Dow Chemical Shares Rise As Profit, Sales Beat Forecasts

Shares of Dow Chemical rallied 4.2% in premarket trade Wednesday after the chemical company reported adjusted third-quarter earnings per share of 72 cents, up from 50 cents a year ago, and above the FactSet consensus analyst estimate of 67 cents. Revenue rose 5% from last year to $14.4 billion, boosted by price increases and sales strength in its performance plastics and materials businesses. That exceeded analyst forecasts of $14.32 billion. "Our low-cost positions and geographic diversification enabled growth and improving operating rates in the quarter," said Chief Executive Andrew Liveris. Dow's stock has gained 8.6% so far this year, outperforming the S&P 500's 5% gain.