Margins higher as crude oil prices drop / Performance Plastics business unit helps boost operating profit

摘要

Dow Chemical (Midland, Michigan / USA; www.dow.com) has reported a 3 % year-on-year increase in operating profit (EBITDA excluding certain items including divestments) to USD 9.6 bn for 2015, with gains in its Performance Plastics and Consumer Solutions businesses. Sales were down 16% at USD 48.8 bn as prices were impacted by a 45% decline in average crude oil pricing as well as currency effects. Geographically, volumes grew in all areas, led by Asia Pacific (up 4%) and EMEAI (up 3%). On the same basis, emerging geographies rose 4%, highlighted by 10% growth in Greater China.