January 29, 2026 16:46

Presenting its quarterly results, the chemical group Dow announced a restructuring and simplification plan—dubbed “Transform to Outperform”—aimed at delivering at least $2 billion in near-term improvements in operating EBITDA, in part through greater use of automation and artificial intelligence.

The initiative will include measures to simplify the operating model, streamline processes, reset the cost structure and modernise customer service.
It will also involve approximately 4,500 job cuts, out of a global workforce of 34,500, and one-time costs of $1.1–1.5 billion, including $600–800 million in severance.

“The goal of Transform to Outperform is to achieve significant growth and productivity gains that elevate Dow's competitive position,” said Karen S. Carter, Dow’s chief operating officer. “We are building on the momentum of our current self-help measures – transforming Dow into a company that is more resilient, consistently delivers growth, enables customer success, and delivers greater shareholder value across the cycle.”

In the fourth quarter, sales fell 9% to $9.5 billion, reflecting a 2% decline in volumes—mainly in Packaging & Specialty Plastics—and an 8% drop in prices. The Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment reported sales of $4.74 billion, down 11% year on year.
For full-year 2025, group sales declined to $40 billion, while operating EBIT fell 85%, from $2.6 billion to $400 million.

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