emn2008q3_10q.htm



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC  20549
FORM 10-Q
 (Mark
One)
 
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008
 
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
 
37660
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
     

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES [X]  NO  [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 Large accelerated filer [X]                             Accelerated filer [  ]
 Non-accelerated filer [  ]                                Smaller reporting company [  ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES [  ]  NO  [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Number of Shares Outstanding at September 30,  2008
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
72,543,848
     

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM
 
PAGE

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

1.
49
     
1A.
50
     
2.
50
     
6.
50

SIGNATURES

 
5111


 

 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS,
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

   
Third Quarter
   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Sales
  $ 1,819     $ 1,692     $ 5,380     $ 5,093  
Cost of sales
    1,497       1,385       4,400       4,191  
Gross profit
    322       307       980       902  
                                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    107       104       324       311  
Research and development expenses
    39       43       120       115  
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
    2       114       22       116  
Operating earnings
    174       46       514       360  
                                 
Interest expense, net
    19       16       53       47  
Other (income) charges, net
    7       (10 )     7       (18 )
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    148       40       454       331  
Provision for income taxes from continuing operations
    48       15       124       111  
Earnings from continuing operations
    100       25       330       220  
                                 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
    --       (5 )     --       (7 )
Gain (loss) from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax
    --       --       18       (11 )
Net earnings
  $ 100     $ 20     $ 348     $ 202  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
                               
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 1.35     $ 0.30     $ 4.34     $ 2.63  
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
    --       (0.06 )     0.23       (0.22 )
Basic earnings per share
  $ 1.35     $ 0.24     $ 4.57     $ 2.41  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share
                               
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 1.33     $ 0.30     $ 4.27     $ 2.60  
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
    --       (0.06 )     0.23       (0.22 )
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 1.33     $ 0.24     $ 4.50     $ 2.38  
                                 
Comprehensive Income
                               
Net earnings
  $ 100     $ 20     $ 348     $ 202  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
                               
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax
    (27 )     21       (68 )     31  
Change in pension liability, net of tax
    (1 )     22       7       18  
Change in unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net of tax
    (6 )     (8 )     (3 )     (5 )
Change in unrealized gains on investments, net of tax
    --       --       --       1  
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
    (34 )     35       (64 )     45  
Comprehensive income
  $ 66     $ 55     $ 284     $ 247  
                                 
Retained Earnings
                               
Retained earnings at beginning of period
  $ 2,529     $ 2,302     $ 2,349     $ 2,186  
Net earnings
    100       20       348       202  
Cash dividends declared
    (31 )     (36 )     (99 )     (110 )
Adoption of accounting standard
    --       --       --       8  
Retained earnings at end of period
  $ 2,598     $ 2,286     $ 2,598     $ 2,286  

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

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Assets
           
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 337     $ 888  
Trade receivables, net of allowance of $2 and $6
    548       546  
Miscellaneous receivables
    99       112  
Inventories
    715       539  
Other current assets
    66       74  
Current assets related to discontinued operations
    --       134  
Total current assets
    1,765       2,293  
                 
Properties and equipment
               
Properties and equipment at cost
    8,448       8,152  
Less:  Accumulated depreciation
    5,355       5,306  
Net properties and equipment
    3,093       2,846  
                 
Goodwill
    325       316  
Other noncurrent assets
    346       313  
Noncurrent assets related to discontinued operations
    --       241  
Total assets
  $ 5,529     $ 6,009  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities
               
Payables and other current liabilities
  $ 1,019     $ 1,013  
Borrowings due within one year
    --       72  
Current liabilities related to discontinued operations
    --       37  
Total current liabilities
    1,019       1,122  
                 
Long-term borrowings
    1,436       1,535  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    283       300  
Post-employment obligations
    862       852  
Other long-term liabilities
    109       118  
Total liabilities
    3,709       3,927  
                 
Stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock ($0.01 par value – 350,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued – 94,492,047 and 93,630,292 for 2008 and 2007, respectively)
    1       1  
Additional paid-in capital
    627       573  
Retained earnings
    2,598       2,349  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (92 )     (28 )
      3,134       2,895  
Less: Treasury stock at cost (22,030,873 shares for 2008 and 13,959,951 shares for 2007)
    1,314       813  
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,820       2,082  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 5,529     $ 6,009  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net earnings
  $ 348     $ 202  
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    199       247  
Asset impairments
    1       138  
Gains on sale of assets
    (13 )     (3 )
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes
    (56 )     (23 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
(Increase) decrease in receivables
    (16 )     22  
(Increase) decrease in inventories
    (170 )     1  
Increase (decrease) in trade payables
    (49 )     (63 )
Increase (decrease) in liabilities for employee benefits and incentive pay
    (6 )     (88 )
Other items, net
    55       (22 )
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    293       411  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Additions to properties and equipment
    (430 )     (346 )
Proceeds from sale of assets and investments
    333       43  
Investments in and acquisitions of joint ventures
    (38 )     (12 )
Additions to capitalized software
    (8 )     (8 )
Other items, net
    (2 )     24  
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (145 )     (299 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Net increase (decrease) in commercial paper, credit facility and other borrowings
    42       53  
Repayment of borrowings
    (175 )     (11 )
Dividends paid to stockholders
    (103 )     (112 )
Treasury stock purchases
    (501 )     (300 )
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other items
    38       100  
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (699 )     (270 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    --       --  
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (551 )     (158 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    888       939  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 337     $ 781  

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


 

 


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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Eastman Chemical Company (the "Company" or "Eastman") in accordance and consistent with the accounting policies stated in the Company's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as described below with respect to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements," ("SFAS No. 157"), and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.   The unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and, of necessity, include some amounts that are based upon management estimates and judgments.  Future actual results could differ from such current estimates.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements include assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures.  Eastman accounts for other joint ventures and investments in minority-owned companies where it exercises significant influence on the equity basis.  Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 as of January 1, 2008, with the exception of the application of the statement to non-recurring nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, which has been deferred until January 1, 2009.  The standard establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to the valuation used to measure fair value.  This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels.  Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company's assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value.  A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following chart shows the securities valued on a recurring basis.

(Dollars in millions)
       
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2008
 
Description
 
September 30, 2008
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Derivative Assets
  $ 51     $ --     $ 51     $ --  
Derivative Liabilities
    (50 )     --       (50 )     --  
    $ 1     $ --     $ 1     $ --  
                                 

The Company will be required to measure the assets of its defined benefit pension and post-retirement welfare plans pursuant to SFAS No. 157 at the next measurement date, which will be December 31, 2008.

2.  
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In first quarter 2008, the Company sold its polyethylene terephthalate ("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 $340 million, subject to working capital adjustments and retained approximately $10 million of working capital.  The Company recognized a gain of $18 million, net of tax, related to the sale of these businesses which includes the recognition of deferred currency translation adjustments of approximately $40 million, net of tax.  In addition, the Company indemnified the buyer against certain liabilities primarily related to taxes, legal matters, environmental matters, and other representations and warranties.  As of December 31, 2007, the Company had definitive agreements to sell assets and liabilities related to these businesses, resulting in them being classified as assets held for sale at December 31, 2007.  The Company also entered into contracts with the buyer for transition services to supply raw materials for a period of less than one year.  During first quarter 2007, the Company recorded asset impairments and restructuring charges of $21 million for its PET polymers manufacturing facility in Spain, which it sold in second quarter 2007.  Net proceeds from the sale of the Spain site were approximately $42 million.  In addition, the Company indemnified the buyer against certain liabilities primarily related to taxes, legal matters, environmental matters, and other representations and warranties.


 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Spain, and related businesses represent the Company's European PET business and qualify as a component of an entity under SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," and accordingly their results are presented as discontinued operations and are not included in the results from continuing operations for all periods presented in the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements.

In fourth quarter 2007, the Company sold its PET polymers production facilities in Mexico and Argentina and the related businesses.  The results related to the Mexico and Argentina facilities are not presented as discontinued operations due to continuing involvement of the Company's Performance Polymers segment in the region including contract polymer intermediates sales under a transition supply agreement to the divested sites.

Operating results of the discontinued operations which were formerly included in the Performance Polymers segment are summarized below:

   
Third Quarter
   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
 
                       
Sales
  $ --     $ 121     $ 169     $ 410  
Earnings before income taxes
    --       (8 )     2       (7 )
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    --       (5 )     --       (7 )
Gain (loss) on disposal, net of tax
    --       --       18       (11 )

Assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2007 are summarized below:

   
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2007
Current assets
   
Trade receivables
$
85
Inventories
 
49
Total current assets held for sale
 
 134
     
Non-current assets
   
Properties and equipment, net
 
236
Other non-current assets
 
5
Total non-current assets held for sale
 
 241
     
Total assets
$
 375
     
Current liabilities
   
Payables and other current liabilities, net
$
37
Total current liabilities held for sale
 
 37
     
Total liabilities
$
37


 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.  
INVENTORIES
 
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
2008
 
2007
       
At FIFO or average cost (approximates current cost)
     
Finished goods
$
737
$
607
Work in process
235
 
195
Raw materials and supplies
333
 
247
Total inventories
1,305
 
1,049
LIFO Reserve
(590)
 
(510)
Total inventories
$
715
$
539

Inventories valued on the LIFO method were approximately 80 percent as of September 30, 2008 and 70 percent as of December 31, 2007 of total inventories.

ACQUISITION AND DIVESTITURE OF INDUSTRIAL GASIFICATION INTERESTS

In October 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with Green Rock Energy, L.L.C. ("Green Rock") to jointly develop an industrial gasification facility in Beaumont, Texas through TX Energy, L.L.C. ("TX Energy").  In June 2008, the Company acquired Green Rock’s 50 percent ownership interest in TX Energy for approximately $35 million, which is primarily allocated to properties and equipment.

The results of operations of TX Energy for the periods subsequent to the acquisition have been included in Eastman's consolidated financial statements.  If TX Energy had been consolidated for the periods prior to the acquisition, the Company’s consolidated revenue, net income and earnings per share would not have been materially different than reported.  With this acquisition, the Company became the sole owner and developer of the industrial gasification facility in Beaumont, Texas.

Eastman had also begun to participate in an industrial gasification project in St. James Parish, Louisiana sponsored by Faustina Hydrogen Products, L.L.C. ("Faustina").  Through May 2008, the Company had invested approximately $11 million in Faustina.  In June 2008, the Company sold its ownership interest in Faustina for approximately $11 million and will no longer participate in the project.

PAYABLES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Trade creditors
  $ 551     $ 578  
Accrued payrolls, vacation, and variable-incentive compensation
    123       138  
Accrued taxes
    50       36  
Post-employment obligations
    54       60  
Interest payable
    23       31  
Bank overdrafts
    44       6  
Other
    174       164  
Total payables and other current liabilities
  $ 1,019     $ 1,013  

The current portion of post-employment obligations is an estimate of current year payments in excess of plan assets.
 

 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

   
Third Quarter
   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Provision for income taxes
  $ 48     $ 15     $ 124     $ 111  
Effective tax rate
    33 %     38 %     27 %     34 %

The third quarter 2008 and 2007 effective tax rates, excluding discrete items, were approximately 33 percent.  The Company expects a full year tax rate for 2008 on earnings from continuing operations before income tax, excluding discrete items, of approximately 30 percent.  The variance in third quarter and expected full year tax rates is due to timing of recognition of general business credits expected during 2008.

The effective tax rate for first nine months 2008 reflects an estimated benefit resulting from a federal gasification investment tax credit associated with the Company’s expected capital spending in 2008 on the Beaumont, Texas industrial gasification project.  Excluding discrete items, first nine months 2008 and 2007 effective tax rates reflect the Company’s expected full year rate on reported operating earnings before income tax of approximately 30 percent and 33 percent, respectively.  The full year effective tax will also reflect the recognition of the research and development tax credit that was renewed on October 3, 2008 as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2002.

BORROWINGS
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Borrowings consisted of:
           
3 1/4% notes due 2008
  $ --     $ 72  
7% notes due 2012
    149       148  
6.30% notes due 2018
    191       188  
7 1/4% debentures due 2024
    497       497  
7 5/8% debentures due 2024
    200       200  
7.60% debentures due 2027
    298       298  
Credit facilities borrowings
    85       188  
Other
    16       16  
Total borrowings
    1,436       1,607  
Borrowings due within one year
    --       (72 )
Long-term borrowings
  $ 1,436     $ 1,535  

At September 30, 2008, the Company has credit facilities with various U.S. and non-U.S. banks totaling approximately $800 million.  These credit facilities consist of a $700 million revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") and a 60 million euro credit facility ("Euro Facility").  The Credit Facility has two tranches, with $125 million expiring in 2012 and $575 million expiring in 2013.  The Euro Facility expires in 2012.  Borrowings under these credit facilities are subject to interest at varying spreads above quoted market rates.  The Credit Facility requires a facility fee on the total commitment.  In addition, these credit facilities contain a number of customary covenants and events of default, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios.  The Company was in compliance with all such covenants for all periods presented.  At September 30, 2008, the Company’s credit facility borrowings totaled $85 million, primarily the Euro Facility, at an effective interest rate of 5.36 percent.  At December 31, 2007, borrowings on these credit facilities were $188 million, primarily from the Euro Facility, at an effective interest rate of 4.79 percent.


The Credit Facility provides liquidity support for general corporate purposes.


10 
 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had outstanding interest rate swaps associated with the entire outstanding principal of the 7% notes due in 2012 and $150 million of the outstanding principal of the 6.30% notes due in 2018.  The average variable interest rate on the 7% notes was 6.50 percent and 7.12 percent for September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.  The average variable interest rate on the 6.30% notes was 4.91 percent and 5.52 percent for September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

ASSET IMPAIRMENTS AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES, NET

In third quarter and first nine months 2008, asset impairments and restructuring charges, net totaled $2 million and $22 million, respectively, primarily for severance, pension charges and site closure costs in the Performance Chemicals and Intermediates ("PCI") segment resulting from the decision to close a previously impaired site in the United Kingdom, and in the Performance Polymers segment for restructuring at the South Carolina facility and the divestiture of the PET manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Argentina.

In third quarter 2007 and first nine months 2007, asset impairments and restructuring charges, net totaled $114 million and $116 million, respectively, related primarily to the impairment of assets of Eastman's PET manufacturing facilities in Cosoleacaque, Mexico, and Zarate, Argentina which were classified as held for sale in third quarter 2007.  The Company impaired the assets of these facilities in third quarter 2007 to adjust the asset values to the expected sales price less cost to sell.  These charges were reflected in the Performance Polymers segment.  Also in third quarter 2007, the Company adjusted the severance accrual recorded in fourth quarter 2006 which resulted in a reversal reflected in all segments.

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

The following table summarizes the beginning reserves, charges to and changes in estimates to the reserves as described above, and the cash and non-cash reductions to the reserves attributable to asset impairments and the cash payments for severance and site closure costs for the full year 2007 and first nine months 2008:
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Balance at
January 1, 2007
   
Provision/ Adjustments
   
Non-cash Reductions
   
Cash Reductions
   
Balance at
December 31, 2007
 
                               
Non-cash charges
  $ --     $ 122     $ (122 )   $ --     $ --  
Severance costs
    34       (9 )     --       (18 )     7  
Site closure and other  restructuring costs
    14       (1 )     --       (2 )     11  
Total
  $ 48     $ 112     $ (122 )   $ (20 )   $ 18  
                                         
   
Balance at
January 1, 2008
   
Provision/ Adjustments
   
Non-cash Reductions
   
Cash Reductions
   
Balance at
September 30,
 2008
 
                                         
Non-cash charges
  $ --     $ 1     $ (1 )   $ --     $ --  
Severance costs
    7       5       --       (11 )     1  
Site closure and other  restructuring costs
    11       16       --       (20 )     7  
Total
  $ 18     $ 22     $ (1 )   $ (31 )   $ 8  

A majority of the remaining severance and site closure costs is expected to be applied to the reserves within one year.
 

11 
 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



RETIREMENT PLANS

DEFINED BENFIT PENSION PLANS

Eastman maintains defined benefit pension plans that provide eligible employees hired prior to January 1, 2007, with retirement benefits.  Costs recognized for these benefits are recorded using estimated amounts, which may change as actual costs derived for the year are determined.
 
Below is a summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost recognized for Eastman's significant defined benefit pension plans:
 
Summary of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
           
   
Third Quarter
   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Service cost
  $ 11     $ 12     $ 34     $ 36  
Interest cost
    22       23       66       68  
Expected return on assets
    (26 )     (26 )     (79 )     (78 )
Curtailment charge
    --       --       9       --  
Amortization of:
                               
Prior service credit
    (5 )     (2 )     (12 )     (6 )
Actuarial loss
    7       8       21       25  
Other loss
    --       4       --       4  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 9     $ 19     $ 39     $ 49  

The Company contributed $100 million to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan in first quarter 2007.

The curtailment charge is primarily related to the decision to close a previously impaired site in the United Kingdom.

POSTRETIREMENT WELFARE PLANS

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

Employees hired on or after January 1, 2007 will have access to post-retirement health care benefits only; Eastman will not provide a subsidy toward the premium cost of post-retirement benefits for those employees.

A few of the Company's non-U.S. operations have supplemental health benefit plans for certain retirees, the cost of which is not significant to the Company.  Costs recognized for benefits for eligible retirees hired prior to January 1, 2007 are recorded using estimated amounts, which may change as actual costs derived for the year are determined.  Below is a summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost recognized for the Company’s U.S. plans:

Summary of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
           
   
Third Quarter
   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Service cost
  $ 2     $ 1     $ 5     $ 5  
Interest cost
    11       11       33       32  
Expected return on assets
    (1 )     (1 )     (3 )     (2 )
Amortization of:
                               
Prior service credit
    (6 )     (6 )     (17 )     (17 )
Actuarial loss
    2       3       7       9  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 8     $ 8     $ 25     $ 27  

12 
 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


10.  
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Certain Eastman manufacturing sites generate hazardous and nonhazardous wastes, the treatment, storage, transportation, and disposal of which are regulated by various governmental agencies.  In connection with the cleanup of various hazardous waste sites, the Company, along with many other entities, has been designated a potentially responsible party ("PRP"), by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, which potentially subjects PRPs to joint and several liability for such cleanup costs.  In addition, the Company will be required to incur costs for environmental remediation and closure and postclosure under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.  Reserves for environmental contingencies have been established in accordance with Eastman’s policies described in Note 1, "Significant Accounting Policies", to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Because of expected sharing of costs, the availability of legal defenses, and the Company’s preliminary assessment of actions that may be required, management does not believe that the Company's liability for these environmental matters, individually or in the aggregate, will be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  The Company’s reserve for environmental contingencies was $41 million and $42 million at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, representing the minimum or best estimate for remediation costs and the best estimate accrued to date over the facilities' estimated useful lives for asset retirement obligation costs.  Estimated future environmental expenditures for remediation costs range from the minimum or best estimate of $11 million to the maximum of $21 million at September 30, 2008 and $13 million to the maximum of $17 million at December 31, 2007.

11.  
COMMITMENTS

Purchasing Obligations and Lease Commitments

At September 30, 2008, the Company had various purchase obligations totaling approximately $2.0 billion over a period of approximately 15 years for materials, supplies, and energy incident to the ordinary conduct of business.  The Company also had various lease commitments for property and equipment under cancelable, non-cancelable, and month-to-month operating leases totaling approximately $120 million over a period of several years.  Of the total lease commitments, approximately 15 percent relate to machinery and equipment, including computer and communications equipment and production equipment; approximately 35 percent relate to real property, including office space, storage facilities and land; and approximately 50 percent relate to vehicles, primarily railcars.

Accounts Receivable Securitization Program

In 1999, the Company entered into an agreement that allows the Company to sell certain domestic accounts receivable under a planned continuous sale program to a third party.  The agreement permits the sale of undivided interests in domestic trade accounts receivable.  Receivables sold to the third party totaled $200 million at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.  Undivided interests in designated receivable pools were sold to the purchaser with recourse limited to the purchased interest in the receivable pools.  Average monthly proceeds from collections reinvested in the continuous sale program were approximately $370 million and $320 million in third quarter 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $345 million and $310 million for first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
Guarantees

Financial Accounting Standards Board, ("FASB") Interpretation No. 45, "Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others", clarifies the requirements of SFAS No. 5, "Accounting for Contingencies," relating to the guarantor’s accounting for, and disclosure of, the issuance of certain types of guarantees.  If certain operating leases are terminated by the Company, it guarantees a portion of the residual value loss, if any, incurred by the lessors in disposing of the related assets.  Under these operating leases, the residual value guarantees at September 30, 2008 totaled $152 million and consisted primarily of leases for railcars, aircraft, and other equipment.  Leases with guarantee amounts totaling $2 million, $11 million, and $139 million will expire in 2008, 2011, and 2012, respectively.  The Company believes, based on current facts and circumstances, that the likelihood of a material payment pursuant to such guarantees is remote.


13 
 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Variable Interest Entities

The Company has evaluated its material contractual relationships and has concluded that the entities involved in these relationships are not Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs") or, in the case of Primester, a joint venture that manufactures cellulose acetate at the Company's Kingsport, Tennessee plant, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  As such, in accordance with FASB Interpretation Number 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities", the Company is not required to consolidate these entities.  In addition, the Company has evaluated long-term purchase obligations with an entity that may be a VIE at September 30, 2008.  This potential VIE is a joint venture from which the Company has purchased raw materials and utilities for several years and purchases approximately $50 million of raw materials and utilities on an annual basis.  The Company has no equity interest in this entity and has confirmed that one party to this joint venture does consolidate the potential VIE.  However, due to competitive and other reasons, the Company has not been able to obtain the necessary financial information to determine whether the entity is a VIE, and whether or not the Company is the primary beneficiary.

12.  
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Hedging Programs

The Company is exposed to market risk, such as changes in currency exchange rates, raw material and energy costs and interest rates.  The Company uses various derivative financial instruments pursuant to the Company's hedging policies to mitigate these market risk factors and their effect on the cash flows of the underlying transactions. Designation is performed on a specific exposure basis to support hedge accounting.  The changes in fair value of these hedging instruments are offset in part or in whole by corresponding changes in the cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged.  The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. For further information, see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

At September 30, 2008, net mark-to-market gains from raw material and energy, currency and certain interest rate hedges that were included in accumulated other comprehensive income totaled $3 million.  If realized, approximately $20 million in losses will be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months.  The mark-to-market gains or losses on non-qualifying, excluded and ineffective portions of hedges are immediately recognized in cost of sales or other income and charges.  Such amounts did not have a material impact on earnings during third quarter of 2008.

13.  
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

A reconciliation of the changes in stockholders’ equity for first nine months 2008 is provided below:

(Dollars in millions)
 
Common Stock at Par Value
$
   
Paid-in Capital
$
   
Retained Earnings
$
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
   
Treasury Stock at Cost
$
   
Total Stockholders' Equity
$
 
Balance at December 31, 2007
    1       573       2,349       (28 )     (813 )     2,082  
                                                 
Net Earnings
    --       --       348       --       --       348  
Cash Dividends Declared (1)
    --       --       (99 )     --       --       (99 )
Other Comprehensive Income
    --       --       --       (64 )     --       (64 )
Stock-Based Compensation and Other Items (2)(3)
    --       54       --       --       --       54  
Share Repurchases
    --       --       --       --       (501 )     (501 )
Balance at September 30, 2008
    1       627       2,598       (92 )     (1,314 )     1,820  

(1)  
Includes dividends declared but unpaid.
(2)  
The tax benefits relating to the difference between the amounts deductible for federal income taxes over the amounts charged to income for book value purposes have been credited to paid-in capital.
(3)  
Includes the fair value of equity share-based awards recognized under SFAS No. 123 Revised December 2004 , "Share-Based Payment".


14 
 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX

 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
 
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
$
   
Unfunded
Additional
Minimum Pension Liability
$
   
Unrecognized Loss and Prior Service Cost
$
   
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments and Other
$
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
 
Pre-SFAS No. 158 (1) balance at December 31, 2006
    121       (207 )     --       (7 )     (93 )
Adjustments to apply SFAS No. 158
    --       207       (288 )     --       (81 )
Balance at December 31, 2006
    121       --       (288 )     (7 )     (174 )
Period change
    36       --       106       4       146  
Balance at December 31, 2007
    157       --       (182 )     (3 )     (28 )
Period change
    (68 )     --       7       (3 )     (64 )
Balance at September 30, 2008
    89       --       (175 )     (6 )     (92 )

(1)  
SFAS No. 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans" ("SFAS No. 158")

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

14.  
EARNINGS AND DIVIDENDS PER SHARE

 
Third Quarter
 
First Nine Months
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
               
Shares used for earnings per share calculation (in millions):
             
Basic
74.2
 
82.6
 
76.1
 
83.6
Diluted
75.1
 
83.6
 
77.2
 
84.6

In third quarter and first nine months 2008, common shares underlying options to purchase 655,884 shares of common stock and 596,784 shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, because the total market value of option exercises for these awards was less than the total proceeds that would be received for these awards.  Additionally, the basic and diluted shares were reduced in third quarter and first nine months 2008 as a result of the share repurchase program.  For third quarter and first nine months 2008, a total of 3,867,770 shares and 8,065,948 shares, respectively, were repurchased under the current $700 million share repurchase authorization.
 
In third quarter and first nine months 2007, common shares underlying options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock and 591,233 shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, because the total market value of option exercises for these awards was less than the total proceeds that would be received for these awards.  Additionally, the basic and diluted shares were reduced in third quarter and first nine months 2007 as a result of the share repurchase programs.  For third quarter and first nine months 2007, a total of 3,231,348 shares and 4,601,448 shares, respectively were repurchased under a prior $300 million share repurchase authorization.
 
The Company declared cash dividends of $0.44 per share in third quarters 2008 and 2007 and $1.32 per share in first nine months 2008 and 2007.
 

15 
 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION AWARDS

The Company utilizes share-based awards under employee and non-employee director compensation programs.  These share-based awards may include restricted and unrestricted stock grants, restricted stock units, stock options and performance shares.  In third quarter 2008 and 2007, approximately $6 million and $5 million, respectively, of compensation expense before tax was recognized in selling, general and administrative expense in the earnings statement for all share-based awards.  The impact on third quarter 2008 and 2007 net earnings of $4 million and $3 million, respectively, is net of deferred tax expense related to share-based award compensation for each period.  In first nine months 2008 and 2007, approximately $19 million and $18 million, respectively, of compensation expense before tax were recognized in selling, general and administrative expense in the earnings statement for all share-based awards.  The impact on first nine months 2008 and 2007 net earnings of $12 million and $11 million, respectively, is net of deferred tax expense related to share-based award compensation for each period.

Additional information regarding share-based compensation plans and awards may be found in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

16.  
 SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company's products and operations are managed and reported in five reportable operating segments, consisting of the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialty Polymers, and Inks ("CASPI") segment, the Fibers segment, the PCI segment, the Performance Polymers segment, and the Specialty Plastics ("SP") segment.  For additional information concerning the Company's segments' businesses and products, refer to Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

   
Third Quarter
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Sales by Segment
           
CASPI
  $ 410     $ 368  
Fibers
    269       258  
PCI
    594       509  
Performance Polymers
    293       340  
SP
    253       217  
Total Sales
  $ 1,819     $ 1,692  

   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Sales by Segment
           
CASPI
  $ 1,213     $ 1,089  
Fibers
    783       731  
PCI
    1,768       1,559  
Performance Polymers
    886       1,070  
SP
    730       644  
Total Sales
  $ 5,380     $ 5,093  


16 
 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



   
Third Quarter
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Operating Earnings (Loss)
           
CASPI (1)
  $ 55     $ 59  
Fibers
    65       66  
PCI (2)
    62       50  
Performance Polymers (3)
    (1 )     (128 )
SP
    6       13  
Total Operating Earnings by Segment
    187       60  
Other (4)
    (13 )     (14 )
                 
Total Operating Earnings
  $ 174     $ 46  

(1)  
CASPI includes $1 million in third quarter 2007 gains for an adjustment to severance charges recorded in fourth quarter 2006.
(2)  
PCI includes $2 million in both third quarter 2008 and third quarter 2007 in accelerated depreciation costs related to cracking units at the Company's Longview, Texas facility and $1 million in third quarter 2008 in asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, primarily related to severance and pension costs from the decision to close a previously impaired site in the United Kingdom and $(1) million in third quarter 2007 related primarily to an adjustment to severance charges recorded in fourth quarter 2006.
(3)  
Performance Polymers includes $1 million and $7 million in third quarter 2008 and third quarter 2007, respectively, in accelerated depreciation costs related to assets in Columbia, South Carolina and asset impairments and restructuring charges, net of $1 million in third quarter 2008 related to previously divested manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Argentina and restructuring at the South Carolina facility using IntegRexTM technology, partially offset by a resolution of a contingency from the sale of the Company’s polyethylene (“PE”) and EpoleneTM polymer businesses divested in fourth quarter 2006, and $114 million in third quarter 2007 primarily related to the divested PET manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Argentina.
(4)  
Other includes $2 million in third quarter 2007 in intangible asset impairment charges.

   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Operating Earnings (Loss)
           
CASPI(1)
  $ 167     $ 190  
Fibers
    195       176  
PCI (2)
    160       161  
Performance Polymers (3)
    (5 )     (181 )
SP (4)
    36       49  
Total Operating Earnings by Segment
    553       395  
Other (5)
    (39 )     (35 )
                 
Total Operating Earnings
  $ 514     $ 360  

(1)  
CASPI includes $2 million in first nine months 2008 gains for an adjustment to a reserve for asset impairments and restructuring costs for the first quarter divestiture of certain product lines and $1 million in first nine months 2007 gains for an adjustment to severance charges recorded in fourth quarter 2006.
(2)  
PCI includes $4 million and $16 million in first nine months 2008 and first nine months 2007, respectively, in accelerated depreciation costs related to cracking units at the Company's Longview, Texas facility and $20 million in first nine months 2008 in asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, primarily related to severance and pension costs from the decision to close a previously impaired site in the United Kingdom and $(1) million in first nine months 2007 related primarily to an adjustment to severance charges recorded in fourth quarter 2006.
(3)  
Performance Polymers includes $4 million and $20 million in first nine months 2008 and first nine months 2007, respectively, in accelerated depreciation costs related to assets in Columbia, South Carolina and asset impairments and restructuring charges, net of $4 million in first nine months 2008 related to previously divested manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Argentina and restructuring at the South Carolina facility using IntegRexTM technology partially offset by a resolution of a contingency from the sale of  the Company’s PE and EpoleneTM polymer businesses divested in fourth quarter 2006, and $115 million in first nine months 2007 primarily related to the divested PET manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Argentina.
(4)  
SP includes $1 million in first nine months 2007 in accelerated depreciation costs related to assets in Columbia, South Carolina and $1 million in first nine months 2007 in asset impairments and restructuring charges, net related to the discontinued production of cyclohexane dimethanol (“CHDM”) at the San Roque, Spain facility.
(5)  
Other includes $2 million in first nine months 2007 in intangible asset impairment charges.

  17
 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Assets by Segment (1)
           
CASPI
  $ 1,231     $ 1,114  
Fibers
    789       692  
PCI
    959       1,062  
Performance Polymers
    637       727  
SP
    839       622  
Total Assets by Segment
    4,455       4,217  
Corporate Assets
    1,074       1,417  
                 
Total Assets Before Assets Related to Discontinued Operations
    5,529       5,634  
Assets Related to Discontinued Operations (2)
    --       375  
                 
Total Assets
  $ 5,529     $ 6,009  

(1)  
Assets managed by segment are accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets, and goodwill.

(2)  
For more information regarding assets related to discontinued operations, see Note 2, “Discontinued Operations”.

17.  
LEGAL MATTERS

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, including the asbestos litigation described below, 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.

Asbestos Litigation

Over the years, Eastman has been named as a defendant, along with numerous other defendants, in lawsuits in various state courts in which plaintiffs have alleged injury due to exposure to asbestos at Eastman’s manufacturing sites.  Additionally, certain plaintiffs have claimed exposure to an asbestos-containing plastic, which Eastman manufactured in limited amounts between the mid-1960’s and the early 1970’s.

To date, the Company has obtained dismissals or settlements of its asbestos-related lawsuits with no material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, and over the past several years, has substantially reduced its number of pending asbestos-related claims.  The Company has also obtained insurance coverage that applies to a portion of certain of the Company’s defense costs and payments of settlements or judgments in connection with asbestos-related lawsuits.

Based on an ongoing evaluation, the Company believes that the resolution of its pending asbestos claims will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows, although these matters could result in the Company being subject to monetary damages, costs or expenses, and charges against earnings in particular periods.


18 
 

 
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Effective first quarter 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, except as it applies to those nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities addressed in FASB Staff Position FAS 157-2 ("FSP FAS 157-2").  The FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2 which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually).  The Company is currently evaluating the effect FSP FAS 157-2 will have on its consolidated financial statements.  

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141R") which replaces SFAS No. 141 "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141").  SFAS No. 141R retains the fundamental requirements of SFAS No. 141 that the acquisition method of accounting be used for all business combinations.  However, SFAS No. 141R provides for the following changes from SFAS No. 141: an acquirer will record 100% of assets and liabilities of acquired business, including goodwill, at fair value, regardless of the level of interest acquired; certain contingent assets and liabilities will be recognized at fair value at the acquisition date; contingent consideration will be recognized at fair value on the acquisition date with changes in fair value to be recognized in earnings upon settlement; acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs will be expensed as incurred; reversals of valuation allowances related to acquired deferred tax assets and changes to acquired income tax uncertainties will be recognized in earnings; and when making adjustments to finalize preliminary accounting, acquirers will revise any previously issued post-acquisition financial information in future financial statements to reflect any adjustments as if they occurred on the acquisition date.  SFAS No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009.  SFAS No. 141R will not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements when effective, but the nature and magnitude of the specific effects will depend upon the nature, terms, and size of the acquisitions consummated after the effective date.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51" ("SFAS No. 160"), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  SFAS No. 160 provides that accounting and reporting for minority interests be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity.  This Statement also establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners.  SFAS No. 160 applies to all entities that prepare consolidated financial statements but will affect only those entities that have an outstanding noncontrolling interest in one or more subsidiaries or that deconsolidate a subsidiary.  This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company has concluded that SFAS No. 160 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS Statement No. 161 "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 161").  The new standard is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.  It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged.  The new standard also improves transparency about the location and amounts of derivative instruments in an entity’s financial statements; how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities"; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.  The Company has concluded that SFAS No. 161 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 03-6-1, "Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities" ("EITF Issue No. 03-6-1").  The FSP addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share under the two-class method.  The FSP affects entities that accrue dividends on share-based payment awards during the awards’ service period when the dividends do not need to be returned if the employees forfeit the award.  This FSP is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company has concluded that EITF Issue No. 03-6-1 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

19 
 

 


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with Eastman Chemical Company's (the "Company" or "Eastman") audited consolidated financial statements, including related notes, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Company's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements, including related notes, included elsewhere in this report.  All references to earnings per share contained in this report are diluted earnings per share unless otherwise noted.

As described below in "Strategic Actions and Related Presentation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures", the Company sold its polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") manufacturing facility in Spain in second quarter 2007 and sold its PET polymers and purified terephthalic acid ("PTA") manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands and its PET manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom and the related businesses in first quarter 2008.  Because the Company has exited the PET business in the European region, results from sales of PET products manufactured at the Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom sites, including impairments and restructuring charges of those operations, and gains and losses from disposal of those assets and businesses, are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented and are therefore not included in results from continuing operations under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").  For additional information, see Note 2, "Discontinued Operations ", to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.   Also in 2007, the Company sold its Mexico and Argentina PET manufacturing sites.  Sales and results from these sites are not presented as discontinued operations due to the Performance Polymers segment's continuing involvement in the Latin American region including polymer intermediates sales to the divested facilities.


20 
 

 
 
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 in the United States, 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, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to impairment of 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 listed and described in Part II, Item 7 of the Company's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K are the most important to the fair presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results.  These estimates require management’s most significant judgments in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

STRATEGIC ACTIONS AND RELATED PRESENTATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

During 2007 and 2008, the Company took strategic actions in its Performance Polymers segment to address its underperforming PET manufacturing facilities outside the United States.  In second quarter 2007, the Company completed the sale of its PET manufacturing facility in Spain and in first quarter 2008, the Company completed the sale of its PET polymers and PTA manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands and the PET manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom and related businesses.  Results from, charges related to, and gains and losses from disposal of the Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom assets and businesses are presented as discontinued operations.  In fourth quarter 2007, the Company completed the sale of its Mexico and Argentina manufacturing facilities.  As part of this divestiture, the Company entered into transition supply agreements for polymer intermediates.  In order to provide a better understanding of the impact on Performance Polymers segment results of the divested Latin American PET assets, this Management's Discussion and Analysis includes certain financial measures with and without sales and operating results in Latin America from PET manufacturing facilities and related businesses in Mexico and Argentina and with and without contract polymer intermediates sales.

In fourth quarter 2006, the Company sold its polyethylene ("PE") and EpoleneTM polymer businesses and related assets of the Performance Polymers and Coatings, Adhesives, Specialty Polymers, and Inks ("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 Performance Chemicals and Intermediates ("PCI") segment results in 2008 and 2007.

Also in fourth quarter 2006, the Company made strategic decisions relating to the scheduled shutdown of cracking units in Longview, Texas and a planned shutdown of higher cost PET assets in Columbia, South Carolina.  Accelerated depreciation costs resulting from these decisions were $3 million and $9 million in third quarter 2008 and third quarter 2007, respectively, and $8 million and $37 million in first nine months 2008 and first nine months 2007, respectively.   For more information on accelerated depreciation costs, see "Gross Profit" in the "Results of Operations" section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis.

This Management's Discussion and Analysis includes the following non-GAAP financial measures and accompanying reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures:
·  
Company sales and segment sales and results from continuing operations excluding sales revenue and results from continuing operations from sales in Latin America of PET products manufactured at the divested Mexico and Argentina PET manufacturing sites;
·  
Company and segment sales excluding contract ethylene sales under a transition agreement related to the divestiture of the PE product lines;
·  
Company and segment sales excluding 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;

21 
 

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

·  
Company and segment gross profit, operating earnings and earnings from continuing operations excluding accelerated depreciation costs and asset impairments and restructuring charges; and
·  
Company earnings from continuing operations excluding net deferred tax benefits related to the previous divestiture of businesses.

Eastman's management believes that contract ethylene sales under the transition agreement related to the divestiture of the PE product lines and the 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 do not reflect the continuing and expected future business of the PCI and Performance Polymers segments.  In addition, for evaluation and analysis of ongoing business results and of the impact on the Company and segments of strategic decisions and actions to reduce costs and to improve the profitability of the Company, 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, and deferred tax benefits related to the previous divestiture of businesses, and that Company and segment sales and results from continuing operations should be considered both with and without sales revenue and results from continuing operations from sales in Latin America of PET products manufactured at the divested Mexico and Argentina manufacturing facilities.  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.

OVERVIEW

The Company generated sales revenue of $1.8 billion for third quarter 2008 and $1.7 billion for third quarter 2007.  Excluding the results of contract ethylene sales, contract polymer intermediates sales, and sales from divested PET facilities in Mexico and Argentina, sales revenue increased by 12 percent.  The Company generated sales revenue of $5.4 billion for first nine months 2008 compared to $5.1 billion for first nine months 2007.  Excluding the results of contract ethylene sales, contract polymer intermediates sales, and sales from divested PET facilities in Mexico and Argentina, sales revenue increased by 10 percent.  Sales revenue increases for both third quarter and first nine months 2008 compared to comparable periods 2007 were due to increased selling prices in response to higher raw material and energy costs more than offsetting lower sales volume.

Operating earnings were $174 million in third quarter 2008 compared to $46 million in third quarter 2007. Excluding accelerated depreciation costs and asset impairments and restructuring charges from both third quarter 2008 and 2007, operating earnings were $179 million in third quarter 2008 compared with $169 million in third quarter 2007.  Operating earnings were $514 million in first nine months 2008 compared to $360 million in first nine months 2007.  Excluding accelerated depreciation costs and asset impairments and restructuring charges from first nine months 2008, operating earnings were $544 million in first nine months 2008 compared with $513 million in first nine months 2007.  The Company's broad base of businesses continues to have strong results, despite increasing and volatile raw material and energy costs.  The Performance Polymers segment had significant improvement due primarily to improved operation of the South Carolina PET facility based on the IntegRexTM technology.


22 
 

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


Primarily as a result of strategic actions related to the Performance Polymers and PCI segments, operating earnings in third quarter 2008 were negatively impacted by $3 million of accelerated depreciation costs and $2 million in asset impairments and restructuring charges.  Operating earnings in third quarter 2007 were negatively impacted by $9 million of accelerated depreciation costs and $114 million in asset impairments and restructuring charges.  Operating earnings in first nine months 2008 were negatively impacted by $8 million of accelerated depreciation costs and $22 million in asset impairments and restructuring charges.  Operating earnings in first nine months 2007 were negatively impacted by $37 million of accelerated depreciation costs and $116 million in asset impairments and restructuring charges.  Asset impairments and restructuring charges for both third quarter and first nine months 2007 were primarily related to the divestiture of the Company’s Mexico and Argentina PET manufacturing sites.

Earnings from continuing operations increased by $75 million for third quarter 2008 as compared to third quarter 2007.  Excluding accelerated depreciation costs and asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, earnings from continuing operations were $102 million and $107 million, respectively.  Earnings from continuing operations increased by $110 million for first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007.  Excluding accelerated depreciation costs, asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, and net deferred tax benefits related to the previous divestiture of businesses, earnings from continuing operations were $338 million and $322 million, respectively.  Earnings from continuing operations for first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 included a reduction in the provision for income taxes resulting from an estimated benefit from a federal gasification investment tax credit associated with the Company’s expected capital spending in 2008 on the Beaumont, Texas industrial gasification project.

The Company generated $293 million in cash from operating activities during first nine months 2008 compared to $411 million generated by operating activities in first nine months 2007.  The difference was primarily due to a greater increase in working capital largely resulting from an increase in inventory attributable to higher raw material costs, which was partially offset by lower pension contributions.  In first nine months 2007, the Company contributed $100 million to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan and does not plan to make any contributions in 2008.  In first nine months 2008, the Company received proceeds from sales of assets and investments of $333 million, repurchased shares totaling $501 million, and repaid $175 million of borrowings.

The Company believes that cash balances, cash flows from operations, and external sources of liquidity will be available and sufficient to meet foreseeable cash flow requirements.  As of September 30, 2008, the Company had $337 million of cash and cash equivalents and an undrawn $700 million committed revolving credit facility.  The revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) is available through 2013, is supported by a diverse group of banks, and can be drawn for general corporate purposes.  The Company is currently in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facility.  In addition, there are no material debt maturities until 2012.  The Company believes the combination of cash from operations, manageable leverage, and committed external sources of liquidity provides a solid financial foundation that positions it well in the current volatile economic and financial environments. 

In addition to the completion of the sale of its PET polymers and PTA manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands and the PET manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom in first quarter 2008, Eastman continued to progress on its overall growth objectives including the industrial gasification project in the U.S. Gulf Coast and actions to improve the performance of its Performance Polymers segment including the transformation at the South Carolina facility.  In June 2008, the Company acquired the remaining ownership interest in TX Energy, LLC (“TX Energy”) for approximately $35 million.  With this acquisition, the Company became the sole owner and developer of the industrial gasification facility in Beaumont, Texas.  Additionally in June 2008, the Company sold its ownership interest in the St. James Parish, Louisiana industrial gasification project for approximately $11 million and will no longer participate in the project.


23 
 

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


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
   
Third Quarter
                         
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change
   
Volume Effect
   
Price Effect
   
Product
Mix Effect
   
Exchange
Rate
Effect
 
                                           
Sales
  $ 1,819     $ 1,692       8 %     (8 ) %     14 %     1 %     1 %
                                                         
Sales from Mexico and Argentina PET manufacturing facilities (1)
    --       90                                          
Sales - contract polymer intermediates sales (2)
    35       --                                          
Sales - contract ethylene sales (3)
    89       84                                          
Sales – excluding listed items
    1,695       1,518       12 %     (3 ) %     14 %     -- %     1 %
                                                         
 
 
   
First Nine Months
                         
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change
   
Volume Effect
   
Price Effect
   
Product
Mix Effect
   
Exchange
Rate
Effect
 
                                           
Sales
  $ 5,380     $ 5,093       6 %     (8 ) %     11 %     2 %     1 %
                                                         
Sales from Mexico and Argentina PET manufacturing facilities (1)
    --       325                                          
Sales - contract polymer intermediates sales (2)
    117       --                                          
Sales - contract ethylene sales (3)
    283       228                                          
Sales – excluding listed items
    4,980       4,540       10 %     (4 ) %     11 %     2 %     1 %
                                                         
 
(1) Sales revenue for 2007 include sales revenue from PET manufacturing facilities and related businesses in Cosoleacaque, Mexico and Zarate, Argentina divested in fourth quarter 2007.
 
(2) Included in 2008 sales revenue are 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.
 
(3) Included in 2008 and 2007 sales revenue are contract ethylene sales under the transition supply agreement related to the divestiture of the PE businesses.


24 
 

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



Sales revenue in third quarter and first nine months 2008 compared to third quarter and first nine months 2007 increased $127 million and $287 million, respectively.  Excluding the results of contract ethylene sales, contract polymer intermediates sales, and sales from divested Mexico and Argentina PET manufacturing facilities, sales revenue increased $177 million and $440 million for third quarter and first nine months 2008 compared to third quarter and first nine months 2007, respectively.  The increases were primarily due to higher selling prices in all segments in response to higher raw material and energy costs partially offset by lower sales volume.  Lower sales volume for the Performance Polymers, CASPI, and PCI segments was partially offset by higher sales volume in the Specialty Plastics (“SP”) segment.


   
Third Quarter
   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change
   
2008
   
2007
   
Change
 
                                     
Gross Profit
  $ 322     $ 307       5 %   $ 980     $ 902       9 %
As a percentage of sales
    18 %     18 %             18 %     18 %        
                                                 
Accelerated depreciation costs included in cost of goods sold
    3       9               8       37          
                                                 
Gross Profit excluding accelerated depreciation costs
    325       316       3 %     988       939       5 %
As a percentage of sales
    18 %     19 %             18 %     18 %        

Gross profit for third quarter 2008 increased $15 million compared to third quarter 2007, primarily in the PCI, Performance Polymers, and CASPI segments partially offset by the SP segment, as higher selling prices were partially offset by higher raw material and energy costs.  Third quarter 2008 and 2007 included accelerated depreciation costs of $3 million and $9 million, respectively, resulting from the previously reported shutdowns of the cracking units in Longview, Texas and of higher cost PET polymer assets in Columbia, South Carolina.  The Company's third quarter 2008 raw material and energy costs increased by approximately $225 million compared with third quarter 2007.

Gross profit for first nine months 2008 increased $78 million compared to first nine months 2007, primarily in the Performance Polymers, PCI, and Fibers segments partially offset by the SP segment, as higher selling prices were partially offset by higher raw material and energy costs.  First nine months 2008 and 2007 included accelerated depreciation costs of $8 million and $37 million, respectively, resulting from the previously reported shutdowns of the cracking units in Longview, Texas and of higher cost PET polymer assets in Columbia, South Carolina.  The Company's first nine months 2008 raw material and energy costs increased by approximately $575 million compared with first nine months 2007.

   
Third Quarter
   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change
   
2008
   
2007
   
Change
 
                                     
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
  $ 107     $ 104       3  %   $ 324     $ 311       4 %
Research and Development Expenses
    39       43       (9 )%     120       115       4 %
    $ 146     $ 147       (1 )%   $ 444     $ 426       4 %
As a percentage of sales
    8 %     9 %             8 %     8 %        

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses for third quarter 2008 increased compared to third quarter 2007 primarily due to higher compensation expense in third quarter 2008.  SG&A costs for first nine months 2008 increased compared to first nine months 2007 primarily due to higher compensation expense and higher expenses related to corporate initiatives.

25 
 

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



Research and development ("R&D") expenses decreased $4 million in third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 primarily due to higher pre-commercialization expenses for Eastman TritanTM   copolyester in the SP segment in third quarter 2007.  R&D expenses increased $5 million in first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 primarily due to higher expenses related to corporate initiatives.

Asset Impairments and Restructuring Charges, Net

Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, totaled $2 million and $22 million for third quarter and first nine months 2008, respectively, compared to $114 million and $116 million for third quarter and first nine months 2007, respectively.  For more information regarding asset impairments and restructuring charges, net see the CASPI, PCI, Performance Polymers, and SP segment discussions and Note 8, “Asset Impairments and Restructuring Charges, Net”  to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Operating Earnings
         
   
Third Quarter
 
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Change
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change
 
                                 
Operating earnings
  $ 174     $ 46  
>100 %
  $ 514     $ 360       43 %
Accelerated depreciation costs included in cost of goods sold
    3       9         8       37          
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
    2       114         22       116          
Operating earnings excluding accelerated depreciation costs and asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
  $ 179     $ 169  
6 %
  $ 544     $ 513       6 %

Interest Expense, Net

   
Third Quarter
   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change
   
2008
   
2007
   
Change
 
                                     
Gross interest costs
  $ 26     $ 30           $ 80     $ 86        
Less:  Capitalized interest
    3       3             7       8        
Interest expense
    23       27       (15 )%     73       78       (6 ) %
Interest income
    4       11               20       31          
Interest expense, net
  $ 19     $ 16       19 %   $ 53     $ 47       13 %
                                                 
Gross interest costs for third quarter and first nine months 2008 were lower compared to third quarter and first nine months 2007 due to lower average interest rates and lower average borrowings. Interest income for third quarter and first nine months 2008 was lower compared to third quarter and first nine months 2007 due to lower cash balances and lower average interest rates.

For 2008, the Company expects net interest expense to increase compared with 2007 primarily due to lower interest income, driven by lower average cash balances and lower average interest rates.

26 
 

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


Other (Income) Charges, Net

   
Third Quarter
   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Other (income)
  $ (2 )   $ (12 )   $ (1 )   $ (21 )
Other charges
    9       2       8       3  
Other (income) charges, net
  $ 7     $ (10 )   $ 7     $ (18 )

Included in other income are gains from the sale of non-operating assets, other non-operating income related to Holston Defense Corporation, the Company's portion of net earnings from its equity investments, net gains on foreign exchange transactions, and gains on the sale of business venture investments.  Included in other charges are net losses on foreign exchange transactions, the Company's portion of losses from its equity investments, write-downs to fair value of business venture investments due to other than temporary declines in value, and fees on securitized receivables.

The change in third quarter and first nine months 2008 compared to third quarter and first nine months 2007 is primarily due to losses on foreign exchange.

Provision for Income Taxes
 
   
Third Quarter
   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Provision for income taxes
  $ 48     $ 15     $ 124     $ 111  
Effective tax rate
    33 %     38 %     27 %     34 %

The third quarter 2008 and 2007 effective tax rates, excluding discrete items, were approximately 33 percent.  The Company expects a full year tax rate on earnings from continuing operations before income tax, excluding discrete items, of approximately 30 percent.  The variance in third quarter and expected full year tax rates is due to timing of recognition of general business credits during 2008.

The effective tax rate for first nine months 2008 reflects an estimated benefit resulting from a federal gasification investment tax credit, an $11 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.  The full year effective tax will also reflect the recognition of the research and development tax credit that was renewed on October 3, 2008 as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

In 2006, the Company was awarded a federal investment tax credit of $130 million related to a project which was to be located at the Company’s Longview, Texas facility.  Subsequently, the Company decided to relocate the project to Beaumont, Texas.  Federal legislation enacted during the second quarter of 2008 directed the transfer of federal investment tax credits between sites for projects meeting specific criteria.  The Company included the estimated benefit of the federal investment tax credit in the effective tax rate commencing in the second quarter 2008.  The use of the credit is dependent on the level of annual qualified capital spending on the gasification project.  The Company expects to continue to benefit from this credit through 2010, as qualifying capital expenditures are incurred.


27 
 

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



Earnings from Continuing Operations
                 
   
Third Quarter
   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 100     $ 25     $ 330     $ 220  
Accelerated depreciation costs included in cost of goods sold, net of tax
    2       6       5       24  
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net of tax
    3       76       17       78  
Net deferred tax benefits related to the previous divestiture of  businesses
    (3     --       (14 )     --  
Earnings from continuing operations excluding accelerated depreciation costs and asset impairments and restructuring charges, net of tax
  $ 102     $ 107     $ 338     $ 322  


Net Earnings
                 
   
Third Quarter
   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 100     $ 25     $ 330     $ 220  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
    --       (5 )     --       (7 )
Gain (loss) from disposal of discontinued operations
    --       --       18       (11 )
Net earnings
  $ 100     $ 20     $ 348     $ 202  

The gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax of $18 million for first nine months 2008 is from the sale of the Company's PET polymers and PTA production facilities in the Netherlands and its PET production facility in the United Kingdom and related businesses for approximately $340 million in first quarter 2008.  The loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax of $11 million for first nine months 2007 is from the sale of the Company's PET polymers manufacturing facility in Spain for approximately $42 million in second quarter 2007.  For additional information, see Note 2, "Discontinued Operations", to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements.

SUMMARY BY OPERATING SEGMENT

The Company’s products and operations are managed and reported in five reportable operating segments, consisting of the CASPI segment, the Fibers segment, the PCI segment, the Performance Polymers segment, and the SP segment.   For additional information concerning the Company’s operating businesses and products, see Note 23, "Segment Information", to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

R&D and other expenses not identifiable to an operating segment are not included in segment operating results for either of the periods presented and are shown in Note 16, "Segment Information", as "other" operating losses in this Form 10-Q.


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


CASPI Segment
 
Third Quarter
 
First Nine Months
         
Change
         
Change
(Dollars in millions)
2008
 
2007
 
$
 
%
 
2008
 
2007
 
$
 
%
                               
Sales
$
410
$
368
$
42
 
11 %
$
1,213
$
1,089
$
124
 
11 %
 
Volume effect
       
(35)
 
(10) %
         
(43)
 
(4) %
 
Price effect
       
60
 
16 %
         
119
 
11 %
 
Product mix effect
       
11
 
3 %
         
26
 
2 %
 
Exchange rate effect
       
6
 
2 %
         
22
 
2 %
                               
                               
Operating earnings
55
 
59
 
(4)
 
(7) %
 
167
 
190
 
(23)
 
(12) %
                               
Asset impairments and restructuring gains
--
 
(1)
 
1
     
(2)
 
(1)
 
(1)
   
                               
Operating earnings excluding asset impairments and restructuring gains
55
 
58
 
(3)
 
(5) %
 
165
 
189
 
(24)
 
(13) %

Sales revenue increased $42 million in third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 due to higher selling prices in response to higher raw material and energy costs, particularly for propylene, propane, and adhesives raw materials.  Sales volume declined due primarily to lower sales volume in North America in part due to the divestiture of certain adhesives product lines, and lower sales volume in Europe which was partially offset by higher sales volume in Asia Pacific.

Sales revenue increased $124 million in first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 due to higher selling prices in response to higher raw material and energy costs, particularly for propylene, propane, and adhesives raw materials.  Sales volume declined due primarily to lower sales volume in North America which was partially offset by higher sales volume in Asia Pacific and to the divestiture of certain adhesives product lines.

Excluding asset impairments and restructuring gains, operating earnings decreased $3 million for third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 and $24 million for first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 as lower sales volume and higher raw material and energy costs were partially offset by higher selling prices.  The segment was less successful in offsetting higher raw material and energy costs for its specialty products.  Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net for nine months 2008 reflects an adjustment to a reserve for the first quarter 2008 divestiture of certain product lines. 


29 
 

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



Fibers Segment
 
Third Quarter
 
First Nine Months
         
Change
         
Change
(Dollars in millions)
2008
 
2007
 
$
 
%
 
2008
 
2007
 
$
 
%
                               
Sales
$
269
$
258
$
11
 
4 %
$
783
$
731
$
52
 
7 %
 
Volume effect
       
5
 
2 %
         
16
 
2 %
 
Price effect
       
12
 
5 %
         
39
 
5 %
 
Product mix effect
       
(6)
 
(3) %
         
(5)
 
-- %
 
Exchange rate effect
       
--
 
-- %
         
2
 
 -- %
                               
                               
Operating earnings
65
 
66
 
(1)
 
(2) %
 
195
 
176
 
19
 
11 %
                               
Sales revenue increased $11 million in third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 and $52 million in first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 due to higher selling prices.  The higher selling prices were in response to higher raw material and energy costs, particularly for wood pulp and methanol.  An increase in acetate tow sales volume was offset by a decrease in acetyl chemical sales volume.

Operating earnings decreased $1 million for third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 primarily due to higher raw material and energy costs more than offsetting higher selling prices.

Operating earnings increased $19 million for first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 primarily due to customer buying patterns in the Asia Pacific region and higher selling prices for acetate tow products in all regions.

30 
 

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



PCI Segment
 
Third Quarter
 
First Nine Months
         
Change
         
Change
(Dollars in millions)
2008
 
2007
 
$
 
%
 
2008
 
2007
 
$
 
%
                               
Sales
$
594
$
509
$
85
 
17 %
$
1,768
$
  1,559
$
209
 
13 %
Volume effect
         
(42)
 
(8) %
         
(128)
 
(8) %
Price effect
         
120
 
24  %
         
312
 
20 %
Product mix effect
         
4
 
1 %
         
14
 
1 %
Exchange rate effect
         
3
 
-- %
         
11
 
-- %
                                 
Sales – contract ethylene sales
89
 
84
 
5
     
283
 
228
 
55
   
                               
Sales – continuing product lines
505
 
425
 
80
 
19 %
 
1,485
 
1,331
 
154
 
12 %
Volume effect
       
(9)
 
(2) %
         
(80)
 
(6) %
Price effect
       
86
 
20 %
         
222
 
17 %
Product mix effect
       
--
 
-- %
         
1
 
-- %
Exchange rate effect
       
3
 
1 %
         
11
 
1 %
                               
                               
Operating earnings
62
 
50
 
12
 
24 %
 
160
 
161
 
(1)
 
(1) %
                               
Accelerated depreciation costs included in cost of goods sold
2
 
2
 
--
     
4
 
16
 
(12)
   
                               
Asset impairments and restructuring charges (gains)
1
 
(1)
 
2
     
20
 
(1)
 
21
   
                               
Operating earnings excluding accelerated depreciation costs and asset impairments and restructuring charges (gains)
65
 
51
 
14
 
27 %
 
184
 
176
 
8
 
5 %
                               
Sales revenue increased $85 million in third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007.  Excluding contract ethylene sales under the transition agreement resulting from the divestiture of the Performance Polymers segment's PE business in fourth quarter 2006, sales revenue increased due to higher selling prices in response to higher raw material and energy costs.   Contract ethylene sales revenues increased due to higher selling prices more than offsetting lower sales volume resulting from the shutdown of one of the cracking units.



31 
 

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


Sales revenue increased $209 million in first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007.  Excluding contract ethylene sales under the transition agreement resulting from the divestiture of the Performance Polymers segment's PE business in fourth quarter 2006, sales revenue increased due to higher selling prices in response to higher raw material and energy.  The lower sales volume was primarily due to lower production volume for bulk olefins product lines resulting from the previously reported shutdown of a cracking unit in fourth quarter 2007.  Contract ethylene sales revenues increased due to higher selling prices more than offsetting lower sales volume resulting from the shutdown of one of the cracking units.

Excluding accelerated depreciation costs and asset impairments and restructuring charges (gains), operating earnings increased $14 million in third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 and $8 million in first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 due to higher selling prices more than offsetting higher raw material and energy costs, particularly for propylene, propane, and natural gas.  Contract ethylene sales had minimal impact.  The accelerated depreciation costs are related to the continuation of the previously reported planned staged phase-out of older cracking units at the Company's Longview, Texas facility.  Asset impairments and restructuring charges in third quarter and first nine months 2008 consisted primarily of severance and pension costs from the decision to close a previously impaired site in the United Kingdom.


32 
 

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


Performance Polymers Segment

As a result of the Company's strategic actions in the Performance Polymers segment, the discussion below is of results from continuing operations in all periods presented.  For additional information, see Note 2, "Discontinued Operations", to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
Third Quarter
 
First Nine Months
         
Change
         
Change
(Dollars in millions)
2008
 
2007
 
$
 
%
 
2008
 
2007
 
$
 
%
                               
Sales
$
293
$
340
$
(47)
 
(14) %
$
886
$
1,070
$
(184)
 
(17) %
 
Volume effect
       
(86)
 
(25) %
         
(302)
 
(28) %
 
Price effect
       
42
 
12 %
         
80
 
8 %
 
Product mix effect
       
(3)
 
(1) %
         
36
 
3 %
 
Exchange rate effect
       
--
 
-- %
         
2
 
-- %
                               
Sales from Mexico and Argentina PET manufacturing facilities (1)
--
 
90
 
(90)
     
--
 
325
 
(325)
   
                               
Sales – contract polymer intermediates sales (2)
35
 
--
 
35
     
117
 
--
 
117
   
                               
Sales – U.S. PET manufacturing facilities
258
 
250
 
8
 
4 %
 
769
 
745
 
24
 
3 %
Volume effect
       
(30)
 
(12) %
         
(94)
 
(13) %
Price effect
       
41
 
17 %
         
80
 
11 %
Product mix effect
       
(3)
 
(1) %
         
36
 
5 %
Exchange rate effect
       
--
 
-- %
         
2
 
-- %
                               

 
(1) Sales revenue and operating results for 2007 includes sales revenue from PET manufacturing facilities and related businesses in Cosoleacaque, Mexico and Zarate, Argentina divested in fourth quarter 2007.
 
(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.


33 
 

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



 
Third Quarter
 
First Nine Months
         
Change
         
Change
(Dollars in millions)
2008
 
2007
 
$
 
%
 
2008
 
2007
 
$
 
%
                               
Operating earnings (loss) (1)
$
(1)
$
(128)
$
127
 
99 %
$
(5)
$
(181)
$
176
 
97 %
Operating loss – from sales from Mexico and Argentina PET manufacturing facilities (1)(2)
(3)
 
(121)
 
118
 
98 %
 
(3)
 
(125)
 
122
 
98 %
Operating earnings (loss) – U.S. PET manufacturing facilities (1)
2
 
(7)
 
9
 
>100 %
 
(2)
 
(56)
 
54
 
96 %
                               
                               
Operating earnings (loss) excluding items (1)(3)
1
 
(7)
 
8
 
>100 %
 
3
 
(46)
 
49
 
>100 %
Operating loss excluding items – from sales from Mexico and Argentina PET manufacturing facilities (1)(2)(4)
--
 
(4)
 
4
 
100 %
 
--
 
(8)
 
8
 
100 %
Operating earnings (loss) excluding items – U.S. PET manufacturing facilities (1)(5)
1
 
(3)
 
4
 
>100 %
 
3
 
(38)
 
41
 
>100 %

 
(1)     Includes allocated costs consistent with the Company’s historical practices, some of which may remain and could be reallocated to the remainder of the segment and other segments.
 
(2)    Operating results for 2007 includes sales revenue from PET manufacturing facilities and related businesses in Cosoleacaque, Mexico and Zarate, Argentina divested in fourth quarter 2007.
 
(3)     Items are accelerated depreciation costs and asset impairments and restructuring charges, net.  Accelerated depreciation costs of $1 million and $7 million in third quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $4 million and $20 million for first nine months 2008 and 2007, respectively, resulted from restructuring actions associated with higher cost PET polymer assets in Columbia, South Carolina.  In third quarter and first nine months, 2008, asset impairments and restructuring charges, net of $1 million and $4 million, respectively, related to restructuring at the South Carolina facility using IntegRexTM technology and to the divested PET manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Argentina, partially offset by a resolution of a contingency from the sale of the Company’s PE and EpoleneTM polymer businesses divested in fourth quarter 2006.  Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net of $114 million for third quarter 2007 and $115 for first nine months 2007 primarily related to the divested PET manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Argentina.
 
(4)     Items are asset impairments and restructuring charges, net, relating to the Mexico and Argentina PET manufacturing facilities.  Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net were $3 million in third quarter and first nine months 2008, and $117 million for third quarter and first nine months 2007.
 
(5)     Items are accelerated depreciation costs and asset impairments and restructuring charges (gains) related to U.S. PET manufacturing sites.  Accelerated depreciation costs were $1 million and $7 million in third quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $4 million and $20 million for first nine months 2008 and 2007, respectively. Asset impairments and restructuring charges (gains) were $(2) million and $1 million in third quarter and first nine months 2008, respectively, and $(3) million and $(2) million for third quarter and first nine months, 2007.

Sales revenue decreased $47 million in third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 and $184 million in first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 due to the divestiture of PET manufacturing facilities and related businesses in Cosoleacaque, Mexico and Zarate, Argentina.


34 
 

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


For U.S. PET manufacturing facilities, excluding contract polymer intermediates sales to the buyer of the divested Mexico and Argentina facilities and sales from the divested PET facilities in Mexico and Argentina, sales revenue increased $8 million in third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 and $24 million in first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 due to higher selling prices more than offsetting lower sales volume.  Higher selling prices were in response to higher raw material and energy costs, particularly for paraxylene and ethylene glycol.  The decline in sales volume was due to the shutdown of higher cost PET assets in first half of 2008 and was also attributed to weaker demand for bottled carbonated soft drinks and lighter-weight water bottles. 

Excluding accelerated depreciation costs and asset impairments and restructuring charges, operating results for U.S. PET manufacturing facilities increased $4 million for third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 and $41 million for first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 due primarily to higher selling prices and actions to improve results at the Company’s South Carolina PET facility, including the new PET facility based on IntegRex™ technology, partially offset by higher raw material and energy costs.  The results in first nine months 2007 were impacted by costs associated with the new PET facility based on IntegRexTM technology becoming fully operational and the timing of the commercial launch of ParaStarTM PET.

Production began in November 2006 at the Company's new PET manufacturing facility utilizing IntegRexTM technology in Columbia, South Carolina.  Manufacturing ParaStarTM PET resins, the 350,000 metric ton facility was fully operational in first quarter of 2007.  A previously disclosed reduction of $30 million in annual costs at this facility was completed in second quarter 2008.  The Company plans to debottleneck this facility beginning in fourth quarter of 2008 to increase capacity to over 525,000 metric tons of ParaStarTM PET resins.

SP Segment
 
Third Quarter
 
First Nine Months
         
Change
         
Change
(Dollars in millions)
2008
 
2007
 
$
 
%
 
2008
 
2007
 
$
 
%
                               
Sales
$
253
$
217
$
36
 
17 %
$
730
$
644
$
86
 
13 %
 
Volume effect
       
18
 
8 %
         
37
 
6 %
 
Price effect
       
10
 
5 %
         
20
 
3 %
 
Product mix effect
       
4
 
2 %
         
13
 
2 %
 
Exchange rate effect
       
4
 
2 %
         
16
 
2 %
                               
                               
Operating earnings
6
 
13
 
(7)
 
(54) %
 
36
 
49
 
(13)
 
(27) %
                               
Accelerated depreciation costs included in cost of goods sold
--
 
--
 
--
     
--
 
1
 
(1)
   
                               
Asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
--
 
--
 
--
     
--
 
1
 
(1)
   
                               
Operating earnings excluding accelerated depreciation costs and asset impairments and restructuring charges, net
6
 
13
 
(7)
 
(54) %
 
36
 
51
 
(15)
 
(29) %

35 
 

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



Sales revenue increased $36 million in third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 and $86 million in first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 due to increased sales volume, particularly in Asia Pacific and North America and higher selling prices.  Selling prices increased in response to higher raw material and energy costs particularly for paraxylene and ethylene glycol.  Sales volume increased primarily due to growth in copolyester products in packaging, consumer and durable goods and cellulose esters used in liquid crystal display (“LCD”) screens.

Excluding accelerated depreciation costs and asset impairments and restructuring charges, operating earnings decreased $7 million for third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 and $15 million in first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 due to higher raw material and energy costs more than offsetting higher selling prices and the impact of increased sales volume.  First nine months 2007 operating results included $1 million in asset impairment and restructuring costs primarily for the Spain cyclohexane dimethanol ("CHDM") facility and $1 million of accelerated depreciation costs for restructuring actions associated with higher cost PET polymer assets in Columbia, South Carolina.

The SP segment is progressing with the introduction of its new copolyester, Eastman TritanTM copolyester, including a new 30,000 metric ton TritanTM manufacturing facility expected to be online by early 2010.

SUMMARY BY CUSTOMER LOCATION

Sales Revenue

   
Third Quarter
                         
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change
   
Volume Effect
   
Price Effect
   
Product
Mix Effect
   
Exchange
Rate
Effect
 
                                           
United States and Canada
  $ 1,124     $ 1,021       10 %     (9 ) %     19 %     -- %     -- %
Asia Pacific
    309       259       20 %     6 %     10 %     3 %     1 %
Europe, Middle East, and Africa
    248       231       7 %     (2 ) %     4 %     1 %     4 %
Latin America
    138       181       (24 ) %     (32 ) %     6 %     2 %     -- %
    $ 1,819     $ 1,692       8 %     (8 ) %     14 %     1 %     1 %

Sales revenue in the United States and Canada increased for third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 primarily due to higher selling prices particularly in the PCI and CASPI segments partially offset by lower sales volume in all segments excluding the SP segment.  Excluding contract ethylene sales, sales revenue increased 10 percent.  Lower sales volume was attributed to generally weakened economic conditions.  Higher selling prices for contract ethylene was mostly offset by lower sales volume for contract ethylene.

Sales revenue in Asia Pacific increased for third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 primarily due to higher selling prices in all segments and increased sales volume in the SP, Fibers, and CASPI segments partially offset by lower sales volume in the PCI segment.

Sales revenue in Europe, Middle East and Africa increased for third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007, primarily due to a favorable foreign exchange rate in all segments and higher selling prices in all segments excluding the SP segment.


36 
 

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



Sales revenue in Latin America decreased for third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007 primarily due to lower sales volume resulting from the divestiture of the PET manufacturing facilities and related businesses in Cosoleacaque, Mexico and Zarate, Argentina in fourth quarter 2007.  Excluding divested product lines and contract polymer intermediates sales to the divested facilities, sales revenue increased 14 percent due to increased selling prices in all segments.

   
First Nine Months
                         
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change
   
Volume Effect
   
Price Effect
   
Product
Mix Effect
   
Exchange
Rate
Effect
 
                                           
United States and Canada
  $ 3,287     $ 3,053       8 %     (8 ) %     16 %     -- %     -- %
Asia Pacific
    921       782       18 %     5 %     8 %     4 %     1 %
Europe, Middle East, and Africa
    774       694       12 %     2 %     -- %     4 %     6 %
Latin America
    398       564       (29 ) %     (35 ) %     4 %     2 %     -- %
    $ 5,380     $ 5,093       6 %     (8 ) %     11 %     2 %     1 %

Sales revenue in the United States and Canada increased for first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 primarily due to higher selling prices particularly in the PCI segment partially offset by lower sales volume for contract ethylene sales in the PCI segment.  Excluding contract ethylene sales, sales revenue increased 6 percent primarily due to higher selling prices in the PCI, Performance Polymers, and CASPI segments, partially offset by lower sales volume in the same segments.

Sales revenue in Asia Pacific increased for first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 primarily due to higher selling prices, increased sales volume, and a favorable shift in product mix.  Higher selling prices and a favorable shift in product mix were in all segments excluding PCI.  Higher sales volume in the Fibers, SP, and CASPI segments were partially offset by lower sales volume in the Performance Polymers and PCI segments.

Sales revenue in Europe, Middle East and Africa increased for first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007, primarily due to a favorable foreign exchange rate in all segments and a favorable shift in product mix in all segments excluding the Fibers segment.

Sales revenue in Latin America decreased for first nine months 2008 compared to first nine months 2007 primarily due to lower sales volume resulting from the divestiture of the PET manufacturing facilities and related businesses in Cosoleacaque, Mexico and Zarate, Argentina in fourth quarter 2007.  Excluding divested product lines and contract polymer intermediates sales to the divested facilities, sales revenue increased 18 percent primarily due to 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.  In addition, where it deems such actions advisable, the Company engages in foreign currency hedging transactions and requires letters of credit and prepayment for shipments where its assessment of individual customer and country risks indicates their use is appropriate.  For additional information, see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 and Part II, Item 7A of the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


37 
 

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

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES, AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Cash Flows

   
First Nine Months
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Net cash provided by (used in)
           
Operating activities
  $ 293     $ 411  
Investing activities
    (145 )     (299 )
Financing activities
    (699 )     (270 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    --       --  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    ( 551 )     ( 158 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    888       939  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 337     $ 781  

Cash provided by operating activities was $293 million in first nine months 2008 compared to $411 million provided by operating activities in first nine months 2007.  The lower level of cash provided by operating activities in first nine months 2008 was primarily due to a greater increase in working capital largely resulting from an increase in inventory attributable to higher raw material costs.  In first nine months 2007, the Company contributed $100 million to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan and does not plan to make contributions to the pension plan in 2008.  Depreciation and amortization expense for first nine months 2008 decreased compared to first nine months 2007 resulting from the divestitures of manufacturing facilities and related assets in Latin America and Europe in fourth quarter 2007 and first quarter 2008, respectively and due to a reduction in accelerated depreciation costs.

Cash used in investing activities was $145 million in first nine months 2008 compared to $299 million used in first nine months 2007.  Proceeds of $333 million were received in first nine months 2008 primarily from the sale of the Company's PET polymers and PTA manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands and the PET manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom.  Capital spending of $430 million increased consistent with the Company's higher expected capital spending in 2008.

Cash used in financing activities totaled $699 million in first nine months 2008 compared to $270 million used in financing activities in first nine months 2007 and included cash paid for share repurchases totaling $501 million in the first nine months 2008 and $300 million in the first nine months 2007 and a repayment of borrowings of $175 million in the first nine months 2008 and $11 million in the first nine months 2007.

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

Liquidity

At September 30, 2008, the Company had credit facilities with various U.S. and foreign banks totaling approximately $800 million.  These credit facilities consist of the $700 million Credit Facility and a 60 million euro credit facility ("Euro Facility").  The Credit Facility has two tranches, with $125 million expiring in 2012 and $575 million expiring in 2013.  The Euro Facility expires in 2012.  Borrowings under these credit facilities are subject to interest at varying spreads above quoted market rates.  The Credit Facility requires a facility fee on the total commitment that is based on Eastman’s credit rating.  In addition, these credit facilities contain a number of customary covenants and events of default, including the maintenance of certain financial ratios.  The Company was in compliance with all such covenants for all periods presented.  At September 30, 2008, the Company’s credit facility borrowings totaled $85 million, primarily the Euro Facility, at an effective interest rate of 5.36 percent.  At December 31, 2007, borrowings on these credit facilities were $188 million, primarily from the Euro Facility, at an effective interest rate of 4.79 percent.


38 
 

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


The Company used part of the proceeds from the sale of its PET polymers and PTA production facilities in the Netherlands and its PET production facility in the United Kingdom and related businesses to reduce the balance outstanding on its Euro Facility by $103 million in second quarter 2008.
 
The Credit Facility provides liquidity support for general corporate purposes.  Accordingly, any outstanding commercial paper borrowings reduce borrowings available under the Credit Facility.  Since the Credit Facility expires in April 2012, any commercial paper borrowings supported by the Credit Facility are classified as long-term borrowings because the Company has the ability to refinance such borrowings on a long-term basis.

For more information regarding interest rates, refer to Note 7, "Borrowings", to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements.

The Company repaid $72 million of 3 1/4% notes that matured June 15, 2008.
 
The Company has effective shelf registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") to issue a combined $1.1 billion of debt or equity securities.

The Company has repurchased shares of the Company's outstanding stock at such times, in such amounts, and on such terms, as determined to be in the best interests of the Company.  For additional information, see “Treasury Stock” below.

The Company contributed $100 million to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan in first quarter 2007 and expects no contributions to this plan during 2008.

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

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $430 million and $346 million for first nine months for 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The Company expects capital spending in 2008 will be between $625 million and $650 million, with the increase over 2007 primarily due to completing the acetate tow capacity expansion in Workington, England, debottlenecking the South Carolina PET manufacturing facility utilizing IntegRexTM technology, front-end engineering and design for the industrial gasification project, increasing capacity of cellulose triacetate (“CTA”) for LCD screens, and increasing manufacturing capacity for Eastman TritanTM copolyester.

Other Commitments

At September 30, 2008, the Company’s obligations related to notes and debentures totaled approximately $1.3 billion to be paid over a period of up to 20 years.  Other borrowings, related primarily to credit facility borrowings, totaled approximately $100 million.

The Company had various purchase obligations at September 30, 2008 totaling approximately $2.0 billion over a period of approximately 15 years for materials, supplies and energy incident to the ordinary conduct of business.  For information regarding the Company's lease commitments, refer to Note 11, "Commitments", to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements.

In addition, the Company had other liabilities at September 30, 2008 totaling approximately $1.0 billion primarily related to pension, retiree medical, and other post-employment obligations.

39 
 

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

The items described above are summarized in the following table:

(Dollars in millions)
 
Payments Due for
 
Period
 
 
Notes and Debentures
 
 
 
Credit Facility Borrowings and Other
 
 
 
Interest Payable
 
 
 
 
Purchase Obligations
 
 
 
Operating Leases
 
 
Other Liabilities (a)
 
 
Total
                             
2008
$
--
$
--
$
17
$
118
$
9
$
20
$
 164
2009
 
--
 
14
 
94
 
489
 
30
 
117
 
 744
2010
 
--
 
--
 
94
 
468
 
26
 
70
 
 658
2011
 
2
 
--
 
94
 
260
 
24
 
59
 
 439
2012
 
149
 
85
 
84
 
254
 
13
 
55
 
 640
2013 and beyond
 
1,186
 
--
 
948
 
394
 
18
 
653
 
3,199
Total
$
1,337
$
 99
$
1,331
$
1,983
$
 120
$
 974
$
5,844

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

Off-Balance Sheet and Other Financing Arrangements

If certain operating leases are terminated by the Company, it guarantees a portion of the residual value loss, if any, incurred by the lessors in disposing of the related assets.  For information on the Company's residual value guarantees, refer to Note 11, "Commitments", to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Eastman entered into an agreement in 1999 that allows it to generate cash by reducing its working capital through the sale of undivided interests in certain domestic trade accounts receivable under a planned continuous sale program to a third party.  For information on the Company's accounts receivable securitization program, refer to Note 11, "Commitments", to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements.  The Company has had on-going access to this accounts receivable securitization program and further expects its continued availability, subject to annual renewals.

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

The Company has evaluated its material contractual relationships and has concluded that the entities involved in these relationships are not Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs") or, in the case of Primester, a joint venture that manufactures cellulose acetate at the Company's Kingsport, Tennessee plant, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  As such, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, ("FASB") Interpretation Number 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities", the Company is not required to consolidate these entities.  In addition, the Company has evaluated long-term purchase obligations with an entity that may be a VIE at September 30, 2008.  This potential VIE is a joint venture from which the Company has purchased raw materials and utilities for several years and purchases approximately $50 million of raw materials and utilities on an annual basis.  The Company has no equity interest in this entity and has confirmed that one party to this joint venture does consolidate the potential VIE.  However, due to competitive and other reasons, the Company has not been able to obtain the necessary financial information to determine whether the entity is a VIE, and whether or not the Company is the primary beneficiary.
 

40 
 

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

Treasury Stock

In February 2007, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $300 million of the Company's outstanding common stock.  In September 2007, the Company completed the $300 million authorization repurchasing a total of 4.6 million shares.  In October 2007, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $700 million for the repurchase 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, 2007, a total of 1.3 million shares had been repurchased under this authorization for a total amount of $82 million.  During the first nine months 2008, the Company repurchased an additional 8.1 million shares of common stock for a cost of $501 million.

Dividends

The Company declared cash dividends of $0.44 per share in third quarter 2008 and 2007 and $1.32 per share in first nine months 2008 and 2007.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Effective first quarter 2008, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS")  No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements", ("SFAS No. 157"), except as it applies to those nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities addressed in FASB Staff Position FAS 157-2 ("FSP FAS 157-2").  The FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2 which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually).  The Company is currently evaluating the effect FSP FAS 157-2 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141R") which replaces SFAS No. 141 "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141").  SFAS No. 141R retains the fundamental requirements of SFAS No. 141 that the acquisition method of accounting be used for all business combinations.  However, SFAS No. 141R provides for the following changes from SFAS No. 141:  an acquirer will record 100% of assets and liabilities of acquired business, including goodwill, at fair value, regardless of the level of interest acquired; certain contingent assets and liabilities will be recognized at fair value at the acquisition date; contingent consideration will be recognized at fair value on the acquisition date with changes in fair value to be recognized in earnings upon settlement; acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs will be expensed as incurred; reversals of valuation allowances related to acquired deferred tax assets and changes to acquired income tax uncertainties will be recognized in earnings; and when making adjustments to finalize preliminary accounting, acquirers will revise any previously issued post-acquisition financial information in future financial statements to reflect any adjustments as if they occurred on the acquisition date.  SFAS No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009.  SFAS No. 141R will not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements when effective, but the nature and magnitude of the specific effects will depend upon the nature, terms, and size of the acquisitions consummated after the effective date.

41 
 

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

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51" ("SFAS No. 160"), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  SFAS No. 160 provides that accounting and reporting for minority interests be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity.  This Statement also establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners.  SFAS No. 160 applies to all entities that prepare consolidated financial statements but will affect only those entities that have an outstanding noncontrolling interest in one or more subsidiaries or that deconsolidate a subsidiary.  This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company has concluded that SFAS No. 160 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS Statement No. 161 "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 161").  The new standard is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.  It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged.  The new standard also improves transparency about the location and amounts of derivative instruments in an entity’s financial statements; how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities"; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.  The Company has concluded that SFAS No. 161 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") Emerging Issues Task Force (" EITF") Issue No. 03-6-1, " Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities" (" EITF Issue No. 03-6-1").  The FSP addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share under the two-class method.  The FSP affects entities that accrue dividends on share-based payment awards during the awards’ service period when the dividends do not need to be returned if the employees forfeit the award.  This FSP is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company has concluded that EITF Issue No. 03-6-1 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

OUTLOOK

For 2008, the Company expects:

·  
minimal declines in volume due to continued substitution of Eastman products for other materials, and new applications for existing products despite the softening U.S. and global economies;

·  
the volatility of raw material and energy cost increases to continue and that the Company will continue to use pricing strategies and ongoing cost control initiatives in an attempt to offset the effects on gross profit;

·  
to improve the profitability of its PET product lines in the Performance Polymers segment.  The Company expects to  debottleneck the new South Carolina PET facility utilizing IntegRexTM technology beginning in fourth quarter of 2008 for a total capacity of 525,000 metric tons of ParaStarTM PET; and continue to pursue options to create additional value from its IntegRexTM technology, primarily by actively pursuing licensing opportunities.  In addition to the above, the Company has already completed the divestiture of its underperforming PET manufacturing facilities outside the United States in first quarter 2008;  the shut down of another 300,000 metric tons of conventional PET polymers capacity at the South Carolina manufacturing facility and dimethyl terephthalate assets in first quarter 2008; and the elimination approximately $30 million of annual costs at the South Carolina site in second quarter 2008;


42 
 

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



·  
to position the SP segment for improved results.  The Company will continue to progress with the introduction of its new copolyester, Eastman TritanTM copolyester, including a new 30,000 metric ton TritanTM manufacturing facility expected to be online by early 2010.  In addition to the above, the Company has already completed the conversion of 50,000 metric tons of PET capacity to copolyester in second quarter 2008;

·  
that the staged phase-out of older cracking units in Longview, Texas and a planned shutdown of higher cost PET assets in Columbia, South Carolina will result in accelerated depreciation costs of approximately $10 million;

·  
ethylene volume to decline in the PCI segment due to the staged phase-out of older cracking units at the Company's Longview, Texas facility;

·  
to increase volume in the Performance Polymers segment due to the transition agreement for polymer intermediates;

·  
modest sales volume growth for acetate tow in the Fibers segment.  The Company expects to announce plans for new acetate tow capacity in Asia.  In addition to the above, the Company has already completed the expansion of its acetate tow plant in Workington, England, in October 2008;

·  
the PCI segment to have operating margins at the high end of the 5 to 10 percent range;

·  
the CASPI segment to maintain solid earnings slightly below the typical range of 15 to 20 percent operating margin, with continued weakness in the U.S. housing and automotive sectors offset by strength in Europe and Asia;

·  
to rework the front-end engineering and design for the industrial gasification project due to higher than expected interim capital estimates, thus delaying completion of this phase of the project to 2009 and to evaluate project financing after completion of the front-end engineering and design rework;
 
·  
net interest expense to increase compared with 2007 primarily due to lower interest income, driven by lower average invested cash balances and lower average interest rates;

·  
the effective tax rate to be approximately 30 percent including the benefit of the federal gasification investment tax credit and a federal research and development credit;

·  
capital spending will be between $625 million and $650 million as it funds targeted growth efforts, including the debottlenecking of the South Carolina manufacturing facility utilizing IntegRexTM technology, the front-end engineering and design for the industrial gasification project, increased capacity of CTA for LCD screens, increased capacity for Eastman TritanTM copolyester, and the completion of the acetate tow expansion in Workington, England; and

·  
priorities for uses of available cash to be to pay the quarterly cash dividend, fund targeted growth initiatives, repay debt (which was completed in second quarter 2008), and repurchase shares.
 
For fourth quarter 2008, the Company expects:
 
·  
continued economic weakness in North America and Europe, and slowing demand growth in Asia;

·  
continued volatility in our raw material and energy costs; and

·  
due to its global geographic profile, diverse product portfolio, and solid financial position, earnings per share from continuing operations, excluding items related to strategic actions, to be approximately $0.90 per share.


43 
 

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


 In addition to the above, the Company expects to improve earnings significantly through strategic efforts and growth initiatives in existing businesses over the next five years, and expects:
 
·  
the SP segment further to improve earnings by completing the conversion of an additional 50,000 metric tons of PET capacity to co-polyester capacity in 2011, increasing sales revenue from cellulose esters used in LCD screens and continued progress with the introduction of its high performance copolyesters;

·  
to pursue licensing opportunities for the PCI segment's acetyl and oxo technologies and for the Performance Polymers segment's IntegRexTM technology;

·  
to pursue growth opportunities in Asia for acetate tow in the Fibers segment; and

·  
to complete an additional 30 percent expansion of its CASPI segment's hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins manufacturing capacity in Middelburg, the Netherlands in early 2009.

See “Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors below.”

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
 
The expectations under "Outlook" and certain other statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may be forward-looking in nature as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  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 Chemical Company; cash requirements and uses of available cash; financing plans; pension expenses and funding; credit ratings; anticipated restructuring, divestiture, and consolidation activities; cost reduction and control efforts and targets; integration of 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 in turn based upon internal estimates and analyses of current market conditions and trends, management plans and strategies, economic conditions and other factors.  These plans and expectations and the assumptions underlying them are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions and results.  Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions and expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized.  In addition to the factors described in this report, the following are some of the important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements:

·  
The Company is reliant on certain strategic raw materials and energy commodities for its operations and utilizes risk management tools, including hedging, as appropriate, to mitigate short-term market fluctuations in raw material and energy costs.  There can be no assurance, however, that such measures will result in cost savings or that all market fluctuation exposure will be eliminated.  In addition, natural disasters, changes in laws or regulations, war or other outbreak of hostilities or terrorism or other political factors in any of the countries or regions in which the Company operates or does business or in countries or regions that are key suppliers of strategic raw materials and energy commodities, or breakdown or degradation of transportation infrastructure used for delivery of strategic raw materials and energy commodities, could affect availability and costs of raw materials and energy commodities.


44 
 

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


·  
While temporary shortages of raw materials and energy may occasionally occur, these items have historically been sufficiently available to cover current and projected requirements.  However, their continuous availability and price are impacted by natural disasters, plant interruptions occurring during periods of high demand, domestic and world market and political conditions, changes in government regulation, war or other outbreak of hostilities or terrorism, and breakdown or degradation of transportation infrastructure.  Eastman’s operations or products may, at times, be adversely affected by these factors.

·  
The Company's competitive position in the markets in which it participates is, in part, subject to external factors in addition to those that the Company can impact.  Natural disasters, pandemic illnesses, changes in laws or regulations, war or other outbreak of hostilities or terrorism, or other political factors in any of the countries or regions in which the Company operates or does business or in countries or regions that are key suppliers of strategic raw materials, and breakdown or degradation of transportation infrastructure used for delivery of  raw materials and energy supplies to the Company and for delivery of the Company's products to customers, could negatively impact the Company’s competitive position and its ability to maintain market share.  For example, supply and demand for certain of the Company's products is driven by end-use markets and worldwide capacities which, in turn, impact demand for and pricing of the Company's products.

·  
Limitation of the Company's available manufacturing capacity due to significant disruption in its manufacturing operations, including natural disasters, pandemic illnesses, changes in laws or regulations, war or other outbreak of hostilities or terrorism, or other political factors in any of the countries or regions in which the Company operates or does business, or breakdown or degradation of transportation infrastructure used for delivery of  raw materials and energy supplies to the Company and for delivery of the Company's products to customers, could have a material adverse affect on sales revenue, costs and results of operations and financial condition.

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

·  
The Company has efforts underway to exploit growth opportunities in certain core businesses by developing new products and technologies, expanding into new markets, and tailoring product offerings to customer needs.  Current examples include IntegRexTM technology and new PET polymers products and TritanTM and other copolyester product innovations.  There can be no assurance that such efforts will result in financially successful commercialization of such products or acceptance by existing or new customers or new markets or that large capital projects for such growth efforts can be completed within the time or at the costs projected due, among other things, to demand for and availability of construction materials and labor.

·  
The Company has made, and intends to continue making, strategic investments, including industrial gasification, and has entered, and expects to continue to enter, into strategic alliances in technology, services businesses, and other ventures in order to build, diversify, and strengthen certain Eastman capabilities, improve Eastman's raw materials and energy cost and supply position, and maintain high utilization of manufacturing assets.  There can be no assurance that such investments and alliances will achieve their underlying strategic business objectives or that they will be beneficial to the Company's results of operations or that large capital projects for such growth efforts can be completed within the time or at the costs projected due, among other things, to demand for and availability of construction materials and labor and obtaining regulatory approvals and operating permits and reaching agreement on terms of key agreements and arrangements with potential suppliers and customers. Such delays or cost overruns or inability to obtain such approvals or to reach such agreements on acceptable terms could negatively affect the returns from these strategic investments and projects.


45 
 

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


·  
The Company anticipates obtaining non-recourse financing for its industrial gasification project.  There is risk that such financing cannot be obtained or if, obtained, may be on terms different than those assumed in the Company's projections for financial performance of the project, due to any circumstance, change, or condition in the loan syndication, financial, or capital markets generally that could reasonably be expected to materially affect availability, terms, and syndication of such financing.  The ability to enter into financially acceptable project commercial agreements for such elements as engineering, procurement, and construction, off-take agreements, commodity and/or interest hedges, utilities, administrative services, and others, as well as obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals and operating permits, may impact the available financing for the project or the terms of such financing, if available, including the nature and terms of any recourse back to the Company.

·  
In addition to productivity and cost reduction initiatives, the Company is striving to improve margins on its products through price increases where warranted and accepted by the market; however, the Company's earnings could be negatively impacted should such increases be unrealized, not be sufficient to cover increased raw material and energy costs, or have a negative impact on demand and volume.  There can be no assurances that price increases will be realized or will be realized within the Company's anticipated timeframe.

·  
The Company has undertaken and expects to continue to undertake productivity and cost reduction initiatives and organizational restructurings to improve performance and generate cost savings.  There can be no assurance that these will be completed as planned or beneficial or that estimated cost savings from such activities will be realized.

·  
The Company's facilities and businesses are subject to complex health, safety and environmental laws and regulations, which require and will continue to require significant expenditures to remain in compliance with such laws and regulations currently and in the future.  The Company's accruals for such costs and associated liabilities are subject to changes in estimates on which the accruals are based.  The amount accrued reflects the Company’s assumptions about remediation requirements at the contaminated site, the nature of the remedy, the outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies and other potentially responsible parties at multi-party sites, and the number and financial viability of other potentially responsible parties.  Changes in the estimates on which the accruals are based, unanticipated government enforcement action, or changes in health, safety, environmental, chemical control regulations, and testing requirements could result in higher or lower costs.

·  
The Company and its operations from time to time 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 believes amounts reserved are adequate for such pending matters; however, results of operations could be affected by significant litigation adverse to the Company.

·  
The Company has deferred tax assets related to capital and operating losses.  The Company establishes valuation allowances to reduce these deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.  The Company’s ability to utilize these deferred tax assets depends on projected future operating results, the reversal of existing temporary differences, and the availability of tax planning strategies.  Realization of these assets is expected to occur over an extended period of time.  As a result, changes in tax laws, assumptions with respect to future taxable income, and tax planning strategies could result in adjustments to these assets.

·  
Due to the Company's global sales, earnings, and asset profile, it is exposed to volatility in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.  The Company may use derivative financial instruments, including swaps, options and forwards, to mitigate the impact of changes in exchange rates and interest rates on its financial results.  However, there can be no assurance that these efforts will be successful and operating results could be affected by significant adverse changes in currency exchange rates or interest rates.

46 
 

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


·  
The Company’s sources of liquidity have been and are expected to be cash from operating activities, available cash balances, the commercial paper market, the revolving $700 million credit facility, and sales of domestic receivables under the $200 million accounts receivable securitization program.  Additionally, the Company relies upon third parties to provide it with trade credit for purchases of various products and services.  While the Company maintains business relationships with a diverse group of financial institutions, their continued viability is not certain and could lead them not to honor their contractual credit commitments or to renew their extensions of credit or provide new sources of credit.  Furthermore, trade creditors may be unable to obtain credit and  reduce their trade credit extension.  Recently, the capital and credit markets have become increasingly volatile as a result of adverse conditions that have caused the failure and near failure of a number of large financial services companies.  If the capital and credit markets continue to experience volatility and the availability of funds remains limited, the Company may incur increased costs associated with borrowings.  In addition, it is possible that the Company’s ability to access the capital and credit markets may be limited by these or other factors at a time when it would like, or need, to do so, which could have an impact on the Company’s ability to finance its business or react to changing economic and business conditions.  While the Company believes that recent governmental and regulatory actions reduce the risk of a further deterioration or systemic contraction of capital and credit markets, there can be no certainty that the Company’s liquidity will not be negatively impacted.  In addition, the Company’s cash flows from operations may be adversely affected by adverse consequences to the Company’s customers and the markets in which the Company competes as a result of the current financial, economic, and capital and credit market conditions and uncertainty.

The foregoing list of important factors does not include all such factors nor necessarily present them in order of importance.  This disclosure, including that under "Outlook" and "Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors," and other forward-looking statements and related disclosures made by the Company in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and elsewhere from time to time, represents management's best judgment as of the date the information is given.  The Company does not undertake responsibility for updating any of such information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.  Investors are advised, however, to consult any further public Company disclosures (such as in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in Company press releases) on related subjects.


47 
 

 

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There are no material changes to the Company's market risks since February 29, 2008.  For more information regarding the Company's disclosure about market risks, see Part II, Item 7A of the Company's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that as of September 30, 2008, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed was accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during third quarter of 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


48 
 

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.  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, including the asbestos litigation, 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.  For additional information about the asbestos litigation, refer to Note 17, "Legal Matters", to the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Middelburg (Netherlands) Environmental Proceeding

In June 2005, Eastman Chemical Middelburg, B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Subsidiary"), received a summons from the Middelburg (Netherlands) District Court Office to appear before the economic magistrate of that District and respond to allegations that the Subsidiary's manufacturing facility in Middelburg had exceeded certain conditions in the permit that allows the facility to discharge wastewater into the municipal wastewater treatment system.  The summons proposed penalties in excess of $100,000 as a result of the alleged violations.  A hearing in this matter took place on July 28, 2005, at which time the magistrate bifurcated the proceeding into two phases: a compliance phase and an economic benefit phase. With respect to the compliance phase, the magistrate levied a fine of less than $100,000.  With respect to the economic benefit phase, where the prosecutor proposed a penalty in excess of $100,000, the district court in November 2006 assessed against the Subsidiary a penalty of less than $100,000.  The prosecutor has appealed this ruling, and the appeal is pending.  This disclosure is made pursuant to SEC 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.

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.  The NOV did not assess a civil penalty and EPA has to date not proposed any specific civil penalty amount.  In October 2006, EPA referred the matter to the United States Department of Justice's Environmental Enforcement Section ("DOJ").  Company representatives met with EPA and DOJ in November 2006 and again in December 2007, and 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 SEC 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.

49 
 

 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

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

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

(c)  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
(1)
 
Average Price Paid Per Share
(2)
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans
or Programs
(3)
 
Approximate Dollar
Value (in millions) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
(3)
July 1-31, 2008
149,365
$
66.12
 
 149,200
$
338
August 1-31, 2008
3,473,054
$
59.57
 
3,472,453
$
131
September 1-30, 2008
246,117
$
60.27
 
246,117
$
117
Total
3,868,536
$
59.87
 
3,867,770
   

(1)  
Shares repurchased under a Company announced repurchase plan and shares surrendered to the Company by employees to satisfy individual tax withholding obligations upon vesting of previously issued shares of restricted common stock.
(2)  
Average price paid per share reflects the weighted average purchase price paid for share repurchases and the closing price of Eastman stock on the business date the shares were surrendered by the employee stockholder to satisfy individual tax withholding obligations upon vesting of restricted common stock.
(3)  
In October 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $700 million of the Company's outstanding common stock at such times, in such amounts, and on such terms, as determined to be in the best interests of the Company.  As of September 30, 2008, a total of 9.4 million shares have been repurchased under this authorization for a total amount of $583 million. For additional information, see Note 14, "Earnings and Dividends Per Share", to the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Repurchased shares may be used for compensation and benefit plans and other corporate purposes.

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

Exhibits filed as part of this report are listed in the Exhibit Index appearing on page 52.

 

50 
 

 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
     
Eastman Chemical Company
       
       
       
Date:  October 28, 2008
 
By:
  /s/ Curtis E. Espeland
     
Curtis E. Espeland
     
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

51 
 

 


     
Sequential
Exhibit
     
Page
Number
 
Description
 
Number
         
3.01
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Eastman Chemical Company, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.01 to Eastman Chemical Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001)
   
         
3.02
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Eastman Chemical Company, as amended  November 9, 2007 (incorporated herein by referenced to Exhibit 3.02 to Eastman Chemical Company’s  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 (the September 30, 2007 10-Q)
   
         
4.01
 
Form of Eastman Chemical Company common stock certificate as amended February 1, 2001 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.01 to Eastman Chemical Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001)
   
         
4.02
 
Indenture, dated as of January 10, 1994, between Eastman Chemical Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (the "Indenture") (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Eastman Chemical Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 10, 1994 (the "8-K"))
   
         
4.03
 
Form of 7 1/4% Debentures due January 15, 2024 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(d) to the 8-K)
   
         
4.04
 
Officers’ Certificate pursuant to Sections 201 and 301 of the Indenture (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Eastman Chemical Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 1994 (the "June 8-K"))
   
         
4.05
 
Form of 7 5/8% Debentures due June 15, 2024 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(b) to the June 8-K)
   
         
4.06
 
Form of 7.60% Debentures due February 1, 2027 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.08 to Eastman Chemical Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 (the "1996 10-K"))
   
         
4.07
 
Form of 7% Notes due April 15, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.09 to Eastman Chemical Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002)
   
         
4.08
 
Officer's Certificate pursuant to Sections 201 and 301 of the Indenture related to 7.60% Debentures due February 1, 2027 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.09 to the 1996 10-K)
   
         
4.09
 
$200,000,000 Accounts Receivable Securitization agreement dated April 13,1999 (amended April 11, 2000, July 14, 2005, and July 9, 2008), between the Company and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., as agent. Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, in lieu of filing a copy of such agreement, the Company agrees to furnish a copy of such agreement to the Commission upon request
   
         
4.10
 
Letter Amendments dated November 16, 2007 and March 10, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to Eastman Chemical Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended  March 31, 2008) to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2006 (the "Credit Agreement") among Eastman Chemical Company, the Lenders named therein, and Citigroup Global Markets , Inc. and J. P. Morgan Securities Inc., as  joint lead arrangers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Eastman Chemical Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended  June 30, 2006)
   


52 
 

 



   
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Sequential
Exhibit
     
Page
Number
 
Description
 
Number
         
4.11
 
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2006 (the "Credit Agreement") among Eastman Chemical Company, the Lenders named therein, and Citigroup Global Markets , Inc. and J. P. Morgan Securities Inc., as  joint lead arrangers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Eastman Chemical Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended  June 30, 2006)
   
         
4.12
 
Form of 6.30% Notes due 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to Eastman Chemical Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003)
   
         
10.01
   
54-55
         
10.02
   
56-57
         
10.03
   
58-70
         
10.04
   
71-83
         
10.05
   
84-90
         
12.01
   
91
         
31.01
   
92
         
31.02
   
93
         
32.01
   
94
         
32.02
   
95

53