Updated Prices and Quarterly Dividends, Company Preferments, Financial Results, and New Partnerships - Research Report on Albemarle, Airgas, Celanese, Westlake Chemical, and Sigma-Aldrich

NEW YORK, August 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Editor Note: For more information about this release, please scroll to bottom.

Today, Investors' Reports announced new research reports highlighting Albemarle Corp. (NYSE: ALB), Airgas Inc. (NYSE: ARG), Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE), Westlake Chemical Corp. (NYSE: WLK), and Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (NASDAQ: SIAL). Today's readers may access these reports free of charge - including full price targets, industry analysis and analyst ratings - via the links below.

Albemarle Corp. Research Report

On August 1, 2013, Albemarle Corp. (Albemarle) reported that the Company will raise prices by 25% for elemental bromine and hydrobromic acid. The Company informed that the price increase are effective immediately, or as contracts allow and will affect customers located in India, China, and other parts of Asia. The Full Research Report on Albemarle Corp. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.InvestorsReports.com/report/2013-08-04/ALB ]

--

Airgas Inc. Research Report

On August 2, 2013, Airgas Inc. (Airgas) announced the appointments of Kevin M. McBride, as President of Airgas South Region, and Emmanuel Dupree, as President of Airgas Refrigerants, Inc. The Company informed that prior to these new roles Dupree served as CFO for Airgas Refrigerants, Inc., Airgas Specialty Products, Inc., and Airgas Nitrous Oxide, Inc., while McBride served as President of Airgas Great Lakes Region. Chuck Broadus, President of Airgas South Division, commented, "Kevin has been very successful in leading the Great Lakes region for the past six years. With Kevin's leadership, the Great Lakes Region has been Airgas' top-performing region for two of the last three years and last year came in a close second." Michael Molinini, Airgas President and CEO, added, "Emmanuel has solid management experience as CFO for Airgas Refrigerants, Airgas Specialty Products, and Airgas Nitrous Oxide for the past six years. His experience and management skills will serve him well in his new role as Airgas Refrigerants continues to expand refrigerant sales and reclamation services." The Full Research Report on Airgas Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.InvestorsReports.com/report/2013-08-05/ARG ]

--

Celanese Corporation Research Report

On July 25, 2013, Celanese Corporation (Celanese) reported that its Board of Directors has approved a 100% increase in the Company's quarterly common stock cash dividend. Celanese informed that the dividend rate went up from $0.09 to $0.18 per share of common stock on a quarterly basis and from $0.36 to $0.72 per share of common stock on an annual basis. Celanese stated that the new dividend rate will be applicable with immediate effect. Mark Rohr, Chairman and CEO of Celanese, commented, "Doubling our dividend reflects our continued confidence in Celanese's strategic direction and our ability to generate cash to support our long-term growth objectives. We will continue to pursue a balanced cash deployment strategy, including dividends, share repurchases and debt reduction, while investing in growth initiatives that should generate strong returns for our shareholders." The company also announced the approval for a quarterly cash dividend (for period beginning May 1, 2013 to July 31, 2013) of $0.18 per share on its Series A common stock, payable on August 15, 2013 to stockholders of record as of August 5, 2013. The Full Research Report on Celanese Corporation - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.InvestorsReports.com/report/2013-08-05/CE ]

--

Westlake Chemical Corp. Research Report

On July 30, 2013, Westlake Chemical Corp. (Westlake Chemical) released its Q2 2013 financial results. The Company's net sales were up 2.7% YoY to $939.0 million during the quarter. Net income stood $145.8 million, or $2.17 per diluted share, in Q2 2013, compared to net income of $115.5 million or $1.72 per diluted share, in Q2 2012. Income from operations was up 37.6% YoY to $235.2 million. Albert Chao, President and CEO of Westlake Chemical, stated, "We are pleased to report record quarterly earnings largely driven by lower cost natural-gas based ethylene production resulting from North American shale gas and oil production. Our planned completion of a new chlor-alkali plant in Geismar, Louisiana in the fourth quarter of this year, and the conversion to ethane feedstock and expansion of our ethylene and PVC capacity in Calvert City, Kentucky in 2014 are expected to further improve the profitability of our Vinyls segment." The Full Research Report on Westlake Chemical Corp. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.InvestorsReports.com/report/2013-08-05/WLK ]

--

Sigma-Aldrich Corporation Research Report

On July 30, 2013, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (Sigma-Aldrich) reported that it has partnered with Paragon Scientific to aid in the development of Paragon's product range while also expanding the availability of Paragon's calibration standards and certified reference materials through Sigma-Aldrich sales and marketing channels. Dr. Russel Gant, Sigma-Aldrich Vice President, Analytical, commented, "This agreement strengthens our long standing relationship with Paragon and provides the accredited laboratory community with broader access to essential certified reference materials needed by ISO 17025 accredited laboratories." Jeff Morris, Paragon CEO, added, "This agreement will enable scientists around the globe to more easily access Paragon Products. Working together with Sigma-Aldrich, we will be able to develop new certified reference materials to meet the needs of our global customer base." The Full Research Report on Sigma-Aldrich Corporation - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.InvestorsReports.com/report/2013-08-05/SIAL ]

----

EDITOR NOTES:

COMPLIANCE PROCEDURE

Content is researched, written and reviewed on a best-effort basis. This document, article or report is prepared and authored by Equity News Network. An outsourced research services provider has, through Chartered Financial Analysts, only reviewed the information provided by Equity News Network in this article or report according to the Procedures outlined by Equity News Network. Equity News Network is not entitled to veto or interfere in the application of such procedures by the outsourced provider to the articles, documents or reports, as the case may be.

NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE

Equity News Network makes no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness or fitness for a purpose (investment or otherwise), of the information provided in this document. This information is not to be construed as personal financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult their personal financial advisor before making any decisions to buy, sell or hold any securities mentioned herein.

NO WARRANTY OR LIABILITY ASSUMED

Equity News Network is not responsible for any error which may be occasioned at the time of printing of this document or any error, mistake or shortcoming. No liability is accepted by Equity News Network whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of this document. Equity News Network expressly disclaims any fiduciary responsibility or liability for any consequences, financial or otherwise arising from any reliance placed on the information in this document. Equity News Network does not (1) guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness or correct sequencing of the information, or (2) warrant any results from use of the information. The included information is subject to change without notice.

http://www.InvestorsReports.com

SOURCE Investors' Reports