Overview
- Dow and DuPont, major chemical companies, have reported weak demand and inventory issues leading to a drop in sales in Q4 2023 and a bleak outlook for Q1 2024.
- Dow reported a 10.4% drop in Q4 sales and expects flat sales for Q1 2024. However, it beat market expectations for its Q4 profit and sales.
- DuPont issued a profit warning, expecting a loss in Q4 2023 and lower-than-expected profit and sales in Q1 2024. Its shares fell by 13%.
- Weak demand in China and inventory destocking are cited as key issues by both companies.
- Despite the challenges, both companies expect some positive signals in 2024, with Dow seeing potential in construction, automotive and consumer electronics, and DuPont expecting a market recovery for electronic materials.