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Mar 31, 2020
Dow Q1 2020 Earnings Report
Dow's financial performance declined due to lower prices and demand, but was partially offset by cost savings and strong demand in specific sectors.
Key Takeaways
Dow's first quarter 2020 results reflect a challenging environment with net sales down 11% year-over-year due to lower prices and a 2% volume decline. The company saw demand growth in specific sectors like food packaging and cleaning products, but overall earnings were impacted by margin compression and equity losses. Despite these challenges, Dow generated solid cash flow and maintained a strong liquidity position.
GAAP earnings per share was $0.32; Operating EPS was $0.59, excluding significant items.
Net sales were $9.8 billion, down 11% versus pro forma results in the year-ago period, primarily driven by lower local prices.
Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $1.2 billion, up $193 million versus the year-ago period.
Returns to shareholders totaled $643 million, including dividends and share repurchases.
Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Geographic Location
Forward Guidance
Dow anticipates a gradual recovery starting in May/June, contingent on the sustainable reopening of global economies and is taking proactive measures to bolster its financial position by reducing capital expenditures, trimming operating expenses, and optimizing working capital.
Positive Outlook
- Gradual and sustainable return of global economic activity is expected.
- Reopening of economies in May and June is anticipated.
- Further reducing capital expenditure target to $1.25 billion.
- Trimming operating expenses by $350 million.
- Unlocking another $500 million from working capital.
Challenges Ahead
- Full extent of the impact of the pandemic in major geographies is still being determined.
- Virus continues to spread.
- Select manufacturing units are being temporarily idled.
- Markets more severely affected by restrained economic activity.
Revenue & Expenses
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income
Historical Earnings Impact
Analyze how earnings announcements historically affect stock price performance
Avg. Return Before/After Earnings
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