Core Viewpoint - Dow has declared a dividend of 35 cents per share, reflecting a balanced capital allocation approach to enhance financial flexibility amid a challenging macroeconomic environment [1][2]. Group 1: Dividend Announcement - The dividend is set at 35 cents per share and is payable on September 12, 2025, to shareholders of record on August 29, 2025 [1][2]. - This marks the 456th consecutive dividend paid by Dow or its affiliates since 1912 [2]. Group 2: Strategic Rationale - The adjustment in the dividend payout aims to maximize long-term shareholder value during a prolonged industry downturn and a lower-for-longer earnings environment [2][6]. - Dow's capital allocation approach remains unchanged, focusing on prioritizing high return-generating opportunities while maintaining a competitive dividend [2][6]. Group 3: Company Overview - Dow is a leading materials science company with a global presence, operating manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employing approximately 36,000 people [3]. - The company reported sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024, serving high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility, and consumer applications [3].

Core Insights - The company is facing a challenging earnings environment due to prolonged low earnings and trade uncertainties, prompting aggressive actions to enhance cash support and earnings growth, targeting over $6 billion by 2026 [2][22] - The company is adjusting its dividend to maintain a balanced capital allocation framework while focusing on margin improvement and optimizing its global portfolio [2][22] Financial Highlights - Net sales for Q2 2025 were $10.1 billion, a decrease of 7% year-over-year and down 3% sequentially [3][6] - GAAP net loss was $801 million, with operating EBIT at a loss of $21 million, down $840 million year-over-year [3][6] - Operating EBITDA was $703 million, down $798 million from the previous year [3][6] - Operating earnings per share were a loss of $0.42, compared to earnings of $0.68 in the same period last year [3][6] Segment Performance - **Packaging & Specialty Plastics**: Net sales decreased by 9% year-over-year to $5 billion, with local prices down 10% [7][10] - **Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure**: Net sales were $2.8 billion, down 6% year-over-year, with operating EBIT at a loss of $185 million [13][15] - **Performance Materials & Coatings**: Net sales were $2.1 billion, down 5% year-over-year, but operating EBIT increased by $6 million due to margin expansion [18][19] Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns - Cash provided by operating activities was negative $470 million, down $1.3 billion year-over-year [6][34] - Returns to shareholders totaled $496 million in dividends during the quarter [6][34] Outlook - The company is focused on mitigating industry challenges through strategic actions and aims to enhance its position in higher-value applications [22] - Upcoming growth projects are expected to operationalize in Q3, contributing to more resilient earnings [22]

Market Overview - The main U.S. equity indexes experienced modest gains, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing by 1.1% to 45,010, the S&P 500 rising by 0.8% to 6,358, and the Nasdaq Composite up by 0.6% to 21,020 [7][8] - The upcoming Federal Reserve meeting is set for July 29-30, during which the latest policy statement will be released [6] Housing Market - The National Association of Realtors reported a decline in housing sales as home prices reached record highs in June, indicating affordability challenges [5] - President Trump criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell for the slow housing market, attributing it to the refusal to lower interest rates [2] Treasury Yields - The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note increased to 4.388% from 4.336%, while the 2-year note rose to 3.886% from 3.831% [6][7] - The 30-year yield approached the significant 5% level, rising to 4.944% from 4.903% [7] Company Highlights - GE Vernova (GEV) stock surged by 14.6% after reporting second-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations and raising its full-year guidance [10] - Analyst Julien Dumoulin-Smith raised the 12-month target price for GEV from $427 to $565, despite previous concerns about valuation [10] - Among analysts tracked by S&P Global Market Intelligence, 24 rate GEV a Buy, 8 a Hold, and 1 a Sell, with an average 12-month target price of $511.75 [11] Automotive Sector - Japanese automakers Honda Motor (HMC) and Toyota Motor (TM) saw significant gains of 13.1% and 13.7%, respectively, following a tariff deal announced by President Trump [12] - Domestic automakers also benefited, with GM stating it would not raise prices to offset tariff impacts [13] Nuclear Energy Investment - Oklo (OKLO) stock rose by 9.3% after announcing a partnership with Vertiv Holdings (VRT) to develop power and cooling systems for AI data centers [14] - Oklo is focused on developing advanced fission power plants to provide clean energy at scale [15]

Core Viewpoint - The content emphasizes the importance of conducting personal due diligence and consulting competent advisors before making any financial decisions, particularly in the context of investments and trading [1]. Group 1 - The website provides general news, personal analysis, and third-party content intended for educational and research purposes [1]. - It explicitly states that the information does not constitute any recommendation or advice for investment actions [1]. - Users are advised to perform their own research and consider their financial situation before making decisions [1]. Group 2 - The website includes information about complex financial instruments such as cryptocurrencies and contracts for difference (CFDs), which carry a high risk of losing money [1]. - It encourages users to understand how these instruments work and the associated risks before investing [1].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough due diligence before making any financial decisions, particularly in the context of investments and trading activities [1] Group 1 - The content includes general news and personal analysis intended for educational and research purposes [1] - It highlights that the information provided is not a recommendation or advice for any financial actions [1] - The website may feature advertisements and promotional content, with potential compensation from third parties [1] Group 2 - The article warns about the complexities and high risks associated with cryptocurrencies and contracts for difference (CFDs) [1] - It encourages investors to understand the instruments they are dealing with and the associated risks before investing [1] - The information may not be real-time or accurate, and prices could be provided by market makers rather than exchanges [1]

Core Viewpoint - Dow Inc. (DOW) is expected to report second-quarter 2025 results on July 24, with anticipated challenges from weak demand and pricing pressures despite productivity initiatives [1][6]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DOW's revenues in the upcoming quarter is $10,445.6 million, indicating a year-over-year decline of 4.6% [4]. - Revenue estimates for specific segments include: - Packaging & Specialty Plastics: $5,197.9 million, a decline of 5.8% year over year [4]. - Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure: $2,884.6 million, a decline of 2.3% year over year [4]. - Performance Materials & Coatings: $2,142.1 million, a decline of 4.5% year over year [7]. Factors Affecting Performance - DOW is facing headwinds from soft demand in Europe and China, with lower consumer spending and weak construction and manufacturing activities impacting performance [8][9]. - Inflationary pressures are affecting demand in consumer durables and construction, while automotive demand in Europe is also weak [9]. - The Performance Materials & Coatings segment is challenged by weak siloxane prices due to increased supply in Asia, particularly from China [10]. Cost-Saving Initiatives - DOW is implementing cost-saving measures aimed at reducing direct and labor costs, targeting $1 billion in savings to improve margins [11]. - The company expects to realize around $300 million in benefits from these actions in 2025, with full benefits anticipated by 2026 [11]. Earnings Prediction - The Earnings ESP for DOW is -53.04%, indicating a low likelihood of an earnings beat this quarter, with a consensus estimate of a loss of 8 cents [12][13]. - DOW currently holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [13].

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FX Empire Logo English check-icon Italiano Español Português Deutsch العربية Français Important DisclaimersThe content provided on the website includes general news and publications, our personal analysis and opinions, and contents provided by third parties, which are intended for educational and research purposes only. It does not constitute, and should not be read as, any recommendation or advice to take any action whatsoever, including to make any investment or buy any product. When making any financial ...

Core Viewpoint - S&P Dow Jones Indices has announced a definitive agreement to acquire ARC Research, enhancing its capabilities in the private wealth market through access to extensive investment performance data and benchmarking solutions [1][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition will allow S&P DJI to provide innovative benchmarks and data solutions tailored to wealth managers, private banks, and financial advisers [3]. - ARC Research holds the world's largest proprietary dataset of over 500,000 private client portfolios, collected over more than two decades [2]. - The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals [5]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The acquisition is seen as a significant step in S&P DJI's commitment to meet the evolving needs of the wealth management industry [4]. - ARC Research is recognized for its high-integrity data and trusted benchmarks, which are essential for assessing and comparing portfolio performance [3][4]. - The integration of ARC Research's expertise is expected to enhance transparency and benchmarking across wealth portfolios, aiding clients in making informed decisions [4].

Group 1: Market Overview - The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up nearly 5% in 2025, with many components rising by 20% to 30% [1] - Some stocks within the index have significantly declined, presenting potential bargain opportunities for investors [1] Group 2: Salesforce Performance - Salesforce has experienced a nearly 25% decline in stock value in 2025, marking a shift from its previous double-digit growth rates [2] - The company anticipates only 7% to 8% revenue growth for the fiscal year, its first single-digit growth rate in years, raising concerns about its future performance [2] - Analysts suggest that Salesforce may be a mature business in a mature market, with high expectations potentially leading to disappointment [2] Group 3: UnitedHealth Group Situation - UnitedHealth Group's stock has dropped approximately 40% in value, primarily over the last 90 days [4] - Earnings forecasts have been significantly reduced due to increased costs and claims, alongside an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for overbilling [4] - The departure of the company's CEO in May coincided with changes in earnings projections by Wall Street analysts [4] Group 4: Investment Considerations for UnitedHealth - UnitedHealth's stock is currently valued at 12.2 times earnings, which may appear attractive to investors [5] - Investors are advised to consider the complexities surrounding the company before making investment decisions [5]