Dow Inc. (DOW) recorded a loss (on a reported basis) of $307 million or 44 cents per share in first-quarter 2025. This compares to a profit of $516 million or 73 cents per share a year ago. The bottom line was hurt by lower prices and restructuring charges. On an adjusted basis (barring one-time items), DOW logged earnings of 2 cents for the reported quarter, down from 56 cents a year ago. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 2 cents. Dow recorded net sales of $10,431 million for the qu ...

Core Viewpoint - LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) is set to report its first-quarter 2025 earnings on April 25, with expectations of a significant revenue decline compared to the previous year [1][3]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LYB's first-quarter revenues is $7,593 million, reflecting a decline of approximately 23.5% year-over-year [3]. - Revenue estimates for specific segments include: - Olefins and Polyolefins – Americas: $2,737.8 million, a year-over-year decline of 4.6% [4]. - Olefins and Polyolefins – Europe, Asia & International: $2,550.7 million, indicating a 7.1% decrease from last year [4]. - Advanced Polymer Solutions: $948.4 million, suggesting a 1.7% decline year-over-year [4]. - Intermediaries and Derivatives: $2,472.9 million, a 4.4% decrease from the previous year [5]. - Technology segment: $175.4 million, reflecting an 8.6% fall from a year ago [5]. Factors Influencing Performance - The company is expected to face margin pressures due to increased ethane and natural gas prices, driven by higher winter energy demand [6]. - Operations at O&P-Americas facilities are projected to run at around 80% capacity due to scheduled maintenance and disruptions from Winter Storm Enzo [7][9]. - Despite challenges, LYB anticipates demand gains across most product categories as customers begin restocking after year-end inventory reductions [9]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for LYB, with an Earnings ESP of -11.7% and a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - Dow Inc. is expected to report a decline in first-quarter 2025 results due to soft demand and pricing pressures, despite some benefits from productivity initiatives [1][2]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dow's revenues in the upcoming quarter is $10,271.4 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 4.6% [6]. - Revenue estimates for the Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment are projected at $5,172.1 million, indicating a 4.8% decline year over year [6]. - The Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure segment is expected to generate $2,872.6 million, showing a 4.5% year-over-year decline [6]. - The Performance Materials & Coatings segment is estimated to bring in $2,098.2 million, suggesting a 2.5% decline year over year [7]. Factors Affecting Q1 Results - Dow is facing demand softness in Europe and China, with lower consumer spending due to inflation impacting demand in Europe [8]. - Construction and manufacturing activities in Europe remain weak, while the property sector in China is sluggish with declining new home prices [8]. - Inflationary pressures are affecting demand for consumer durables and construction, with automotive demand in Europe also softening [9]. - The Performance Materials & Coatings unit is challenged by weak siloxane prices due to competitive pricing pressures from increased supply in Asia [10]. - Higher feedstock and energy costs are expected to impact earnings, with a projected $100 million headwind in the Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment [12]. Cost-Saving Initiatives - Dow is implementing targeted actions to reduce direct and labor costs, aiming to cut costs by $1 billion to improve margins [13]. - The benefits of these cost-saving actions are anticipated to be reflected in the company's bottom line for the upcoming quarter [13]. Earnings Prediction - The Earnings ESP for Dow is currently at 0.00%, with a consensus estimate indicating a loss of 2 cents for the first quarter [15]. - Dow carries a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), indicating a low likelihood of an earnings beat this season [16].

Core Viewpoint - Eastman Chemical Company (EMN) is expected to report first-quarter 2025 results on April 24, with a history of surpassing earnings estimates in the past four quarters, averaging an earnings surprise of approximately 11.7% [1][2] Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EMN's revenues in the upcoming quarter is $2,320.1 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 0.4% [4] - Revenue estimates for EMN's divisions include: - Additives and Functional Products: $703.3 million, a decline of 0.1% year-over-year [4] - Advanced Materials: $763.7 million, an increase of 2.1% [4] - Chemical Intermediates: $533.5 million, a rise of 2% [5] - Fiber segment: $325 million, a decrease of 1.8% [5] Factors Influencing Performance - EMN's innovation-focused growth strategy and cost-reduction efforts are expected to support performance despite weak demand in certain markets [2][6] - The company anticipates increased volumes in specialty businesses, driven by innovation, particularly in sectors like consumer durables, building & construction, and transportation [6] - The Kingsport methanolysis facility is projected to contribute an additional $75–$100 million in EBITDA in 2025 compared to the previous year [7] - The Advanced Materials division is expected to add $50–$75 million in incremental EBITDA [9] - Cost management strategies are anticipated to lower operational expenses and improve profitability, contributing $50 million of earnings growth in 2025 [10] Market Challenges - EMN is facing headwinds from subdued demand in specific markets, particularly in the building & construction sector and cautious purchasing in consumer durables and electronics [11] - The automotive sector is also under pressure due to a decline in global vehicle production, impacting revenue performance [12] Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for EMN, with an Earnings ESP of -1.01% and a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [13][14]

DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (DD) gains on its innovation-driven investment, productivity actions and the acquisitions of the Spectrum Plastics Group and Donatelle Plastics amid headwinds from lower prices and hefty separation costs. DD’s shares are down 18.7% in a year compared to the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry’s 34.3% decline.Let’s find out why DD stock is worth retaining at the moment.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchProductivity, Innovation & Acquisition Aid DD StockDuPont remains focused on ...