Chemical Giants Dow and LyondellBasell Face Major Setbacks in 2025
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 02 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- Stock Price Plunge: Both Dow and LyondellBasell saw their stock prices plummet by 41.7% in 2025, reaching multiyear lows, reflecting intensified competition and weak demand that have undermined investor confidence.
- Cost-Cutting Measures: Dow plans to achieve $500 million in cost savings by the second half of 2025 and is cutting approximately 4,500 jobs, which will incur one-time severance costs of $600 million to $800 million, aimed at improving its financial health amid ongoing market downturns.
- Cash Flow Improvements: LyondellBasell anticipates $600 million in cash flow improvements in 2025, and while it has not cut its dividend, it is enhancing cash flow through asset sales and project pauses, demonstrating resilience in challenging conditions.
- Future Outlook: Although analysts expect Dow to remain negative in earnings for 2026, LyondellBasell is projected to build on its 2025 profitability, with even better performance anticipated in 2027, indicating potential for industry recovery.
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Analyst Views on DOW
Wall Street analysts forecast DOW stock price to fall
15 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
13 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 32.650
Low
20.00
Averages
25.71
High
32.00
Current: 32.650
Low
20.00
Averages
25.71
High
32.00
About DOW
Dow Inc. serves as a holding company for The Dow Chemical Company and its subsidiaries. The Company conducts its operations through six global businesses, which are organized into segments, such as Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure and Performance Materials & Coatings. Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment consists of two integrated global businesses: Hydrocarbons & Energy and Packaging and Specialty Plastics. This segment employs a polyolefin product portfolio. Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure segment consists of two customer-centric global businesses: Industrial Solutions and Polyurethanes & Construction Chemicals that develop intermediate chemicals that are essential to manufacturing processes, as well as downstream, customized materials and formulations that use advanced development technologies. Performance Materials & Coatings segment consists of two global businesses: Coatings & Performance Monomers and Consumer Solutions.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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