Dow reports fourth quarter 2023 results
Source: PR Newswire (US)
MIDLAND, Mich., Jan. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dow (NYSE: DOW):
www.dow.com (PRNewsfoto/The Dow Chemical Company)
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
GAAP loss per share was $0.15; operating earnings per share (EPS)1 was $0.43, compared to $0.46 in the year-ago period and $0.48 in the prior quarter. Operating EPS excludes significant items in the quarter, totaling $0.58 per share, primarily from a one-time non-cash settlement charge aligned to our pension de-risking plans.
Net sales were $10.6 billion, down 10% versus the year-ago period, reflecting declines in all operating segments due to slower global macroeconomic activity. Sales were down 1% sequentially, as price and volume gains in Packaging & Specialty Plastics were more than offset by seasonal demand declines in Performance Materials & Coatings.
Volume increased 2% versus the year-ago period, with gains across all regions except Asia Pacific, which was flat. Sequentially, volume decreased by 1%, including the impact to our Bahía Blanca, Argentina site due to a severe, unexpected storm in December.
Local price decreased 13% year-over-year, with declines in all operating segments, due to lower feedstock and energy costs. Sequentially, local price was flat, reflecting modest gains in most regions.
Currency increased 1% year-over-year and was flat sequentially.
Equity losses were $7 million, compared to equity losses of $43 million in the year-ago period, primarily due to improved equity earnings at the Kuwait joint ventures. Sequentially, equity losses were flat.
GAAP net loss was $95 million. Operating EBIT1 was $559 million, down $42 million year-over-year, primarily driven by lower prices. Sequentially, Op. EBIT was down $67 million, as gains in Packaging & Specialty Plastics were more than offset by seasonally lower volumes in Performance Materials & Coatings.
Cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations was $1.6 billion, down $450 million year-over-year and down $30 million compared to the prior quarter. Free cash flow1 was $870 million.
Returns to shareholders totaled $616 million in the quarter, including $491 million in dividends and $125 million in share repurchases.
The Company delivered 2023 full year net sales of $44.6 billion compared to $56.9 billion in 2022. GAAP net income was $660 million, down from $4.6 billion in 2022. Operating EBIT was $2.8 billion, down from $6.6 billion last year. Cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations was $5.2 billion compared to $7.5 billion in 2022. The Company delivered returns to shareholders of $2.6 billion through $2 billion in dividends and $625 million in share repurchases in 2023.
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