Dow Chemical expands share repurchase program to $4.5bn

Collectively, the increase to Dow’s dividend and expansion of its stock repurchase objectives represent the latest in a series of strategic actions aligned to the Company’s previously-communicated plans to consistently and increasingly remunerate shareholders through ongoing earnings growth.

“The Board’s actions today finalize a decision that it has been reviewing on an ongoing basis with particular focus over the last several quarters. The 15 percent dividend increase and the $4.5 billion share repurchase authorization reflect our confidence in Dow's performance and successful strategy to operate in uncertain macro environments. This strategy focuses on our integrated portfolio, with strict productivity metrics and disciplined capital allocation priorities,” said Andrew N. Liveris, Dow’s chairman and chief executive officer.

“We continue to control operating costs and carefully invest in our integrated business value chains to grow in select higher-margin end-use markets. At the same time, Dow’s financial performance and the significant progress we have made on our balance sheet give us both the confidence and the flexibility to increase our dividend and accelerate our share repurchase program. We are creating significant shareholder value – which always has been and always will be the Board’s and management’s top priority.”

The dividend will be payable on April 30, 2014 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2014. This will mark the 410th consecutive cash dividend issued by the Company. Dow has paid its shareholders cash dividends every quarter since 1912. Purchases under the shareholder repurchase program may be made over time in open market or privately negotiated transactions.

About Dow

Dow combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company is driving innovations that extract value from the intersection of chemical, physical and biological sciences to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, clean energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity.

Dow Chemical Company