Dow Inc.: Improved Demand in Functional Polymers for Infrastructure Changing The Game?

In the first quarter 2024 earnings of Dow, Inc., the company demonstrated precision in navigating market complexities and pursuing strategic growth opportunities. While acknowledging the potential for economic recovery, they also recognized concerns around inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical tensions. Throughout the first quarter, Dow showed increased operating rates to meet the rising demand while keeping pricing consistent and benefitting from decreased feedstock and energy costs. The company reported a decline in sales by 9% year-on-year, against an increment of 1% sequentially, primarily due to growth in Performance Materials & Coatings and Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure. Volume reported a slight growth, however, local prices decreased by 10% year on year while remained flat sequentially.