The Dow Chemical Co. reported sales of $14.4 billion, up 5 percent versus the year-ago period. Gains were driven by price increases associated with tightening demand conditions in key regions, with increased sales reported in most operating segments. Sales gains were led by Performance Plastics (up 9 percent on an adjusted basis) and Performance Materials (up 8 percent).

The company reported increased sales in all geographic areas. Sales in developed geographies grew 4 percent, led by gains in North America, where sales rose 7 percent. Sales in emerging geographies increased 6 percent, due primarily to strength in Performance Plastics in Latin America.

EBITDA grew to $2.3 billion, up 24 percent versus the prior year, driven by ongoing productivity actions and improved market fundamentals.

Earnings for the quarter were $0.71 per share, or $0.72 per share on an adjusted basis. This compares with earnings of $0.49 per share, or adjusted earnings of $0.50 per share in the same quarter last year.

Dow reported equity earnings of $229 million, down 29 percent versus the same period last year. Decreases reflect higher spending at Sadara, lower styrene prices and adverse impacts associated with the unplanned outage of an ethylene production facility in Canada.

Certain Items in the current quarter included pretax charges of $12 million for nonrecurring transaction costs associated with the planned separation of a significant portion of the company’s chlorine value chain.

Research and Development (R&D) expenses were down 2 percent versus the same period last year, reflecting the company’s execution against its strategy to prioritize R&D resources on high-return market sectors.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expenses increased 8 percent as compared with the year-ago period, driven primarily by growth initiatives – including commercial activities in Agricultural Sciences.

Cash flow from operations was $1.8 billion for the quarter, and $3.7 billion year to date. Dow rewarded shareholders with $1.3 billion in declared dividends and $3.1 billion in share repurchases year to date.

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