Raw Strength

Chemical makers are feeling optimistic about 2011 prospects as stout fourth-quarter earnings cap a stellar 2010 (p. 6, 11). Companies expect earnings and volume growth to advance again in 2011 as recovery in the global economy continues to strengthen. Surging raw materials, however, could threaten profits in 2011. Dow Chemical told investors it expects hydrocarbon-based costs to rise $500 million sequentially in the first quarter of 2011 compared with fourth-quarter levels. That follows a $700-million increase for all of 2010. Despite the level of energy and raw...

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