The Urethane Blog

Everchem Updates

VOLUME XXI

September 14, 2023

Everchem’s Closers Only Club

Everchem’s exclusive Closers Only Club is reserved for only the highest caliber brass-baller salesmen in the chemical industry. Watch the hype video and be introduced to the top of the league: read more

May 1, 2020

Huntsman Q1 Earnings

Huntsman Announces First Quarter 2020 Earnings; A Strong Balance Sheet with Robust Liquidity

|PR Newswire|About: HUN

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, May 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —

First Quarter Highlights

  • First quarter 2020 net income of $708 million compared to $131 million in the prior year period; first quarter 2020 diluted earnings per share of $3.16 compared to $0.51 in the prior year period.
  • First quarter 2020 adjusted net income of $65 million compared to $85 million in the prior year period; first quarter 2020 adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.29 compared to $0.36 in the prior year period.
  • First quarter 2020 adjusted EBITDA of $165 million compared to $204 million in the prior year period.
  • First quarter 2020 net cash used in operating activities was $40 million. Free cash flow was a use of $101 million for the first quarter 2020.
  • Balance sheet remains strong with a net leverage of 0.7x and total liquidity for the Company is approximately $2.9 billion. First quarter 2020 share repurchases of approximately 5.4 million shares for approximately $96 million.
  • The Icynene-Lapolla acquisition closed on February 20, 2020, which approximately doubled our existing global spray polyurethane foam insulation business. Our recently announced acquisition of CVC Thermoset Specialties on March 16, 2020, is on track to close by mid-year.

 

Three months ended
March 31,
In millions, except per share amounts 2020 2019
Revenues $     1,593 $    1,669
Net income $       708 $       131
Adjusted net income(1) $         65 $         85
Diluted income per share $      3.16 $      0.51
Adjusted diluted income per share(1) $      0.29 $      0.36
Adjusted EBITDA(1) $       165 $       204
Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations $        (40) $        (40)
Free cash flow from continuing operations(2) $      (101) $      (101)
See end of press release for footnote explanations and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures.

Huntsman Corporation (HUN) today reported first quarter 2020 results with revenues of $1,593 million, net income of $708 million, adjusted net income of $65 million and adjusted EBITDA of $165 million.

Peter R. Huntsman, Chairman, President and CEO, commented:

“Fortunately, we have been well prepared for this global economic crisis.  The ongoing transformation of our business has made us a much better Company.  Our balance sheet is stronger than ever before, with significant cash and robust liquidity.  Visibility has at no time been more difficult, but our portfolio of businesses has never been more differentiated.  In this environment we are laser focused on what is in our control and protecting our balance sheet strength.  Having learned from prior crises, we preemptively reduced unnecessary inventories and are reducing capital spending this year by 30%, or approximately $90 million, by delaying discretionary spending.  We have proactively taken other measures, including suspending share repurchases, and various cost reduction measures yielding immediate benefit.  We will accelerate our plans to achieve synergies with our recent and pending strategic bolt-on acquisitions and aggressively press forward with the global scale up of our differentiated platform.  Our Company is ready and able to take advantage of opportunities to come, and I am confident that Huntsman will emerge from this global crisis a stronger Company.”

Segment Analysis for 1Q20 Compared to 1Q19

Polyurethanes

The decrease in revenues in our Polyurethanes segment for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period of 2019 was due to lower MDI average selling prices and modestly lower overall polyurethanes sales volumes. MDI average selling prices decreased primarily due to a decline in component MDI selling prices in China and Europe. Overall polyurethanes sales volumes decreased slightly primarily due to decreased demand across most major markets, partially offset by modest growth in MDI sales volumes. The decrease in segment adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to lower MDI margins driven by lower MDI pricing, partially offset by higher MDI sales volumes.

https://seekingalpha.com/pr/17855827-huntsman-announces-first-quarter-2020-earnings-strong-balance-sheet-robust-liquidity

May 1, 2020

Huntsman Q1 Earnings

Huntsman Announces First Quarter 2020 Earnings; A Strong Balance Sheet with Robust Liquidity

|PR Newswire|About: HUN

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, May 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —

First Quarter Highlights

  • First quarter 2020 net income of $708 million compared to $131 million in the prior year period; first quarter 2020 diluted earnings per share of $3.16 compared to $0.51 in the prior year period.
  • First quarter 2020 adjusted net income of $65 million compared to $85 million in the prior year period; first quarter 2020 adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.29 compared to $0.36 in the prior year period.
  • First quarter 2020 adjusted EBITDA of $165 million compared to $204 million in the prior year period.
  • First quarter 2020 net cash used in operating activities was $40 million. Free cash flow was a use of $101 million for the first quarter 2020.
  • Balance sheet remains strong with a net leverage of 0.7x and total liquidity for the Company is approximately $2.9 billion. First quarter 2020 share repurchases of approximately 5.4 million shares for approximately $96 million.
  • The Icynene-Lapolla acquisition closed on February 20, 2020, which approximately doubled our existing global spray polyurethane foam insulation business. Our recently announced acquisition of CVC Thermoset Specialties on March 16, 2020, is on track to close by mid-year.

 

Three months ended
March 31,
In millions, except per share amounts 2020 2019
Revenues $     1,593 $    1,669
Net income $       708 $       131
Adjusted net income(1) $         65 $         85
Diluted income per share $      3.16 $      0.51
Adjusted diluted income per share(1) $      0.29 $      0.36
Adjusted EBITDA(1) $       165 $       204
Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations $        (40) $        (40)
Free cash flow from continuing operations(2) $      (101) $      (101)
See end of press release for footnote explanations and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures.

Huntsman Corporation (HUN) today reported first quarter 2020 results with revenues of $1,593 million, net income of $708 million, adjusted net income of $65 million and adjusted EBITDA of $165 million.

Peter R. Huntsman, Chairman, President and CEO, commented:

“Fortunately, we have been well prepared for this global economic crisis.  The ongoing transformation of our business has made us a much better Company.  Our balance sheet is stronger than ever before, with significant cash and robust liquidity.  Visibility has at no time been more difficult, but our portfolio of businesses has never been more differentiated.  In this environment we are laser focused on what is in our control and protecting our balance sheet strength.  Having learned from prior crises, we preemptively reduced unnecessary inventories and are reducing capital spending this year by 30%, or approximately $90 million, by delaying discretionary spending.  We have proactively taken other measures, including suspending share repurchases, and various cost reduction measures yielding immediate benefit.  We will accelerate our plans to achieve synergies with our recent and pending strategic bolt-on acquisitions and aggressively press forward with the global scale up of our differentiated platform.  Our Company is ready and able to take advantage of opportunities to come, and I am confident that Huntsman will emerge from this global crisis a stronger Company.”

Segment Analysis for 1Q20 Compared to 1Q19

Polyurethanes

The decrease in revenues in our Polyurethanes segment for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to the same period of 2019 was due to lower MDI average selling prices and modestly lower overall polyurethanes sales volumes. MDI average selling prices decreased primarily due to a decline in component MDI selling prices in China and Europe. Overall polyurethanes sales volumes decreased slightly primarily due to decreased demand across most major markets, partially offset by modest growth in MDI sales volumes. The decrease in segment adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to lower MDI margins driven by lower MDI pricing, partially offset by higher MDI sales volumes.

https://seekingalpha.com/pr/17855827-huntsman-announces-first-quarter-2020-earnings-strong-balance-sheet-robust-liquidity

April 30, 2020

Tempur Sealy Q1 Results

Tempur Sealy Reports Record First Quarter 2020 results

|PR Newswire|About: TPX

– Net Income Increased 110%, EPS Increased 118%

– Leverage Ratio Declined by Over 20% Compared to Prior Year

PR NewswireLEXINGTON, Ky., April 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (TPX) announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020. As previously announced, the Company has withdrawn its previously-issued full-year financial guidance for 2020 and will not provide updated full-year financial guidance until the operating environment becomes clear.

FIRST QUARTER 2020 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

  • Total net sales increased 19.0% to $822.4 million as compared to $690.9 million in the first quarter of 2019. On a constant currency basis(1), total net sales increased 19.8%, with an increase of 24.5% in the North America business segment and an increase of 2.0% in the International business segment.
  • Gross margin was 43.4% as compared to 40.8% in the first quarter of 2019.
  • Operating income increased 74.0% to $105.3 million as compared to $60.5 million in the first quarter of 2019. Operating income in the first quarter of 2020 included $11.7 million of charges associated with a wholesale customer bankruptcy. Adjusted operating income(1) increased 89.3% to $120.8 million as compared to $63.8 million in the first quarter of 2019.
  • Net income increased 110.2% to $59.7 million as compared to $28.4 million in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted net income(1) increased 143.3% to $72.5 million as compared to $29.8 million in the first quarter of 2019.
  • Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”)(1) increased 39.7% to $134.5 million as compared to $96.3 million for the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted EBITDA(1) increased 62.9% to $151.2 million as compared to $92.8 million in the first quarter of 2019.
  • Earnings per diluted share (“EPS”) increased 117.6% to $1.11 as compared to $0.51 in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted EPS(1) increased 148.1% to $1.34 as compared to $0.54 in the first quarter of 2019.
  • For the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2020, leverage based on the ratio of consolidated indebtedness less netted cash(1) to adjusted EBITDA(1) was 3.03 times as compared to 3.84 times in the corresponding prior year period.

Business Segment Highlights

The Company’s business segments include North America and International. Corporate operating expenses are not included in either of the business segments and are presented separately as a reconciling item to consolidated results.

North America net sales increased a robust 24.5% to $677.2 million as compared to $544.0 million in the first quarter of 2019. On a constant currency basis(1), North America net sales increased 24.5% as compared to the first quarter of 2019. Gross margin was 40.9% as compared to 37.6% in the first quarter of 2019. Operating margin was 15.0% as compared to 11.8% in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted operating margin(1) was 16.9% in the first quarter of 2020.

North America net sales through the wholesale channel increased $107.8 million, or 21.5%, to $609.6 million as compared to the first quarter of 2019, primarily driven by the expansion of our retail distribution network. North America net sales through the direct channel increased $25.4 million, or 60.2%, to $67.6 million, as compared to the first quarter of 2019, primarily driven by growth from company-owned stores, which includes the acquisition of Sleep Outfitters. North America net sales through the direct channel, excluding Sleep Outfitters, increased approximately 20% as compared to the first quarter of 2019.

Company Chairman and CEO Scott Thompson commented, “We are very pleased with the way our online business has performed in response to market changes post COVID-19 with growth exceeding 100% in April in the U.S. market.  This again points out the strength of our go-to-market strategy of being wherever the customer wants to shop.”

North America gross margin improved 330 basis points as compared to the first quarter of 2019. The improvement was primarily driven by favorable fixed cost leverage on higher unit volume, lower commodity costs and decreased floor model expenses. North America adjusted operating margin(1) improved 510 basis points as compared to the first quarter of 2019. The improvement in adjusted operating margin(1) was primarily driven by the improvement in gross margin and operating expense leverage.

International net sales decreased 1.2% to $145.2 million as compared to $146.9 million in the first quarter of 2019. On a constant currency basis(1), International net sales increased 2.0% as compared to the first quarter of 2019. Gross margin was 55.0% as compared to 52.7% in the first quarter of 2019. Operating margin was 18.3% as compared to 17.2% in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted operating margin(1) was 19.9%  as compared to 17.4% in the first quarter of 2019.

International net sales through the wholesale channel decreased $1.3 million, or 1.1%, to $112.8 million as compared to the first quarter of 2019. International net sales through the direct channel decreased $0.4 million, or 1.2%, to $32.4 million as compared to the first quarter of 2019.

International gross margin improved 230 basis points as compared to the first quarter of 2019. The improvement was primarily driven by operational improvements, favorable country mix and lower commodity costs. International adjusted operating margin(1) improved 250 basis points as compared to the first quarter of 2019. The improvement was primarily driven by the improvement in gross margin and favorable operating expense leverage, partially offset by the performance of the Asia joint venture as a result of the reduction in contributions from its operations in China.

Corporate operating expense decreased to $22.7 million as compared to $29.0 million in the first quarter of 2019. Corporate adjusted operating expense(1) was $26.0 million in the first quarter of 2019.

The Company ended the first quarter of 2020 with total debt of $1.9 billion and consolidated indebtedness less netted cash(1) of $1.7 billion. Leverage based on the ratio of consolidated indebtedness less netted cash(1) to adjusted EBITDA(1) was 3.03 times for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2020. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company repurchased 2.6 million shares of its common stock for a total cost of $187.5 million, under its share repurchase program. On March 27, 2020, the Company announced that it had ceased all share repurchase activity. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had approximately $131.3 million available under its existing share repurchase authorization.

Consolidated net income increased 110.2% to $59.7 million as compared to $28.4 million in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted net income(1) increased 143.3% to $72.5 million as compared to $29.8 million in the first quarter of 2019. EPS increased 117.6% to $1.11 as compared to $0.51 in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted EPS(1) increased 148.1% to $1.34 as compared to $0.54 in the first quarter of 2019.

COVID-19 Business Update

The Company is studying, responding, and optimizing its operations related to the challenges from the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) crisis. The Company has taken and continues to take precautionary measures to mitigate health risks during the evolving situation resulting from COVID-19. In addition, the Company is working with various government and healthcare organizations to provide products and services in this time of crisis.

The Company has experienced a major reduction in total net sales since COVID-19 began materially impacting our business in mid-March. Order trends were down 80% for a few days in early April with second quarter to date 2020 orders down approximately 55% as compared to the same period in 2019. The business has a highly variable cost structure that naturally adjusts with changes in sales. However, given the sudden and significant change in volume, actions were quickly implemented to further mitigate the financial impact. These actions included reducing expenses by approximately $300 million on an annualized basis. Additionally, the Company ceased share repurchases, began supporting medical relief efforts and increased support for charitable organizations.

The Company has no significant debt maturities until 2023 and has approximately $300 million of liquidity, including $197 million of cash on hand as of March 31, 2020 and approximately $100 million available under its revolving credit facility. The Company does not see material issues with any debt agreements based on current known facts and circumstances. However, given the uncertainty of this crisis, the Company has initiated discussions with commercial banks to secure additional short-term liquidity.

Company Chairman and CEO Scott Thompson commented, “These are truly unprecedented times as we move from a record first quarter to a very challenging second quarter. The negative impact from COVID-19 is expected to result in an operating loss and negative EBITDA in the second quarter. Despite this challenging environment, we believe that our consumer-preferred products and brands, our compelling marketing, and our powerful omni-channel distribution platform make Tempur Sealy uniquely well-positioned to withstand these headwinds. We feel confident that our strong position in the industry and our resilient workforce will ensure that we emerge from the current challenge in an even stronger competitive position within the global market.”

https://seekingalpha.com/pr/17854001-tempur-sealy-reports-record-first-quarter-2020-results

April 30, 2020

Tempur Sealy Q1 Results

Tempur Sealy Reports Record First Quarter 2020 results

|PR Newswire|About: TPX

– Net Income Increased 110%, EPS Increased 118%

– Leverage Ratio Declined by Over 20% Compared to Prior Year

PR NewswireLEXINGTON, Ky., April 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (TPX) announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020. As previously announced, the Company has withdrawn its previously-issued full-year financial guidance for 2020 and will not provide updated full-year financial guidance until the operating environment becomes clear.

FIRST QUARTER 2020 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

  • Total net sales increased 19.0% to $822.4 million as compared to $690.9 million in the first quarter of 2019. On a constant currency basis(1), total net sales increased 19.8%, with an increase of 24.5% in the North America business segment and an increase of 2.0% in the International business segment.
  • Gross margin was 43.4% as compared to 40.8% in the first quarter of 2019.
  • Operating income increased 74.0% to $105.3 million as compared to $60.5 million in the first quarter of 2019. Operating income in the first quarter of 2020 included $11.7 million of charges associated with a wholesale customer bankruptcy. Adjusted operating income(1) increased 89.3% to $120.8 million as compared to $63.8 million in the first quarter of 2019.
  • Net income increased 110.2% to $59.7 million as compared to $28.4 million in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted net income(1) increased 143.3% to $72.5 million as compared to $29.8 million in the first quarter of 2019.
  • Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”)(1) increased 39.7% to $134.5 million as compared to $96.3 million for the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted EBITDA(1) increased 62.9% to $151.2 million as compared to $92.8 million in the first quarter of 2019.
  • Earnings per diluted share (“EPS”) increased 117.6% to $1.11 as compared to $0.51 in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted EPS(1) increased 148.1% to $1.34 as compared to $0.54 in the first quarter of 2019.
  • For the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2020, leverage based on the ratio of consolidated indebtedness less netted cash(1) to adjusted EBITDA(1) was 3.03 times as compared to 3.84 times in the corresponding prior year period.

Business Segment Highlights

The Company’s business segments include North America and International. Corporate operating expenses are not included in either of the business segments and are presented separately as a reconciling item to consolidated results.

North America net sales increased a robust 24.5% to $677.2 million as compared to $544.0 million in the first quarter of 2019. On a constant currency basis(1), North America net sales increased 24.5% as compared to the first quarter of 2019. Gross margin was 40.9% as compared to 37.6% in the first quarter of 2019. Operating margin was 15.0% as compared to 11.8% in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted operating margin(1) was 16.9% in the first quarter of 2020.

North America net sales through the wholesale channel increased $107.8 million, or 21.5%, to $609.6 million as compared to the first quarter of 2019, primarily driven by the expansion of our retail distribution network. North America net sales through the direct channel increased $25.4 million, or 60.2%, to $67.6 million, as compared to the first quarter of 2019, primarily driven by growth from company-owned stores, which includes the acquisition of Sleep Outfitters. North America net sales through the direct channel, excluding Sleep Outfitters, increased approximately 20% as compared to the first quarter of 2019.

Company Chairman and CEO Scott Thompson commented, “We are very pleased with the way our online business has performed in response to market changes post COVID-19 with growth exceeding 100% in April in the U.S. market.  This again points out the strength of our go-to-market strategy of being wherever the customer wants to shop.”

North America gross margin improved 330 basis points as compared to the first quarter of 2019. The improvement was primarily driven by favorable fixed cost leverage on higher unit volume, lower commodity costs and decreased floor model expenses. North America adjusted operating margin(1) improved 510 basis points as compared to the first quarter of 2019. The improvement in adjusted operating margin(1) was primarily driven by the improvement in gross margin and operating expense leverage.

International net sales decreased 1.2% to $145.2 million as compared to $146.9 million in the first quarter of 2019. On a constant currency basis(1), International net sales increased 2.0% as compared to the first quarter of 2019. Gross margin was 55.0% as compared to 52.7% in the first quarter of 2019. Operating margin was 18.3% as compared to 17.2% in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted operating margin(1) was 19.9%  as compared to 17.4% in the first quarter of 2019.

International net sales through the wholesale channel decreased $1.3 million, or 1.1%, to $112.8 million as compared to the first quarter of 2019. International net sales through the direct channel decreased $0.4 million, or 1.2%, to $32.4 million as compared to the first quarter of 2019.

International gross margin improved 230 basis points as compared to the first quarter of 2019. The improvement was primarily driven by operational improvements, favorable country mix and lower commodity costs. International adjusted operating margin(1) improved 250 basis points as compared to the first quarter of 2019. The improvement was primarily driven by the improvement in gross margin and favorable operating expense leverage, partially offset by the performance of the Asia joint venture as a result of the reduction in contributions from its operations in China.

Corporate operating expense decreased to $22.7 million as compared to $29.0 million in the first quarter of 2019. Corporate adjusted operating expense(1) was $26.0 million in the first quarter of 2019.

The Company ended the first quarter of 2020 with total debt of $1.9 billion and consolidated indebtedness less netted cash(1) of $1.7 billion. Leverage based on the ratio of consolidated indebtedness less netted cash(1) to adjusted EBITDA(1) was 3.03 times for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2020. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company repurchased 2.6 million shares of its common stock for a total cost of $187.5 million, under its share repurchase program. On March 27, 2020, the Company announced that it had ceased all share repurchase activity. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had approximately $131.3 million available under its existing share repurchase authorization.

Consolidated net income increased 110.2% to $59.7 million as compared to $28.4 million in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted net income(1) increased 143.3% to $72.5 million as compared to $29.8 million in the first quarter of 2019. EPS increased 117.6% to $1.11 as compared to $0.51 in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted EPS(1) increased 148.1% to $1.34 as compared to $0.54 in the first quarter of 2019.

COVID-19 Business Update

The Company is studying, responding, and optimizing its operations related to the challenges from the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) crisis. The Company has taken and continues to take precautionary measures to mitigate health risks during the evolving situation resulting from COVID-19. In addition, the Company is working with various government and healthcare organizations to provide products and services in this time of crisis.

The Company has experienced a major reduction in total net sales since COVID-19 began materially impacting our business in mid-March. Order trends were down 80% for a few days in early April with second quarter to date 2020 orders down approximately 55% as compared to the same period in 2019. The business has a highly variable cost structure that naturally adjusts with changes in sales. However, given the sudden and significant change in volume, actions were quickly implemented to further mitigate the financial impact. These actions included reducing expenses by approximately $300 million on an annualized basis. Additionally, the Company ceased share repurchases, began supporting medical relief efforts and increased support for charitable organizations.

The Company has no significant debt maturities until 2023 and has approximately $300 million of liquidity, including $197 million of cash on hand as of March 31, 2020 and approximately $100 million available under its revolving credit facility. The Company does not see material issues with any debt agreements based on current known facts and circumstances. However, given the uncertainty of this crisis, the Company has initiated discussions with commercial banks to secure additional short-term liquidity.

Company Chairman and CEO Scott Thompson commented, “These are truly unprecedented times as we move from a record first quarter to a very challenging second quarter. The negative impact from COVID-19 is expected to result in an operating loss and negative EBITDA in the second quarter. Despite this challenging environment, we believe that our consumer-preferred products and brands, our compelling marketing, and our powerful omni-channel distribution platform make Tempur Sealy uniquely well-positioned to withstand these headwinds. We feel confident that our strong position in the industry and our resilient workforce will ensure that we emerge from the current challenge in an even stronger competitive position within the global market.”

https://seekingalpha.com/pr/17854001-tempur-sealy-reports-record-first-quarter-2020-results

April 30, 2020

Dow Chemical Q1 Results

Dow reports first quarter 2020 results

MIDLAND, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dow (NYSE: DOW):

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • GAAP earnings per share was $0.32; Operating EPS¹ was $0.59. Operating EPS excludes significant items in the quarter, totaling $0.27 per share, related to restructuring and asset related charges; early extinguishment of debt; and integration and separation costs.
  • Net sales were $9.8 billion, down 11% versus pro forma results in the year-ago period, primarily driven by lower local prices in all operating segments due to a decline in global energy prices.
  • Volume declined 2% versus pro forma results in the year-ago period, and decreased 1% excluding the Hydrocarbons and Energy business. Demand grew in food, health and hygiene packaging; surfactants and solvents for cleaning; and coatings end-markets. However, these gains were more than offset by declines in polyurethanes and silicones applications, including automotive and durable goods. Sequentially, the Company reported broadly lower volumes in China on slower economic activity with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and public health interventions.
  • Local price declined 8% versus pro forma results in the year-ago period, primarily reflecting lower global energy prices. Currency decreased sales by 1%.
  • Equity losses were $89 million versus equity losses of $14 million in the year-ago period. The decline was primarily driven by lower results at the Kuwait and Thai joint ventures on margin compression in their key products, including monoethylene glycol (MEG) and polyethylene.
  • GAAP Net Income from continuing operations was $258 million. Operating EBIT1 was $843 million, down from a pro forma result of $1.1 billion in the year-ago period, reflecting margin compression, notably in the polyurethanes and silicones chains, as well as lower equity earnings. The decline was softened by pockets of demand growth and more than $30 million of savings from stranded cost removal.
  • Cash provided by operating activities – continuing ops. was $1.2 billion, up $193 million versus the year-ago period. Capital expenditures were $395 million and free cash flow2 was $841 million. Dow recovered $259 million in tax withholdings from the Canadian tax authority related to the 2019 judgment against Nova Chemicals.
  • Returns to shareholders totaled $643 million in the quarter, including $518 million in dividends and $125 million in share repurchases.
  • Total cash and available committed liquidity at quarter-end was approximately $12 billion. Cash and equivalents of $3.6 billion included $800 million of cash proactively accessed from uncommitted lines. Early in the quarter, the Company issued an aggregate principal amount of €2.25 billion in Euro denominated notes, achieving a weighted average coupon of approximately 1%. The Company used the net proceeds to redeem existing notes and repay debt. As a result, the Company has no substantive long-term debt due until the second half of 2023.
  • The Sadara joint venture signed its final logistics service agreement, the final substantive step to project completion.

CEO QUOTE

Jim Fitterling, chairman and chief executive officer, commented on the quarter:

“I am proud of the Dow team’s determination and resilience in the midst of the global pandemic and rapid decline in global energy prices. We ensured the safety and security of our people and operations, maintained business continuity, and rapidly established an effective crisis management response. We showcased the necessity and value of our products as we met strong demand from our customers in food packaging, health and hygiene, and cleaning end-markets. And, we leveraged our extensive geographic reach and asset flexibility to quickly respond to shifting trends in regional consumption, as well as in feedstock prices, as crude oil prices declined 60% through the quarter.

“Our volumes and operating rates reflected divergent demand patterns, as we met increasing needs for consumer staple non-durable goods, which countered lower requirements for discretionary durable goods. We also experienced margin compression in our upstream polyurethanes and silicones chains on weaker industry fundamentals. We partly offset the headwinds with stranded cost removal, effectively managing our working capital, and demonstrating our operational responsiveness and agility.

“We ended the first quarter with $12 billion of committed liquidity, including $3.6 billion in cash, and an improved debt profile. Our results reflected continued prioritization of a flexible capital structure, solid cash flow generation, and execution on our non-operational cash actions. We delivered $1.2 billion in cash from continuing operations. Free cash flow improved by $240 million, supported by controls on expense and capital spending and additional stranded cost removal. Altogether, our operational playbook remained flexible to the dynamic business environment, and it continued to serve us well in navigating the challenges and volatility we experienced in the quarter.”

Polyurethanes & Construction Chemicals reported a net sales decline on reductions in local price and volume. Local price decreased on lower global energy costs. Volume declined in all geographic regions except EMEAI, which was up slightly. Demand fell in furniture and bedding, automotive and appliance applications. Mild winter weather in the northern hemisphere led to lower demand in aircraft deicing applications. The largest percentage volume decline was reported in Asia Pacific, particularly in China, which was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

OUTLOOK

“While we are beginning to see indications of a recovery from COVID-19 in China, the full extent of the impact of the pandemic in other major geographies is still being determined as the virus continues to spread,” said Fitterling. “Assuming a gradual and sustainable return of global economic activity and reopening of economies in May and June, we expect a recovery will begin to take hold as the year progresses.

“We are taking immediate and additional proactive measures to further strengthen our financial position. These actions include: further reducing our capital expenditure target to $1.25 billion, representing a $750 million reduction versus 2019; trimming operating expenses by $350 million; and unlocking another $500 million from working capital. In addition, we are temporarily idling select manufacturing units to balance production to demand across markets more severely affected by restrained economic activity. Operationally, we will continue to take advantage of our global footprint and industry-leading asset capabilities, remain close to our customers, and ensure availability of products essential to consumers and instrumental to containing the global pandemic, such as hand sanitizer and materials for personal protective equipment.

“We are proud of the critical role our company and industry continue to play during these extraordinary times. And, we are confident that the actions we are taking will position Dow to emerge even stronger when the global economy rebounds.”

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200430005360/en/Dow-reports-quarter-2020-results