Core Viewpoint - The comparison between Dow Inc. and DuPont de Nemours, Inc. highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both companies in the current challenging market environment, with DuPont appearing to have a more attractive investment profile due to its innovation-driven growth and better valuation metrics [2][27]. Group 1: Dow Inc. (DOW) - DOW benefits from a differentiated portfolio and low-cost feedstock positions, focusing on growth in attractive end markets such as pharma and home care [4][27]. - The company is implementing proactive measures to deliver approximately $6 billion in cash support, including infrastructure asset sales and cost savings [5]. - DOW is targeting $1 billion in cost reductions, primarily through workforce reductions of around 1,500 roles globally, with expected benefits of $300 million in 2025 [6]. - DOW has a strong balance sheet with over $11 billion in liquidity and returned $2.5 billion to shareholders in 2024 [7]. - The company offers a high dividend yield of 9.7%, although it has a high payout ratio of 239% [8]. - DOW faces demand softness, particularly in Europe, and challenges in the automotive and construction markets due to inflation and geopolitical tensions [9][16]. - The Performance Materials & Coatings unit is experiencing pricing pressure in siloxane products due to increased supply in Asia [10][11]. - DOW's stock has declined 29.4% year to date, with a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 45.80, representing a significant premium over the industry average [18][22]. Group 2: DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (DD) - DuPont is focused on growth through innovation and new product development, particularly in healthcare markets [12][13]. - The acquisition of Spectrum Plastics Group enhances DuPont's position in the healthcare sector, aligning with its innovation-driven strategy [13]. - DuPont is expected to realize cost synergy savings and productivity improvements, with annualized cost savings of $150 million anticipated from restructuring actions [14]. - The company achieved a transaction-adjusted free cash flow conversion of 105% in 2024 and raised its quarterly dividend by 8% to 41 cents per share [15]. - DuPont faces headwinds in the construction and automotive markets, impacting sales in its IndustrialsCo segment [16]. - The company anticipates separation costs related to its electronics business to be modestly below $700 million, affecting margins and free cash flow in 2025 [17]. - DuPont's stock has decreased by 10.7% year to date, trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 15.45, which is below DOW and the industry [18][20]. - The consensus estimates for DuPont suggest a year-over-year rise in sales and EPS of 2.9% and 4.9%, respectively, indicating positive growth prospects [26].