Dow Forecasts Quarterly Sales Below Estimates Amid Weak Consumer Durables Demand

Stock Market25/04/2024Mr. SmithMr. Smith
dow
Dow Wall Street

Chemicals maker Dow has forecasted second-quarter sales below expectations due to weak demand for consumer durables and ongoing uncertainty in European economies.

Market Overview

Germany, Europe's largest economy, experienced an unexpected decline in retail sales in February, while manufacturing activity across the continent continued to weaken during the first quarter.

Dow's chief financial officer, Jeffrey Tate, noted that although consumer durables demand remains subdued, the company anticipates margin expansion in Europe, particularly in its industrial intermediates and infrastructure segment.

Revenue Forecast

The Midland, Michigan-based company expects second-quarter sales to reach approximately $11 billion, a slight increase from the first quarter but falling short of Wall Street's estimates of $11.64 billion.

Analyst Kevin McCarthy from Vertical Research Partners commented, "After six quarters of negative earnings revisions, we have observed a marginally more positive market outlook for Dow. However, concerns persist among some investors regarding the relative lack of prospective free cash flow."

Financial Performance

Despite broader market declines leading to a 1.5% drop in Dow's shares, the company reported a 9% decline in net sales to $10.77 billion in the first quarter, attributed to a 10% decrease in local prices.

Chemical companies had previously increased prices in response to inflation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which constrained feedstock supplies. However, improved volumes and lower feedstock costs, such as natural gas, contributed to Dow surpassing first-quarter profit expectations.

Dow noted a 1% increase in volumes across all regions except Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India.

Outlook and Conclusion

"In the near term, demand in key end-markets ranging from packaging and mobility to energy applications is showing sequential improvement," stated Dow's Chief Executive.

Further Reading

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