Midland, MI, January 26, 2006--Dow Chemical reported earnings for the the fourth quarter that rose on strong pricing across its performance chemicals and plastics businesses.
The company reported earnings that increased to $1.1 billion, or $1.12 per share, from $1.03 billion, or $1.06 a share, a year earlier.
Net sales rose to $11.9 billion from $10.9 billion a year earlier.
Excluding unusual items, earnings were $1.02 a share. Analysts were expecting earnings of $1.05 per share.
Net sales rose to $11.9 billion from $10.9 billion a year earlier, missing Wall Street estimates of $12.08 billion.
Like competitors, Dow has fought to control high input costs, particularly for natural gas, in the wake of last year's devastating hurricanes. But the company said it was optimistic about the current year despite those costs.
"Our outlook for 2006 is positive, both for the chemical industry and for our company, despite the uncertainty and volatility in feedstock and energy costs," Dow chief executive Andrew Liveris said in a statement.
