Aether Industries, Dow India Partner on Silicones

Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruption have tightened petrochemical supply, enabling major chemical makers to raise prices. LyondellBasell reported Q2 adjusted earnings of $1.4B, up nearly 600% YoY. Dow sales rose 19.7% and swung to profit. BASF profits rose 167% with 16% higher sales. Executives warn the boost may be temporary.

The Delaware Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that would have allowed asbestos litigation to proceed against settlement trusts planning to delete claims data older than a year. The decision affects Johnson & Johnson and Dow Chemical, which use the data to argue for lower payouts by showing some claimants had other sources of recovery.

The Department of War (DOW) signed two seven-year framework agreements with L3Harris, coordinated with Lockheed Martin, to expand propulsion production for PAC-3 MSE and THAAD. L3Harris’ PAC-3 propulsion output is expected to nearly triple, and THAAD propulsion to quadruple. Contracts are expected to be definitized later in 2026/2026.

Dow reported a turnaround in 1H 2026, with net sales of $21.886 billion (+6.6% YoY) and net income of $357 million versus a $1.091 billion net loss a year earlier. Q2 net sales rose to $12.1 billion (+20% YoY) and GAAP net income was $802 million. CEO Karen S. Carter cited multi-billion cost cuts and capacity optimization.

Dow Inc. forecasted current-quarter core earnings of about $1.75B, slightly above consensus, and warned Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions could affect supplies and expansion plans. Dow reported adjusted EPS of $1.44 for Q ended June 30 vs $1.28 expected, with packaging and specialty plastics net sales up 27% to $6.4B. Shares fell 1.3% intraday.

Dow (DOW) reported Q2 GAAP net income of $802 million versus a $801 million loss a year earlier. GAAP EPS was $0.99 versus a loss of $1.18. Operating EBIT rose to $1.6 billion, and operating profit per share was $1.44. Net sales increased 20% to $12.1 billion; volume fell 1%. Shares were up 3.49% premarket at $32.32.