10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2020

DOW INC. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2020

Filed October 23, 2020For Securities:DOW

Summary

Dow Inc. reported net sales of $9.712 billion for the third quarter of 2020, a decrease of 10% compared to $10.764 billion in the third quarter of 2019. This decline was primarily attributed to a 9% decrease in local prices, influenced by lower global energy prices, and a 1% decrease in volume. The company experienced a net loss of $25 million available to common stockholders for the quarter, compared to a net income of $333 million in the prior year's quarter. This shift was significantly impacted by a $617 million charge for restructuring and asset-related activities, largely due to a new restructuring program approved in September 2020 aimed at cost improvements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the quarterly loss, Dow's cash position strengthened, with cash and cash equivalents increasing to $4.549 billion from $2.367 billion at the end of 2019, reflecting proactive liquidity management and reduced capital expenditures. For the first nine months of 2020, net sales decreased by 15% to $27.836 billion. The company reported a net loss of $11 million available to common stockholders for the period, a significant decrease from a net income of $964 million in the same period of 2019. The year-to-date performance was heavily influenced by $719 million in restructuring and asset-related charges. Management remains focused on cost discipline and operational efficiency, anticipating continued sequential demand recovery and sequential price increases in the fourth quarter, barring significant pandemic resurgence.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for Q3 2020 were $9.712 billion, down 10% year-over-year, driven by a 9% decrease in local prices and a 1% decrease in volume.
  • 2The company reported a net loss of $25 million for Q3 2020, a significant decline from a net income of $333 million in Q3 2019.
  • 3Restructuring and asset-related charges were substantial at $617 million in Q3 2020, primarily related to a new cost-reduction program approved in September 2020.
  • 4Cash and cash equivalents increased significantly to $4.549 billion as of September 30, 2020, up from $2.367 billion at the end of 2019, indicating strong liquidity management.
  • 5Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2020 were reduced to $955 million, down from $1,384 million in the prior year's period, reflecting disciplined capital allocation.
  • 6The company repaid significant portions of its debt, including $1.25 billion of notes and $2.0 billion under a credit agreement, while also issuing new debt.
  • 7Management provided a positive outlook for Q4 2020, expecting sequential demand recovery and price increases, with anticipated net sales between $9.5 billion and $9.8 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers were a 9% decrease in local prices, largely attributed to lower global energy prices, and a 1% decrease in sales volume. These factors affected all geographic regions and operating segments.

The $617 million charge is primarily due to a new '2020 Restructuring Program' approved in September 2020. This program aims to reduce structural costs by approximately 6% workforce reduction and rationalize manufacturing assets, in response to the ongoing economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it negatively impacted quarterly earnings, it is intended to enhance future competitiveness and profitability.

Dow's liquidity position strengthened significantly, with cash and cash equivalents rising to $4.549 billion as of September 30, 2020, an increase of over $2 billion from year-end 2019. This was achieved through strong operating cash flow and proactive management of its financial resources. For the fourth quarter of 2020, Dow anticipates continued sequential demand recovery and price increases, projecting net sales between $9.5 billion and $9.8 billion, supported by resilience in key end-markets and ongoing rebound in durable goods.

Dow demonstrated prudent financial management by reducing capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2020 to $955 million and expects full-year 2020 capital spending to be around $1.25 billion. The company also strategically managed its debt, issuing new notes totaling $2.0 billion and €2.25 billion, while simultaneously repaying significant debt, including $1.25 billion of existing notes and $2.0 billion from credit facilities, and repurchasing $493 million of debt securities. This allowed for an improved net debt to capitalization ratio.