Dow posts Q1 loss on restructuring costs

US Dow reported a net loss of $290 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to a profit of $538 million in the same period last year and a loss of $35 million in the previous quarter. The loss was mainly attributed to $416 million in restructuring and related costs, as well as weaker pricing.

Net sales for the quarter reached $10.4 billion, down by 3% year-over-year and flat quarter-over-quarter, reflecting declines across all operating segments.

In the Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment, net sales were $5.3 billion, down by 2% from the same period last year, primarily due to lower prices for functional polymers and polyethylene. Sales were flat sequentially. Operating EBIT for the segment fell to $342 million, a $263 million decline year-over-year and down by $105 million quarter-over-quarter, reflecting lower integrated margins.

Dow also announced additional cost-cutting measures, including a broader review of its European asset base and a delay in construction of its Path2Zero project in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, citing a "lower-for-longer" earnings environment.