Dow Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

Core Insights - Dow reported a GAAP net loss of $290 million for Q1 2025, a significant decline from a profit of $538 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to lower prices and higher energy costs [7][39][42] - The company is focusing on cost reduction and capacity right-sizing while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation amidst challenging macroeconomic conditions [3][27] - Dow's total enterprise capital expenditures (CapEx) for 2025 are now expected to be $2.5 billion, down from the original plan of $3.5 billion, following the delay of the Path2Zero project [4][27] Financial Performance - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $10.4 billion, a decrease of 3% year-over-year, with declines across all operating segments [7][44] - Operating EBIT for the quarter was $230 million, down $444 million from the previous year, primarily due to lower prices and increased energy and feedstock costs [7][39] - Cash provided by operating activities was $104 million, down $356 million year-over-year, reflecting earnings pressure from soft global demand [7][42] Segment Highlights - The Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment reported net sales of $5.3 billion, down 2% year-over-year, with local prices decreasing by 4% [9][12] - The Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure segment saw net sales of $2.9 billion, a 5% decline compared to the previous year, driven by lower prices and higher energy costs [16][19] - The Performance Materials & Coatings segment had net sales of $2.1 billion, down 4% year-over-year, with a slight increase in operating EBIT due to lower fixed costs [21][22] Strategic Actions - Dow is expanding its European asset review to address challenging demand dynamics and regulatory environments, with a commitment to complete the review by mid-2025 [6][27] - The company plans to deliver approximately $6 billion in near-term cash support through various strategic actions, including the sale of a minority stake in U.S. Gulf Coast infrastructure assets [27][28] - Dow remains committed to its Path2Zero project, which aims to be the world's first net-zero emissions integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives facility, despite the delay in construction [5][27]