Dow Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Dow Inc. (NYSE: DOW) has announced targeted actions to achieve $1 billion in cost savings in response to ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty. The plan includes:

- $500-700 million reduction in direct costs, focusing on purchased services and third-party contract labor
- Workforce reduction of approximately 1,500 roles globally
- Expected charges of $250-325 million in Q1 2025 for severance and related benefits
- Additional implementation costs of $20-30 million to be expensed as incurred

The company aims to reinforce its long-term competitiveness while adapting to current market conditions. CEO Jim Fitterling indicated that further actions may be taken if necessary as 2025 progresses. The implementation will involve engagement with local stakeholders and comply with regional regulations.

Dow (NYSE: DOW) reported Q4 2024 financial results with net sales of $10.4 billion, down 2% year-over-year. The company posted a GAAP net loss of $35 million, or $0.08 per share, including restructuring costs. Operating earnings per share was $0.00, impacted by non-cash tax adjustments of $0.27.

Key metrics include: Operating EBIT of $454 million (down $105 million YoY), cash from operations of $811 million, and shareholder returns of $492 million in dividends. For full-year 2024, Dow achieved net sales of $43.0 billion and GAAP net income of $1.2 billion.

The company announced plans for $1 billion in targeted cost reductions and a $300-500 million reduction in 2025 CapEx. Additionally, Dow signed an agreement to sell a minority stake in U.S. Gulf Coast infrastructure assets for approximately $3 billion.

Luuna Mattresses, a Mexican startup known for its 100% foam mattresses, has partnered with Dow to accelerate its expansion in Latin America. The collaboration leverages DOW Predictive Intelligence, a digital platform combining over 120 years of polyurethane formulations expertise. This technology has enabled Luuna to develop new foams in a single production test, significantly reducing development time and costs.

The platform's precision has supported Luuna's ambitious plans, including the development of Latin America's most advanced production center, targeting one mattress every 30 seconds. The partnership has also helped Luuna achieve 1% production scrap, supporting their sustainability goals while maintaining their position as Mexico's Best Rated Mattress.

Dow (NYSE:DOW) has announced nine projects for its 2024 Business Impact Fund, including seven new initiatives and two continuity grants. The fund, in its ninth year, combines efforts of NGOs, nonprofits, Dow customers, and employees to address social and sustainability challenges globally. Projects span across Colombia, Kenya, Mexico, Türkiye, United States, Canada, Brazil, and South Africa, focusing on housing improvement, food security, community development, and environmental sustainability.

Since its 2016 launch, the Business Impact Fund has supported 65 projects across 23 countries with nearly $14 million in investments. Key achievements include creating over 2,000 jobs, recycling more than 13,600 metric tons of materials, avoiding over 36,000 MT of CO2 emissions, and diverting 9,500 MT of plastic from landfills.

Dow (NYSE:DOW) announced significant leadership changes, with Keith Cleason appointed as president of Packaging & Specialty Plastics (P&SP), succeeding Karen S. Carter who was recently named Chief Operating Officer. Cleason, previously business vice president for Olefins, Aromatics & Alternatives, will oversee Latin America operations and continue P&SP's growth aligned with sustainability goals.

Jane Palmieri, president of Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, will retire on March 31, 2025, after 30+ years with Dow. She led portfolios exceeding $16 billion in annual sales. Marco ten Bruggencate, former president of Dow EMEAI, will succeed Palmieri and oversee Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India operations.

Dow (NYSE:DOW) has appointed Karen S. Carter as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Previously serving as president of Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Carter will oversee business operating segments, including Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, and Performance Materials & Coatings. She will also manage Integrated Supply Chain, Purchasing, Information Systems, and Commercial organizations.

Carter brings over 30 years of experience at Dow, having led the Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment with $23 billion in annual sales. Under her leadership, she expanded capacity through asset upgrades and improved reliability. She previously served as Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Inclusion Officer, and will continue reporting to CEO Jim Fitterling while joining the Executive Committee.

Dow (NYSE: DOW) has secured its position on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for the 24th consecutive year, demonstrating its continued leadership in sustainability performance within the global chemical industry. The company has also maintained its presence on the DJSI North America Index for 19 straight years.

In the 2024 Corporate Sustainability Assessment by S&P Global, Dow exhibited exceptional performance in several key areas, including Climate Strategy, Water, Occupational Health & Safety, and Employee Support & Development Programs. These achievements reflect the company's strong commitment to climate protection and employee well-being.

According to Andre Argenton, Dow's chief sustainability officer, this recognition validates their efforts to integrate sustainability practices into operations and business performance, aiming to create long-term value for stakeholders while driving positive change.

Dow discusses the evolving mobility landscape and compliance challenges in the automotive industry. The article highlights significant market transitions toward electric, hybrid, and autonomous vehicles, with various global regulatory targets including the U.S. aim for 50% electric vehicle sales by 2030. The automotive software and electronics market is projected to reach $462 billion by 2030, growing at a 5.5% CAGR from 2019.

The company emphasizes the importance of IATF 16949 Certification and quality management systems in maintaining standards across the supply chain. Dow actively pursues certifications, collaborates with suppliers to enhance quality standards, and engages with OEMs to shape regulatory frameworks, particularly in bulk materials applications.

Dow showcases its commitment to renewable energy and decarbonization through innovative materials science solutions. The company is a leading supplier of thermal fluids for concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, with its DOWTHERM A Heat Transfer Fluid being used in over 50 large-scale CSP sites globally, generating more than 3 gigawatts of power and saving 6 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.

The company's product portfolio includes ENGAGE PV Polyolefin Elastomers, DOWSIL Adhesives and Sealants, and DOWSIL TC-5860 Thermally Conductive Compound for solar panels and inverters. Additionally, Dow's ENDURANCE Compounds are utilized in high-voltage transmission cables, reducing degassing times and CO2 emissions during manufacturing.