Dow Chemical Operating Profit Rises

Dow Chemical Co reported 6.5 percent rise in quarterly operating profit as lower cost improved margins.

Net income available to the company's common shareholders, excluding certain items, rose to $1.08 billion, or 93 cents per share, in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, from $992 million, or 85 cents per share, a year earlier.

Net sales fell 20 percent to $11.46 billion.

Reporting by Amrutha Gayathri