DOW Half-Year Report 2024

Jim Fitterling, chair and chief executive officer, commented on the quarter:

“In the second quarter, Team Dow delivered sequential earnings improvement and our third consecutive quarter of year-over-year volume growth,” said Fitterling. “The pace of the global macroeconomic recovery has been slower than expected. We remain focused on working capital, reducing costs, and matching our operating rates to current demand. We’re innovating with our customers, which was evident in the quarter as we captured growing demand in packaging, electronics, and home & personal care. With a continued focus on cash generation, we delivered cash flow from operations of $832 million and free cash flow of $109 million. This enabled us to return $691 million to shareholders while progressing our higher-return growth investments.” 

Highlights

• GAAP earnings per share was $0.62; operating earnings per share (EPS)1 was $0.68, compared to $0.75 in the year-ago period and $0.56 in the prior quarter. Operating EPS excludes significant items in the quarter related to restructuring and efficiency costs totaling $0.06 per share.
• Net sales were $10.9 billion, down 4% versus the year-ago period. Sales were up 1% sequentially, driven by gains in Performance Materials & Coatings and Packaging & Specialty Plastics.
• Volume increased 1% versus the year-ago period, with gains led by the U.S. & Canada. Sequentially, volume increased 1%, with gains in all regions except Asia Pacific, which was flat. Excluding Hydrocarbons & Energy, volume increased 4% year-over-year and 2% sequentially.
• Local price decreased 4% year-over-year. Sequentially, local price increased 1%, led by gains in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI).
• Currency decreased net sales by 1% both year-over-year and sequentially.
• Equity earnings were $26 million, an $83 million improvement compared to the year-ago period, driven by gains at the Kuwait and Sadara joint ventures. Sequentially, equity earnings were up $9 million.
• GAAP net income was $458 million. Operating EBIT1 was $819 million, down $66 million year-over-year, primarily driven by lower integrated margins and higher planned maintenance activity, which were partly offset by improved equity earnings. Sequentially, Op. EBIT was up $145 million, reflecting gains in Performance Materials & Coatings and Packaging & Specialty Plastics.
• Cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations was $832 million, down $515 million year-over- year and up $372 million compared to the prior quarter due to stronger cash flow conversion1 and a release of working capital.
• Returns to shareholders totaled $691 million in the quarter, including $491 million in dividends and $200 million in share repurchases.