Methanex Reports Higher Earnings and Cash Flows in Third Quarter 2026
Methanex expects average realized methanol prices of approximately $525 to $550 per tonne for October and November.
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Rhea-AI Summary
Methanex (NASDAQ:MEOH) reported third-quarter 2026 net income attributable to shareholders of $265 million, higher than in the previous quarter. Diluted earnings per share rose to $3.42 from $2.45, partly reflecting the prior quarter's impairment charge. Revenue declined to $1,388 million from $1,395 million, while adjusted EBITDA fell to $543 million from $577 million. Average realized methanol prices declined to $510 per tonne from $529.
Operating cash flow rose to $646 million from $439 million; quarter-end cash was $912 million. Production fell to 2,143,000 tonnes from 2,213,000 tonnes. Methanex expects indefinite idling of its New Zealand facilities in the first quarter of 2027 following a gas-entitlement sale agreement, recording a $10 million restructuring accrual. After quarter-end, it repaid $300 million of bonds and announced approval to repurchase up to 3,868,213 shares through November 3, 2027.
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Hollow bars mark forward-looking points. How the balance works
Positive
- Moderate pointThird-quarter shareholder net income rose to $265 million from $198 million sequentially and a $7 million year-earlier loss.
- Moderate pointThird-quarter operating cash flow increased to $646 million from $439 million sequentially and $184 million a year earlier.
- Moderate pointThird-quarter adjusted free cash flow increased to $520 million from $298 million sequentially and $85 million a year earlier.
- Moderate point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Share repurchase approval covers up to 3,868,213 common shares, a 5% program, through November 3, 2027.
- Moderate point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Bond repayment of $300 million occurred after quarter-end; Methanex expects to redeem the remaining $400 million in fourth-quarter 2026. 6.2% of market cap
- Moderate point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Methanex expects October–November average realized prices of approximately $525 to $550 per tonne, versus $510 in third-quarter 2026.
- Moderate point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.New Zealand gas-entitlement sale agreement covers substantially all remaining entitlements from first-quarter 2027 through their decade-end expiry.
- Moderate pointNine-month revenue increased to $3,756 million from $2,620 million in 2025.
- Moderate pointNine-month shareholder net income increased to $449 million from $169 million; diluted earnings rose to $5.81 from $2.21.
- Moderate pointNine-month adjusted EBITDA increased to $1,340 million from $622 million in 2025.
- Moderate pointNine-month adjusted net income rose to $608 million from $159 million; adjusted earnings rose to $7.90 from $2.23 per share.
- Moderate pointNine-month operating cash flow increased to $1,217 million from $776 million in 2025.
- Moderate pointNine-month adjusted free cash flow increased to $848 million from $425 million in 2025.
- Moderate pointNine-month methanol production increased to 6,747,000 tonnes from 5,452,000 in 2025.
- Moderate pointNine-month methanol sales increased to 7,772,000 tonnes from 6,826,000 in 2025.
- Moderate pointNine-month average realized prices increased to $462 per tonne from $373 in 2025.
8 minor points
- Minor pointThird-quarter diluted earnings rose to $3.42 per share from $2.45 sequentially and a $0.09 year-earlier loss.
- Minor pointQuarter-end liquidity included $912 million cash and a $400 million unutilized revolving credit facility.
- Minor pointThird-quarter methanol sales increased to 2,595,000 tonnes from 2,555,000 sequentially and 2,476,000 a year earlier.
- Minor pointThird-quarter Methanex-produced methanol sales rose to 2,279,000 tonnes from 2,151,000 sequentially and 1,891,000 a year earlier.
- Minor pointBeaumont third-quarter methanol production increased to 199,000 tonnes from 185,000 in second-quarter 2026.
- Minor pointNatgasoline third-quarter production attributable to Methanex increased to 221,000 tonnes from 204,000 in second-quarter 2026.
- Minor pointNew Zealand third-quarter production increased to 156,000 tonnes from 46,000 in second-quarter 2026.
- Minor pointChile restarted two-plant operations late in September after operating one plant through most of the quarter.
Negative
- Moderate point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.New Zealand facilities face expected indefinite idling in first-quarter 2027, with a $10 million restructuring accrual deducted from adjusted EBITDA.
- Moderate pointTrinidad production fell to 34,000 tonnes from 121,000 sequentially as Titan ceased operations and was indefinitely idled.
- Moderate pointChile production fell to 221,000 tonnes from 322,000 sequentially amid seasonal Argentine gas availability constraints.
- Minor pointThird-quarter revenue declined to $1,388 million from $1,395 million sequentially, but exceeded $927 million a year earlier.
- Minor pointThird-quarter adjusted EBITDA fell to $543 million from $577 million sequentially, but exceeded $191 million a year earlier.
8 minor points
- Minor pointThird-quarter adjusted net income fell to $284 million from $300 million sequentially, but exceeded $5 million a year earlier.
- Minor pointThird-quarter adjusted earnings fell to $3.69 per share from $3.87 sequentially, but exceeded $0.06 a year earlier.
- Minor pointThird-quarter average realized prices fell to $510 per tonne from $529 sequentially, but exceeded $345 a year earlier.
- Minor pointThird-quarter methanol production declined to 2,143,000 tonnes from 2,213,000 sequentially and 2,212,000 a year earlier.
- Minor pointChile gas contracts underpin approximately 55% of year-round requirements, with Chilean contracts through 2030 and Argentine contracts through 2027.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Egypt faces possible future gas curtailments, particularly during summer, depending on supply and demand.
- Minor pointGeismar third-quarter production declined to 1,007,000 tonnes from 1,027,000 in second-quarter 2026.
- Minor pointMedicine Hat third-quarter production declined to 140,000 tonnes from 143,000 in second-quarter 2026.
News Explained
Methanex expects higher fourth-quarter adjusted EBITDA on higher realized prices and similar produced-methanol sales; October-November prices are forecast at $525 to $550 per tonne.
In its
Management expects
Key Figures
- Net income attributable
- $265 million
- Q3 2026; compared with $198 million in Q2 2026
- Adjusted EBITDA
- $543 million
- Q3 2026; compared with $577 million in Q2 2026
- Adjusted net income
- $284 million
- Q3 2026; compared with $300 million in Q2 2026
- Cash flows from operating activities
- $646 million
- Q3 2026; compared with $439 million in Q2 2026
- Average realized price
- $510 per tonne
- Q3 2026; compared with $529 per tonne in Q2 2026
- Cash balance
- $912 million
- At September 30, 2026
- Bond redemption
- $300 million of $700 million
- Notice to redeem existing bonds due in October 2027
- Normal course issuer bid
- 5%; up to 3,868,213 common shares
- Approved through November 3, 2027
Historical Context
-
Q2 report showed $577 million adjusted EBITDA and $529 per tonne realized price.
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Key Terms
adjusted ebitda financial
non-gaap measures financial
revolving credit facility financial
normal course issuer bid financial
asset impairment charge financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Except where otherwise noted, all currency amounts are stated in United States dollars.
Financial and Production Highlights
- Net income attributable to Methanex shareholders of
$265 million , Adjusted EBITDA of$543 million , and Adjusted net income of$284 million in the third quarter. - Reported an average realized price in the third quarter of
$510 per tonne compared to$529 per tonne in the second quarter of 2026. Based on our October and November posted prices and current spot pricing, we expect that our average realized price range will be approximately$525 t o$550 per tonne for these two months. - Produced 2,143,000 tonnes of methanol in the third quarter, with record North American production.
- Announced an agreement to sell substantially all of our remaining New Zealand natural gas contractual entitlements commencing in the first quarter of 2027 and continuing through the end of the decade when such entitlements expire. The expected indefinite idling of our New Zealand production facilities during the first quarter of 2027 resulted in a
$10 million accrual for restructuring activities, which has been included as a deduction in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA. - Generated
$646 million of cash flows from operating activities, returned$14 million to shareholders through regular dividends and ended the quarter with$912 million in cash. Provided notice to redeem$300 million of our existing$700 million bonds due in October 2027 and expect to redeem the final$400 million during the fourth quarter of 2026. - Subsequent to the quarter, announced approval of a
5% normal course issuer bid to repurchase up to 3,868,213 common shares through November 3, 2027.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the third quarter of 2026, Methanex (TSX:MX) (NASDAQ:MEOH) reported net income attributable to Methanex shareholders of
Rich Sumner, President & CEO of Methanex, said, "The Middle East conflict's dramatic impact on the methanol industry persisted through the third quarter, with the significant loss of industry supply supporting ongoing pricing strength. Our enhanced asset base continued to run well, particularly in North America, helping to drive another quarter of strong Adjusted EBITDA and cash flow. We remain focused on operating our assets and supply chain safely and reliably as we continue to navigate dynamic conditions."
FURTHER INFORMATION
The information set forth in this news release summarizes Methanex's key financial and operational data for the third quarter of 2026. It is not a complete source of information for readers and is not in any way a substitute for reading the third quarter 2026 Management’s Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") dated October 29, 2026 and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2026, both of which are available from the Investor Relations section of our website at www.methanex.com. The MD&A and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2026 are also available on the Canadian Securities Administrators' SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca and on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.
FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL DATA
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||
| ($ millions except per share amounts and where noted) | Sep 30 2026 | Jun 30 2026 | Sep 30 2025 | Sep 30 2026 | Sep 30 2025 | ||
| Production (thousands of tonnes) (attributable to Methanex shareholders)1 | 2,143 | 2,213 | 2,212 | 6,747 | 5,452 | ||
| Sales volume (thousands of tonnes) | |||||||
| Methanex-produced methanol | 2,279 | 2,151 | 1,891 | 6,656 | 5,122 | ||
| Purchased methanol | 170 | 247 | 488 | 639 | 1,321 | ||
| Commission sales | 146 | 157 | 97 | 477 | 383 | ||
| Total methanol sales volume | 2,595 | 2,555 | 2,476 | 7,772 | 6,826 | ||
| Methanex average non-discounted posted price ($ per tonne)2 | 987 | 1,007 | 578 | 866 | 606 | ||
| Average realized price ($ per tonne)3 | 510 | 529 | 345 | 462 | 373 | ||
| Revenue4 | 1,388 | 1,395 | 927 | 3,756 | 2,620 | ||
| Net income (loss) (attributable to Methanex shareholders) | 265 | 198 | (7 | ) | 449 | 169 | |
| Adjusted net income5 | 284 | 300 | 5 | 608 | 159 | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA5 | 543 | 577 | 191 | 1,340 | 622 | ||
| Cash flows from operating activities | 646 | 439 | 184 | 1,217 | 776 | ||
| Adjusted free cash flow5 | 520 | 298 | 85 | 848 | 425 | ||
| Basic net income (loss) per common share | 3.43 | 2.56 | (0.09 | ) | 5.81 | 2.38 | |
| Diluted net income (loss) per common share | 3.42 | 2.45 | (0.09 | ) | 5.81 | 2.21 | |
| Adjusted net income per common share5 | 3.69 | 3.87 | 0.06 | 7.90 | 2.23 | ||
| Common share information (millions of shares) | |||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 71 | ||
| Diluted weighted average number of common shares | 77 | 78 | 77 | 77 | 71 | ||
| Number of common shares outstanding, end of period | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | ||
| |||||||
- A reconciliation from net income attributable to Methanex shareholders to Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and the calculation of Adjusted net income per common share is as follows:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| ($ millions) | Sep 30 2026 | Jun 30 2026 | Sep 30 2025 | Sep 30 2026 | Sep 30 2025 | |||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Methanex shareholders | $ | 265 | $ | 198 | $ | (7 | ) | $ | 449 | $ | 169 | |||||
| Mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation | 36 | (22 | ) | 13 | 59 | (26 | ) | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 117 | 121 | 111 | 357 | 319 | |||||||||||
| Finance costs | 49 | 54 | 61 | 158 | 163 | |||||||||||
| Finance income and other expenses | (17 | ) | 15 | (3 | ) | 2 | (16 | ) | ||||||||
| Income tax expense | 96 | 104 | 4 | 203 | 43 | |||||||||||
| Asset impairment charge1 | — | 100 | — | 100 | — | |||||||||||
| Earnings of associates adjustment | 27 | 33 | 34 | 95 | 41 | |||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests adjustment | (30 | ) | (26 | ) | (22 | ) | (83 | ) | (71 | ) | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 543 | $ | 577 | $ | 191 | $ | 1,340 | $ | 622 | ||||||
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
| ($ millions except number of shares and per share amounts) | Sep 30 2026 | Jun 30 2026 | Sep 30 2025 | Sep 30 2026 | Sep 30 2025 | |||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Methanex shareholders | $ | 265 | $ | 198 | $ | (7 | ) | $ | 449 | $ | 169 | |||||
| Mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation, net of tax | 28 | (17 | ) | 11 | 48 | (19 | ) | |||||||||
| Mark-to-market impact of gas contract revaluations, net of tax | (9 | ) | 4 | 1 | (3 | ) | 9 | |||||||||
| Asset impairment charge, net of tax1 | — | 115 | — | 115 | — | |||||||||||
| Earnings of associates adjustment, net of tax | — | — | — | (1 | ) | — | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 284 | $ | 300 | $ | 5 | $ | 608 | $ | 159 | ||||||
| Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (millions) | 77 | 78 | 77 | 77 | 71 | |||||||||||
| Adjusted net income per common share | $ | 3.69 | $ | 3.87 | $ | 0.06 | $ | 7.90 | $ | 2.23 | ||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
- We recorded net income attributable to Methanex shareholders of
$265 million in the third quarter of 2026 compared to net income of$198 million in the second quarter of 2026. Net income in the third quarter of 2026 was higher compared to the prior quarter primarily due to the impact of the asset impairment charge recorded in the second quarter of 2026. This was partially offset by a lower average realized price in the third quarter of 2026. - We sold 2,595,000 tonnes of methanol in the third quarter of 2026 compared to 2,555,000 tonnes of methanol in the second quarter of 2026. Sales of Methanex-produced methanol were 2,279,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2026 compared to 2,151,000 tonnes in the second quarter of 2026.
- Production of methanol for the third quarter of 2026 was 2,143,000 tonnes compared to 2,213,000 tonnes for the second quarter of 2026. Production was strong across our North American and Egypt assets and was lower in Chile, where we experienced expected seasonal gas availability constraints. In Trinidad, production declined as the Titan plant ceased operations and was indefinitely idled.
- We announced an agreement to sell substantially all of our remaining New Zealand natural gas contractual entitlements commencing in the first quarter of 2027 and continuing through the end of the decade when such entitlements expire. The expected indefinite idling of our New Zealand production facilities during the first quarter of 2027 resulted in a
$10 million accrual for restructuring activities, which has been included as a deduction in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA. - In the third quarter of 2026 we paid a quarterly dividend of
$0.185 per common share for a total of$14 million . - At September 30, 2026, we had a strong liquidity position, including a cash balance of
$912 million and access to a$400 million unutilized revolving credit facility. The Company provided notice to redeem$300 million of our existing$700 million bonds originally due in October 2027. The amount was repaid subsequent to the quarter. - Subsequent to the quarter, on October 29, 2026, we announced approval of a
5% normal course issuer bid to repurchase up to 3,868,213 common shares through November 3, 2027.
PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS
| Q3 2026 | Q2 2026 | Q3 2025 | YTD Q3 2026 | YTD Q3 2025 | ||
| (thousands of tonnes) | Operating Capacity1 | Production | Production | Production | Production | Production |
| USA | ||||||
| Geismar | 1,000 | 1,007 | 1,027 | 931 | 2,968 | 2,377 |
| Beaumont2 | 228 | 199 | 185 | 239 | 579 | 250 |
| Natgasoline ( | 213 | 221 | 204 | 222 | 628 | 232 |
| Canada (Medicine Hat) | 140 | 140 | 143 | 140 | 407 | 363 |
| Chile | 425 | 221 | 322 | 224 | 941 | 948 |
| Egypt ( | 158 | 165 | 165 | 130 | 494 | 390 |
| New Zealand3 | 215 | 156 | 46 | 123 | 360 | 336 |
| Trinidad4 | 215 | 34 | 121 | 203 | 370 | 556 |
| Total Methanol Production | 2,594 | 2,143 | 2,213 | 2,212 | 6,747 | 5,452 |
| Beaumont Ammonia2 | 85 | 83 | 83 | 88 | 251 | 92 |
| ||||||
Key production and operational highlights during the third quarter include:
United States
Geismar produced 1,007,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2026 compared to 1,027,000 tonnes in the second quarter of 2026. Beaumont produced 199,000 tonnes of methanol and 83,000 tonnes of ammonia in the third quarter of 2026 compared to 185,000 tonnes of methanol and 83,000 tonnes of ammonia in the second quarter of 2026. Beaumont's methanol production was higher as the plant was offline for approximately 30 days starting in early June to repair the cooling tower. The Natgasoline plant produced 221,000 tonnes of methanol (Methanex share) in the third quarter of 2026 compared to 204,000 tonnes of methanol (Methanex share) in the second quarter of 2026.
Canada
Medicine Hat produced 140,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2026 compared to 143,000 tonnes in the second quarter of 2026.
Chile
Chile produced 221,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2026 compared to 322,000 tonnes in the second quarter of 2026. Production was lower in the third quarter compared to the second quarter as we undertook a single-plant operation through most of the period due to the seasonal reduction of gas availability from Argentina. We restarted two-plant operations late in September. We have gas contracts in place with Chilean and Argentinean gas producers until 2030 and 2027, respectively, which underpin approximately
Egypt
Egypt produced 330,000 tonnes (Methanex interest - 165,000 tonnes) in the third quarter of 2026 compared to 330,000 tonnes (Methanex interest - 165,000 tonnes) in the second quarter of 2026. Gas availability in Egypt is influenced by several factors, including domestic production levels, gas imports and seasonal demand fluctuations. We are monitoring the gas market closely and we may experience curtailments in the future, particularly in the summer months, depending on gas supply and demand dynamics in the domestic and international markets.
New Zealand
New Zealand produced 156,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2026 compared to 46,000 tonnes in the second quarter of 2026. Production was higher in the third quarter due to a planned winter outage in the second quarter to supply gas to the New Zealand electricity sector. The plant was restarted in July and continues to operate at reduced rates. We announced an agreement to sell substantially all of our remaining New Zealand natural gas contractual entitlements commencing in the first quarter of 2027 and continuing through the end of the decade when such entitlements expire, and the expected indefinite idling of the New Zealand production facilities during the first quarter of 2027.
Trinidad
In Trinidad, the Titan plant produced 34,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2026 compared to 121,000 tonnes in the second quarter of 2026. Production was lower in the third quarter as the plant ceased operations and was indefinitely idled.
Outlook
We expect our 2026 production to be approximately 9.0 million tonnes (Methanex interest) of methanol and 0.3 million tonnes of ammonia. Actual production may vary by quarter based on gas availability, turnarounds, unplanned outages and unanticipated events.
Based on our October and November posted prices and current spot pricing, we expect that our average realized price range will be approximately
CONFERENCE CALL
A conference call is scheduled for October 30, 2026 at 11:00 am ET (8:00 am PT) to review these third quarter results. To access the call, dial the conferencing operator fifteen minutes prior to the start of the call at (585) 542-9983, or toll free at (833) 461-5787. The conference ID for the call is #421166240. A simultaneous audio-only webcast of the conference call can be accessed from our website at www.methanex.com/investor-relations/events and will also be available following the call.
ABOUT METHANEX
Methanex is a Vancouver-based, publicly traded company and is the world’s largest producer and supplier of methanol to customers globally. Methanex shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada under the trading symbol "MX" and on the Nasdaq Global Market in the United States under the trading symbol "MEOH".
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION WARNING
This third quarter 2026 press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to us and the chemical industry. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. Methanex does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. Refer to Forward-Looking Information Warning in the third quarter 2026 Management's Discussion and Analysis for more information which is available from the Investor Relations section of our website at www.methanex.com, the Canadian Securities Administrators' SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca and on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.
NON-GAAP MEASURES
Throughout this document, the Company has used the terms Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income per common share, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow. These items are non-GAAP measures and ratios that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. These measures represent the amounts that are attributable to Methanex Corporation shareholders and are calculated by excluding the mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation as a result of changes in our share price, the impact of gas and other contract revaluations and the impact of certain items associated with specific identified events. Refer to Additional Information - Non-GAAP Measures on page 14 of the Company's MD&A for the period ended September 30, 2026 for reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures. Unless otherwise indicated, the financial information presented in this release is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB").
For further information, contact:
Robert B. Winslow, CFA
Vice President, Investor Relations
Methanex Corporation
604-661-2600
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What were Methanex's third-quarter 2026 earnings?
Methanex reported net income attributable to shareholders of $265 million, or $3.42 per diluted share, compared with $198 million, or $2.45 per diluted share, in second-quarter 2026. Adjusted net income was $284 million, or $3.69 per share, down from $300 million, or $3.87 per share, sequentially.
How much did Methanex pay in dividends in third-quarter 2026?
Methanex paid a quarterly dividend of $0.185 per common share in third-quarter 2026, returning $14 million to shareholders.