Dow Chemical  reported earnings of $0.73 per share, or $0.74 per share on an adjusted basis(1) This compares with earnings of $1.87 per share versus the year-ago period, or adjusted earnings of $0.64 per share – representing an increase of 16 percent year over year. Results in the same quarter last year reflect the receipt of the K-Dow arbitration resolution.
    Sales were $14.9 billion, up 2 percent versus the year-ago period, or 3 percent on an adjusted basis(2) Gains were reported in all operating segments, led by Performance Plastics (up 4 percent) and Electronic and Functional Materials (up 5 percent). Agricultural Sciences also increased sales, rising 3 percent in the quarter and achieving a first-half sales record of $4 billion.
    The Company reported adjusted sales gains in most geographic areas, with increases reported both in developed regions (up 3 percent) and in emerging regions (up 2 percent). Gains were led by Western Europe (up 6 percent) and the United States (up 5 percent).
    EBITDA(3) was $2.2 billion, up 5 percent on an adjusted basis(4) versus the year-ago period. EBITDA rose in most operating segments, led by Performance Materials (up 36 percent), as a result of ongoing productivity actions, as well as improved pricing and demand. Performance Plastics and Electronic and Functional Materials also drove EBITDA gains, up 6 percent and 19 percent respectively.
    Adjusted EBITDA margin(5) expanded more than 40 basis points to 15 percent year over year, as productivity and growth actions more than offset the impact of a greater than $350 million increase in purchased feedstock and energy costs, coupled with a $100 million impact from unplanned outages at Dow’s ethylene facilities in Plaquemine, Louisiana.
    Cash flow from operations was $1.4 billion for the quarter. Year-to-date, Dow has returned $3 billion to shareholders through declared dividends and share repurchases.

Comment

Andrew N. Liveris, Dow’s chairman and chief executive officer, stated:

“Our results reflect excellent progress against Dow’s near-term priorities, and clearly illustrate our ongoing drive to execute self-help actions that are delivering growth on both the top and bottom line. Our performance highlights the Company- and segment-specific actions we are executing to grow profitability through an intense focus on EVA momentum, and this constant drumbeat has already delivered a more than 150 basis point improvement in return on capital(6) year over year on an adjusted basis. As we drive these ongoing improvements to return on capital, we will further accelerate shareholder value creation and increasingly reward our shareholders – evidenced by the $3 billion we have returned year to date.”