ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The factors described below represent the Company's principal risks.
CLIMATE CHANGE - RELATED RISKS
Climate Change: Climate change-related risks and uncertainties, legal or regulatory responses to climate change and failure to meet the Company’s climate change commitments could negatively impact the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and/or reputation.
The Company is subject to increasing climate-related risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of its control. Climate change may result in more frequent severe weather events, potential changes in precipitation patterns and extreme variability in weather patterns, which can disrupt the operations of the Company as well as those of its customers, partners and vendors.
The transition to lower greenhouse gas emissions technology, the effects of carbon pricing and changes in public sentiment, regulations, taxes, public mandates or requirements and increases in climate-related lawsuits, insurance premiums and implementation of more robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans could increase costs to maintain or resume the Company’s operations or achieve its sustainability commitments in the expected timeframes, which would negatively impact the Company’s results of operations.
In 2020, the Company announced commitments to reduce its net annual greenhouse gas emissions by an additional 5 million metric tons, or 15 percent compared with its 2020 baseline, by 2030 (the 2020 baseline represents a 15 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2005) and its intention to be carbon neutral by 2050 (Scopes 1+2+3, as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, plus product benefits). Execution and achievement of these commitments within the currently projected costs and expected timeframes are also subject to risks and uncertainties which include, but are not limited to: advancement, availability, development and affordability of technology necessary to achieve these commitments; unforeseen design, operational and technological difficulties; availability of necessary materials and components; adapting products to customer preferences and customer acceptance of sustainable supply chain solutions; changes in public sentiment and political leadership; the Company’s ability to comply with changing regulations, taxes, mandates or requirements related to greenhouse gas emissions or other climate-related matters; and the pace of regional and global recovery from the pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19"). Given the focus on sustainable investing, if the Company fails to meet its climate change commitments within the committed timeframe and adopt policies and practices to enhance sustainability, the Company’s reputation and its customer and other stakeholder relationships could be negatively impacted and it may be more difficult for the Company to compete effectively or gain access to financing on acceptable terms when needed, which would have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC - RELATED RISKS
Public Health Crisis: A public health crisis or global outbreak of disease, including the pandemic caused by COVID-19 has had, and could continue to have, a negative effect on the Company's manufacturing operations, supply chain and workforce, creating business disruptions that couldcontinue to have a substantial negative impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has impacted all geographic regions where Dow products are produced and sold. The global, regional and local spread of COVID-19, including existing and new variants, has resulted in significant global mitigation measures, including government-directed quarantines, social distancing and shelter-in-place mandates, travel restrictions and/or bans, mask and vaccination mandates, restrictions on large gatherings and restricted access to certain corporate facilities and manufacturing sites. Uncertainty with respect to the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with oil price fluctuations due in part to the global spread of COVID-19 and the continued increase in global cases, has contributed to the volatility of financial markets. While the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic in key geographic regions and end-markets cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, impacts to the Company include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the Company’s stock price due to market volatility; a decrease in demand for certain Company products; price declines; reduced profitability; supply chain disruptions impeding the Company’s ability to ship and/or receive product; temporary idling or permanent closure of select manufacturing facilities and/or manufacturing assets; asset impairment charges; interruptions or limitations to manufacturing operations imposed by local, state or federal governments; reduced market liquidity and increased borrowing costs; workforce absenteeism and distraction; labor shortages; customer credit concerns; increased cyber security risk and data accessibility disruptions due to remote working arrangements; workforce reductions and fluctuations in foreign currency markets. Additional risks may include, but are not limited to: shortages of key raw materials; potential impairment in the carrying value of goodwill; additional asset impairment charges; increased obligations related to the Company’s pension and other
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postretirement benefit plans; and tax valuation allowances. Business disruptions and market volatility resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have had and could have a substantial negative impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. The adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this "Risk Factors" section.
MACROECONOMIC RISKS
Financial Commitments and Credit Markets: Market conditions could reduce the Company's flexibility to respond to changing business conditions or fund capital needs.
Adverse economic conditions could reduce the Company’s flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions or to fund capital expenditures or working capital needs. The economic environment could result in a contraction in the availability of credit in the marketplace and reduce sources of liquidity for the Company. This could result in higher borrowing costs.
Global Economic Considerations: The Company operates in a global, competitive environment which gives rise to operating and market risk exposure.
The Company sells its broad range of products and services in a competitive, global environment, and competes worldwide for sales on the basis of product quality, price, technology and customer service. Increased levels of competition could result in lower prices or lower sales volume, which could have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations. Sales of the Company's products are also subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations; trade agreements; import and export controls; taxes; and duties and tariffs. The imposition of additional regulations, controls, taxes and duties and tariffs or changes to bilateral and regional trade agreements could result in lower sales volume, which could negatively impact the Company’s results of operations.
Economic conditions around the world, and in certain industries in which the Company does business, also impact sales price and volume. As a result, market uncertainty or an economic downturn driven by political tensions, war, terrorism, epidemics, pandemics or political instability in the geographic regions or industries in which the Company sells its products could reduce demand for these products and result in decreased sales volume, which could have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations.
In addition, volatility and disruption of financial markets could limit customers’ ability to obtain adequate financing to maintain operations, which could result in a decrease in sales volume and have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations. The Company’s global business operations also give rise to market risk exposure related to changes in inflation, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, commodity prices and other market factors such as equity prices. To manage such risks, the Company enters into hedging transactions, where deemed appropriate, pursuant to established guidelines and policies. If the Company fails to effectively manage such risks, it could have a negative impact on its results of operations.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits: Increased obligations and expenses related to the Company's defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans could negatively impact its financial condition and results of operations.
The Company has defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans (the “plans”) in the United States and a number of other countries. The assets of the Company's funded plans are primarily invested in fixed income securities, equity securities of U.S. and foreign issuers and alternative investments, including investments in real estate, private equity and absolute return strategies. Changes in the market value of plan assets, investment returns, discount rates, mortality rates, regulations and the rate of increase in compensation levels may affect the funded status of the Company's plans and could cause volatility in the net periodic benefit cost, future funding requirements of the plans and the funded status of the plans. A significant increase in the Company's obligations or future funding requirements could have a negative impact on the Company's results of operations and cash flows for a particular period and on the Company's financial condition.
Supply/Demand Balance: Earnings generated by the Company's products vary based in part on the balance of supply relative to demand within the industry.
The balance of supply relative to demand within the industry may be significantly impacted by the addition of new capacity, especially for basic commodities where capacity is generally added in large increments as world-scale facilities are built. This may disrupt industry balances and result in downward pressure on prices due to the increase in supply, which could negatively impact the Company’s results of operations.
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LEGAL AND REGULATORY RISKS
Environmental Compliance: The costs of complying with evolving regulatory requirements could negatively impact the Company's financial results. Actual or alleged violations of environmental laws or permit requirements could result in restrictions or prohibitions on plant operations, substantial civil or criminal sanctions, as well as the assessment of strict liability and/or joint and several liability.
The Company is subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to pollution, protection of the environment, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and the generation, storage, handling, transportation, treatment, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances and waste materials. In addition, the Company may have costs related to environmental remediation and restoration obligations associated with past and current sites as well as related to its past or current waste disposal practices or other hazardous materials handling. Although management will estimate and accrue liabilities for these obligations, it is reasonably possible that the Company’s ultimate cost with respect to these matters could be significantly higher, which could negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Costs and capital expenditures relating to environmental, health or safety matters are subject to evolving regulatory requirements and depend on the timing of the promulgation and enforcement of specific standards which impose the requirements. Moreover, changes in environmental regulations could inhibit or interrupt the Company’s operations, or require modifications to its facilities. Accordingly, environmental, health or safety regulatory matters could result in significant unanticipated costs or liabilities. For additional information, see Part II, Item 7. Other Matters, Environmental Matters in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Health and Safety: Increased concerns regarding the safe use of chemicals and plastics in commerce and their potential impact on the environment has resulted in more restrictive regulations and could lead to new regulations.
Concerns regarding the safe use of chemicals and plastics in commerce and their potential impact on health and the environment reflect a growing trend in societal demands for increasing levels of product safety and environmental protection. These concerns could manifest themselves in stockholder proposals, preferred purchasing, delays or failures in obtaining or retaining regulatory approvals, delayed product launches, lack of market acceptance and continued pressure for more stringent regulatory intervention and litigation. These concerns could also influence public perceptions, the viability or continued sales of certain of the Company's products, its reputation and the cost to comply with regulations. In addition, terrorist attacks and natural disasters have increased concerns about the security and safety of chemical production and distribution. These concerns could have a negative impact on the Company's results of operations.
Local, state, federal and foreign governments continue to propose new regulations related to the security of chemical plant locations and the transportation of hazardous chemicals, which could result in higher operating costs.
Litigation: The Company is party to a number of claims and lawsuits arising out of the normal course of business with respect to product liability, patent infringement, employment matters, governmental tax and regulation disputes, contract and commercial litigation, and other actions.
Certain of the claims and lawsuits facing the Company purport to be class actions and seek damages in very large amounts. All such claims are contested. With the exception of the possible effect of the asbestos-related liability of Union Carbide Corporation (“Union Carbide”) and Chapter 11 related matters of Dow Silicones Corporation ("Dow Silicones") as described below, it is the opinion of the Company’s management that the possibility is remote that the aggregate of all such claims and lawsuits will have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Union Carbide is and has been involved in a large number of asbestos-related suits filed primarily in state courts during the past four decades. At December 31, 2021, Union Carbide's total asbestos-related liability, including future defense and processing costs, was $1,016 million ($1,098 million at December 31, 2020).
In 1995, Dow Silicones, a former 50:50 joint venture, voluntarily filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in order to resolve breast implant liabilities and related matters (the “Chapter 11 Proceeding”). Dow Silicones emerged from the Chapter 11 Proceeding on June 1, 2004, and is implementing the Joint Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”). The Plan provides funding for the resolution of breast implant and other product liability litigation covered by the Chapter 11 Proceeding. Dow Silicones’ liability for breast implant and other product liability claims was $130 million at December 31, 2021 ($160 million at December 31, 2020). See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on litigation matters.
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Plastic Waste: Increased concerns regarding plastic waste in the environment, consumers selectively reducing their consumption of plastic products, a lack of plastic waste collection and recycling infrastructure, or new or more restrictive regulations and rules related to plastic waste could reduce demand for the Company’s plastic products and could negatively impact the Company’s financial results.
Local, state, federal and foreign governments have been increasingly proposing regulations to address the global plastic waste challenge, including, but not limited to, extended producer responsibility fees, a Global Plastics Treaty and bans on non-essential items. These regulations on plastic waste drive demand toward plastic solutions that are recyclable, reusable, made with recycled content and/or renewable raw materials. In addition, without proper waste collection and recycling infrastructure at scale, plastics have faced increased public scrutiny due to negative coverage of plastic waste in the environment, including the world’s oceans and rivers. As Dow is one of the world’s largest producers of plastics, increased pressure on the use of plastics, despite positive carbon benefits and essential functions such as food preservation and medical uses, could cause reduced demand for the Company’s polyethylene products which could negatively impact the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
OPERATIONAL AND STRATEGIC RISKS
Company Strategy: Implementing certain elements of the Company's strategy could negatively impact its financial results.
The Company currently has manufacturing operations, sales and marketing activities, and joint ventures in emerging geographic regions. Activities in these geographic regions are accompanied by uncertainty and risks including: navigating different government regulatory environments; relationships with new, local partners; project funding commitments and guarantees; expropriation, military actions, war, terrorism and political instability; sabotage; uninsurable risks; suppliers not performing as expected resulting in increased risk of extended project timelines; and determining raw material supply and other details regarding product movement. In addition, disruptions to supply chains, distribution chains and/or public and private infrastructure, including those caused by industry capacity constraints, material availability, global logistics delays and constraints arising from, among other things, the transportation capacity of ocean shipping containers and labor availability constraints, could materially and adversely impact our business operations. If the manufacturing operations, supply chains, sales and marketing activities, and/or implementation of these projects is not successful, it could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Cyber Threat: The risk of loss of the Company’s trade secrets, know-how or other sensitive business information or disruption of operations could negatively impact the Company’s financial results.
Cyber-attacks or security breaches could compromise confidential, business critical information, cause a disruption in the Company’s operations or harm the Company's reputation. The Company has attractive information assets, including trade secrets, know-how and other sensitive, business critical information. While the Company has a comprehensive cyber-security program that is continuously reviewed, maintained and upgraded, a significant cyber-attack could result in the loss of critical business information and/or could negatively impact operations, which could have a negative impact on the Company’s financial results.
Goodwill: An impairment of goodwill could negatively impact the Company’s financial results.
At least annually, the Company assesses goodwill for impairment. If testing indicates that goodwill is impaired, the carrying value is written down based on fair value with a charge against earnings. Where the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow methodology in determining fair value, continued weak demand for a specific product line or business could result in an impairment. Accordingly, any determination requiring the write-off of a significant portion of goodwill could negatively impact the Company's results of operations. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company's goodwill impairment testing.
Operational Event: A significant operational event could negatively impact the Company's results of operations.
As a diversified chemical manufacturing company, the Company's operations, the transportation of products, cyber-attacks, pandemics and other public health-related events or severe weather conditions and other natural phenomena (such as freezing, drought, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, etc.) could result in an unplanned event that could be significant in scale and could negatively impact operations, neighbors or the public at large, which could have a negative impact on the Company's results of operations.
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Major hurricanes and other weather-related events have caused significant disruption in the Company's operations on the U.S. Gulf Coast, logistics across the region, and the supply of certain raw materials, which had an adverse impact on volume and cost for some of its products. Due to the Company's substantial presence on the U.S. Gulf Coast, similar severe weather conditions or other natural phenomena in the future could negatively impact the Company's results of operations.
Raw Materials: Availability of purchased feedstock 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 and also purchases certain monomers, primarily ethylene and propylene, to supplement internal production, as well as other raw materials. The Company also purchases natural gas, primarily to generate electricity, and purchases electric power to supplement internal generation.
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.
The Company has a number of investments on the U.S. Gulf Coast to take advantage of increasing supplies of low-cost natural gas and natural gas liquids ("NGLs") derived from shale gas including: the St. Charles Operations ("SCO-2") ethylene production facility, which commenced operations in December 2012; an on-purpose propylene production facility, which commenced operations in December 2015; an ethylene production facility in Plaquemine, Louisiana, which included expanding the facility’s ethylene production capacity and modifications to enable full ethane cracking flexibility; completion of a new integrated world-scale ethylene production facility and a new ELITETM Enhanced Polyethylene production facility, both located in Freeport, Texas, in 2017, and a capacity expansion project which brought the facility’s total ethylene capacity to 2,000 kilotonnes per annum in 2020; and, the Company commenced operations in 2018 on its new LDPE production facility and its new NORDELTM Metallocene EPDM production facility, both located in Plaquemine, Louisiana. 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-based feedstocks.
While the Company expects abundant and cost-advantaged supplies of NGLs in the United States to persist for the foreseeable future, if NGLs become significantly less advantaged than crude oil-based feedstocks, it could have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations and future investments. Also, if the Company’s key suppliers of feedstock 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.
Separation from DowDuPont: Risks related to achieving the anticipated benefits of Dow's separation from DowDuPont.
Risks related to achieving the anticipated benefits of Dow's separation from DowDuPont include, but are not limited to, a number of conditions outside the control of Dow, including risks related to: (i) Dow's failure to achieve in full the anticipated benefits from the separation from DowDuPont; (ii) certain tax risks associated with the separation; (iii) the failure of Dow's pro forma financial information to be a reliable indicator of Dow's future results; (iv) receipt of less favorable terms in the commercial agreements Dow entered into with DuPont and Corteva, Inc. ("Corteva"), including restrictions under intellectual property cross-license agreements, than Dow would have received from an unaffiliated third party; and (v) Dow's obligation to indemnify DuPont and/or Corteva for certain liabilities.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's corporate headquarters are located in Midland, Michigan. The Company's manufacturing, processing, marketing and research and development facilities, as well as regional purchasing offices and distribution centers are located throughout the world. The Company has investments in property, plant and equipment related to global manufacturing operations. Collectively, the Company operates 104 manufacturing sites in 31 countries. The following table includes the major manufacturing sites by operating segment, including consolidated variable interest entities:
Location
Bahia Blanca, Argentina X
Candeias, Brazil X X
Canada:
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta X
Prentiss, Alberta X
Zhangjiagang, China X X X
Germany:
Boehlen X X
Leuna X
Schkopau X X
Stade X
Terneuzen, The Netherlands X X
Tarragona, Spain X X
Map Ta Phut, Thailand X X
Barry, United Kingdom X
United States:
Carrollton, Kentucky X
Hahnville, Louisiana X X X
Plaquemine, Louisiana X X
Midland, Michigan X
Deer Park, Texas X X
Freeport, Texas X X X
Orange, Texas X
Seadrift, Texas X X
Texas City, Texas X X
Including the major manufacturing sites, the Company has manufacturing sites and holdings in all geographic regions as follows:
Manufacturing Sites by Region
Asia Pacific 18 manufacturing sites in 10 countries
EMEAI 1 37 manufacturing sites in 15 countries
Latin America 15 manufacturing sites in 4 countries
U.S. & Canada 34 manufacturing sites in 2 countries
1.Europe, Middle East, Africa and India.
Properties of the Company include facilities which, in the opinion of management, are suitable and adequate for their use and will have sufficient capacity for the Company’s current needs and expected near-term growth. All of the Company’s plants are owned or leased, subject to certain easements of other persons which, in the opinion of management, do not substantially interfere with the continued use of such properties or materially affect their value. No title examination of the properties has been made for the purpose of this report. Additional information with respect to the Company's property, plant and equipment and leases is contained in Notes 11, 15 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Asbestos-Related Matters of Union Carbide Corporation
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 four 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.
For additional information, see Part II, Item 7. Other Matters, Asbestos-Related Matters of Union Carbide Corporation in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Notes 1 and 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Environmental Proceedings
On August 27, 2019, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), U.S. Department of Justice, Texas Environmental Quality Board, and Texas Office of the Attorney General (collectively, the “Government Agencies”) added Performance Materials NA, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, as an additional signatory to an existing draft consent decree relating to alleged environmental violations at the Sabine olefins manufacturing facility in Orange, Texas (the "Orange, TX Facility"). Performance Materials NA, Inc. acquired the Orange, TX Facility in February 2019 and became a subsidiary of the Company in April 2019. The alleged violations were first identified during multimedia environmental inspections that the EPA conducted at the Orange, TX Facility while under prior ownership in March 2009 and December 2015, and involve the management of materials in the Orange, TX Facility’s wastewater treatment system, hazardous waste management, and air emissions, including leak detection and repair. The Government Agencies filed a proposed final consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on October 13, 2021. On January 27, 2022, the Government Agencies filed a motion asking the court to approve, sign and enter a modified consent decree that reflects the recent merger of Performance Materials NA, Inc. with and into the Company. On January 28, 2022, the modified consent decree was approved by the court and became effective.
On May 17, 2021, the Company received a civil complaint from the State of Texas ("State") on behalf of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The complaint, filed in the 250th District Court of Travis County, Texas, alleges environmental violations at the Company's Freeport, Texas, site involving 12 discrete air emissions events. The State is seeking monetary relief of no more than $1 million and injunctive relief to prevent recurrence. On August 31, 2021, the State informed the Company that it would be including additional air emissions events in the complaint, which may impact the monetary relief sought by the State.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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Dow Inc. and Subsidiaries
The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
PART II
On April 1, 2019, DowDuPont Inc. (“DowDuPont” and effective June 3, 2019, n/k/a DuPont de Nemours, Inc.) completed the separation of its materials science business and Dow Inc. became the direct parent company of The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (“TDCC” and together with Dow Inc., “Dow” or the “Company”), owning all of the outstanding common shares of TDCC. Dow Inc. is now an independent, publicly traded company and Dow Inc. common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “DOW.” Dow Inc. common stock began regular-way trading on April 2, 2019.
Dow Inc. has paid dividends on a quarterly basis since the separation from DowDuPont and expects to continue to do so, subject to approval by the Company’s Board of Directors.Additional dividend information can be found in Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Liquidity and Capital Resources in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
At January 31, 2022 , there were 71,615 stockholders of record.
See Part III, Item 11. Executive Compensation for information relating to shares authorized for issuance under Dow Inc.'s equity compensation plans.
The Company grants stock-based compensation to employees and non-employee directors under stock incentive plans, in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance stock units and restricted stock units. See Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information regarding purchases of Dow Inc. common stock by the Company during the three months ended December 31, 2021. The Company makes such purchases only during open windows subject to its insider trading policy.
Period Total number of shares purchased Average price paid per share
1.On April 1, 2019, Dow Inc.'s Board of Directors ratified the share repurchase program originally approved on March 15, 2019, authorizing up to $3.0 billion to be spent on the repurchase of the Company's common stock, with no expiration date.
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On April 1, 2019, DowDuPont Inc. (“DowDuPont” and effective June 3, 2019, n/k/a DuPont de Nemours, Inc. or "DuPont") completed the separation of its materials science business and Dow Inc. became the direct parent company of The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (“TDCC” and together with Dow Inc., “Dow” or the “Company”), owning all of the outstanding common shares of TDCC. For filings related to the period commencing April 1, 2019 and thereafter, TDCC was deemed the predecessor to Dow Inc., and the historical results of TDCC are deemed the historical results of Dow Inc. for periods prior to and including March 31, 2019. As a result of the parent/subsidiary relationship between Dow Inc. and TDCC, and considering that the financial statements and disclosures of each company are substantially similar, the companies are filing a combined report for this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information reflected in the report is equally applicable to both Dow Inc. and TDCC, except where otherwise noted.
The separation was contemplated by the merger of equals transaction effective August 31, 2017, under the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 11, 2015, as amended on March 31, 2017. TDCC and E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (“Historical DuPont”) each merged with subsidiaries of DowDuPont and, as a result, TDCC and Historical DuPont became subsidiaries of DowDuPont (the “Merger”). Subsequent to the Merger, TDCC and Historical DuPont engaged in a series of internal reorganization and realignment steps to realign their businesses into three subgroups: agriculture, materials science and specialty products. Dow Inc. was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of DowDuPont to serve as the holding company for the materials science business.
As of the effective date and time of the distribution, DowDuPont did not beneficially own any equity interest in Dow and no longer consolidated Dow and its consolidated subsidiaries into its financial results. The consolidated financial results of Dow for the applicable periods presented reflect the distribution of TDCC’s agricultural sciences business (“AgCo”) and specialty products business (“SpecCo”) as discontinued operations, as well as reflect the receipt of Historical DuPont’s ethylene and ethylene copolymers businesses (other than its ethylene acrylic elastomers business) (“ECP”) as a common control transaction from the closing of the Merger on August 31, 2017 ("Merger Date"). See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Dow Inc.'s Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 8, 2019 for additional information.
Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless otherwise indicated, amounts and activity are presented on a continuing operations basis.
Except as otherwise indicated by the context, the term "Union Carbide" means Union Carbide Corporation and the term "Dow Silicones" means Dow Silicones Corporation, both wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.
Items Affecting Comparability of Financial Results
As a result of the separation from DowDuPont, pro forma net sales and pro forma Operating EBIT for the year ended December 31, 2019 are provided in this section and based on the consolidated financial statements of TDCC, adjusted to give effect to the separation from DowDuPont as if it had been consummated on January 1, 2017. Pro forma adjustments include (1) the margin impact of various manufacturing, supply and service related agreements entered into with DuPont and Corteva, Inc. ("Corteva") in connection with the separation which provide for different pricing than the historical intercompany and intracompany pricing practices of TDCC and Historical DuPont, and (2) the elimination of the impact of events directly attributable to the Merger, internal reorganization and business realignment, separation, distribution and other related transactions (e.g., one-time transaction costs). These adjustments impacted the consolidated results as well as the reportable segments. See Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the pro forma adjustments impacting segment measures for the year ended December 31, 2019.
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STATEMENT ON COVID-19 AND U.S. GULF COAST FREEZE
COVID-19
The pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") has impacted all geographic regions where Dow products are produced and sold. Throughout this public health crisis, the Company has been focused on the health and safety of its employees, contractors, customers and suppliers around the world and maintaining the safe and reliable operations of its manufacturing sites. Although supply disruptions and related logistics issues have posed challenges across all modes of transportation, the Company’s manufacturing sites have continued to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic, with no significant impact to manufacturing whether through shutdowns or shortages in labor, raw materials or personal protective equipment. Contingency plans remain in place in the event of significant impacts from COVID-19 infection resurgences.
In January 2022, the Company opened all sites and locations to employees, where permitted by local regulations, and continues to require that several health and safety measures be followed. All regions continue to follow on-site workforce restrictions in accordance with government regulations. At the time of this filing, approximately half of Dow’s global workforce is working remotely. The Company continues to encourage its workforce to practice safe behaviors in the workplace and while away from work to help prevent community spread of COVID-19.
The Company is well-positioned for continued profitable growth in the ongoing economic recovery and improving industry cycle. The Company will maintain its disciplined focus on capital allocation priorities as it benefits from an improving cost structure, financial flexibility and a low-cost operating model. Through the ongoing market recovery, Dow has experienced increasing margins as differentiated parts of the portfolio see improved demand and underlying market dynamics, which has enabled a return to pre-COVID-19 sales levels and end-market growth across most businesses.
The Company has continued to maintain a strong financial position and liquidity throughout the economic recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing recovery. At December 31, 2021, the Company had cash and committed and available forms of liquidity of $12.6 billion. The Company also has no substantive long-term debt maturities due until 2026.
Additional information regarding the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic can be found in this report in Part 1, Item 1A, Risk Factors.
U.S. Gulf Coast Freeze
In the first quarter of 2021, Winter Storm Uri had a broad impact on the U.S. Gulf Coast and in particular across the entire state of Texas, which resulted in widespread utility and raw material supply disruptions and industry-wide production outages. All Dow ethylene production facilities located on the U.S. Gulf Coast were operational by March 31, 2021, along with all sites. As a result of the winter storm, the product and supply chain impacts across the industry created very tight supply dynamics and generated pricing momentum for both raw materials and finished goods. The Company remains close to its customers and continues to work diligently to meet demand needs.
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Table of Contents Page
About Dow 31
Overview 31
Results of Operations 34
Segment Results 41
Packaging & Specialty Plastics 41
Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure 43
Performance Materials & Coatings 45
Corporate 46
Liquidity and Capital Resources 48
Other Matters 57
Critical Accounting Estimates 57
Environmental Matters 61
Asbestos-Related Matters of Union Carbide Corporation 66
ABOUT DOW
Dow combines global breadth; asset integration and scale; focused innovation and materials science expertise; leading business positions; and environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership to achieve profitable growth and deliver a sustainable future. The Company’s ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world.Dow’s portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated, science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Dow operates 104 manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 35,700 people.
In 2021, the Company had annual sales of $55 billion, of which 36 percent of the Company’s sales were to customers in the U.S. & Canada; 36 percent were in Europe, Middle East, Africa and India ("EMEAI"); while the remaining 28 percent were to customers in Asia Pacific and Latin America.
In 2021, the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries did not operate in countries subject to U.S. economic sanctions and export controls as imposed by the U.S. State Department or in countries designated by the U.S. State Department as state sponsors of terrorism, including Cuba, Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), Sudan and Syria. The Company has policies and procedures in place designed to ensure that it and its consolidated subsidiaries remain in compliance with applicable U.S. laws and regulations.
OVERVIEW
The following is a summary of the results from continuing operations for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2021:
The Company reported net sales in 2021 of $55 billion, up 43 percent from $38.5 billion in 2020, with increases across all geographic regions and operating segments, driven by an increase in local price of 40 percent, a volume increase of 1 percent and a favorable currency impact of 2 percent.
Local price increased 40 percent compared with the same period last year, with increases in all operating segments and geographic regions, primarily reflecting price gains due to tight supply and demand dynamics. Local price increased in Packaging & Specialty Plastics (up 50 percent), Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure (up 40 percent) and Performance Materials & Coatings (up 19 percent).
Volume increased 1 percent compared with 2020, with increases in Packaging & Specialty Plastics (up 2 percent) and Performance Materials & Coatings (up 1 percent), partially offset by a decrease in Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure (down 2 percent). Volume increased in the U.S. & Canada (up 2 percent) and in EMEAI (up 3 percent), partially offset by decreases in Asia Pacific (down 4 percent) and Latin America (down 3 percent).
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Currency had a favorable impact of 2 percent on net sales compared with 2020, driven by EMEAI (up 4 percent) and Asia Pacific (up 2 percent).
Restructuring and asset related charges - net were $6 million in 2021, compared with $708 million in 2020, primarily reflecting actions taken under the 2020 Restructuring Program.
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates was $975 million in 2021, compared with equity losses of $18 million in 2020, primarily driven by margin expansion at Sadara Chemical Company ("Sadara") and the Kuwait and Thai joint ventures.
Sundry income (expense) - net for Dow Inc. and TDCC was expense of $35 million and $79 million, respectively, in 2021, compared with income of $1,269 million and $1,274 million, respectively, in 2020. Sundry income (expense) - net decreased primarily due to losses on the early extinguishment of debt in the current year, compared with gains related to a legal matter, the sale of certain marine and terminal operations and the sale of certain rail infrastructure operations and assets, which were partially offset by losses on the early extinguishment of debt in the prior year.
Net income available for Dow Inc. and TDCC common stockholder(s) was $6,311 million and $6,274 million, respectively, in 2021, compared with $1,225 million and $1,235 million, respectively, in 2020. Earnings per share for Dow Inc. was $8.38 per share in 2021, compared with $1.64 per share in 2020.
In 2021, TDCC redeemed more than $1 billion of certain notes due in 2024 and completed cash tender offers resulting in over $1 billion of aggregate principal amount of certain notes being tendered and retired. The Company's proactive liability management actions to tender and redeem existing notes have resulted in no substantive long-term debt maturities due until 2026.
In 2021, the Company executed strategic buy-outs of certain leased assets for approximately $690 million.
In 2021, Dow Inc. declared and paid dividends to common stockholders of $2.80 per share ($2,073 million).
In 2021, Dow Inc. repurchased $1,000 million of the Company's common stock.
Other notable events and highlights from the year ended December 31, 2021 include:
•Dow received three 2021 BIG Innovation Awards from the Business Intelligence Group for DOWSILTM TC-3065 Thermally Conductive Gel; DOWSILTM 993N Structural Glazing Sealant and Catalyst; and the world's first commercial polyurethane-carbon fiber spar cap for the new generation of wind blades.
•Dow was named to Bloomberg’s 2021 Gender-Equality Index.
•Dow was named by the Human Rights Campaign ("HRC") Foundation to its 2021 list of “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.” This marks the Company’s sixteenth consecutive year receiving a perfect score on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index.
•On March 4, 2021, TDCC announced changes to the design of its U.S. tax-qualified and non-qualified retirement programs. Separately, TDCC elected to contribute $1 billion to its U.S. tax-qualified pension plans.
•Dow was recognized with three Manufacturing Leadership Awards by the Manufacturing Leadership Council, a division of the National Association of Manufacturers. Dow’s Manufacturing 4.0 received the Enterprise Integration and Technology Award, the E2E Business Planning Program was awarded the Supply Chain Award, and Accelerating Innovation in Instrumentation & Sensors at Dow Texas Operations received the Industrial Internet of Things Award.
•Dow received a 2021 CIO 100 award from IDG’s CIO for the digitalization of its end-to-end business planning platform.
•On March 25, 2021, Dow Inc. (together with Sadara and the Saudi Arabian Oil Company) completed a debt re-profiling agreement for Sadara with agency creditors and commercial lenders. The re-profiled debt repayment schedule is better aligned to match Sadara's expected future cash flow generation.
•Dow received two 2021 Ringier Technology Innovation Awards in the Plastics Raw Materials & Additives category including: Post-Consumer Recycled resin XUS60921.01 and Carpet tile with INFUSETM polyolefin backing.
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•Dow was named as one of the 2021 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®; as well as, being recognized by Great Place to Work® in several other countries around the world including: 2021 Best WorkplacesTM in Argentina, Colombia and Saudi Arabia.
•On April 13, 2021, Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") reaffirmed TDCC’s BBB+ and F2 rating, and revised its outlook to stable from negative. The decision was made as part of Fitch’s annual review process.
•Effective April 15, 2021, following the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders ("2021 Meeting") Dow Inc.'s Board elected Richard K. Davis to serve as Lead Director until the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Company also announced that Debra L. Dial, senior vice president and controller at AT&T Inc., and Luis Alberto Moreno, managing director at Allen & Co, LLC and former president of Inter-American Development Bank Group, were elected to the Board at the 2021 Meeting. Ajay Banga, Jacqueline K. Barton and James A. Bell retired from the Board following the 2021 Meeting as announced on February 11, 2021.
•On April 21, 2021, Dow received a 2021 FutureEdge 50 award for its Predictive Intelligence capability, Dow Polyurethanes’ flagship digitalization initiative. The FutureEdge 50 awards annually recognize 50 organizations pushing the edge of innovation with breakthrough technologies to advance their business for the future.
•Dow received 20 American Chemistry Council Responsible Care® awards for exemplary environmental, health and safety performance. Dow received awards for site safety, minimizing waste, improving energy efficiency, and its COVID-19 response.
•Dow received six 2021 Edison Awards, including five Gold Edison Awards, for breakthrough technologies including: DOWSILTM CC-8030 UV and Moisture Dual Cure Conformal Coating; DOWSILTM TC-5515LT Thermally Conductive Gap Filler; DOWSILTM TC-3065 Thermal Conductive Silicone Gel for 5G Optical Access Infrastructure; DOWSILTM VE-8001 Flexible Silicone Adhesive by Dow; RHOBARRTM 320 Polyolefin Dispersion; and DOWSILTM Crystal Clear Spacer. Dow is the first company to receive five Gold Edison Awards in a single year.
•Dow was named to the 2021 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list for the fourth consecutive year. Dow was also included on three of DiversityInc's Specialty Lists including: Top Companies for Employee Resource Groups, Top Companies for People with Disabilities, and Top Companies for ESG.
•Dow was named 2021 Manufacturer of the Year, Large Enterprise, by the Manufacturing Leadership Council, a division of the National Association of Manufacturers. The Manufacturer of the Year Award is given to the company that shows best-in-class achievement.
•On June 10, 2021, Standard & Poor's ("S&P") announced a credit rating upgrade for TDCC from BBB- and A-3 to BBB and A-2, maintaining stable outlook. The decision from S&P reflects the expectation for an ongoing macroeconomic recovery, the Company’s supportive financial policies and the strengthening of its operating performance in 2021 relative to 2020.
•Dow was named a 2021 honoree and the Materials Sector leader of The Civic 50 by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization committed to inspiring, equipping and engaging people to take action to change their communities and the world.
•On June 24, 2021, Dow Inc. released “INtersections,” its first consolidated Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") Report highlighting the Company’s significant progress to fully integrate environmental stewardship and positive social impact throughout its operations, teams, supply chain and communities. This marked Dow's eighteenth year of voluntary reporting on sustainability.
•For the fifth consecutive year, Dow has received a top score on the Disability Equality Index®, placing the Company among the “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” for 2021.
•Dow received the “Best in Enterprise Resilience” certification from Everbridge as a part of their Critical Event Management (CEM) CertificationTM Program. This recognition demonstrates Dow’s commitment to implementing best practices for enterprise resilience that keep employees safe and the company running safely, reliably and efficiently.
•Dow was named to Seramount’s 2021 Inclusion Index (formerly known as the Diversity Best Practices Inclusion Index). This is the first year Dow was recognized on the list which includes a total of 45 organizations recognized for creating an inclusive workplace.
•Dow was named one of the "2021 PEOPLE Companies that Care®" for the second consecutive year.
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•Great Place to Work® and Fortune magazine have named Dow one of the 2021 Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & ProductionTM. This is the first time Dow was named to this prestigious list, ranking third on the list.
•Dow won two Sustainability Product of the Year awards in the 2021 Sustainability Awards program of Business Intelligence Group for SPECFLEXTM Microcellular Polyurethane and SYNTEGRATM Polyurethane Dispersions for Microfiber.
•On October 6, 2021, Dow Inc. held an Investor Day event where it announced the following: investment plans to deliver more than $3 billion of additional underlying EBITDA growth with a clear path to zero-carbon emissions (with respect to Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions, including offsets from product benefits and technology advancements); new renewable and cleaner power agreements which are expected to reduce Dow's Scope 2 emissions by more than 600,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year; a plan to build the world's first net-zero carbon emissions (with respect to Scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide emissions, including technology advancements) ethylene and derivatives complex; and expansion of global capabilities for circular plastics, with initial products available for customers in 2022.
•Dow earned multiple Critical Guidance Recognitions for recyclability from the Association of Plastic Recyclers ("APR"), in three product categories. ROBONDTM Adhesives, OPULUXTM Optical Finishes and SURLYNTM Ionomers were each recognized by APR for solving packaging design challenges.
•Dow received two R&D 100 Awards from R&D Magazine for innovative technologies including: DOWSILTM TC-4060 Thermal Gel and Multi-functional Sorbent Technology ("MUST").
•Five additional Dow sites received International Sustainability & Carbon Certification PLUS recognition for their compliance with rigorous tracking of sustainable feedstocks use.
•DOWSILTM TC-4060 Thermal Gel was awarded Best Product Innovation and SunSpheresTM BIO SPF Booster was awarded Product with Best Benefit to the Environment and Sustainability from Innovation Commodity Intelligence Services.
•In 2021, CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project, an international non-profit specialized in environmental reporting) improved Dow's climate change score to an A- from a B.
In addition to the highlights above, the following events occurred subsequent to December 31, 2021:
•For the third year, Dow was named to the JUST 100 list. Dow earned the top spot in the Chemicals sector overall and received the number one position in the Workers and Stakeholders & Governance categories versus industry peers.
•Dow received three 2021 BIG Innovation Awards from the Business Intelligence Group for DOWSILTM TC-2035 CV Adhesive, DOWSILTM TC-6015 Thermally Conductive Encapsulant and UCARETM Extreme Polymer.
•Dow was named to Bloomberg’s 2022 Gender-Equality Index for the second consecutive year.
•Dow was named by the Human Rights Campaign ("HRC") Foundation to its 2022 list of “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.” This marks the Company’s seventeenth consecutive year receiving a perfect score on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Sales
The following tables summarize net sales, pro forma net sales and sales variance by operating segment and geographic region from the prior year:
Summary of Sales Results
Pro forma net sales $ — $ — $ 42,998
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Sales Variances by Operating Segment and Geographic Region - As Reported
Packaging & Specialty Plastics 50 % 2 % 2 % 54 % (11) % — % 1 % — % (10) %
Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure 40 2 (2) 40 (5) — (6) — (11)
Performance Materials & Coatings 19 2 1 22 (6) — (6) 1 (11)
U.S. & Canada 42 % — % 2 % 44 % (5) % — % (8) % — % (13) %
Latin America 48 — (3) 45 (7) — — — (7)
1.Portfolio & Other includes the sales impact of various manufacturing, supply and service related agreements entered into with DuPont and Corteva in connection with the separation, which provide for different pricing than the historical intercompany and intracompany pricing practices of TDCC and Historical DuPont.
Local Price & Product Mix Currency Volume Portfolio & Other 1 Total
Packaging & Specialty Plastics (12) % (1) % (3) % — % (16) %
Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure (12) (1) — — (13)
Performance Materials & Coatings (6) (2) (3) 3 (8)
Total, excluding the Hydrocarbons & Energy business (11) % (2) % 1 % 1 % (11) %
U.S. & Canada (11) % — % (3) % 1 % (13) %
Asia Pacific (12) (1) 5 — (8)
Latin America (14) — (3) — (17)
1.Portfolio & Other includes the sales impact of various manufacturing, supply and service related agreements entered into with DuPont and Corteva in connection with the separation, which provide for different pricing than the historical intercompany and intracompany pricing practices of TDCC and Historical DuPont.
2021 Versus 2020
The Company reported net sales of $55 billion in 2021, up 43 percent from $38.5 billion in 2020, with local price up 40 percent, a favorable currency impact of 2 percent and volume up 1 percent. Net sales increased in all operating segments and across all geographic regions. Local price increased in all operating segments and across all geographic regions, primarily reflecting price gains due to tight supply and demand dynamics driven by logistics constraints and weather events. Local price increased in Packaging & Specialty Plastics (up 50 percent), Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure (up 40 percent) and Performance Materials & Coatings (up 19 percent). Volume increased in Packaging & Specialty Plastics (up 2 percent) and Performance Materials & Coatings (up 1 percent). Volume decreased in Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure (down 2 percent). Excluding the Hydrocarbons & Energy business, sales increased 37 percent.
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2020 Versus 2019
The Company reported net sales of $38.5 billion in 2020, down 10 percent from $43.0 billion in 2019, with local price down 7 percent and volume down 3 percent. Net sales decreased in all geographic regions and operating segments, reflecting impacts from the global COVID-19 pandemic on economies and supply and demand dynamics, most notably in the first half of the year. Local price decreased in all operating segments and in all geographic regions, primarily in response to lower global energy prices. Local price decreased in Packaging & Specialty Plastics (down 11 percent), Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure (down 5 percent) and Performance Materials & Coatings (down 6 percent). Volume declined 3 percent, driven by the U.S. & Canada (down 8 percent), which was partially offset by demand growth in EMEAI (up 1 percent). Volume was flat in Asia Pacific and Latin America. Volume increased in Packaging & Specialty Plastics (up 1 percent) and decreased in Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure and Performance Materials & Coatings (both down 6 percent). Excluding the Hydrocarbons & Energy business, sales declined 9 percent.
Sales Variances by Operating Segment and Geographic Region - Pro Forma Basis
Packaging & Specialty Plastics (11) % — % 1 % (10) % (12) % (1) % (3) % (16) %
Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure (5) — (6) (11) (12) (2) 1 (13)
Performance Materials & Coatings (6) — (5) (11) (6) (2) (1) (9)
Total (7) % — % (3) % (10) % (11) % (1) % (2) % (14) %
U.S. & Canada (5) % — % (8) % (13) % (11) % — % (2) % (13) %
Asia Pacific (6) — — (6) (12) (1) 5 (8)
Latin America (7) — — (7) (15) — (3) (18)
Total (7) % — % (3) % (10) % (11) % (1) % (2) % (14) %
1.As reported net sales for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared with pro forma net sales for the year ended December 31, 2019.
2020 Versus 2019 - Pro Forma
The Company reported net sales of $38.5 billion for 2020, down 10 percent from pro forma net sales of $43.0 billion in 2019, with local price down 7 percent and volume down 3 percent. Net sales decreased in all geographic regions and operating segments, reflecting impacts from the global COVID-19 pandemic on economies and supply and demand dynamics, most notably in the first half of the year. Local price decreased in all operating segments and in all geographic regions, primarily in response to lower global energy prices. Local price decreased in Packaging & Specialty Plastics (down 11 percent), Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure (down 5 percent) and Performance Materials & Coatings (down 6 percent). Volume declined 3 percent, driven by the U.S. & Canada (down 8 percent), which was partially offset by an increase in EMEAI (up 1 percent). Volume was flat in Asia Pacific and Latin America. Volume increased in Packaging & Specialty Plastics (up 1 percent) and decreased in Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure (down 6 percent) and Performance Materials & Coatings (down 5 percent). Excluding the Hydrocarbons & Energy business, sales declined 9 percent.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales ("COS") was $44.2 billion in 2021, compared with $33.3 billion in 2020. COS increased in 2021 primarily due to higher feedstock and energy costs and impacts from Winter Storm Uri, which included higher raw material costs and repair costs. In 2021, COS included $146 million of costs associated with implementing the Company's digital acceleration program (related to Corporate). COS as a percentage of sales was 80.4 percent in 2021 compared with 86.5 percent in 2020.
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COS was $33.3 billion in 2020, compared with $36.7 billion in 2019. COS decreased in 2020 primarily due to lower feedstock and other raw material costs, decreased sales volume and lower planned maintenance turnaround costs, which were partially offset by higher performance-based compensation costs. Operating rates declined significantly in the second quarter of 2020, as the Company temporarily idled certain manufacturing facilities and selectively adjusted operating rates at other facilities to balance production to demand in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These facilities returned to more normalized operating rates in the third quarter of 2020. Overall, operating rates increased in the third and fourth quarters of 2020. In 2019, COS also included $75 million of transaction-related costs resulting from the separation from DowDuPont (related to Corporate) and $399 million of environmental charges related to Packaging & Specialty Plastics ($5 million), Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure ($8 million), Performance Materials & Coatings ($50 million) and Corporate ($336 million). COS as a percentage of sales was 86.5 percent in 2020 compared with 85.3 percent in 2019.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development ("R&D") expenses were $857 million in 2021, compared with $768 million in 2020 and $765 million in 2019. R&D expenses in 2021 increased compared with 2020 primarily due to increased performance-based compensation costs and fringe benefit expenses driven by stock market increases compared with the same period last year. R&D expenses in 2020 increased compared with 2019 primarily due to increased performance-based compensation costs which were partially offset by cost reductions.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were $1,645 million in 2021, compared with $1,471 million in 2020 and $1,590 million and $1,585 million for Dow Inc. and TDCC, respectively, in 2019. SG&A expenses in 2021 increased primarily due to increased performance-based compensation costs and fringe benefit expenses driven by stock market increases compared with the same period last year. SG&A expenses in 2020 decreased compared to 2019 primarily due to cost reductions which were partially offset by increased performance-based compensation costs. In 2020, SG&A was also favorably impacted by the recovery of legal costs related to the Nova Chemicals Corporation ("Nova") ethylene asset matter and the reversal of a bad debt reserve related to an arbitration judgment. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Nova litigation matters.
Amortization of Intangibles
Amortization of intangibles was $388 million in 2021, compared with $401 million in 2020 and $419 million in 2019. Amortization of intangibles decreased primarily due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on intangible assets.
Restructuring, Goodwill Impairment and Asset Related Charges - Net
Restructuring, goodwill impairment and asset related charges - net were $6 million in 2021, $708 million in 2020 and $3,219 million in 2019.
2020 Restructuring Program
On September 29, 2020, Dow Inc.'s Board approved restructuring actions to achieve the Company's structural cost improvement initiatives in response to the continued economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The restructuring program was designed to reduce structural costs and enable the Company to further enhance competitiveness while the COVID-19 economic recovery gained traction. These actions were substantially complete by the end of 2021, except for certain cash payments expected to be made in 2022.
In 2020, the Company recorded pretax restructuring charges of $573 million, consisting of severance and related benefit costs of $297 million, asset write-downs and write-offs of $196 million and costs associated with exit and disposal activities of $80 million. Restructuring charges by segment were as follows: $11 million in Packaging & Specialty Plastics, $22 million in Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, $177 million in Performance Materials & Coatings and $363 million in Corporate.
In 2021, the Company recorded pretax restructuring charges of $12 million for asset write-downs and write-offs and $10 million for costs associated with exit and disposal activities. Restructuring charges by segment were as follows: $8 million in Packaging & Specialty Plastics, $1 million in Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, $10 million in Performance Materials & Coatings and $3 million in Corporate. In addition, the Company reduced pretax restructuring charges by $10 million for severance and related benefit costs, related to Corporate.
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DowDuPont Cost Synergy Program
In September and November 2017, DowDuPont approved post-Merger restructuring actions under the DowDuPont Cost Synergy Program (the "Synergy Program") which was designed to integrate and optimize the organization following the Merger and in preparation for the business separations. The restructuring charges below reflect charges from continuing operations.
In 2019, the Company recorded pretax restructuring charges of $292 million, consisting of severance and related benefit costs of $123 million, asset write-downs and write-offs of $143 million and costs associated with exit and disposal activities of $26 million. Restructuring charges by segment were as follows: $1 million in Packaging & Specialty Plastics, $7 million in Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, $28 million in Performance Materials & Coatings and $256 million in Corporate.
In 2020, the Company recorded pretax restructuring charges of $86 million and reduced pretax restructuring charges by $6 million in 2021, both for severance and related benefit costs (related to Corporate). Cash expenditures related to the Synergy Program were substantially complete at December 31, 2020.
2019 Goodwill Impairment
Upon completion of the goodwill impairment testing in the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company determined the fair value of the Coatings & Performance Monomers reporting unit was lower than its carrying amount. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,039 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 related to Performance Materials & Coatings.
2020 Asset Related Charges
In 2020, the Company recognized pretax impairment charges of $49 million, including additional pretax impairment charges for capital additions made to a bio-ethanol manufacturing facility in Santa Vitoria, Minas Gerais, Brazil ("Santa Vitoria"), which was impaired in 2017 and divested in 2020, as well as charges for miscellaneous write-offs and write-downs of non-manufacturing assets and the write-down of certain corporate leased equipment. Impairment charges by segment were as follows: Packaging & Specialty Plastics ($19 million), Performance Materials & Coatings ($15 million) and Corporate ($15 million). See Note 23 for additional information.
2019 Asset Related Charges
On August 13, 2019, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its acetone derivatives business to ALTIVIA Ketones & Additives, LLC. The transaction closed on November 1, 2019 and included the Company's acetone derivatives related inventory and production assets, located in Institute, West Virginia, in addition to the site infrastructure, land, utilities and certain railcars. The Company remains at the Institute site as a tenant. As a result of the divestiture, the Company recognized a pretax impairment charge of $75 million in the third quarter of 2019. The impairment charge by segment was as follows: $24 million in Packaging & Specialty Plastics and $51 million in Corporate.
In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company concluded that its equity method investment in Sadara was other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company also reserved certain accounts and notes receivable and accrued interest balances due to uncertainty on the timing of collection. As a result, the Company recorded a $1,755 million pretax charge related to Sadara. The charge by segment was as follows: $370 million in Packaging & Specialty Plastics, $1,168 million in Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure and $217 million in Corporate.
In 2019, the Company recognized additional pretax impairment charges of $58 million related primarily to capital additions at its Santa Vitoria manufacturing facility, which was impaired in 2017. Impairment charges by segment were as follows: $44 million in Packaging & Specialty Plastics, $9 million in Performance Materials & Coatings and $5 million in Corporate.
See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on restructuring, goodwill impairment and asset related charges.
Integration and Separation Costs
Integration and separation costs, which reflect costs related to post-Merger integration and business separation activities, were $239 million in 2020 and $1,063 million and $1,039 million for Dow Inc. and TDCC, respectively, in 2019. Integration and business separation activities were completed as of December 31, 2020. Integration and separation costs are related to Corporate.
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Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Nonconsolidated Affiliates
The Company’s share of equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates was $975 million in 2021, compared with equity losses of $18 million in 2020 and $94 million in 2019. The equity earnings improvement in 2021 compared with 2020 was primarily due to margin expansion at Sadara driven by broad-based price increases, strong MEG prices at the Kuwait joint ventures and improved elastomer and polyethylene margins at the Thai joint ventures. In 2020, equity losses decreased compared with 2019 primarily due to lower equity losses from Sadara, driven by improved industry supply and demand dynamics in the third and fourth quarters of 2020, which were partially offset by lower equity earnings from the Kuwait joint ventures due to lower monoethylene glycol prices. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company’s evaluation of its equity method investment in Sadara for other-than-temporary impairment in 2019.
Sundry Income (Expense) - Net
Sundry income (expense) – net includes a variety of income and expense items such as foreign currency exchange gains and losses, dividends from investments, gains and losses on sales of investments and assets, non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit plan credits or costs, losses on early extinguishment of debt and certain litigation matters.
TDCC
Sundry income (expense) - net for 2021 was expense of $79 million, compared with income of $1,274 million in 2020 and $573 million in 2019.
In 2021, sundry income (expense) - net included a $574 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt (related to Corporate and included in "Other net loss" in the consolidated statements of cash flows), and foreign currency exchange losses. These were partially offset by non-operating pension and postretirement benefit plan credits, gains on the sale of assets and investments, a $54 million gain related to an arbitration award (related to Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure), and a $16 million gain related to post-closing adjustments on the previous divestiture of a bio-ethanol manufacturing facility in Brazil (related to Packaging & Specialty Plastics). See Notes 7, 15, 16, 20 and 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
In 2020, sundry income (expense) - net included a $544 million gain related to the Nova ethylene asset matter (related to Packaging & Specialty Plastics), a $499 million gain related to the sale of certain U.S. Gulf Coast marine and terminal operations and assets ($17 million related to Packaging & Specialty Plastics, $61 million related to Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure and $421 million related to Corporate), a $233 million gain related to the sale of rail infrastructure operations and assets in the U.S. & Canada ($48 million related to Packaging & Specialty Plastics and $185 million related to Corporate), and non-operating pension and postretirement benefit plan credits. These were partially offset by a $149 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt (related to Corporate and included in "Other net loss" in the consolidated statements of cash flows), foreign currency exchange losses, $11 million in charges associated with agreements entered into with DuPont and Corteva as part of the separation and distribution, which provides for cross-indemnities and allocations of obligations and liabilities for periods prior to, at and after completion of the separation (related to Corporate), a $13 million loss related to the divestiture of a bio-ethanol manufacturing facility in Brazil (related to Packaging & Specialty Plastics) and a $2 million loss on an asset sale (related to Corporate). See Notes 5, 7, 15, 16, 20 and 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
In 2019, sundry income (expense) - net included foreign currency exchange gains, non-operating pension and postretirement benefit plan credits and gains on sales of assets and investments, as well as a net gain of $205 million related to litigation matters, which included a $170 million gain related to a legal matter with Nova (related to Packaging & Specialty Plastics), and an $85 million gain related to an adjustment of the Dow Silicones breast implant liability (related to Corporate), which were partially offset by a $50 million charge (net of indemnifications of $37 million), related to the settlement of the Dow Silicones commercial creditor matters (related to Corporate). In 2019, sundry income (expense) - net also included a $102 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt (related to Corporate and included in "Other net loss" in the consolidated statements of cash flows) and a gain of $2 million on post-closing adjustments related to previous divestitures (related to Corporate). See Notes 7, 15, 16, 20 and 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Dow Inc.
Sundry income (expense) - net for 2021 was expense of $35 million, compared with income of $1,269 million in 2020 and $461 million in 2019.
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In 2021, in addition to the amounts previously discussed above for TDCC, sundry income (expense) - net included $30 million in gains associated with the agreements entered into with DuPont and Corteva as part of the separation and distribution (related to Corporate).
In 2020, in addition to the amounts previously discussed above for TDCC, sundry income (expense) - net included $10 million in charges associated with the agreements entered into with DuPont and Corteva as part of the separation and distribution (related to Corporate).
In 2019, in addition to the amounts previously discussed above for TDCC, sundry income (expense) - net included a $51 million loss on post-closing adjustments related to a previous divestiture and $69 million in charges associated with the agreements entered into with DuPont and Corteva as part of the separation and distribution (both related to Corporate). See Notes 3, 7, 15, 16, 20 and 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Interest Expense and Amortization of Debt Discount
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount was $731 million in 2021, compared with $827 million in 2020 and $933 million and $952 million for Dow Inc. and TDCC, respectively, in 2019. Interest expense and amortization of debt discount decreased in 2021 primarily due to lower coupon rates and the redemption of debt. The decrease in 2020 is primarily due to TDCC's redemption of long-term debt in 2019 and debt issuances at lower coupon rates in 2020. See Liquidity and Capital Resources in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to debt financing activity. In addition, TDCC had interest expense related to an intercompany loan with Dow Inc. in 2019.
Provision for Income Taxes on Continuing Operations
The Company's effective tax rate fluctuates based on, among other factors, where income is earned, the level of income relative to tax attributes and the level of equity earnings, since most earnings from the Company's equity method investments are taxed at the joint venture level. The underlying factors affecting the Company's overall tax rate are summarized in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The CARES Act was enacted on March 27, 2020 in the United States. There were no significant impacts to the Company's provision for income taxes on continuing operations in 2021 or 2020 as a result of the CARES Act legislation.
The provision for income taxes on continuing operations was $1,740 million in 2021, compared with $777 million in 2020 and $470 million in 2019. The provision for income taxes in 2021 increased primarily due to an increase in pretax income and the recognition of uncertain tax positions in multiple jurisdictions. These factors resulted in an effective tax rate of 21.4 percent for Dow Inc. in 2021.
The tax rate for 2020 was unfavorably impacted by valuation allowances of $260 million related to foreign tax credits and other attributes that are more likely than not to remain unutilized prior to their expiration. The tax rate for 2020 was favorably impacted by a capital loss resulting from the divestiture of the Santa Vitoria manufacturing facility. This resulted in an effective tax rate of 37.5 percent for Dow Inc. in 2020.
The tax rate for 2019 was unfavorably impacted by non-deductible goodwill and investment impairments, geographic mix of earnings and reduced equity earnings. These factors resulted in a negative effective tax rate of 37.7 percent for Dow Inc. in 2019.
In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company recorded the impacts of tax law changes enacted in Switzerland. As a result, deferred tax assets increased by $92 million.
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax was $445 million in 2019, related to the distribution of AgCo and SpecCo to DowDuPont as a result of the separation. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
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Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $94 million in 2021, $69 million in 2020 and $87 million in 2019. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests from discontinued operations of $13 million in 2019 related to the distribution of AgCo and SpecCo to DowDuPont as a result of the separation are included in the amounts above. See Notes 19 and 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Net Income (Loss) Available for the Common Stockholder(s)
Dow Inc.
Net income available for Dow Inc. common stockholders was $6,311 million in 2021, compared with $1,225 million in 2020 and a net loss of $1,359 million in 2019. Earnings per share of Dow Inc. was $8.38 per share in 2021, compared with $1.64 per share in 2020 and a loss of $1.84 per share in 2019. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on Dow Inc.'s earnings per share calculations.
TDCC
Net income available for TDCC common stockholder was $6,274 million in 2021, compared with $1,235 million in 2020 and a net loss of $1,237 million in 2019. Following the separation from DowDuPont, TDCC's common shares are owned solely by Dow Inc.
SEGMENT RESULTS
The Company conducts its worldwide operations through six global businesses which are organized into the following operating segments: Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure and Performance Materials & Coatings. Corporate contains the reconciliation between the totals for the operating segments and the Company's totals. The Company did not aggregate any operating segments when determining its reportable segments. The Company reports geographic information for the following regions: U.S. & Canada, Asia Pacific, Latin America and EMEAI. The Company transfers ethylene to its downstream derivative businesses at market prices. The Company also allocated costs previously assigned to AgCo and SpecCo ("stranded costs") to the operating segments.
The Company’s measure of profit/loss for segment reporting purposes is Operating EBIT (for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020) and pro forma Operating EBIT (for the year ended December 31, 2019) as this is the manner in which the Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") assesses performance and allocates resources. The Company defines Operating EBIT as earnings (i.e., "Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes") before interest, excluding the impact of significant items. The Company defines pro forma Operating EBIT as earnings (i.e., "Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes") before interest, plus pro forma adjustments, excluding the impact of significant items. Operating EBIT by segment and pro forma Operating EBIT by segment include all operating items relating to the businesses; items that principally apply to Dow as a whole are assigned to Corporate. The Company also presents pro forma net sales for the year ended December 31, 2019, as it is included in management’s measure of segment performance and is regularly reviewed by the CODM. Pro forma net sales includes the impact of various manufacturing, supply and service related agreements entered into with DuPont and Corteva in connection with the separation which provide for different pricing than the historical intercompany and intracompany pricing practices of TDCC and Historical DuPont. See Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for reconciliations of these measures and a summary of the pro forma adjustments impacting segment measures, which are consistent with the pro forma adjustments included in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 3, 2019, with the SEC.
PACKAGING & SPECIALTY PLASTICS
The Packaging & Specialty Plastics operating segment consists of two highly integrated global businesses: Hydrocarbons & Energy and Packaging and Specialty Plastics. The segment employs the industry’s broadest polyolefin product portfolio, supported by the Company’s proprietary catalyst and manufacturing process technologies. These differentiators, plus collaboration at the customer’s design table, enable the segment to deliver more reliable, durable, higher-performing solutions designed for recyclability and enhanced plastics circularity and sustainability. The segment serves customers, brand owners and ultimately consumers in key markets including food and specialty packaging; industrial and consumer packaging; health and hygiene; caps, closures and pipe applications; consumer durables; mobility and transportation; and infrastructure. Ethylene is transferred to downstream derivative businesses at market-based prices, which are generally equivalent to prevailing market prices for large volume purchases. This segment also includes the results of The Kuwait Styrene Company K.S.C.C. and The SCG-Dow Group, as well as a portion of the results of EQUATE Petrochemical Company K.S.C.C.
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("EQUATE"), The Kuwait Olefins Company K.S.C.C. ("TKOC"), Map Ta Phut Olefins Company Limited ("Map Ta Phut") and Sadara, all joint ventures of the Company.
The Company is responsible for marketing a majority of Sadara products outside of the Middle East zone through the Company's established sales channels. As part of this arrangement, the Company purchases and sells Sadara products for a marketing fee. In March 2021, Dow and the Saudi Arabian Oil Company agreed to transition the marketing rights and responsibilities for Sadara’s finished products to levels more consistent with each partner’s equity ownership. This transition began in July 2021 and is being implemented over the next five years.
Packaging & Specialty Plastics
Pro forma net sales $ 20,245
Pro forma Operating EBIT $ 2,904
Packaging & Specialty Plastics
Change in Net Sales from Prior Period due to:
Local price & product mix 50 % (11) % (12) %
Currency 2 — (1)
Change in Pro Forma Net Sales from Prior Period due to:
Local price & product mix (12) %
Currency (1)
Volume (3)
Total (16) %
2021 Versus 2020
Packaging & Specialty Plastics net sales were $28,128 million in 2021, up 54 percent from net sales of $18,301 million in 2020, with local price up 50 percent, volume up 2 percent and a favorable currency impact of 2 percent, primarily in EMEAI. Local price increased in both businesses and across all geographic regions, driven by tight supply and demand dynamics. Local price increased in Hydrocarbons & Energy as prices for co-products are generally correlated to Brent crude oil prices, which, on average, increased 64 percent compared with 2020. Local price increased in Packaging and Specialty Plastics driven by favorable supply and demand dynamics in polyethylene, notably in industrial and consumer packaging and flexible food and beverage packaging applications. Volume increased in Hydrocarbons & Energy, primarily in the U.S. & Canada and EMEAI, more than offsetting decreased volume in Asia Pacific. Volume decreased in Packaging and Specialty Plastics, primarily in Asia Pacific and Latin America as supply constraints continue to lower exports, more than offsetting an increase in the U.S. & Canada.
Operating EBIT was $6,638 million in 2021, up $4,313 million from Operating EBIT of $2,325 million in 2020. Operating EBIT increased primarily due to integrated margin expansion and increased equity earnings at Sadara and the Thai and Kuwait joint ventures.
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2020 Versus 2019
Packaging & Specialty Plastics net sales were $18,301 million in 2020, down 10 percent from net sales and pro forma net sales of $20,245 million in 2019, with local price down 11 percent and volume up 1 percent. Net sales declined in the first half of the year, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, while strong supply and demand dynamics took hold in the second half of the year. Local price decreased in both businesses and across all geographic regions, driven by reduced polyethylene prices and lower global energy prices. Local price declined in Hydrocarbons & Energy as prices for co-products are generally correlated to Brent crude oil prices, which declined 33 percent compared with 2019. Volume increased in Hydrocarbons & Energy as increases in EMEAI were partially offset by declines in the U.S. & Canada, Asia Pacific and Latin America. Packaging and Specialty Plastics volume was flat as increases in flexible food and specialty packaging, industrial and consumer packaging and health and hygiene applications in Asia Pacific, Latin America and EMEAI were offset by reduced demand for functional polymers, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and lower catalyst licensing activity in the U.S. & Canada.
Operating EBIT was $2,325 million in 2020, down 20 percent from pro forma Operating EBIT of $2,904 million in 2019. Operating EBIT decreased primarily due to integrated margin compression in both businesses. These declines more than offset cost reductions, decreased planned maintenance turnaround costs and increased equity earnings.
INDUSTRIAL INTERMEDIATES & INFRASTRUCTURE
The Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure operating segment consists of two customer-centric global businesses - Industrial Solutions and Polyurethanes & Construction Chemicals - that develop important intermediate chemicals that are essential to manufacturing processes, as well as downstream, customized materials and formulations that use advanced development technologies. These businesses primarily produce and market ethylene oxide and propylene oxide derivatives that are aligned to market segments as diverse as appliances, coatings, electronics, surfactants for cleaning and sanitization, infrastructure and oil and gas. The businesses' global scale and reach, world-class technology, R&D capabilities and materials science expertise enable the Company to be a premier solutions provider offering customers value-add sustainable solutions to enhance comfort, energy efficiency, product effectiveness and durability across a wide range of home comfort and appliance, building and construction, mobility and transportation, adhesive and lubricant applications, among others. This segment also includes a portion of the results of EQUATE, TKOC, Map Ta Phut and Sadara, all joint ventures of the Company.
The Company is responsible for marketing a majority of Sadara products outside of the Middle East zone through the Company's established sales channels. As part of this arrangement, the Company purchases and sells Sadara products for a marketing fee. In March 2021, Dow and the Saudi Arabian Oil Company agreed to transition the marketing rights and responsibilities for Sadara’s finished products to levels more consistent with each partner’s equity ownership. This transition began in July 2021 and is being implemented over the next five years.
Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure
Pro forma net sales $ 13,449
Pro forma Operating EBIT $ 845
Equity earnings (losses) $ 471 $ (166) $ (241)
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Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure
Change in Net Sales from Prior Period due to:
Local price & product mix 40 % (5) % (12) %
Currency 2 — (1)
Volume (2) (6) —
Change in Pro Forma Net Sales from Prior Period due to:
Local price & product mix (12) %
Currency (2)
Volume 1
Total (13) %
2021 Versus 2020
Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure net sales were $16,851 million in 2021, up 40 percent from $12,021 million in 2020, with local price up 40 percent, a favorable currency impact of 2 percent and volume down 2 percent. Local price increased in both businesses and across all geographic regions, primarily driven by strong supply and demand dynamics and rising energy prices. Currency favorably impacted sales in both businesses. Volume in Polyurethanes & Construction Chemicals decreased in the U.S. & Canada and Asia Pacific, partially offset by increased volume in EMEAI and Latin America. The volume decrease in Polyurethanes & Construction Chemicals was due to a decrease in vinyl chloride monomers mainly related to a planned transition of a low-margin co-producer contract as well as a decrease in isocyanates, which were partially offset by robust consumer demand in polyurethane systems. Despite strong consumer demand, volume in Industrial Solutions decreased in all geographic regions, except Latin America and was largely driven by weather-related supply constraints.
Operating EBIT was $2,282 million in 2021, up $1,927 million from Operating EBIT of $355 million in 2020. Operating EBIT increased primarily due to margin expansion from strong supply and demand dynamics in Polyurethanes & Construction Chemicals and higher equity earnings at Sadara and the Kuwait joint ventures.
2020 Versus 2019
Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure net sales were $12,021 million in 2020, down 11 percent from $13,440 million in 2019. Net sales decreased 11 percent from pro forma net sales of $13,449 million in 2019, with volume down 6 percent and local price down 5 percent. Weak demand for products used in consumer durable good end-markets, including construction, furniture and bedding, appliances and automotive, drove volume declines in Polyurethanes & Construction Chemicals in all geographic regions, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer activities and buying patterns, most notably in the first half of the year. Volume in Industrial Solutions was also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with decreases in the U.S. & Canada and Latin America which were partially offset by increases in Asia Pacific and EMEAI. The volume decline in Industrial Solutions was due to weakened demand in industrial, energy and automotive end-markets partially offset by stronger demand for products used in electronics, agriculture and pharma applications. Local price decreased in both businesses and in all geographic regions, primarily due to lower global energy prices and raw material costs.
Operating EBIT was $355 million in 2020, down 58 percent from pro forma Operating EBIT of $845 million in 2019. Operating EBIT decreased due to lower demand and margin compression, which were partially offset by cost reductions, decreased equity losses and lower planned maintenance turnaround costs. The overall decrease in equity losses was driven by lower equity losses from Sadara partially offset by decreased equity earnings from EQUATE.
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PERFORMANCE MATERIALS & COATINGS
The Performance Materials & Coatings operating segment includes industry-leading franchises that deliver a wide array of solutions into consumer, infrastructure and mobility end-markets. The segment consists of two global businesses: Coatings & Performance Monomers and Consumer Solutions. These businesses primarily utilize the Company's acrylics-, cellulosics- and silicone-based technology platforms to serve the needs of the architectural and industrial coatings; home care and personal care; consumer and electronics; mobility and transportation; industrial and chemical processing; and building and infrastructure end-markets. Both businesses employ materials science capabilities, global reach and unique products and technology to combine chemistry platforms to deliver differentiated, market-driven and sustainable innovations to customers.
Performance Materials & Coatings
Pro forma net sales $ 8,961
Pro forma Operating EBIT $ 918
Equity earnings $ 7 $ 6 $ 5
Performance Materials & Coatings
Change in Net Sales from Prior Period due to:
Local price & product mix 19 % (6) % (6) %
Currency 2 — (2)
Volume 1 (6) (3)
Portfolio & other — 1 3
Change in Pro Forma Net Sales from Prior Period due to: 1
Local price & product mix — % (6) % (6) %
Currency — — (2)
Volume — (5) (1)
Portfolio & other — — —
Total — % (11) % (9) %
1.As reported net sales for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared with pro forma net sales for the year ended December 31, 2019.
2021 Versus 2020
Performance Materials & Coatings net sales were $9,672 million in 2021, up 22 percent from net sales of $7,951 million in 2020, with local price up 19 percent, volume up 1 percent, and a favorable currency impact of 2 percent. Local price increased in both businesses and across all geographic regions. Consumer Solutions local price increased in both upstream siloxanes and downstream silicones due to favorable supply and demand dynamics and higher raw material costs. Local price increased in Coatings & Performance Monomers primarily due to improved supply and demand dynamics and higher raw material costs in acrylic monomers and architectural coatings. Volume increased in the U.S. & Canada, Asia Pacific and Latin America, which was partially offset by a decrease in EMEAI. Consumer Solutions volume increased due to higher demand in all geographic regions partially offset by planned maintenance turnaround activity. Volume decreased in Coatings & Performance Monomers in all geographic regions primarily due to supply availability challenges caused by weather-related outages and third-party supply and logistics constraints. The favorable currency impact was driven by Asia Pacific and EMEAI.
Operating EBIT was $866 million in 2021, up $552 million from Operating EBIT of $314 million in 2020. Operating EBIT increased primarily due to margin expansion and higher volume in Consumer Solutions.
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2020 Versus 2019
Performance Materials & Coatings net sales were $7,951 million in 2020, down 11 percent from net sales of $8,923 million in 2019. Net sales decreased 11 percent from pro forma net sales of $8,961 million in 2019, with local price down 6 percent and volume down 5 percent. Local price decreased in both businesses and across all geographic regions. Consumer Solutions local price declined in all regions, primarily in upstream siloxanes due to weak supply and demand dynamics. Local price decreased in Coatings & Performance Monomers in response to lower feedstock and other raw material costs. Volume declined in all geographic regions except Latin America, reflecting the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumer Solutions volume decreased as growth in home care applications was more than offset by lower demand for products used in automotive, industrial, construction and personal care end-markets as consumer activities and buying patterns were limited by the COVID-19 pandemic. Coatings & Performance Monomers volume increased in all geographic regions, except EMEAI. Volume gains were driven by higher demand for methacrylates used in protective applications, for architectural coatings as consumers continued do-it-yourself projects at home, and higher demand for vinyl acetate monomers.
Operating EBIT was $314 million in 2020, down 66 percent from pro forma Operating EBIT of $918 million in 2019. Operating EBIT decreased primarily due to margin compression, lower demand in siloxanes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and higher manufacturing and planned maintenance turnaround costs that more than offset volume gains in Coatings & Performance Monomers and lower SG&A costs.
CORPORATE
Corporate includes certain enterprise and governance activities (including insurance operations, environmental operations, etc.); non-business aligned joint ventures; non-business aligned litigation expenses; and discontinued or non-aligned businesses.
Corporate
Pro forma net sales $ 343
Pro forma Operating EBIT $ (315)
Equity earnings (losses) $ 7 $ (31) $ (20)
2021 Versus 2020
Net sales for Corporate, which primarily relate to the Company's insurance operations, were $317 million in 2021, up from net sales of $269 million in 2020.
Operating EBIT was a loss of $253 million in 2021, compared with Operating EBIT loss of $279 million in 2020. Operating EBIT improved primarily due to improved equity earnings.
2020 Versus 2019
Net sales for Corporate, which primarily relate to the Company's insurance operations, were $269 million in 2020, down from net sales and pro forma net sales of $343 million in 2019.
Operating EBIT was a loss of $279 million in 2020, compared with a pro forma Operating EBIT loss of $315 million in 2019. Compared with 2019, Operating EBIT improved primarily due to cost reductions and stranded cost removal throughout 2019.
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OUTLOOK
Operating Segments & End-Market Expectations
In 2022, economic forecasts are projecting above average global gross domestic product ("GDP") growth rates due to strong industrial and consumer demand trends which have the potential to positively impact sales volume. Inflationary impacts on natural gas and feedstocks, driven by external macroeconomic and geopolitical factors, remain a potential risk in the near-term, but are expected to be moderate as warmer weather lowers demand for heating supply. The Company anticipates constructive global demand for crude oil compared with 2021 due to ongoing recovery in travel and mobility. Crude oil fundamentals suggest global supply will lag the growing demand that provides support to oil prices and oil-to-gas spreads.
In Packaging & Specialty Plastics, supply improvements following significant weather-related disruptions in 2021 are expected to drive sales volume on continued underlying demand strength, notably in flexible food and specialty packaging, industrial and consumer packaging and functional polymers. Integrated margins are expected to stabilize with recent industry supply additions. The Company’s regional feedstock cost advantages will help offset elevated raw material and energy costs. Other important factors that will impact performance are raw material and logistics challenges; industry operating rates; and timing of additional industry capacity startups.
In Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, volume growth is expected across the portfolio, driven by continued underlying demand strength for products used in furniture and bedding, appliances, automotive, construction, electronics and pharma applications. The methylene diphenyl diisocyanate value chain is expected to remain tight with industry capacity additions trailing demand growth. Propylene oxide is expected to be impacted by new capacity entering the market, particularly in Asia Pacific. Ethylene oxide supply is expected to remain tight, with limited industry capacity additions in the near-term and continued demand strength. Margins for the segment are expected to benefit from high-value specialties aligned to strategic incremental growth capacity additions.
In Performance Materials & Coatings, sales growth is expected in downstream silicones, particularly for products used in mobility and transportation, high performance building and construction, industrial, consumer, and electronics applications. The Company continues to pursue incremental downstream silicones capacity debottlenecking and growth projects to meet demand growth in consumer-driven end-markets. Within siloxanes, increased supply availability is expected to drive sales volume. Global demand strength in architectural and industrial coatings is expected to drive sales volume. The Company remains well-positioned to benefit from its customers’ shift to sustainable chemistries where Dow has unique technologies and solutions to offer in both business units.
Other factors impacting operating segment profitability include:
•Planned maintenance turnaround spending is expected to increase approximately $100 million compared with 2021 due to inflationary pressures on materials and labor.
•Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates is expected to decrease compared with 2021 as margins compress on industry supply additions, lower Asian olefins and mono ethylene glycol prices, and increasing raw material costs.
Projected Uses of Cash
Items that may impact the consolidated statements of cash flows in 2022 include:
•Cash contributions to pension plans are expected to be approximately $250 million.
•Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $2.2 billion.
•Cash expenditures related to the Digital Acceleration program are expected to be $250 million in 2022.
•Cash outflows related to the Company's 2020 Restructuring Program, including restructuring implementation costs, are expected to be approximately $175 million.
•Cash dividends from equity companies are expected to increase following increased equity earnings in 2021.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $2,988 million at December 31, 2021 and $5,104 million at December 31, 2020, of which $1,745 million at December 31, 2021 and $862 million at December 31, 2020, 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. Dow has the ability to repatriate additional funds to the U.S., which could result in an adjustment to the tax liability for foreign withholding taxes, foreign and/or U.S. state income taxes and the impact of foreign currency movements. At December 31, 2021, management believed that sufficient liquidity was available in the United States. The Company has and expects to continue repatriating certain funds from its non-U.S. subsidiaries that are not needed to finance local operations; however, these particular repatriation activities have not and are not expected to result in a significant incremental tax liability to the Company.
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 Dow Inc. TDCC
Cash provided by (used for):
Operating activities - discontinued operations (60) (26) 217 — — 371
Investing activities - discontinued operations — — (34) — — (34)
Financing activities - discontinued operations — — (18) — — (18)
Summary
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Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations in 2021 was primarily driven by the Company's cash earnings and dividends from equity method investments, which were partially offset by cash used for working capital requirements, pension contributions and performance-based compensation payments. Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations in 2020 was primarily driven by the Company's cash earnings, cash receipts related to an advance payment from a customer and the Nova ethylene asset matter, dividends from equity method investments and working capital improvements, which were partially offset by pension contributions. Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations in 2019 was primarily driven by the Company's cash earnings, dividends from equity method investments, working capital improvements, cash receipts related to an advance payment from a customer and the Nova ethylene asset matter, which were partially offset by performance-based compensation payments and pension contributions.
Net Working Capital and Current Ratio at Dec 31 Dow Inc. TDCC
Working Capital Metrics Twelve Months Ended
Days sales outstanding in trade receivables 40 48
Days sales in inventory 54 65
Days payables outstanding 57 66
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities from discontinued operations primarily related to cash payments and receipts the Company had with DuPont and Corteva that related to certain agreements and matters related to the separation from DowDuPont. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash used for investing activities from continuing operations in 2021 was primarily for capital expenditures and purchases of investments and previously leased assets, which were partially offset by proceeds from sales and maturities of investments. Cash used for investing activities from continuing operations in 2020 was primarily for capital expenditures, purchases of investments, investments in and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates (related to Sadara) and acquisitions of property and businesses, which were partially offset by proceeds from sales and maturities of investments and proceeds from sales of property and businesses. Cash used for investing activities from continuing operations in 2019 was primarily for capital expenditures, purchases of investments and investments in and loans to nonconsolidated affiliates, which were partially offset by proceeds from sales and maturities of investments.
The Company loaned Sadara $333 million in 2020 and $473 million in 2019. As a result of Sadara's debt re-profiling completed in the first quarter of 2021, the Company did not provide any shareholder loans or equity contributions to Sadara in 2021. See Notes 12 and 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
The Company's capital expenditures related to continuing operations were $1,501 million in 2021, $1,252 million in 2020 and $1,961 million in 2019. Capital spending was higher in 2021 as the Company ramped up its growth projects and investments to keep pace with demand recovery. The Company expects capital spending in 2022 to be approximately $2.2 billion.
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Capital spending in recent years has included an expansion of the Company's new ethylene production facility in Freeport, Texas, which commenced operations in 2020, bringing the facility's total ethylene capacity to 2,000 kilotonnes per annum and making it the largest ethylene cracker in the world; the addition of a furnace to the Company's ethylene production facility in Alberta, Canada, which commenced operations in 2021; the retrofit of one of the Company's Louisiana steam crackers with Dow's proprietary fluidized catalytic dehydrogenation ("FCDh") technology to produce on-purpose propylene and the addition of a new specialty alkoxylation reactor in Plaquemine, Louisiana, which are both expected to be completed in the second half of 2022; and the addition of an integrated MDI distillation and prepolymers facility at its site in Freeport, Texas, which is expected to be completed in 2023.
Cash used for investing activities from discontinued operations in 2019 was primarily for capital expenditures, partially offset by proceeds from the sales of property, businesses and ownership interests in nonconsolidated affiliates.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash used for financing activities from continuing operations in 2021 included payments on long-term debt and transaction financing, debt issuance and other costs, which were partially offset by proceeds from issuance of common stock. In addition, Dow Inc. included cash outflows for dividends paid to stockholders and purchases of treasury stock and TDCC included cash outflows for dividends paid to Dow Inc. Cash used for financing activities from continuing operations in 2020 included payments on long-term debt, changes in short-term notes payable and transaction financing, debt issuance and other costs, which were partially offset by proceeds from issuance of long-term debt. In addition, Dow Inc. included cash outflows for dividends paid to stockholders and purchases of treasury stock and TDCC included cash outflows for dividends paid to Dow Inc. Cash used for financing activities from continuing operations in 2019 included payments on long-term debt and dividends paid to DowDuPont, which were partially offset by proceeds from issuance of long-term debt. In addition, Dow Inc. received cash as part of the separation from DowDuPont, which was more than offset by dividends paid to stockholders and purchases of treasury stock. See Notes 15 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the issuance and retirement of debt and the Company's share repurchases and dividends.
Cash used for financing activities from discontinued operations in 2019 primarily related to distributions to noncontrolling interests and employee taxes paid for share-based payment arrangements.
Non-GAAP Cash Flow Measures
Free Cash Flow
Dow defines free cash flow as "Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations," less capital expenditures. Under this definition, free cash flow represents the cash generated by Dow from operations after investing in its asset base. Free cash flow, combined with cash balances and other sources of liquidity, represents the cash available to fund obligations and provide returns to shareholders. Free cash flow is an integral financial measure used in the Company's financial planning process.
Operating EBITDA and Pro Forma Operating EBITDA
Dow defines Operating EBITDA (for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020) as earnings (i.e., "Income from continuing operations before income taxes") before interest, depreciation and amortization, excluding the impact of significant items. Pro forma Operating EBITDA (for the year ended December 31, 2019) is defined as earnings (i.e. "Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes") before interest, depreciation and amortization, plus pro forma adjustments, excluding the impact of significant items.
Cash Flow Conversion (Operating EBITDA or Pro Forma Operating EBITDA to Cash Flow From Operations)
Dow defines cash flow conversion (Operating EBITDA or pro forma Operating EBITDA to cash flow from operations) as "Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations," divided by Operating EBITDA or pro forma Operating EBITDA. Management believes cash flow conversion is an important financial metric as it helps the Company determine how efficiently it is converting its earnings into cash flow.
These financial measures are not recognized in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") and should not be viewed as alternatives to U.S. GAAP financial measures of performance. All companies do not calculate non-GAAP financial measures in the same manner and, accordingly, Dow's definitions may not be consistent with the methodologies used by other companies.
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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Cash Flow Measures Dow Inc.
1.Free cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2021 reflects a $1 billion elective pension contribution.
+ Provision for income taxes on continuing operations 1,740 777 470
+ Interest expense and amortization of debt discount 731 827 933
+ Pro forma adjustments 2 — — 65
1.Operating EBIT, depreciation and amortization and Operating EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2019 is presented on a pro forma basis.
2.Pro forma adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2019 include: (1) the margin impact of various manufacturing, supply and service related agreements entered into with DuPont and Corteva in connection with the separation which provide for different pricing than the historical intercompany and intracompany pricing practices of TDCC and Historical DuPont and (2) the elimination of the impact of events directly attributable to the Merger, internal reorganization and business realignment, separation, distribution and other related transactions (e.g., one-time transaction costs).
3.The year ended December 31, 2021 includes costs associated with the Company's digital acceleration program; restructuring, implementation costs and asset related charges - net; a loss on early extinguishment of debt; a gain on a previous divestiture, litigation related charges, awards and adjustments; and indemnification and other transaction related costs. The year ended December 31, 2020 includes integration and separation costs, restructuring, implementation costs and asset related charges - net, a gain on a warranty accrual adjustment of an exited business, a net gain on divestitures and asset sale, a gain related to a legal matter with Nova, a loss on early extinguishment of debt and a loss associated with agreements entered into with DuPont and Corteva as part of the separation and distribution. The year ended December 31, 2019 includes integration and separation costs, restructuring, goodwill impairment and asset related charges - net, a gain on a warranty accrual adjustment of an exited business, environmental charges, a loss related to previous divestitures, a loss on early extinguishment of debt, a net gain related to litigation matters and a loss associated with agreements entered into with DuPont and Corteva as part of the separation and distribution. See Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
4.Cash flow conversion for the year ended December 31, 2021 reflects a $1 billion elective pension contribution.
Liquidity & Financial Flexibility
The Company’s primary source of incremental liquidity is cash flows from operating activities. The generation of cash from operations and the Company's ability to access capital markets is expected to meet the Company’s cash requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, debt maturities, contributions to pension plans, dividend distributions to stockholders, share repurchases and other needs. In addition to cash from operating activities, the Company’s current liquidity sources also include TDCC's U.S. and Euromarket commercial paper programs, committed and uncommitted credit facilities, committed accounts receivable facilities, a U.S. retail note program (“InterNotes®”) and other debt markets.
The Company continues to maintain a strong financial position with all of its committed credit facilities undrawn and fully available at December 31, 2021. Cash and committed and available forms of liquidity were $12.6 billion at December 31, 2021. The Company also has no substantive long-term debt maturities due until 2026. Additional details on sources of liquidity are as follows:
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Commercial Paper
TDCC issues promissory notes under its U.S. and Euromarket commercial paper programs. TDCC had no commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020. TDCC maintains access to the commercial paper market at competitive rates. Amounts outstanding under TDCC's commercial paper programs during the period may be greater or less than the amount reported at the end of the period. Subsequent to December 31, 2021, TDCC issued approximately $1.3 billion of commercial paper.
Committed Credit Facilities
The Company also has the ability to access liquidity through TDCC's committed and available credit facilities. At December 31, 2021, TDCC had total committed and available credit facilities of $8.1 billion. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on committed and available credit facilities.
Committed Accounts Receivable Facilities
In addition to the above committed credit facilities, the Company maintains a committed accounts receivable facility in the U.S. where eligible trade accounts receivable, up to $900 million, may be sold at any point in time. The Company also maintains a committed accounts receivable facility in Europe where eligible trade accounts receivable, up to €500 million, may be sold at any point in time. At December 31, 2021, there were no receivables sold under the U.S. and Europe committed accounts receivable facilities. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Company-Owned Life Insurance
The Company has investments in company-owned life insurance ("COLI") policies, which are recorded at their cash surrender value as of each balance sheet date. The Company has the ability to monetize its investment in its COLI policies as an additional source of liquidity. In the first quarter of 2021, the Company monetized $200 million of its existing COLI policies' surrender value. In the second quarter of 2021, the Company repaid the drawdown against the cash surrender value. The Company had no outstanding monetization of its existing COLI policies' surrender value at December 31, 2021. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Uncommitted Credit Facilities
The Company has entered into various uncommitted bilateral credit arrangements as a potential source of excess liquidity. These lines can be used to support short-term liquidity needs and for general purposes, including letters of credit. The Company had no drawdowns outstanding at December 31, 2021.
Letters of Credit
TDCC utilizes letters of credit to support commitments made in the ordinary course of business. While the terms and amounts of letters of credit change, TDCC generally has approximately $400 million of outstanding letters of credit at any given time.
Early Settlement of Letters of Credit
The Company utilizes, from time-to-time, letters of credit discounting programs to manage and expedite the settlement of letters of credit in certain regions. These letters of credit are associated with accounts receivable and the Company retains no interest in the transferred letters of credit or receivables once sold.
Shelf Registration - U.S.
On July 26, 2019, Dow Inc. and TDCC filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC. The shelf indicates that Dow Inc. may offer common stock; preferred stock; depositary shares; debt securities; guarantees; warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock and debt securities; and stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units, with pricing and availability of any such offerings depending on market conditions. The shelf also indicates that TDCC may offer debt securities, guarantees and warrants to purchase debt securities, with pricing and availability of any such offerings depending on market conditions. Also on July 26, 2019, TDCC filed a new prospectus supplement under this shelf registration to register an unlimited amount of securities for issuance under InterNotes®. The shelf registration expires on July 26, 2022. The Company expects to renew the shelf registration.
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Debt
As the Company continues to maintain its strong balance sheet and financial flexibility, management is focused on net debt (a non-GAAP financial measure), as the Company believes this is the best representation of its financial leverage at this point in time. As shown in the following table, net debt is equal to total gross debt minus "Cash and cash equivalents" and "Marketable securities." At December 31, 2021, net debt as a percentage of total capitalization for Dow Inc. and TDCC decreased to 37.9 percent and 37.5 percent, respectively, compared with 47.9 percent and 46.8 percent, respectively, at December 31, 2020.
Total Debt at Dec 31 Dow Inc. TDCC
Gross debt as a percentage of total capitalization 43.9 % 56.8 % 43.5 % 55.8 %
Net debt as a percentage of total capitalization 37.9 % 47.9 % 37.5 % 46.8 %
1.Included in "Other current assets" in the consolidated balance sheets.
In the second quarter of 2021, the Company redeemed $208 million aggregate principal amount of 3.15 percent notes due May 2024 and $811 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50 percent notes due October 2024.
In the third quarter of 2021, the Company completed cash tender offers for certain debt securities. In total, $1,042 million aggregate principal amount was tendered and retired. In addition, the Company voluntarily repaid $81 million of long-term debt due within one year.
The Company may at any time repurchase certain debt securities in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions subject to: the applicable terms under which any such debt securities were issued, certain internal approvals of the Company, and applicable laws and regulations of the relevant jurisdiction in which any such potential transactions might take place. This in no way obligates the Company to make any such repurchases nor should it be considered an offer to do so.
TDCC’s public debt instruments and primary, private credit agreements contain, among other provisions, certain customary restrictive covenant and default provisions. TDCC’s most significant debt covenant with regard to its financial position is the obligation to maintain the ratio of its consolidated indebtedness to consolidated capitalization at no greater than 0.70 to 1.00 at any time the aggregate outstanding amount of loans under the Five Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility Agreement ("Revolving Credit Agreement") equals or exceeds $500 million. The ratio of TDCC’s consolidated indebtedness as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement was .40 to 1.00 at December 31, 2021. Management believes TDCC was in compliance with all of its covenants and default provisions at December 31, 2021. The Revolving Credit Agreement was extended in November 2021 to include favorable updates to the terms and conditions and matures in November 2026.
On April 1, 2019, DowDuPont completed the separation of its materials science business and Dow Inc. became the direct parent company of TDCC. In conjunction with the separation, Dow Inc. is obligated, substantially concurrently with the issuance of any guarantee in respect of outstanding or committed indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement, to enter into a supplemental indenture with TDCC and the trustee under TDCC’s existing 2008 base indenture governing certain notes issued by TDCC. Under such supplemental indenture, Dow Inc. will guarantee all outstanding debt securities and all amounts due under such existing base indenture and will become subject to certain covenants and events of default under the existing base indenture.
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In addition, the Revolving Credit Agreement includes an event of default which would be triggered in the event Dow Inc. incurs or guarantees third party indebtedness for borrowed money in excess of $250 million or engages in any material activity or directly owns any material assets, in each case, subject to certain conditions and exceptions. Dow Inc. may, at its option, cure the event of default by delivering an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee to the administrative agent within thirty days of the event or events giving rise to such event of default.
No such events have occurred or have been triggered at the time of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to TDCC’s notes payable and long-term debt activity and information on TDCC’s debt covenants and default provisions.
While taking into consideration the current economic environment, management expects that the Company will continue to have sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility to meet all of its business obligations.
Credit Ratings
TDCC's credit ratings at January 31, 2022 were as follows:
Credit Ratings Long-Term Rating Short-Term Rating Outlook
Fitch Ratings BBB+ F2 Stable
Moody’s Investors Service Baa2 P-2 Stable
Standard & Poor’s BBB A-2 Stable
On April 13, 2021, Fitch reaffirmed TDCC’s BBB+ and F2 rating, and revised its outlook to stable from negative. The decision was made as part of Fitch’s annual review process.
On June 10, 2021, S&P announced a credit rating upgrade for TDCC from BBB- and A-3 to BBB and A-2, maintaining stable outlook. The decision from S&P reflects the expectation for an ongoing macroeconomic recovery, the Company’s supportive financial policies and the strengthening of its operating performance in 2021 relative to 2020.
Dividends
Dow Inc.
Dow Inc. has paid dividends on a quarterly basis since the separation from DowDuPont and expects to continue to do so, subject to approval by the Board. The dividends declared by the Board align to the Company's strategy announced in 2018 of returning approximately 45 percent of operating net income1 to the shareholders through the dividend and total shareholder remuneration of approximately 65 percent, when including share repurchases, over the economic cycle. The following tables provide information on dividends declared and paid to common stockholders:
In millions, except per share amounts
Dividends paid, per common share $ 2.80 $ 2.80 $ 2.10
Dividends paid to common stockholders $ 2,073 $ 2,071 $ 1,550
1.Reflects Dow Inc. activity subsequent to the separation from DowDuPont.
Dow Inc. Cash Dividends Declared and Paid
Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Amount (per share)
1.Operating net income is a non-GAAP measure that Dow defines as "Net income (loss) available for Dow Inc. common stockholders," excluding the impact of significant items.
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TDCC
Effective with the Merger, TDCC no longer has publicly traded common stock. From the Merger Date through March 31, 2019, TDCC's common shares were owned solely by DowDuPont. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, TDCC committed to fund a portion of DowDuPont's dividends paid to common stockholders and certain governance expenses. Funding was accomplished through intercompany loans. On a quarterly basis, TDCC's Board reviewed and determined a dividend distribution to DowDuPont to settle the intercompany loans. The dividend distribution considered the level of TDCC’s earnings and cash flows and the outstanding intercompany loan balances. TDCC declared and paid dividends to DowDuPont of $535 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. See Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Effective with the separation from DowDuPont on April 1, 2019, TDCC became a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow Inc. TDCC has committed to fund Dow Inc.'s dividends paid to common stockholders, share repurchases and certain governance expenses. Funding is accomplished through intercompany loans. TDCC's Board reviews and determines a dividend distribution to Dow Inc. to settle the intercompany loans. For the year ended December 31, 2021, TDCC declared and paid dividends to Dow Inc. of $3,264 million ($2,233 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and $201 million for the year ended December 31, 2019). At December 31, 2021, TDCC's intercompany loan balance with Dow Inc. was insignificant. See Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Share Repurchase Program
Dow Inc.
On April 1, 2019, Dow Inc.'s Board ratified the share repurchase program originally approved on March 15, 2019, authorizing up to $3.0 billion to be spent on the repurchase of the Company's common stock, with no expiration date. In 2021, Dow Inc. repurchased $1.0 billion of the Company's common stock. At December 31, 2021, approximately $1.4 billion of the share repurchase program authorization remained available for repurchases. As previously announced, the Company intends to, at a minimum, repurchase shares to cover dilution. The Company may expand share repurchases beyond dilution as favorable economic conditions develop. Any share repurchases, when coupled with the Company's dividends, is intended to implement the long-term strategy of ensuring shareholder remuneration is approximately 65 percent over the economic cycle.
Pension Plans
The Company has both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans that cover employees in the United States and a number of other countries. In 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company contributed $1,219 million, $299 million and $261 million to its continuing operations pension plans respectively, including contributions to fund benefit payments for its non-qualified pension plans ($1,219 million, $299 million and $266 million, including contributions to plans of discontinued operations). In the first quarter of 2021, the Company elected to contribute $1 billion to its U.S. tax-qualified pension plans, which is included in the 2021 contribution amount above. This contribution was based on the Company's funding policy, which is to contribute to defined benefit pension plans when pension laws and/or economics either require or encourage funding. The Company expects to contribute approximately $180 million to its pension plans in 2022.
On March 4, 2021, the Company announced changes to the design of its U.S. tax-qualified and non-qualified pension plans (collectively, the "U.S. Plans") and, effective December 31, 2023, the Company will freeze the pensionable compensation and credited service amounts used to calculate pension benefits for employees who participate in the U.S. Plans. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information concerning the Company’s pension plans.
Restructuring
The actions related to the 2020 Restructuring Program are expected to result in additional cash expenditures of $168 million, primarily through the third quarter of 2022, consisting of severance and related benefit costs and costs associated with exit and disposal activities, including contract cancellation penalties and environmental remediation. Restructuring implementation costs, primarily decommissioning and demolition activities related to asset actions, are expected to result in additional cash expenditures of approximately $50 million, primarily through the third quarter of 2022. Restructuring implementation costs totaled $63 million in 2021.
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The Company expects to incur additional costs in the future related to its restructuring activities, which will be recognized as incurred. The Company also expects to incur additional employee-related costs, including involuntary termination benefits related to its other optimization activities. These costs cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company's restructuring activities.
Digital Acceleration
In the first quarter of 2021, Dow announced plans to further advance and expand its digitalization efforts to deliver long-term value creation, by accelerating investment in three key areas: expanding digital tools to accelerate materials science innovation; further enhancing the e-commerce buying and fulfillment experience for Dow's customers; and adopting real-time digital manufacturing insights, operational data intelligence and demand sensing to enhance the productivity and reliability of Dow’s operations. The Company expects more than $300 million in incremental annual run rate Operating EBITDA generation by the end of 2025 related to digital acceleration, with an additional one-time $100 million in structural working capital efficiency gains, driven in part by enhanced planning from digital tools. The activities related to digital acceleration are expected to result in additional cash expenditures of approximately $250 million, primarily through the end of 2022. Digital acceleration expenses totaled $169 million in 2021.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations, commercial commitments and expected cash requirements for interest at December 31, 2021. Additional information related to these obligations can be found in Notes 15, 16, 17 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Contractual Obligations at Dec 31, 2021 Payments Due In
Dow Inc.
TDCC
1.Excludes unamortized debt discount and issuance costs of $297 million. Includes finance lease obligations of $869 million.
2.Cash requirements for interest on long-term debt was calculated using current interest rates at December 31, 2021, and includes $53 million of various floating rate notes.
3.Includes imputed interest of $278 million.
4.Includes outstanding purchase orders and other commitments greater than $1 million obtained through a survey conducted within the Company.
5.Includes liabilities related to asbestos litigation, environmental remediation, legal matters and other noncurrent liabilities. In addition to these items, Dow Inc. includes liabilities related to noncurrent obligations with DuPont and Corteva. The table excludes uncertain tax positions due to uncertainties in the timing of the effective settlement of tax positions with the respective taxing authorities and deferred tax liabilities as it is impractical to determine whether there will be a cash impact related to these liabilities. The table also excludes deferred revenue as it does not represent future cash requirements arising from contractual payment obligations.
The Company expects to meet its contractual obligations through its normal sources of liquidity and believes it has the financial resources to satisfy these contractual obligations.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Off-balance sheet arrangements are obligations the Company has with nonconsolidated entities related to transactions, agreements or other contractual arrangements. The Company holds variable interests in joint ventures accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of these joint ventures and therefore is not required to consolidate these entities (see Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In addition, see Note 14 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, committed accounts receivable facilities and nonconsolidated affiliates when the Company undertakes an obligation to guarantee the performance of others if specific triggering events occur. Additional information related to guarantees can be found in the “Guarantees” section of Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fair Value Measurements
See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to fair value measurements of pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets; see Note 22 for information related to other-than-temporary impairments; and, see Note 23 for additional information concerning fair value measurements.
OTHER MATTERS
Recent Accounting Guidance
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of recent accounting guidance.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. Following are the Company’s accounting policies impacted by judgments, assumptions and estimates:
Litigation
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims arising out of the normal course of business including product liability, patent infringement, employment matters, governmental tax and regulation disputes, contract and commercial litigation and other actions. The Company routinely assesses the legal and factual circumstances of each matter, the likelihood of any adverse outcomes to these matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after thoughtful analysis of each known claim. The Company has an active risk management program consisting of numerous insurance policies secured from many carriers covering various timeframes. These policies may provide coverage that could be utilized to minimize the financial impact, if any, of certain contingencies. The required reserves may change in the future due to new developments in each matter. For further discussion, see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Asbestos-Related Matters of Union Carbide Corporation