnings of 711.1%. The company has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

CNX Midstream Partners LP’s CNXM earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the prior four quarters with average surprise earnings of 13.3%. The company has a Zacks Rank #2.

Biggest Tech Breakthrough in a Generation

Be among the early investors in the new type of device that experts say could impact society as much as the discovery of electricity. Current technology will soon be outdated and replaced by these new devices. In the process, it’s expected to create 22 million jobs and generate $12.3 trillion in activity.

A select few stocks could skyrocket the most as rollout accelerates for this new tech. Early investors could see gains similar to buying Microsoft in the 1990s. Zacks’ just-released special report reveals 8 stocks to watch. The report is only available for a limited time.

See 8 breakthrough stocks now>>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
CNOOC Limited (CEO) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS.A) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
California Resources Corporation (CRC) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
CNX Midstream Partners LP (CNXM) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research