BY THE NUMBERS: Dow Chemical's first-quarter net income fell 34 percent to $412 million, or 35 cents per share. The results included a $357 million after-tax charge related to plant closures. Revenue was flat at $14.7 billion.
THE DRIVERS: Dow Chemical said that overall volume rose 3 percent, driven by agricultural products and feedstocks and energy. That was offset by flat to slightly lower volume in other business segments.
WHAT'S NEXT: Demand improved in nearly every sector in March. Dow Chemical expects that to continue in the second quarter and the rest of 2012.
