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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Financial Statement Presentation
Financial Statement Presentation

The consolidated financial statements of Eastman Chemical Company ("Eastman" or the "Company") and subsidiaries are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted ("GAAP") in the United States and of necessity include some amounts that are based upon management estimates and judgments. Future actual results could differ from such current estimates and judgments. The consolidated financial statements include assets, liabilities, sales revenue, and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures in which a controlling interest is maintained. Eastman accounts for other joint ventures and investments in minority-owned companies where it exercises significant influence on the equity basis. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period data has been reclassified in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes to conform to current period presentation. See Note 7, "Payables and Other Current Liabilities".
New Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2022-03 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions: On January 1, 2024, Eastman adopted this update, which states that when measuring the fair value of an asset or a liability, a reporting entity should consider the characteristics of the asset or liability, including restrictions on the sale of the asset or liability, if a market participant also would take those characteristics into account. Key to that determination is the unit of account for the asset or liability being measured at fair value. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.

ASU 2023-07 Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures: For the year-ended 2024, Eastman adopted this update, which requires enhanced disclosures regarding significant segment expenses and other segment items for public entities on both an annual and interim basis. Specifically, the update mandates that entities provide, during interim periods, all disclosures related to a reportable segment's profit or loss and assets that were previously required only on an annual basis. Additionally, this guidance necessitates the disclosure of the title and position of the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"). The new guidance does not modify how a public entity identifies its operating segments, aggregates them, or applies the quantitative thresholds to determine its reportable segments. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years starting after December 15, 2024. The required disclosures did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The required disclosures were applied retrospectively and are included in Note 20, "Segment and Regional Sales Information".

Accounting Standards Issued But Not Adopted as of December 31, 2024

ASU 2023-05 Business Combination - Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement: The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued this update in August 2023, which states that a joint venture must initially measure all contributions received upon its formation at fair value, largely consistent with Topic 805, Business Combinations. The guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice and provide users of joint venture financial statements with more decision-useful information. This ASU should be applied prospectively and is effective for all newly formed joint venture entities with a formation date on or after January 1, 2025. Early adoption is permitted, and joint ventures formed prior to the adoption date may elect to apply the new guidance retrospectively back to their original formation date. Management will apply this update to any newly formed joint venture entities prospectively.

ASU 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures: The FASB issued this update in December 2023, which modifies income tax disclosure requirements. The updated guidance mandates entities to provide more detailed information including specific categories in the income tax rate reconciliation, and the breakdown of income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit, for both domestic and foreign. Additionally, entities must disclose income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations, categorized by federal, state, and foreign taxes. The guidance further requires disclosure of income tax payments to various jurisdictions. This ASU is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2024, and early adoption is permitted. This ASU should be applied on a prospective basis, although retrospective application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the changes required by the new standard on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.
ASU 2024-03 Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses: The FASB issued this update in November 2024, which requires public companies to provide additional disclosure of certain income statement expense line items. This guidance is intended to improve transparency around the nature of expenses and their impact on financial performance. The ASU is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the changes required by the new standard on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.
Revenue Recognition and Customer Incentives
Revenue Recognition

Eastman recognizes revenue when performance obligations of the sale are satisfied. Eastman sells to customers through master sales agreements or standalone purchase orders. The majority of the Company's terms of sale have a single performance obligation to transfer products. Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenue when control has been transferred to the customer, generally at the time of shipment of products.

Eastman accounts for shipping and handling as activities to fulfill the promise to transfer the good and does not allocate revenue to those activities. All related shipping and handling costs are recognized at the time of shipment. Amounts collected for sales or other similar taxes are presented net of the related tax expense rather than presenting them as additional revenue. The incremental cost of obtaining a sales contract is recognized as a selling expense when incurred given the potential amortization period for such an asset is one year or less. The possible existence of a significant financing component within a sales contract is ignored when the time between cash collection and performance is less than one year. Finally, the Company does not disclose any unfulfilled obligations as customer purchase order commitments have an original expected duration of one year or less and no consideration from customers is excluded from the transaction price.

The timing of Eastman's customer billings does not always match the timing of revenue recognition. When the Company is entitled to bill a customer in advance of the recognition of revenue, a contract liability is recognized. When the Company is not entitled to bill a customer until a period after the related recognition of revenue, a contract asset is recognized. Contract assets represent the Company's right to consideration for the exchange of goods under a contract but which are not yet billable to a customer for consignment inventory or pursuant to certain shipping terms. Contract liabilities were $15 million and $29 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and are included as a part of "Payables and other current liabilities" and "Other long-term liabilities" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Contract assets were $92 million and $80 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and are included as a component of "Miscellaneous receivables" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

For additional information, see Note 20, "Segment and Regional Sales Information".
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Eastman maintains defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans that provide eligible employees with retirement benefits. The estimated amounts of the costs and obligations related to these benefits reflect the Company's assumptions related to discount rates, expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increase or decrease for employees, and health care cost trends. The estimated cost of providing plan benefits also depends on demographic assumptions including retirements, mortality, turnover, and plan participation.

Eastman's pension and other postretirement benefit plans costs consist of two elements: 1) ongoing costs recognized quarterly, which are comprised of service and interest costs, expected returns on plan assets, and amortization of prior service credits; and 2) mark-to-market ("MTM") gains and losses recognized annually, in the fourth quarter of each year, primarily resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions for discount rates and the differences between actual and expected returns on plan assets. Any interim remeasurements triggered by a curtailment, settlement, or significant plan changes are recognized in the quarter in which such remeasurement event occurs.

For additional information, see Note 11, "Retirement Plans".
Environmental Costs
Environmental Costs

Eastman recognizes environmental remediation costs when it is probable that the Company has incurred a liability at a contaminated site and the amount can be reasonably estimated. When a single amount cannot be reasonably estimated but the cost can be estimated within a range, the Company recognizes the minimum undiscounted amount. This undiscounted amount reflects liabilities expected to be paid within approximately 30 years and the Company's assumptions about remediation requirements at the contaminated site, the nature of the remedy, the outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies and other potentially responsible parties at multi-party sites, and the number and financial viability of other potentially responsible parties. Changes in the estimates on which the accruals are based, unanticipated government enforcement action, or changes in health, safety, environmental, and chemical control regulations and testing requirements could result in higher or lower costs.

The Company also establishes reserves for closure and post-closure costs associated with the environmental and other assets it maintains. Environmental assets include but are not limited to waste management units, such as landfills, water treatment facilities, and surface impoundments. When these types of assets are constructed or installed, a loss contingency reserve is established for the anticipated future costs associated with the retirement or closure of the asset based on its expected life and the applicable regulatory closure requirements. The Company recognizes the asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The asset retirement obligations are discounted to expected present value and subsequently adjusted for changes in fair value. These future estimated costs are charged to earnings over the estimated useful life of the assets. If the Company changes its estimate of the environmental asset retirement obligation costs or its estimate of the useful lives of these assets, earnings will be impacted in the period the estimate is changed. The associated estimated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the long-lived assets and depreciated over their useful life and charged to "Cost of sales" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings.

Environmental costs are capitalized if they extend the life of the related property, increase its capacity, or mitigate the possibility of future contamination. The cost of operating and maintaining environmental control facilities is charged to "Cost of sales" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings, as incurred.

For additional information see Note 13, "Environmental Matters and Asset Retirement Obligations".
Share-based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation

Eastman recognizes compensation expense in "Selling, general and administrative expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings for stock options and other share-based compensation awards based upon the grant-date fair value over the substantive vesting period. 

For additional information, see Note 18, "Share-Based Compensation Plans and Awards".
Restructuring of Operations
Restructuring of Operations

Eastman records restructuring charges for costs incurred in connection with consolidation of operations, exited business or product lines, or shutdowns of specific sites that are expected to be substantially completed within twelve months. These restructuring charges are recorded as incurred, and are associated with site closures, legal and environmental matters, demolition, contract terminations, or other costs and charges directly related to the restructuring. The Company records severance charges for employee separations when the separation is probable and reasonably estimable. In the event employees are required to perform future service, the Company records severance charges ratably over the remaining service period of those employees.
For additional information, see Note 16, "Asset Impairments, Restructuring, and Other Charges, Net".
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes has been determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of Eastman's assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. The recoverability of the Company's deferred tax assets are evaluated each quarter by assessing the likelihood of future profitability and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the Company's net deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Provision has been made for income taxes on unremitted earnings of subsidiaries and affiliates, except for subsidiaries in which earnings are deemed to be indefinitely reinvested. The calculation of income tax liabilities involves uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations, which are subject to legal interpretation and management judgment. Eastman's income tax returns are regularly examined by federal, state and foreign tax authorities, and those audits may result in proposed adjustments. The Company has evaluated these potential issues under the more-likely-than-not standard of the accounting literature. A tax position is recognized if it meets this standard and is measured at the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized. Such judgments and estimates may change based on audit settlements, court cases and interpretation of tax laws and regulations. The Company accrues interest related to unrecognized income tax positions, which is included as a component of the income tax provision on the balance sheet. The accrued interest related to unrecognized income tax positions and taxes resulting from the global intangible low-tax income are recorded as a component of the income tax provision.
For additional information, see Note 8, "Income Taxes".
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash, time deposits, and readily marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements

Eastman records recurring and non-recurring financial assets and liabilities as well as all non-financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurement at the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. These fair value principles prioritize valuation inputs across three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company's assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. An asset or liability's classification within the various levels is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Eastman maintains allowances for estimated credit losses, which are developed at a market, country, and region level based on risk of collection as well as current and forecasted economic conditions. The Company calculates the allowance based on an assessment of the risk when the accounts receivable is recognized. Write-offs are recorded at the time a customer receivable is deemed uncollectible. Allowance for credit losses was $15 million and $17 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company does not enter into receivables of a long-term nature, also known as financing receivables, in the normal course of business.
Inventories
Inventories

Inventories measured by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method are valued at the lower of cost or market and inventories measured by the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Eastman determines the cost of most raw materials, work in process, and finished goods inventories in the United States and Switzerland by the LIFO method. The cost of all other inventories is determined by the average cost method, which approximates the FIFO method. The Company writes-down its inventories equal to the difference between the carrying value of inventory and the estimated market value or net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
For additional information, see Note 3, "Inventories".
Properties
Properties

Eastman records properties at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to earnings; replacements and betterments are capitalized. When Eastman retires or otherwise disposes of assets, it removes the cost of such assets and related accumulated depreciation from the accounts. The Company records any profit or loss on retirement or other disposition in "Cost of sales" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings. Asset impairments are reflected as increases in accumulated depreciation for properties that have been placed in service. In instances when an asset has not been placed in service and is impaired, the associated costs are removed from the appropriate property accounts.
For additional information, see Note 4, "Properties and Accumulated Depreciation" and Note 16, "Asset Impairments, Restructuring, and Other Charges, Net".
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation expense is calculated based on historical cost and the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives for buildings and building equipment generally range from 20 to 50 years. Estimated useful lives generally ranging from 3 to 33 years are applied to machinery and equipment in the following categories: computer software (3 to 5 years); office furniture and fixtures and computer equipment (5 to 10 years); vehicles, railcars, and general machinery and equipment (5 to 20 years); and manufacturing-related improvements (20 to 33 years). Accelerated depreciation is reported when the estimated useful life is shortened and continues to be reported in "Cost of sales" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings.

For additional information, see Note 4, "Properties and Accumulated Depreciation".

Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets is generally determined using a straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. Amortization expense is reported in "Cost of sales" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings.
For additional information, see Note 5, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets".
Impairment of Long Lived Assets
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Definite-lived Assets

Properties and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets to be held and used by Eastman are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The review of properties and equipment and the review of definite-lived intangible assets is performed at the asset group level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If the carrying amount is not considered to be recoverable, an analysis of fair value is triggered. An impairment is recognized for the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over the fair value.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy
Goodwill

Goodwill is an asset determined as the residual of the purchase price over the fair value of identified assets and liabilities
acquired in a business combination. Eastman conducts testing of goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently when events and circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. The testing of goodwill is performed at the "reporting unit" level which the Company has determined to be its "components". Components are defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, and in order to be a reporting unit, the component must 1) be a "business" as defined by applicable accounting standards (an integrated set of activities and assets that is capable of being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return in the form of dividends, lower costs, or other economic benefits directly to the investors or other owners, members, or participants); 2) have discrete financial information available; and 3) be reviewed regularly by Company operating segment management. The Company aggregates certain components into reporting units based on economic similarities. An impairment is recognized when the reporting unit's estimated fair value is less than its carrying value. The Company may use a qualitative analysis or a quantitative analysis in testing the carrying value of goodwill of each reporting unit for impairment. When the quantitative analysis is used, the Company uses an income approach, specifically a discounted cash flow model.

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

Eastman conducts testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently when events and circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. The carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered to be impaired when the fair value, estimated by appraisal or based on discounted future cash flows of certain related products, is less than the respective carrying value.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting primarily of various tradenames, are tested for potential impairment by comparing the estimated fair value to the carrying amount. The Company may use a qualitative analysis or a quantitative analysis in testing the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. When the quantitative analysis is used, the Company uses an income approach, specifically the relief from royalty method. The estimated fair value of tradenames is determined based on an assumed royalty rate savings, discounted by the calculated market participant estimated weighted average cost of capital ("WACC") plus a risk premium.
For additional information, see Note 5, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets".
Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]
Leases

There are two types of leases: financing and operating. Both types of leases have associated right-to-use assets and lease liabilities that are valued at the net present value of the lease payments and recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The discount rate used in the measurement of a right-to-use asset and lease liability is the rate implicit in the lease whenever that rate is readily determinable. If the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the collateralized incremental borrowing rate is used. The Company elected the accounting policy not to apply the recognition and measurement requirements to short-term leases with a term of 12 months or less and do not include a bargain purchase option. Residual guarantee payments that become probable and estimable are recognized as rent expense over the remaining life of the applicable lease.

For lease accounting policies, see Note 12, "Leases and Other Commitments".
Investments
Investments

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Eastman and all its subsidiaries and entities or joint ventures in which a controlling interest is maintained. The Company includes its share of earnings and losses of such investments in "Net earnings attributable to Eastman" and "Comprehensive income attributable to Eastman" located in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings and in "Total equity" located in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Investments in affiliates over which the Company has significant influence but not a controlling interest are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. These investments are included in "Other noncurrent assets" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The Company includes its share of earnings and losses of such investments in "Other (income) charges, net" located in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings.
For additional information, see Note 6, "Equity Investments".
Derivative and Non-Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative and Non-Derivative Financial Instruments

Eastman uses derivative and non-derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risks, such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rates. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes.

The Company's derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and measured at fair value. Hedge accounting will be discontinued prospectively for all hedges that no longer qualify for hedge accounting treatment.

For additional information, see Note 10, "Derivative and Non-Derivative Financial Instruments".
Litigation and Contingent Liabilities
Litigation and Contingent Liabilities

From time to time, Eastman and its operations are parties to or targets of lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, asbestos, patent and intellectual property, commercial, contract, environmental, antitrust, health and safety, and employment matters, which are handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues a contingent loss liability for such matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. When a single amount cannot be reasonably estimated but the cost can be estimated within a range, the Company accrues the minimum amount. The Company expenses legal costs, including those expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency, as incurred.

For additional information, see Note 14, "Legal Matters".
Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposure, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Working Capital Management and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company engages in off-balance sheet, uncommitted accounts receivable factoring programs as a routine part of its ordinary business operations. Through these programs, entire invoices may be sold to third-party financial institutions, the vast majority of which are without recourse. Under these agreements, the Company sells the invoices at face value, less a transaction fee, which substantially equals the carrying value and fair value with no gain or loss recognized, and no credit loss exposure is retained. Available capacity under these programs, which the Company uses as a routine source of working capital funding, is dependent on the level of accounts receivable eligible to be sold and the financial institutions' willingness to purchase such receivables. In addition, certain programs also require that the Company continue to service, administer, and collect the sold accounts receivable at market rates. The total amount of receivables sold in 2024 and 2023 were $2.7 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively.

The Company works with suppliers to optimize payment terms and conditions on accounts payable to enhance timing of working capital and cash flows. Under a supplier finance program, the Company's suppliers may voluntarily sell receivables due from Eastman to a participating financial institution. Eastman's responsibility is limited to making payments on the terms originally negotiated with suppliers, regardless of whether the suppliers sell their receivables to the financial institution. The range of payment terms Eastman negotiates with suppliers are consistent, regardless of whether a supplier participates in the program. No fees are paid by Eastman for the supplier finance program or services fees. Eastman or the financial institution may terminate the program at any time with immediate effect upon 90 days' notice. Confirmed obligations in the supplier finance program of $56 million and $69 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are included in "Payables and other current liabilities" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The following table presents a rollforward of obligations confirmed as valid through the supplier finance program for the year ended December 31, 2024:

(Dollars in millions)
Confirmed obligations
Confirmed obligations outstanding at December 31, 2023
$69 
Invoices confirmed during the year418 
Confirmed invoices paid during the year(431)
Confirmed obligations outstanding at December 31, 2024
$56 
Government Assistance
Government Grants

In the absence of explicit GAAP guidance on contributions received from government agencies, the Company applied by analogy the recognition and measurement guidance under International Accounting Standard 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance. The Company recognizes grants once it is probable that both of the following conditions will be met: (1) the Company is eligible to receive the grant, and (2) the Company is able to comply with the relevant conditions of the grant. Government grants whose primary condition is the purchase, construction, or acquisition of a long-lived asset are considered asset-based grants and are recognized as a reduction to such asset's cost basis, which reduces future depreciation expense. Proceeds received from asset-based grants are presented as cash inflows from investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
In 2024, the Company entered into a Cooperative Agreement ("the DOE grant") with the United States Department of Energy's ("DOE") Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations ("OCED") whereby certain costs incurred by the Company are reimbursed by the DOE. During the year ended December 31, 2024, pursuant to the DOE grant, the Company requested $11 million in reimbursements from the DOE, of which $9 million has been received by the Company during fourth quarter 2024. The funds received reduced the carrying amount of certain fixed assets associated with the Company's Polyethylene Terephthalate Recycling Decarbonization Project in Longview, Texas, which were included in properties and equipment at December 31, 2024. The reduced carrying amount of the impacted assets is recognized in profit or loss over the life of the depreciable assets through reduced depreciation expense