DOW-Q1-3.31.2012
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended MARCH 31, 2012
Commission File Number: 1-3433
THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
38-1285128
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2030 DOW CENTER, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN 48674
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
989-636-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. þ   Yes    ¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
þ  Yes    ¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 
Large accelerated filer
 
þ
Accelerated filer
 
¨
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
¨  Yes    þ No

 
 
Outstanding at
Class
 
March 31, 2012
Common Stock, par value $2.50 per share
 
1,195,379,948 shares



Table of Contents

The Dow Chemical Company
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
PAGE
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 


2

Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.

The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
Three Months Ended
In millions, except per share amounts (Unaudited)
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Net Sales
$
14,719

 
$
14,733

Cost of sales
12,285

 
12,117

Research and development expenses
405

 
400

Selling, general and administrative expenses
707

 
700

Amortization of intangibles
122

 
123

Restructuring charges
357

 

Acquisition-related integration expenses

 
31

Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates
169

 
298

Sundry income (expense) - net
17

 
(449
)
Interest income
6

 
7

Interest expense and amortization of debt discount
329

 
377

Income Before Income Taxes
706

 
841

Provision for income taxes
186

 
120

Net Income
520

 
721

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
23

 
11

Net Income Attributable to The Dow Chemical Company
497

 
710

Preferred stock dividends
85

 
85

Net Income Available for The Dow Chemical Company Common Stockholders
$
412

 
$
625

 
 
 
 
Per Common Share Data:
 
 
 
Earnings per common share - basic
$
0.35

 
$
0.55

Earnings per common share - diluted
$
0.35

 
$
0.54

 


 
 
Common stock dividends declared per share of common stock
$
0.25

 
$
0.15

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic
1,160.9

 
1,139.5

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted
1,168.7

 
1,161.2

 


 
 
Depreciation
$
510

 
$
559

Capital Expenditures
$
402

 
$
405

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Table of Contents

The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
Three Months Ended
In millions (Unaudited)
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Net Income
$
520

 
$
721

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
 
 
 
Net change in unrealized gains on investments
57

 
14

Translation adjustments
282

 
441

Adjustments to pension and other postretirement benefit plans
85

 
72

Net losses on cash flow hedging derivative instruments
(14
)
 
(9
)
Other comprehensive income
410

 
518

Comprehensive Income
930

 
1,239

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax
23

 
11

Comprehensive Income Attributable to The Dow Chemical Company
$
907

 
$
1,228

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Table of Contents

The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
In millions (Unaudited)
Mar 31,
2012

 
Dec 31,
2011

Assets
Current Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents (variable interest entities restricted - 2012: $154; 2011: $170)
$
3,608

 
$
5,444

Marketable securities and interest-bearing deposits
2

 
2

Accounts and notes receivable:
 
 
 
Trade (net of allowance for doubtful receivables - 2012: $139; 2011: $121)
5,480

 
4,900

Other
5,026

 
4,726

Inventories
8,882

 
7,577

Deferred income tax assets - current
596

 
471

Other current assets
317

 
302

Total current assets
23,911

 
23,422

Investments
 
 
 
Investment in nonconsolidated affiliates
3,118

 
3,405

Other investments (investments carried at fair value - 2012: $2,098; 2011: $2,008)
2,597

 
2,508

Noncurrent receivables
1,265

 
1,144

Total investments
6,980

 
7,057

Property
 
 
 
Property
53,013

 
52,216

Less accumulated depreciation
35,734

 
34,917

Net property (variable interest entities restricted - 2012: $2,264; 2011: $2,169)
17,279

 
17,299

Other Assets
 
 
 
Goodwill
12,973

 
12,930

Other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization - 2012: $2,490; 2011: $2,349)
4,983

 
5,061

Deferred income tax assets - noncurrent
2,523

 
2,559

Asbestos-related insurance receivables - noncurrent
168

 
172

Deferred charges and other assets
781

 
724

Total other assets
21,428

 
21,446

Total Assets
$
69,598

 
$
69,224

Liabilities and Equity
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
Notes payable
$
555

 
$
541

Long-term debt due within one year
1,798

 
2,749

Accounts payable:
 
 
 
Trade
4,944

 
4,778

Other
2,369

 
2,216

Income taxes payable
514

 
382

Deferred income tax liabilities - current
125

 
129

Dividends payable
379

 
376

Accrued and other current liabilities
2,781

 
2,463

Total current liabilities
13,465

 
13,634

Long-Term Debt (variable interest entities nonrecourse - 2012: $1,276; 2011: $1,138)
18,224

 
18,310

Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 
Deferred income tax liabilities - noncurrent
1,061

 
1,091

Pension and other postretirement benefits - noncurrent
8,905

 
9,034

Asbestos-related liabilities - noncurrent
591

 
608

Other noncurrent obligations
3,154

 
3,109

Total other noncurrent liabilities
13,711

 
13,842

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
147

 
147

Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Preferred stock, series A
4,000

 
4,000

Common stock
2,988

 
2,961

Additional paid-in capital
2,846

 
2,663

Retained earnings
19,203

 
19,087

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(5,586
)
 
(5,996
)
Unearned ESOP shares
(425
)
 
(434
)
The Dow Chemical Company’s stockholders’ equity
23,026

 
22,281

Noncontrolling interests
1,025

 
1,010

Total equity
24,051

 
23,291

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
69,598

 
$
69,224

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Table of Contents

The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
Three Months Ended
In millions (Unaudited)
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net Income
$
520

 
$
721

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

 

Depreciation and amortization
679

 
731

Credit for deferred income tax
(158
)
 
(112
)
Earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates less than dividends received
316

 
210

Pension contributions
(380
)
 
(220
)
Net gain on sales of investments
(7
)
 
(16
)
Net gain on sales of property, businesses and consolidated companies
(54
)
 
(4
)
Other net (gain) loss
25

 
(1
)
Restructuring charges
357

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt
24

 
472

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
(57
)
 
(9
)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquired and divested companies:
 
 
 
Accounts and notes receivable
(2,416
)
 
(1,940
)
Proceeds from interests in trade accounts receivable conduits
1,662

 
990

Inventories
(1,300
)
 
(1,045
)
Accounts payable
185

 
351

Other assets and liabilities
553

 
(303
)
Cash used in operating activities
(51
)
 
(175
)
Investing Activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(402
)
 
(405
)
Construction of assets pending sale / leaseback

 
(62
)
Proceeds from sale / leaseback of assets

 
46

Proceeds from sales of property, businesses and consolidated companies
61

 
81

Acquisitions of businesses

 
(6
)
Investments in consolidated companies, net of cash acquired

 
(54
)
Investments in and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates
(101
)
 
(36
)
Distributions from nonconsolidated affiliates

 
27

Purchases of investments
(160
)
 
(159
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments
140

 
216

Cash used in investing activities
(462
)
 
(352
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Changes in short-term notes payable
(58
)
 
55

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
224

 
20

Payments on long-term debt
(1,313
)
 
(2,923
)
Purchases of treasury stock

 
(19
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
122

 
54

Proceeds from sales of common stock

 
98

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
57

 
9

Contribution from noncontrolling interests

 
20

Distributions to noncontrolling interests
(46
)
 
(18
)
Dividends paid to stockholders
(374
)
 
(256
)
Cash used in financing activities
(1,388
)
 
(2,960
)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash
65

 
10

Summary
 
 
 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(1,836
)
 
(3,477
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
5,444

 
7,039

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
3,608

 
$
3,562

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Table of Contents

The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Equity
 
 
Three Months Ended
In millions (Unaudited)
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Preferred Stock
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year and end of period
$
4,000

 
$
4,000

Common Stock
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
2,961

 
2,931

Common stock issued
27

 
8

Balance at end of period
2,988

 
2,939

Additional Paid-in Capital
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
2,663

 
2,286

Common stock issued
95

 
47

Stock-based compensation and allocation of ESOP shares
88

 
(90
)
Balance at end of period
2,846

 
2,243

Retained Earnings
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
19,087

 
17,736

Net income available for The Dow Chemical Company common stockholders
412

 
625

Dividends declared on common stock (per share: $0.25 in 2012, $0.15 in 2011)
(292
)
 
(172
)
Other
(4
)
 
(2
)
Balance at end of period
19,203

 
18,187

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
(5,996
)
 
(4,399
)
Other comprehensive income
410

 
518

Balance at end of period
(5,586
)
 
(3,881
)
Unearned ESOP Shares
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
(434
)
 
(476
)
Shares allocated to ESOP participants
9

 
9

Balance at end of period
(425
)
 
(467
)
Treasury Stock
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year

 
(239
)
Purchases

 
(19
)
Issuance to employees and employee plans

 
258

Balance at end of period

 

The Dow Chemical Company’s Stockholders’ Equity
23,026

 
23,021

Noncontrolling Interests
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
1,010

 
803

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
23

 
11

Distributions to noncontrolling interests
(46
)
 
(18
)
Capital contributions

 
20

Consolidation of a variable interest entity
37

 

Other
1

 

Balance at end of period
1,025

 
816

Total Equity
$
24,051

 
$
23,837

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Table of Contents

(Unaudited)
 
The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION, Item 1. Financial Statements.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
Table of Contents

Note
 
Page
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q


NOTE A – CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of The Dow Chemical Company and its subsidiaries (“Dow” or the “Company”) were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) which, in the opinion of management, are considered necessary for the fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. These statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.


NOTE B – RECENT ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE
On January 1, 2012, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-05, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income," as amended by ASU 2011-12, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05." This standard improves the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. See the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Note P.

On January 1, 2012, the Company adopted ASU 2011-04, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS," which provides common requirements for measuring fair value and disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). See Note H for additional information about fair value measurements.




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Table of Contents

Accounting Guidance Issued But Not Adopted as of March 31, 2012
In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2011-11, "Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities," which requires entities to disclose both gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting agreement. The objective of the disclosure is to facilitate comparison between those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of U.S. GAAP and those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of IFRS. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Retrospective presentation for all comparative periods presented is required. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.


NOTE C – RESTRUCTURING
2012 Restructuring
On March 27, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan to optimize its portfolio, respond to changing and volatile economic conditions, particularly in Western Europe, and to advance the Company's Efficiency for Growth program, which was initiated by the Company in the second quarter of 2011. The restructuring plan includes the elimination of approximately 900 positions. In addition, the Company will shut down a number of manufacturing facilities. These actions are expected to be completed primarily over the next two years.

As a result of the restructuring activities, the Company recorded pretax restructuring charges of $357 million in the first quarter of 2012 consisting of costs associated with exit or disposal activities of $150 million, severance costs of $113 million and asset write-downs and write-offs of $94 million. The impact of these charges is shown as "Restructuring charges" in the consolidated statements of income and reflected in the Company's segment results as shown in the following table.

2012 Restructuring Charges by Operating Segment
In millions
Costs associated with Exit or Disposal Activities

 
Severance Costs

 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Assets

 
Total

Electronic and Functional Materials
$

 
$

 
$
17

 
$
17

Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions
4

 

 
37

 
41

Performance Materials
146

 

 
40

 
186

Corporate

 
113

 

 
113

Total
$
150

 
$
113

 
$
94

 
$
357


Details regarding the components of the 2012 restructuring charges are discussed below:

Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities
The restructuring charges for costs associated with exit or disposal activities totaled $150 million in the first quarter of 2012 and included contract cancellation fees of $149 million, impacting Performance Materials ($146 million) and Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions ($3 million), and asbestos abatement costs of $1 million impacting Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions.

Severance Costs
The restructuring charges included severance of $113 million for the separation of approximately 900 employees under the terms of the Company's ongoing benefit arrangements, primarily by June 30, 2012. These costs were charged against Corporate. At March 31, 2012, no severance had been paid.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Assets
The restructuring charges related to the write-down and write-off of assets in the first quarter of 2012 totaled $94 million. Details regarding the write-downs and write-offs are as follows:

The Company evaluated its facilities that manufacture STYROFOAM™ brand insulation and as a result, the decision was made to shut down facilities in Balatonfuzfo, Hungary; Estarreja, Portugal; and Charleston, Illinois. In addition, a

9

Table of Contents

facility in Terneuzen, The Netherlands will be idled and impaired. Write-downs associated with these facilities of
$37 million were recorded in the first quarter of 2012 against the Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions segment. These facilities are expected to be shut down by year-end 2012.

The decision was made to shut down and/or consolidate certain manufacturing assets in the Polyurethanes and Epoxy businesses in Texas and Germany. Write-downs associated with these assets of $15 million were recorded in the first quarter of 2012 against the Performance Materials segment. These assets are expected to be shut down by the end of the third quarter of 2012.

Certain capital projects were canceled resulting in the write-off of project spending of $42 million against the Performance Materials ($25 million) and Electronic and Functional Materials ($17 million) segments.

The following table summarizes the activities related to the Company's restructuring reserve:

2012 Restructuring Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In millions
Costs associated with Exit or Disposal Activities

 
Severance Costs

 
 Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Assets

 
Total

Restructuring charges recognized in the first quarter of 2012
$
150

 
$
113

 
$
94

 
$
357

Charges against the reserve

 

 
(94
)
 
(94
)
Reserve balance at Mar 31, 2012
$
150

 
$
113

 
$

 
$
263


Dow expects to incur future costs related to its restructuring activities, as the Company continually looks for ways to enhance the efficiency and cost effectiveness of its operations, and to ensure competitiveness across its businesses and across geographic areas. Future costs are expected to include demolition costs related to closed facilities; these will be recognized as incurred. The Company also expects to incur additional employee-related costs, including voluntary termination benefits, related to its other optimization activities. These costs cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.


NOTE D – ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
Rohm and Haas Acquisition and Integration Related Expenses
During the first quarter of 2011, pretax charges totaling $31 million were recorded for integration costs related to the April 1, 2009 acquisition of Rohm and Haas Company ("Rohm and Haas"), which was completed in the first quarter of 2011. These charges were recorded in "Acquisition-related integration expenses" in the consolidated statements of income and reflected in Corporate.

Divestiture of the Styron Business Unit
On June 17, 2010, the Company sold the Styron business unit ("Styron") to an affiliate of Bain Capital Partners. The proceeds received on the sale included a $75 million long-term note receivable. In addition, the Company elected to acquire a 7.5 percent equity interest in the resulting privately held, global materials company.

On February 3, 2011, Styron repaid the $75 million long-term note receivable, plus interest. In the first quarter of 2011, the Company received dividend income of $25 million, recorded in "Sundry income (expense) - net" in the consolidated statements of income and reflected in Corporate. The Company continued to hold a 6.5 percent equity interest at March 31, 2012.



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Table of Contents

NOTE E – INVENTORIES
The following table provides a breakdown of inventories:
 
Inventories
In millions
Mar 31, 2012

 
Dec 31, 2011

Finished goods
$
4,994

 
$
4,327

Work in process
2,087

 
1,716

Raw materials
1,016

 
765

Supplies
785

 
769

Total inventories
$
8,882

 
$
7,577

The reserves reducing inventories from the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis to the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) basis amounted to $1,148 million at March 31, 2012 and $1,105 million at December 31, 2011.


NOTE F – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table shows the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment:

Goodwill
Electronic
and
Functional
Materials

 
Coatings
and Infra-
structure
Solutions

 
Ag
Sciences

 
Perf
Materials

 
Perf
Plastics

 
Feedstocks
and Energy

 
Total  

In millions
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net goodwill at Dec 31, 2011
$
4,934

 
$
4,041

 
$
1,558

 
$
959

 
$
1,375

 
$
63

 
$
12,930

Foreign currency impact
13

 
18

 

 
1

 
11

 

 
43

Net goodwill at Mar 31, 2012
$
4,947

 
$
4,059

 
$
1,558

 
$
960

 
$
1,386

 
$
63

 
$
12,973


The following table provides information regarding the Company’s other intangible assets:
 
Other Intangible Assets
At March 31, 2012
 
At December 31, 2011
In millions
Gross
Carrying
Amount

 
Accumulated
Amortization

 
Net

 
Gross
Carrying
Amount

 
Accumulated
Amortization

 
Net  

Intangible assets with finite lives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Licenses and intellectual property
$
1,700

 
$
(631
)
 
$
1,069

 
$
1,693

 
$
(594
)
 
$
1,099

Patents
119

 
(104
)
 
15

 
119

 
(97
)
 
22

Software
1,064

 
(613
)
 
451

 
1,049

 
(596
)
 
453

Trademarks
691

 
(237
)
 
454

 
695

 
(224
)
 
471

Customer related
3,699

 
(796
)
 
2,903

 
3,652

 
(730
)
 
2,922

Other
149

 
(109
)
 
40

 
150

 
(108
)
 
42

Total other intangible assets, finite lives
$
7,422

 
$
(2,490
)
 
$
4,932

 
$
7,358

 
$
(2,349
)
 
$
5,009

IPR&D (1), indefinite lives
51

 

 
51

 
52

 

 
52

Total other intangible assets
$
7,473

 
$
(2,490
)
 
$
4,983

 
$
7,410

 
$
(2,349
)
 
$
5,061

(1)
In-process research and development (“IPR&D”) purchased in a business combination.

The following table provides information regarding amortization expense related to intangible assets:

Amortization Expense
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Other intangible assets, excluding software
$
122

 
$
123

Software, included in “Cost of sales”
$
15

 
$
23



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Table of Contents

Total estimated amortization expense for 2012 and the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

Estimated Amortization Expense
In millions
2012
$
556

2013
$
535

2014
$
514

2015
$
496

2016
$
484

2017
$
450



NOTE G – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Investments
The Company’s investments in marketable securities are primarily classified as available-for-sale.
 
Investing Results
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
$
134

 
$
190

Gross realized gains
$
5

 
$
9

Gross realized losses
$
(4
)
 
$
(1
)

The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of the Company’s investments in debt securities:
 
Contractual Maturities of Debt Securities at March 31, 2012
In millions
Amortized Cost

 
Fair Value

Within one year
$
28

 
$
29

One to five years
454

 
498

Six to ten years
505

 
546

After ten years
235

 
274

Total
$
1,222

 
$
1,347


At March 31, 2012, the Company had $1,700 million held-to-maturity securities (primarily Treasury Bills) classified as cash equivalents, as these securities had original maturities of three months or less ($1,836 million at December 31, 2011). The Company’s investments in held-to-maturity securities are held at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. At March 31, 2012, the Company had investments in money market funds of $3 million classified as cash equivalents ($1,090 million at December 31, 2011).
The net unrealized gain recognized during the first quarter of 2012 on trading securities held at March 31, 2012 was $24 million ($11 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2011).

12

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The following tables provide the fair value and gross unrealized losses of the Company’s investments that were deemed to be temporarily impaired at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, aggregated by investment category:
Temporarily Impaired Securities at March 31, 2012 (1)
 
Less than 12 months
In millions
Fair
Value

 
Unrealized
Losses

Debt securities:
 
 
 
Government debt (2)
$
23

 
$

Corporate bonds
55

 
(1
)
Total debt securities
$
78

 
$
(1
)
Equity securities
157

 
(8
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
$
235

 
$
(9
)
(1)
Unrealized losses of 12 months or more were less than $1 million.
(2)
U.S. Treasury obligations, U.S. agency obligations, agency mortgage-backed securities and other municipalities’ obligations, with unrealized losses of less than $1 million.
Temporarily Impaired Securities at December 31, 2011 (1)
 
Less than 12 months
In millions
Fair
Value

 
Unrealized
Losses

Debt securities:
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
$
44

 
$
(2
)
Equity securities
190

 
(36
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
$
234

 
$
(38
)
(1)
Unrealized losses of 12 months or more were less than $1 million.

Portfolio managers regularly review the Company’s holdings to determine if any investments are other-than-temporarily impaired. The analysis includes reviewing the amount of the impairment, as well as the length of time it has been impaired. In addition, specific guidelines for each instrument type are followed to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred.
For debt securities, the credit rating of the issuer, current credit rating trends, the trends of the issuer’s overall sector, the ability of the issuer to pay expected cash flows and the length of time the security has been in a loss position are considered in determining whether unrealized losses represent an other-than-temporary impairment. The Company did not have any credit-related losses during the first quarters of 2012 or 2011.
For equity securities, the Company’s investments are primarily in Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 companies; however, the Company’s policies allow investments in companies outside of the S&P 500. The largest holdings are Exchange Traded Funds that represent the S&P 500 index or an S&P 500 sector or subset; the Company also has holdings in Exchange Traded Funds that represent emerging markets. The Company considers the evidence to support the recovery of the cost basis of a security including volatility of the stock, the length of time the security has been in a loss position, value and growth expectations, and overall market and sector fundamentals, as well as technical analysis, in determining whether unrealized losses represent an other-than-temporary impairment. In the first quarter of 2012, other-than-temporary impairment write-downs on investments still held by the Company were $4 million ($2 million in the first quarter of 2011).
The aggregate cost of the Company’s cost method investments totaled $186 million at March 31, 2012 and $179 million at December 31, 2011. Due to the nature of these investments, the fair market value is not readily determinable. These investments are reviewed quarterly for impairment indicators. At March 31, 2012, the Company's impairment analysis resulted in no reduction in the cost basis of these investments (no reduction at March 31, 2011).

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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the fair value of financial instruments at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
At March 31, 2012
 
At December 31, 2011
In millions
Cost

 
Gain

 
Loss

 
Fair
Value

 
Cost

 
Gain

 
Loss

 
Fair
Value

Marketable securities: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government debt (2)
$
549

 
$
53

 
$

 
$
602

 
$
556

 
$
62

 
$

 
$
618

Corporate bonds
673

 
73

 
(1
)
 
745

 
652

 
73

 
(2
)
 
723

Total debt securities
$
1,222

 
$
126

 
$
(1
)
 
$
1,347

 
$
1,208

 
$
135

 
$
(2
)
 
$
1,341

Equity securities
649

 
110

 
(8
)
 
751

 
646

 
57

 
(36
)
 
667

Total marketable securities
$
1,871

 
$
236

 
$
(9
)
 
$
2,098

 
$
1,854

 
$
192

 
$
(38
)
 
$
2,008

Long-term debt incl. debt due within one year (3)
$
(20,022
)
 
$
41

 
$
(2,799
)
 
$
(22,780
)
 
$
(21,059
)
 
$
6

 
$
(2,736
)
 
$
(23,789
)
Derivatives relating to:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Foreign currency (4)
$

 
$
31

 
$
(16
)
 
$
15

 
$

 
$
31

 
$
(17
)
 
$
14

Commodities (5)
$

 
$
21

 
$
(8
)
 
$
13

 
$

 
$
16

 
$
(1
)
 
$
15

(1)
Included in “Other investments” in the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
U.S. Treasury obligations, U.S. agency obligations, agency mortgage-backed securities and other municipalities’ obligations.
(3)
Cost includes fair value adjustments of $23 million at March 31, 2012 and $23 million at December 31, 2011.
(4)
Includes immaterial gains and losses related to interest rate risk management positions.
(5)
Presented net of cash collateral, as disclosed in Note H.

Risk Management
Dow’s business operations give rise to market risk exposure due to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and other market factors such as equity prices. To manage such risks effectively, the Company enters into hedging transactions, pursuant to established guidelines and policies, which enable it to mitigate the adverse effects of financial market risk. Derivatives used for this purpose are designated as cash flow, fair value or net foreign investment hedges where appropriate. Accounting guidance requires companies to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value. A secondary objective is to add value by creating additional nonspecific exposures within established limits and policies; derivatives used for this purpose are not designated as hedges. The potential impact of creating such additional exposures is not material to the Company’s results.
The Company’s risk management program for interest rate, foreign currency and commodity risks is based on fundamental, mathematical and technical models that take into account the implicit cost of hedging. Risks created by derivative instruments and the mark-to-market valuations of positions are strictly monitored at all times, using value at risk and stress tests. Counterparty credit risk arising from these contracts is not significant because the Company minimizes counterparty concentration, deals primarily with major financial institutions of solid credit quality, and the majority of its hedging transactions mature in less than three months. In addition, the Company minimizes concentrations of credit risk through its global orientation by transacting with large, internationally diversified financial counterparties. It is the Company’s policy to not have credit-risk-related contingent features in its derivative instruments. No significant concentration of counterparty credit risk existed at March 31, 2012. The Company does not anticipate losses from credit risk, and the net cash requirements arising from counterparty risk associated with risk management activities are not expected to be material in 2012.
The Company revises its strategies as market conditions dictate and management reviews its overall financial strategies and the impacts from using derivatives in its risk management program with the Company’s Board of Directors.
Interest Rate Risk Management
The Company enters into various interest rate contracts with the objective of lowering funding costs or altering interest rate exposures related to fixed and variable rate obligations. In these contracts, the Company agrees with other parties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated on an agreed-upon notional principal amount. At March 31, 2012, the Company had open interest rate swaps with maturity dates that extend to 2019.
Foreign Currency Risk Management
The Company’s global operations require active participation in foreign exchange markets. The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts and options, and cross-currency swaps to hedge various currency exposures or create desired exposures. Exposures primarily relate to assets, liabilities and bonds denominated in foreign currencies, as well as economic exposure, which is derived from the risk that currency fluctuations could affect the dollar value of future cash flows related to

14

Table of Contents

operating activities. The primary business objective of the activity is to optimize the U.S. dollar value of the Company’s assets, liabilities and future cash flows with respect to exchange rate fluctuations. Assets and liabilities denominated in the same foreign currency are netted, and only the net exposure is hedged. At March 31, 2012, the Company had forward contracts, options and cross-currency swaps to buy, sell or exchange foreign currencies. These contracts had various expiration dates, primarily in the second quarter of 2012.
Commodity Risk Management
The Company has exposure to the prices of commodities in its procurement of certain raw materials. The primary purpose of commodity hedging activities is to manage the price volatility associated with these forecasted inventory purchases. At March 31, 2012, the Company had futures contracts, options and swaps to buy, sell or exchange commodities. These agreements had various expiration dates through second quarter of 2014.
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Cash Flow Hedges
For derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedging instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” (“AOCI”); it is reclassified to “Cost of sales” in the same period or periods that the hedged transaction affects income. The unrealized amounts in AOCI fluctuate based on changes in the fair value of open contracts at the end of each reporting period. The Company anticipates volatility in AOCI and net income from its cash flow hedges. The amount of volatility varies with the level of derivative activities and market conditions during any period. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current period income.
The net loss from previously terminated interest rate cash flow hedges included in AOCI at March 31, 2012 was $1 million after tax ($1 million after tax at December 31, 2011). The Company had open interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges at March 31, 2012 with a notional U.S. dollar equivalent of $263 million (no open interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2011).
Current open foreign currency forward contracts hedge the currency risk of forecasted feedstock purchase transactions until May 2012. The effective portion of the mark-to-market effects of the foreign currency forward contracts is recorded in AOCI; it is reclassified to income in the same period or periods that the underlying feedstock purchase affects income. The net loss from the foreign currency hedges included in AOCI at March 31, 2012 was $1 million after tax (net gain of $2 million after tax at December 31, 2011). At March 31, 2012, the Company had open forward contracts with various expiration dates to buy, sell or exchange foreign currencies with a notional U.S. dollar equivalent of $102 million ($432 million at December 31, 2011).
Commodity swaps, futures and option contracts with maturities of not more than 36 months are utilized and designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted commodity purchases. Current open contracts hedge forecasted transactions until June 2014. The effective portion of the mark-to-market effect of the cash flow hedge instrument is recorded in AOCI; it is reclassified to income in the same period or periods that the underlying commodity purchase affects income. The net loss from commodity hedges included in AOCI at March 31, 2012 was $18 million after tax ($7 million at December 31, 2011). At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had the following aggregate notionals of outstanding commodity forward and futures contracts to hedge forecasted purchases:
 
Commodity
Mar 31,
2012

 
Dec 31,
2011

 
Notional Volume Unit
Corn
2.5

 
0.6

 
million bushels
Crude Oil

 
0.2

 
million barrels
Ethane
2.8

 
1.6

 
million barrels
Naphtha

 
90.0

 
kilotons
Natural Gas
139.7

 
7.4

 
million million British thermal units
Ethane / Propane Mix
0.2

 
0.2

 
million barrels

Fair Value Hedges
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current period income and reflected as “Interest expense and amortization of debt discount” in the consolidated statements of income. The short-cut method is used when the criteria are met. The Company had no open interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges of underlying fixed rate debt obligations at March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

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Table of Contents

Net Foreign Investment Hedges
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as net foreign investment hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is included in “Cumulative Translation Adjustments” in AOCI. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had no open forward contracts or outstanding options to buy, sell or exchange foreign currencies designated as net foreign investment hedges. At March 31, 2012, the Company had outstanding foreign-currency denominated debt designated as a hedge of net foreign investment of $582 million ($585 million at December 31, 2011). The results of hedges of the Company’s net investment in foreign operations included in “Cumulative Translation Adjustments” in AOCI was a net gain of $2 million after tax at March 31, 2012 (net loss of $48 million after tax at December 31, 2011). See Note P for further detail on changes in AOCI.
Other Derivative Instruments
The Company utilizes futures, options and swap instruments that are effective as economic hedges of commodity price exposures, but do not meet the hedge accounting criteria in the accounting criteria for derivatives and hedging. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had the following aggregate notionals of outstanding commodity contracts:
 
Commodity
Mar 31,
2012

 
Dec 31,
2011

 
Notional Volume Unit
Ethane
1.3

 
2.1

 
million barrels
Naphtha
50.0

 
82.5

 
kilotons
Natural Gas
4.0

 
4.6

 
million million British thermal units

The Company also uses foreign exchange forward contracts, options, and cross-currency swaps that are not designated as hedging instruments primarily to manage foreign currency exposure. The Company had open foreign exchange contracts with various expiration dates to buy, sell or exchange foreign currencies and a notional U.S. dollar equivalent of $15,677 million at March 31, 2012 ($14,002 million at December 31, 2011) and open interest rate swaps with a notional U.S. dollar equivalent of $231 million at March 31, 2012 (no open interest rate swaps at December 31, 2011).
The following table provides the fair value and gross balance sheet classification of derivative instruments at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
In millions
Balance Sheet Classification
 
Mar 31,
2012

 
Dec 31,
2011

Asset Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency
Accounts and notes receivable – Other
 
$

 
$
9

Commodities
Other current assets
 
7

 
5

Total derivatives designated as hedges
 
 
$
7

 
$
14

Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency
Accounts and notes receivable – Other
 
$
52

 
$
66

Commodities
Other current assets
 
15

 
19

Total derivatives not designated as hedges
 
 
$
67

 
$
85

Total asset derivatives
 
 
$
74

 
$
99

Liability Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency
Accounts payable – Other
 
$
2

 
$
8

Commodities
Accounts payable – Other
 
39

 
11

Total derivatives designated as hedges
 
 
$
41

 
$
19

Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency
Accounts payable – Other
 
$
35

 
$
53

Commodities
Accounts payable – Other
 
7

 
9

Total derivatives not designated as hedges
 
 
$
42

 
$
62

Total liability derivatives
 
 
$
83

 
$
81



16

Table of Contents

The following tables provide the gain and loss impact of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income and AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

Effect of Derivative Instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2012


In millions
Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
in AOCI (1,2)

 
Income Statement
Classification
 
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified
from AOCI
to Income (3)

 
Additional
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income (3,4)

Derivatives designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates
$

 
Interest expense (5)
 
$

 
$

Cash flow:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodities
(18
)
 
Cost of sales
 
(11
)
 

Foreign currency
(2
)
 
Cost of sales
 
1

 

Total derivatives designated as hedges
$
(20
)
 
 
 
$
(10
)
 
$

Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency (6)
$

 
Sundry income  (expense) – net
 
$

 
$
3

Commodities

 
Cost of sales
 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedges
$

 
 
 
$

 
$
3

Total derivatives
$
(20
)
 
 
 
$
(10
)
 
$
3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of Derivative Instruments for the
three months ended March 31, 2011


In millions
Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
in AOCI (1,2)

 
Income Statement
Classification
 
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified
from AOCI
to Income (3)

 
Additional
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income (3,4)

Derivatives designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rates
$

 
Interest expense (5)
 
$

 
$
(1
)
Cash flow:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodities
5

 
Cost of sales
 
5

 

Foreign currency
(11
)
 
Cost of sales
 
2

 

Total derivatives designated as hedges
$
(6
)
 
 
 
$
7

 
$
(1
)
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency (6)
$

 
Sundry income  (expense) – net
 
$

 
$
(1
)
Commodities

 
Cost of sales
 

 
1

Total derivatives not designated as hedges
$

 
 
 
$

 
$

Total derivatives
$
(6
)
 
 
 
$
7

 
$
(1
)
(1)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”).
(2)
Net unrealized gains (losses) from hedges related to interest rates and commodities are included in “Accumulated Derivative Loss – Net hedging results” in the Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) table; net unrealized gains (losses) from hedges related to foreign currency (net of tax) are included in “Cumulative Translation Adjustments – Translation adjustments” in the Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) table. See Note P.
(3)
Pretax amounts.
(4)
Amounts impacting income not related to AOCI reclassification; also includes immaterial amounts of hedge ineffectiveness.
(5)
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount.
(6)
Foreign currency derivatives not designated as hedges are offset by foreign exchange gains (losses) resulting from the underlying exposures of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

The net after-tax amounts to be reclassified from AOCI to income within the next 12 months are a $1 million loss for interest rate contracts, a $13 million loss for commodity contracts and a $1 million loss for foreign currency contracts.

17

Table of Contents

NOTE H – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
The following tables summarize the bases used to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis:
Basis of Fair Value Measurements
on a Recurring Basis
at March 31, 2012

In millions
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Items
(Level 1)

 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 
Counterparty
and Cash
Collateral
Netting (1)

 
Total  

Assets at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interests in trade accounts receivable conduits (2)
$

 
$

 
$
1,429

 
$

 
$
1,429

Equity securities (3)
716

 
35

 

 

 
751

Debt securities: (3)

 

 

 

 
 
Government debt (4)

 
602

 

 

 
602

Corporate bonds

 
745

 

 

 
745

Derivatives relating to: (5)

 

 

 

 
 
Foreign currency

 
52

 

 
(21
)
 
31

Commodities
12

 
10

 

 
(1
)
 
21

Total assets at fair value
$
728

 
$
1,444

 
$
1,429

 
$
(22
)
 
$
3,579

Liabilities at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt (6)
$

 
$
22,780

 
$

 
$

 
$
22,780

Derivatives relating to: (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency

 
37

 

 
(21
)
 
16

Commodities
33

 
13

 

 
(38
)
 
8

Total liabilities at fair value
$
33


$
22,830

 
$

 
$
(59
)
 
$
22,804


Basis of Fair Value Measurements
on a Recurring Basis
at December 31, 2011

In millions
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Items
(Level 1)

 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 
Counterparty
and Cash
Collateral
Netting (1)

 
Total  

Assets at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interests in trade accounts receivable conduits (2)
$

 
$

 
$
1,141

 
$

 
$
1,141

Equity securities (3)
634

 
33

 

 

 
667

Debt securities: (3)

 

 

 

 
 
Government debt (4)

 
618

 

 

 
618

Corporate bonds

 
723

 

 

 
723

Derivatives relating to: (5)

 

 

 

 
 
Foreign currency

 
75

 

 
(44
)
 
31

Commodities
10

 
14

 

 
(8
)
 
16

Total assets at fair value
$
644

 
$
1,463

 
$
1,141

 
$
(52
)
 
$
3,196

Liabilities at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt (6)
$

 
$
23,789

 
$

 
$

 
$
23,789

Derivatives relating to: (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency

 
61

 

 
(44
)
 
17

Commodities
13

 
7

 

 
(19
)
 
1

Total liabilities at fair value
$
13

 
$
23,857

 
$

 
$
(63
)
 
$
23,807

(1)
Cash collateral is classified as “Accounts and notes receivable – Other” in the consolidated balance sheets. Amounts represent the estimated net settlement amount when applying netting and set-off rights included in master netting arrangements between the Company and its counterparties and the payable or receivable for cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparty.
(2)
Included in “Accounts and notes receivable – Other” in the consolidated balance sheets. See Note J for additional information on transfers of financial assets.
(3)
The Company’s investments in equity and debt securities are primarily classified as available-for-sale and are included in “Other investments” in the consolidated balance sheets.
(4)
U.S. Treasury obligations, U.S. agency obligations, agency mortgage-backed securities and other municipalities’ obligations.
(5)
See Note G for the classification of derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets.
(6)
See Note G for information on fair value adjustments to long-term debt, included at cost in the consolidated balance sheets.

18

Table of Contents

Assets and liabilities related to forward contracts, interest rate swaps, currency swaps, options and other conditional or exchange contracts executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement are netted. Collateral accounts are netted with corresponding assets and liabilities. The Company posted cash collateral of $38 million at March 31, 2012 ($11 million at December 31, 2011) classified as “Accounts and notes receivable – Other” in the consolidated balance sheets.
For assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 measurements (measured using quoted prices in active markets), total fair value is either the price of the most recent trade at the time of the market close or the official close price, as defined by the exchange in which the asset is most actively traded on the last trading day of the period, multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs.
For assets and liabilities classified as Level 2 measurements, where the security is frequently traded in less active markets, fair value is based on the closing price at the end of the period; where the security is less frequently traded, fair value is based on the price a dealer would pay for the security or similar securities, adjusted for any terms specific to that asset or liability, or by using observable market data points of similar, more liquid securities to imply the price. Market inputs are obtained from well-established and recognized vendors of market data and subjected to tolerance/quality checks.
For derivative assets and liabilities, standard industry models are used to calculate the fair value of the various financial instruments based on significant observable market inputs, such as foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, swap rates, interest rates and implied volatilities obtained from various market sources. Market inputs are obtained from well-established and recognized vendors of market data and subjected to tolerance/quality checks.
For all other assets and liabilities for which observable inputs are used, fair value is derived through the use of fair value models, such as a discounted cash flow model or other standard pricing models. See Note G for further information on the types of instruments used by the Company for risk management.
There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 in the first quarter of 2012 or the year ended December 31, 2011.
For assets classified as Level 3 measurements, the fair value is based on significant unobservable inputs including assumptions where there is little, if any, market activity. The fair value of the Company’s interests held in trade receivable conduits is determined by calculating the expected amount of cash to be received using the key input of anticipated credit losses in the portfolio of receivables sold that have not yet been collected. Given the short-term nature of the underlying receivables, discount rate and prepayments are not factors in determining the fair value of the interests. See Note J for further information on assets classified as Level 3 measurements.
The following table summarizes the changes in fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

Fair Value Measurements Using Level 3 Inputs
Three Months Ended
Interests Held in Trade Receivable Conduits (1)
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Balance at beginning of period
$
1,141

 
$
1,267

Loss included in earnings (2)
(3
)
 
(8
)
Purchases
1,953

 
1,074

Settlements
(1,662
)
 
(990
)
Balance at March 31
$
1,429

 
$
1,343

(1)
Included in “Accounts and notes receivable – Other” in the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
Included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of income.


19

Table of Contents

Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
The following table summarizes the bases used to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets:

Basis of Fair Value Measurements
on a Nonrecurring Basis
at March 31, 2012
 
Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs

 
Total
Losses

In millions
 
(Level 3)

 
2012

Assets at fair value:
 
 
 
 
Long-lived assets and other assets
 
$

 
$
(94
)

As part of the restructuring plan that was approved on March 27, 2012, the Company will shut down a number of manufacturing facilities during the next two years. The manufacturing assets and facilities associated with this plan were written down to zero in the first quarter of 2012 and a $94 million impairment charge was included in "Restructuring charges" in the consolidated statements of income. See Note C for additional information.


NOTE I – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Litigation
Breast Implant Matters
On May 15, 1995, Dow Corning Corporation (“Dow Corning”), in which the Company is a 50 percent shareholder, voluntarily filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code to resolve litigation related to Dow Corning’s breast implant and other silicone medical products. On June 1, 2004, Dow Corning’s Joint Plan of Reorganization (the “Joint Plan”) became effective and Dow Corning emerged from bankruptcy. The Joint Plan contains release and injunction provisions resolving all tort claims brought against various entities, including the Company, involving Dow Corning’s breast implant and other silicone medical products.
To the extent not previously resolved in state court actions, cases involving Dow Corning’s breast implant and other silicone medical products filed against the Company were transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (the “District Court”) for resolution in the context of the Joint Plan. On October 6, 2005, all such cases then pending in the District Court against the Company were dismissed. Should cases involving Dow Corning’s breast implant and other silicone medical products be filed against the Company in the future, they will be accorded similar treatment. It is the opinion of the Company’s management that the possibility is remote that a resolution of all future cases will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
As part of the Joint Plan, Dow and Corning Incorporated agreed to provide a credit facility to Dow Corning in an aggregate amount of $300 million; the aggregate amount was reduced to $150 million effective June 1, 2011. The Company’s share of the credit facility was originally $150 million, but was reduced to $75 million effective June 1, 2011, and is subject to the terms and conditions stated in the Joint Plan. At March 31, 2012, no draws had been taken against the credit facility.
DBCP Matters
Numerous lawsuits have been brought against the Company and other chemical companies, both inside and outside of the United States, alleging that the manufacture, distribution or use of pesticides containing dibromochloropropane (“DBCP”) has caused personal injury and property damage, including contamination of groundwater. It is the opinion of the Company’s management that the possibility is remote that the resolution of such lawsuits will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Environmental Matters
Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on current law and existing technologies. At March 31, 2012, the Company had accrued obligations of $758 million for probable environmental remediation and restoration costs, including $68 million for the remediation of Superfund sites. This is management’s best estimate of the costs for remediation and restoration with respect to environmental matters for which the Company has accrued liabilities, although it is reasonably possible that the ultimate cost with respect to these particular matters could range up to approximately twice that amount. Consequently, it is reasonably possible that environmental remediation and restoration costs in excess of amounts accrued could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. It is the opinion of the Company’s management, however, that the possibility is remote that costs in excess of the range disclosed will have a material impact on the Company’s results of

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operations, financial condition and cash flows. Inherent uncertainties exist in these estimates primarily due to unknown conditions, changing governmental regulations and legal standards regarding liability, and emerging remediation technologies for handling site remediation and restoration. At December 31, 2011, the Company had accrued obligations of $733 million for probable environmental remediation and restoration costs, including $69 million for the remediation of Superfund sites.

Midland Off-Site Environmental Matters
On June 12, 2003, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ("MDEQ") issued a Hazardous Waste Operating License (the “License”) to the Company’s Midland, Michigan manufacturing site (the “Midland site”), which included provisions requiring the Company to conduct an investigation to determine the nature and extent of off-site contamination in the City of Midland soils, the Tittabawassee River and Saginaw River sediment and floodplain soils, and the Saginaw Bay, and, if necessary, undertake remedial action.

City of Midland
The MDEQ, as a result of ongoing discussions with the Company regarding the implementation of the requirements of the License, announced on February 16, 2012, a proposed plan to resolve the issue of dioxin contamination in residential soils in Midland. As part of the proposed plan, the Company will sample soil at residential properties near the Midland site for the presence of dioxins to determine where clean-up may be required. On March 6, 2012, the Company submitted an Interim Response Activity Plan Designed to Meet Criteria ("Work Plan") to the MDEQ, which is subject to a 45-day comment period and requires review and approval by the MDEQ.
Tittabawassee and Saginaw Rivers, Saginaw Bay
The Company, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the State of Michigan ("State") entered into an administrative order on consent (“AOC”), effective January 21, 2010, that requires the Company to conduct a remedial investigation, a feasibility study and a remedial design for the Tittabawassee River, the Saginaw River and the Saginaw Bay, and pay the oversight costs of the EPA and the State under the authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”). These actions, to be conducted under the lead oversight of the EPA, will build upon the investigative work completed under the State Resource Conservation Recovery Act (“RCRA”) program from 2005 through 2009. The Tittabawassee River, beginning at the Midland site and extending down to the first six miles of the Saginaw River, are designated as the first Operable Unit for purposes of conducting the remedial investigation, feasibility study and remedial design work. This work will be performed in a largely upriver to downriver sequence for eight geographic segments of the Tittabawassee and upper Saginaw Rivers. In the first quarter of 2012, the EPA requested the Company address the Tittabawassee River floodplain as an additional segment. The remainder of the Saginaw River and the Saginaw Bay are designated as a second Operable Unit and the work associated with that unit may also be geographically segmented. The AOC does not obligate the Company to perform removal or remedial action; that action can only be required by a separate order. The Company and the EPA will be negotiating orders separate from the AOC that will obligate the Company to perform remedial actions under the scope of work of the AOC. The Company and the EPA have entered into two separate orders to perform limited remedial actions to implement early actions. In addition, the Company and the EPA have entered into the first order to address remedial actions in the first of the nine geographic segments in the first Operable Unit.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Process
The Company, the EPA, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the natural resource damage trustees (which include the Michigan Office of the Attorney General, the MDEQ, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Saginaw-Chippewa tribe) have been engaged in negotiations to seek to resolve potential governmental claims against the Company related to historical off-site contamination associated with the City of Midland, the Tittabawassee and Saginaw Rivers and the Saginaw Bay. The Company and the governmental parties started meeting in the fall of 2005 and entered into a Confidentiality Agreement in December 2005. The Company continues to conduct negotiations under the Federal Alternative Dispute Resolution Act with all of the governmental parties, except the EPA which withdrew from the alternative dispute resolution process on September 12, 2007.

On September 28, 2007, the Company and the natural resource damage trustees entered into a Funding and Participation Agreement that addressed the Company’s payment of past costs incurred by the natural resource damage trustees, payment of the costs of a trustee coordinator and a process to review additional cooperative studies that the Company might agree to fund or conduct with the natural resource damage trustees. On March 18, 2008, the Company and the natural resource damage trustees entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to provide a mechanism for the Company to fund cooperative studies related to the assessment of natural resource damages. This Memorandum of Understanding has been amended and extended until March 2013. On April 7, 2008, the natural resource damage trustees released their “Natural Resource Damage Assessment Plan for the Tittabawassee River System Assessment Area.”

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At March 31, 2012, the accrual for these off-site matters was $43 million (included in the total accrued obligation of $758 million at March 31, 2012). At December 31, 2011, the Company had an accrual for these off-site matters of $40 million (included in the total accrued obligation of $733 million at December 31, 2011).
Asbestos-Related Matters of Union Carbide Corporation
Introduction
Union Carbide Corporation (“Union Carbide”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is and has been involved in a large number of asbestos-related suits filed primarily in state courts during the past three decades. These suits principally allege personal injury resulting from exposure to asbestos-containing products and frequently seek both actual and punitive damages. The alleged claims primarily relate to products that Union Carbide sold in the past, alleged exposure to asbestos-containing products located on Union Carbide’s premises, and Union Carbide’s responsibility for asbestos suits filed against a former Union Carbide subsidiary, Amchem Products, Inc. (“Amchem”). In many cases, plaintiffs are unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any compensable loss as a result of such exposure, or that injuries incurred in fact resulted from exposure to Union Carbide’s products.
Influenced by the bankruptcy filings of numerous defendants in asbestos-related litigation and the prospects of various forms of state and national legislative reform, the rate at which plaintiffs filed asbestos-related suits against various companies, including Union Carbide and Amchem, increased in 2001, 2002 and the first half of 2003. Since then, the rate of filing has significantly abated. Union Carbide expects more asbestos-related suits to be filed against Union Carbide and Amchem in the future, and will aggressively defend or reasonably resolve, as appropriate, both pending and future claims.

Estimating the Liability
Based on a study completed by Analysis, Research & Planning Corporation (“ARPC”) in January 2003, Union Carbide increased its December 31, 2002 asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims for the 15-year period ending in 2017 to $2.2 billion, excluding future defense and processing costs. Since then, Union Carbide has compared current asbestos claim and resolution activity to the results of the most recent ARPC study at each balance sheet date to determine whether the accrual continues to be appropriate. In addition, Union Carbide has requested ARPC to review Union Carbide’s historical asbestos claim and resolution activity each November since 2004 to determine the appropriateness of updating the most recent ARPC study.
In November 2010, Union Carbide requested ARPC to review Union Carbide’s historical asbestos claim and resolution activity and determine the appropriateness of updating its most recent study completed in December 2008. In response to that request, ARPC reviewed and analyzed data through October 31, 2010. The resulting study, completed by ARPC in December 2010, stated that the undiscounted cost of resolving pending and future asbestos-related claims against Union Carbide and Amchem, excluding future defense and processing costs, through 2025 was estimated to be between $744 million and $835 million. As in its earlier studies, ARPC provided estimates for a longer period of time in its December 2010 study, but also reaffirmed its prior advice that forecasts for shorter periods of time are more accurate than those for longer periods of time.
In December 2010, based on ARPC’s December 2010 study and Union Carbide’s own review of the asbestos claim and resolution activity, Union Carbide decreased its asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims to $744 million, which covered the 15-year period ending 2025, excluding future defense and processing costs. The reduction was $54 million and was shown as “Asbestos-related credit” in the consolidated statements of income and reflected in Corporate. At December 31, 2010, the asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims was $728 million.

In November 2011, Union Carbide requested ARPC to review Union Carbide's 2011 asbestos claim and resolution activity and determine the appropriateness of updating its December 2010 study. In response to that request, ARPC reviewed and analyzed data through October 31, 2011. In January 2012, ARPC stated that an update of its study would not provide a more likely estimate of future events than the estimate reflected in its December 2010 study and, therefore, the estimate in that study remained applicable. Based on Union Carbide's own review of the asbestos claim and resolution activity and ARPC's response, Union Carbide determined that no change to the accrual was required. At December 31, 2011, the asbestos-related liablity for pending and future claims was $668 million. At December 31, 2011, approximately 18 percent of the recorded liability related to pending claims and approximately 82 percent related to future claims.

Based on Union Carbide’s review of 2012 activity, Union Carbide determined that no adjustment to the accrual was required at March 31, 2012. Union Carbide’s asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims was $646 million at March 31, 2012. Approximately 20 percent of the recorded liability related to pending claims and approximately 80 percent related to future claims.


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Insurance Receivables
At December 31, 2002, Union Carbide increased the receivable for insurance recoveries related to its asbestos liability to $1.35 billion, substantially exhausting its asbestos product liability coverage. The insurance receivable related to the asbestos liability was determined by Union Carbide after a thorough review of applicable insurance policies and the 1985 Wellington Agreement, to which Union Carbide and many of its liability insurers are signatory parties, as well as other insurance settlements, with due consideration given to applicable deductibles, retentions and policy limits, and taking into account the solvency and historical payment experience of various insurance carriers. The Wellington Agreement and other agreements with insurers are designed to facilitate an orderly resolution and collection of Union Carbide’s insurance policies and to resolve issues that the insurance carriers may raise.
In September 2003, Union Carbide filed a comprehensive insurance coverage case, now proceeding in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, seeking to confirm its rights to insurance for various asbestos claims and to facilitate an orderly and timely collection of insurance proceeds (the “Insurance Litigation”). The Insurance Litigation was filed against insurers that are not signatories to the Wellington Agreement and/or do not otherwise have agreements in place with Union Carbide regarding their asbestos-related insurance coverage, in order to facilitate an orderly resolution and collection of such insurance policies and to resolve issues that the insurance carriers may raise. Since the filing of the case, Union Carbide has reached settlements with several of the carriers involved in the Insurance Litigation, including settlements reached with two significant carriers in the fourth quarter of 2009. The Insurance Litigation is ongoing.
Union Carbide’s receivable for insurance recoveries related to its asbestos liability was $40 million at March 31, 2012 and $40 million at December 31, 2011. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, all of the receivable for insurance recoveries was related to insurers that are not signatories to the Wellington Agreement and/or do not otherwise have agreements in place regarding their asbestos-related insurance coverage.
In addition to the receivable for insurance recoveries related to its asbestos liability, Union Carbide had receivables for defense and resolution costs submitted to insurance carriers that have settlement agreements in place regarding their asbestos-related insurance coverage. The following table summarizes Union Carbide’s receivables related to its asbestos-related liability:
 
Receivables for Asbestos-Related Costs
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Dec 31,
2011

Receivables for defense costs – carriers with settlement agreements
$
19

 
$
20

Receivables for resolution costs – carriers with settlement agreements
155

 
158

Receivables for insurance recoveries – carriers without settlement agreements
40

 
40

Total
$
214

 
$
218


Union Carbide expenses defense costs as incurred. The pretax impact for defense and resolution costs, net of insurance, was $25 million in the first quarter of 2012 ($13 million in the first quarter of 2011), and was reflected in “Cost of sales” in the consolidated statements of income.

After a review of its insurance policies, with due consideration given to applicable deductibles, retentions and policy limits, after taking into account the solvency and historical payment experience of various insurance carriers; existing insurance settlements; and the advice of outside counsel with respect to the applicable insurance coverage law relating to the terms and conditions of its insurance policies, Union Carbide continues to believe that its recorded receivable for insurance recoveries from all insurance carriers is probable of collection.

Summary
The amounts recorded by Union Carbide for the asbestos-related liability and related insurance receivable described above were based upon current, known facts. However, future events, such as the number of new claims to be filed and/or received each year, the average cost of disposing of each such claim, coverage issues among insurers, and the continuing solvency of various insurance companies, as well as the numerous uncertainties surrounding asbestos litigation in the United States, could cause the actual costs and insurance recoveries for Union Carbide to be higher or lower than those projected or those recorded.

Because of the uncertainties described above, Union Carbide’s management cannot estimate the full range of the cost of resolving pending and future asbestos-related claims facing Union Carbide and Amchem. Union Carbide’s management believes that it is reasonably possible that the cost of disposing of Union Carbide’s asbestos-related claims, including future defense costs, could have a material impact on Union Carbide’s results of operations and cash flows for a particular period and on the consolidated financial position of Union Carbide.

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It is the opinion of Dow’s management that it is reasonably possible that the cost of Union Carbide disposing of its asbestos-related claims, including future defense costs, could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows for a particular period and on the consolidated financial position of the Company.
Synthetic Rubber Industry Matters
In 2003, the U.S., Canadian and European competition authorities initiated separate investigations into alleged anticompetitive behavior by certain participants in the synthetic rubber industry. Certain subsidiaries of the Company (but as to the investigation in Europe only) have responded to requests for documents and are otherwise cooperating in the investigations.

On June 10, 2005, the Company received a Statement of Objections from the European Commission (the “EC”) stating that it believed that the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company (the “Dow Entities”), together with other participants in the synthetic rubber industry, engaged in conduct in violation of European competition laws with respect to the butadiene rubber and emulsion styrene butadiene rubber businesses. In connection therewith, on November 29, 2006, the EC issued its decision alleging infringement of Article 81 of the Treaty of Rome and imposed a fine of Euro 64.575 million (approximately $85 million at that time) on the Dow Entities; several other companies were also named and fined. As a result, the Company recognized a loss contingency of $85 million related to the fine in the fourth quarter of 2006. The Company appealed the EC’s decision and a hearing was held before the Court of First Instance on October 13, 2009. On July 13, 2011, the General Court issued a decision that partly affirmed the EC's decision with regard to the amount of the fine and the liability of the parent company, but rejected the EC's decision regarding the length of the conspiracy and determined that it was of a shorter duration. The Dow Entities have filed an appeal of this decision to the Court of Justice of the European Union. Subsequent to the imposition of the fine in 2006, the Company and/or certain subsidiaries of the Company became named parties in various related U.S., United Kingdom and Italian civil actions. The U.S. matter was settled in March 2010 through a confidential settlement agreement, with an immaterial impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The United Kingdom and Italian civil actions are still pending.

Additionally, on March 10, 2007, the Company received a Statement of Objections from the EC stating that it believed that DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C. (“DDE”), a former 50:50 joint venture with E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (“DuPont”), together with other participants in the synthetic rubber industry, engaged in conduct in violation of European competition laws with respect to the polychloroprene business. This Statement of Objections specifically names the Company, in its capacity as a former joint venture owner of DDE. On December 5, 2007, the EC announced its decision to impose a fine on the Company, among others, in the amount of Euro 48.675 million (approximately $65 million). The Company previously transferred its joint venture ownership interest in DDE to DuPont in 2005, and DDE then changed its name to DuPont Performance Elastomers L.L.C. (“DPE”). In February 2008, DuPont, DPE and the Company each filed an appeal of the December 5, 2007 decision of the EC. On February 2, 2012, the European General Court denied the appeals of the December 5, 2007 decision. The Company has appealed this decision to the European Court of Justice. Based on the Company’s allocation agreement with DuPont, the Company’s share of this fine, regardless of the outcome of the appeals, will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Rohm and Haas Pension Plan Matters
In December 2005, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana (the “District Court”) issued a decision granting a class of participants in the Rohm and Haas Pension Plan (the “Rohm and Haas Plan”) who had retired from Rohm and Haas Company ("Rohm and Haas"), now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and who elected to receive a lump sum benefit from the Rohm and Haas Plan, the right to a cost-of-living adjustment (“COLA”) as part of their retirement benefit. In August 2007, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (the "Seventh Circuit") affirmed the District Court’s decision, and in March 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the Rohm and Haas Plan’s petition to review the Seventh Circuit’s decision. The case was returned to the District Court for further proceedings. In October 2008 and February 2009, the District Court issued rulings that have the effect of including in the class all Rohm and Haas retirees who received a lump sum distribution without a COLA from the Rohm and Haas Plan since January 1976. These rulings are subject to appeal, and the District Court has not yet determined the amount of the COLA benefits that may be due to the class participants. The Rohm and Haas Plan and the plaintiffs entered into a settlement agreement that, in addition to settling the litigation with respect to the Rohm and Haas retirees, provides for the amendment of the complaint and amendment of the Rohm and Haas Plan to include active employees in the settlement benefits. The District Court preliminarily approved the settlement on November 24, 2009 and, following a hearing on March 12, 2010, issued a final order approving the settlement on April 12, 2010. A group of objectors to the settlement filed an appeal from the final order. In November 2010, the District Court issued an order approving class counsel’s fee award petition in an amount consistent with the terms of the settlement. The same objectors also appealed this order. On September 2, 2011, the Seventh Circuit affirmed the approval of the settlement and award of attorneys' fees. A lone objector filed a petition for rehearing, which was denied on October 17, 2011. The objector continued the appeal process by timely filing a petition for a writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court, which was denied on April 16, 2012.

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A pension liability associated with this matter of $185 million was recognized as part of the acquisition of Rohm and Haas on April 1, 2009. The liability, which was determined in accordance with the accounting guidance for contingencies, recognized the estimated impact of the above described judicial decisions on the long-term Rohm and Haas Plan obligations owed to the applicable Rohm and Haas retirees and active employees. The Company had a liability associated with this matter of $189 million at March 31, 2012 and $189 million at December 31, 2011. The Company expects to begin making the settlement payments during the second quarter of 2012 to resolve this matter.
Other Litigation Matters
In addition to breast implant, DBCP, environmental and synthetic rubber industry matters, the Company is party to a number of other claims and lawsuits arising out of the normal course of business with respect to commercial matters, including product liability, governmental regulation and other actions. Certain of these actions purport to be class actions and seek damages in very large amounts. All such claims are being contested. Dow has an active risk management program consisting of numerous insurance policies secured from many carriers at various times. These policies often provide coverage that will be utilized to minimize the financial impact, if any, of the contingencies described above.
Summary
Except for the possible effect of Union Carbide’s asbestos-related liability described above, it is the opinion of the Company’s management that the possibility is remote that the aggregate of all claims and lawsuits will have a material adverse impact on the results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of the Company.

Purchase Commitments
The Company has numerous agreements for the purchase of ethylene-related products globally. The purchase prices are determined primarily on a cost-plus basis. Total purchases under these agreements were $552 million in 2011, $714 million in 2010 and $784 million in 2009. The Company’s take-or-pay commitments associated with these agreements at December 31, 2011 are included in the table below. There have been no material changes to purchase commitments since December 31, 2011.
The Company also has various commitments for take-or-pay and throughput agreements. Such commitments are at prices not in excess of current market prices. The terms of all but two of these agreements extend from one to 25 years. One agreement has terms extending to 35 years and another has terms extending to 80 years. The determinable future commitments for these two specific agreements for a period of 10 years are included in the following table along with the fixed and determinable portion of all other obligations under the Company’s purchase commitments at December 31, 2011:

Fixed and Determinable Portion of Take-or-Pay and
Throughput Obligations at December 31, 2011
In millions
2012
$
2,968

2013
2,964

2014
2,371

2015
1,693

2016
1,426

2017 and beyond
9,074

Total
$
20,496


In addition to the take-or-pay obligations at December 31, 2011, the Company had outstanding commitments which ranged from one to ten years for materials, services and other items used in the normal course of business of approximately $171 million. Such commitments were at prices not in excess of current market prices.
Guarantees
The Company provides a variety of guarantees as described more fully in the following sections.
Guarantees
Guarantees arise during the ordinary course of business from relationships with customers and nonconsolidated affiliates when the Company undertakes an obligation to guarantee the performance of others (via delivery of cash or other assets) if specified triggering events occur. With guarantees, such as commercial or financial contracts, non-performance by the guaranteed party triggers the obligation of the Company to make payments to the beneficiary of the guarantee. The majority of the Company’s guarantees relate to debt of nonconsolidated affiliates, which have expiration dates ranging from less than one year to ten years, and trade financing transactions in Latin America, which typically expire within one year of inception. The Company’s current expectation is that future payment or performance related to the non-performance of others is considered unlikely.

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Residual Value Guarantees
The Company provides guarantees related to leased assets specifying the residual value that will be available to the lessor at lease termination through sale of the assets to the lessee or third parties.
The following tables provide a summary of the final expiration, maximum future payments and recorded liability reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for each type of guarantee:

Guarantees at March 31, 2012
In millions
Final
Expiration
 
Maximum Future
Payments (1)

 
Recorded  
Liability  

Guarantees
2020
 
$
566

 
$
27

Residual value guarantees (2)
2021
 
565

 
31

Total guarantees
 
 
$
1,131

 
$
58

(1)
The Company was indemnified by a third party for $51 million if required to perform under a $102 million guarantee.
(2)
Does not include the residual value guarantee related to the Company's variable interest in an owner trust that was consolidated in the first quarter of 2010; see Note L .

Guarantees at December 31, 2011
In millions
Final
Expiration
 
Maximum Future
Payments (1)

 
Recorded  
Liability  

Guarantees
2020
 
$
587

 
$
21

Residual value guarantees (2)
2021
 
526

 
24

Total guarantees
 
 
$
1,113

 
$
45

(1)
The Company was indemnified by a third party for $50 million if required to perform under a $100 million guarantee.
(2)
Does not include the residual value guarantee related to the Company's variable interest in an owner trust that was consolidated in the first quarter of 2010; see Note L.

Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company has recognized asset retirement obligations for the following activities: demolition and remediation activities at manufacturing sites in the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, Argentina and Europe; and capping activities at landfill sites in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Europe. The Company has also recognized conditional asset retirement obligations related to asbestos encapsulation as a result of planned demolition and remediation activities at manufacturing and administrative sites in the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, Argentina and Europe.
The aggregate carrying amount of asset retirement obligations recognized by the Company was $89 million at March 31, 2012 and $88 million at December 31, 2011. The discount rate used to calculate the Company’s asset retirement obligations was 1.96 percent at March 31, 2012 and 1.96 percent at December 31, 2011. These obligations are included in the consolidated balance sheets as "Accrued and other current liabilities" and "Other noncurrent obligations."
The Company has not recognized conditional asset retirement obligations for which a fair value cannot be reasonably estimated in its consolidated financial statements. It is the opinion of the Company’s management that the possibility is remote that such conditional asset retirement obligations, when estimable, will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on current costs.


NOTE J – TRANSFERS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS
Sale of Trade Accounts Receivable in North America and Europe
The Company sells trade accounts receivable of select North America entities and qualifying trade accounts receivable of select European entities on a revolving basis to certain multi-seller commercial paper conduit entities ("conduits"). The Company maintains servicing responsibilities and the related costs are insignificant. The proceeds received are comprised of cash and interests in specified assets of the conduits (the receivables sold by the Company) that entitle the Company to the residual cash flows of such specified assets in the conduits after the commercial paper has been repaid. Neither the conduits nor the investors in those entities have recourse to other assets of the Company in the event of nonpayment by the debtors.
During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recognized a loss of $4 million on the sale of these receivables ($6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011), which is included in “Interest expense and amortization of debt discount” in the consolidated statements of income. The Company's interests in the conduits are carried at fair value and included in “Accounts and notes receivable – Other” in the consolidated balance sheets. Fair value of the interests is determined by calculating the expected amount of cash to be received and is based on unobservable inputs (a

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Level 3 measurement). The key input in the valuation is the percentage of anticipated credit losses, in the portfolio of receivables sold that have not yet been collected. Given the short-term nature of the underlying receivables, discount rates and prepayments are not factors in determining the fair value of the interests.

The following table summarizes the carrying value of interests held, which represents the Company's maximum exposure to loss related to the receivables sold, and the percentage of anticipated credit losses related to the trade accounts receivable sold. Also provided is the sensitivity of the fair value of the interests held to hypothetical adverse changes in the anticipated credit losses; amounts shown below are the corresponding hypothetical decreases in the carrying value of interests.

Interests Held
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Dec 31,
2011

Carrying value of interests held
$
1,429

 
$
1,141

Percentage of anticipated credit losses (1)
1.17
%
 
1.22
%
Impact to carrying value - 10% adverse change (1)
$
2

 
$
2

Impact to carrying value - 20% adverse change (1)
$
5

 
$
4

(1)    Applies to North America only as there are no anticipated credit losses in Europe.

Credit losses, net of any recoveries, on receivables sold during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 were insignificant.

Following is an analysis of certain cash flows between the Company and the conduits:

Cash Proceeds
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Sale of receivables
$
16

 
$
1

Collections reinvested in revolving receivables
$
5,857

 
$
6,428

Interests in conduits (1)
$
1,662

 
$
990

(1)
Presented in "Operating Activities" in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Following is additional information related to the sale of receivables under these facilities:

Trade Accounts Receivable Sold
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Dec 31,
2011

Delinquencies on sold receivables still outstanding
$
166

 
$
155

Trade accounts receivable outstanding and derecognized
$
2,769

 
$
2,385

Sale of Trade Accounts Receivable in Asia Pacific
The Company sells participating interests in trade accounts receivable of select Asia Pacific entities. The Company maintains servicing responsibilities and the related costs are insignificant. The third-party holders of the participating interests do not have recourse to the Company’s assets in the event of nonpayment by the debtors.
During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized an insignificant loss on the sale of the participating interests in the receivables, which is included in “Interest expense and amortization of debt discount” in the consolidated statements of income. The Company receives cash upon the sale of the participating interests in the receivables.
Following is an analysis of certain cash flows between the Company and the third-party holders of the participating interests:

Cash Proceeds
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Sale of participating interests
$
16

 
$
46

Collections reinvested in revolving receivables
$
13

 
$
45


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Following is additional information related to the sale of participating interests in the receivables under this facility:
 
Trade Accounts Receivable
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Dec 31,
2011

Derecognized from the consolidated balance sheets
$
14

 
$
13

Outstanding in the consolidated balance sheets
281

 
303

Total accounts receivable in select Asia Pacific entities
$
295


$
316


There were no credit losses on receivables relating to the participating interests sold during the three months ended March 31, 2012 or March 31, 2011. There were no delinquencies on the outstanding receivables related to the participating interests sold at March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.


NOTE K – NOTES PAYABLE, LONG-TERM DEBT AND AVAILABLE CREDIT FACILITIES
Notes Payable
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Dec 31,
2011

Notes payable to banks
$
446

 
$
421

Notes payable to related companies
95

 
92

Notes payable trade
14

 
28

Total notes payable
$
555

 
$
541

Period-end average interest rates
2.99
%
 
3.06
%

Long-Term Debt

In millions
2012
Average
Rate

 
Mar 31,
2012

 
2011
Average
Rate

 
Dec 31,
2011

Promissory notes and debentures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Final maturity 2012
6.03
%
 
$
908

 
5.35
%
 
$
2,158

Final maturity 2013
6.06
%
 
400

 
6.10
%
 
395

Final maturity 2014
7.23
%
 
2,121

 
7.28
%
 
2,103

Final maturity 2015
5.87
%
 
1,274

 
5.92
%
 
1,257

Final maturity 2016
2.55
%
 
774

 
2.57
%
 
757

Final maturity 2017
5.95
%
 
874

 
6.03
%
 
857

Final maturity 2018 and thereafter
6.54
%
 
10,313

 
6.55
%
 
10,305

Other facilities:

 

 

 

U.S. dollar loans, various rates and maturities
2.48
%
 
232

 
2.37
%
 
232

Foreign currency loans, various rates and maturities
3.64
%
 
1,673

 
3.52
%
 
1,609

Medium-term notes, varying maturities through 2022
4.60
%
 
995

 
4.76
%
 
902

Pollution control/industrial revenue bonds, varying maturities through 2038
5.72
%
 
823

 
5.70
%
 
860

Capital lease obligations

 
17

 

 
17

Unamortized debt discount

 
(382
)
 

 
(393
)
Long-term debt due within one year

 
(1,798
)
 

 
(2,749
)
Long-term debt

 
$
18,224

 

 
$
18,310


Annual Installments on Long-Term Debt
For Next Five Years at March 31, 2012
In millions
2012
$
1,468

2013
$
685

2014
$
2,391

2015
$
1,482

2016
$
1,025

2017
$
1,129




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On March 8, 2012, the Company redeemed $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.85 percent notes due August 15, 2012, at a price of 101.8 percent of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. As a result of this redemption, the Company realized a $24 million pretax loss on the early extinguishment of debt, included in "Sundry income (expense) - net" in the consolidated statements of income and reflected in Corporate.

In the first three months of 2012, the Company issued $225 million aggregate principal amount of certain notes and InterNotes. The Company also redeemed $37 million of pollution control/industrial revenue bonds that matured on January 1, 2012.

On March 22, 2011, the Company concluded cash tender offers for $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of certain notes issued by the Company. As a result of the tender offers, the Company redeemed $1.5 billion of the notes and recognized a $472 million pretax loss on early extinguishment of debt, included in "Sundry income (expense) – net" in the consolidated statements of income and reflected in Corporate.

In the first three months of 2011, the Company redeemed $800 million of notes that matured on February 1, 2011 and $179 million of InterNotes.
The Company’s outstanding debt of $20 billion has been issued under indentures which contain, among other provisions, covenants with which the Company must comply while the underlying notes are outstanding. Such covenants include obligations to not allow liens on principal U.S. manufacturing facilities, enter into sale and lease-back transactions with respect to principal U.S. manufacturing facilities, or merge or consolidate with any other corporation, or sell or convey all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. The outstanding debt also contains customary default provisions. Failure of the Company to comply with any of these covenants could result in a default under the applicable indenture, which would allow the note holders to accelerate the due date of the outstanding principal and accrued interest on the subject notes.
The Company’s primary credit agreements contain covenant and default provisions in addition to the covenants set forth above with respect to the Company’s debt. Significant other covenants and default provisions related to these agreements include:
(a)
the obligation to maintain the ratio of the Company’s consolidated indebtedness to consolidated capitalization at no greater than 0.65 to 1.00 at any time the aggregate outstanding amount of loans under the Five Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility Agreement dated October 18, 2011 equals or exceeds $500 million,

(b)
a default if the Company or an applicable subsidiary fails to make any payment on indebtedness of $50 million or more when due, or any other default under the applicable agreement permits or results in the acceleration of $200 million or more of principal, and

(c)
a default if the Company or any applicable subsidiary fails to discharge or stay within 30 days after the entry of a final judgment of more than $200 million.
Failure of the Company to comply with any of the covenants or default provisions could result in a default under the applicable credit agreement which would allow the lenders to not fund future loan requests and to accelerate the due date of the outstanding principal and accrued interest on any outstanding loans.
At March 31, 2012, management believes the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants and default provisions referred to above.


NOTE L – VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
The Company holds variable interests in eight joint ventures for which the Company is the primary beneficiary.

Three of the joint ventures own and operate manufacturing and logistics facilities, which produce chemicals and provide services in Asia Pacific. The Company’s variable interest in these joint ventures relates to arrangements between the joint ventures and the Company, involving the majority of the output on take-or-pay terms with pricing ensuring a guaranteed return to the joint ventures.

Another joint venture will construct, own and operate a membrane chlor-alkali facility to be located at the Company’s Freeport, Texas integrated manufacturing complex. The Company’s variable interests in this joint venture relate to equity

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options between the partners and a cost-plus off-take arrangement between the joint venture and the Company, involving proportional purchase commitments on take-or-pay terms and ensuring a guaranteed return to the joint venture. The Company will provide the joint venture with operation and maintenance services, utilities and raw materials; market the joint venture’s co-products; and convert the other partner’s proportional purchase commitments into ethylene dichloride under a tolling agreement. The joint venture is expected to begin operations in mid-2013.

The fifth joint venture manufactures products in Japan for the semiconductor industry. Each joint venture partner holds several equivalent variable interests, with the exception of a royalty agreement held exclusively between the joint venture and the Company. In addition, the entire output of the joint venture is sold to the Company for resale to third-party customers.

The sixth joint venture is an ethylene storage joint venture located in Alberta, Canada. Previously accounted for as an equity method investment, the Company became the primary beneficiary upon execution of new storage cavern agreements in 2011. The Company's variable interests relate to arrangements involving a majority of the joint venture's storage capacity on take-or-pay terms with pricing ensuring a guaranteed return to the joint venture; and favorably priced leases provided to the joint venture. The Company provides the joint venture with operation and maintenance services and utilities.

The seventh joint venture is a development-stage enterprise located in Brazil that will produce ethanol from sugarcane and expand into downstream derivative products. The Company owned 100 percent of this entity until November 2011, when the Company sold a 50 percent interest to a third party. The Company's variable interests in this joint venture relate to an equity option between the partners and contractual arrangements limiting the partner's initial participation in the economics of certain assets and liabilities. Terms of the equity option require the Company to purchase the partner's equity investment at a fixed price if the partner elects to terminate a specific contract within 24 months of initial equity investment. Therefore, the Company has classified the partner's equity investment as "Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest" in the consolidated balance sheets. The joint venture is expected to begin operations in 2015.
The eighth joint venture manages the growth, harvest and conditioning of soybean seed and grain, corn and wheat in several Midwestern states in the United States. On March 1, 2012, the Company acquired a 49 percent equity interest in this venture. The Company's variable interest in this joint venture relates to an equity option between the partners. Terms of the equity option require the Company to purchase the partner's equity investment at a fixed price, after a specified period of time, if the partner elects to sell its equity investment. The joint venture provides seed production services to the Company.
The Company also holds a variable interest in an owner trust, for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The owner trust leases an ethylene facility in The Netherlands to the Company, whereby substantially all of the rights and obligations of ownership are transferred to the Company. The Company’s variable interest in the owner trust relates to a residual value guarantee provided to the owner trust. Upon expiration of the lease, which matures in 2014, the Company may purchase the facility for an amount based on a fair market value determination. At March 31, 2012, the Company had provided to the owner trust a residual value guarantee of $363 million, which represents the Company’s maximum exposure to loss under the lease.
As the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities ("VIEs"), the entities’ assets, liabilities and results of operations are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The other equity holders’ interests are reflected in “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests” in the consolidated statements of income and "Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest" and "Noncontrolling interests" in the consolidated balance sheets. The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of the entities’ assets and liabilities included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

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Table of Contents


Assets and Liabilities of Consolidated VIEs
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Dec 31,
2011

Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$
154

 
$
170

Other current assets
142

 
104

Property
2,264

 
2,169

Other noncurrent assets
162

 
151

Total assets (2)
$
2,722

 
$
2,594

Current liabilities (nonrecourse 2012: $166; 2011: $226)
$
166

 
$
226

Long-term debt (nonrecourse 2012: $1,276; 2011: $1,138)
1,622

 
1,484

Other noncurrent liabilities (nonrecourse 2012: $87; 2011: $86)
87

 
86

Total liabilities
$
1,875

 
$
1,796

(1)
Included $4 million at March 31, 2012 ($3 million at December 31, 2011) specifically restricted for the construction of a manufacturing facility.
(2)
All assets were restricted at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

In addition, the Company holds a variable interest in an entity created to monetize accounts receivable of select European entities. The Company is the primary beneficiary of this entity as a result of holding subordinated notes while maintaining servicing responsibilities for the accounts receivable. The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets pertaining to this entity, were current assets of $246 million (zero restricted) at March 31, 2012 ($233 million, zero restricted, at December 31, 2011) and current liabilities of less than $1 million (less than $1 million nonrecourse) at March 31, 2012 (less than $1 million, less than $1 million nonrecourse, at December 31, 2011).
Amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets and the table above as restricted assets or nonrecourse obligations relating to consolidated VIEs at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are adjusted for intercompany eliminations, parental guarantees and residual value guarantees.
Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entity
The Company holds a variable interest in a joint venture that manufactures crude acrylic acid in the United States and Germany on behalf of the Company and the other joint venture partner. The variable interest relates to a cost-plus arrangement between the joint venture and each joint venture partner. The Company is not the primary beneficiary, as a majority of the joint venture’s output is sold to the other joint venture partner; therefore, the entity is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. At March 31, 2012, the Company’s investment in the joint venture was $135 million ($144 million at December 31, 2011), classified as “Investment in nonconsolidated affiliates” in the consolidated balance sheets, representing the Company’s maximum exposure to loss.


NOTE M – PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
Net Periodic Benefit Cost for All Significant Plans
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Defined Benefit Pension Plans:
 
 
 
Service cost
$
95

 
$
86

Interest cost
274

 
278

Expected return on plan assets
(316
)
 
(323
)
Amortization of prior service cost
7

 
7

Amortization of net loss
130

 
92

Net periodic benefit cost
$
190

 
$
140

 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement Benefits:
 
 
 
Service cost
$
4

 
$
3

Interest cost
23

 
25

Expected return on plan assets

 
(1
)
Amortization of prior service credit
(1
)
 

Net periodic benefit cost
$
26

 
$
27



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Table of Contents

NOTE N – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company grants stock-based compensation to employees under the Employees' Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) and the 1988 Award and Option Plan (the “1988 Plan”) and to non-employee directors under the 2003 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Incentive Plan. Most of the Company's stock-based compensation awards are granted in the first quarter of each year.

During the first quarter of 2012, employees subscribed to the right to purchase 9.5 million shares with a weighted-average exercise price of $25.42 per share and a weighted-average fair value of $8.32 per share under the ESPP.

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company granted the following stock-based compensation awards to employees under the 1988 Plan:

12.8 million stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $34.00 per share and a weighted-average fair value of $9.38 per share;

3.5 million shares of deferred stock with a weighted-average fair value of $34.02 per share; and

1.2 million shares of performance deferred stock with a weighted-average fair value of $43.52 per share.

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company granted the following stock-based compensation awards to non-employee directors under the 2003 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Incentive Plan:

34,650 shares of restricted stock with a weighted-average fair value of $33.69 per share.

Total unrecognized compensation cost at March 31, 2012 is provided in the following table:

Total Unrecognized Compensation Cost at March 31, 2012
In millions
Unrecognized
Compensation
Cost

 
Weighted-average
Recognition
Period (Years)

ESPP purchase rights
$
49

 
0.63

Unvested stock options
$
137

 
0.84

Deferred stock awards
$
165

 
0.87

Performance deferred stock awards
$
52

 
0.64


On February 9, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors unanimously approved and adopted The Dow Chemical Company 2012 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which are subject to stockholder approval at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 10, 2012.

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Table of Contents

NOTE O – EARNINGS PER SHARE CALCULATIONS
The following table provides the earnings per share calculations for the three months ended March 31, 2012:
Net Income
Three Months Ended

In millions
Mar 31,
2012

Net income
$
520

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(23
)
Net income attributable to The Dow Chemical Company
$
497

Preferred stock dividends
(85
)
Net income attributable to participating securities (1)
(4
)
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
408


Earnings Per Share Calculations - Basic
Three Months Ended

Dollars per share
Mar 31,
2012

Net income
$
0.44

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(0.02
)
Net income attributable to The Dow Chemical Company
$
0.42

Preferred stock dividends
(0.07
)
Net income attributable to participating securities (1)

Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
0.35


Earnings Per Share Calculations - Diluted
Three Months Ended

Dollars per share
Mar 31,
2012

Net income
$
0.44

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(0.02
)
Net income attributable to The Dow Chemical Company
$
0.42

Preferred stock dividends (2)
(0.07
)
Net income attributable to participating securities (1)

Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
0.35


Shares in millions
 
Weighted-average common shares - basic
1,160.9

Plus dilutive effect of stock options and awards
7.8

Weighted-average common shares - diluted
1,168.7

Stock options and deferred stock awards excluded from EPS calculations (3)
48.3

Conversion of preferred stock excluded from EPS calculations (4)
96.8

(1)
Accounting Standards Codification Topic 260, "Earnings per Share," requires enterprises with participating securities to use the two-class method to calculate earnings per share and to report the most dilutive earnings per share amount. Deferred stock awards are considered participating securities due to Dow's practice of paying dividend equivalents on unvested shares. The impact on earnings per share in first quarter 2011 using the two-class method was immaterial.
(2)
Preferred stock dividends were not added back in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of adding them back would have been antidilutive.
(3)
These outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock and deferred stock awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of including them would have been antidilutive.
(4)
Conversion of the Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A into shares of the Company’s common stock was excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of including them would have been antidilutive.


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Table of Contents

The following table provides the earnings per share calculations for the three months ended March 31, 2011:
Net Income
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2011

Net income
$
721

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(11
)
Net income attributable to The Dow Chemical Company
$
710

Preferred stock dividends
(85
)
Net income available for common stockholders
$
625


Earnings Per Share Calculations - Basic
Three Months Ended
Dollars per share
Mar 31,
2011

Net income
$
0.63

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(0.01
)
Net income attributable to The Dow Chemical Company
$
0.62

Preferred stock dividends
(0.07
)
Net income available for common stockholders
$
0.55


Earnings Per Share Calculations - Diluted
Three Months Ended
Dollars per share
Mar 31,
2011

Net income
$
0.62

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(0.01
)
Net income attributable to The Dow Chemical Company
$
0.61

Preferred stock dividends (1)
(0.07
)
Net income available for common stockholders
$
0.54


Shares in millions
 
Weighted-average common shares - basic
1,139.5

Plus dilutive effect of stock options and awards
21.7

Weighted-average common shares - diluted
1,161.2

Stock options and deferred stock awards excluded from EPS calculations (2)
43.3

Conversion of preferred stock excluded from EPS calculations (3)
96.8

(1)
Preferred stock dividends were not added back in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of adding them back would have been antidilutive.
(2)
These outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock and deferred stock awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of including them would have been antidilutive.
(3)
Conversion of the Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A into shares of the Company’s common stock was excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of including them would have been antidilutive.


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Table of Contents

NOTE P – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table provides an analysis of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31, 2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Unrealized Gains on Investments at beginning of year
$
78

 
$
111

Net change in unrealized gains
57

 
14

Balance at end of period
$
135

 
$
125

Cumulative Translation Adjustments at beginning of year
72

 
367

Translation adjustments
282

 
441

Balance at end of period
$
354

 
$
808

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans at beginning of year
(6,134
)
 
(4,871
)
Adjustments to pension and other postretirement benefit plans
85

 
72

Balance at end of period
$
(6,049
)
 
$
(4,799
)
Accumulated Derivative Loss at beginning of year
(12
)
 
(6
)
Net hedging results
(24
)
 
(2
)
Reclassification to earnings
10

 
(7
)
Balance at end of period
$
(26
)
 
$
(15
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
(5,586
)
 
$
(3,881
)


NOTE Q – OPERATING SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
On January 1, 2012, the Company's Performance Plastics segment reorganized and created new, market-facing businesses to better align with the markets and customers served by this segment. The new businesses, which are reflected in the following updated profile for the segment, are as follows:

Dow Elastomers
Dow Electrical and Telecommunications
Dow Performance Packaging
Dow Hygiene and Medical

There were no other changes to the Corporate Profile included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

PERFORMANCE PLASTICS
Applications: adhesives Ÿ agricultural films Ÿ appliances and appliance housings Ÿ automotive parts and trim Ÿ beverage bottles Ÿ bins, crates, pails and pallets Ÿ building and construction Ÿ coatings Ÿ consumer and durable goods Ÿ consumer electronics Ÿ disposable diaper liners Ÿ fibers and nonwovens Ÿ food and specialty packaging Ÿ footwear Ÿ hoses and tubing Ÿ household and industrial bottles Ÿ housewares Ÿ hygiene and medical films Ÿ industrial and consumer films and foams Ÿ information technology Ÿ infrastructure Ÿ leather, textile, graphic arts and paper Ÿ oil tanks and road equipment Ÿ plastic pipe Ÿ processing aids for plastic production Ÿ tapes and labels Ÿ toys, playground equipment and recreational products Ÿ wire and cable insulation and jacketing materials for power utility and telecommunications
 
Dow Elastomers offers a unique portfolio of elastomer and plastomers for customers worldwide, and has established a leadership position in polyolefin and ethylene propylene diene monomer elastomers through its innovative technology, deep market expertise, broad product line and global footprint.

With one of the broadest product portfolios in the industry, strong foundational capabilities (global reach, low cost asset configuration, leading manufacturing and catalysis technology, global application and marketing alignment, and formulation science) and a proven innovation track record, Dow Elastomers is well positioned to meet the needs of the Transportation and Infrastructure markets. And with the introduction of new and differentiated products, Dow Elastomers has diversified its participation into new market segments, such as Hot Melt Adhesives and Consumer Durables (i.e., housewares, toys, infant products, sporting goods and leisure products) where the performance benefits of the business' technologies can also be leveraged. Key markets and applications where Dow Elastomers participates

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align with the global megatrends of Consumerism, and Infrastructure and Transportation. These trends drive the need for innovative solutions that deliver valued benefits to customers in the areas of improved durability, haptics, sustainability and lower overall solution cost.
 
Products: AFFINITY™ polyolefin elastomers; AFFINITY™ GA polyolefin plastomers; ENGAGE™ polyolefin elastomers; ENGAGE™ XLT polyolefin elastomers; INFUSE™ olefin block copolymers; NORDEL™ hydrocarbon rubber; VERSIFY™ plastomers and elastomers
 
Dow Electrical and Telecommunications is a leading global provider of products, technology, solutions and expertise that set standards for reliability, longevity, efficiency, ease of installation and protection used by the power and telecommunications industries in the transmission, distribution and consumption of power, video, voice and data. Dow Electrical and Telecommunications collaborates with cable manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, operators, utilities, municipalities, testing institutes and other organizations around the world to develop solutions that create value and will sustain these industries for years to come.
 
Products: ECOLIBRIUM™ bio-based plasticizers; ENDURANCE™ family of semiconductive and insulation material for power cable insulation; SI-LINK™ moisture crosslinkable polyethylene-based wire and cable insulation compounds; UNIGARD™ flame retardant compound for specialty wire and cable applications
 
Dow Performance Packaging is an innovator for the world's packaging needs. Global megatrends continue to drive demand for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions that enhance food preservation and food safety, deliver lower costs, improve consumer convenience and appeal, and reduce environmental impact. With one of the largest portfolios of industry-leading materials and technologies, Dow Performance Packaging engages with brand owners, retailers and other stakeholders along the packaging value chain to drive innovation and deliver faster, more profitable growth.
Dow Performance Packaging materials and technology offerings include polyethylene ("PE") resins (low density PE, high density PE, linear low density PE), barrier resins, tie layers, laminating adhesives, high performance sealants, and specialty films.
 
Products: ADCOTE™ solvent-based laminating adhesives and heat seal coatings; AFFINITY™ polyolefin elastomers; AMPLIFY™ and AMPLIFY™ TY functional polymers; AQUA-LAM™ water-based polyurethane dispersions; ATTANE™ ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE) copolymers; ATTANE™ ULDPE resins; CONTINUUM™ bimodal polyethylene resins; COSEAL™ cold-seal adhesives; DOW™ adhesive film; DOW™ low density polyethylene; DOW™ medical packaging film; DOW™ very low density polyethylene; DOWLEX™ polyethylene resins; DOWLEX™ NG polyethylene resins; ELITE™ enhanced polyethylene; ELITE™ AT enhanced polyethylene; ENGAGE™ polyolefin elastomers; ENLIGHT™ polyolefin encapsulant films;
HEALTH+™ polymers; INFUSE™ olefin block copolymers; INTEGRAL™ adhesive films; LAMAL™ alcohol-based laminating adhesives; MOR-AD™ solvent-based laminating adhesives; MOR-FREE™ solventless adhesives; MORPRIME™ solvent-based polypropylene dispersions; MORSTIK™ solvent-based pressure sensitive adhesives; NYLOPAK™ nylon barrier films; OPTICITE™ films; PRIMACOR™ copolymers; PROCITE™ window envelope films; ROBOND™ acrylic water-based laminating and pressure sensitive adhesives; SARAN™ barrier resins; SARANEX™ barrier films; SEALUTION™ peel polymers; SERFENE™ barrier coatings; Solvent-based polyurethanes and polyesters; TRENCHCOAT™ protective films; TRYCITE™ polystyrene film; TUFLIN™ linear low density polyethylene resins; TYBRITE™ clear packaging film; VERSIFY™ elastomers and plastomers

Dow Hygiene and Medical is a recognized global leader in the hygiene, medical and adjacent fiber markets delivering innovative solutions in personal hygiene, medical end-use products and fiber related markets. Key materials and technology segments include back sheets, nonwoven fibers, elastic components, sealants, binders, additives and dispersants. As a solutions provider across the polyethylene, elastomers, binders, polyolefin emulsions and acrylic product families, Dow Hygiene and Medical delivers a broad and deep product portfolio as well as the expertise and resources to serve the entire value chain, meeting the needs of hygiene and medical markets in both emerging and developed geographies.

Products: ACRYSOL™ additives; AFFINITY™ polyolefin elastomers; ASPUN™ fiber grade resins; ATTANE™ ultra low density polyethylene resins; DOW™ HEALTH+™ resins; DOWLEX™ polyethylene resins; DOW™ low density polyethylene resins; ELITE™ enhanced polyethylene resins; ENGAGE™ polyolefin elastomers; HYPOD™ polyolefin dispersions; INFUSE™ olefin block copolymers; PRIMAL™ acrylic binders;

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RHOPLEX™ acrylic binders; ROVACE™ acrylic binders; SARANEX™ barrier films; TAMOL™ dispersants; VERSIFY™ plastomers and elastomers

The Performance Plastics business also includes the results of Polypropylene Licensing and Catalyst, which sets the standard for polypropylene process technologies and works closely with customers to elevate their manufacturing capability, enabling them to produce differentiated polypropylene resins. The Performance Plastics segment also includes the results of Univation Technologies, LLC and a portion of the results of EQUATE Petrochemical Company K.S.C., The Kuwait Olefins Company K.S.C. and SCG-Dow Group, all joint ventures of the Company.
 
Divestiture
On September 30, 2011, the Company sold its global Polypropylene business to Braskem SA. The transaction did not include Dow's Polypropylene Licensing and Catalyst business. The Polypropylene business was reported in the Performance Plastics segment through the date of the divestiture.


Transfers of products between operating segments are generally valued at cost. However, transfers of products to Agricultural Sciences from other segments are generally valued at market-based prices; the revenues generated by these transfers in the first three months of 2012 and 2011 were immaterial and eliminated in consolidation.



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Table of Contents

Operating Segments
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Sales by operating segment
 
 
 
Electronic and Functional Materials
$
1,121

 
$
1,134

Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions
1,703

 
1,732

Agricultural Sciences
1,838

 
1,606

Performance Materials
3,473

 
3,541

Performance Plastics
3,591

 
4,043

Feedstocks and Energy
2,935

 
2,588

Corporate
58

 
89

Total
$
14,719

 
$
14,733

EBITDA (1) by operating segment
 
 
 
Electronic and Functional Materials
$
243

 
$
257

Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions
204

 
250

Agricultural Sciences
451

 
406

Performance Materials
332

 
564

Performance Plastics
718

 
981

Feedstocks and Energy
198

 
248

Corporate
(438
)
 
(764
)
Total
$
1,708

 
$
1,942

Equity in earnings (losses) of nonconsolidated affiliates by operating segment (included in EBITDA)
Electronic and Functional Materials
$
19

 
$
24

Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions
22

 
68

Agricultural Sciences
1

 
3

Performance Materials
(17
)
 
(5
)
Performance Plastics
34

 
62

Feedstocks and Energy
125

 
155

Corporate
(15
)
 
(9
)
Total
$
169

 
$
298

(1)
The Company uses EBITDA (which Dow defines as earnings (i.e., "Net Income") before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) as its measure of profit/loss for segment reporting purposes. EBITDA by operating segment includes all operating items relating to the businesses, except depreciation and amortization; items that principally apply to the Company as a whole are assigned to Corporate. A reconciliation of EBITDA to “Income Before Income Taxes” is provided below.


Reconciliation of EBITDA to “Income Before Income Taxes”
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

EBITDA
$
1,708

 
$
1,942

- Depreciation and amortization
679

 
731

+ Interest income
6

 
7

- Interest expense and amortization of debt discount
329

 
377

Income Before Income Taxes
$
706

 
$
841



Geographic Areas
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Sales by geographic area
 
 
 
United States
$
4,850

 
$
4,782

Europe, Middle East and Africa
5,367

 
5,358

Rest of World
4,502

 
4,593

Total
$
14,719

 
$
14,733


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(Unaudited)
 
The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of The Dow Chemical Company and its subsidiaries (“Dow” or the “Company”). This section covers the current performance and outlook of the Company and each of its operating segments. The forward-looking statements contained in this section and in other parts of this document involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company’s operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as more fully discussed elsewhere and in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, legal, governmental and technological factors. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Company’s expectations will be realized. The Company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.


OVERVIEW
The Company reported sales in the first quarter of 2012 of $14.7 billion, unchanged from the first quarter of 2011, despite the absence of sales related to recent divestitures.(1)

Price was up 1 percent compared with the same period last year, as price increases in North America and Latin America were partially offset by price decreases in Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA"), where price decreased due to the unfavorable impact of currency.

Volume was down 1 percent, with significant gains reported in Agricultural Sciences (up 12 percent). Excluding recent divestitures,(1) volume was up 3 percent.

Purchased feedstock and energy costs, which account for more than one-third of Dow’s total costs, increased 2 percent or $98 million compared with the first quarter of 2011. The increase in these costs was primarily due to higher feedstock costs in Europe, driven by an increase in crude oil prices resulting from political tension in the Middle East, partially offset by lower feedstock and energy costs in North America due to increased supply of shale gas.

Research and development expenses increased slightly compared with the same period last year, as the Company's spending on strategic growth initiatives, led by Electronic and Functional Materials, Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions and Agricultural Sciences, were offset by cost saving initiatives. Selling, general and administrative expenses also increased slightly compared with the same period last year, primarily due to growth initiatives in the Agricultural Sciences segment.

On March 27, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan that includes the shutdown of a number of manufacturing facilities and a workforce reduction. As a result of these activities, the Company recognized pretax restructuring charges of $357 million in the first quarter of 2012.

Equity earnings were $169 million in the first quarter of 2012, down $129 million from $298 million in the first quarter of last year.

Interest expense decreased almost $50 million from the same quarter of last year largely due to the retirement of
$4.8 billion of debt in 2011. The Company retired approximately $1.3 billion of debt in the first quarter of 2012.

In addition to the financial highlights listed above, the Company also made the following announcements:

The Company announced on April 19, 2012 that it will build a new world-scale ethylene production facility in Freeport, Texas, part of a plan to connect its U.S. operations with cost-advantaged feedstocks available from increasing supplies of low-cost U.S. shale gas. The new ethylene production unit is expected to start-up in 2017 and is part of a $4 billion investment in ethylene and propylene production capabilities in the U.S. Gulf Coast region.


(1) Excludes sales of the Polypropylene business that was divested on September 30, 2011 and sales of Dow Haltermann that was divested during 2011.

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In addition to the new ethylene production facility, the Company has commenced engineering work on a new on-purpose propylene facility located in Freeport, Texas. The new propylene production unit will capitalize on the availability of cost-advantaged feedstocks in the United States. The new propylene production unit is expected to start-up in 2015.

The Company announced on April 12, 2012 that its Board of Directors declared a 28 percent increase in the second quarter dividend, from $0.25 per share to $0.32 per share.

The Company launched its new Solutionism™ advertising campaign - a concept that brings to life the full breadth and depth of capabilities Dow people bring to society each day.

Selected Financial Data
Three Months Ended
In millions, except per share amounts
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Net sales
$
14,719

 
$
14,733

 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
$
12,285

 
$
12,117

Percent of net sales
83.5
%
 
82.2
%
 
 
 
 
Research and development expenses
$
405

 
$
400

Percent of net sales
2.8
%
 
2.7
%
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
707

 
$
700

Percent of net sales
4.8
%
 
4.8
%
 
 
 
 
Effective tax rate
26.3
%
 
14.3
%
 
 
 
 
Net income available for common stockholders
$
412

 
$
625

 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share – basic
$
0.35

 
$
0.55

Earnings per common share – diluted
$
0.35

 
$
0.54

 
 
 
 
Operating rate percentage
84
%
 
83
%


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales in the first quarter of 2012 were $14.7 billion, essentially unchanged from the first quarter of last year, with double-digit sales increases in Agricultural Sciences (up 14 percent) and Feedstocks and Energy (up 13 percent) offset by declines in all other operating segments. Compared with the same quarter last year, price increased 1 percent and volume declined
1 percent.

Price increases in Feedstocks and Energy (up 6 percent), Agricultural Sciences (up 2 percent) and Electronic and Functional Materials (up 1 percent) were partially offset by decreases in Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions (down 2 percent) and Performance Materials (down 2 percent). Price increased modestly in North America and Latin America. Prices decreased in Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa. The decline in Europe, Middle East and Africa was primarily due to the unfavorable impact of currency.

The decline in volume reflects the impact of recent divestitures. Excluding these divestitures, sales increased 4 percent. Volume increased 3 percent driven by growth in Agricultural Sciences (up 12 percent), Feedstocks and Energy (up 7 percent) and Performance Materials (up 2 percent). Volume was flat in Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions and Performance Plastics and declined in Electronic and Functional Materials (down 2 percent). Excluding divestitures, volume increased in all geographic areas except Asia Pacific and Latin America (both down 1 percent). For additional details regarding the change in net sales, see the Sales Volume and Price tables at the end of the section entitled "Segment Results."

Gross margin was $2,434 million in the first quarter of 2012, down from $2,616 million in the first quarter of last year. Gross margin decreased as higher European crude oil-based feedstock costs and higher other raw material costs more than offset the favorable impact of higher selling prices and lower feedstock and energy costs in North America, resulting from the impact of low-cost natural gas.


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The Company’s global plant operating rate was 84 percent of capacity in the first quarter of 2012, up slightly from
83 percent in the first quarter of 2011.

Personnel count was 51,528 at March 31, 2012, down from 51,705 at December 31, 2011 and up from 50,012 at March 31, 2011. Headcount decreased from year-end 2011 primarily due to recent divestitures and cost saving initiatives. Compared with March 31, 2011, headcount increased primarily due to the hiring of additional employees to support the Company’s growth initiatives.

Research and development (“R&D”) expenses totaled $405 million in the first quarter of 2012, up $5 million (1 percent) from $400 million in the first quarter of last year, as the Company’s spending on growth initiatives, primarily in Electronic and Functional Materials, Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions and Agricultural Sciences were nearly offset by cost saving initiatives.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses totaled $707 million in the first quarter of 2012, up $7 million
(1 percent) from $700 million in the first quarter of last year, primarily due to growth initiatives in the Agricultural Sciences segment.

Amortization of intangibles was $122 million in the first quarter of 2012, down slightly from $123 million in the first quarter of last year. See Note F to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on intangible assets.

On March 27, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan as part of a series of actions to optimize its portfolio, respond to changing and volatile economic conditions, particularly in Western Europe, and to advance the Company's Efficiency for Growth program, which was initiated by the Company in the second quarter of 2011. The restructuring plan includes the elimination of approximately 900 positions. In addition, the Company will shut down a number of manufacturing facilities. These actions are expected to be completed primarily over the next two years. As a result of the restructuring activities, the Company recorded pretax restructuring charges of $357 million in the first quarter of 2012 consisting of costs associated with exit and disposal activities of $150 million, severance costs of $113 million and asset write-downs and write-offs of $94 million. The impact of these charges is shown as "Restructuring charges" in the consolidated statements of income and reflected in the Company's segment results as follows: $17 million in Electronic and Functional Materials, $41 million in Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions, $186 million in Performance Materials and $113 million in Corporate. See Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the Company's restructuring activities.

In the first quarter of 2011, pretax charges totaling $31 million were recorded for integration expenses related to the April 1, 2009 acquisition of Rohm and Haas Company. These charges were reflected in Corporate.

Dow’s share of the earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates was $169 million in the first quarter of 2012, down $129 million from $298 million in the first quarter of last year primarily due to lower earnings at Dow Corning Corporation, the SCG-Dow Group, The Kuwait Olefins Company K.S.C., MEGlobal and The Kuwait Styrene Co. K.S.C. The Company also reported equity losses from Sadara Chemical Company equal to the Company's share of the joint venture's development expenses.

Sundry income (expense) – net includes a variety of income and expense items such as the gain or loss on foreign currency exchange, dividends from investments, and gains and losses on sales of investments and assets. Sundry income (expense) – net in the first quarter of 2012 was net income of $17 million, compared with net expense of $449 million in the first quarter of 2011. The first quarter of 2012 included gains related to a divestiture and asset sales, a $24 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt (reflected in Corporate) and foreign currency exchange losses. In the first quarter of 2011, sundry income (expense) – net included a loss of $472 million on the early extinguishment of debt (reflected in Corporate) and
$25 million of dividend income received from the Company’s ownership interest in the divested Styron business unit (reflected in Corporate). See Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the early extinguishment of debt.

Net interest expense (interest expense less capitalized interest and interest income) was $323 million in the first quarter of 2012, compared with $370 million in the first quarter of last year. Interest expense (net of capitalized interest) and amortization of debt discount totaled $329 million in the first quarter of 2012 and $377 million in the first quarter of 2011. The decrease in net interest expense in the first quarter of 2012 reflects the Company's efforts to reduce debt in 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 (see Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Interest income was $6 million in the first quarter of 2012, compared with $7 million in the first quarter of 2011.


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The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2012 was 26.3 percent compared with 14.3 percent for the first quarter of 2011. The Company's effective tax rate fluctuates based on, among other factors, where income is earned, reinvestment assertions regarding earned income and the level of income relative to tax credits available. The Company's tax rate is also influenced by the level of equity earnings, since most of the earnings from the Company's equity method investments are taxed at the joint venture level. The increase in the first quarter of 2012 tax rate compared with the first quarter of 2011 tax rate was primarily due to a change in the geographic mix of pretax earnings, primarily in Europe and the United States, as well as reduced equity earnings in the United States and the impact of the 2012 restructuring plan. In addition, the tax rate in the first quarter of 2011 was favorably impacted by tax benefits related to the early extinguishment of debt in the United States.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $23 million in the first quarter of 2012, up from $11 million in the first quarter of 2011.

Preferred stock dividends of $85 million were recognized in the first quarters of 2012 and 2011, related to the Company’s Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A.

Net income available for common stockholders was $412 million, or $0.35 per share, in the first quarter of 2012, compared with $625 million, or $0.54 per share, in the first quarter of 2011.

The following table summarizes the impact of certain items recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, and previously described in this section:

Certain Items Impacting Results
Pretax
Impact (1)
 
Impact on
Net Income (2)
 
Impact on
EPS (3)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
In millions, except per share amounts
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

 
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

 
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Restructuring charges
$
(357
)
 
$

 
$
(287
)
 
$

 
$
(0.25
)
 
$

Acquisition-related integration expenses

 
(31
)
 

 
(20
)
 

 
(0.02
)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
(24
)
 
(472
)
 
(15
)
 
(307
)
 
(0.01
)
 
(0.26
)
Total
$
(381
)
 
$
(503
)
 
$
(302
)
 
$
(327
)
 
$
(0.26
)
 
$
(0.28
)
(1)
Impact on “Income Before Income Taxes.”
(2)
Impact on “Net Income Attributable to The Dow Chemical Company.”
(3)
Impact on “Earnings per common share – diluted.”


OUTLOOK
Consistent with Dow's previous outlook (provided in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011), global demand remained sluggish early in the first quarter of 2012, but as the quarter progressed, volume began to strengthen. Volume growth in emerging geographies was modest in the first quarter, but looking ahead, Dow expects these geographies to remain strong. Although certain developed geographies continue to show weakness, bright spots in countries such as the United States and Germany support the Company's expectation that momentum will continue to build through the second quarter and into the remainder of the year.
The United States appears to be improving economically, as evidenced by improvements in consumer confidence from lows in the fourth quarter of 2011 and tailwinds from abundant access to low-cost natural gas. An unusually warm winter marked an early start to the growing and construction seasons, allowing for more resilience in the agriculture and construction industries. Dow expects growth in Europe to be consistent with its previous outlook and recessionary conditions will continue, particularly in Western Europe, until the region addresses its structural issues. European manufacturing continues to experience economic weakness and compressed margins due to high crude oil prices, softened demand and the combination of austerity measures and increasing unemployment across the region. The exception appears to be Germany, where improving consumer sentiment, falling unemployment and low interest rates demonstrate signs of economic improvement.
Dow anticipates that China's economy will continue to grow, but at a more moderate pace, as the government's focus shifts from managing inflation to encouraging domestic growth. In Eastern Europe, demand increased in the first quarter and the Company expects this trend will continue. Overall, the Company believes the emerging geographies will remain attractive due to their demographics and need for infrastructure, transportation, food and consumer goods - industries where Dow is seeing some resilience with strong fundamentals. There are also some encouraging signs of improvement in other industries such as construction and electronics.

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In light of the cautious pace of economic recovery, the Company expects feedstock and energy costs will continue to rise. The Company will continue to benefit from its flexible feedstock advantage in the United States, taking advantage of lower natural gas prices and lower ethane costs. However, naphtha-based feedstock costs are expected to remain high and compress margins and therefore, Dow expects feedstock and energy costs in the second quarter to be higher than in the first quarter.
As the economy continues to recover around the world, Dow will stay focused on its priorities to capitalize on its flexible feedstock position, deliver gains from its balanced geographic footprint and integrated portfolio, continue to invest in new technology and products that generate value for customers and shareholders, and exhibit diligent focus on cost control and productivity enhancement.


SEGMENT RESULTS
The Company uses EBITDA (which Dow defines as earnings (i.e., "Net Income") before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) as its measure of profit/loss for segment reporting purposes. EBITDA by operating segment includes all operating items relating to the businesses, except depreciation and amortization; items that principally apply to the Company as a whole are assigned to Corporate. Additional information regarding the Company’s operating segments and a reconciliation of EBITDA to “Income Before Income Taxes” can be found in Note Q to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Due to the completion of recent divestitures, the change in sales volume from 2011 excluding divestitures is provided by operating segment, where applicable. Sales excluding divestitures exclude the sales of the Polypropylene business that was divested on September 30, 2011 and sales of Dow Haltermann that was divested during 2011.


ELECTRONIC AND FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
The Electronic and Functional Materials segment consists of two businesses – Dow Electronic Materials and Functional Materials – and includes a portion of the Company’s share of the results of Dow Corning Corporation, a joint venture of the Company. Dow Electronic Materials is a leading global supplier of materials for chemical mechanical planarization; materials used in the production of electronic displays, including brightness films, diffusers, metalorganic light emitting diode precursors and organic light emitting diode materials; products and technologies that drive leading edge semiconductor design; materials used in the fabrication of printed circuit boards; and integrated metallization processes critical for interconnection, corrosion resistance, metal finishing and decorative applications. These enabling materials are found in applications such as consumer electronics, flat panel displays and telecommunications. Dow Electronic Materials includes Display Technologies, Growth Technologies, Interconnect Technologies and Semiconductor Technologies. Functional Materials is a portfolio of businesses characterized by a vast global footprint, a broad array of unique chemistries, multi-functional ingredients and technology capabilities, combined with key positions in the pharmaceuticals; food, home and personal care; and industrial specialties. These technology capabilities and market platforms enable the businesses to develop innovative solutions that address modern societal needs for clean water and air; material preservation; and improved health care, disease prevention, nutrition and wellness. Functional Materials includes Dow Home and Personal Care, Dow Microbial Control, Dow Wolff Cellulosics and Performance Additives.

Electronic and Functional Materials
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31, 2012

 
Mar 31, 2011

Sales
$
1,121

 
$
1,134

Price change from comparative period
1
 %
 
N/A  

Volume change from comparative period
(2
)%
 
N/A  

Equity earnings
$
19

 
$
24

EBITDA
$
243

 
$
257

Certain items impacting EBITDA
$
(17
)
 
$


Electronic and Functional Materials sales were $1,121 million in the first quarter of 2012, down from $1,134 million in the first quarter of 2011. Price increased slightly in all geographic areas except EMEA where price was lower due to the unfavorable impact of currency. Volume decreased 2 percent principally due to lower demand for consumer electronics.

Dow Electronic Materials sales in the first quarter of 2012 decreased 4 percent from the same quarter last year with volume down 3 percent and price down 1 percent. The decrease in volume was driven by softness in the electronics industry, especially in Asia Pacific and most notably in Greater China. Volume grew in EMEA driven by higher demand for organic light emitting

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Table of Contents

diodes used in flat panel displays. In Asia Pacific, volume for chemical mechanical planarization pads and slurries declined, driven by lower semiconductor foundry utilization rates.

Functional Materials sales in the first quarter of 2012 increased 1 percent from the first quarter of 2011 as price improved
2 percent and volume declined 1 percent. The slight increase in price was broad-based with gains across all geographic areas, except EMEA. Volume was down slightly as higher demand for specialty materials used in gas drilling in North America was more than offset by lower demand for cellulosics used in construction.

EBITDA in the first quarter of 2012 was $243 million, down from $257 million in the first quarter of 2011. Despite higher selling prices and lower feedstock and energy costs, EBITDA was lower in the first quarter of 2012 due to a $17 million restructuring charge related to the write-off of a canceled capital project, lower equity earnings from Dow Corning and higher SG&A and R&D expenses related to growth initiatives.


COATINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS
The Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions segment consists of the following businesses: Dow Building and Construction, Dow Coating Materials, Dow Water and Process Solutions, and Performance Monomers; and includes a portion of the Company's share of the results of Dow Corning Corporation, a joint venture of the Company. These businesses produce a wide variety of products with a broad range of applications – adhesives and sealants, construction materials (insulation, weatherization and vinyl applications), cellulosic-based construction additives, raw materials for architectural paints and industrial coatings, and technologies used for water purification.

Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31, 2012

 
Mar 31, 2011

Sales
$
1,703

 
$
1,732

Price change from comparative period
(2
)%
 
N/A  

Volume change from comparative period
 %
 
N/A  

Equity earnings
$
22

 
$
68

EBITDA
$
204

 
$
250

Certain items impacting EBITDA
$
(41
)
 
$


Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions sales were $1,703 million in the first quarter of 2012, down 2 percent from
$1,732 million in the first quarter of 2011. Price decreased across most geographic areas, most notably in EMEA partially due to the unfavorable impact of currency. Increased price competition due to weak demand in Dow Coating Materials and Performance Monomers more than offset higher prices in Dow Building and Construction and Dow Water and Process Solutions. Volume was flat as higher demand for ion exchange resins and reverse osmosis membranes, especially in Asia Pacific, was offset by weaker demand for insulation products and architectural and industrial coatings.

EBITDA in the first quarter of 2012 was $204 million, down from $250 million in the first quarter of 2011. Compared with the same quarter last year, lower prices and decreased equity earnings from Dow Corning more than offset lower feedstock and energy costs. In addition, EBITDA for the first quarter of 2012 was negatively impacted by $41 million of restructuring charges, consisting of asset write-downs and write-offs of $37 million and costs associated with exit or disposal activities of $4 million. The restructuring charges were the result of the Company's decision to shut down facilities that manufacture STYROFOAMTM brand insulation in Balatonfuzfo, Hungary; Estarreja, Portugal; and Charleston, Illinois. The Company also made the decision to idle a facility in Terneuzen, The Netherlands, resulting in an impairment charge related to that facility, as part of the restructuring. See Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the restructuring plan.




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Table of Contents

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
Dow AgroSciences is a global leader in providing agricultural crop protection and plant biotechnology products, pest management solutions and healthy oils. The business invents, develops, manufactures and markets products for use in agriculture, industrial and commercial pest management, and food service.

Agricultural Sciences
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Sales
$
1,838

 
$
1,606

Price change from comparative period
2
%
 
N/A  

Volume change from comparative period
12
%
 
N/A  

Equity earnings
$
1

 
$
3

EBITDA
$
451

 
$
406


Agricultural Sciences sales were $1,838 million in the first quarter of 2012, a quarterly sales record for the segment and up 14 percent from $1,606 million in the first quarter of 2011. Compared with the first quarter of 2011, volume increased
12 percent and price increased 2 percent. Volume increased in all geographic areas with double-digit increases reported in North America and Latin America. Price increased in all geographic areas except EMEA, which was unfavorably impacted by currency. The Crop Protection and Seeds, Traits and Oils business platforms set new quarterly sales records. Crop Protection reported 14 percent sales growth in the quarter, led by North America with double-digit volume gains resulting from an early spring planting season. Globally, new agricultural chemicals product sales increased 27 percent as spinetoram insecticide sales doubled and aminopyralid range and pasture herbicide and penoxsulam rice herbicide experienced double-digit sales growth. Seeds, Traits and Oils reported 16 percent sales growth in the quarter driven by strong performance in North America and Latin America, specifically in corn, healthy oils and soybean businesses, and the continued introduction and adoption of new seed technologies.

EBITDA for the first quarter of 2012 was $451 million, a quarterly record for the segment and up from $406 million in the first quarter of 2011. Compared with the same quarter last year, EBITDA improved primarily due to sales growth, which more than offset increased SG&A expenses related to growth initiatives.


PERFORMANCE MATERIALS
The Performance Materials segment consists of the following businesses: Amines; Chlorinated Organics; Dow Automotive Systems; Dow Formulated Systems; Dow Oil and Gas; Dow Plastic Additives; Epoxy; Oxygenated Solvents; Polyglycols, Surfactants and Fluids; and Polyurethanes. These businesses produce a wide variety of products with a broad range of applications – adhesives, aircraft and runway deicing fluids, automotive interiors and exteriors, carpeting, footwear, home furnishings, mattresses, personal care products, transportation, waterproofing membranes and wind turbines. The segment also includes a portion of the results of the SCG-Dow Group, joint ventures of the Company.

The segment included Dow Haltermann until it was fully divested at December 31, 2011.

Performance Materials
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Sales
$
3,473

 
$
3,541

Price change from comparative period
(2
)%
 
N/A

Volume change from comparative period
 %
 
N/A

Volume change, excluding divestitures
2
 %
 
N/A

Equity losses
$
(17
)
 
$
(5
)
EBITDA
$
332

 
$
564

Certain items impacting EBITDA
$
(186
)
 
$


Performance Materials sales were $3,473 million in the first quarter of 2012, down slightly from $3,541 million in the first quarter of 2011. Compared with the same quarter last year, volume was flat and price decreased 2 percent, with half of the decrease due to the unfavorable impact of currency. Price trends varied across the businesses as price increases in Polyglycols, Surfactants and Fluids and Dow Formulated Systems were more than offset by price declines in Oxygenated Solvents, Epoxy, Polyurethanes and Amines, largely due to lower feedstock and energy costs. From a geographic standpoint, price declined in all

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areas except Latin America where price gains were reported across most of the businesses. Volume was flat reflecting the impact of the 2011 divestiture of the Dow Haltermann business. Excluding the impact of this divestiture, volume was up
2 percent, with growth in all geographic areas except Latin America. Polyurethanes reported modest volume growth driven by increased demand in North America in construction, spray foam and coatings industries. Formulated Systems reported strong volume growth with increases in all geographic areas except Asia Pacific, which continued to experience weak demand in the wind energy sector. Amines reported double-digit volume growth, with increases in most geographic areas as demand increased in the agriculture and consumer and institutional goods industries. Oxygenated Solvents also noted strong growth as warm weather patterns drove early agriculture and construction seasonal demand. Epoxy sales declined in the quarter due to continued softness in allylics and phenolics.

EBITDA for the first quarter of 2012 was $332 million, down from $564 million in the first quarter of 2011. Compared with the same period last year, EBITDA declined as lower selling prices and equity earnings from Map Tu Phut Olefins Company Limited more than offset the favorable impact of lower feedstock and energy costs and improved margin on volume. EBITDA in the first quarter of 2012 was negatively impacted by $186 million of restructuring charges, which were related to the shutdown/consolidation of assets in the Polyurethanes and Epoxy businesses in Brazil, Texas and Germany, and the cancellation of a capital project. See Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the restructuring plan.


PERFORMANCE PLASTICS
The Performance Plastics segment is a solutions-oriented portfolio comprised primarily of Dow Performance Packaging, Dow Elastomers, Dow Electrical and Telecommunications, Dow Hygiene and Medical, and Dow Licensing and Catalyst. These businesses serve high-growth, strategic sectors where Dow's world-class technology and rich innovation pipeline create new competitive advantages for customers and the entire value chain. These businesses also have complementary market reach, asset capabilities and technology platforms that provide immediate and long-term growth synergies. Product applications include high performance flexible and rigid packaging; packaging adhesives; disposable diaper components; elastomeric materials for transportation, toys, sporting goods and housewares; plastic pipe; and wire and cable insulation and jacketing materials for power utility and telecommunications. The Performance Plastics segment also includes the results of Univation Technologies, LLC, as well as a portion of the results of EQUATE Petrochemical Company K.S.C., The Kuwait Olefins Company K.S.C. and the SCG-Dow Group, all joint ventures of the Company.

On September 30, 2011, the Company sold its global Polypropylene business to Braskem SA. The transaction did not include Dow's Polypropylene Licensing and Catalyst business. The Polypropylene business was reported in the Performance Plastics segment through the date of the divestiture.

Performance Plastics
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Sales
$
3,591

 
$
4,043

Price change from comparative period
 %
 
N/A

Volume change from comparative period
(11
)%
 
N/A

Volume change, excluding divestitures
 %
 
N/A

Equity earnings
$
34

 
$
62

EBITDA
$
718

 
$
981


Performance Plastics sales in the first quarter of 2012 were $3,591 million, down 11 percent from $4,043 million in the first quarter of 2011. Volume declined due to the September 30, 2011 divestiture of the Polypropylene business to Braskem S.A. Excluding the impact of this divestiture, volume was flat with modest gains in EMEA and Asia Pacific offset by declines in North America and Latin America. Dow Elastomers reported volume growth in all geographic areas due to strong demand in the transportation, infrastructure and adhesive industries. Dow Electrical and Telecommunications reported an increase in volume with strong growth in Asia Pacific, especially in Greater China due to higher demand for fiber optic cable. Dow Performance Packaging volume was down slightly, reflecting lower demand in North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Dow Performance Packaging volume was down in North America as ethylene availability was limited due to a planned maintenance turnaround at the Company's St. Charles, Louisiana ethylene cracker. Dow Hygiene and Medical volume was lower in North America and EMEA due to weak demand for diapers and other hygiene products, while volume improved slightly in Latin America and Asia Pacific. Compared with the same quarter last year, price was unchanged for the segment as increases in North America were offset by declines in all other geographic areas. In EMEA, nearly half of the price decline was due to the unfavorable impact of currency. Price significantly improved in Dow Elastomers with double-digit price increases in

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nearly all geographic areas due to strong demand for NORDEL™ hydrocarbon rubber and polyolefin elastomers. Dow Performance Packaging noted an improvement in price in North America; however, this was more than offset by declines in all other geographic areas, particularly EMEA.

EBITDA in the first quarter of 2012 was $718 million, down from $981 million in the first quarter of 2011. EBITDA declined primarily due to the impact of lower naphtha-based margins in Europe and Asia Pacific, which more than offset the impact of higher ethane-based margins in the U.S. Gulf Coast. EBITDA also declined due to lower equity earnings from the SCG-Dow Group and The Kuwait Styrene Company.


FEEDSTOCKS AND ENERGY
The Feedstocks and Energy segment includes the following businesses: Chlor-Alkali/Chlor-Vinyl; Energy; Ethylene Oxide/Ethylene Glycol; and Hydrocarbons. The Chlor-Alkali/Chlor-Vinyl business focuses on the production of chlorine for consumption by downstream Dow derivatives, as well as production, marketing and supply of ethylene dichloride, vinyl chloride monomer and caustic soda. These products are used for applications such as alumina production, pulp and paper manufacturing, soaps and detergents, and building and construction. The Energy business supplies power, steam and other utilities, principally for use in Dow’s global operations. The Ethylene Oxide/Ethylene Glycol ("EO/EG") business is the world’s largest producer of purified ethylene oxide, principally used in Dow’s downstream performance derivatives. Dow is also a key supplier of ethylene glycol to MEGlobal, a 50:50 joint venture and world leader in the manufacture and marketing of merchant monoethylene glycol and diethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is used in polyester fiber, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for food and beverage container applications, polyester film, and aircraft and runway deicers. The Hydrocarbons business encompasses the procurement of natural gas liquids and crude oil-based raw materials, as well as the supply of monomers, principally for use in Dow's global operations. The business regularly sells its by-products and buys and sells products in order to balance regional production capabilities and derivative requirements. The business also sells products to certain Dow joint ventures. Also included in the Feedstocks and Energy segment are the results of Compañia Mega S.A. and MEGlobal, and a portion of the results of EQUATE Petrochemical Company K.S.C., The Kuwait Olefins Company K.S.C., and the SGC-Dow Group, all joint ventures of the Company.

Feedstocks and Energy
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Sales
$
2,935

 
$
2,588

Price change from comparative period
6
%
 
N/A

Volume change from comparative period
7
%
 
N/A

Equity earnings
$
125

 
$
155

EBITDA
$
198

 
$
248


Feedstocks and Energy sales were $2,935 million in the first quarter of 2012, up 13 percent from $2,588 million in the first quarter of 2011. Compared with the same quarter last year, price increased 6 percent with increases reported across all geographic areas, except Asia Pacific. Volume improved 7 percent as growth in the EO/EG and Hydrocarbons businesses offset declines in the Chlor-Alkali/Chlor-Vinyl and Energy businesses. EO/EG sales were up 17 percent in the first quarter of 2012, driven by a 23 percent increase in volume partially offset by a 6 percent decline in price. EO/EG volume was up due to increased catalyst demand in North America; price decreased due to global economic concerns and increased industry inventory levels. Sales for the Hydrocarbons business increased 24 percent, driven by a 15 percent increase in volume and a
9 percent increase in price. The increase in volume was primarily due to new product supply agreements with Braskem S.A. following the divestiture of the Polypropylene business. The increase in selling prices for this business was a result of higher feedstock costs, driven by demand across the industry and tight supply related to industry-wide turnarounds. The Chlor-Alkali/Chlor-Vinyl business reported a 10 percent decrease in sales, as a 4 percent increase in price was offset by a 14 percent decline in volume, driven by reduced vinyl chloride monomer ("VCM") capacity in the U.S. Gulf Coast. VCM price was up slightly in North America, offset by a decrease in EMEA due to lower demand resulting from recessionary conditions in Europe. Caustic soda achieved double-digit sales growth in all geographic areas, driven by strong demand in the alumina and pulp and paper industries. Energy sales decreased 20 percent in the first quarter of 2012, primarily due to price and volume declines in North America. Sales for the Energy business are primarily opportunistic merchant sales driven by market conditions and sales to customers located on Dow manufacturing sites.

The Company uses derivatives of crude oil and natural gas as feedstocks in its ethylene facilities. The Company's cost of purchased feedstocks and energy in the first quarter of 2012 increased $98 million compared with the same quarter last year, an increase of 2 percent. The price of European feedstocks increased primarily due to higher naphtha prices resulting from

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political tension in the Middle East, the impact of which was partially offset by a decrease in feedstock and energy prices in the United States due to increased supply of shale gas. These trends are expected to continue into the second quarter of 2012.

The Hydrocarbons business transfers materials to Dow's derivative businesses and the Energy business supplies utilities to Dow's businesses at net cost, resulting in EBITDA that is at or near break-even for these businesses. For the segment, EBITDA in the first quarter of 2012 was $198 million, down from $248 million in the first quarter of 2011. Despite the overall increase in price and volume, EBITDA declined in the first quarter of 2012 primarily due to a decrease in Chlor-Alkali/Chlor-Vinyl volume, decreased equity earnings from MEGlobal and The Kuwait Olefins Company K.S.C. resulting from ethylene glycol margin compression, and increased costs related to turnarounds.

The Company recently announced a number of investments in the U.S. Gulf Coast to take advantage of increasing supplies of low-cost natural gas and natural gas liquids ("NGLs") from shale gas. As a result of these investments, the Company’s exposure to purchased ethylene and propylene is expected to decline, offset by increased exposure to ethane and propane feedstocks. The first project to come online will be the re-start of an ethylene cracker in St. Charles, Louisiana, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2012. The Company also announced investments in a new on-purpose propylene production unit (expected start-up in 2015) and a new ethylene production unit (expected start-up in 2017), both located in Freeport, Texas. As a result of these investments, Dow's ethylene production capabilities are expected to increase by as much as 20 percent.


CORPORATE
Included in the results for Corporate are:
results of insurance company operations;
results of Ventures (which includes new business incubation platforms focused on identifying and pursuing new commercial opportunities);
Venture Capital;
gains and losses on sales of financial assets;
stock-based compensation expense and severance costs;
changes in the allowance for doubtful receivables;
asbestos-related defense and resolution costs;
foreign exchange hedging results;
non-business aligned technology licensing and catalyst activities;
environmental operations;
enterprise level mega project activities; and
certain corporate overhead costs and cost recovery variances not allocated to the operating segments.

Corporate
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

Sales
$
58

 
$
89

Equity losses
$
(15
)
 
$
(9
)
EBITDA
$
(438
)
 
$
(764
)
Certain items impacting EBITDA
$
(137
)
 
$
(503
)

Sales for Corporate, which primarily relate to the Company's insurance operations, were $58 million in the first quarter of 2012, down from $89 million in the first quarter of 2011.
EBITDA in the first quarter of 2012 was a loss of $438 million, compared with a loss of $764 million in the first quarter of 2011. EBITDA in the first quarter of 2012 was reduced by the severance costs of $113 million related to the workforce reduction component of the Company's restructuring plan as well as a $24 million loss related to the early extinguishment of debt. Compared with the first quarter of last year, EBITDA was negatively impacted by decreased dividend income and higher foreign currency losses, partially offset by decreased performance-based compensation costs (including stock-based compensation expense, as well as decreased expense related to the Employees' Stock Purchase Plan). EBITDA for the first quarter of 2011 was negatively impacted by a $472 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt, as well as $31 million of integration costs related to the April 1, 2009 acquisition of Rohm and Haas.




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Sales Volume and Price by Operating Segment and Geographic Area
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2012
Percentage change from prior year
Volume
 
Price
 
Total
Operating segments
 
 
 
 
 
Electronic and Functional Materials
(2
)%
 
1
 %
 
(1
)%
Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Agricultural Sciences
12

 
2

 
14

Performance Materials

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Performance Plastics
(11
)
 

 
(11
)
Feedstocks and Energy
7

 
6

 
13

Total
(1
)%
 
1
 %
 
 %
Geographic areas
 
 
 
 
 
United States
(1
)%
 
2
 %
 
1
 %
Europe, Middle East and Africa
1

 
(1
)
 

Rest of World
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
Total
(1
)%
 
1
 %
 
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales Volume and Price by Operating Segment and Geographic Area
Three Months Ended
Excluding Divestitures (1)
March 31, 2012
Percentage change from prior year
Volume
 
Price
 
Total
Operating segments
 
 
 
 
 
Electronic and Functional Materials
(2
)%
 
1
 %
 
(1
)%
Coatings and Infrastructure Solutions

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Agricultural Sciences
12

 
2

 
14

Performance Materials
2

 
(2
)
 

Performance Plastics

 

 

Feedstocks and Energy
7

 
6

 
13

Total
3
 %
 
1
 %
 
4
 %
Geographic areas
 
 
 
 
 
United States
2
 %
 
3
 %
 
5
 %
Europe, Middle East and Africa
7

 
(1
)
 
6

Rest of World

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Total
3
 %
 
1
 %
 
4
 %
(1)
Excludes sales of the Polypropylene business that was divested on September 30, 2011 and sales of Dow Haltermann that was divested during 2011.


CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION
The Company's cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows, are summarized in the following table:

Cash Flow Summary
Three Months Ended
In millions
Mar 31, 2012

 
Mar 31, 2011

Cash used in:
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
(51
)
 
$
(175
)
Investing activities
(462
)
 
(352
)
Financing activities
(1,388
)
 
(2,960
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
65

 
10

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
$
(1,836
)
 
$
(3,477
)

Cash used in operating activities in the first three months of 2012 was lower by $124 million compared with the same period last year. In the first quarter of 2012, cash was used in operating activities for increased pension contributions and

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working capital requirements. In the first quarter of 2011, cash was used in operating activities for pension contributions and working capital requirements that more than offset higher dividends from nonconsolidated affiliates.

Cash used in investing activities in the first three months of 2012 increased compared with cash used in investing activities in the first three months of 2011 primarily due to increased investments and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates as well as lower proceeds received from sales of investments and assets.

In the first three months of 2012, cash was used in financing activities primarily for payments on long-term debt, including the early redemption of $1.25 billion of debt as further discussed below, as well as dividends paid to stockholders. In the first three months of 2011, cash was used in financing activities primarily for payments on long-term debt of nearly $3 billion, including the early extinguishment of $1.5 billion of debt.

The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $3,608 million at March 31, 2012 and $5,444 million at December 31, 2011, of which $1,759 million at March 31, 2012 and $2,047 million at December 31, 2011 was held by subsidiaries in foreign countries, including United States territories. For each of its foreign subsidiaries, the Company makes an assertion regarding the amount of earnings intended for permanent reinvestment, with the balance available to be repatriated to the United States. The cash held by foreign subsidiaries for permanent reinvestment is generally used to finance the subsidiaries' operational activities and future foreign investments. A deferred tax liability has been accrued for the funds that are available to be repatriated to the United States. At March 31, 2012, management believed that sufficient liquidity was available in the United States. However, in the unusual event that additional foreign funds are needed in the United States, the Company has the ability to repatriate additional funds. The repatriation could result in an adjustment to the tax liability after considering available foreign tax credits and other tax attributes.

On March 27, 2012, the Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan (the "2012 Plan") to optimize its portfolio, respond to changing and volatile economic conditions, particularly in Western Europe, and to advance the Company's Efficiency for Growth program, which was initiated by the Company in the second quarter of 2011. The restructuring plan includes the elimination of approximately 900 positions. In addition, the Company will shut down a number of manufacturing facilities. These actions are expected to be completed primarily over the next two years.

The restructuring activities related to the 2012 Plan are expected to result in additional cash expenditures of approximately $260 million over the next two years related to contract termination fees and severance costs (see Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Future costs are expected to include demolition costs related to the closed facilities, which will be recognized as incurred.

Management expects that the Company will continue to have sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility to meet all of its business obligations.

The following table presents working capital and certain balance sheet ratios:

Working Capital
In millions
Mar 31, 2012

 
Dec 31, 2011

Current assets
$
23,911

 
$
23,422

Current liabilities
13,465

 
13,634

Working capital
$
10,446

 
$
9,788

Current ratio
1.78
:1
 
1.72
:1
Days-sales-outstanding-in-receivables
43

 
44

Days-sales-in-inventory
75

 
64


Days-sales-in-inventory increased in the first quarter of 2012 as the Company added inventory ahead of seasonal demand and in anticipation of planned turnarounds scheduled for the second quarter of 2012.

As shown in the following table, net debt is equal to total gross debt minus "Cash and cash equivalents" and "Marketable securities and interest bearing deposits." As Dow continues to strengthen its balance sheet and increase financial flexibility, management is principally focused on net debt, as Dow believes this is the best measure of the Company’s financial leverage.


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Total Debt
In millions
Mar 31, 2012

 
Dec 31, 2011

Notes payable
$
555

 
$
541

Long-term debt due within one year
1,798

 
2,749

Long-term debt
18,224

 
18,310

Gross debt
$
20,577

 
$
21,600

Cash and cash equivalents
$
3,608

 
$
5,444

Marketable securities and interest-bearing deposits
2

 
2

Net debt
$
16,967

 
$
16,154

Gross debt as a percent of total capitalization
46.0
%
 
48.0
%
Net debt as a percent of total capitalization
41.2
%
 
40.8
%

As part of its ongoing financing activities, Dow has the ability to issue promissory notes under its U.S. and Euromarket commercial paper programs. The Company had no commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011. Through April 2012, the Company maintained access to the commercial paper market at competitive rates.

In the event Dow has short-term liquidity needs and is unable to issue commercial paper under these programs for any reason, Dow has the ability to access liquidity through its committed and available $5 billion Five Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility Agreement dated October 18, 2011 (the "Revolving Credit Facility") with various U.S. and foreign banks. The Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity date in October 2016 and provides for interest at a LIBOR-plus rate or Base Rate as defined in the Agreement. At March 31, 2012, the full $5 billion Revolving Credit Facility was available to the Company.

As a well-known seasoned issuer, the Company filed an automatic shelf registration for an unspecified amount of mixed securities with the SEC on February 19, 2010. Under this shelf registration, the Company may offer common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities, warrants, stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units with pricing and availability dependent on market conditions; and, on February 19, 2010, registered an unlimited amount of securities for issuance under the Company’s U.S. retail medium-term note program (InterNotes). At March 31, 2012, the Company had Euro 5 billion (approximately $6.7 billion) available for issuance under the Company’s Euro Medium Term Note Program, as well as Japanese yen 50 billion (approximately $610 million) of securities available for issuance under a shelf registration renewed with the Tokyo Stock Exchange effective September 8, 2010, and which will expire on September 7, 2012.

On March 8, 2012, the Company redeemed $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.85 percent notes due August 15, 2012, at a price of 101.8 percent of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. As a result of this redemption, the Company realized a $24 million pretax loss on the early extinguishment of debt, included in "Sundry income (expense) - net" in the consolidated statements of income and reflected in Corporate.

In the first three months of 2012, the Company issued $225 million aggregate principal amount in certain notes and InterNotes. The Company also redeemed $37 million of pollution control/industrial revenue bonds that matured on January 1, 2012.

On March 22, 2011, the Company concluded cash tender offers for $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of certain notes issued by the Company. As a result of the tender offers, the Company redeemed $1.5 billion of the notes and recognized a
$472 million pretax loss on early extinguishment of debt, included in "Sundry income (expense) - net" in the consolidated statements of income and reflected in Corporate. In addition to the redemption of $800 million of notes that matured on February 1, 2011, the Company redeemed $179 million of InterNotes in the first quarter of 2011.

Dow’s public debt instruments and documents for its private funding transactions contain, among other provisions, certain covenants and default provisions. The Company’s most significant debt covenant with regard to its financial position is the obligation to maintain the ratio of the Company’s consolidated indebtedness to consolidated capitalization at no greater than 0.65 to 1.00 at any time the aggregate outstanding amount of loans under the Revolving Credit Facility exceeds $500 million. The ratio of the Company’s consolidated indebtedness to consolidated capitalization as defined in the credit agreements was 0.44 to 1.00 at March 31, 2012. At March 31, 2012, management believes the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and default provisions.

The Company’s credit rating is investment grade. The Company’s long-term credit ratings are BBB with a stable outlook (Standard & Poor’s), Baa3 with a positive outlook (Moody’s) and BBB with a stable outlook (Fitch). The Company’s short-term credit ratings are A-2 (Standard & Poor’s), P-3 (Moody’s) and F2 (Fitch). If the Company’s credit ratings are downgraded,

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borrowing costs will increase on certain indentures, and it could have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to access credit markets.

Capital Expenditures
Capital spending was $402 million in the first quarter of 2012, compared with capital spending of $405 million in the first quarter of 2011. The Company expects capital spending in 2012 to be approximately $2.5 billion.

Contractual Obligations
Information related to the Company’s contractual obligations, commercial commitments and expected cash requirements for interest at December 31, 2011 can be found in Notes N, P, Q, R and X to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. With the exception of the items noted below, there have been no material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations since December 31, 2011.

The following table represents long-term debt obligations and expected cash requirements for interest at March 31, 2012, reflecting the early redemption of debt, the redemption of pollution control/industrial revenue bonds and the issuance of new notes and InterNotes during the first quarter of 2012 (see Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Contractual Obligations at March 31, 2012
Payments Due by Year
 
  
In millions
2012

 
2013

 
2014

 
2015

 
2016

 
2017 and
beyond

 
Total  

Long-term debt – current and noncurrent (1)
$
1,468

 
$
685

 
$
2,391

 
$
1,482

 
$
1,025

 
$
13,353

 
$
20,404

Expected cash requirements for interest (2)
$
1,054

 
$
1,128

 
$
1,014

 
$
899

 
$
844

 
$
7,737

 
$
12,676

(1)
Excludes unamortized debt discount of $382 million.
(2)
Cash requirements for interest was calculated using current interest rates at March 31, 2012, and includes approximately $1.5 billion of various floating rate notes.

Contractual Obligations at December 31, 2011
Payments Due by Year
 
  
In millions
2012

 
2013

 
2014

 
2015

 
2016

 
2017 and
beyond

 
Total  

Long-term debt – current and noncurrent (1)
$
2,749

 
$
662

 
$
2,361

 
$
1,453

 
$
995

 
$
13,232

 
$
21,452

Expected cash requirements for interest (2)
$
1,269

 
$
1,124

 
$
1,011

 
$
897

 
$
845

 
$
7,773

 
$
12,919

(1)
Excludes unamortized debt discount of $393 million.
(2)
Cash requirements for interest was calculated using interest rates at December 31, 2011, and includes approximately $1.1 billion of various floating rate notes.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company holds a variable interest in a joint venture accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of the joint venture and therefore is not required to consolidate the entity (see Note L to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In addition, see Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the transfer of financial assets.

Guarantees arise during the ordinary course of business from relationships with customers and nonconsolidated affiliates when the Company undertakes an obligation to guarantee the performance of others if specific triggering events occur. The Company had outstanding guarantees at March 31, 2012 of $1,131 million, up from $1,113 million at December 31, 2011. Additional information related to these guarantees can be found in the “Guarantees” section of Note I to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements
The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in the fair value hierarchy (Level 1, 2 or 3) based on the inputs used for valuation. Assets and liabilities that are traded on an exchange with a quoted price are classified as Level 1. Assets and liabilities are classified as Level 2 if they are valued based on a bid, bid evaluation, or by using observable market data points of similar, more liquid securities to imply the price. The custodian of the Company’s debt and equity securities uses multiple industry-recognized vendors for pricing information and established processes for validation and verification to assist the Company in its process for determining and validating fair values for these assets. For the Company's interests held in trade receivable conduits, classified as Level 3, the fair value is determined by calculating the expected amount of cash to be received using the key input of anticipated credit losses in the portfolio of receivables sold that have not yet been collected. For pension or other postretirement benefit plan assets classified as Level 3, the total fair value is based on significant unobservable

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inputs including assumptions where there is little, if any, market activity for the investment. The sensitivity of fair value estimates is immaterial relative to the assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as to the total equity of the Company. See Notes H and J to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the Company’s disclosures about fair value measurements.

Portfolio managers and external investment managers regularly review all of the Company’s holdings to determine if any investments are other-than-temporarily impaired. The analysis includes reviewing the amount of the temporary impairment, as well as the length of time it has been impaired. In addition, specific guidelines for each instrument type are followed to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. For debt securities, the credit rating of the issuer, current credit rating trends and the trends of the issuer’s overall sector are considered in determining whether unrealized losses represent an other-than-temporary impairment. For equity securities, the Company’s investments are primarily in Standard & Poor’s ("S&P") 500 companies; however, the Company's policies allow investments in companies outside of the S&P 500. The largest holdings are Exchange Traded Funds that represent the S&P 500 index or an S&P 500 sector or subset; the Company also has holdings in Exchange Traded Funds that represent emerging markets. The Company considers the evidence to support the recovery of the cost basis of a security including volatility of the stock, the length of time the security has been in a loss position, value and growth expectations, and overall market and sector fundamentals, as well as technical analysis, in determining whether unrealized losses represent an other-than-temporary impairment. Other-than-temporary impairment write-downs on investments still held by the Company were $4 million in the first three months of 2012 ($2 million in the first three months of 2011).

Dividends
On February 9, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend for the first quarter of 2012 of $0.25 per common share, payable April 30, 2012, to stockholders of record on March 30, 2012. On April 12, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend for the second quarter of 2012 of $0.32 per common share, payable July 30, 2012 to stockholders of record on June 29, 2012. The 28 percent increase in the dividend demonstrates the Board's commitment to increasingly reward stockholders as the Company continues to grow earnings. Since 1912, the Company has paid a cash dividend every quarter and, in each instance prior to February 12, 2009, had maintained or increased the amount of the dividend, adjusted for stock splits. During this 100-year period, Dow has increased the amount of the quarterly dividend 49 times (approximately 12 percent of the time), reduced the dividend once and maintained the amount of the quarterly dividend approximately 88 percent of the time. The dividend was reduced in February 2009, for the first time since 1912, due to uncertainty in the credit markets, unprecedented lower demand for chemical products and the ongoing global recession.

On February 9, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $85 million to Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A shareholders of record on March 15, 2012, which was paid on April 1, 2012. Ongoing dividends related to Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A will accrue at the rate of $85 million per quarter, and are payable quarterly subject to Board of Directors’ approval.


OTHER MATTERS
Recent Accounting Guidance
See Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of recent accounting guidance.

Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (“2011 10-K”) describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. Dow’s critical accounting policies that are impacted by judgments, assumptions and estimates are described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s 2011 10-K. Since December 31, 2011, there have been no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies.

Asbestos-Related Matters of Union Carbide Corporation
Introduction
Union Carbide Corporation (“Union Carbide”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is and has been involved in a large number of asbestos-related suits filed primarily in state courts during the past three decades. These suits principally allege personal injury resulting from exposure to asbestos-containing products and frequently seek both actual and punitive damages. The alleged claims primarily relate to products that Union Carbide sold in the past, alleged exposure to asbestos-containing products located on Union Carbide’s premises, and Union Carbide’s responsibility for asbestos suits filed against a former Union Carbide subsidiary, Amchem Products, Inc. (“Amchem”). In many cases, plaintiffs are unable to demonstrate that they

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have suffered any compensable loss as a result of such exposure, or that injuries incurred in fact resulted from exposure to Union Carbide’s products.

Influenced by the bankruptcy filings of numerous defendants in asbestos-related litigation and the prospects of various forms of state and national legislative reform, the rate at which plaintiffs filed asbestos-related suits against various companies, including Union Carbide and Amchem, increased in 2001, 2002 and the first half of 2003. Since then, the rate of filing has significantly abated. Union Carbide expects more asbestos-related suits to be filed against Union Carbide and Amchem in the future, and will aggressively defend or reasonably resolve, as appropriate, both pending and future claims.

The table below provides information regarding asbestos-related claims pending against Union Carbide and Amchem, based on criteria developed by Union Carbide and its external consultants:

 
2012

 
2011

Claims unresolved at January 1
53,225

 
62,582

Claims filed
1,896

 
2,039

Claims settled, dismissed or otherwise resolved
(12,303
)
 
(3,372
)
Claims unresolved at March 31
42,818

 
61,249

Claimants with claims against both UCC and Amchem
(12,671
)
 
(18,475
)
Individual claimants at March 31
30,147


42,774


Plaintiffs’ lawyers often sue numerous defendants in individual lawsuits or on behalf of numerous claimants. As a result, the damages alleged are not expressly identified as to Union Carbide, Amchem or any other particular defendant, even when specific damages are alleged with respect to a specific disease or injury. In fact, there are no personal injury cases in which only Union Carbide and/or Amchem are the sole named defendants. For these reasons and based upon Union Carbide’s litigation and settlement experience, Union Carbide does not consider the damages alleged against Union Carbide and Amchem to be a meaningful factor in its determination of any potential asbestos-related liability.

Estimating the Liability
Based on a study completed by Analysis, Research & Planning Corporation (“ARPC”) in January 2003, Union Carbide increased its December 31, 2002 asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims for the 15-year period ending in 2017 to $2.2 billion, excluding future defense and processing costs. Since then, Union Carbide has compared current asbestos claim and resolution activity to the results of the most recent ARPC study at each balance sheet date to determine whether the accrual continues to be appropriate. In addition, Union Carbide has requested ARPC to review Union Carbide’s historical asbestos claim and resolution activity each November since 2004 to determine the appropriateness of updating the most recent ARPC study.

In November 2010, Union Carbide requested ARPC to review Union Carbide’s historical asbestos claim and resolution activity and determine the appropriateness of updating its most recent study completed in December 2008. In response to that request, ARPC reviewed and analyzed data through October 31, 2010. The resulting study, completed by ARPC in December 2010, stated that the undiscounted cost of resolving pending and future asbestos-related claims against Union Carbide and Amchem, excluding future defense and processing costs, through 2025 was estimated to be between $744 million and $835 million. As in its earlier studies, ARPC provided estimates for a longer period of time in its December 2010 study, but also reaffirmed its prior advice that forecasts for shorter periods of time are more accurate than those for longer periods of time.

In December 2010, based on ARPC’s December 2010 study and Union Carbide’s own review of the asbestos claim and resolution activity, Union Carbide decreased its asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims to $744 million, which covered the 15-year period ending 2025, excluding future defense and processing costs. The reduction was $54 million and was shown as “Asbestos-related credit” in the consolidated statements of income and reflected in Corporate. At December 31, 2010, the asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims was $728 million.

In November 2011, Union Carbide requested ARPC to review Union Carbide's 2011 asbestos claim and resolution activity and determine the appropriateness of updating its December 2010 study. In response to that request, ARPC reviewed and analyzed data through October 31, 2011. In January 2012, ARPC stated that an update of its study would not provide a more likely estimate of future events than the estimate reflected in its December 2010 study and, therefore, the estimate in that study remained applicable. Based on Union Carbide's own review of the asbestos claim and resolution activity and ARPC's response, Union Carbide determined that no change to the accrual was required. At December 31, 2011, the asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims was $668 million. At December 31, 2011, approximately 18 percent of the recorded liability related to pending claims and approximately 82 percent related to future claims.

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Based on Union Carbide’s review of 2012 activity, Union Carbide determined that no adjustment to the accrual was required at March 31, 2012. Union Carbide’s asbestos-related liability for pending and future claims was $646 million at March 31, 2012. Approximately 20 percent of the recorded liability related to pending claims and approximately 80 percent related to future claims.

Defense and Resolution Costs
The following table provides information regarding defense and resolution costs related to asbestos-related claims filed against Union Carbide and Amchem:

Defense and Resolution Costs
Three Months Ended
 
Aggregate Costs  
to Date as of  

In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Mar 31,
2011

 
Mar 31,
2012

Defense costs
$
25

 
$
13

 
$
887

Resolution costs
$
22

 
$
9

 
$
1,605


The average resolution payment per asbestos claimant and the rate of new claim filings has fluctuated both up and down since the beginning of 2001. Union Carbide’s management expects such fluctuations to continue in the future based upon a number of factors, including the number and type of claims settled in a particular period, the jurisdictions in which such claims arose and the extent to which any proposed legislative reform related to asbestos litigation is being considered.

Union Carbide expenses defense costs as incurred. The pretax impact for defense and resolution costs, net of insurance, was $25 million in the first quarter of 2012 ($13 million in the first quarter of 2011) and was reflected in “Cost of sales” in the consolidated statements of income.

Insurance Receivables
At December 31, 2002, Union Carbide increased the receivable for insurance recoveries related to its asbestos liability to $1.35 billion, substantially exhausting its asbestos product liability coverage. The insurance receivable related to the asbestos liability was determined by Union Carbide after a thorough review of applicable insurance policies and the 1985 Wellington Agreement, to which Union Carbide and many of its liability insurers are signatory parties, as well as other insurance settlements, with due consideration given to applicable deductibles, retentions and policy limits, and taking into account the solvency and historical payment experience of various insurance carriers. The Wellington Agreement and other agreements with insurers are designed to facilitate an orderly resolution and collection of Union Carbide’s insurance policies and to resolve issues that the insurance carriers may raise.

In September 2003, Union Carbide filed a comprehensive insurance coverage case, now proceeding in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, seeking to confirm its rights to insurance for various asbestos claims and to facilitate an orderly and timely collection of insurance proceeds (the “Insurance Litigation”). The Insurance Litigation was filed against insurers that are not signatories to the Wellington Agreement and/or do not otherwise have agreements in place with Union Carbide regarding their asbestos-related insurance coverage, in order to facilitate an orderly resolution and collection of such insurance policies and to resolve issues that the insurance carriers may raise. Since the filing of the case, Union Carbide has reached settlements with several of the carriers involved in the Insurance Litigation, including settlements reached with two significant carriers in the fourth quarter of 2009. The Insurance Litigation is ongoing.

Union Carbide’s receivable for insurance recoveries related to its asbestos liability was $40 million at March 31, 2012 and $40 million at December 31, 2011. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, all of the receivable for insurance recoveries was related to insurers that are not signatories to the Wellington Agreement and/or do not otherwise have agreements in place regarding their asbestos-related insurance coverage.


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In addition to the receivable for insurance recoveries related to its asbestos liability, Union Carbide had receivables for defense and resolution costs submitted to insurance carriers that have settlement agreements in place regarding their asbestos-related insurance coverage. The following table summarizes Union Carbide’s receivables related to its asbestos-related liability:

Receivables for Asbestos-Related Costs
In millions
Mar 31,
2012

 
Dec 31,
2011

Receivables for defense costs – carriers with settlement agreements
$
19

 
$
20

Receivables for resolution costs – carriers with settlement agreements
155

 
158

Receivables for insurance recoveries – carriers without settlement agreements
40

 
40

Total
$
214

 
$
218


After a review of its insurance policies, with due consideration given to applicable deductibles, retentions and policy limits, after taking into account the solvency and historical payment experience of various insurance carriers; existing insurance settlements; and the advice of outside counsel with respect to the applicable insurance coverage law relating to the terms and conditions of its insurance policies, Union Carbide continues to believe that its recorded receivable for insurance recoveries from all insurance carriers is probable of collection.

Summary
The amounts recorded by Union Carbide for the asbestos-related liability and related insurance receivable described above were based upon current, known facts. However, future events, such as the number of new claims to be filed and/or received each year, the average cost of disposing of each such claim, coverage issues among insurers, and the continuing solvency of various insurance companies, as well as the numerous uncertainties surrounding asbestos litigation in the United States, could cause the actual costs and insurance recoveries for Union Carbide to be higher or lower than those projected or those recorded.

Because of the uncertainties described above, Union Carbide’s management cannot estimate the full range of the cost of resolving pending and future asbestos-related claims facing Union Carbide and Amchem. Union Carbide’s management believes that it is reasonably possible that the cost of disposing of Union Carbide’s asbestos-related claims, including future defense costs, could have a material impact on Union Carbide’s results of operations and cash flows for a particular period and on the consolidated financial position of Union Carbide.

It is the opinion of Dow’s management that it is reasonably possible that the cost of Union Carbide disposing of its asbestos-related claims, including future defense costs, could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows for a particular period and on the consolidated financial position of the Company.



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The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Dow’s business operations give rise to market risk exposure due to changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates, commodity prices and other market factors such as equity prices. To manage such risks effectively, the Company enters into hedging transactions, pursuant to established guidelines and policies, which enable it to mitigate the adverse effects of financial market risk. Derivatives used for this purpose are designated as hedges per the accounting guidance related to derivatives and hedging activities, where appropriate. A secondary objective is to add value by creating additional non-specific exposure within established limits and policies; derivatives used for this purpose are not designated as hedges. The potential impact of creating such additional exposures is not material to the Company’s results.

The global nature of Dow’s business requires active participation in the foreign exchange markets. As a result of investments, production facilities and other operations on a global basis, the Company has assets, liabilities and cash flows in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The primary objective of the Company’s foreign exchange risk management is to optimize the U.S. dollar value of net assets and cash flows, keeping the adverse impact of currency movements to a minimum. To achieve this objective, the Company hedges on a net exposure basis using foreign currency forward contracts, over-the-counter option contracts, cross-currency swaps, and nonderivative instruments in foreign currencies. Exposures primarily relate to assets, liabilities and bonds denominated in foreign currencies, as well as economic exposure, which is derived from the risk that currency fluctuations could affect the dollar value of future cash flows related to operating activities. The largest exposures are denominated in European currencies, the Japanese yen and the Canadian dollar, although exposures also exist in other currencies of Asia Pacific, Latin America, India, the Middle East and Africa.

The main objective of interest rate risk management is to reduce the total funding cost to the Company and to alter the interest rate exposure to the desired risk profile. Dow uses interest rate swaps, “swaptions,” and exchange-traded instruments to accomplish this objective. The Company’s primary exposure is to the U.S. dollar yield curve.

Dow has a portfolio of equity securities derived primarily from the investment activities of its insurance subsidiaries. This exposure is managed in a manner consistent with the Company’s market risk policies and procedures.

Inherent in Dow’s business is exposure to price changes for several commodities. Some exposures can be hedged effectively through liquid tradable financial instruments. Feedstocks for ethylene production and natural gas constitute the main commodity exposures. Over-the-counter and exchange traded instruments are used to hedge these risks when feasible.

Dow uses value at risk (“VAR”), stress testing and scenario analysis for risk measurement and control purposes. VAR estimates the maximum potential loss in fair market values, given a certain move in prices over a certain period of time, using specified confidence levels. The VAR methodology used by the Company is a historical simulation model which captures co-movements in market rates across different instruments and market risk exposure categories. The historical simulation model uses a 97.5 percent confidence level and the historical scenario period includes at least six months of historical data. The March 31, 2012, 2011 year-end and 2011 average daily VAR for the aggregate of all positions are shown below. These amounts are immaterial relative to the total equity of the Company.

Total Daily VAR by Exposure Type
  
 
2011
In millions
At March 31, 2012

 
Year-end
 
Average  

Foreign exchange
$
1

 
$
2

 
$
2

Interest rate
$
186

 
$
286

 
$
199

Equities
$
20

 
$
29

 
$
20

Commodities
$
7

 
$
4

 
$
4

Composite
$
198

 
$
300

 
$
220



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The Company’s daily VAR for the aggregate of all positions decreased from a composite VAR of $300 million at December 31, 2011 to a composite VAR of $198 million at March 31, 2012. Foreign exchange and equities VAR decreased due to lower volatility. The interest rate VAR decreased due to a reduction in the amount of debt outstanding as well as lower volatility. The commodities VAR was higher due to an increase in natural gas hedging activity.

See Note G to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further disclosure regarding market risk.


ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Disclosure Committee and the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to paragraph (b) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that was conducted during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.



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The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Asbestos-Related Matters of Union Carbide Corporation
No material developments regarding this matter occurred during the first quarter of 2012. For a summary of the history and current status of this matter, see Note I to the Consolidated Financial Statements; and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Asbestos-Related Matters of Union Carbide Corporation.

Rohm and Haas Pension Plan Matters
In December 2005, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana (the “District Court”) issued a decision granting a class of participants in the Rohm and Haas Pension Plan (the “Rohm and Haas Plan”) who had retired from Rohm and Haas, now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and who elected to receive a lump sum benefit from the Rohm and Haas Plan, the right to a cost-of-living adjustment (“COLA”) as part of their retirement benefit. In August 2007, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (the "Seventh Circuit") affirmed the District Court’s decision, and in March 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the Rohm and Haas Plan’s petition to review the Seventh Circuit’s decision. The case was returned to the District Court for further proceedings. In October 2008 and February 2009, the District Court issued rulings that have the effect of including in the class all Rohm and Haas retirees who received a lump sum distribution without a COLA from the Rohm and Haas Plan since January 1976. These rulings are subject to appeal, and the District Court has not yet determined the amount of the COLA benefits that may be due to the class participants. The Rohm and Haas Plan and the plaintiffs entered into a settlement agreement that, in addition to settling the litigation with respect to the Rohm and Haas retirees, provides for the amendment of the complaint and amendment of the Rohm and Haas Plan to include active employees in the settlement benefits. The District Court preliminarily approved the settlement on November 24, 2009 and, following a hearing on March 12, 2010, issued a final order approving the settlement on April 12, 2010. A group of objectors to the settlement filed an appeal from the final order. In November 2010, the District Court issued an order approving class counsel’s fee award petition in an amount consistent with the terms of the settlement. The same objectors also appealed this order. On September 2, 2011, the Seventh Circuit affirmed the approval of the settlement and the award of attorneys' fees. A lone objector filed a petition for rehearing, which was denied on October 17, 2011. The objector continued the appeal process by timely filing a petition for a writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court, which was denied on April 16, 2012.

A pension liability associated with this matter of $185 million was recognized as part of the acquisition of Rohm and Haas on April 1, 2009. The liability, which was determined in accordance with the accounting guidance for contingencies, recognized the estimated impact of the above described judicial decisions on the long-term Rohm and Haas Plan obligations owed to the applicable Rohm and Haas retirees and active employees. The Company had a liability associated with this matter of $189 million at March 31, 2012 and $189 million at December 31, 2011. The Company expects to begin making the settlement payments during the second quarter of 2012 to resolve this matter.


ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS.
The following risk factor was updated in the first quarter of 2012.
Raw Materials: Availability of purchased feedstocks and energy and the volatility of these costs impact Dow’s operating costs and add variability to earnings.
Purchased feedstock and energy costs account for a substantial portion of the Company’s total production costs and operating expenses. The Company purchases hydrocarbon raw materials including ethane, propane, butane, naphtha and condensate as feedstocks. The Company also purchases certain monomers, primarily ethylene and propylene, to supplement internal production, as well as other raw materials. The Company purchases natural gas, mainly to generate electricity, and purchases electric power.

Feedstock and energy costs generally follow price trends in crude oil and natural gas, which are sometimes volatile. While the Company uses its feedstock flexibility and financial and physical hedging programs to help mitigate feedstock cost increases, the Company is not always able to immediately raise selling prices. Ultimately, the ability to pass on underlying cost increases is dependent on market conditions. Conversely, when feedstock and energy costs decline, selling prices generally decline as well. As a result, volatility in these costs could impact the Company’s results of operations.

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The Company has announced a number of investments in the U.S. Gulf Coast to take advantage of increasing supplies of low-cost natural gas and natural gas liquids ("NGLs") from shale gas. As a result of these investments, the Company’s exposure to purchased ethylene and propylene is expected to decline, offset by increased exposure to ethane and propane feedstocks. The first project to come online will be the re-start of an ethylene cracker in Louisiana, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

While the Company expects abundant and cost-advantaged supplies of NGLs in the United States to persist for the foreseeable future, if NGLs were to become significantly less advantaged than crude oil-based feedstocks, it could have a negative impact on the Company’s operations and future investments.

Also, if the Company’s key suppliers of feedstocks and energy are unable to provide the raw materials required for production, it could have a negative impact on the Company's results of operations.


ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company does not currently have a share repurchase program, and there were no purchases of the Company's common stock by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2012.


ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.


ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS.
See the Exhibit Index on page 63 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for exhibits filed with this report.

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The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
Trademark Listing

The following trademarks or service marks of The Dow Chemical Company and certain affiliated companies of Dow appear in this report: ACRYSOL, ADCOTE, AFFINITY, AMPLIFY, AQUA-LAM, ASPUN, ATTANE, CONTINUUM, COSEAL, DOW, DOWLEX, ECOLIBRIUM, ENDURANCE, ENGAGE, ENLIGHT, ELITE, HEALTH+, HYPOD, INFUSE, INTEGRAL, LAMAL, MOR-AD, MOR-FREE, MORPRIME, MORSTIK, NORDEL, NYLOPAK, OPTICITE, PRIMACOR, PRIMAL, PROCITE, RHOPLEX, ROBOND, ROVACE, SARAN, SARANEX, SEALUTION, SERFENE, SI-LINK, SOLUTIONISM, STYROFOAM, TAMOL, TRENCHCOAT, TRYCITE, TUFLIN, TYBRITE, UNIGARD, VERSIFY




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The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY
Registrant
Date: May 2, 2012

/s/ RONALD C. EDMONDS
Ronald C. Edmonds
Vice President and Controller


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The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
Exhibit Index

EXHIBIT NO.
  
DESCRIPTION
 
 
12.1
  
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 
 
23
  
Analysis, Research & Planning Corporation’s Consent.
 
 
31(a)
  
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31(b)
  
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32(a)
  
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32(b)
  
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101.INS
  
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.DEF
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document



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