(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 23 apr - The US chemical company Dow said its net loss widened to 445 million dollars in the first quarter of 2026 from 290 million the year earlier, as the effect of lower prices was partly offset by tailwinds from the company's cost reduction plans.

The reported loss per share was 0.74 dollars, up from the 0.44 dollar loss per share reported in the first quarter of 2025. The operating loss per share amounted to 0.14 dollars versus operating earnings per share of 0.02 dollars the year earlier.

Dow's first quarter revenue decreased by 6% to 9.794 billion dollars and reflecting flat sales in its Performance Materials & Coatings segment and declines in its other operating segments. Volumes decreased by 2% year over year while local price was down 7% compared to the year earlier.

Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was 1.1 billion dollars, up 1.0 billion on the year, primarily driven by receipt of payment from Nova Chemicals and working capital improvements.

"We are already seeing rapid positive momentum from our announced pricing actions in every business and every region, as well as constructive impacts to our operating rates," said Jim Fitterling, the company's chair and CEO. "We are leveraging Dow's purpose-built asset footprint, well-established supply chain routes and leading asset reliability to prioritize our customers and navigate the conflict in the Middle East. At the same time, our teams remain focused on capturing growth in attractive markets while delivering cost savings and cash support. Transform to Outperform aims to radically simplify how we operate, reengineer our processes and cost structures and modernize how we serve our customers. These collective actions position the company for improved growth and productivity, expanded.

margins, and higher shareholder returns across the cycle."

(RADIOCOR) 23-04-26 12:25:58 (0388) 5 NNNN