10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2020

DOW INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2020

Filed May 1, 2020For Securities:DOW

Summary

Dow Inc.'s first quarter 2020 earnings report reflects a challenging operating environment, marked by an 11% year-over-year decline in net sales to $9.8 billion. This downturn was primarily driven by a 9% decrease in local prices and a 2% decline in volume, influenced by factors such as the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and volatile oil prices. Despite these headwinds, the company managed its expenses effectively, with significant reductions in Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expenses and Research & Development (R&D) expenses. Integration and separation costs also saw a substantial decrease compared to the prior year, indicating progress in these areas. Dow maintained a strong liquidity position with $3.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents and over $8 billion in committed and available liquidity facilities.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales decreased by 11% to $9.8 billion compared to the prior year's quarter, driven by lower prices and volumes.
  • 2Local prices decreased by 9% due to lower feedstock costs and unfavorable supply/demand fundamentals.
  • 3Volume decreased by 2%, impacted by the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and softer demand in certain end-markets.
  • 4Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased by 25% due to cost reductions and other factors.
  • 5Integration and separation costs significantly decreased to $65 million from $452 million in the prior year.
  • 6The company ended the quarter with $3.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents and substantial liquidity.
  • 7Dow announced a commitment of $3 million for COVID-19 relief efforts and plans to produce hand sanitizer at multiple sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the decrease in Dow's net sales were a 9% decline in local prices and a 2% decrease in sales volume, influenced by macroeconomic factors including the emerging COVID-19 pandemic and volatile oil prices.

Dow effectively managed its expenses by reducing Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expenses by 25% and Research & Development (R&D) expenses by 6%. Additionally, integration and separation costs saw a significant reduction, indicating progress in streamlining operations.

Dow maintained a strong liquidity position at the end of the quarter, with $3.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents and over $8 billion in committed and available liquidity facilities, providing financial flexibility amidst market uncertainty.

Dow is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by committing $3 million to relief efforts, planning to produce hand sanitizer at five manufacturing sites, and developing face shields for donation. The company is prioritizing employee safety and ensuring the continuity of operations for essential products.