Huntsman Corporation reported third quarter 2012 results with revenues of $2,741 million and adjusted EBITDA of $401 million.
Peter R. Huntsman, our President and CEO, commented: "Our third quarter 2012 Adjusted EBITDA of $401 million represents a new record in quarterly earnings. Compared to the prior year and quarter, improved earnings in our polyurethanes businesses more than offset the decline in our pigments business. In addition to the increased earnings in our polyurethanes business, all of our non-pigments businesses saw an increase in earnings from the previous year.
"During the quarter, we generated more than $200 million in cash from operations and prepaid $75 million of debt. Earlier this week, we prepaid an additional $50 million of debt.
In addition to aggressive sales efforts, we continue to benefit from our ongoing restructuring and cost cutting that was started last year and will continue to deliver a better cost structure into 2013."
Polyurethanes
The increase in revenues in our Polyurethanes division for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 was due to higher average selling prices and improved sales mix partially offset by lower sales volumes and the strength of the U.S. dollar against major European currencies.
PO/MTBE average selling prices increased primarily due to favorable market conditions. MDI average selling prices increased in all regions but were offset by the strength of the U.S. dollar against major European currencies. PO/MTBE sales volumes decreased partially offset by an increase in MDI sales volumes primarily as a result of improved demand in the European and Asian regions and in certain large markets such as composite wood products and adhesives, coatings and elastomers. The increase in adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher contribution margins and improved sales mix.
Performance Products
The decrease in revenues in our Performance Products division for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 was due to lower average selling prices and lower sales volumes.
Average selling prices decreased primarily in response to lower raw material costs and the strength of the U.S. dollar against major international currencies. Sales volumes decreased primarily due to a shift to tolling arrangements. The increase in adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher contribution margins as rawmaterial costs decreased.
Advanced Materials
The decrease in revenues in our Advanced Materials division for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 was primarily due to lower average selling prices partially offset by higher sales volumes. Average selling prices decreased primarily in response to lower raw material costs, competitive market pressure and the strength of the U.S. dollar against major international currencies. Sales volumes increased primarily due to stronger demand in Europe, the Americas and India while sales volumes in the Asia Pacific region decreased due to lower demand in the wind energy and electrical engineering markets.
