Dow Chemical (DOW - Free Report) is the biggest U.S. chemical maker by sales, offering a vast range of chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services. As the company’s products are used in almost every industry, its results put a spotlight on end market scenario and demand trends for chemical products across a bevy of industries.

Dow is aggressively pursuing its productivity and growth actions as well as its cost-reduction initiatives amid a still challenging operating backdrop. Moreover, Dow continues to seek opportunities to optimize its portfolio by selectively divesting underperforming assets and gradually shift focus to high-growth markets.

Let’s have a quick look at this chemical behemoth’s first-quarter 2017 release.

Estimate Trend & Surprise History

Investors should note that the earnings estimate for Dow for the first quarter has been static over the past week. Dow has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the trailing 4 quarters with an average beat of 11.31%. Investors have been eagerly awaiting Dow’s latest earnings report to see whether it continues the winning streak.

Dow Chemical Company (The) Price and EPS Surprise

Dow Chemical Company (The) Price and EPS Surprise | Dow Chemical Company (The) Quote

Earnings

Dow logged adjusted earnings of $1.04 per share that topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 99 cents.

Revenues

Dow recorded net sales of $13,230 million, up roughly 23% year over year. That surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $12,367 million.

Key Stats/Developments to Note

Dow is witnessing signs of positive economic momentum globally amid sustained geopolitical risks and volatility. The company believes that the strength of its portfolio coupled with its focus on consumer-led markets will continue to serve it well in this backdrop.

Zacks Rank

Dow currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), but that could change following the company’s earnings report which was just released.

Market Reaction

Dow’s shares rose around 1.4% in the pre-market trading. It would be interesting to see how the market reacts to the results during the trading session today.