10-Q 1 emn2010q1_10q.htm EASTMAN 2010 Q1 10-Q emn2010q1_10q.htm

 
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC  20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark
One)
 
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010
 
OR
[  ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ______________ to ______________

Commission file number 1-12626
 
EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
62-1539359
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)
 
identification no.)
     
200 South Wilcox Drive
   
Kingsport, Tennessee
 
37662
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
     

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (423) 229-2000

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES [X]  NO  [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES [  ]  NO  [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
                          Large accelerated filer [X]                             Accelerated filer [  ]
                          Non-accelerated filer [  ]                                Smaller reporting company [  ]
                        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES [  ]  NO  [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Number of Shares Outstanding at March 31, 2010
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
72,393,327
     
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PAGE 1 OF 39 TOTAL SEQUENTIALLY NUMBERED PAGES
EXHIBIT INDEX ON PAGE 38

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM
 
PAGE

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


SIGNATURES

 
37


  2
 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

   
First Three Months
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2010
 
2009
         
Sales
$
1,564
$
1,129
Cost of sales
 
1,243
 
950
Gross profit
 
 321
 
179
         
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
103
 
94
Research and development expenses
 
36
 
34
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
--
 
26
Operating earnings
 
 182
 
  25
         
Net interest expense
 
25
 
19
Other charges (income), net
 
6
 
4
Earnings before income taxes
 
 151
 
   2
Provision for income taxes
 
50
 
--
Net earnings
$
 101
$
   2
         
Earnings per share
       
Basic
$
1.39
$
0.03
Diluted
$
1.37
$
0.03
         
Comprehensive Income
       
Net earnings
$
 101
$
   2
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
       
Change in cumulative translation adjustment
 
(12)
 
(10)
Change in unrecognized losses and prior service credits for benefit plans
 
3
 
--
Change in unrealized gains on derivative instruments
 
6
 
9
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
(3)
 
(1)
Comprehensive income
$
  98
$
   1
         
Retained Earnings
       
Retained earnings at beginning of period
$
2,571
$
2,563
Net earnings
 
 101
 
   2
Cash dividends declared
 
(32)
 
(32)
Retained earnings at end of period
$
2,640
$
2,533

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 


   
March 31,
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2010
 
2009
   
(Unaudited)
   
Assets
       
Current assets
       
Cash and cash equivalents
$
483
$
793
Trade receivables, net
 
687
 
277
Miscellaneous receivables
 
87
 
102
Inventories
 
588
 
531
Other current assets
 
32
 
32
Total current assets
 
1,877
 
1,735
         
Properties
       
Properties and equipment at cost
 
8,626
 
8,525
Less:  Accumulated depreciation
 
5,459
 
5,415
Net properties
 
3,167
 
3,110
         
Goodwill
 
314
 
315
Other noncurrent assets
 
290
 
355
Total assets
$
5,648
$
5,515
         
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
       
Current liabilities
       
Payables and other current liabilities
$
866
$
800
Borrowings due within one year
 
4
 
--
Total current liabilities
 
870
 
800
         
Long-term borrowings
 
1,603
 
1,604
Deferred income tax liabilities
 
261
 
258
Post-employment obligations
 
1,225
 
1,221
Other long-term liabilities
 
120
 
119
Total liabilities
 
4,079
 
4,002
         
Stockholders' equity
       
Common stock ($0.01 par value – 350,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued – 95,048,707 and 94,775,064 for 2010 and 2009, respectively)
 
1
 
1
Additional paid-in capital
 
671
 
661
Retained earnings
 
2,640
 
2,571
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(388)
 
(385)
   
2,924
 
2,848
Less: Treasury stock at cost (22,738,054 shares for 2010 and 22,389,696 shares for 2009 )
 
1,355
 
1,335
         
Total stockholders' equity
 
1,569
 
1,513
         
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
5,648
$
5,515
         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 


   
First Three Months
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
         
Cash flows from operating activities
       
Net earnings
$
101
$
2
 
       
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
       
Depreciation and amortization
 
69
 
67
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes
 
16
 
(13)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions and divestitures:
       
(Increase) decrease in trade receivables
 
(414)
 
5
(Increase) decrease in inventories
 
(58)
 
70
Increase (decrease) in trade payables
 
94
 
(17)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities for employee benefits and incentive pay
 
(45)
 
(55)
Other items, net
 
12
 
23
         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
(225)
 
82
         
Cash flows from investing activities
       
Additions to properties and equipment
 
(31)
 
(110)
Proceeds from sale of assets and investments
 
4
 
24
Acquisitions of and investments in joint ventures
 
(18)
 
(20)
Additions to capitalized software
 
(2)
 
(2)
         
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(47)
 
(108)
         
Cash flows from financing activities
       
Net increase in commercial paper, credit facility, and other borrowings
 
2
 
6
Dividends paid to stockholders
 
(32)
 
(32)
Treasury stock purchases
 
(20)
 
--
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other items
 
12
 
5
         
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(38)
 
(21)
         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
--
 
--
         
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
(310)
 
(47)
         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
793
 
387
         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
 483
$
 340
         


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 


 

 

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Eastman Chemical Company (the "Company" or "Eastman") in accordance and consistent with the accounting policies stated in the Company's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") and, of necessity, include some amounts that are based upon management estimates and judgments.  Future actual results could differ from such current estimates.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements include assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures.  Eastman accounts for other joint ventures and investments where it exercises significant influence, but does not have control, on the equity basis.  Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.  Certain prior period data has been reclassified in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying footnotes to conform to current period presentation.

Effective January 1, 2010, the Company adopted accounting guidance on transfers of financial assets.  The impact of this guidance is prospective with changes in first quarter Statements of Consolidated Financial Position and the Statements of Cash Flows.  For additional information, refer to Notes 7, "Borrowings," and 10, "Commitments."

2.  

On March 22, 2010, Eastman Fibers Korea Limited ("EFKL") completed the purchase of the acetate tow facility in Ulsan, Korea from SK Chemicals Co., Ltd. ("SK"), which has been accounted for as a business combination.  EFKL is a venture between the Company and SK, in which the Company has controlling ownership and operates the facility.  This acquisition establishes acetate tow manufacturing capacity for the Company in Asia, which supports the projected long term market growth for acetate tow in the region.

The fair value of total consideration is $111 million, which was paid in installments beginning in first quarter 2009.  Of the total consideration, $17 million remains unpaid and is primarily contingent upon achievement of an operational milestone in a future period.  The Company has determined the preliminary fair value of the acquired assets to be as follows: property, plant, and equipment of $101 million, inventory of $5 million, and technology of $5 million, which is equal to the fair value of the total consideration.


There were no asset impairments or restructuring charges in first quarter 2010.  In first quarter 2009, restructuring charges totaled $26 million primarily for severance charges resulting from a reduction in force.


 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Changes in Reserves for Asset Impairments, Restructuring Charges, and Severance Charges

The following table summarizes the beginning reserves, charges to and changes in estimates to the reserves as described above, and the cash and non-cash reductions to the reserves attributable to asset impairments and the cash payments for severance and site closure costs for full year 2009 and first quarter 2010:
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Balance at January 1, 2009
 
Provision/ Adjustments
 
Non-cash Reductions
 
Cash Reductions
 
Balance at December 31, 2009
                     
Non-cash charges
$
--
$
179
$
(179)
$
--
$
--
Severance costs
 
5
 
23
 
--
 
(23)
 
5
Site closure and other restructuring costs
 
25
 
(2)
 
--
 
(18)
 
5
Total
$
30
$
200
$
(179)
$
(41)
$
10
                     
   
Balance at January 1, 2010
 
Provision/ Adjustments
 
Non-cash Reductions
 
Cash Reductions
 
Balance at March 31, 2010
                     
Non-cash charges
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
Severance costs
 
5
 
--
 
--
 
(5)
 
--
Site closure and other restructuring costs
 
5
 
--
 
--
 
--
 
5
Total
$
10
$
--
$
   --
$
(5)
$
5

4.  

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
2010
 
2009
       
At FIFO or average cost (approximates current cost)
     
Finished goods
$
580
$
547
Work in process
179
 
168
Raw materials and supplies
286
 
262
Total inventories
1,045
 
977
LIFO Reserve
(457)
 
(446)
Total inventories
$
588
$
531

Inventories valued on the LIFO method were approximately 75 percent of total inventories as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.


   
March 31,
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
         
Trade creditors
$
530
$
433
Accrued payrolls, vacation, and variable-incentive compensation
 
74
 
125
Accrued taxes
 
45
 
33
Post-employment obligations
 
62
 
61
Interest payable
 
30
 
32
Other
 
125
 
116
Total payables and other current liabilities
$
866
$
 800
 
The current portion of post-employment obligations is an estimate of current year payments in excess of plan assets.
 
 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



 
First Quarter
(Dollars in millions)
2010
 
2009
 
Change
           
Provision for income taxes
$
50
$
--
 
N/A
Effective tax rate
 
33 %
 
N/A
   

First quarter 2010 effective tax rate reflects the Company's expected full year tax rate on reported operating earnings before income tax of approximately 33 percent.

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2005.  It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months the Company will recognize approximately $2 million of unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the expiration of the relevant statute of limitations.

7.  

   
March 31,
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
         
Borrowings consisted of:
       
7% notes due 2012
$
151
$
152
6.30% notes due 2018
 
204
 
205
5.5% notes due 2019
 
250
 
250
7 1/4% debentures due 2024
 
498
 
497
7 5/8% debentures due 2024
 
200
 
200
7.60% debentures due 2027
 
298
 
298
Other
 
6
 
2
Total borrowings
 
1,607
 
1,604
Borrowings due within one year
 
(4)
 
--
Long-term borrowings
$
1,603
$
1,604

At March 31, 2010, the Company had a $700 million revolving credit facility ("Credit Facility") in two tranches, with $125 million expiring in 2012 and $575 million expiring in 2013.  Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to interest at varying spreads above quoted market rates and a facility fee is paid on the total commitment.  In addition, the Credit Facility contains a number of customary covenants and events of default, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios.  The Company was in compliance with all such covenants for all periods presented.  At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility provides liquidity support for commercial paper borrowings and general corporate purposes.  Accordingly, any outstanding commercial paper borrowings reduce borrowings available under the Credit Facility.  Given the expiration dates of the Credit Facility, any commercial paper borrowings supported by the Credit Facility are classified as long-term borrowings because the Company has the ability and intent to refinance such borrowings on a long-term basis.

At March 31, 2010, the Company also had a $200 million line of credit under its annually renewable accounts receivable securitization agreement ("A/R Facility") which expires in July 2010.   Borrowings under its A/R Facility are subject to interest rates based on a spread over lenders' borrowing costs, and the Company pays a fee to maintain availability of the A/R Facility.  In addition, the A/R Facility contains a number of customary covenants and events of default, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios.  The Company was in compliance with all such covenants for all periods presented.  At March 31, 2010, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the A/R Facility.  Refer to Note 10, "Commitments" for further details regarding the A/R Facility.

 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



DEFINED BENFIT PENSION PLANS

Eastman maintains defined benefit pension plans that provide eligible employees with retirement benefits.  Costs recognized for these benefits are recorded using estimated amounts, which may change as actual costs derived for the year are determined.
 
Below is a summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost recognized for Eastman's significant defined benefit pension plans:
 
Summary of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
   
   
First Quarter
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
         
Service cost
$
11
$
11
Interest cost
 
21
 
21
Expected return on assets
 
(27)
 
(24)
Amortization of:
       
Prior service credit
 
(4)
 
(4)
Actuarial loss
 
11
 
7
Net periodic benefit cost
$
  12
$
  11

POSTRETIREMENT WELFARE PLANS

Eastman provides a subsidy toward life insurance and health care and dental benefits for eligible retirees hired prior to January 1, 2007, and a subsidy toward health care benefits for retirees' eligible survivors.  In general, Eastman provides those benefits to retirees eligible under the Company's U.S. plans.  Similar benefits are also made available to retirees of Holston Defense Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company that, prior to January 1, 1999, operated a government-owned ammunitions plant.

Eligible employees hired on or after January 1, 2007 have access to postretirement health care benefits, but Eastman does not provide a subsidy toward the premium cost of postretirement benefits for those employees.

A few of the Company's non-U.S. operations have supplemental health benefit plans for certain retirees, the cost of which is not significant to the Company.

Costs recognized for benefits for eligible retirees hired prior to January 1, 2007 are recorded using estimated amounts, which may change as actual costs derived for the year are determined.  Below is a summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost recognized for the Company's U.S. plans:

Summary of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
   
   
First Quarter
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
         
Service cost
$
3
$
2
Interest cost
 
11
 
11
Expected return on assets
 
(1)
 
(1)
Amortization of:
       
Prior service credit
 
(6)
 
(6)
Actuarial loss
 
3
 
3
Net periodic benefit cost
$
  10
$
   9


 
10 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Certain Eastman manufacturing sites generate hazardous and nonhazardous wastes, the treatment, storage, transportation, and disposal of which are regulated by various governmental agencies.  In connection with the cleanup of various hazardous waste sites, the Company, along with many other entities, has been designated a potentially responsible party ("PRP"), by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, which potentially subjects PRPs to joint and several liability for such cleanup costs.  In addition, the Company will be required to incur costs for environmental remediation and closure and postclosure under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.  Reserves for environmental contingencies have been established in accordance with Eastman's policies described in Note 1, "Significant Accounting Policies", to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Because of expected sharing of costs, the availability of legal defenses, and the Company's preliminary assessment of actions that may be required, management does not believe that the Company's liability for these environmental matters, individually or in the aggregate, will be material to the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  The Company's total reserve for environmental contingencies was $39 million and $42 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  Estimated future environmental expenditures for remediation costs range from the minimum or best estimate of $9 million to the maximum of $20 million at March 31, 2010, and $10 million to the maximum of $20 million at December 31, 2009.  The best estimate accrued to date over the facilities' estimated useful lives for asset retirement obligation costs is $30 million and $32 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

10.  

Purchasing Obligations and Lease Commitments

At March 31, 2010, the Company had various purchase obligations totaling approximately $1 billion over a period of approximately 15 years for materials, supplies, and energy incident to the ordinary conduct of business.  The Company also had various lease commitments for property and equipment under cancelable, noncancelable, and month-to-month operating leases totaling $91 million over a period of several years.  Of the total lease commitments, approximately 15 percent relates to machinery and equipment, including computer and communications equipment and production equipment; approximately 45 percent relates to real property, including office space, storage facilities and land; and approximately 40 percent relates to railcars.

Accounts Receivable Securitization Program

Effective January 1, 2010, the Company adopted amended accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets which impacts the financial statement presentation for activity under the Company’s $200 million accounts receivable securitization program.  Beginning for periods after December 31, 2009, transfers of receivables interests that were previously treated as sold and removed from the balance sheet will be included in trade receivables, net and reflected as secured borrowings on the balance sheet.  The Company’s Statement of Financial Position at March 31, 2010, reflects an increase in trade receivables of $200 million, the amount transferred at December 31, 2009 under the securitization program, which reduced cash flows from operating activities by that amount for first quarter 2010.  As a result of the adoption of this accounting guidance, any amounts drawn on this accounts receivable securitization program would now be reflected as secured borrowings and disclosed in Note 7, "Borrowings."  At December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2009 the accounts receivable securitization program was fully drawn.

Guarantees

The Company has operating leases with terms that require the Company to guarantee a portion of the residual value of the leased assets upon termination of the lease.  These residual value guarantees at March 31, 2010 totaled $160 million and consisted primarily of leases for railcars and company aircraft.  Leases with guarantee amounts totaling $11 million, $139 million, and $10 million will expire in 2011, 2012, and 2014 and beyond, respectively.  The Company believes, based on current facts and circumstances, that the likelihood of a material payment pursuant to such guarantees is remote.
 
 

 
11 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, new accounting guidance on the consolidation of Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs") was issued.  This guidance is effective for all VIEs or potential VIEs the Company is involved with on or after January 1, 2010.  This guidance amends the evaluation criteria to identify which entity has a controlling financial interest of a variable interest entity and requires ongoing reassessments.  The Company has evaluated its material contractual relationships under the new guidance and concluded that the entities involved in these relationships are not VIEs or, in the case of Primester, a joint venture that manufactures cellulose acetate at the Company's Kingsport, Tennessee plant, the Company has shared control of the VIE.  As such, the Company is not required to consolidate these entities.


Fair Value of Borrowings

The fair value for fixed-rate borrowings is based on current interest rates for comparable securities.  The Company's floating-rate borrowings approximate fair value.

   
March 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
(Dollars in millions)
 
Recorded Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Recorded Amount
 
Fair Value
                 
Long-term borrowings
$
1,603
$
1,734
$
1,604
$
1,656

Fair Value Measurements

The following chart shows the financial assets and liabilities valued on a recurring basis.

(Dollars in millions)
 
Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2010
Description
 
March 31, 2010
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Derivative Assets
$
41
$
--
$
41
$
--
Derivative Liabilities
 
--
 
--
 
--
 
--
 
$
  41
$
   --
$
  41
$
   --

(Dollars in millions)
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2009
Description
 
December 31, 2009
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Derivative Assets
$
52
$
--
$
52
$
--
Derivative Liabilities
 
(21)
 
--
 
(21)
 
--
 
$
  31
$
   --
$
31
$
   --

Hedging Programs

The Company is exposed to market risk, such as changes in currency exchange rates, raw material and energy costs and interest rates.  The Company uses various derivative financial instruments pursuant to the Company's hedging policies to mitigate these market risk factors and their effect on the cash flows of the underlying transactions.  Designation is performed on a specific exposure basis to support hedge accounting.  The changes in fair value of these hedging instruments are offset in part or in whole by corresponding changes in the cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged.  The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.  For further information, see Note 9, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments", to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


 
12 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Fair Value Hedges
Fair value hedges are defined by GAAP as derivative or non-derivative instruments designated as and used to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or a liability or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to a particular risk.  For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings.

As of March 31, 2010, the total notional amount of the Company’s interest rate swaps was $146 million.

Cash Flow Hedges
Cash flow hedges are defined by GAAP as derivative instruments designated as and used to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk.  For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income, net of income taxes and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  Gains and losses on the derivatives representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

As of March 31, 2010, the total amount of the Company's foreign exchange forward and option contracts was a $41 million asset.  As of March 31, 2010, the Company had no feedstock/energy forward and option contracts.

Fair Value of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments

 (Dollars in millions)
     
Fair Value
Asset Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
March 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
Commodity contract
 
Other current assets
$
--
$
7
Foreign exchange contracts
 
Other current assets
 
22
 
14
Foreign exchange contracts
 
Other noncurrent assets
 
19
 
11
     
$
41
$
32
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
     
Fair Value
Liability Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
March 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
Commodity  contract
 
Payables and other current liabilities
$
--
$
1
     
$
--
$
1

Derivatives' Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

(Dollars in millions)
 
First Quarter
Derivatives Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
 
Amount after tax of gain/ (loss) recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on derivatives (effective portion)
 
Location of gain/(loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into income (effective portion)
 
Pre-tax amount of gain/(loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into income (effective portion)
   
March 31, 2010
 
March 31, 2009
   
March 31, 2010
 
March 31, 2009
Commodity  contract
$
(4)
$
3
 
Cost of sales
$
5
  $
(6)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
10
 
6
 
Sales
 
9
 
8
 
$
6
$
9
   
$
14
  $
2

For the quarter ended March 31, 2010, there was no material ineffectiveness with regard to the Company's cash flow hedges.

Nondesignated / Nonqualifying Derivative Instruments
The gains or losses on nonqualifying derivatives or derivatives that are not designated as hedges are marked to market in the line item "Other charges (income), net" of the Statements of Earnings.  The Company recognized approximately $3 million net gain on nonqualifying derivatives during the quarter ended March 31, 2010.
 
 
13

 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

A reconciliation of the changes in stockholders' equity for first three months 2010 is provided below:

(Dollars in millions)
Common Stock at Par Value
$
Paid-in Capital
$
Retained Earnings
$
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
Treasury Stock at Cost
$
Total Stockholders' Equity
$
Balance at December 31, 2009
1
661
2,571
(385)
(1,335)
1,513
             
Net Earnings
--
--
101
--
--
101
Cash Dividends Declared (1)
--
--
(32)
--
--
(32)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
--
--
--
(3)
--
(3)
Share-Based Compensation Expense (2)
--
5
--
--
--
5
Stock Option Exercises
--
7
--
--
--
7
Other (3)
--
(2)
--
--
--
(2)
Stock Repurchases
--
--
--
--
(20)
(20)
Balance at March 31, 2010
 1
671
2,640
(388)
 (1,355)
 1,569

(1)  
Includes cash dividends declared, but unpaid.
(2)  
Includes the fair value of equity share-based awards recognized for share-based compensation.
(3)  
Includes tax benefits relating to the difference between the amounts deductible for federal income taxes over the amounts charged to income for book value purposes credited to paid-in capital and other items.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX

 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
$
Unrecognized Losses and Prior Service Credits for Benefit Plans
$
Unrealized Gains on Derivative Instruments
$
 
Unrealized Losses on Investments
$
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
Balance at December 31, 2008
60
(414)
20
(1)
(335)
Period change
17
(74)
7
--
(50)
Balance at December 31, 2009
77
(488)
27
(1)
(385)
Period change
(12)
3
6
--
(3)
Balance at March 31, 2010
65
(485)
33
(1)
(388)

Amounts of other comprehensive income (loss) are presented net of applicable taxes.  The Company records deferred income taxes on the cumulative translation adjustment related to branch operations and other entities included in the Company's consolidated U.S. tax return.  No deferred income taxes are provided on the cumulative translation adjustment of subsidiaries outside the United States, as such cumulative translation adjustment is considered to be a component of permanently invested, unremitted earnings of these foreign subsidiaries.


 
First Quarter
 
2010
 
2009
       
Shares used for earnings per share calculation (in millions):
     
Basic
72.2
 
72.5
Diluted
73.3
 
72.9

In first quarter 2010 and 2009, common shares underlying options to purchase 1,902,310 shares of common stock and 4,181,434 shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, because the total market value of option exercises for these awards was less than the total proceeds that would be received for these exercises.  First quarter 2010 reflects the impact of 340,000 shares repurchased in the quarter.  There were no repurchases in first quarter 2009.
 
The Company declared cash dividends of $0.44 per share in first quarter 2010 and 2009.
 
14

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Company utilizes share-based awards under employee and non-employee director compensation programs.  These share-based awards may include restricted and unrestricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, and performance shares.  In first quarter 2010 and 2009, approximately $5 million and $4 million, respectively, of compensation expense before tax were recognized in selling, general and administrative expense in the earnings statement for all share-based awards.  The impact of approximately $3 million in both first quarter 2010 and 2009 net earnings is net of deferred tax expense related to share-based award compensation for each period.

Additional information regarding share-based compensation plans and awards may be found in Note 15, "Share-Based Compensation Plans and Awards", to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Included in the line item "Other items, net" of the "Cash flows from operating activities" section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are specific changes to certain balance sheet accounts as follows:

(Dollars in millions)
 
First Quarter
   
2010
 
2009
         
Current assets
$
1
$
(8)
Other assets
 
(2)
 
13
Current liabilities
 
14
 
20
Long-term liabilities and equity
 
(1)
 
(2)
Total
$
12
$
23

The above changes included transactions such as monetized positions from raw material and energy, currency, and certain interest rate hedges, prepaid insurance, miscellaneous deferrals, accrued taxes, value-added taxes, and other miscellaneous accruals.


The Company's products and operations are managed and reported in five reportable operating segments, consisting of the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialty Polymers, and Inks ("CASPI") segment, the Fibers segment, the Performance Chemicals and Intermediates ("PCI") segment, the Performance Polymers segment, and the Specialty Plastics segment.  For additional information concerning the Company's segments' businesses and products, see Note 22, "Segment Information", to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Research and development and other expenses not identifiable to an operating segment are not included in segment operating results for either of the periods presented and are shown in the tables below as "other" operating losses.

In first quarter 2010, the Company transferred certain intermediates product lines from the Performance Polymers segment to the PCI segment to improve optimization of manufacturing assets supporting the three raw material streams that supply the Company’s downstream businesses.  The revised segment composition reflects how management views and evaluates operations.  Accordingly, the amounts for sales, operating earnings, and assets have been adjusted to retrospectively apply these changes to all periods presented.

 
15 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
   
First Quarter
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
Sales by Segment
       
CASPI
$
373
$
250
Fibers
 
267
 
259
PCI
 
482
 
304
Performance Polymers
 
194
 
159
Specialty Plastics
 
248
 
157
Total Sales by Segment
 
1,564
 
1,129
Other
 
--
 
--
         
Total Sales
$
1,564
$
1,129

   
First Quarter
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
Operating Earnings (Loss)
       
CASPI (1)
$
66
$
14
Fibers (1)
 
79
 
69
PCI (1)
 
37
 
(10)
Performance Polymers (1)
 
(13)
 
(18)
Specialty Plastics (1)
 
21
 
(18)
Total Operating Earnings by Segment
 
 190
 
  37
Other
 
(8)
 
(12)
         
Total Operating Earnings
$
 182
$
  25

 (1)  
First quarter 2009 includes a restructuring charge primarily for a severance program of $7 million, $4 million, $6 million, $4 million, and $5 million in the CASPI, Fibers, PCI, Performance Polymers, and Specialty Plastics segments, respectively.

   
March 31,
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
Assets by Segment (1)
       
CASPI
$
1,216
$
1,113
Fibers
 
859
 
726
PCI
 
998
 
844
Performance Polymers
 
624
 
575
Specialty Plastics
 
999
 
910
Total Assets by Segment
 
4,696
 
4,168
Corporate Assets
 
952
 
1,347
         
Total Assets
$
5,648
$
5,515

 (1)  
The chief operating decision maker holds segment management accountable for accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets, and goodwill.


From time to time, the Company and its operations are parties to, or targets of, lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, asbestos, patent and intellectual property, commercial, contract, environmental, antitrust, health and safety, and employment matters, which are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of business.  While the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these matters, it does not believe, based upon currently available facts, that the ultimate resolution of any such pending matters will have a material adverse effect on its overall financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  However, adverse developments could negatively impact earnings or cash flows in a particular future period.

 
16 

 




This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with Eastman Chemical Company's (the "Company" or "Eastman") audited consolidated financial statements, including related notes, and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Company's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements, including related notes, included elsewhere in this report.  All references to earnings per share contained in this report are diluted earnings per share unless otherwise noted.


 
17 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), the Company's management must make decisions which impact the reported amounts and the related disclosures.  Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and assumptions on which to base estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to allowances for doubtful accounts, impairment of long-lived assets, environmental costs, U.S. pension and other post-employment benefits, litigation and contingent liabilities, and income taxes.  The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  The Company's management believes the critical accounting estimates described in Part II, Item 7 of the Company's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K are the most important to the fair presentation of the Company's financial condition and results.  These estimates require management's most significant judgments in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements.


This Management's Discussion and Analysis includes the following non-GAAP financial measures and accompanying reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.  The non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance or liquidity prepared in accordance with GAAP.
·  
Company and segment operating earnings, net earnings, and diluted earnings per share excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net; and
·  
Cash flows from operating activities excluding the impact of adoption of amended accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets.

In first quarter 2009, the Company announced that it was taking additional actions to further reduce costs in response to the ongoing global economic recession.  These actions included a reduction in force of approximately 300 employees that resulted in a restructuring charge of $26 million in the quarter.

In first quarter 2010, the Company adopted amended accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets which impacts the financial statement presentation for activity under the Company’s $200 million accounts receivable securitization program.  For periods beginning after December 31, 2009, transfers of receivables interests that were previously treated as sold and removed from the balance sheet will be included in trade receivables, net and reflected as secured borrowings on the balance sheet.  The Company’s Statement of Financial Position at March 31, 2010 reflects an increase in trade receivables of $200 million, the amount transferred at December 31, 2009 under the securitization program, which reduced cash flows from operating activities by that amount for first quarter 2010.  At March 31, 2010, there were no transfers of receivables interests under the accounts receivable securitization program.

For evaluation and analysis of ongoing business results and of the impact on the Company and segments of strategic decisions and actions to reduce costs and to improve the profitability of the Company, Eastman’s management believes that Company and segment earnings should be considered both with and without asset impairments and restructuring charges.  Management believes that investors can better evaluate and analyze historical and future business trends if they also consider the reported Company and segment results, respectively, without the asset impairments and restructuring charges, net.  In addition, management believes that cash provided by (used in) operating earnings should be considered both with and without the impact of adoption of amended accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets.  Management utilizes these measures to evaluate business performance and its cash position and in determining certain performance-based compensation.  These measures, excluding the identified items, are not recognized in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as alternatives to the GAAP measures of performance.


 
18 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The Company generated sales revenue of $1.6 billion and $1.1 billion in first quarter 2010 and first quarter 2009, respectively.  The sales revenue increase was due to higher sales volume primarily due to improved customer demand compared with the depressed levels in first quarter 2009, a favorable shift in product mix, and increased selling prices in response to higher raw material and energy costs.

Operating earnings were $182 million in first quarter 2010 compared with $25 million in first quarter 2009.  Operating earnings in first quarter 2009 were negatively impacted by a $26 million restructuring charge for a reduction in force.  Excluding this item, operating earnings were $51 million in first quarter 2009.  The increase in first quarter 2010 was due to higher sales volume and higher capacity utilization which led to lower unit costs and a favorable shift in product mix.  In addition, higher selling prices mostly offset higher raw material and energy costs.  In first quarter 2010, operating earnings included $12 million from acetyl license revenue and a negative impact of approximately $25 million from the previously announced power outage at the Longview, Texas manufacturing facility, primarily reflected in the Performance Chemicals and Intermediates ("PCI") and Coatings, Adhesives, Specialty Polymers, and Inks ("CASPI") segments.

Net earnings were $101 million in first quarter 2010 compared to $2 million in first quarter 2009.  Excluding the restructuring charge, net earnings were $18 million in first quarter 2009.  Earnings per diluted share were $1.37 in first quarter 2010 compared to $0.03 per diluted share in first quarter 2009.  Excluding the restructuring charge, earnings were $0.25 per diluted share in first quarter 2009.

The Company used $225 million in cash from operating activities during first quarter 2010 compared to $82 million provided by operating activities in first quarter 2009.  Excluding the $200 million impact of the adoption of amended accounting guidance discussed above in "Presentation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures", Eastman used $25 million in cash from operating activities primarily due to increased accounts receivable from increased sales.  Excluding the impact of the adoption of this amended accounting guidance, the Company expects to generate free cash flow of between $200 million and $300 million for full year 2010, assuming capital expenditures of between $250 million and $275 million and U.S. defined benefit pension plan funding of less than $25 million.  Free cash flow is defined as cash from operating activities minus capital expenditures and dividends.

The Company continued its growth initiatives in first quarter 2010.
·  
In the Fibers segment, the Korean acetate tow facility was acquired and commenced production.
·  
In the Specialty Plastics segment, the monomer manufacturing facility and the first Eastman TritanTM copolyester polymer manufacturing facility in Kingsport, Tennessee commenced production.
·  
In the PCI segment, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Genovique Specialties Corporation, a global producer of specialty non-phthalate plasticizers for water-based adhesives and other applications.

In addition, the Company announced on April 23, 2010 that it will review strategic options, including a possible divestiture, for its polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") business in the Performance Polymers segment.

 
  19

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 

 
 
First Quarter
 
Volume Effect
 
Price Effect
 
Product
Mix Effect
 
Exchange
Rate
Effect
(Dollars in millions)
2010
 
2009
 
     Change
 
                           
Sales
$
1,564
$
1,129
 
39 %
 
22 %
 
8 %
 
8 %
 
1 %
                             

Sales revenue in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009 increased $435 million primarily due to higher sales volume in the CASPI, Specialty Plastics, and PCI segments, a favorable shift in product mix primarily in the PCI, CASPI, and Specialty Plastics segments, and increased selling prices primarily in the PCI and Performance Polymers segments.  The higher sales volume was primarily due to improved customer demand compared with the depressed levels in first quarter 2009 and increased selling prices in response to higher raw material and energy costs.

 
First Quarter
(Dollars in millions)
2010
 
2009
 
Change
           
Gross Profit
$
321
$
179
 
79 %
As a percentage of sales
 
21 %
 
16 %
   
             

Gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of sales in first quarter 2010 increased compared to first quarter 2009 in all segments.  The increase was primarily due to higher sales volume and higher capacity utilization which led to lower unit costs and a favorable shift in product mix.  First quarter 2010 gross profit included $12 million from acetyl license revenue and was negatively impacted by approximately $25 million from the outage at the Texas manufacturing facility primarily reflected in the PCI and CASPI segments.

 
First Quarter
(Dollars in millions)
2010
 
2009
 
Change
           
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
$
103
$
94
 
10 %
Research and Development Expenses ("R&D")
 
36
 
34
 
  6 %
 
$
139
$
128
 
  9 %
As a percentage of sales
 
9 %
 
11 %
   

Selling, general and administrative expenses in first quarter 2010 were higher compared with first quarter 2009 primarily due to increased performance-based compensation expense.

R&D expenses in first quarter 2010 were higher compared with first quarter 2009 primarily due to higher R&D expenses for growth initiatives.

Asset Impairments and Restructuring Charges, Net

There were no asset impairments or restructuring charges in first quarter 2010.  In first quarter 2009, restructuring charges totaled $26 million primarily for severance charges resulting from a reduction in force.

 
20 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Operating Earnings
   
First Quarter
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
             
Operating earnings
$
182
$
25
 
>100 %
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
--
 
26
   
Operating earnings excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
$
 182
$
  51
 
>100 %

Net Interest Expense

 
First Quarter
(Dollars in millions)
2010
 
2009
 
Change
           
Gross interest costs
$
27
$
24
   
Less: capitalized interest
 
1
 
3
   
Interest expense
 
26
 
21
 
24 %
Interest income
 
1
 
2
   
Net interest expense
$
25
$
19
 
32 %
           
Net interest expense increased $6 million in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009 primarily due to higher borrowings and lower capitalized interest due to lower capital spending.

For 2010, the Company expects net interest expense to increase compared with 2009 primarily due to lower capitalized interest and higher average borrowings.

Other Charges (Income), Net

 
First Quarter
(Dollars in millions)
2010
 
2009
       
Foreign exchange transactions losses
$
3
$
--
Investment losses, net
 
1
 
3
Other, net
 
2
 
1
Other charges (income), net
$
6
$
4

Provision for Income Taxes

   
First Quarter
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
             
Provision for income taxes
$
50
$
--
 
N/A
Effective tax rate
 
33%
 
N/A
   

The first quarter 2010 effective tax rates reflects the Company's expected full year tax rate on reported operating earnings before income tax of approximately 33 percent.

 
21 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Share
   
2010
 
2009
(Dollars in millions, except diluted EPS)
 
$
 
EPS
 
$
 
EPS
                 
Net earnings
$
101
$
1.37
$
2
$
0.03
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net of tax
 
--
 
--
 
16
 
0.22
Net earnings excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net of tax
$
101
$
1.37
$
18
$
0.25


The Company's products and operations are managed and reported in five reportable operating segments, consisting of the CASPI segment, the Fibers segment, the PCI segment, the Performance Polymers segment, and the Specialty Plastics segment.  For additional information concerning the Company's operating businesses and products, see Note 22, "Segment Information", to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Sales revenue and expenses not identifiable to an operating segment are not included in segment operating results for either of the periods presented and are shown in Note 16, "Segment Information", to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as "other" sales revenue and operating losses.

In first quarter 2010, the Company transferred certain intermediates product lines from the Performance Polymers segment to the PCI segment to improve optimization of manufacturing assets supporting the three raw material streams that supply the Company’s downstream businesses.   The revised segment composition reflects how management views and evaluates operations.  Accordingly, the amounts for sales and operating earnings have been adjusted to retrospectively apply these changes to all periods presented.

CASPI Segment
               
   
First Quarter
           
$
 
%
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
Change
                 
Sales
$
373
$
250
$
123
 
49 %
Volume effect
         
86
 
34 %
Price effect
         
6
 
3 %
Product mix effect
         
25
 
10 %
Exchange rate effect
         
6
 
2 %
                 
                 
Operating earnings
 
66
 
14
 
52
 
>100 %
                 
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
--
 
7
 
(7)
   
                 
Operating earnings excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
66
 
21
 
45
 
>100 %

Sales revenue increased $123 million in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume and a favorable shift in product mix.  The higher sales volume was due to improved customer demand compared to the depressed levels in first quarter 2009.  The favorable shift in product mix was due to higher sales volume in specialty polymers and specialty coalescents product lines due to the demand recovery in coatings markets, particularly in the Asia Pacific region.

 
22 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Excluding the segment's portion of the severance charge for a reduction in force in first quarter 2009, operating earnings increased $45 million in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume and higher capacity utilization which led to lower unit costs, and the favorable shift in product mix.  Operating earnings were negatively impacted by higher raw material and energy costs and by approximately $10 million from the outage at the Company's Texas manufacturing facility.

Fibers Segment
               
 
First Quarter
           
$
 
%
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
Change
                 
Sales
$
267
$
259
$
8
 
3 %
Volume effect
         
--
 
-- %
Price effect
         
5
 
2 %
Product mix effect
         
3
 
1 %
Exchange rate effect
         
--
 
-- %
                 
                 
Operating earnings
 
79
 
69
 
10
 
14 %
                 
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
--
 
4
 
(4)
   
                 
Operating earnings excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
79
 
73
 
6
 
8 %

Sales revenue increased $8 million in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009 primarily due to higher selling prices in response to higher raw material costs.

Excluding the segment's portion of the severance charge for a reduction in force in first quarter 2009, operating earnings increased $6 million in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009 primarily due to higher selling prices and higher capacity utilization for acetate yarn product lines.
 
During first quarter 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of and commenced production at the Korean acetate tow manufacturing facility.  The acquisition is expected to be fully integrated into the segment's production and sales processes in 2011.

PCI Segment
               
 
First Quarter
           
$
 
%
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
Change
                 
Sales
$
482
$
304
$
178
 
58 %
Volume effect
         
67
 
22 %
Price effect
         
60
 
19 %
Product mix effect
         
48
 
16 %
Exchange rate effect
         
3
 
1 %
                 
                 
Operating earnings (loss)
 
37
 
(10)
 
47
 
>100 %
                 
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
--
 
6
 
(6)
   
                 
Operating earnings (loss) excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
37
 
(4)
 
41
 
>100 %

 
23 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 
Sales revenue increased $178 million in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009 due to higher sales volume, higher selling prices, and a favorable shift in product mix.  The higher sales volume was due to improved customer demand compared to the depressed levels in first quarter 2009.  The higher selling prices were primarily in the olefin-based product lines in response to higher raw material and energy costs.  The favorable shift in product mix was due to increased sales volume in higher priced olefin derivative product lines and also included $12 million from an acetyl technology licensing agreement in first quarter 2010.  

Excluding the segment's portion of the severance charge for a reduction in force in first quarter 2009, operating results increased $41 million, due to higher selling prices, higher sales volume and higher capacity utilization which led to lower unit costs, and the favorable shift in product mix including the acetyl license revenue.  Operating earnings were negatively impacted by higher raw material and energy costs and by approximately $12 million from the outage at the Company's Texas manufacturing facility.

In first quarter 2010, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Genovique Specialties Corporation, a global producer of specialty non-phthalate plasticizers for water-based adhesives and other applications.  The acquisition is expected to be completed after receipt of required regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Performance Polymers Segment
 
First Quarter
         
$
 
%
(Dollars in millions)
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
 Change
               
Sales
$
194
$
159
$
35
 
22 %
Volume effect
         
10
 
6 %
Price effect
         
28
 
18 %
Product mix effect
         
(3)
 
(2) %
Exchange rate effect
         
--
 
-- %
               
               
Operating loss
(13)
 
(18)
 
5
 
28 %
               
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
--
 
4
 
(4)
   
               
Operating loss excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
(13)
 
(14)
 
1
 
7 %

Sales revenue in first quarter 2010 increased $35 million compared to first quarter 2009 primarily due to higher selling prices and higher sales volume.  Higher selling prices were primarily in response to higher raw material and energy costs, particularly for paraxylene.  Sales volume increased due to improved operations of the IntegRexTM-based PET facility.

Excluding the segment's portion of the severance charge for a reduction in force in first quarter 2009, operating results in first quarter 2010 improved slightly compared to first quarter 2009 as higher selling prices and the favorable impact of improved IntegRexTM operations were mostly offset by higher raw material and energy costs.  First quarter 2010 results were negatively impacted by continued difficult market conditions for PET in North America.

Operational difficulties following a fourth quarter 2008 debottleneck of its IntegRexTM technology facility in South Carolina persisted throughout 2009.  The Company completed a shutdown of the facility in fourth quarter 2009 which corrected these problems.  In first quarter 2010, the facility demonstrated the capability to produce quality ParaStarTM PET products at the facility's nameplate capacity of 525,000 metric tons.  The Company expects smaller Performance Polymers segment losses in 2010 based on this improved operational performance and the resulting capability for a more profitable mix of product sales.  In addition, the Company announced on April 23, 2010 that it will review strategic options, including a possible divestiture, for the PET business.

 
24 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 
Specialty Plastics Segment
               
 
First Quarter
           
$
 
%
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
Change
                 
Sales
$
248
$
157
$
91
 
59 %
Volume effect
         
78
 
50 %
Price effect
         
(9)
 
(6) %
Product mix effect
         
19
 
13 %
Exchange rate effect
         
3
 
2 %
                 
                 
Operating earnings (loss)
 
21
 
(18)
 
39
 
>100 %
                 
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
--
 
5
 
(5)
   
                 
Operating earnings (loss) excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
21
 
(13)
 
34
 
>100 %

Sales revenue increased $91 million in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume and a favorable shift in product mix.  The higher sales volume was due to improved customer demand compared to the depressed levels in first quarter 2009 and the positive impact of growth initiatives for core copolyesters and the TritanTM copolyester product lines.  The favorable shift in product mix was due to higher sales volume for cellulosic plastics sold into the liquid crystal display market. 

Excluding the segment's portion of the severance charge for a reduction in force in first quarter 2009, operating results increased $34 million in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume and higher capacity utilization which led to lower unit costs and the favorable shift in product mix.

The Specialty Plastics segment is progressing with the market introduction of its new TritanTM copolyester, which it will supply from the monomer manufacturing facility and its first TritanTM copolyester polymer manufacturing facility in Kingsport, Tennessee which were both completed in 2009 and became operational in first quarter 2010.


    Sales Revenue

 
First Quarter
               
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
Volume Effect
 
Price Effect
 
Product
Mix Effect
 
Exchange
Rate
Effect
                             
United States and Canada
$
837
$
671
 
25 %
 
13 %
 
9 %
 
3 %
 
-- %
Asia Pacific
 
334
 
210
 
60 %
 
34 %
 
9 %
 
16 %
 
1 %
Europe, Middle East, and Africa
 
276
 
178
 
55 %
 
28 %
 
(1) %
 
22 %
 
6 %
Latin America
 
117
 
70
 
 66 %
 
46 %
 
18 %
 
2 %
 
-- %
 
$
1,564
$
1,129
 
39 %
 
22 %
 
8 %
 
8 %
 
1 %


 
25 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Sales revenue in the United States and Canada increased in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009 primarily due to higher sales volumes in the PCI, CASPI, and Specialty Plastics segments and higher selling prices in the PCI and Performance Polymers segments, partially offset by declines in sales volume in the Performance Polymers segment, as sales shifted to the Latin America region.

Sales revenue in Asia Pacific increased in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume and a favorable shift in product mix, primarily in the Specialty Plastics and CASPI segments, and higher selling prices in all segments except the Specialty Plastics segment.

Sales revenue in Europe, Middle East, and Africa increased in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume in all segments and a favorable shift in product mix particularly in the PCI segment.  Product mix included sales revenue from the acetyl license in the PCI segment.  The region had minimal price effect change compared to other regions due to fewer sales from commodity product lines.

Sales revenue in Latin America increased in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume particularly in the Performance Polymers segment and higher selling prices in the Performance Polymers and PCI segments.

With a substantial portion of sales to customers outside the United States, Eastman is subject to the risks associated with operating in international markets.  To mitigate its exchange rate risks, the Company frequently seeks to negotiate payment terms in U.S. dollars or euros.  In addition, where it deems such actions advisable, the Company engages in foreign currency hedging transactions and requires letters of credit and prepayment for shipments where its assessment of individual customer and country risks indicates their use is appropriate.  For additional information on these practices, see Note 9, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments", to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 and Part II, Item 7A of the Company's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


 
26 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



Cash Flows

   
First Quarter
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
         
Net cash provided by (used in)
       
Operating activities
$
(225)
$
82
Investing activities
 
(47)
 
(108)
Financing activities
 
(38)
 
(21)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
--
 
--
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
(310)
 
(47)
 
       
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
793
 
387
         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
483
$
340
 
 
   
First Quarter
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(225)
$
82
Impact of adoption of amended accounting guidance (1)
 
200
 
--
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities excluding item
 
(25)
 
82
         
Additions to properties and equipment
 
(31)
 
(110)
Dividends paid to stockholders
 
(32)
 
(32)
         
Free Cash Flow
$
(88)
$
(60)

(1) 
First quarter 2010 cash from operating activities reflected the adoption of amended accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets which resulted in $200 million of receivables, which were previously accounted for as sold and removed from the balance sheet when transferred under the accounts receivable securitization program, being included on the first quarter balance sheet as trade receivables, net.  This increase in receivables reduced cash from operations by $200 million in first quarter 2010.

Cash used in operating activities was $225 million during first quarter 2010 compared to $82 million provided by operating activities in first quarter 2009.  The additional use of cash was primarily due to an increase in working capital, particularly trade receivables, net, more than offsetting higher net earnings.  End of quarter receivables were higher from increased sales as well as the impact of the adoption of amended accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets which impacts the financial statement presentation for activity under the Company’s accounts receivable securitization program.  Inventories increased in response to higher prices and quantities.  Both the increase in receivables and inventory were partially offset by an increase in accounts payable driven by a higher level of purchasing activity.  The $23 million in other items, net in first quarter 2009 was primarily related to an accrual for the severance resulting from a reduction in force.

Cash used in investing activities was $47 million in first quarter 2010 compared to $108 million used in investing activities in first quarter 2009.  First quarter 2010 and 2009 included a payment for the acquisition of the Korean acetate tow facility.  Capital spending of $31 million in first quarter 2010 decreased primarily due to actions taken during 2009, including deferral of growth initiatives, in response to the global recession.

Cash used in financing activities totaled $38 million in first quarter 2010 compared to $21 million used in financing activities in first quarter 2009.  Share repurchases in first quarter 2010 were $20 million.

The payment of dividends is also reflected in financing activities in all periods.

 
27 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 
The Company expects to generate positive free cash flow (operating cash flow excluding the $200 million impact of adoption of amended accounting guidance, less capital expenditures and dividends) in 2010 of between $200 million and $300 million, assuming capital expenditures of between $250 million and $275 million and U.S. defined benefit pension plan funding of less than $25 million.  The priorities for uses of available cash in 2010 are payment of the quarterly cash dividend, funding targeted growth initiatives (including organic initiatives, joint ventures and acquisitions), and repurchasing shares.

Liquidity

At March 31, 2010, the Company had a $700 million revolving credit facility ("Credit Facility") in two tranches, with $125 million expiring in 2012 and $575 million expiring in 2013.  Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to interest at varying spreads above quoted market rates and a facility fee is paid on the total commitment.  In addition, the Credit Facility contains a number of customary covenants and events of default, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios.  The Company was in compliance with all such covenants for all periods presented.  At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility provides liquidity support for commercial paper borrowings and general corporate purposes.  Accordingly, any outstanding commercial paper borrowings reduce borrowings available under the Credit Facility.  Given the expiration dates of the Credit Facility, any commercial paper borrowings supported by the Credit Facility are classified as long-term borrowings because the Company has the ability to refinance such borrowings on a long-term basis.

Additionally, at March 31, 2010, the Company also had a $200 million line of credit under its annually renewable accounts receivable securitization agreement ("A/R Facility") which expires in July 2010.  Borrowings under the A/R Facility are subject to interest rates based on a spread over lenders' borrowing costs, and the Company pays a fee to maintain availability of the A/R Facility.  In addition, the A/R Facility contains a number of customary covenants and events of default, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios.  The Company was in compliance with all such covenants for all periods presented.  At March 31, 2010, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the A/R Facility.

For more information regarding interest rates, refer to Note 7, "Borrowings", to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

In 2009, the Company made $181 million in contributions to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan.  The Company expects to make contributions to its defined benefit pension plans in 2010 in an amount less than $25 million.

Cash flows from operations and the other sources of liquidity described above are expected to be available and sufficient to meet foreseeable cash flow requirements.  However, the Company's cash flows from operations can be affected by numerous factors including risks associated with global operations, raw material availability and cost, demand for and pricing of Eastman's products, capacity utilization, and other factors described under "Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors" below.  The Company believes maintaining a financial profile consistent with an investment grade company is important to its long term strategic and financial flexibility.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $31 million and $110 million in first quarter 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The decrease was primarily due to the Company's capital spending reduction, including deferral of growth initiatives, in response to the global recession.  The Company expects that 2010 capital spending will be $250 million to $275 million, which is sufficient for required maintenance and certain strategic growth initiatives.

Other Commitments

At March 31, 2010, the Company's obligations related to notes and debentures totaled approximately $1.6 billion to be paid over a period of approximately 20 years.  Other borrowings, related primarily to credit facility borrowings, totaled $4 million.

 
28 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The Company had various purchase obligations at March 31, 2010 totaling approximately $1 billion over a period of approximately 15 years for materials, supplies and energy incident to the ordinary conduct of business.  For information regarding the Company's lease commitments, refer to Note 10, "Commitments", to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

In addition, the Company had other liabilities at March 31, 2010 totaling approximately $1.4 billion primarily related to pension, retiree medical, and other post-employment obligations.

The items described above are summarized in the following table:

(Dollars in millions)
 
Payments Due for
 
 
Period
 
Notes and Debentures
 
Credit Facility Borrowings and Other
 
Interest Payable
 
Purchase Obligations
 
Operating Leases
 
Other Liabilities (a)
 
Total
                             
2010
$
--
$
4
$
81
$
193
$
19
$
151
$
448
2011
 
2
 
--
 
110
 
250
 
23
 
65
 
 450
2012
 
151
 
--
 
105
 
243
 
15
 
57
 
571
2013
 
--
 
--
 
99
 
226
 
10
 
58
 
393
2014
 
--
 
--
 
99
 
31
 
7
 
60
 
197
2015 and beyond
 
1,450
 
--
 
889
 
83
 
17
 
972
 
3,411
Total
$
1,603
$
4
$
1,383
$
1,026
$
 91
$
1,363
$
5,470

(a) Amounts represent the current estimated cash payments to be made by the Company primarily for pension and other post-employment benefits and taxes payable in the periods indicated.  The amount and timing of such payments is dependent upon interest rates, health care cost trends, actual returns on plan assets, retirement and attrition rates of employees, continuation or modification of the benefit plans, and other factors.  Such factors can significantly impact the amount and timing of any future contributions by the Company.

Off Balance Sheet and Other Financing Arrangements

If certain operating leases are terminated by the Company, it has guaranteed a portion of the residual value loss, if any, incurred by the lessors in disposing of the related assets.  For information on the Company's residual value guarantees, refer to Note 10, "Commitments", to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

At March 31, 2010, the Company did not have any other material relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, including special purpose entities, for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements with contractually narrow or limited purposes.  Thus, Eastman is not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market, or credit risk related to the above or any other such relationships.

In June 2009, new accounting guidance on the consolidation of Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs") was issued.  This guidance is effective for all VIEs or potential VIEs the Company is involved with on or after January 1, 2010.  This guidance amends the evaluation criteria to identify which entity has a controlling financial interest of a variable interest entity and requires ongoing reassessments.  The Company has evaluated its material contractual relationships under this new guidance and has concluded that the entities involved in these relationships are not VIEs or, in the case of Primester, a joint venture that manufactures cellulose acetate at the Company's Kingsport, Tennessee plant, the Company has shared control of the VIE.  As such, the Company is not required to consolidate these entities.


 
29 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Guarantees and claims also arise during the ordinary course of business from relationships with suppliers, customers, and other parties when the Company undertakes an obligation to guarantee the performance of others, if specified triggering events occur.  Non-performance under a contract could trigger an obligation of the Company.  These potential claims include actions based upon alleged exposures to products, intellectual property and environmental matters, and other indemnifications.  The ultimate effect on future financial results is not subject to reasonable estimation because considerable uncertainty exists as to the final outcome of these claims.  However, while the ultimate liabilities resulting from such claims may be significant to results of operations in the period recognized, management does not anticipate they will have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or liquidity.
 
Treasury Stock

In October 2007, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $700 million of the Company's outstanding common stock at such times, in such amounts, and on such terms, as determined to be in the best interests of the Company.  As of March 31, 2010, a total of 10.1 million shares have been repurchased under this authorization for a total amount of approximately $625 million.  During first quarter 2010, the Company repurchased 340,000 shares of common stock for a cost of approximately $20 million.

Dividends

The Company declared cash dividends of $0.44 per share in first quarter 2010 and 2009.


For 2010, the Company expects:

·  
increases in volume due to the expected recovery from the global recession and continued substitution of Eastman products for other materials and new applications for existing products;

·  
the volatility of market prices for raw materials and energy to continue and that the Company will continue to use pricing and hedging strategies to offset this volatility and for raw material and energy costs to be higher than 2009;

·  
to acquire and operate a cellulose acetate tow manufacturing facility and related business in Korea, with the facility to be operational in first quarter 2010 (acquired and operational in first quarter 2010) and fully integrated into the Fibers segment's production and sales processes in 2011;

·  
to continue to progress with the introduction of its new Eastman TritanTM copolyester, which it will supply from the monomer manufacturing facility and its first TritanTM copolyester polymer manufacturing facility in Kingsport, Tennessee which were both completed in 2009 and are expected to be operational in early 2010 (operational in first quarter 2010);

·  
to improve the profitability of its PET product lines in the Performance Polymers segment as a result of improved operational performance of the South Carolina facility and more profitable mix of PET product sales, and to continue to pursue licensing opportunities;

·  
to acquire Genovique Specialties Corporation, a global producer of specialty non-phthalate plasticizers for water-based adhesives and other applications, with the transaction expected to be accretive to the Company’s full-year earnings per share, and expects the acquisition to be completed after receipt of required regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions;

·  
depreciation and amortization to be slightly higher than 2009 primarily due to expected completion of manufacturing facilities in 2010;

·  
pension expense to be slightly higher than 2009, and to fund the U.S. defined benefit pension plan in an amount less than $25 million;

 
30 

 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 


·  
net interest expense to increase compared with 2009 primarily due to lower capitalized interest and higher average borrowings;

·  
the effective tax rate to be approximately 33 percent;

·  
capital spending to be between $250 million and $275 million for required maintenance and certain strategic growth initiatives;

·  
to generate between $200 million and $300 million of positive free cash flow (operating cash flow excluding the $200 million impact of adoption of amended accounting guidance, less capital expenditures and dividends);
 
·  
priorities for uses of available cash to be payment of the quarterly cash dividend, funding targeted growth initiatives (including organic initiatives, joint ventures and acquisitions), and repurchasing shares; and
 
·  
full year earnings per share to be between $5.00 and $5.25 excluding any charges related to restructuring actions.
 
See "Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors" below.

 
The expectations under "Outlook" and certain other statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q which are not statements of historical fact may be "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws.  These statements, and other written and oral forward-looking statements made by the Company from time to time may relate to, among other things, such matters as planned and expected capacity increases and utilization; anticipated capital spending; expected depreciation and amortization; environmental matters; legal proceedings; exposure to, and effects of hedging of, raw material and energy costs, foreign currencies and interest rates; global and regional economic, political, and business conditions; competition; growth opportunities; supply and demand, volume, price, cost, margin, and sales; earnings, cash flow, dividends and other expected financial results and conditions; expectations, strategies, and plans for individual assets and products, businesses and segments as well as for the whole of Eastman; cash requirements and uses of available cash; financing plans; pension expenses and funding; credit ratings; anticipated restructuring, divestiture, and consolidation activities; cost reduction and control efforts and targets; integration of any acquired businesses; strategic initiatives and development, production, commercialization, and acceptance of new products, services and technologies and related costs; asset, business and product portfolio changes; and expected tax rates and net interest costs.
 

 
31 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


These plans and expectations are based upon certain underlying assumptions, including those mentioned with the specific statements.  Such assumptions are based upon internal estimates and analyses of current market conditions and trends, management plans and strategies, economic conditions and other factors.  These plans and expectations and the underlying assumptions are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions and results.  Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in any forward-looking statement if one or more of the underlying assumptions or expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized.  In addition to the factors described elsewhere in this report, the following are the most significant known factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statement.  Additional factors not presently known to the Company, or that the Company does not currently believe to be material, may also cause actual results to differ materially from expectations:

Adverse and uncertain conditions in the global economy and the financial markets could negatively impact the Company.

Conditions in the global economy and global capital markets may adversely affect the Company's results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.  The Company's business and operating results have been affected by the impact of the recent global recession, including the credit market crisis, declining consumer and business confidence, fluctuating commodity prices, volatile exchange rates, and other challenges currently affecting the global economy.  The Company's customers may experience deterioration of their businesses, cash flow shortages, and difficulty obtaining financing.  As a result, existing or potential customers may still delay or cancel plans to purchase products and may not be able to, or may be unwilling to, fulfill their obligations in a timely fashion.  Further, suppliers may experience similar conditions, which could impact their ability to fulfill their obligations to the Company.  If weakness in the global economy continues for significant future periods or if the global economy or financial markets experience significant new disruptions or deteriorations, the Company's results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected and the Company's ability to access the credit and capital markets under attractive rates and terms could be constrained, which may negatively impact the Company's liquidity or ability to pursue certain growth initiatives.

Volatility in costs for strategic raw material and energy commodities or disruption in the supply of these commodities could adversely affect our financial results.

The Company is reliant on certain strategic raw material and energy commodities for its operations and utilizes risk management tools, including hedging, as appropriate, to mitigate short-term market fluctuations in raw material and energy costs.  It is unlikely, however, that these risk mitigation measures will eliminate all exposure to market fluctuations.  In addition, natural disasters, plant interruptions, changes in laws or regulations, war or other outbreak of hostilities or terrorism, and breakdown or degradation of transportation infrastructure used for delivery of strategic raw material and energy commodities, could adversely impact both the cost and availability of these commodities.

The Company could be materially adversely affected by disruptions to manufacturing operations or related infrastructure.

Significant limitation of the Company's ability to manufacture products due to disruption of manufacturing operations or related infrastructure could have a material adverse affect on sales revenue, costs, results of operations, and financial condition.  Disruptions could occur due to internal factors such as computer or equipment malfunction, operator error, or process failures; or external factors such as natural disasters, pandemic illness, changes in laws or regulations, war or other outbreak of hostilities or terrorism, or breakdown or degradation of transportation infrastructure used for delivery of supplies to the Company or for delivery of products to customers.

Loss or financial weakness of the Company's largest customers could adversely affect our financial results.

The Company has an extensive customer base; however, loss of, or material financial weakness of, certain of the largest customers could adversely affect the Company's financial condition and results of operations until such business is replaced and no assurances can be made that the Company would be able to regain or replace any lost customers.


 
32 

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Growth initiatives may not achieve desired business or financial objectives and may require a significant use of resources.

The Company continues to identify and pursue growth opportunities through both internal development and acquisitions and joint ventures to diversify and extend the portfolio of our businesses.  These growth opportunities include development and commercialization of new products and technologies, expansion into new markets and geographic regions, and alliances, ventures, and acquisitions that complement and extend the Company's portfolio of businesses and capabilities.  There can be no assurance that such efforts, investments, or acquisitions and alliances will result in financially successful commercialization of products or acceptance by existing or new customers or new markets or achieve their underlying strategic business objectives or that they will be beneficial to the Company's results of operations.  There also can be no assurance that capital projects for such growth efforts can be completed within the time or at the costs projected due, among other things, to demand for and availability of construction materials and labor and obtaining regulatory approvals and operating permits and reaching agreement on terms of key agreements and arrangements with potential suppliers and customers.  Any such delays or cost overruns or the inability to obtain such approvals or to reach such agreements on acceptable terms could negatively affect the returns from any proposed investments and projects.

Legislative and regulatory actions could increase the Company's future compliance costs.

The Company's facilities and businesses are subject to complex health, safety and environmental laws and regulations, which require and will continue to require significant expenditures to remain in compliance with such laws and regulations currently and in the future.  The Company's accruals for such costs and associated liabilities are subject to changes in estimates on which the accruals are based.  The amount accrued reflects the Company's assumptions about remediation requirements at the contaminated site, the nature of the remedy, the outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies and other potentially responsible parties at multi-party sites, and the number and financial viability of other potentially responsible parties.  Changes in the estimates on which the accruals are based, unanticipated government enforcement action, or changes in health, safety, environmental, chemical control regulations, and testing requirements could result in higher costs.  Pending and proposed U.S. Federal legislation and regulation increase the likelihood that the Company's manufacturing sites will in the future be impacted by regulation or taxation of greenhouse gas emissions, which legislation and regulation, if enacted, may result in capital expenditures, increases in costs for raw materials and energy, limitations on raw material and energy source and supply choices, and other direct compliance costs.

In addition to the foregoing most significant known risk factors to the Company, there may be other factors, not currently known to the Company, which could, in the future, materially adversely affect the Company, its business, financial condition, or results of operations.  The foregoing discussion of the most significant risk factors to the Company does not necessarily present them in order of importance.  This disclosure, including that under "Outlook" and "Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors," and other forward-looking statements and related disclosures made by the Company in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and elsewhere from time to time, represents management's best judgment as of the date the information is given.  The Company does not undertake responsibility for updating any of such information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.  Investors are advised, however, to consult any further public Company disclosures (such as in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in Company press releases) on related subjects.

 
33 

 

 

There are no material changes to the Company's market risks from those disclosed in Part II, Item 7A of the Company's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that as of March 31, 2010, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed was accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during first quarter of 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 
 

34 
 

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 

General

From time to time, the Company and its operations are parties to, or targets of, lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, asbestos, patent and intellectual property, commercial, contract, environmental, antitrust, health and safety, and employment matters, which are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of business.  While the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these matters, it does not believe, based upon currently available facts, that the ultimate resolution of any such pending matters will have a material adverse effect on its overall financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.  However, adverse developments could negatively impact earnings or cash flows in a particular future period.

Jefferson (Pennsylvania) Environmental Proceeding

In December 2005, Eastman Chemical Resins, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "ECR Subsidiary"), received a Notice of Violation ("NOV") from the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Region III Office ("EPA") alleging that the ECR Subsidiary's West Elizabeth, Jefferson Borough, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania manufacturing operation violated certain federally enforceable local air quality regulations and certain provisions in a number of air quality-related permits.  In October 2006, the EPA referred the matter to the United States Department of Justice's Environmental Enforcement Section ("DOJ").  Company representatives have met with the EPA and DOJ on a number of occasions since the NOV's issuance and have determined that it is not reasonably likely that any civil penalty assessed by the EPA and DOJ will be less than $100,000.  While the Company intends to vigorously defend against these allegations, this disclosure is made pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K, Item 103, Instruction 5.C., which requires disclosure of administrative proceedings commenced under environmental laws that involve governmental authorities as parties and potential monetary sanctions in excess of $100,000.  The Company believes that the ultimate resolution of this proceeding will not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Kingsport (Tennessee) Environmental Proceeding

In March 2010, representatives of the Company met with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation ("TDEC") regarding alleged violations of state water quality control statutory provisions and regulations by the Company’s manufacturing operations in Kingsport, Tennessee.  At this meeting, TDEC provided the Company a draft enforcement order addressing these alleged violations.  Based on the Company’s meeting with TDEC and review of the draft enforcement order, the Company has determined that it is not reasonably likely that any civil penalty assessed by TDEC will be less than $100,000.  While the Company intends to vigorously defend against these allegations, this disclosure is made pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K, Item 103, Instruction 5.C., which requires disclosure of administrative proceedings commenced under environmental laws that involve governmental authorities as parties and potential monetary sanctions in excess of $100,000.  The Company believes that the ultimate resolution of this proceeding will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows.


For identification and discussion of the most significant risks applicable to the Company and its business, see "Part I – Item 2 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


 
35 

 



 (c)  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
(1)
 
Average Price Paid Per Share
(2)
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans
or Programs
(3)
 
Approximate Dollar
Value (in millions) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
(3)
January 1- 31, 2010
    1,323
$
60.24
 
          0
$
96
February 1-28, 2010
341,672
$
59.25
 
340,000
$
75
March 1-31, 2010
   5,363
$
60.06
 
          0
$
75
Total
348,358
$
59.27
 
340,000
   

(1) 
Shares repurchased under a Company announced repurchase plan and shares surrendered to the Company by employees to satisfy individual tax withholding obligations upon vesting of previously issued shares of restricted common stock.
(2) 
Average price paid per share reflects the weighted average purchase price paid for share repurchases and the closing price of Eastman stock on the business day the shares were surrendered by the employee stockholder to satisfy individual tax withholding obligations.
(3) 
In October 2007, the Board of Directors authorized $700 million for repurchase of the Company's outstanding common shares at such times, in such amounts, and on such terms, as determined to be in the best interests of the Company.  As of March 31, 2010, a total of 10.1 million shares have been repurchased under this authorization for a total amount of $625 million. For additional information, see Note 12, "Stockholders' Equity", to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


Exhibits filed as part of this report are listed in the Exhibit Index appearing on page 38.

 

 
36 

 

 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
     
Eastman Chemical Company
       
       
       
Date:  April 26, 2010
 
By:
 /s/Curtis E. Espeland 
     
Curtis E. Espeland
     
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 
37 

 


     
Sequential
 Exhibit        Page
Number
 
Description
 
Number
         
3.01
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Eastman Chemical Company, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.01 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001)
   
         
3.02
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Eastman Chemical Company, as amended May 7, 2009 (incorporated herein by referenced to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 7, 2009
   
         
4.01
 
Form of Eastman Chemical Company common stock certificate as amended February 1, 2001 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.01 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001)
   
         
4.02
 
Indenture, dated as of January 10, 1994, between Eastman Chemical Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (the "Indenture") (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 10, 1994)
   
         
4.03
 
Form of 7 1/4% Debentures due January 15, 2024 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(d) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 10, 1994)
   
         
4.04
 
Officers' Certificate pursuant to Sections 201 and 301 of the Indenture (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 1994)
   
         
4.05
 
Form of 7 5/8% Debentures due June 15, 2024 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(b) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 1994)
   
         
4.06
 
Form of 7.60% Debentures due February 1, 2027 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.08 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
   
         
4.07
 
Form of 7% Notes due April 15, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.09 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002)
   
         
4.08
 
Officer's Certificate pursuant to Sections 201 and 301 of the Indenture related to 7.60% Debentures due February 1, 2027 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.09 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006)
   
         
4.09
 
Form of 5.500% Notes due 2019 (incorporated  herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 2, 2009)
   
         
4.10
 
$200,000,000 Accounts Receivable Securitization agreement dated July 9, 2008 (amended February 18, 2009, and July 8, 2009), between the Company and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., as agents. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.09 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009)
   
         
4.11
 
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2006 (the "Credit Agreement") among Eastman Chemical Company, the Lenders named therein, and Citigroup Global Markets , Inc. and J. P. Morgan Securities Inc., as  joint lead arrangers, as amended on November 16, 2007 and March 10, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 and Exhibit 4.10 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008)
   


 
38 

 


   
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Sequential
 Exhibit        Page
Number
 
Description
 
Number
         
4.12
 
Form of 6.30% Notes due 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003)
   
         
12.01
   
40
         
31.01
   
41
         
31.02
   
42
         
32.01
   
43
         
32.02
   
44
         
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document (furnished, not filed)
   
         
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema (furnished, not filed)
   
         
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase (furnished, not filed)
   
         
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase (furnished, not filed)
   
         
101.PRE
 
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document (furnished, not filed)
   

  39