emn2010form10_k.htm

 
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC  20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark
One)
 
[X]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 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


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
New York Stock Exchange



Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None







____________________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 1 OF 129 TOTAL SEQUENTIALLY NUMBERED PAGES
EXHIBIT INDEX ON PAGE 125

 



 
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
[X]
 
 
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.
 
[X]
 
Yes
No
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.
[X]
 
 
Yes
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).
[X]
 
     
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
 [X]
 
     
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 definition 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)
   
 
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
 
[X]

The aggregate market value (based upon the $53.36 closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2010) of the 70,466,994 shares of common equity held by non-affiliates as of December 31, 2010 was approximately $3,760,118,800, using beneficial ownership rules adopted pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to exclude common stock that may be deemed beneficially owned as of December 31, 2010 by Eastman Chemical Company's ("Eastman" or the "Company") directors and executive officers and charitable foundation, some of whom might not be held to be affiliates upon judicial determination.  A total of 70,748,189 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding at December 31, 2010.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "2011 Proxy Statement"), to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are incorporated by reference in Part III, Items 10 to 14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "Annual Report") as indicated herein.


 

 


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this Annual Report 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 and activities; pension expenses and funding; credit ratings; anticipated restructuring, acquisition, 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.

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 other 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 statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions or expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized.  The most significant known factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are identified and discussed in Part II—Item 7—"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors" of this Annual Report.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM
   
PAGE

PART I

1.
 
5
       
1A.
 
23
       
1B.
 
23
       
   
24
       
2.
 
26
       
3.
 
28
       
PART II

5.
 
29
       
6.
 
31
       
7.
 
33
       
7A.
 
69
       
8.
 
70
       
9.
 
118
       
9A.
 
118
       
9B.
 
119
       
PART III
10.
 
120
       
11.
 
120
       
12.
 
120
       
13.
 
121
       
14.
 
121
       
PART IV

15.
 
122

SIGNATURES

   
123

 

 


PART I


Item
Page
   
6
6
6
7
9
9
9
9
12
14
16
19
19
20
20


 

 



ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

CORPORATE OVERVIEW

Eastman Chemical Company ("Eastman" or the "Company") is a global chemical company which manufactures and sells a broad portfolio of chemicals, plastics, and fibers.  Eastman began business in 1920 for the purpose of producing chemicals for Eastman Kodak Company's photographic business and became a public company, incorporated in Delaware, as of December 31, 1993.  Eastman has sixteen manufacturing sites in nine countries that supply chemicals, plastics, and fibers products to customers throughout the world.  The Company's headquarters and largest manufacturing site are located in Kingsport, Tennessee.

In 2010, the Company had sales revenue of $5.8 billion, operating earnings of $862 million, and earnings from continuing operations of $425 million.  Earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were $5.75 in 2010.  Included in 2010 operating earnings were asset impairments and restructuring charges of $29 million.  Included in 2010 earnings from continuing operations were early debt extinguishment costs of $115 million.

The Company completed the sale of the polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") business, related assets at the Columbia, South Carolina site, and technology of its Performance Polymers segment on January 31, 2011.  The PET business, assets, and technology sold were substantially all of the Performance Polymers segment.  Performance Polymers segment operating results are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented and are therefore not included in results from continuing operations under accounting principles generally accepted ("GAAP") in the United States.

The Company's products and operations are managed and reported in four operating segments: the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialty Polymers, and Inks ("CASPI") segment, the Fibers segment, the Performance Chemicals and Intermediates ("PCI") segment, and the Specialty Plastics segment.  The Company manages certain costs and initiatives at the corporate level, including certain research and development ("R&D") costs not allocated to the operating segments.  For additional information concerning the Company's operating segments, see Note 23 "Segment Information" to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K (this "Annual Report").

Business Strategy

Eastman's objective is to be an outperforming chemical company through solid financial results from its core businesses and its strategies for profitable growth.  The Company's core businesses currently sell differentiated products into diverse markets and geographic regions.  Management believes that the Company can increase the revenues from its core businesses with increasing profitability through a balance of new applications for existing products, development of new products, and sales growth in adjacent markets and emerging economies.  These revenue and earnings increases are expected to result from organic initiatives as well as joint ventures and acquisitions.

The Company is focusing on a variety of organic growth initiatives.  These growth initiatives are driven by strong demand from the Company's customers and are in attractive industries or product markets in which Eastman has a competitive advantage.  These organic growth initiatives include:

·
In the Specialty Plastics segment, the monomer manufacturing facility and the first Eastman TritanTM copolyester polymer manufacturing facility in Kingsport, Tennessee commenced production in first quarter 2010.  The Company is adding another 30,000 metric tons of resin capacity for TritanTM, which is expected to be operational in early 2012.
·  
In the Specialty Plastics segment, the Company is expanding its capacity for cyclohexane dimethanol ("CHDM"), a monomer used in the manufacture of copolyester, and expects the capacity to be operational in two phases in mid-2011 and in 2012.
·  
In the Specialty Plastics segment, the Company is expanding its cellulose triacetate capacity, with the new capacity expected to be operational in first quarter 2012.

 

 


·  
In the CASPI segment, the Company is expanding capacity for its specialty hydrocarbon resins through an additional expansion of the Company's hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins manufacturing capacity in Middelburg, the Netherlands which is expected to be completed in the second half of 2011, an additional debottleneck of the hydrogenated  hydrocarbon facility in Longview, Texas, which is expected to be operational in the first half of 2011, and an expansion of the pure monomer and hydrogenated resins production capacity in Jefferson, Pennsylvania, which is expected to be operational in 2012.
·  
In the PCI segment, the Company plans to increase capacity of 2-ethyl hexanol in 2012 to support expected growth in the plasticizers, coatings, and fuel additive markets.
·  
The Company continues to explore and invest in R&D initiatives at a corporate level that are aligned with macro trends in sustainability, consumerism, and energy efficiency through high performance materials, advanced cellulosics, and environmentally-friendly chemistry, including an initiative in the building and construction market.   

The Company benefits from advantaged feedstocks and proprietary technologies, and is focusing on sustainability as a competitive strength for growth.  Eastman has developed new products and technologies that enable customers' development and sales of sustainable products, and has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

The combination of stable profits from the solid core businesses and profitable revenue growth is expected to result in continued earnings growth.  This allows the Company to continue to evaluate inorganic growth, such as joint ventures and acquisitions, to enhance the Company's product portfolios and to extend into emerging markets.

Manufacturing Streams

Integral to Eastman's corporate strategy for growth is leveraging its heritage of expertise and innovation in acetyl, olefins, and polyester chemistries in key markets, including packaging, tobacco, building and construction, and consumables.  For each of these chemistries, Eastman has developed a combination of assets and technologies that are operated within three manufacturing "streams".

·  
In the acetyl stream, the Company begins with high sulfur coal which is then gasified in its coal gasification facility.  The resulting synthesis gas is converted into a number of chemicals including methanol, methyl acetate, acetic acid, and acetic anhydride.  These chemicals are used in manufacturing products throughout the Company including acetate tow, acetate yarn, and cellulose esters.  The Company's ability to use coal is a competitive advantage in both raw materials and energy.  The Company continues to evaluate opportunities to further leverage its gasification expertise to produce additional cost advantaged chemicals from petroleum coke or coal instead of natural gas or petroleum.
·  
In the olefins stream, the Company begins primarily with propane and ethane, which are then cracked at its facility in Longview, Texas into propylene, as well as ethylene.  "Cracking" is a chemical process in which gases are converted into more reactive molecules for use in the manufacturing process.  The Company also purchases propylene for use at its Longview facility and its facilities outside the U.S.  The propylene is used in oxo derivative products.  The ethylene is used in oxo derivative products, acetaldehyde and ethylene glycol production and is also sold commercially.  There are four cracking units located at the Company's Longview, Texas facility.  Eastman had previously shut down the first of the three units identified for a staged phase-out and idled the second cracking unit.  In 2010, a decision was made to restart the idled cracking unit due to improved competitive position based on low cost feedstocks and olefin market conditions.  Petrochemical business cycles are influenced by periods of over- and under-capacity.  Capacity additions to steam cracker units around the world, combined with demand for light olefins, determine the operating rate and thus profitability of producing olefins.  Historically, periodic additions of large blocks of capacity have caused profit margins of light olefins to expand and contract, resulting in "ethylene" or "olefins" cycles.  The Company believes it is less impacted by the these cycles than it has been historically due to actions it has taken to leverage its diverse derivatives products to take advantage of regulatory trends and focus on more durable markets.

 

 


·  
In the polyester stream, the Company begins with purchased paraxylene and produces purified terephthalic acid ("PTA") for polyesters and dimethyl terephthalate ("DMT") for copolyesters.  PTA or DMT is then reacted with ethylene glycol, which the Company both makes and purchases, along with other raw materials (some of which the Company makes and are proprietary) to produce polyesters.  The Company believes that this backward integration of polyester manufacturing is a competitive advantage, giving Eastman a low cost position, as well as surety of intermediate supply.  In addition, Eastman can add specialty monomers to copolyesters to provide clear, tough, chemically resistant product characteristics.  As a result, the Company's copolyesters can effectively compete with materials such as polycarbonate and acrylic.

The following chart shows the Company's sites at which its manufacturing streams are primarily employed.

SITE
ACETYL
STREAM
POLYESTER
STREAM
OLEFINS
STREAM
       
Kingsport, Tennessee
X
X
X
Longview, Texas
X
 
X
Columbia, South Carolina (1)
 
X
 
Kuantan, Malaysia
 
X
 
Singapore
   
X
Workington, United Kingdom
X
   
Ulsan, South Korea
X
   

 (1)
Retained a portion of the manufacturing facility related to the Specialty Plastics segment subsequent to the sale of the Company's PET business and related assets.

The following chart shows significant Eastman products, markets, and end uses by segment and manufacturing stream.

SEGMENT
ACETYL STREAM
POLYESTER STREAM
OLEFINS STREAM
KEY PRODUCTS, MARKETS, AND
END USES
CASPI
X
 
X
Paints and coatings for architectural, transportation, industrial, and original equipment manufacturing ("OEM"),  adhesives ingredients for tapes, labels, personal care products and building and construction uses and inks for packaging
 
Fibers
X
   
Acetate fibers for filter products and textiles
 
PCI
X
X
X
Intermediate chemicals for agriculture, transportation, beverages, nutrition, pharmaceuticals, coatings, medical devices, toys, adhesives, household products, polymers, textiles, consumer and industrial products, and health and wellness uses
 
Specialty Plastics
X
X
X
Copolyesters and cellulosics for appliances, store fixtures and displays, building and construction, electronic packaging, medical devices and packaging, graphic arts, general purpose packaging, personal care and cosmetics, food and beverage packaging, performance films, tape and labels, fibers/nonwovens, photographic and optical films, and liquid crystal displays ("LCD")
 

 
8

 
 
In addition to stream integration, the Company also derives value from Eastman's cellulosics.  These are natural polymers, sourced from managed forests, which when combined with the acetyl and olefin streams, provide differentiated product lines and an advantaged raw material position for Eastman.

The Company continues to leverage its heritage of expertise and innovation in acetyl, polyester, and olefins chemistries and technologies, as well as its use of cellulosics, to meet demand and create new uses and opportunities for the Company's products in key markets.  Through integration and optimization across these streams, the Company is able to create unique and differentiated products that have a performance advantage over competitive materials.

Cyclicality and Seasonality
 
The commodity olefins and olefin derivatives product lines in the PCI segment and the commodity solvent product lines in the CASPI segment are impacted by the cyclicality of key products and markets, while the other segments are more sensitive to global economic conditions.  Supply and demand dynamics determine profitability at different stages of cycles and global economic conditions affect the length of each cycle.  Despite sensitivity to global economic conditions, many of the products in the Fibers and CASPI segments provide a stable foundation of earnings.

The Company's earnings are typically greater in the second and third quarters and cash flows from operations are greatest in fourth quarter due to seasonality.  Demand for CASPI segment products is typically stronger in the second and third quarters due to the increased use of coatings products in the building and construction industries, while demand is typically weaker during the winter months because of seasonal construction downturns.  The PCI segment typically has weaker fourth quarter financial results, due in part to a seasonal downturn in demand for products used in certain building and construction and agricultural markets.
 
Financial Strategy

In addition to managing its core business operations and growth initiatives, the Company remains committed to maintaining a strong financial position with financial flexibility and consistently solid cash flows.  The Company employs a disciplined process for capital allocation and deployment of cash.  The Company pursues a variety of organic growth opportunities and attractive joint ventures and acquisitions.  The Company also returns cash to stockholders through dividends and from time to time by share repurchases.  The Company also opportunistically increases, decreases, and restructures its debt based upon public and private debt market conditions.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company's products and operations are managed and reported in four operating segments: the CASPI segment, the Fibers segment, the PCI segment, and the Specialty Plastics segment.

CASPI SEGMENT

· 
Overview

In the CASPI segment, the Company manufactures resins, specialty polymers, and solvents which are integral to the production of paints and coatings, inks, adhesives, and other formulated products.  Growth in these markets in the U.S., Canada, and Europe typically approximates general economic growth due to the wide variety of end uses for these applications.  Typically, growth in these markets in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America continues to be higher than worldwide economic growth, driven by regional growth in these emerging economies.  The CASPI segment focuses on producing intermediate chemicals rather than finished products and developing long-term, strategic relationships to achieve preferred supplier status with its customers.  In 2010, the CASPI segment had sales revenue of $1.6 billion, 27 percent of Eastman's total sales.

 
9

 
 
 
The profitability of the CASPI segment is sensitive to the global economy, market trends, broader chemical cycles, particularly the olefins cycle, and foreign currency exchange rates.  The CASPI segment's specialty products, which include cellulose-based specialty polymers, coalescents, and selected hydrocarbon resins, are less sensitive to the olefins cycle due to their functional performance attributes.  The segment’s commodity products, which include commodity solvents and base resins, are more impacted by the olefins cycle as discussed under "Manufacturing Streams."  The Company seeks to leverage its proprietary technologies, competitive cost structure, and integrated manufacturing facilities to maintain a strong competitive position throughout such cycles.
 
·
  Products
 
  Ø Polymers
  The polymers product line consists of cellulose-based specialty polymers and olefin-based performance products.  Eastman's cellulose-based specialty polymers enhance the aesthetic appeal and improve the performance of industrial and transportation coatings and inks.  Olefin-based products are used as base polymers in hot-melt adhesives, paper laminating, sealants, and pressure sensitive adhesives.  They are also used as elastomer extenders in sealants and waterproofing compounds for wire and cable flooding applications.  The polymers product line also includes chlorinated polyolefins which promote the adherence of paints and coatings to plastic substrates.  Polymers accounted for approximately 20 percent of the CASPI segment's total sales for 2010.
 
  Ø Resins
  The resins product line consists of hydrocarbon resins, rosin resins, and resin dispersions.  These products are sold primarily to adhesive formulators and consumer product companies for use as raw materials essential in hot-melt and pressure sensitive adhesives and as binders in nonwoven products such as disposable diapers, feminine products, and pre-saturated wipes.  Eastman offers a broad product portfolio of essential ingredients for the adhesives industry, and ranks as the second largest global tackifier supplier.  In addition, Eastman is one of the largest manufacturers of hydrogenated gum rosins used in chewing gum applications.  Eastman resins are also used in a wide range of applications including plastics and rubber modification and inks.  Resins accounted for approximately 35 percent of the CASPI segment's total sales for 2010.
 
  Ø Solvents
  The solvents product line includes both specialty coalescents and ketones and commodity esters, glycol ethers, and alcohol solvents.  Coalescents include products such as TexanolTM ester alcohol and Eastman OptifilmTM Enhancer 300 and 400, which improve film formation and durability in architectural latex paints.  Ketones are used in high solids low volatile organic compound ("VOC") coatings applications.  Commodity solvents, which consist of esters, glycol ethers, and alcohol solvents, are used in both paints and inks to maintain the formulation in liquid form for ease of application.  Solvents accounted for approximately 45 percent of the CASPI segment's total sales for 2010.
 
·
Strategy and Innovation

A key element of the CASPI segment's growth strategy is the continued development of innovative product offerings, building on proprietary technologies in high-growth markets and regions to meet customers' evolving needs and improve the quality and performance of customers' end products.  Management believes that its ability to leverage the CASPI segment's broad product line and Eastman's R&D capabilities make the segment uniquely capable of offering a broad array of solutions for new and emerging markets.

The Company intends to continue to leverage its resources to strengthen the CASPI segment's product innovation and product enhancement pipeline by meeting market needs and the expanded use of proprietary products and technologies.  Although the CASPI segment's sales and application development are often specialized by end-use markets, developments in technology can often be successfully shared across multiple end-uses and markets.

 
10

 
 
 
The Company's global manufacturing presence is a key element of the CASPI segment's growth strategy.  For example, the segment is well positioned to capitalize on expected high industrial growth in China and other parts of Asia from its facilities in Singapore and near Shanghai and joint venture operations in China.  The Company is committed to maintaining reliability of supply of the CASPI segment products to our strategic customers to allow Eastman to be the supplier of choice.  The segment is meeting growing demand for specialty hydrocarbon resins with an additional 20 percent expansion of hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins manufacturing capacity in Middelburg, the Netherlands which is expected to be completed in the second half of 2011; an additional 10 percent debottleneck of the hydrogenated  hydrocarbon facility in Longview, Texas, which is expected to be operational in the first half of 2011; and a 40 percent expansion of the pure monomer / hydrogenated resins capacity in Jefferson, Pennsylvania, which is expected to be operational in 2012.

·  
Customers and Markets

As a result of the variety of end uses for its products, the customer base for the CASPI segment is broad and diverse. This segment has approximately 770 customers around the world, while 80 percent of its sales revenue in 2010 was attributable to approximately 90 customers.  The CASPI segment focuses on establishing long-term, customer service-oriented relationships with its strategic customers in order to become their preferred supplier and to leverage these relationships to pursue sales opportunities in previously underserved markets and to expand the scope of its value-added services.  Growth in the U.S., Canadian, and European markets typically coincides with economic growth in general, due to the wide variety of end uses for these applications and their dependence on the economic conditions of the markets for packaged goods, transportation, durable goods, and housing.

The current regulatory environment, particularly in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, provides both market challenges and opportunities for the CASPI segment.  Environmental regulations that impose limits on the emission of VOCs and hazardous air pollutants ("HAPs") continue to impact coatings formulations requiring compliant coatings raw materials.  These regulations are in addition to the consumer market trend toward sustainability.  The coatings industry is responding by promoting products and technologies designed to enable customers and end users to reduce air emissions of VOCs and HAPs in compliance with applicable regulations.  A variety of Eastman's CASPI segment products are used in these coatings.  Additional products are currently being developed to meet the growing demand for low VOC coatings, including the recently introduced SolusTM family of products.

·  
Competition

Competition within the CASPI segment's markets varies widely depending on the specific product or product group.  The Company's major competitors in the CASPI segment's markets include larger companies such as BASF SE ("BASF"), The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow"), and Exxon Mobil Corporation, which may commit greater financial and other resources to products in markets in which the CASPI segment competes than Eastman.  Additionally, within each CASPI segment product market, the Company competes with other smaller, regionally focused companies that may have advantages based upon location, local market knowledge, manufacturing strength in a specific product, or other similar factors.  However, Eastman does not believe that any of its competitors has the breadth of product offerings that Eastman is able to offer its CASPI segment customers.  The Company believes its competitive advantages include its level of vertical integration; breadth of product offerings, service, and technology offerings; low-cost manufacturing position; consistent product quality; security of supply; and process and market knowledge.  The CASPI segment principally competes on breadth of products and through leveraging its strong customer base and long-standing customer relationships to promote substantial recurring business and product development.


 
  11

 
 
FIBERS SEGMENT
 
 ·  Overview
  
In the Fibers segment, Eastman manufactures and sells EstronTM acetate tow and EstrobondTM triacetin plasticizers for use primarily in the manufacture of cigarette filters; EstronTM natural and ChromspunTM solution-dyed acetate yarns for use in apparel, home furnishings and industrial fabrics; and cellulose acetate flake and acetyl raw materials for other acetate fiber producers.  Eastman is one of the world's two largest suppliers of acetate tow and has been a market leader in the manufacture and sale of acetate tow since it began production in the early 1950s.  The Company is the world's largest producer of acetate yarn and has been in this business for over 75 years.  The Fibers segment's manufacturing operations are primarily located at the Kingsport, Tennessee site, and also include smaller acetate tow production plants in Workington, England and Ulsan, South Korea.  Eastman has recently increased its acetate tow capacity with the expansion of the Workington plant in 2008 and the start up of the Korean facility during 2010.  In 2010, the Fibers segment had sales revenue of $1.1 billion, 19 percent of Eastman's total sales.  The Fibers segment remains a strong and stable cash generator for the Company.

The Company's long history and experience in the fibers markets are reflected in the Fibers segment's operating expertise, both within the Company and in support of its customers' processes.  The Fibers segment's knowledge of the industry and of customers' processes allows it to assist its customers in maximizing their processing efficiencies, promoting repeat sales and mutually beneficial, long-term customer relationships.

The Company's fully integrated fiber manufacturing processes from coal-based acetyl raw materials through acetate tow and yarn provide a competitive advantage over companies whose processes are dependent on petrochemicals.  In addition, the Fibers segment employs unique technology that allows it to use a broad range of high-purity wood pulps for which the Company has dependable sources of supply.  Management believes that these factors combine to make Eastman an industry leader in reliability of supply and cost position.  In addition to the cost advantage of being coal-based, the Fibers segment's competitive strengths include a reputation for high-quality products, technical expertise, large scale vertically-integrated processes, reliability of supply, acetate flake supply in excess of internal needs, a reputation for customer service excellence, and a customer base characterized by long-term customer relationships.  The Company intends to continue to capitalize and build on these strengths to improve the strategic position of its Fibers segment.

Contributing to the profitability in the Fibers segment are the limited number of competitors, the high industry capacity utilization, and significant barriers to entry.  These barriers include, but are not limited to, high capital costs for integrated manufacturing facilities.

·
Products
 
   Ø Acetate Tow
  Eastman manufactures acetate tow under the EstronTM trademark according to a wide variety of customer specifications, primarily for use in the manufacture of cigarette filters.  Acetate tow is the largest sales product of the Fibers segment.  Worldwide demand for acetate tow is expected to increase by one to two percent per year over the next several years.  Demand growth within Asia, mostly China, one of the largest and fastest growing markets, primarily influences this expected global increase.
 
   Ø Acetate Yarn
  The Company manufactures acetate filament yarn under the EstronTM and ChromspunTM trademarks in a wide variety of specifications.  EstronTM acetate yarn is available in bright and dull luster and is suitable for subsequent dyeing in the fabric form.  ChromspunTM acetate yarn is solution-dyed in the manufacturing process and is available in more than 100 colors.
 
   Ø Acetyl Chemical Products
  The Fibers segment's acetyl chemical products are sold primarily to other acetate fiber market producers and include cellulose diacetate flake, acetic acid, and acetic anhydride.  Each is used as a raw material for the production of cellulose acetate fibers.  The Fibers segment also markets acetyl-based triacetin plasticizers under the EstrobondTM trademark, generally for use by cigarette manufacturers as a bonding agent in cigarette filters.
 
 
12

 
 
 
· 
Strategy and Innovation

Ø
Growth
In the Fibers segment, Eastman is leveraging its strong customer relationships and knowledge of the industry to identify growth options.  These growth options are enabled by its excess acetate flake capacity at the Kingsport, Tennessee site.  In 2008, Eastman expanded its Workington, England plant to support customer demand in the region.  In 2010 production began at a new acetate tow facility in Ulsan, South Korea to support customer demand in Asia.  With this new facility Eastman’s total global acetate tow capacity is approximately 210,000 metric tons.  The Company continues to pursue growth opportunities, particularly in the Asia Pacific region.

Ø
Continue to Capitalize on Fibers Technology Expertise
The Fibers segment intends to continue to make use of its capabilities in fibers technology to maintain a strong focus on incremental product and process improvements, with the goals of meeting customers' evolving needs and improving the segment's manufacturing process efficiencies.

Ø
Maintain Cost-Effective Operations and Consistent Cash Flows and Earnings
The Fibers segment intends to continue to operate in a cost effective manner, capitalizing on its technology, scale and vertical integration, and to make further productivity and efficiency improvements through continued investments in R&D.

Ø
Research and Development
The Company's Fibers segment R&D efforts focus on process and product improvements, as well as cost reduction, with the objectives of increasing sales and reducing costs.  The Fibers segment also conducts research to assist acetate tow customers in the effective use of the segment's products and in the customers' product development efforts.

·      Customers and Markets

The customer base in the Fibers segment is relatively concentrated, consisting of approximately 150 customers in the tobacco, textile, and acetate fibers industries.  Eastman's Fibers segment customers are located in all regions of the world.  The largest 17 customers within the Fibers segment include multinational as well as regional cigarette producers, fabric manufacturers, and other acetate fiber producers.  These top 17 customers accounted for about 80 percent of the segment's total sales revenue in 2010.  Sales prices for a significant portion of the Fibers segment's products are typically negotiated on an annual basis.  The segment maintains a strong position in acetate tow exports to China.

·      Competition

Eastman is the second largest acetate tow manufacturer in the world.  Competitors in the fibers market for acetate tow include Celanese Corporation ("Celanese"), Daicel Chemical Industries Ltd ("Daicel"), Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. ("Mitsubishi Rayon"), and Rhodia S.A.

In the segment's acetate yarn business, major competitors include Industrias del Acetato de Celulosa S.A. ("INACSA"), UAB Korelita, and Mitsubishi Rayon.  Eastman is the world leader in acetate yarn production and the only acetate yarn producer in the U.S. and Canada.  The physical properties of acetate yarn make it desirable for use in textile products such as suit linings, women's apparel, medical tape, drapery, ribbons and other specialty fabrics.  However, over the past 20 years, demand for acetate yarn has been adversely affected by the substitution of lower cost polyester and rayon yarns.  Accordingly, worldwide demand for acetate yarn is expected to continue to decrease as mills substitute these cheaper yarns for acetate yarn.  Eastman, however, remains uniquely positioned because it is the only integrated producer of acetate yarn.
 
As described above under "Fibers Segment – Overview", the principal methods of competition include maintaining the Company's large-scale vertically integrated manufacturing process from coal-based acetyl raw materials, reliability of supply, product quality, and sustaining long-term customer relationships.


 
13 

 
 
PCI SEGMENT

·  
Overview

The PCI segment leverages large scale and vertical integration from the acetyl and olefins streams to manufacture diversified products that are sold externally as well as used internally for other segments of the company.  The PCI segment has leading market positions in many of its core products and believes it is well-positioned in key markets for most of its major products, including both acetyl products and olefin derivatives, due to its competitive cost position and supply reliability versus competitors.  In 2010 the PCI segment had sales revenue of $2.1 billion, 36 percent of the Company's total sales.

The segment's competitive cost position is primarily due to lower cost raw materials, such as coal which is used in the production of acetyl stream products and olefins which are used in the production of olefin derivative products.  To further improve its competitive cost position over purchasing olefins in the North American market, the Company restarted a previously idled cracking unit at the Longview, Texas facility in 2010.  This restart was prompted by a favorable shift in market conditions for olefin raw materials that is expected to continue over the next several years.  The Company has three operating cracking units, including the unit restarted in 2010.  The Company will continue to evaluate changes in raw materials costs along with olefin derivative volume demand to determine the best use for these assets.  Some of the segment's products are affected by the olefins cycle.  See "Corporate Overview – Manufacturing Streams" earlier in this "Part I – Item 1. Business."  This cyclicality is caused by periods of supply and demand imbalance, either when incremental capacity additions are not offset by corresponding increases in demand, or when demand exceeds existing supply.  Demand, in turn, is based on general economic conditions, raw material and energy costs, and other factors beyond the Company's control.  While the segment has taken steps to reduce the impact of the trough of the olefins cycle, future PCI segment results are expected to continue to fluctuate from period to period due to these changing economic conditions.  Approximately 70 percent of the segment’s olefin derivatives are made from propylene. 

·  Products

The PCI segment offers over 195 products that include intermediates based on oxo and acetyl chemistries and performance chemicals.  The PCI segment's 2010 sales revenue was approximately 65 percent from olefin-based and 20 percent from acetyl-based chemistries, and 15 percent from other chemicals.  Approximately 65 percent of the PCI segment's sales revenue is generated in the U.S. and Canada, a region in which the Company has a leading market share position for most of its key oxo and acetyl products.  Sales in all regions are generated through a mix of the Company's direct sales force and a network of distributors.  The Company's PCI segment is the largest marketer of acetic anhydride in the United States, an intermediate that is a critical component of analgesics, laundry care products, and nutritional supplements, and is the only U.S. producer of acetaldehyde, a key intermediate in the production of agricultural and other specialty products.  Eastman believes that it manufactures one of the world's broadest ranges of products derived from oxo aldehydes and holds a leading North American market position in the majority of these products.  The PCI segment's other intermediate products include glycols and polymer intermediates.  Many of the intermediates products in the PCI segment are priced based on supply and demand of substitute and competing products.  In order to maintain a competitive position, the Company strives to operate with a low cost manufacturing base.

The PCI segment also manufactures performance chemicals and complex organic molecules such as plasticizers, diketene derivatives, specialty ketones, and specialty anhydrides for medical, pharmaceutical, fiber, and food and beverage ingredients, which are typically used in specialty market applications.  The acquisition of Genovique Specialties Corporation ("Genovique") added new plasticizers to the Company's existing portfolio, and Eastman believes it has the broadest product line of non-phthalate plasticizers in the world.  The PCI segment’s specialty products are typically priced based on value added rather than supply and demand factors.


 
14 

 
 
·  Strategy and Innovation

To build on and maintain its status as a low cost producer, the PCI segment continuously focuses on cost control, operational efficiency, and capacity utilization to maximize earnings.  Through the PCI segment, the Company maximizes the advantage of its highly integrated and world-scale manufacturing facilities.  For example, the Kingsport, Tennessee manufacturing facility allows the PCI segment to produce acetic anhydride and other acetyl derivatives from coal rather than natural gas or other petroleum feedstocks.  At the Longview, Texas manufacturing facility, Eastman's PCI segment uses its proprietary oxo-technology in the world's largest single-site, oxo aldehyde manufacturing facility to produce a wide range of alcohols, esters, and other derivative products utilizing local propane and ethane supplies, as well as purchased propylene.  These integrated facilities, combined with large scale production processes and a continuous focus on additional process improvements, allow the PCI segment to remain cost competitive with, and for some products cost-advantaged over, its competitors.

The PCI segment selectively focuses on continuing to develop and access markets with high-growth potential for the Company's chemicals.  One such market is for flexible plastic products used in sensitive applications such as toys, child care articles, medical packaging and devices, and food contact.  Eastman 168TM plasticizer and Genovique specialty plasticizers provide effective, sustainable alternatives to ortho-phthalate plasticizers traditionally used in these and other applications.  These plasticizers allow manufacturers to meet the challenging requirements of changing government regulations and consumer preferences without sacrificing production efficiency or product performance.  The acquisition of Genovique in 2010 added to the Company's portfolio of non-phthalate plasticizers that serve high growth markets.

The Company engages in R&D initiatives in order to develop new PCI products and find additional applications for existing products and to lower its costs.  The Company is evaluating licensing opportunities for acetic acid and oxo derivatives on a selective basis, and has licensed technology to produce acetyl products to Saudi International Petrochemical Company ("SIPCHEM") in Saudi Arabia and to Chang Chun Petrochemical Company ("Chang Chun") in Taiwan in 2005 and 2007, respectively.  All SIPCHEM licensing agreement revenue has been received, and the Company has the continuing right to purchase the acetic anhydride from the SIPCHEM manufacturing facility.  The Chang Chun manufacturing plant is expected to be operational in the second half of 2011.

·
Customers and Markets

The PCI segment's products are used in a variety of markets and end uses, including agriculture, transportation, beverages, nutrition, pharmaceuticals, coatings, flooring, medical devices, toys, adhesives, sealants, household products, polymers, textiles, and industrials.  Because of its cost position, reliability, and service, the Company has been able to establish and maintain long-term arrangements and relationships with PCI customers.  Product-specific olefin derivative market conditions vary based upon prevailing supply and demand conditions.  An important trend for the PCI segment's business is a tendency toward regionalization of key markets due to increased transportation costs and local supply in developing regions from new capacities.  The PCI segment benefits from this trend primarily in the U.S. and Canada.  The anhydride purchased from the new SIPCHEM facility will give increased access to the Asian market for PCI products.  Additionally, the PCI segment is engaged in continuous efforts to optimize product and customer mix.  Approximately 80 percent of the PCI segment's sales revenue in 2010 was from 135 of approximately 1,100 customers worldwide.

·
Competition

Historically, there have been significant barriers to entry for potential competitors in the PCI segment's major product lines, including acetic acid and acetic anhydride, primarily due to the relevant technology having been held by a small number of companies.  As this technology has become more readily available, competition from multinational chemical manufacturers has intensified.  Eastman competes with these and other producers primarily based on price, as products are generally interchangeable, but also on technology, marketing, and services.  Eastman's major competitors in this segment include large, multinational companies such as BASF, Celanese, Dow, and Exxon Mobil Corporation.


 
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SPECIALTY PLASTICS SEGMENT

·  
Overview

In the Specialty Plastics segment, the Company produces and markets specialized copolyesters and cellulosic plastics that possess differentiated performance properties for value-added end uses.  In 2010, the Specialty Plastics segment had sales revenue of $1.0 billion, approximately 18 percent of Eastman's total sales.

Eastman has the ability within its Specialty Plastics segment to modify its polymers and plastics to control and customize their final properties, creating numerous opportunities for new application development, including the expertise to develop new materials and new applications starting from the molecular level in the research laboratory to the final designed application.  Recent industry trends in various markets have renewed customers' interest in some of the unique attributes offered by Eastman materials.  Such trends include, but are not limited to, interest in plastics that have superior chemical and mechanical properties to withstand increasing demands in specific applications, as well as halogen-free and bisphenol A ("BPA")-free plastics.  The addition of the Eastman Tritan™ family of products significantly enhances the segment's ability to customize copolyesters and cellulosic plastics for new markets and applications.  In addition, the Specialty Plastics segment has a long history of manufacturing excellence with strong process improvement programs providing continuing cost reduction.

·  Products

The Specialty Plastics segment consists of two primary product lines: specialty copolyesters and cellulosics.  Eastman estimates that the market growth for copolyesters will continue to be higher than general domestic economic growth due to ongoing specialty copolyester material innovations and displacement opportunities.  Eastman believes that cellulosic materials will grow at or above the rate of the domestic economy in general, driven by strong demand in the LCD market, and increased demand for cellulosics driven by the sustainability profile of these bio-derived materials and their performance as engineered thermoplastics.  For both specialty copolyesters and cellulosic plastics, the Specialty Plastics segment benefits from integration into the Company's polyester and acetyls streams.  The Specialty Plastics segment's specialty copolyesters are currently produced in Kingsport, Tennessee; Columbia, South Carolina; and Kuantan, Malaysia.  The cellulosic products are produced in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Ø  
Specialty Copolyesters
Eastman's specialty copolyesters accounted for approximately 80 percent of the Specialty Plastics segment's 2010 sales revenue.  Eastman's specialty copolyesters, which generally are based on Eastman's production of CHDM, typically fill a market position between polycarbonates and acrylics.  Polycarbonates traditionally have offered some superior performance characteristics, while acrylics have been less expensive.  Specialty copolyesters combine superior performance with competitive pricing and are being substituted for both polycarbonates and acrylics in some applications.

The Specialty Plastics segment continues to develop new applications for its core copolyesters to meet growing demand for more environmentally-friendly and sustainable copolyester products.  Additionally, the segment has had significant growth in sales of copolyesters for clear handleware applications, where Eastman's materials offer a unique merchandising solution.  By broadening its Embrace™ family of products, Eastman has continued to have growth in sales of shrink packaging.  The family of shrink packaging offerings has made Eastman the leading provider of resins for full-body shrink labels.  Eastman's newest copolyester, Tritan™, enables the Company to move to higher value applications by adding high temperature resistance to the other properties of copolyesters, including toughness, chemical resistance, and excellent processability.

Ø  
Cellulosic Plastics
Cellulosics and cellulosic plastics accounted for approximately 20 percent of the Specialty Plastics segment's 2010 sales revenue.  Market demand for Eastman’s family of cellulosic polymers, VisualizeTM cellulosics, for the LCD market continues to be strong.  Through the development of new formulations and applications, Eastman's LCD product line has continued to benefit from demand growth in the LCD market. Eastman’s proprietary Visualize™ line of products are known for their superior optical properties and are the preferred choice for certain film structures in LCD polarizers.

 
16

 
 
  Eastman cellulosic plastics, sold under the Tenite™ brand, are known for their excellent balance of properties, including toughness, hardness, strength, surface gloss, clarity, chemical resistance, and warmth to the touch.  During 2010, Eastman entered into a joint venture with Mazzucchelli 1949 SPA in Shenzhen, China, which is expected to expand Eastman's portfolio of cellulosic plastics.  The joint venture will produce compounded cellulose acetate pellets, mostly used in the production of high design injection molded articles such as ophthalmic frames or tool handles.  The Mazzucchelli joint venture facility is expected to be operational by second quarter 2011.
 
·  
Strategy and Innovation

Through Eastman's advantaged asset position and applications development innovation efforts, the segment has increased specialty copolyesters sales volume to twice U.S. gross domestic product growth over the past five years.  During 2010, Eastman significantly increased its share in the shrink film market by developing new applications for its products that now include the Embrace™ family of products.  The trend of influencing the purchasing decision with product design has also benefited Eastman's clear handleware solutions for large containers.  Additionally, increased demand for BPA-free products has created new opportunities for various applications of legacy copolyesters.

The LCD market is a developing growth market for the Specialty Plastics segment.  The Company continues to invest in the development of copolyester and cellulosic-based product solutions for this high-growth market, with the objective of being a strategic raw material supplier in the LCD market.  The Company's 70 percent expansion of its Kingsport, Tennessee cellulose triacetate manufacturing capacity is expected to be operational in first quarter 2012.

The addition of Tritan™ copolyester to Eastman's Specialty Plastics product offering has created new opportunities for applications previously occupied by materials such as polycarbonate or polysulfone.  During 2010, Eastman gained market acceptance for Tritan™ in certain applications such as water bottles and other consumer houseware applications through OEMs and brand owners.  During 2009, Eastman completed the construction of a new monomer facility and a new polymer facility.  Both were operational in first quarter 2010.  The monomer facility produces a proprietary monomer required in the production of Tritan™ copolyester while the polymer facility is capable of producing 30,000 metric tons of Tritan™ polymer.  Given the anticipated successful market acceptance of Tritan™ copolyester and the projected rapid demand growth, the monomer facility was designed to be capable of supplying a second Tritan™ copolyester manufacturing facility of 30,000 metric tons per year.  Based on the 2010 demand, the Company is expanding to a second full scale Tritan™ copolyester manufacturing facility which is expected to be operational in early 2012.

The Company is also expanding its capacity for CHDM, a monomer used in the manufacture of copolyester, by approximately 25 percent and expects the capacity to be operational in two phases in mid-2011 and in 2012.

The Specialty Plastics segment is focused on providing consistent profit margins and the Company continues to leverage the advantages of being an integrated polyester manufacturer and expects to continue to pursue opportunities within the integrated polyester stream.  The Company is utilizing rationalized PET assets to reduce Specialty Plastics copolyester conversion costs and expand production with larger scale assets.

·  
Customers and Markets

The customer base in the Specialty Plastics segment is broad and diverse, consisting of approximately 690 customers worldwide in a variety of industries.  Approximately 80 percent of the Specialty Plastics segment's 2010 sales revenue was attributable to approximately 70 customers.  The Specialty Plastics segment seeks to develop mutually beneficial relationships with its customers throughout various stages of product life cycles.  By doing so, it is better able to understand its customers' needs as those customers develop new products and more effectively bring new solutions to market.

 
17

 
 
Specialty copolyesters are sold into a wide range of markets and applications including specialty packaging (medical and electronic component trays, shrink label films, general purpose packaging, and multilayer films); in-store fixtures and displays (point of purchase displays including indoor sign and store fixtures); consumer and durable goods (appliances, housewares, toys, and sporting goods); medical goods (disposable medical devices, health care equipment and instruments, and pharmaceutical packaging); personal care and consumer packaging (food and beverage packaging and consumer packaging); photographic film, optical film, fibers/nonwovens, tapes/labels, and LCD.  The Tritan™ family of products is being sold into a range of markets including, but not limited to, consumer housewares, bulk water, infant care, small appliances and other consumer durables segments.  Additional applications and markets are currently under development.

·  
Competition

The segment principally competes by leveraging price and product performance in specific applications.  Customer product selection is typically determined on an application-by-application basis and often by OEMs rather than by resin converters.  New market opportunities are coming from substitution of plastic for other materials, and displacement of other plastic resins in existing applications.  While historically the Specialty Plastics segment's ability to compete was very closely tied to supply-demand balances of competing plastics, the addition of Tritan™, a material based on Eastman proprietary technology, opens new market opportunities in which Eastman expects to leverage the unique combination of properties of the new family of products.  In certain cases, the Company believes that Tritan™ offers a unique solution by bringing properties similar to polycarbonate without containing any BPA.  In food applications, the fact that copolyesters are both BPA and halogen-free makes them an attractive alternative to materials such as polycarbonate and other plastics, respectively.  In addition, the combination of excellent clarity and superior processability allows for the production of unique and attractive packaging that allows brand owners to differentiate themselves on the retail shelf.  Examples of such applications include, but are not limited to, shrink film made from Eastman's Embrace™ copolyester family of products, as well as clear handleware containers produced from Eastman copolyesters.

The Specialty Plastics segment believes that it maintains competitive advantages throughout the product life cycle.  At product introduction, the segment's breadth of offerings combined with its R&D capabilities and customer service orientation enable it to quickly bring a wide variety of products to market.  As products enter the growth phase of the life cycle, the Specialty Plastics segment is able to continue to leverage its product breadth by generating sales revenue from multiple sources, as well as retaining customers from long-term relationships.  As products become more price sensitive, the Specialty Plastics segment can take advantage of Eastman's scale of operations, including conversion of rationalized PET assets and vertical integration, to maintain a superior product conversion cost position.

In recent years, the industry has been confronted by unprecedented raw material cost volatility.  While raw material cost volatility is expected to continue into the future, Eastman believes that it maintains a competitive advantage from diversification of its raw materials base by using both coal for cellulosics and petrochemical-based feedstocks for copolyesters.

Eastman's primary competitors for copolyester products include Bayer AG, Dow, Evonvik Industries, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation ("SABIC"), and SK Chemical Industries.  Competition for cellulosic plastics is primarily from other producers of cellulose ester polymers such as Acetati SpA and Daicel.

 
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REGIONAL BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Eastman operates as a global business with approximately 50 percent of its sales and 60 percent of its operating earnings, excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, generated from outside the United States and Canada region in 2010.  As the Company focuses on growth in emerging markets, the percentage of sales and earnings from outside the United States and Canada are expected to increase.  While manufacturing is centered in the U.S., the Company is able to transport products globally to meet demand.  In 2010, all regions were positively affected by the recovery from the global recession, but the degree of the impact on the various regions was dependent on the mix of the Company's segments and products in each region.  In 2010, the mix of regional revenue from the segments was as follows:

 
CASPI
Fibers
PCI
Specialty Plastics
Total
United States and Canada
25 %
10 %
50 %
15 %
100 %
Asia Pacific
20 %
35 %
25 %
20 %
100 %
Europe, Middle East, and Africa
35 %
25 %
20 %
20 %
100 %
Latin America
35 %
20 %
35 %
10 %
100 %

The United States and Canada region contains the highest concentration of the Company's long-lived assets with approximately 90 percent located in the United States.  Management believes that the location of these manufacturing facilities provides the Company with an advantaged cost position for the Company's domestic customers, particularly for commodity and bulk products.  The PCI segment accounts for approximately half of the region's revenue, as the segment is well-positioned in this region's market for most of its major products, including acetic acid and acetic anhydride, although the region is subject to increased variability in revenues due to the effect of raw material and energy costs on this segment’s selling prices.

One-third of revenue in the Asia Pacific region is from acetate tow products in the Fibers segment.  The region includes many emerging growth markets served by Eastman products, including specialty products in the CASPI segment and acetate tow in the Fibers segment, particularly in China.  The Company is responding to this growth by strengthening its position through joint ventures and acquisitions such as the recent acquisition of an acetate tow manufacturing facility in Korea.

The Europe, Middle East, and Africa region has fewer sales from commodity product lines than any other region and therefore is less affected by economic conditions and prices are less dependent on raw material costs compared to other regions.  

The Latin America region has significant sales from commodity product lines, particularly in the PCI and CASPI segments, and is therefore subject to increased volatility in sales volume and selling prices.

CORPORATE INITIATIVES
 
In addition to its business segments, the Company manages certain costs and initiatives at the corporate level, including certain R&D costs not allocated to any one operating segment.  The Company uses a stage-gating process, which is a disciplined decision making framework for evaluating targeted opportunities, with a number of projects at various stages of development.  As projects meet milestones, additional investment is committed to those projects.   The Company continues to explore and invest in R&D initiatives that are aligned with macro trends in sustainability, consumerism, and energy efficiency through high performance materials, advanced cellulosics, environmentally-friendly chemistry, and process improvements, including an initiative in the building and construction market.
 

 
19

 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The Company completed the sale of the PET business, related assets at the Columbia, South Carolina site, and technology of its Performance Polymers segment on January 31, 2011. The PET business, assets, and technology sold were substantially all of the Performance Polymers segment.  Performance Polymers segment operating results are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented and are therefore not included in results from continuing operations under GAAP.  Corporate costs which were allocated to the Performance Polymers segment have been reallocated to the remaining segments in the Company's financial statements.  The total cash proceeds of the transaction were $600 million, subject to post-closing adjustment for working capital.  For further information, refer to Note 2, "Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY GENERAL INFORMATION

Sales, Marketing, and Distribution

The Company markets and sells products primarily through a global marketing and sales organization which has a presence in the United States and in over 35 other countries selling into approximately 100 countries around the world.  Eastman has a marketing and sales strategy targeting industries and applications where Eastman products and services provide differentiated value.  Market, customer, application, and technical expertise are critical capabilities.  Through a highly skilled and specialized sales force that is capable of providing customized business solutions for each of its four operating segments, Eastman is able to establish long-term customer relationships and strives to become the preferred supplier of specialty chemicals and specialty plastics worldwide.

The Company's products are also marketed through indirect channels, which include distributors and contract representatives.  Non-U.S. sales tend to be made more frequently through distributors and contract representatives than U.S. sales.  The combination of direct and indirect sales channels, including sales online through its Customer Center website, allows Eastman to reliably serve customers throughout the world. 

The Company's products are shipped to customers directly from Eastman's manufacturing plants, as well as from distribution centers worldwide.

Sources and Availability of Raw Material and Energy

Eastman purchases a substantial portion, estimated to be approximately 75 percent, of its key raw materials and energy through long-term contracts, generally of three to five years in initial duration with renewal or cancellation options for each party.  Most of these agreements do not require the Company to purchase materials or energy if its operations are reduced or idle.  The cost of raw materials and energy is generally based on market price at the time of purchase, and Eastman uses derivative financial instruments, valued at quoted market prices, to mitigate the impact of short-term market price fluctuations.  Key raw materials include propane, paraxylene, cellulose, ethylene glycol, coal, ethane, methanol, PTA, and a wide variety of precursors for specialty organic chemicals.  Key purchased energy sources include natural gas, steam, coal, and electricity.  The Company has multiple suppliers for most key raw materials and energy and uses quality management principles, such as the establishment of long-term relationships with suppliers and on-going performance assessment and benchmarking, as part of its supplier selection process.  When appropriate, the Company purchases raw materials from a single source supplier to maximize quality and cost improvements, and has developed contingency plans designed to minimize the impact of any supply disruptions from single source suppliers.

While temporary shortages of raw materials and energy may occasionally occur, these items are generally sufficiently available to cover current and projected requirements.  However, their continuous availability and cost are subject to unscheduled plant interruptions occurring during periods of high demand, or due to domestic or world market and political conditions, changes in government regulation, natural disasters, war or other outbreak of hostilities or terrorism or other political factors, or breakdown or degradation of transportation infrastructure.  Eastman's operations or products have been in the past and may be in the future, at times, adversely affected by these factors.  The Company's raw material and energy costs as a percent of total cost of operations were approximately 60 percent in 2010 and 2009 and 70 percent in 2008.


 
20 

 
 
Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $243 million, $310 million, and $634 million in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.  Capital expenditures in 2009 decreased significantly compared to 2008 as the Company deferred discretionary spending on capital projects in response to a more challenging economic environment.  Capital expenditures remained at a level sufficient for required maintenance and certain strategic growth initiatives through first nine months 2010.  In fourth quarter 2010, the Company increased spending on discretionary infrastructure projects and certain strategic growth initiatives to $110 million for the quarter.  The Company expects that 2011 capital spending will continue at the fourth quarter 2010 pace and will be approximately $450 million.  The Company's capital spending in 2011 will focus on organic growth initiatives, particularly in the Specialty Plastics, CASPI, and PCI segments.

Employees

Eastman employs approximately 10,000 men and women worldwide.  Approximately four percent of the total worldwide labor force is represented by unions, mostly outside the United States.

Customers

Eastman has an extensive customer base and, while it is not dependent on any one customer, loss of certain top customers could adversely affect the Company until such business is replaced.  The top 100 customers accounted for approximately 70 percent of the Company's 2010 sales revenue.

Intellectual Property and Trademarks

While the Company's intellectual property portfolio is an important Company asset which it expands and vigorously protects globally through a combination of patents that expire at various times, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, neither its business as a whole nor any particular segment is materially dependent upon any one particular patent, trademark, copyright, or trade secret.  As a producer of a broad and diverse portfolio of both specialty and commodity chemicals, plastics, and fibers, Eastman owns over 550 active United States patents and more than 1,100 active foreign patents, expiring at various times over several years, and also owns over 2,400 active worldwide trademark applications and registrations.  The Company's intellectual property relates to a wide variety of products and processes.  Eastman continues to actively protect its intellectual property.  As the laws of many countries do not protect intellectual property to the same extent as the laws of the United States, Eastman cannot ensure that it will be able to adequately protect its intellectual property assets outside the United States.

The Company pursues opportunities to license proprietary technology to third parties in areas where it has determined competitive impact to core businesses will be minimal.  These arrangements typically are structured to require payments at significant project milestones such as signing, completion of design, and start-up.  To date, efforts have been focused on acetyls technology in the PCI segment.  The Company also is actively pursuing licensing opportunities for oxo derivatives in the PCI segment.

Over 250 active United States patents and patent applications, more than 1,100 foreign patents applications, and approximately 100 active worldwide trademark applications and registrations were sold as part of the sale of the PET business, related assets at the Columbia, South Carolina site, and technology of the Performance Polymers segment.

Research and Development

For 2010, 2009, and 2008, Eastman's R&D expenses totaled $152 million, $124 million, and $143 million, respectively.


 
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Environmental

Eastman is subject to significant and complex laws, regulations, and legal requirements relating to the use, storage, handling, generation, transportation, emission, discharge, disposal, and remediation of, and exposure to, hazardous and non-hazardous substances and wastes in all of the countries in which it does business.  These health, safety, and environmental considerations are a priority in the Company's planning for all existing and new products and processes.  The Health, Safety, Environmental and Security Committee of Eastman's Board of Directors oversees the Company's policies and practices concerning health, safety, and the environment and its processes for complying with related laws and regulations, and monitors related matters.

The Company's policy is to operate its plants and facilities in a manner that protects the environment and the health and safety of its employees and the public.  The Company intends to continue to make expenditures for environmental protection and improvements in a timely manner consistent with its policies and with the technology available.  In some cases, applicable environmental regulations such as those adopted under the U.S. Clean Air Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and related actions of regulatory agencies, determine the timing and amount of environmental costs incurred by the Company.  Likewise, when finalized, potential legislation related to greenhouse gas emissions, energy policy, and associated implementing regulations could impact the timing and amount of environmental costs incurred by the Company.

The Company accrues environmental costs when it is probable that the Company has incurred a liability and the amount can be reasonably estimated.  In some instances, the amount cannot be reasonably estimated due to insufficient information, particularly as to the nature and timing of future expenditures.  In these cases, the liability is monitored until such time that sufficient data exists.  With respect to a contaminated site, the amount accrued reflects the Company's assumptions about remedial requirements at the 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, and chemical control regulations, and testing requirements could result in higher or lower costs.

The Company's cash expenditures related to environmental protection and improvement were estimated to be $200 million, $173 million, and $218 million, in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.  These amounts were primarily for operating costs associated with environmental protection equipment and facilities, but also included expenditures for construction and development.  Other than potential capital expenditures at the Company's Kingsport, Tennessee facility related to regulations associated with controlling air emissions from boilers, the Company does not expect future environmental capital expenditures arising from requirements of recently promulgated environmental laws and regulations to materially increase the Company's planned level of annual capital expenditures for environmental control facilities.  Potential capital expenditures associated with boiler air emissions remain uncertain pending adoption of final regulations, but could increase average annual environmental capital expenditures significantly over the next five years compared to recent historical levels depending on final regulation requirements and the Company's method of addressing those requirements.

Other matters concerning health, safety, and the environment are discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II Item 7 and in Notes 1, "Significant Accounting Policies", 15, "Environmental Matters", and 25, "Reserve Rollfowards" to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Backlog

On January 1, 2011 and 2010, Eastman's backlog of firm sales orders represented less than 10 percent of the Company's total consolidated revenue for the previous year.  These orders are primarily short-term and all orders are expected to be filled in the following year.  The Company manages its inventory levels to control the backlog of products depending on customers' needs.  In areas where the Company is the single source of supply, or competitive forces or customers' needs dictate, the Company may carry additional inventory to meet customer requirements.


 
22 

 
 
Financial Information About Geographic Areas

For sales revenue and long-lived assets by geographic areas, see Note 23, "Segment Information", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.  For information about regional sales and earnings, see "Regional Business Overview" above in this "Business" section of this Annual Report.

Available Information – SEC Filings

The Company makes available free of charge, through the "Investors – SEC Information" section of its Internet website (www.eastman.com), its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

For identification and discussion of the most significant risks applicable to the Company and its business, see Part II – Item 7 – "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors" of this Annual Report.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS


None.


 
23 

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

Certain information about the Company's executive officers is provided below:

James P. Rogers, age 59, is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Eastman Chemical Company.  He served as President and Chief Executive Officer from May 2009 until January 2011.  Mr. Rogers was appointed Executive Vice President of the Company and President of Eastman Division effective November 2003.  Mr. Rogers joined the Company in 1999 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and in 2002 was also appointed Chief Operations Officer of Eastman Division.  Mr. Rogers served previously as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of GAF Materials Corporation ("GAF").  He also served as Executive Vice President, Finance, of International Specialty Products, Inc., which was spun off from GAF in 1997.
 
Mark J. Costa, age 44, is Executive Vice President, Specialty Polymers, Coatings and Adhesives, and Chief Marketing Officer.  Mr. Costa joined the Company in June 2006 as Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Marketing and was appointed Executive Vice President, Polymers Business Group Head and Chief Marketing Officer in August 2008.  Prior to joining Eastman, Mr. Costa was a senior partner within Monitor Group's integrated North American and global client service networks.  He joined Monitor, a global management consulting firm, in 1988 and his experience included corporate and business unit strategies, asset portfolio strategies, innovation and marketing, and channel strategies across a wide range of industries, including specialty and commodity chemicals, electricity, natural gas and truck/auto manufacturing.  Mr. Costa was appointed to his current position in May 2009.
 
Ronald C. Lindsay, age 52, is Executive Vice President, Performance Chemicals and Intermediates and Operations Support.  He joined Eastman in 1980 and held a number of positions in various manufacturing and business organizations.  In 2003, Mr. Lindsay was appointed Vice President and General Manager of Intermediates, in 2005 became Vice President, Performance Chemicals and Intermediates, in 2006 was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, in 2008 was appointed Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Regional Leadership, and in May 2009 was appointed Executive Vice President, Performance Polymers and Chemical Intermediates.  He was appointed to his current position in January 2011.

Michael H.K. Chung, age 57 is Senior Vice President and Chief International Ventures Officer.  Mr. Chung joined Eastman in 1976, and since that time has held various management positions, primarily in the Company's chemicals and fibers businesses.  He was appointed Vice President, Fibers International Business in 2006 and in 2009, he was appointed Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific Region.  Mr. Chung was appointed to his current position in January 2011.
 
Curtis E. Espeland, age 46, is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Espeland joined Eastman in 1996, and has served in various financial management positions of increasing responsibility, including Vice President, Finance, Polymers; Vice President, Finance, Eastman Division; Vice President and Controller; Director of Corporate Planning and Forecasting; Director of Finance, Asia Pacific; and Director of Internal Auditing. He served as the Company's Chief Accounting Officer from December 2002 to 2008.  Prior to joining Eastman, Mr. Espeland was an audit and business advisory manager with Arthur Andersen LLP in the United States, Eastern Europe, and Australia.  Mr. Espeland was appointed to his current position in September 2008.
 
Richard L. Johnson, age 61, is Senior Vice President, Fibers and Global Supply Chain. Prior to being named to this position, Mr. Johnson was Vice President and General Manager of Fibers.  Mr. Johnson joined Eastman in 1971 and held numerous positions in environmental programs, operations and manufacturing until he became Superintendent of the Cellulose Esters Division in 1991.  He was named Superintendent of the Acetate Tow Division in 1993, became Vice President and General Manager of Fibers in 1996, and Group Vice President of Fibers in 2002.  Mr. Johnson was named Group Vice President of Performance Chemicals, Intermediates, and Fibers in 2006.  Mr. Johnson was appointed to his current position in May 2009.
 

 
24 

 
 
Theresa K. Lee, age 58, is Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer.  Ms. Lee joined Eastman as a staff attorney in 1987, and has served in various legal management positions of increasing responsibility, including Assistant General Counsel for the health, safety, and environmental legal staff, Assistant General Counsel for the corporate legal staff, and Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary.  She became Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Eastman in 2000, was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary in 2002, and was appointed to her current position in January 2011.

Godefroy A.F.E. Motte, age 52, is Senior Vice President, Chief Regional and Sustainability Officer.  Since joining Eastman in 1985, Mr. Motte has held leadership positions in various organizations, including sales and manufacturing and in the Company's chemicals and polymers businesses.  He was appointed Vice President for the Europe, Middle East, and Asia ("EMEA") region for the Chemicals Division in 2001 and for the EMEA Polymers Business Group in April 2006.  Mr. Motte was appointed to his current position in January 2011.

Greg W. Nelson, age 48, is Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.  Dr. Nelson joined Eastman in 1988 in the Research and Development organization, and served in various positions in specialty plastics technology and business organizations, including business unit manager of polymer films and coatings.  In 2001, Dr. Nelson was appointed Vice President, Technology, in 2006 became Vice President, Polymers Technology, and in 2007 Vice President, Corporate Technology until appointed to his current position in August 2008.

Scott V. King, age 42, is Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer.  Since joining Eastman in 1999 as Manager, Corporate Consolidations and External Reporting, he has held various positions of increasing responsibility in the financial organization, and was appointed Vice President and Controller in August 2007.  Prior to joining Eastman, Mr. King was an audit and business advisory manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.  Mr. King was appointed to his current position in September 2008.

 
 
25 

 
 
ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

PROPERTIES

At December 31, 2010, Eastman operated sixteen manufacturing sites in nine countries.  Utilization of these facilities may vary with product mix and economic, seasonal, and other business conditions; however, none of the principal plants are substantially idle.  The Company's plants, including approved expansions, generally have sufficient capacity for existing needs and expected near-term growth.  These plants are generally well maintained, in good operating condition, and suitable and adequate for their use.  Unless otherwise indicated, all of the properties are owned.  The locations and general character of the major manufacturing facilities are:

 
Segment using manufacturing facility
 
 
Location
 
 
CASPI
 
 
Fibers
 
 
PCI
Specialty Plastics
         
USA
       
  Chestertown, Maryland
   
x
 
  Columbia, South Carolina (1)
     
x
  Franklin, Virginia (2)
x
     
  Jefferson, Pennsylvania
x
     
  Kingsport, Tennessee
x
x
x
x
  Longview, Texas
x
 
x
x
Europe
       
  Workington, England
 
x
   
  Middelburg, the Netherlands
x
     
  Kohtla-Järve, Estonia
   
x
 
Asia Pacific
       
  Jurong Island, Singapore (2)
x
 
x
 
  Kuantan, Malaysia (2)
     
x
  Tong Xiang, China
x
     
  Ulsan, Korea  
x
   
  Wuhan, China (3)    
x
 
  Zibo City, China (4)
x
 
x
 
Latin America
       
  Uruapan, Mexico
x
     

(1)  
Nearly all of the manufacturing facility is included in assets held for sale at December 31, 2010 as a result of the first quarter 2011 divestiture of the Company's PET business and related assets.  A portion has been retained subsequent to the sale.
(2)  
Indicates a location that Eastman leases from a third party.
(3)  
Eastman holds a 51 percent share in the joint venture Genovique Specialties Wuhan Youji Chemical Co., Ltd.
(4)  
Eastman holds a 51 percent share in the joint venture Qilu Eastman Specialty Chemical Ltd.

Eastman has a 50 percent interest in Primester, a joint venture that manufactures cellulose acetate at Eastman's Kingsport, Tennessee plant.  The production of cellulose acetate is an intermediate step in the manufacture of acetate tow and other cellulose acetate based products.  The Company also has a 50 percent interest in a joint venture that has a manufacturing facility in Nanjing, China.  The Nanjing facility produces EastotacTM hydrocarbon tackifying resins for pressure-sensitive adhesives, caulks, and sealants.  EastotacTM hydrocarbon resins are also used to produce hot melt adhesives for packaging applications in addition to glue sticks, tapes, labels, and other adhesive applications.  In November 2010, the Company entered into a joint venture with 50 percent interest for the manufacture of compounded cellulose diacetate ("CDA") in Shenzhen, China.  CDA is a bio-derived material, which is used in various injection molded applications, including but not limited to ophthalmic frames, tool handles and other end use products.


 
26 

 
 
Eastman has distribution facilities at all of its plant sites.  In addition, the Company owns or leases approximately 85 stand-alone distribution facilities in the United States and 16 other countries.  Corporate headquarters are in Kingsport, Tennessee.  The Company's regional headquarters are in Miami, Florida; Capelle aan den Ijssel, the Netherlands; Zug, Switzerland; Singapore; and Kingsport, Tennessee.  Technical service is provided to the Company's customers from technical service centers in Kingsport, Tennessee; Kirkby, England; Shanghai, China; and Singapore.  Customer service centers are located in Kingsport, Tennessee; Capelle aan den Ijssel, the Netherlands; Miami, Florida; and Singapore.

A summary of properties, classified by type, is included in Note 5, "Properties and Accumulated Depreciation", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

 
27 

 
 
ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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.


 
28 

 
 
PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

(a)  Eastman Chemical Company's ("Eastman" or the "Company") common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "EMN".  The following table presents the high and low sales prices of the common stock on the NYSE and the cash dividends per share declared by the Company's Board of Directors for each quarterly period of 2010 and 2009.

 
 
 
High
 
 
 
Low
 
Cash Dividends Declared
2010
First Quarter
$
 
64.67
$
 
55.87
$
 
0.44
 
Second Quarter
71.95
 
53.25
 
0.44
 
Third Quarter
74.85
 
51.10
 
0.44
 
Fourth Quarter
84.57
 
73.63
 
0.47
2009
First Quarter
 
$
34.15
 
$
17.76
$
0.44
 
Second Quarter
45.85
 
26.14
 
0.44
 
Third Quarter
55.88
 
34.57
 
0.44
 
Fourth Quarter
61.95
 
49.85
 
0.44

As of December 31, 2010, there were 70,748,189 shares of the Company's common stock issued and outstanding, which shares were held by 22,146 stockholders of record.  These shares include 76,398 shares held by the Company's charitable foundation.  The Company's Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.47 per share during the first quarter of 2011, payable on April 1, 2011 to stockholders of record on March 15, 2011.  Quarterly dividends on common stock, if declared by the Board of Directors, are usually paid on or about the first business day of the month following the end of each quarter.  The payment of dividends is a business decision made by the Board of Directors from time to time based on the Company's earnings, financial position and prospects, and such other considerations as the Board considers relevant.  Accordingly, while management currently expects that the Company will continue to pay the quarterly cash dividend, its dividend practice may change at any time.

See Part III, Item 12 — "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters—Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans" of this 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Annual Report") for the information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K.

(b)  Not applicable.


 
29 

 
 
(c)  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

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)
October 1- 31, 2010
--
$
--
 
--
$
327
November 1-30, 2010
  1,240,000
$
78.63
 
  1,240,000
$
230
December 1-31, 2010
  1,407,814
$
81.04
 
   1,407,814
$
116
Total
  2,647,814
$
79.91
 
   2,647,814
$
116

(1)
Shares repurchased under a previously announced Company repurchase plan.
(2)
Average price paid per share reflects the weighted average purchase price paid for share repurchases.
(3)
In October 2007, the Board of Directors authorized $700 million for repurchase of the Company's outstanding common stock.  The Company completed the $700 million repurchase authorization in November 2010, acquiring a total of 11.2 million shares.  In August 2010, the Company's Board of Directors authorized an additional repurchase of up to $300 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 December 31, 2010, a total of 2.3 million shares have been repurchased under this authorization for a total amount of approximately $184 million.  During 2010, the Company repurchased 3.8 million shares of common stock for a cost of approximately $280 million under the two repurchase authorizations.  For additional information, see Note 17, "Stockholders' Equity", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.  In February 2011, the Board of Directors authorized an additional repurchase of up to $300 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.  The February 2011 authorization is in addition to the remaining amount available under the August 2010 repurchase authorization.


 
  30

 
 
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Operating Data
 
Year Ended December 31,
                     
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
                     
Sales
$
5,842
$
4,396
$
5,936
$
5,513
$
4,899
Operating earnings
 
862
 
345
 
551
 
683
 
552
                     
                     
Earnings from continuing operations
 
425
 
154
 
345
 
434
 
362
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
13
 
(18)
 
(17)
 
(123)
 
47
Gain (loss) from disposal of discontinued operations
 
--
 
--
 
18
 
(11)
 
--
Net earnings
$
438
$
136
$
346
$
300
$
409
                     
Basic earnings per share
                   
Earnings from continuing operations
$
5.90
$
2.12
$
4.58
$
5.24
$
4.41
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
0.17
 
(0.24)
 
0.01
 
 (1.61)
 
0.57
Net earnings
$
6.07
$
1.88
$
4.59
$
3.63
$
4.98
                     
Diluted earnings per share
                   
Earnings from continuing operations
$
5.75
$
2.09
$
4.54
$
5.18
$
4.35
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
0.17
 
(0.24)
 
0.01
 
(1.60)
 
0.56
Net earnings
$
5.92
$
1.85
$
4.55
$
3.58
$
4.91
                     
                     
Statement of Financial Position Data
                   
                     
Current assets
$
2,047
$
1,735
$
1,423
$
2,293
$
2,422
Net properties
 
3,219
 
3,110
 
3,198
 
2,846
 
3,069
Total assets
 
5,986
 
5,515
 
5,281
 
6,009
 
6,132
Current liabilities
 
1,070
 
800
 
832
 
1,122
 
1,059
Long-term borrowings
 
1,598
 
1,604
 
1,442
 
1,535
 
1,589
Total liabilities
 
4,359
 
4,002
 
3,728
 
3,927
 
4,103
Total stockholders' equity
 
1,627
 
1,513
 
1,553
 
2,082
 
2,029
Dividends declared per share
 
1.79
 
1.76
 
1.76
 
1.76
 
1.76

The Company completed the sale of the polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") business, related assets at the Columbia, South Carolina site, and technology of its Performance Polymers segment on January 31, 2011. The PET business, assets, and technology sold were substantially all of the Performance Polymers segment.  Performance Polymers segment operating results are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented and are therefore not included in results from continuing operations under accounting principles generally accepted ("GAAP") in the United States.  For additional information, see Note 2, "Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

In second quarter 2010, Eastman completed the stock purchase of Genovique Specialties Corporation ("Genovique"), which has been accounted for as a business combination.  Genovique was a global producer of specialty plasticizers, benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate.  This acquisition included Genovique's manufacturing operations in Kohtla-Järve, Estonia, Chestertown, Maryland, and a joint venture in Wuhan, China.  Genovique's benzoate ester plasticizers were a strategic addition to Eastman's existing general-purpose and specialty non-phthalate plasticizers.  For additional information see Part II, Item 8 – "Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements" – Note 3, "Acquisitions" and Note 18, "Asset Impairments and Restructuring Charges, Net" of this Annual Report.

 
31 

 
 
In fourth quarter 2009, the Company discontinued its Beaumont, Texas industrial gasification project.  This decision was based on a number of factors, including high capital costs, the current and projected reduced spread between natural gas and oil and petroleum coke prices, and continued uncertainty regarding U.S. energy and environmental public policy.  For more information regarding the impact of this impairment on financial results, refer to the segment discussions of Part II, Item 7 – "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Part II, Item 8 – "Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements" – Note 18, "Asset Impairments and Restructuring Charges, Net " of this Annual Report.

In first quarter 2008, the Company completed the sale of its PET polymers and purified terephthalic acid ("PTA") manufacturing facilities in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and the PET manufacturing facility in Workington, United Kingdom and related businesses.  Results from, charges related to, and gains and losses from disposal of the San Roque, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom assets and businesses are presented as discontinued operations.  For more information regarding these divestitures, refer to Part II, Item 8 – "Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements" – Note 16, "Divestitures" and Note 17, "Discontinued Operations" of the 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In second quarter 2007, the Company completed the sale of its San Roque, Spain PET manufacturing facility.  During fourth quarter 2007, the Company sold its PET polymers production facilities in Cosoleacaque, Mexico and Zarate, Argentina and the related businesses and entered into definitive agreements to sell its PET polymers production facilities in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Workington, United Kingdom and the related businesses.  Results from, charges related to, and gains and losses from disposal of the San Roque, Spain, Cosoleacaque, Mexico and Zarate, Argentina, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom assets and businesses are presented as discontinued operations.  For more information regarding these divestitures, refer to Part II, Item 8 – "Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements" – Note 16, "Divestitures" and Note 17, "Discontinued Operations", of the 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In fourth quarter 2006, the Company completed the sale of its Batesville, Arkansas manufacturing facility and related assets and specialty organic chemicals product lines in the Performance Chemicals and Intermediates ("PCI") segment and the sale of its polyethylene and EpoleneTM polymer businesses and related assets located at the Longview, Texas site and the Company's ethylene pipeline.  The polyethylene assets and product lines were in the Performance Polymers segment and are now included as part of discontinued operations.  The EpoleneTM polymer assets and product lines were in the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialty Polymers and Inks ("CASPI") segment.  For more information regarding the impact of these divestitures on financial results, refer to the segment discussions of Part II, Item 7 – "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Reporting and Results of Operations" and Part II, Item 8 – "Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements" – Note 17, "Divestitures" of the 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.



 
32 

 
 
ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 
Page
   
34
   
38
   
39
   
 
41
44
49
50
53
58
   
59
   
64
   
65
   
65
   
66
   

This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon the consolidated financial statements for Eastman Chemical Company ("Eastman" or the "Company"), which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted ("GAAP") in the United States, and should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K (this "Annual Report").  All references to earnings per share ("EPS") contained in this report are diluted earnings per share unless otherwise noted.

The Company completed the sale of the polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") business, related assets at the Columbia, South Carolina site, and technology of its Performance Polymers segment on January 31, 2011.  The PET business, assets, and technology sold were substantially all of the Performance Polymers segment.  Performance Polymers segment operating results are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented and are therefore not included in results from continuing operations under GAAP.  For additional information, see Note 2, "Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

 
33 

 

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

 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with 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 below 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.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments.  The Company believes, based on historical results, the likelihood of actual write-offs having a material impact on financial results is low.  However, if one of the Company's key customers was to file for bankruptcy, or otherwise be unwilling or unable to make its required payments, or there was a significant slow-down in the economy, the Company could increase its allowances.  This could result in a material charge to earnings.  The Company's allowances were $6 million and $10 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If the carrying amount is not considered to be recoverable, an analysis of fair value is triggered.  An impairment is recorded for the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over the fair value.

The Company conducts its annual testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in third quarter of each year, unless events warrant more frequent testing.  Reporting units are identified for the purpose of assessing potential impairments of goodwill.  The carrying value of indefinite-lived intangibles is considered impaired when their fair value, as established by appraisal or based on undiscounted future cash flows of certain related products, is less than their carrying value.  If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value of goodwill, additional steps, including an allocation of the estimated fair value to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, would be necessary to determine the amount, if any, of goodwill impairment.  Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles primarily consist of goodwill in the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialty Polymers and Inks ("CASPI") and Performance Chemicals and Intermediates ("PCI") segments.  The Company also had recorded goodwill and other intangibles associated with the Beaumont, Texas industrial gasification project.  In fourth quarter 2009, the Company announced the discontinuance of the Beaumont, Texas industrial gasification project, which resulted in an impairment of the Beaumont industrial gasification project goodwill and other intangible assets.

As the Company's assumptions related to long-lived assets are subject to change, additional write-downs may be required in the future.  If estimates of fair value less costs to sell are revised, the carrying amount of the related asset is adjusted, resulting in a charge to earnings.  The Company recognized a definite-lived intangible asset impairment charge of $8 million resulting from an environmental regulatory change during fourth quarter 2010 impacting the fair value of air emission credits remaining from the previously discontinued Beaumont, Texas, gasification project. The Company recognized fixed (tangible) asset impairment charges of $133 million and goodwill and definite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of $46 million in results from continuing operations during 2009, related to the discontinuance of the Beaumont, Texas industrial gasification project.  

 
34

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

The Company accrues environmental remediation costs when it is probable that the Company has incurred a liability at a contaminated site and the amount can be reasonably estimated.  When a single amount cannot be reasonably estimated but the cost can be estimated within a range, the Company accrues the minimum amount.  This undiscounted accrued amount 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, and chemical control regulations and testing requirements could result in higher or lower costs.  Estimated future environmental expenditures for remediation costs range from the minimum or best estimate of $10 million to the maximum of $27 million at December 31, 2010.

In accordance with GAAP, the Company also establishes reserves for closure/postclosure costs associated with the environmental and other assets it maintains.  Environmental assets, as defined by GAAP, include but are not limited to waste management units, such as landfills, water treatment facilities, and ash ponds.  When these types of assets are constructed or installed, a reserve is established for the future costs anticipated to be associated with the retirement or closure of the asset based on an expected life of the environmental assets and the applicable regulatory closure requirements.  These future expenses are charged against earnings over the estimated useful life of the assets.  Currently, the Company estimates the useful life of each individual asset is up to 50 years.  If the Company changes its estimate of the asset retirement obligation costs or its estimate of the useful lives of these assets, expenses to be charged against earnings could increase or decrease.

In accordance with GAAP, the Company also monitors conditional obligations and will record reserves associated with them when and to the extent that more detailed information becomes available concerning applicable retirement costs.

The Company's reserve, including the above remediation, was $40 million at December 31, 2010 and $42 million at December 31, 2009, representing the minimum or best estimate for remediation costs and the best estimate of the amount accrued to date over the regulated assets' estimated useful lives for asset retirement obligation costs.

Pension and Other Post-employment Benefits

The Company maintains defined benefit pension plans that provide eligible employees with retirement benefits.  Additionally, Eastman provides a subsidy toward life insurance, health care, and dental benefits for eligible retirees and a subsidy toward health care and dental benefits for retirees' eligible survivors.  The costs and obligations related to these benefits reflect the Company's assumptions related to general economic conditions (particularly interest rates) and expected return on plan assets.  For the U.S. plans, at December 31, 2010, the Company assumed a discount rate of 5.26 percent on its defined benefit pension plans, 5.36 percent on its other post-employment benefit plan and an expected return on assets of 8.75 percent.  The cost of providing plan benefits also depends on demographic assumptions including retirements, mortality, turnover, and plan participation.


 
35

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The December 31, 2010 projected benefit obligation and 2011 expense are affected by year-end 2010 assumptions.  The following table illustrates the sensitivity to changes in the Company's long-term assumptions in the expected return on assets and assumed discount rate for the U.S. pension plans and other postretirement welfare plans.  The sensitivities below are specific to the time periods noted.  They also may not be additive, so the impact of changing multiple factors simultaneously cannot be calculated by combining the individual sensitivities shown.

Change in
Assumption
Impact on
2011 Pre-tax U.S.
Benefits Expense
Impact on
December 31, 2010 Projected Benefit Obligation
for U.S. Pension Plans
Impact on
December 31, 2010 Benefit Obligation
for Other U.S. Postretirement Plans
       
25 basis point
decrease in discount
 rate
 
 
+$6 Million
 
 
+$42 Million
 
 
+$25 Million
       
25 basis point
increase in discount
 rate
 
 
-$5 Million
 
 
-$40 Million
 
 
-$24 Million
       
25 basis point
decrease in expected return on assets
 
 
+$3 Million
 
 
No Impact
 
 
N/A
       
25 basis point
increase in expected
return on assets
 
 
-$3 Million
 
 
No Impact
 
 
N/A

The expected return on assets and assumed discount rate used to calculate the Company's pension and other post-employment benefit obligations are established each December 31.  The expected return on assets is based upon the long-term expected returns in the markets in which the pension trust invests its funds, primarily the domestic, international, and private equity markets.  Historically, over a ten year period, excluding 2008 which is considered an anomaly due to the global recession, the Company's average achieved actual return has been equal to or greater than the expected return on assets.  The assumed discount rate is based upon a portfolio of high-grade corporate bonds, which are used to develop a yield curve.  This yield curve is applied to the expected durations of the pension and post-employment benefit obligations.  As future benefits under the U.S. benefit plan have been fixed at a certain contribution amount, changes in the health care cost trend assumptions do not have a material impact on the results of operations.

The Company uses the market related valuation method to determine the value of plan assets, which recognizes the change of the fair value of the plan assets over five years.  If actual experience differs from these long-term assumptions, the difference is recorded as an unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) and then amortized into earnings over a period of time based on the average future service period, which may cause the expense related to providing these benefits to increase or decrease.  The charges applied to earnings in 2010, 2009, and 2008 due to the amortization of these unrecognized actuarial losses, largely due to actual experience versus assumptions of discount rates, were $56 million, $45 million, and $37 million, respectively.


 
36

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The Company does not anticipate that a change in pension and other post-employment obligations caused by a change in the assumed discount rate during 2011 will impact the cash contributions to be made to the pension plans during 2011.  However, an after-tax charge or credit will be recorded directly to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders' equity, as of December 31, 2011 for the impact on the pension's projected benefit obligation of the change in interest rates, if any.  While the amount of the change in these obligations does not correspond directly to cash funding requirements, it is an indication of the amount the Company will be required to contribute to the plans in future years.  The amount and timing of such cash contributions is dependent upon interest rates, actual returns on plan assets, retirement, attrition rates of employees, and other factors.  For further information regarding pension and other post-employment obligations, see Note 13, "Retirement Plans", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Litigation and Contingent Liabilities

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 handled and defended in the ordinary course of business.  The Company accrues a liability for such matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.  When a single amount cannot be reasonably estimated but the cost can be estimated within a range, the Company accrues the minimum amount.  The Company expenses legal costs, including those expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency, as incurred.  Based upon facts and information currently available, the Company believes the amounts reserved are adequate for such pending matters; however, results of operations could be affected by monetary damages, costs or expenses, and charges against earnings in particular periods.

Income Taxes

The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, applying enacted tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  The ability to realize the deferred tax assets is evaluated through the forecasting of taxable income using historical and projected future operating results, the reversal of existing temporary differences, and the availability of tax planning strategies.  Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.  In the event that the actual outcome from future tax consequences differs from our estimates and assumptions, the resulting change to the provision for income taxes could have a material adverse impact on the consolidated results of operations and statement of financial position.  As of December 31, 2010, a valuation allowance of $48 million has been provided against the deferred tax assets.

The Company recognizes income tax positions that meet the more likely than not threshold and accrues interest related to unrecognized income tax positions, which is recorded as a component of the income tax provision.


 
37 

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
PRESENTATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 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 sales excluding the contract ethylene sales under a transition agreement related to the divestiture of the polyethylene ("PE") product lines and contract polymer intermediates sales under a transition supply agreement related to the divestiture of the PET manufacturing facilities and related businesses in Mexico and Argentina described below;
·  
Company and segment gross profit and operating earnings excluding the accelerated depreciation costs, asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, and other operating income described below;
·  
Company earnings from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share excluding the accelerated depreciation costs, asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, other operating income, early debt extinguishment costs, and net deferred tax benefits related to the previous divestiture of businesses described below; and
·  
Cash flows from operating activities excluding the impact of adoption of amended accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets described below.

During 2010, the Company recognized $29 million in asset impairment and restructuring charges including $20 million in severance and pension curtailment, $8 million for an intangible asset impairment resulting from an environmental regulatory change during fourth quarter 2010 impacting air emission credits remaining from the previously discontinued Beaumont, Texas gasification project, and $1 million of additional site closure charges.

During fourth quarter 2010, the Company completed a public debt restructuring comprised of the sale of $500 million aggregate principal amount of new five and ten year debt securities and the early repayment of $500 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities.  The early repayment of debt resulted in a charge of $115 million, net.  For additional information regarding the early extinguishment costs, see Note 11, "Early Debt Extinguishment Costs", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

During 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 are included in trade receivables, net and reflected as secured borrowings on the balance sheet.  The Company's Statement of Financial Position at December 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 2010.  At December 31, 2010, there were no transfers of receivables interests under the accounts receivable securitization program.

During 2009, the Company recognized $196 million in asset impairment and restructuring charges, primarily consisting of $179 million in asset impairments related to the Company's previously announced discontinuance of its Beaumont, Texas industrial gasification project and $19 million, net, for severance resulting from a reduction in force.  The Company's decision to discontinue the industrial gasification project was due to a number of factors, including high capital costs, the current and projected reduced spread between natural gas and oil and petroleum coke prices, and continued uncertainty regarding U.S. energy and environmental public policy.

In 2008, the Company sold certain mineral rights at an operating manufacturing site, recognizing $16 million of other operating income.
 
 

 
38

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
In fourth quarter 2007, the Company completed the sale of its Mexico and Argentina manufacturing facilities in its Performance Polymer segment.  As part of this divestiture, the Company entered into transition supply agreements for polymer intermediates from which sales revenue and operating results are included in the PCI segment results in 2008.

In fourth quarter 2006, the Company sold its PE and EpoleneTM polymer businesses and related assets of the Performance Polymers and CASPI segments.  As part of the PE divestiture, the Company entered into a transition supply agreement for contract ethylene sales, from which sales revenue and operating earnings are included in the PCI segment results in 2009 and 2008.

Also in fourth quarter 2006, the Company made strategic decisions relating to the scheduled shutdown of cracking units in Longview, Texas.  Accelerated depreciation costs resulting from these decisions was $5 million in 2008.  For more information on accelerated depreciation costs, see "Gross Profit" in the "Summary of Consolidated Results – 2009 Compared With 2008 -- Results of Operations" section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Eastman's management believes that contract ethylene sales under the transition agreement related to the divestiture of the PE product lines, contract polymer intermediates sales under a transition supply agreement related to the divestiture of the PET assets and businesses in Mexico and Argentina, and the other operating income from the sale of mineral rights do not reflect the continuing and expected future business of the PCI segment or of the Company.  In addition, for evaluation and analysis of ongoing business results and the impact on the Company and segments of strategic decisions and actions to reduce costs, to improve the profitability of the Company, and favorably adjust its debt maturities and cost, management believes that Company and segment earnings from continuing operations should be considered both with and without accelerated depreciation costs, asset impairments and restructuring charges, deferred tax benefits related to the previous divestiture of businesses, and early debt extinguishment costs.  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 identified items.  Management utilizes Company and segment results including and excluding the identified items in the measures it uses to evaluate business performance 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.

2010 OVERVIEW

The Company generated sales revenue of $5.8 billion and $4.4 billion for 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The sales revenue increase was due primarily to higher sales volume attributed to improved end-use demand in packaging, durable goods, and other markets, in part due to the recovery in the global economy, as well as the positive impact of growth initiatives.  Sales revenue increases were also due to higher selling prices in response to higher raw material and energy costs.

Operating earnings were $862 million in 2010 compared to $345 million in 2009.  Operating earnings in 2010 were negatively impacted by restructuring charges of $29 million, primarily consisting of $20 million in severance and pension curtailment as well as $8 million for an intangible asset impairment resulting from an environmental regulatory change during fourth quarter 2010 impacting air emission credits remaining from the previously discontinued Beaumont, Texas gasification project.  Operating earnings in 2009 were negatively impacted by asset impairment and restructuring charges, net, of $196 million, primarily consisting of $179 million in asset impairments related to the Company's discontinuance of its Beaumont, Texas industrial gasification project and $19 million, net, for severance.  Excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, operating earnings were $891 million in 2010 compared with $541 million in 2009.  The increase in operating earnings was due to higher sales volume and higher capacity utilization which led to lower unit costs.  In addition, higher selling prices more than offset higher raw material and energy costs.  Operating earnings in 2010 included $12 million from acetyl license revenue.  In first quarter 2010, the Company experienced a power outage at its Longview, Texas manufacturing facility.  Costs related to the outage were mostly offset by the settlement of the related insurance claim.  Operating earnings in 2009 included approximately $20 million in costs related to the reconfiguration of the Longview, Texas facility.



 
39 

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Earnings from continuing operations were $425 million in 2010 compared to $154 million in 2009.  Excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net and early debt extinguishment costs, earnings from continuing operations were $514 million and $281 million, respectively.  Earnings from continuing operations were $5.75 per diluted share in 2010 compared to $2.09 per diluted share in 2009.  Excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, and early debt extinguishment costs, earnings were $6.96 per diluted share and $3.83 per diluted share, respectively.

Eastman generated $575 million in cash from operating activities in 2010.  Excluding the $200 million impact of the adoption of amended accounting guidance in first quarter 2010 described above in "Presentation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures", the Company generated $775 million in cash from operating activities in 2010 primarily due to higher net earnings partially offset by an increase in working capital.  Excluding the impact of the adoption of this amended accounting guidance, the Company generated free cash flow of $405 million for full year 2010.  Free cash flow is defined as cash from operating activities less capital expenditures and dividends.

In 2010, the Company progressed on its organic growth initiatives:

·  
In the Specialty Plastics segment, the monomer manufacturing facility and the first Eastman TritanTM copolyester polymer manufacturing facility in Kingsport, Tennessee commenced production in first quarter 2010. The Company is adding another 30,000 metric tons of resin capacity for TritanTM, which is expected to be operational in early 2012.
·  
In the Specialty Plastics segment, the Company is expanding its capacity for cyclohexane dimethanol ("CHDM"), a monomer used in the manufacture of copolyester, and expects the capacity to be operational in two phases in mid-2011 and in 2012.
·  
In the Specialty Plastics segment, the Company is expanding its cellulose triacetate capacity, with the new capacity expected to be operational in first quarter 2012.
·  
In the CASPI segment, the Company is expanding capacity for its specialty hydrocarbon resins through an additional expansion of the Company's hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins manufacturing capacity in Middelburg, the Netherlands which is expected to be completed in the second half of 2011, an additional debottleneck of the hydrogenated hydrocarbon facility in Longview, Texas, which is expected to be operational in the first half of 2011, and an expansion of the pure monomer and hydrogenated resins production capacity in Jefferson, Pennsylvania, which is expected to be operational in 2012.
·  
In the PCI segment, the Company plans to increase capacity of 2-ethyl hexanol in 2012 to support expected growth in the plasticizers, coatings, and fuel additive markets.
·  
The Company continues to explore and invest in research and development ("R&D") initiatives at a corporate level that are aligned with macro trends in sustainability, consumerism, and energy efficiency through high performance materials, advanced cellulosics, and environmentally-friendly chemistry, including an initiative in the building and construction market.   

The Company completed the sale of the PET business, related assets at the Columbia, South Carolina site, and technology of its Performance Polymers segment on January 31, 2011.  The PET business, assets, and technology sold were substantially all of the Performance Polymers segment.  Performance Polymers segment operating results are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented and are therefore not included in results from continuing operations under GAAP.  The sale is not expected to impact product lines in the Specialty Plastics segment.  The total cash proceeds of the transaction were $600 million, subject to post-closing adjustment for working capital.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Company's results of operations as presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report are summarized and analyzed below.


 
40

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
SUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS - 2010 COMPARED WITH 2009

     
Volume Effect
 
Price Effect
 
Product
Mix Effect
 
Exchange
Rate
Effect
(Dollars in millions)
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
                           
Sales
$
5,842
$
4,396
 
33 %
 
19 %
 
10 %
 
4 %
 
-- %

Sales revenue for 2010 compared to 2009 increased $1.4 billion.  The sales revenue increase was due primarily to higher sales volume in all segments attributed to improved end-use demand in packaging, durable goods, and other markets, in part due to the recovery in the global economy, as well as the positive impact of growth initiatives.  Sales revenue increases were also due to higher selling prices in response to higher raw material and energy costs, primarily in the PCI and CASPI segments.

(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
             
Gross Profit
$
1,474
$
1,032
 
43 %
As a percentage of sales
 
25 %
 
23 %
   
 
Gross profit for 2010 increased compared with 2009 in all segments.  The increase was due to higher sales volume and higher capacity utilization which led to lower unit costs.  In addition, higher selling prices more than offset higher raw material and energy costs.  Gross profit in 2010 also included $12 million from acetyl license revenue.  In first quarter 2010, the Company experienced a power outage at its Longview, Texas manufacturing facility.  Costs related to the outage were mostly offset by the settlement of the related insurance claim.  Gross profit in 2009 included approximately $20 million in costs related to the reconfiguration of the Longview, Texas facility.  The reconfiguration costs impacted the PCI and CASPI segments.

(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
             
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ("SG&A")
$
431
$
367
 
17 %
Research and Development Expenses
 
152
 
124
 
23 %
 
$
583
$
491
 
19 %
As a percentage of sales
 
10 %
 
11 %
   

SG&A expenses increased for 2010 compared to 2009 primarily due to increased performance-based compensation expense and higher discretionary spending, including expenses for growth initiatives.

R&D expenses increased for 2010 compared to 2009 primarily due to higher R&D expenses for growth initiatives.


 
41

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Asset Impairments and Restructuring Charges, Net

Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, totaled $29 million and $196 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Asset impairments and restructuring charges in 2010 consisted primarily of severance and pension curtailment charges and an intangible asset impairment.  Severance charges of $18 million included $15 million for the previously announced voluntary separation program in fourth quarter 2010 and $3 million primarily for severance associated with the acquisition and integration of Genovique Specialties Corporation ("Genovique") in second quarter 2010.  Restructuring charges of $2 million for pension curtailment are also related to the voluntary separation program in fourth quarter 2010.  The intangible asset impairment of $8 million resulted from an environmental regulatory change impacting air emission credits remaining from the previously discontinued Beaumont, Texas gasification project in fourth quarter 2010.  Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, in 2009 primarily consisted of $179 million in asset impairments related to the Company's previously announced discontinuance of its Beaumont, Texas industrial gasification project and $19 million, net, for severance resulting from a reduction in force.  For more information regarding asset impairments and restructuring charges, primarily related to recent strategic decisions and actions, see Note 18, "Asset Impairments and Restructuring Charges, Net", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Operating Earnings  
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
(Dollars in millions)
         
             
Operating earnings
$
862
$
345
 
>100 %
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
29
 
196
   
Operating earnings excluding asset impairment and restructuring charges, net
$
891
$
541
 
65 %

Net Interest Expense

(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
             
Gross interest costs
$
108
$
99
   
Less: capitalized interest
 
3
 
14
   
Interest expense
 
105
 
85
 
24 %
Interest income
 
6
 
7
   
Net interest expense
$
99
$
78
 
27 %

Net interest expense increased $21 million in 2010 compared to 2009 primarily due to lower capitalized interest resulting from lower capital spending and higher average borrowings.

For 2011, the Company expects net interest expense to decrease compared with 2010 primarily due to lower borrowing costs resulting from debt restructuring completed during fourth quarter and higher capitalized interest resulting from higher capital spending.  During fourth quarter 2010, Eastman restructured a portion of its debt through the early repayment of $500 million of outstanding debt securities and issuance of $500 million in new debt securities at lower interest rates and more favorable maturities.

 
42

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Early Debt Extinguishment Costs

During fourth quarter 2010, the Company completed a public debt restructuring comprised of the sale of $500 million aggregate principal amount of new five and ten year debt securities and the early repayment of $500 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities.  The debt restructuring allowed the Company to favorably adjust its debt maturities and reduce future interest costs on its long-term debt.  The early repayment of debt resulted in a charge of $115 million, net.  For additional information regarding the early extinguishment costs, see Note 11, "Early Debt Extinguishment Costs", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Other Charges (Income), Net

(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
         
Foreign exchange transactions losses, net
$
8
$
5
Investments (gains) losses, net
 
(1)
 
5
Other, net
 
5
 
3
Other charges (income), net
$
12
$
13

Included in other charges (income), net are gains or losses on foreign exchange transactions, results from equity investments, gains or losses on business venture investments, gains from the sale of non-operating assets, certain litigation costs, fees on securitized receivables, other non-operating income, and other miscellaneous items.

Provision for Income Taxes From Continuing Operations

(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
             
Provision for income taxes from continuing operations
$
211
$
100
 
>100 %
Effective tax rate
 
33 %
 
39 %
   

The 2010 effective tax rate reflects a $9 million tax charge associated with a nondeductible, early distribution under the executive deferred compensation plan of previously earned compensation as a result of certain participants electing early withdrawal.

The 2009 effective tax rate reflected an $11 million tax charge associated with the recapture of gasification investment tax credits, a $7 million tax charge associated with a change in accounting method for tax purposes to accelerate timing of deductions for manufacturing repairs expense and a $5 million tax benefit from the reversal of tax reserves due to the expiration of the relevant statute of limitations.

The Company expects its effective tax rate in 2011 will be approximately 33 percent.

 
43

 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
Earnings from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings per Share
   
2010
 
2009
(Dollars in millions, except diluted EPS)
 
$
 
EPS
 
$
 
EPS
                 
Earnings from continuing operations
$
425
$
5.75
$
154
$
2.09
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net of tax
 
18
 
0.24
 
127
 
1.74
Early debt extinguishment costs, net of tax
 
71
 
0.97
 
--
 
--
Earnings from continuing operations excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net of tax and early debt extinguishment costs, net of tax
$
514
$
6.96
$
281
$
3.83

Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Share

(Dollars in millions, except diluted EPS)
 
2010
 
2009
   
$
 
EPS
 
$
 
EPS
                 
Earnings from continuing operations
$
425
$
5.75
$
154
$
2.09
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
13
 
0.17
 
(18)
 
(0.24)
Net earnings
$
438
$
5.92
$
136
$
1.85

Earnings of $13 million and loss of $18 million, net of tax in 2010 and 2009, respectively, resulted from discontinued operations of the PET business of the Performance Polymers segment.  Corporate costs which were allocated to the Performance Polymers segment have been reallocated to other segments in the Company's financial statements.  For additional information, see Note 2, "Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

SUMMARY BY OPERATING SEGMENT

The Company's products and operations are managed and reported in four reportable operating segments, consisting of the CASPI segment, the Fibers segment, the PCI segment, and the Specialty Plastics segment.  For additional information concerning the Company's operating businesses and products, refer to Note 23, "Segment Information", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

The Company completed the sale of the PET business, related assets at the Columbia, South Carolina site, and technology of its Performance Polymers segment on January 31, 2011. The PET business, assets, and technology sold were substantially all of the Performance Polymers segment.  Performance Polymers segment operating results are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented and are therefore not included in results from continuing operations under GAAP.  For additional information, see Note 2, "Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

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 23, "Segment Information", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, as "other" sales revenue and operating losses.  As discussed in Note 23, these "other" operating losses are $66 million and $218 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Included in 2009 is $179 million in asset impairments related to the discontinuance of its Beaumont, Texas industrial gasification project.

 
44

 

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

 
CASPI Segment
                 
Change
(Dollars in millions)
       
2010
 
2009
 
$
 
%
                       
Sales
       
$
1,574
$
1,217
$
357
 
29 %
 
Volume effect
               
198
 
16 %
 
Price effect
               
122
 
10 %
 
Product mix effect
               
43
 
4 %
 
Exchange rate effect
           
(6)
 
(1) %
                       
                       
Operating earnings
       
293
 
221
 
72
 
33 %
                       
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
6
 
3
 
3
   
                 
Operating earnings excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
299
 
224
 
75
 
34 %

Sales revenue for 2010 increased $357 million compared to 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume and higher selling prices.  The higher sales volume was attributed to strengthened end-use demand in the packaging and transportation markets primarily in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa and the United States and Canada regions, in part due to the recovery in the global economy, and the positive impact of growth initiatives, including the hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins manufacturing capacity expansion in Middelburg, the Netherlands which was completed in fourth quarter 2009.  The higher selling prices were primarily in response to higher raw material and energy costs, particularly for propane.

Excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, operating earnings for 2010 increased $75 million compared to 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume, higher capacity utilization, which led to lower unit costs, and higher selling prices, which more than offset higher raw material and energy costs.  Operating earnings in 2009 included approximately $5 million in costs related to the reconfiguration of the Longview, Texas facility.  The asset impairments and restructuring charges, net for 2010 and 2009 reflect the segment's portion of severance charges.


 
45 

 

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

Fibers Segment
           
Change
(Dollars in millions)  
2010
 
2009
 
$
 
%
                 
Sales  
$
1,142
$
1,032
$
110
 
11 %
  Volume effect          
61
 
6 %
  Price Effect          
4
 
-- %
  Product mix effect          
46
 
5 %
  Exchange rate effect          
(1)
 
-- %
                 
                 
Operating earnings  
323
 
292
 
31
 
11 %
                 
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net  
3
 
4
 
(1)
   
                 
Operating earnings excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net  
326
 
296
 
30
 
10 %

Sales revenue for 2010 increased $110 million compared to 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume and a favorable shift in product mix.  The higher sales volume and favorable shift in product mix were due to higher sales volume of acetate tow and of acetate yarn, both attributed to strengthened demand due to the global economic recovery.

Excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, operating earnings for 2010 increased $30 million compared to 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume for acetate tow and acetate yarn, improved acetyl stream capacity utilization and a favorable shift in product mix.  The asset impairments and restructuring charges, net for 2010 and 2009 reflect the segment's portion of severance charges.

During first quarter 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of and commenced production at the Korean acetate tow manufacturing facility.  Commercial operations have commenced and customer qualifications are substantially complete.  The facility is now fully integrated into the segment's production and sales processes.

 
46 

 

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

 
PCI Segment
               
           
Change
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
 
$
 
%
                 
Sales
 
$
2,083
  $
1,398
$
685
 
49 %
 
Volume effect
         
333
 
24 %
 
Price effect
         
295
 
21 %
 
Product mix effect
         
58
 
4 %
 
Exchange rate effect
         
(1)
 
-- %
                 
                 
Operating earnings
 
224
 
41
 
183
 
>100 %
                 
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
7
 
6
 
1
   
                 
Operating earnings excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
231
 
47
 
184
 
>100 %

In first quarter 2010, the Company transferred certain intermediates product lines from the Performance Polymers segment, now included in discontinued operations, to the PCI segment to improve optimization of manufacturing assets supporting the three raw material streams that supply the Company's downstream businesses.  Segment sales and operating results for prior years have been reclassified for the change.
 
In second quarter 2010, the Company acquired Genovique, a global producer of specialty non-phthalate plasticizers for water-based adhesives and other applications.
 
Sales revenue for 2010 increased $685 million compared to 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume and higher selling prices.  The higher sales volume included growth in plasticizer product lines, both in heritage products as well as in product lines added with the acquisition of Genovique plasticizer product lines, and also attributed to strengthened end-use demand due to the global economic recovery.  The higher selling prices were in response to higher raw material and energy costs.

Excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, operating earnings in 2010 increased $184 million compared to 2009 due to higher selling prices more than offsetting higher raw material and energy costs, higher sales volume, and increased capacity utilization which led to lower unit costs.  Operating earnings in 2010 also included $12 million from acetyl license revenue.  The asset impairments and restructuring charges, net for 2010 and 2009 reflect the segment's portion of severance charges.  Operating results in 2009 included approximately $15 million in costs related to the reconfiguration of the Longview, Texas facility.
 
To further improve its competitive cost position over purchasing olefins in the North American market, the Company restarted a previously idled cracking unit at the Longview, Texas facility in 2010.  This restart was prompted by a favorable shift in market conditions for olefin raw materials that is expected to continue over the next several years.  The Company has three operating cracking units, including the unit restarted in 2010.

 
47 

 

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

 
Specialty Plastics Segment
         
         
Change
(Dollars in millions)
2010
 
2009
 
$
 
%
               
Sales
$
1,043
  $
749
$
294
 
39 %
 
Volume effect
       
240
 
32 %
 
Price effect
       
14
 
2 %
 
Product mix effect
       
37
 
5 %
 
Exchange rate effect
       
3
 
-- %
               
               
Operating earnings
88
 
9
 
79
 
>100 %
               
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
5
 
4
 
1
   
               
Operating earnings excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
93
 
13
 
80
 
>100 %

Sales revenue for 2010 increased $294 million compared to 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume.  The higher sales volume was attributed to improved end-use demand across all markets, in part due to the global economic recovery, as well as the positive impact of growth initiatives for core copolyesters and the TritanTM copolyester product lines. 

Excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, operating earnings for 2010 increased $80 million compared to 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume, resulting in higher capacity utilization and lower unit costs.  The asset impairments and restructuring charges, net for 2010 and 2009 reflect the segment's portion of severance charges.

The monomer manufacturing facility and the first Eastman TritanTM copolyester resin manufacturing facility in Kingsport, Tennessee commenced production in first quarter 2010. The Company is adding another 30,000 metric tons of resin capacity for TritanTM, which is expected to be operational in early 2012.  The Company is also expanding its capacity for CHDM, a monomer used in the manufacture of copolyester, by approximately 25 percent and expects the capacity to be operational in two phases in mid 2011 and in 2012 and expanding its cellulose triacetate capacity by approximately 70 percent, with the new capacity expected to be operational in first quarter 2012.


 
48 

 

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

 
SUMMARY BY CUSTOMER LOCATION – 2010 COMPARED WITH 2009

Sales Revenue
(Dollars in millions)  
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
Volume Effect
 
Price Effect
 
Product
Mix Effect
 
Exchange
Rate
Effect
                             
United States and Canada
$
2,957
$
2,252
 
31 %
 
19 %
 
12 %
 
-- %
 
-- %
Asia Pacific
 
1,446
 
1,062
 
36 %
 
18 %
 
10 %
 
7 %
 
1 %
Europe, Middle East, and Africa
 
1,150
 
835
 
38 %
 
23 %
 
5 %
 
12 %
 
(2) %
Latin America
 
289
 
247
 
17 %
 
9 %
 
7 %
 
1 %
 
-- %
 
$
5,842
$
4,396
 
33 %
 
19 %
 
10 %
 
4 %
 
-- %

Sales revenue in the United States and Canada increased in 2010 compared to 2009 primarily due to higher sales volumes in all segments, particularly the PCI segment, and higher selling prices in all segments except the Fibers segment.

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

Sales revenue in Europe, Middle East, and Africa increased in 2010 compared to 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume and a favorable shift in product mix in all segments.  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 2010 compared to 2009 primarily due to higher sales volume and higher selling prices in all 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 more information on these practices see Note 12, "Derivatives", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report and Part II, Item 7A--"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."


 
49 

 

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

 
SUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS - 2009 COMPARED WITH 2008

     
Volume Effect
 
Price Effect
 
Product
Mix Effect
 
Exchange
Rate
Effect
(Dollars in millions)
2009
 
2008
 
Change
 
                           
Sales
$
4,396
$
5,936
 
(26) %
 
(16) %
 
(10) %
 
-- %
 
-- %
                             
Sales – contract ethylene sales (1)
 
28
 
314
                   
Sales - contract polymer intermediates (2)
 
--
 
138
                   
                             
Sales – excluding listed items
$
4,368
$
5,484
 
(20) %
 
(9) %
 
(10) %
 
(1) %
 
-- %
                             
(1)  
Sales revenue for 2009 and 2008 included contract ethylene sales under the transition supply agreement related to the divestiture of the PE businesses in fourth quarter 2006.
(2)  
Sales revenue for 2008 included contract polymer intermediates sales under the transition supply agreement related to the divestiture of the PET manufacturing facilities and related businesses in Mexico and Argentina in fourth quarter 2007.

Sales revenue for 2009 compared to 2008 decreased $1.5 billion.  Excluding contract ethylene sales and contract polymer intermediates sales, sales revenue decreased 20 percent due to lower selling prices in response to lower raw material and energy costs, particularly in the PCI segment, and lower sales volume primarily attributed to weakened demand due to the global recession.

(Dollars in millions)
 
2009
 
2008
 
Change
             
Gross Profit
$
1,032
$
1,084
 
(5) %
As a percentage of sales
 
23 %
 
18 %
   
             
Accelerated depreciation costs included in cost of sales
 
--
 
5
   
             
Gross profit excluding accelerated depreciation costs
 
1,032
 
1,089
 
(5) %
As a percentage of sales
 
23 %
 
18 %
   

Gross profit for 2009 decreased compared with 2008 in the PCI and Specialty Plastics segments due to continued weakness in demand for the Company's products attributed to the global recession.  This weak demand caused lower sales volume and lower capacity utilization which, resulted in higher unit costs.  Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased due to improved performance in the Fibers and CASPI segments.  The Fibers segment benefited from higher selling prices, while the CASPI segment had lower raw material and energy costs more than offsetting lower selling prices.  The Company also benefited from cost reduction actions in 2009.  In addition, 2009 results included approximately $20 million in costs related to the reconfiguration of the Longview, Texas facility, which impacted the PCI and CASPI segments.  Gross profit included accelerated depreciation costs of $5 million in 2008 resulting from the previously reported shutdown of the cracking units in Longview, Texas, of which one was subsequently restarted in 2010.

 
50 

 

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

 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2009
 
2008
 
Change
             
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ("SG&A")
$
367
$
384
 
(4) %
Research and Development Expenses
 
124
 
143
 
(13) %
 
$
491
$
527
 
(7) %
As a percentage of sales
 
11 %
 
9 %
   

SG&A expenses decreased for 2009 compared to 2008 primarily due to lower discretionary spending and compensation expense resulting from cost reduction actions partially offset by increased compensation expense linked to the Company's higher stock price.

R&D expenses decreased for 2009 compared to 2008 primarily due to lower R&D expenses for corporate growth initiatives, including the industrial gasification project in Beaumont, Texas and the commercialized Eastman TritanTM copolyester.

Asset Impairments and Restructuring Charges, Net

Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, totaled $196 million and $22 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Asset impairments and restructuring charges in 2009 primarily consisted of $179 million in asset impairments related to the Company's previously announced discontinuance of its Beaumont, Texas industrial gasification project and $19 million, net, for severance resulting from a reduction in force. Asset impairments and restructuring charges in 2008 consist primarily of restructuring charges for severance and pension charges in the PCI segment resulting from the decision to close a previously impaired site in the United Kingdom.  For more information regarding asset impairments and restructuring charges, primarily related to strategic decisions and actions, Note 18, "Asset Impairments and Restructuring Charges, Net", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Other Operating Income

Other operating income for 2008 reflected proceeds of $16 million from the sale of certain mineral rights at an operating manufacturing site.

Operating Earnings  
 
2009
 
2008
 
Change
(Dollars in millions)
         
             
Operating earnings
$
345
$
551
 
(37) %
Accelerated depreciation costs included in cost of sales
 
--
 
5
   
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
196
 
22
   
Other operating income
 
--
 
(16)
   
Operating earnings excluding accelerated depreciation costs, asset impairment and restructuring charges, net, and other operating income
$
541
$
562
 
(4) %

Net Interest Expense

(Dollars in millions)
 
2009
 
2008
 
Change
             
Gross interest costs
$
99
$
104
   
Less: capitalized interest
 
14
 
10
   
Interest expense
 
85
 
94
 
(10) %
Interest income
 
7
 
24
   
Net interest expense
$
78
$
70
 
11 %

 
51 

 

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

 
Net interest expense increased $8 million in 2009 compared to 2008.  Gross interest costs for 2009 compared to 2008 were lower due to lower average borrowings and lower average interest rates.  Interest income in 2009 compared to 2008 was lower due to lower average interest rates and lower average cash balances.

Other Charges (Income), Net

(Dollars in millions)
 
2009
 
2008
         
Foreign exchange transactions losses, net
$
5
$
17
Investments losses, net
 
5
 
6
Other, net
 
3
 
(3)
Other charges (income), net
$
13
$
20

Included in other charges (income), net are gains or losses on foreign exchange transactions, results from equity investments, gains or losses on business venture investments, gains from the sale of non-operating assets, certain litigation costs, fees on securitized receivables, other non-operating income, and other miscellaneous items.

Provision for Income Taxes From Continuing Operations

(Dollars in millions)
 
2009
 
2008
 
Change
             
Provision for income taxes from continuing operations
$
100
$
116
 
(14) %
Effective tax rate
 
39 %
 
25 %
   

The 2009 effective tax rate reflected an $11 million tax charge associated with the recapture of gasification investment tax credits, a $7 million tax charge associated with a change in accounting method for tax purposes to accelerate timing of deductions for manufacturing repairs expense and a $5 million tax benefit from the reversal of tax reserves due to the expiration of the relevant statute of limitations.

The 2008 effective tax rate reflected a $16 million benefit resulting from a gasification tax credit of $11 million and a research and development tax credit of $5 million, a $14 million benefit from state income tax credits (net of federal tax effect), a $12 million benefit from the reversal of a U.S. capital loss valuation allowance associated with the sale of businesses, and a $6 million benefit from the settlement of a non-U.S. income tax audit.
 
Earnings from Continuing Operations and Diluted Earnings per Share
 
   
2009
 
2008
(Dollars in millions, except diluted EPS)
 
$
 
EPS
 
$
 
EPS
                 
Earnings from continuing operations
$
154
$
2.09
$
345
$
4.54
Accelerated depreciation costs included in cost of sales, net of tax
 
--
 
--
 
3
 
0.05
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net of tax
 
127
 
1.74
 
18
 
0.22
Other operating income, net of tax
 
--
 
--
 
(10)
 
(0.13)
Net deferred tax benefits related to the previous divestiture of businesses
 
--
 
--
 
(14)
 
(0.18)
Earnings from continuing operations excluding accelerated depreciation costs, net of tax, asset impairments and restructuring charges, net of tax, other operating income, net of tax, and net deferred tax benefits related to the previous divesture of businesses
$
281
$
3.83
$
342
$
4.50


 
52 

 

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

 
Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Share

(Dollars in millions, except diluted EPS)
 
2009
 
2008
   
$
 
EPS
 
$
 
EPS
                 
Earnings from continuing operations
$
154
$
2.09
$
345
$
4.54
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
(18)
 
(0.24)
 
(17)
 
(0.23)
Gain from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax
 
--
 
--
 
18
 
0.24
Net earnings
$
136
$
1.85
$
346
$
4.55

The loss from discontinued operations, net of tax of $18 million and $17 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively, resulted from discontinued operations of the PET business of the Performance Polymers segment.  Corporate costs which were allocated to the Performance Polymers segment have been reallocated to other segments in the Company's financial statements.  The gain from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax of $18 million in 2008 was from the sale of the Company's PET polymers and purified terephthalic acid ("PTA") production facilities in the Netherlands and its PET production facility in the United Kingdom and related businesses for approximately $329 million in first quarter 2008.  For additional information, see Note 2, "Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

SUMMARY BY OPERATING SEGMENT

The Company's products and operations are managed and reported in four reportable operating segments, consisting of the CASPI segment, the Fibers segment, the PCI segment, and the Specialty Plastics segment.  For additional information concerning the Company's operating businesses and products, refer to Note 23, "Segment Information", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

The Company completed the sale of the PET business, related assets at the Columbia, South Carolina site, and technology of its Performance Polymers segment on January 31, 2011. The PET business, assets, and technology sold were substantially all of the Performance Polymers segment.  Performance Polymers segment operating results are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented and are therefore not included in results from continuing operations under GAAP.  For additional information, see Note 2, "Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.

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 23, "Segment Information", to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, as "other" sales revenue and operating losses.

 
53 

 

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

 
CASPI Segment
                 
Change
(Dollars in millions)
       
2009
 
2008
 
$
 
%
                       
Sales
       
$
1,217
$
1,524
$
(307)
 
(20) %
  Volume effect                
(184)
 
  (12) %
  Price effect                
(96)
 
(6) %
  Product mix effect                
(30)
 
(2) %
  Exchange rate effect            
3
 
-- %
                     
                       
Operating earnings
       
221
 
196
 
25
 
(13) %
                       
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
3
 
--
 
3
   
                 
Other operating income
 
--
 
(5)
 
5
   
                 
Operating earnings excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net and other operating income
 
224
 
191
 
33
 
(17) %

Sales revenue for 2009 decreased $307 million compared to 2008 primarily due to lower sales volume and lower selling prices.  The lower sales volume was due to weak customer demand in all regions except Asia Pacific, attributed to the global recession, particularly for products sold into the building and construction, transportation, and packaging markets.  The lower selling prices were primarily due to lower raw material and energy costs.

Excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, and other operating income, operating earnings for 2009 increased $33 million compared to 2008 due primarily to lower raw material and energy costs and cost reduction actions partially offset by lower sales volume and approximately $5 million in costs related to the reconfiguration of the Longview, Texas facility.  The asset impairments and restructuring charges, net for 2009 reflect the segment's portion of the severance charge for a reduction in force in first quarter 2009 and an adjustment to a reserve for previously divested businesses and product lines.  Other operating income for 2008 reflects the segment's allocated portion of proceeds from the sale of certain mineral rights at an operating manufacturing site.

 
54 

 

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

 
Fibers Segment
           
           
Change
(Dollars in millions)
 
2009
 
2008
 
$
 
%
                 
Sales
 
$
1,032
$
1,046
$
(14)
 
(1) %
  Volume effect          
(89)
 
(8) %
  Price effect          
83
 
8 %
  Product mix effect          
(11)
 
(1) %
  Exchange rate effect          
3
 
-- %
                   
                 
Operating earnings
 
292
 
234
 
58
 
25 %
                 
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
4
 
--
 
4
   
                 
Operating earnings excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
296
 
234
 
62
 
26 %

Sales revenue for 2009 decreased $14 million compared to 2008 primarily due to lower sales volume mostly offset by higher selling prices.  The lower sales volume was primarily for acetyl chemical products.  The higher selling prices were in response to higher wood pulp costs.

Excluding the segment's portion of the severance charge for a reduction in force in first quarter 2009, operating earnings for 2009 increased $62 million compared to 2008 primarily due to higher selling prices and cost reduction actions, partially offset by lower sales volume.

 
55 

 

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

 
PCI Segment
               
           
Change
(Dollars in millions)
 
2009
 
2008
 
$
 
%
                 
Sales
 
$
1,398
$
2,443
$
(1,045)
 
(43) %
 
Volume effect
         
(580)
 
(24) %
 
Price effect
         
(507)
 
(21) %
 
Product mix effect
         
39
 
2 %
 
Exchange rate effect
         
3
 
-- %
                 
Sales – contract ethylene sales (1)
 
28
 
314
 
(286)
   
          – contract polymer intermediates sales (2)
 
--
 
138
 
(138)
   
                 
Sales – excluding listed items
 
1,370
 
1,991
 
(621)
 
(31) %
   Volume effect
         
(113)
 
(6) %
   Price effect
         
(499)
 
(25) %
   Product mix effect
         
(12)
 
-- %
   Exchange rate effect
         
3
 
-- %
                 
                 
Operating earnings
 
41
 
143
 
(102)
 
(71) %
                 
Accelerated depreciation costs included in cost of sales
 
--
 
5
 
(5)
   
                 
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
 
6
 
22
 
(16)
   
                 
Other operating income
 
--
 
(9)
 
9
   
                 
Operating earnings excluding accelerated depreciation costs, asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, and other operating income
 
47
 
161
 
(114)
 
(71) %

(1)   
Sales revenue for 2009 and 2008 included contract ethylene sales under the transition supply agreement related to the divestiture of the PE businesses in fourth quarter 2006.
(2)  
Sales revenue for 2008 includes contract polymer intermediates sales under the transition supply agreement related to the divestiture of the PET manufacturing facilities and related businesses in Mexico and Argentina in fourth quarter 2007.

In first quarter 2010, the Company transferred certain intermediates product lines from the Performance Polymers segment, now included in discontinued operations, to the PCI segment to improve optimization of manufacturing assets supporting the three raw material streams that supply the Company's downstream businesses.  Segment sales and operating results for prior years have been reclassified for the change.

Sales revenue for 2009 decreased $1.0 billion compared to 2008.  Excluding contract ethylene sales under the transition agreement resulting from the divestiture of the Performance Polymers segment's PE business in fourth quarter 2006 and contract polymer intermediates sales to the buyer of the divested Mexico and Argentina PET facilities, sales revenue decreased $621 million in 2009 compared to 2008 due to lower selling prices.  The lower selling prices were primarily due to lower raw material and energy costs.


 
56 

 

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

 
Excluding accelerated depreciation costs, asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, and other operating income, operating earnings in 2009 decreased $114 million compared to 2008.  The decline was primarily due to lower selling prices and lower capacity utilization resulting in higher unit costs, including approximately $15 million in costs related to the reconfiguration of the Longview, Texas facility, partially offset by lower raw material and energy costs and cost reduction actions. A restructuring charge in first quarter 2009 consisted of the segment's portion of the severance charge for a reduction in force.  Asset impairments and restructuring charges in 2008 consisted primarily of severance and pension costs from the decision to close a previously impaired site in the United Kingdom.  The accelerated depreciation costs for 2008 are related to the continuation of the planned staged phase-out of older cracking units in 2007 at the Company's Longview, Texas facility.

To further improve its competitive cost position over purchasing olefins in the North American market, the Company restarted a previously idled cracking unit at the Longview, Texas facility in 2010.  This restart was prompted by a favorable shift in market conditions for olefin raw materials that is expected to continue over the next several years.  The Company has three operating cracking units, including the unit restarted in 2010.

Specialty Plastics Segment
         
         
Change
(Dollars in millions)
2009
 
2008
 
$
 
%
               
Sales
$
749
$
923
$
(174)
 
(19) %
 
Volume effect
       
(91)
 
(10) %
 
Price effect
       
(66)
 
(7) %
 
Product mix effect
       
(23)
 
(3) %
 
Exchange rate effect
       
6
 
1 %
                 
               
Operating earnings
9
 
30
 
(21)
 
(70) %
               
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
4
 
--
 
4
   
               
Other operating income
--
 
(2)
 
2
   
               
Operating earnings excluding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net and other operating income
13
 
28
 
(15)
 
(54) %

Sales revenue for 2009 decreased $174 million compared to 2008 due to lower sales volume and lower selling prices.  The decline in sales volume was attributed to the global recession which has weakened demand for plastic resins, including copolyester products sold into the consumer and durable goods markets, and for cellulosic plastics sold into various markets.  The lower selling prices were a result of lower raw material and energy costs, particularly for paraxylene.

Excluding the segment's portion of a severance charge for a reduction in force in first quarter 2009 and other operating income related to the sale of certain mineral rights at an operating manufacturing site in 2008, operating earnings for 2009 decreased $15 million compared to 2008 due to lower sales volume, lower capacity utilization resulting in higher unit costs, an unfavorable shift in product mix with less cellulosic plastics sold into various markets, and lower selling prices, partially offset by lower raw material and energy costs and cost reduction actions.


 
57 

 

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

 
SUMMARY BY CUSTOMER LOCATION – 2009 COMPARED WITH 2008

Sales Revenue
(Dollars in millions)
 
2009
 
2008
 
Change
 
Volume Effect
 
Price Effect
 
Product
Mix Effect
 
Exchange
Rate
Effect
                             
United States and Canada
$
2,252
$
3,308
 
(32) %
 
(19) %
 
(14) %
 
1 %
 
-- %
Asia Pacific
 
1,062
 
1,186
 
(10) %
 
(1) %
 
(5) %
 
(4) %
 
-- %
Europe, Middle East, and Africa
 
835
 
1,045
 
(20) %
 
(16) %
 
(1) %
 
(4) %
 
1 %
Latin America
 
247
 
397
 
(38) %
 
(31) %
 
(12) %
 
5 %
 
-- %
 
$
4,396
$
5,936
 
(26) %
 
(16) %
 
(10) %
 
-- %
 
-- %

Sales revenue in the United States and Canada decreased in 2009 compared to 2008 primarily due to lower sales volume and lower selling prices particularly in the PCI segment partially due to contract ethylene sales in the PCI segment.  Excluding contract ethylene sales, sales revenue decreased 26 percent primarily due to lower selling prices particularly in the PCI segment and lower sales volume particularly in the CASPI and PCI segments.

Sales revenue in Asia Pacific decreased in 2009 compared to 2008 primarily due to lower selling prices in the PCI, Specialty Plastics, and CASPI segments partially offset by higher selling prices in the Fibers segment and an unfavorable shift in product mix, particularly in the CASPI and Specialty Plastics segments.  The unfavorable shift in product mix was due to the CASPI segment pursuing favorable market conditions for solvent product lines resulting in a lower average selling price, while the Specialty Plastics segment sold less cellulosic plastics into various markets.  The region experienced less of a sales volume decrease as a result of stronger PCI segment volume in 2009 due to raw material supply issues restricting production in 2008 and increased sales volume in the CASPI segment.

Sales revenue in Europe, Middle East and Africa decreased in 2009 compared to 2008 primarily due to lower sales volume and an unfavorable shift in product mix in all segments.  The region had minimal price effect change compared to significant declines in other regions due to the higher selling prices in the Fibers segment and fewer sales from commodity product lines.

Sales revenue in Latin America decreased in 2009 compared to 2008 primarily due to lower sales volume and lower selling prices partially offset by a favorable shift in product mix.  Lower selling prices were primarily in the PCI segment.  Lower sales volume and the favorable shift in product mix were primarily related to contract polymer intermediates sales in 2008 and not in 2009, with the lower sales volume partially offset by increased sales volume in the CASPI segment.  Excluding contract polymer intermediates sales, sales revenue decreased 5 percent.


 
58 

 

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