Cabot Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Operating Results

October 31, 2007

BOSTON, Oct 31, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) today announced net income of $24 million ($0.36 per diluted common share) for the fourth quarter of 2007, including $5 million after-tax ($0.07 per diluted common share) of charges from certain items and discontinued operations. For the full fiscal year 2007, the Company announced net income of $129 million ($1.90 per diluted common share), including $22 million after-tax ($0.32 per diluted common share) of charges from certain items and discontinued operations. This is compared to net income of $27 million ($0.39 per diluted common share) for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, which included $16 million after-tax ($0.25 per diluted common share) of charges from certain items, discontinued operations and the cumulative effect of an accounting change. For the full fiscal year 2006, the Company reported net income of $88 million ($1.28 per diluted common share), which included $36 million after-tax ($0.54 per diluted common share) of charges from certain items, discontinued operations and the cumulative effect of accounting changes. Details of financial results, certain items, discontinued operations and the cumulative effect of accounting changes included in net income are provided in the accompanying tables.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000323/CABOTLOGO )

In commenting on the results, Kennett F. Burnes, Cabot's Chairman and CEO, said, "We are pleased to have delivered improved financial results for the fiscal year, capitalizing on the favorable conditions existing in some of our businesses and managing through difficult circumstances in others. We were able to manage the significant volatility in feedstock costs that occurred during the year in our carbon black product lines and were successful at growing profitability through volume increases and cost discipline. We grew our fumed metal oxides product line to record profitability during the fiscal year due to strong demand in our niche market segment and the incremental margin generated from operating our facility in China. The Specialty Fluids Business experienced a significant increase in profitability and we made progress in expanding our global presence during the year, seeing the first real signs of expansion outside of the North Sea. We also took steps to improve our capital structure through our share repurchase program. Less favorably, the inkjet colorants product line experienced weak financial results during the year, amidst a significant downturn in the aftermarket segment. The Supermetals Business faced difficult conditions with the expiration during the year of the last of our fixed price, fixed volume supply contracts, operating at or near breakeven for a majority of the year, but continued its strong cash generation performance.

Given the increases in feedstock costs during the fourth quarter of 2007, our carbon black product lines performed very solidly. We experienced solid Metal Oxides and strong Specialty Fluids results during the quarter, however we continued to see weak financial results in the Supermetals Business and inkjet colorants product line."

Product Line Performance

During the fourth quarter of 2007, volumes in the rubber blacks product line grew in all regions outside of North America, but could not offset the impact of lower unit margins. Unit margins declined in our contracted business compared to the fourth quarter of 2006 due to lower pricing from the feedstock related pricing mechanism in our contracts as compared to raw material costs. This time lag of our feedstock related contract pricing mechanism negatively impacted our profitability by $13 million during the quarter with an additional $1 million negative impact from the immediate recognition of feedstock costs in North America. These factors more than offset higher unit margins in our non-contracted business. Solid volume growth in the performance products product line and higher unit margins from higher selling prices combined to improve the performance of the product line during the fourth quarter of 2007, when compared to the same period of 2006. For the full fiscal year 2007, performance in both product lines improved significantly when compared to fiscal 2006 due to strong volumes, particularly in emerging markets, the impact of cost reduction efforts and price management in our non-contracted business throughout the year as feedstock costs rose.

Performance in our inkjet colorants product line was significantly weaker in both the fourth quarter and full year of 2007. Growth in the high speed and OEM market segments was offset by continued softness in the aftermarket segment, with volumes in the aftermarket segment down by 37% for the fourth quarter of 2007 and by 34% for the full year, compared to the same periods of 2006. Additionally, increased spending related to future high speed inkjet opportunities, including the costs of our new production unit, unfavorably impacted performance.

When compared to the fourth quarter of 2006, fumed metal oxides volumes declined slightly as growth in the niche segment was more than offset by declines in both the silicones and electronics segments. Additionally, lower utilization due to the timing of plant shutdowns unfavorably impacted performance during the period. For the full fiscal year, profitability improved significantly primarily due to strong volumes supported by our new capacity in China.

Profitability declined significantly in the Supermetals Business during both the fourth quarter and full year of 2007, when compared to the same periods of 2006, due to the transition from fixed price, fixed volume supply contracts to market based sales, which was completed in December 2006. Additionally, we were unfavorably impacted during the year by higher raw material costs under our long term ore agreement. Although its first quarter's performance enabled the Business to be solidly profitable for the full fiscal year 2007, lower volumes, primarily with one customer, and a less profitable product mix resulted in the Business operating at a breakeven level for the fourth quarter. Despite these difficulties, the Business was successful at generating significant cash during the year, contributing $36 million in 2007, led by a $30 million reduction in inventory.

The increase in profitability in the Specialty Fluids Business during the fourth quarter of 2007, when compared to the fourth quarter of 2006, was driven by an increase in drilling activity in the North Sea. For the full fiscal year 2007, a significant increase in rental revenue drove strong performance when compared to 2006. Specifically, our fluid utilization rate rose to 15% for fiscal 2007, compared to 12% in 2006, and our fluid was used in 31 wells in 2007, compared with 23 in 2006. We also made progress in expanding our drilling activity beyond the North Sea, completing 6 wells outside of the North Sea in 2007, up from 2 wells in 2006.

Outlook

With respect to the future, Burnes said, "We are pleased to have continued strong volumes in our carbon black product lines outside of North America and look forward to the added volume from our new performance products unit in China. We are watching the significant increases in oil prices closely, as we know they inevitably raise our carbon black feedstock costs and affect the performance of our business in the short term. In fumed metal oxides, demand remains strong and we are optimistic that the high plant utilization we have experienced will continue. We remain cautious about the outlook for the Supermetals Business as we face a complex ore situation and a highly competitive market environment.

We remain encouraged with our new business prospects as we have achieved significant milestones during the course of the fiscal year that we believe will provide a strong platform for future growth. Although we remain concerned about continued near term volume weakness in the aftermarket segment of the inkjet colorants product line, we are confident that we are well positioned to benefit from an eventual rebound in the aftermarket and from growth in the high speed market. We are optimistic that the success we had in 2007 at expanding our Specialty Fluids Business outside of the North Sea will continue in the coming years. We continue to be pleased with the progress made by Superior MicroPowders in product development activities and by the many opportunities for future revenue generation that exist in that business."

For those interested in more detailed information regarding Cabot's fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2007 results, please see the accompanying Supplemental Business Information.

This press release includes forward-looking statements, particularly under the outlook section, relating to management's expectations regarding volume growth in our carbon black product lines; demand for our fumed silica products; raw material costs; performance in the Supermetals Business and profitability of that Business; markets for our inkjet products; growth prospects for our Specialty Fluids Business; and Superior MicroPowders business development opportunities. The following are some of the factors that could cause Cabot's actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements: changes in feedstock and other raw material costs; lower than expected demand for our products; our inability to achieve savings from cost reduction activities; our inability to participate in the growth in emerging inkjet applications; the success of the Specialty Fluids Business in gaining wider acceptance by the energy industry of cesium formate as a drilling fluid and to penetrate new markets (including development of the required logistics to reach remote markets); a disruption or delay in the commercialization of new products from Superior MicroPowders. Other factors and risks are discussed in the Company's 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Cabot Corporation is a global specialty chemicals and materials company headquartered in Boston, MA. Cabot's major products are carbon black, fumed silica, inkjet colorants, capacitor materials, and cesium formate drilling fluids. The Company's website is: http://www.cabot-corp.com.

Susannah R. Robinson
Director, Investor Relations
(617)-342-6129



                              CABOT CORPORATION
                      SUPPLEMENTAL BUSINESS INFORMATION
                   FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL FISCAL YEAR 2007

The following discussion of our results includes information on our reportable segment sales and operating profit before taxes ("PBT"). We use segment PBT to measure our consolidated operating results and to assess segment performance. When explaining the changes in our PBT period on period, we use several terms. The term "fixed costs" means fixed manufacturing costs, including utilities. The term "inventory related charges" means differences attributable to items such as (i) inventory obsolescence and valuation reserves; (ii) utilization variances; and (iii) other increases or decreases in costs associated with the production of inventory. The term "product mix" refers to the various types and grades of products sold by a particular business or product line during the quarter, and the positive or negative impact of that mix on the variable margin and profitability of the business or product line.


    BUSINESS SEGMENT DETAIL
    Volume Detail

    The following chart details the percentage change in volume by product
line for the fourth quarter of 2007 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2006
and the third quarter of 2007, as well as for the full year 2007 compared to
the full year 2006.


                       Fourth quarter 2007 Fourth quarter 2007  FY 2007 vs.
                               vs.                 vs.            FY 2006
                       Fourth quarter 2006 Third quarter 2007
    Rubber Blacks              3 %                (2)%               4 %
         North America        (9)%                (7)%             (11)%
         South America         5 %                 2 %               5 %
         Europe               (4)%               (11)%               3 %
         Asia Pacific          3 %                 5 %               6 %
         China                28 %                 9 %              27 %

    Performance
     Products                  4 %            flat volumes           2 %

    Inkjet Colorants         (12)%               (14)%              (4)%

    Fumed Metal Oxides        (1)%                 6 %               5 %


Profit Before Tax (PBT) Detail

Following is a quantification of the key factors impacting PBT for the Business reporting segments for the fourth quarter of 2007, as compared to both the fourth quarter of 2006 and the third quarter of 2007.

Carbon Black Business-
-- Fourth quarter 2007 vs. fourth quarter 2006: pricing (unfavorable $18 million); currency (unfavorable $2 million); volume (favorable $5 million); inventory related charges and timing of certain costs (favorable $4 million); raw material costs (less than $1 million impact)
-- Fourth quarter 2007 vs. third quarter 2007 - raw material costs (unfavorable $26 million); volume (unfavorable $3 million); pricing (favorable $16 million); inventory related charges and timing of certain costs (favorable $8 million)

Variability in carbon black feedstock costs significantly impacts financial results for both the Carbon Black Business segment and the Company as a whole on a quarterly basis. The table below quantifies, in millions of dollars, the impact on PBT of both the time lag of our feedstock related pricing adjustments on our contracted rubber blacks business and the immediate recognition of feedstock costs in North America.


                         Fiscal Year 2005  Fiscal Year 2006   Fiscal Year 2007
    Quarter 1                  (3)              (11)                13
    Quarter 2                   4                 1                  5
    Quarter 3                 (15)               (7)               (16)
    Quarter 4                 (19)               10                (14)
    Full year impact          (33)               (7)               (12)


    Metal Oxides Business
    -- Fourth quarter 2007 vs. fourth quarter 2006:  roughly flat with
       favorable product mix being offset by lower plant utilization
    -- Fourth quarter 2007 vs. third quarter 2007:  roughly flat with
       increased volumes being offset by inventory related charges and lower
       plant utilization

    Supermetals Business
    -- Fourth quarter 2007 vs. fourth quarter 2006 - pricing (unfavorable $9
       million);  raw materials (unfavorable $2 million);  volumes
       (unfavorable $2 million);  fixed costs (favorable $6 million)
    -- Fourth quarter 2007  vs. third quarter 2007 - volumes (favorable $2
       million);  product mix (unfavorable $3 million)

    Revenue Detail
    The following charts quantify, in millions of dollars, the key factors
impacting sales revenue for the Business reporting segments for the fourth
quarter of 2007, as compared to both the fourth quarter of 2006 and the third
quarter of 2007.


                                  Fourth quarter 2007 vs. Fourth quarter 2006
                                 Volume   Price/ Product Mix  Foreign Currency
    Carbon Black Business          14           (24)               20
    Metal Oxides Business          (2)            2                 2
    Supermetals Business           (2)           (9)                -


                                  Fourth quarter 2007 vs. Third quarter 2007
                                 Volume   Price/ Product Mix Foreign Currency
    Carbon Black Business          (7)           15                 4
    Metal Oxides Business           3             1                 -
    Supermetals Business           10            (3)                -


CORPORATE DETAIL

Capital Expenditures- Cabot spent approximately $62 million in capital expenditures during the fourth quarter of 2007. For the full year, capital expenditures were $146 million, compared to $236 million for the full year 2006.

Open Market Share Repurchases- During the fourth quarter and full year 2007, the Company repurchased approximately 4 million and 4.6 million shares, respectively, of its common stock on the open market for a cash cost of approximately $164 million and $190 million, respectively.

Working Capital- Working capital decreased by $3 million on a constant dollar basis (an increase of $34 million at actual exchange rates) during fiscal 2007. On a constant dollar basis, the decrease was driven by an increase in payables and accruals partially offset by an increase in receivables.

Effective Tax Rate- The Company's effective tax rate for net income from continuing operations was a 12% benefit for the fourth quarter and a 23% provision for the full year 2007. During the fourth quarter and full year 2007 the Company recorded tax benefits in continuing operations from the settlement of various tax audits of approximately $5 million ($0.07 per diluted common share) and $3 million ($0.05 per diluted common share), respectively. The Company also recorded a tax benefit of $3 million ($0.04 per diluted common share) during the fourth quarter for the cumulative tax rate adjustment. Excluding the impact of these tax benefits, the Company's effective tax rate would have been approximately 25% for both the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2007.



    CABOT CORPORATION CERTAIN ITEMS - Exhibit I

    Periods ended September 30                      Three Months
    Dollars in millions, except per
     share amounts (unaudited)           2007     2007       2006     2006
                                           $  per share(A)    $   per share(A)

    Certain items before income taxes

    Environmental reserves/settlement    $  -  $     -      $   -  $     -
    Restructuring initiatives - Global      1     0.01        (10)   (0.10)
    Restructuring initiatives - Altona      -        -         (7)   (0.11)
    Cost reduction initiatives              -        -          -        -
    Restructuring - North America          (5)   (0.06)         -        -
    Legal reserves/settlements             (2)   (0.02)         -        -
    Acquisition of flamed synthesis
     technology                            (4)   (0.04)         -        -
    Gwalia settlement payment               -        -          -        -
      Total certain items                 (10)   (0.11)       (17)   (0.21)

    Discontinued operations (B)             3     0.04          2     0.03

    Cumulative effect of an accounting
     change (C)                             -        -         (6)   (0.07)
      Total certain items, cumulative
       effect of an accounting change
       and discontinued operations         (7)   (0.07)       (21)   (0.25)

    Tax impact of certain items,
     cumulative effect of an accounting
     change and discontinued operations     2        -          5        -

    Total certain items, cumulative
     effect of an accounting change and
     discontinued operations, after tax  $ (5) $ (0.07)     $ (16) $ (0.25)


    Periods ended September 30                     Twelve Months
    Dollars in millions, except per
     share amounts (unaudited)           2007    2007       2006     2006
                                           $  per share(A)    $   per share(A)

    Certain items before income taxes

    Environmental reserves/settlement    $ (6) $ (0.07)     $   -  $     -
    Restructuring initiatives - Global     (3)   (0.03)       (10)   (0.10)
    Restructuring initiatives - Altona     (1)   (0.01)       (11)   (0.15)
    Cost reduction initiatives              -        -         (3)   (0.04)
    Restructuring - North America          (8)   (0.09)         -        -
    Legal reserves/settlements            (12)   (0.11)         -        -
    Acquisition of flamed synthesis
     technology                            (4)   (0.04)         -        -
    Gwalia settlement payment               -        -        (27)   (0.25)
      Total certain items                 (34)   (0.35)       (51)   (0.54)

    Discontinued operations (B)             2     0.03          2     0.03

    Cumulative effect of an accounting
     change (C)                             -        -         (2)   (0.03)
      Total certain items, cumulative
       effect of an accounting change
       and discontinued operations        (32)   (0.32)       (51)   (0.54)

    Tax impact of certain items,
     cumulative effect of an accounting
     change and discontinued operations    10        -         15        -

    Total certain items, cumulative
     effect of an accounting change and
     discontinued operations, after tax  $(22) $ (0.32)     $ (36) $ (0.54)



    Periods ended September 30             Three Months    Twelve Months
    Dollars in millions (unaudited)        2007    2006     2007   2006

    Statement of Operations Line Item

    Net sales and other operating
     revenues                               $-      $-        $-     $1
    Cost of sales                           (5)     (5)      (16)   (35)
    Selling and administrative
     expenses                               (1)     (4)      (14)    (9)
    Research and technical expenses         (4)      -        (4)     -
    Other                                    -      (8)        -     (8)
            Total certain items           $(10)   $(17)     $(34)  $(51)


    Periods ended September 30             Three Months    Twelve Months
    Dollars in millions (unaudited)        2007    2006     2007   2006

    Certain items by Segment

    Carbon Black Business                  $(6)   $(17)    $(26)   $(21)
    Supermetals Business                    (4)      -       (6)    (30)
    Other                                    -       -       (2)      -
            Total certain items           $(10)   $(17)    $(34)   $(51)

    (A) Per share amounts are calculated after tax.
    (B) Amount relates to legal and tax settlements in connection with our
        discontinued operations.
    (C) Amounts relate to the cumulative benefit resulting from the adoption
        of FAS 123(R) in the first quarter of 2006 of $0.04 and the cumulative
        expense resulting from the adoption of FIN 47 in the fourth quarter of
        2006 of ($0.07).



    CABOT CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

    Periods ended September 30                Three Months       Twelve Months
    Dollars in millions, except per
     share amounts (unaudited)                2007    2006      2007    2006

    Net sales and other operating revenues     $675    $663    $2,616  $2,543
    Cost of sales                               564     550     2,111   2,124
      Gross profit                              111     113       505     419

    Selling and administrative expenses          66      59       249     235
    Research and technical expenses              20      17        69      58
      Income from operations                     25      37       187     126

    Other income and expense
      Interest and dividend income                2       2        10       5
      Interest expense                           (8)     (8)      (34)    (27)
      Other income (expense)                      1      (7)        5      (7)
       Total other income and expense            (5)    (13)      (19)    (29)

    Income from continuing operations
     before income taxes                         20      24       168      97

    Benefit (provision) for income taxes          2       4       (38)     (9)
    Equity in net income of affiliated
     companies, net of tax                        3       4        12      12
    Minority interest in net income, net
     of tax                                      (4)     (3)      (15)    (12)

    Income from continuing operations            21      29       127      88

    Discontinued operations, net of tax (A)       3       2         2       2

    Cumulative effect of an accounting
     change, net of tax (B)                       -      (4)        -      (2)

    Net income                                   24      27       129      88
    Dividends on preferred stock, net of
     tax benefit                                  -       -        (1)     (2)
    Net income available to common shares       $24     $27      $128     $86

    Diluted earnings per share of common stock
      Income from continuing operations       $0.32   $0.43     $1.87   $1.28
      Discontinued operations, net of
       tax (A)                                 0.04    0.03      0.03    0.03
      Cumulative effect of an accounting
       change, net of tax (B)                     -   (0.07)        -   (0.03)
        Net income                            $0.36   $0.39     $1.90   $1.28

    Weighted average common shares outstanding
      Diluted                                    66      68        68      68

    (A) Amount relates to legal and tax settlements in connection with our
        discontinued operations.
    (B) Amounts relate to the cumulative benefit resulting from the adoption
        of FAS 123(R) in the first quarter of 2006 of $0.04 and the cumulative
        expense resulting from the adoption of FIN 47 in the fourth quarter of
        2006 of ($0.07).



    CABOT CORPORATION SUMMARY RESULTS BY SEGMENTS

    Periods ended September 30         Three Months           Twelve Months
    Dollars in millions, except
     per share amounts (unaudited)  2007         2006       2007         2006

    SALES

    Carbon Black Business (A)       $521         $508     $2,005       $1,917
      Rubber blacks                  368          367      1,416        1,378
      Performance products           142          128        541          488
      Inkjet colorants                10           12         46           47
      Superior MicroPowders            1            1          2            4

    Metal Oxides Business             71           69        271          254
      Fumed metal oxides              71           69        270          253
      Aerogel                          -            -          1            1

    Supermetals Business              55           66        233          292

    Specialty Fluids Business         16           11         58           44

      Segment sales                  663          654      2,567        2,507

    Unallocated and other (B)         12            9         49           36

      Net sales and other
       operating revenues           $675         $663     $2,616       $2,543

    SEGMENT PROFIT

    Carbon Black Business (C)        $20          $31       $156         $101

    Metal Oxides Business (C)          8            9         36           22

    Supermetals Business               1            9         15           41

    Specialty Fluids Business          7            3         25           16

      Total Segment Profit (D)        36           52        232          180

    Interest expense                  (8)          (8)       (34)         (27)
    General unallocated expense (E)   (5)         (16)       (18)         (44)
    Less: Equity in net income of
     affiliated companies, net of
     tax                              (3)          (4)       (12)         (12)

    Income from continuing
     operations before income
     taxes                            20           24        168           97

    Benefit (provision) for income
     taxes                             2            4        (38)          (9)

    Equity in net income of
     affiliated companies, net of
     tax                               3            4         12           12

    Minority interest in net
     income, net of tax               (4)          (3)       (15)         (12)

    Income from continuing
     operations                       21           29        127           88

    Discontinued operations, net
     of tax (F)                        3            2          2            2
    Cumulative effect of an
     accounting change, net of
     tax (G)                           -           (4)         -           (2)

    Net income                        24           27        129           88

    Dividends on preferred stock,
     net of tax benefit                -            -         (1)          (2)

    Net income available to
     common shares                   $24          $27       $128          $86


    Diluted earnings per share of
     common stock
      Income from continuing
       operations                  $0.32        $0.43      $1.87        $1.28

      Discontinued Operations,
        net of tax (F)              0.04         0.03       0.03         0.03

      Cumulative effect of an
       accounting change, net of
       tax (G)                         -        (0.07)         -        (0.03)

      Net income                   $0.36        $0.39      $1.90        $1.28

    Weighted average common
     shares outstanding

      Diluted                         66           68         68           68


    (A) Segment sales for certain operating segments within the Carbon Black
        Business include 100% of sales of one equity affiliate at market-based
        prices.
    (B) Unallocated and other reflects an elimination for sales of one equity
        affiliate offset by royalties paid by equity affiliates and external
        shipping and handling fees.
    (C) The fourth quarter and fiscal year end 2006 amounts include a
        reclassification of $4 million of profit from the Carbon Black segment
        to the Metal Oxides segment.  This reclassification was deemed to be
        immaterial for purposes of the annual segment reporting in the
        September 30, 2006 consolidated financial statements.
    (D) Segment profit is a measure used by Cabot's operating decision-makers
        to measure consolidated operating results and assess segment
        performance. Segment profit includes equity in net income of
        affiliated companies, royalties paid by equity affiliates, minority
        interest and allocated corporate costs.
    (E) General unallocated expense includes foreign currency transaction
        gains (losses), interest income, dividend income, and the certain
        items listed in Exhibit I.  The amount for the twelve months ended
        September 30, 2006 also includes the $27 million settlement payment to
        the Sons of Gwalia.
    (F) Amounts relate to legal and tax settlements in connection with our
        discontinued operations.
    (G) Amounts relate to the cumulative benefit resulting from the adoption
        of FAS 123(R) in the first quarter of 2006 of $0.04 and the cumulative
        expense resulting from the adoption of FIN 47 in the fourth quarter of
        2006 of ($0.07).



    CABOT CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION

                                                September 30     September 30,
                                                    2007              2006
    Dollars in millions, except share and
    per share amounts                            (unaudited)        (audited)

    Current assets:

       Cash and cash equivalents                      $154              $189
       Short-term marketable securities                  2                 1
       Accounts and notes receivable, net of
        reserve for doubtful accounts of $6 and $6     576               534
       Inventories:
            Raw materials                              154               131
            Work in process                             77               109
            Finished goods                             173               139
            Other                                       27                41
                 Total inventories                     431               420
       Prepaid expenses and other current assets        79                75
       Deferred income taxes                            35                36
            Total current assets                     1,277             1,255

    Investments:
       Equity affiliates                                65                59
       Long-term marketable securities and cost
        investments                                      3                 3
            Total investments                           68                62

    Property, plant and equipment                    2,823             2,531
    Accumulated depreciation and amortization       (1,807)           (1,567)
         Net property, plant and equipment           1,016               964

    Other assets:
       Goodwill                                         34                31
       Intangible assets, net of accumulated
        amortization of $11 and $10                      4                 5
       Assets held for rent                             42                40
       Deferred income taxes                           115               100
       Other assets                                     78                77
            Total other assets                         273               253

    Total assets                                    $2,634            $2,534



    CABOT CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION

                                                September 30     September 30,
                                                    2007              2006
    Dollars in millions, except share and
    per share amounts                            (unaudited)        (audited)

    Current liabilities:

      Notes payable to banks                           $67               $58
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities         429               384
      Income taxes payable                              36                27
      Deferred income taxes                              2                 2
      Current portion of long-term debt                 15                34
           Total current liabilities                   549               505

    Long-term debt                                     503               459
    Deferred income taxes                               16                20
    Other liabilities                                  307               286

    Minority interest                                   77                68

    Stockholders' equity:
      Preferred stock:
        Authorized:  2,000,000 shares of $1 par value
            Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock
             7.75% Cumulative
               Authorized: 200,000 shares
               Issued: None and 55,895 shares            -                56
               Outstanding: None and 38,734 shares
                (aggregate redemption value of $39
                at $1,000 per share)
               Less cost of zero and 17,161 shares of
                preferred treasury stock                 -               (38)
      Common stock:
        Authorized: 200,000,000 shares of $1 par
         value
        Issued: 65,424,674 and 63,579,040 shares        65                64
        Outstanding: 65,279,803 and 63,432,651 shares
        Less cost of 144,871 and 146,389 shares of
         common treasury stock                          (5)               (5)
    Additional paid-in capital                           -                 7
    Retained earnings                                1,107             1,160
    Deferred employee benefits                         (34)              (38)
    Notes receivable for restricted stock              (19)              (20)
    Accumulated other comprehensive income              68                10
           Total stockholders' equity                1,182             1,196

    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity      $2,634            $2,534



    CABOT CORPORATION
                                                      Fiscal  2006
    In millions,

    except per share amounts (unaudited)   Dec.Q. Mar.Q. June Q. Sept.Q. FY

    Sales
    Carbon Black Business (A)               $419   $476   $514   $508  $1,917
       Rubber blacks                         298    346    367    367   1,378
       Performance products                  109    117    134    128     488
       Inkjet colorants                       11     12     12     12      47
       Superior MicroPowders                   1      1      1      1       4
    Metal Oxides Business                     57     62     66     69     254
       Fumed metal oxides                     57     62     65     69     253
       Aerogel                                 -      -      1      -       1
    Supermetals Business                      93     67     66     66     292
    Specialty Fluids Business                 10     11     12     11      44
       Segment Sales                         579    616    658    654   2,507
    Unallocated and other (B)                  8     11      8      9      36

    Net sales and other operating revenues  $587   $627   $666   $663  $2,543

    Segment Profit
    Carbon Black Business(C)                 $21    $26    $23    $31    $101
    Metal Oxides Business(C)                   2      5      6      9      22
    Supermetals Business                      11     12      9      9      41
    Specialty Fluids Business                  4      4      5      3      16
       Total Segment Profit (D)               38     47     43     52     180


    Interest expense                          (6)    (7)    (6)    (8)    (27)
    General unallocated income (expense)
     (E)                                      (2)   (24)    (2)   (16)    (44)
    Less: Equity in net income of
     affiliated companies, net of tax         (3)    (4)    (1)    (4)    (12)

    Income from continuing operations
     before income taxes                      27     12     34     24      97
    Benefit (provision) for income taxes      (4)    (1)    (8)     4      (9)
    Equity in net income of affiliated
     companies, net of tax                     3      4      1      4      12
    Minority interest in net income, net
     of tax                                   (4)    (3)    (2)    (3)    (12)

    Net income from continuing operations     22     12     25     29      88
    Discontinued operations, net of tax
     (F)                                       -      -      -      2       2
    Cumulative effect of accounting
     changes, net of tax (G)                   2      -      -     (4)     (2)

    Net income                                24     12     25     27      88
    Dividends on preferred stock, net of
     tax benefit                              (1)     -     (1)     -      (2)

       Net income available to common
        shares                               $23    $12    $24    $27     $86

    Diluted earnings per share of common
     stock
    Net income from continuing operations  $0.31  $0.17  $0.37  $0.43   $1.28
    Discontinued operations, net of tax
     (F)                                       -      -      -   0.03    0.03
    Cumulative effects of accounting
     changes, net of tax (G)                0.04      -      -  (0.07)  (0.03)
    Net income                             $0.35  $0.17  $0.37  $0.39   $1.28
    Weighted average common shares
     outstanding
    Diluted                                   68     69     69     68      68


                                                     Fiscal  2007
    In millions,
    except per share amounts (unaudited)   Dec.Q. Mar.Q. June Q. Sept.Q. FY

    Sales
    Carbon Black Business (A)             $485   $493   $506    $521   $2,005
       Rubber blacks                       351    346    351     368    1,416
       Performance products                123    134    142     142      541
       Inkjet colorants                     10     13     13      10       46
       Superior MicroPowders                 1      -    -         1        2
    Metal Oxides Business                   65     68     67      71      271
       Fumed metal oxides                   65     68     66      71      270
       Aerogel                               -      -      1       -        1
    Supermetals Business                    77     53     48      55      233
    Specialty Fluids Business               16     10     16      16       58
       Segment Sales                       643    624    637     663    2,567
    Unallocated and other (B)               12     13     12      12       49

    Net sales and other operating
     revenues                             $655   $637   $649    $675   $2,616

    Segment Profit
    Carbon Black Business(C)               $54    $57     25     $20     $156
    Metal Oxides Business(C)                 9     10      9       8       36
    Supermetals Business                    16     (2)     -       1       15
    Specialty Fluids Business                8      3      7       7       25
       Total Segment Profit (D)             87     68     41      36      232


    Interest expense                        (9)    (9)    (8)     (8)     (34)
    General unallocated income (expense)
     (E)                                     -    (15)     1      (5)     (18)
    Less: Equity in net income of
     affiliated companies, net of tax       (3)    (3)    (3)     (3)     (12)

    Income from continuing operations
     before income taxes                    75     41     31      20      168
    Benefit (provision) for income taxes   (19)   (11)    (9)      2      (38)
    Equity in net income of affiliated
     companies, net of tax                   3      3      3       3       12
    Minority interest in net income, net
     of tax                                 (5)    (2)    (4)     (4)     (15)

    Net income from continuing
     operations                             54     31     21      21      127
    Discontinued operations, net of tax
     (F)                                     -      -     (1)      3        2
    Cumulative effect of accounting
     changes, net of tax (G)                 -      -      -       -        -

    Net income                              54     31     20      24      129
    Dividends on preferred stock, net of
     tax benefit                             -     (1)     -       -       (1)

       Net income available to common
        shares                             $54    $30    $20     $24     $128

    Diluted earnings per share of common
     stock
    Net income from continuing
     operations                          $0.79  $0.45  $0.31   $0.32    $1.87
    Discontinued operations, net of tax
     (F)                                     -      -  (0.01)   0.04     0.03
    Cumulative effects of accounting
     changes, net of tax (G)                 -      -      -       -        -
    Net income                           $0.79  $0.45  $0.30   $0.36    $1.90
    Weighted average common shares
     outstanding
    Diluted                                 69     69     68      66       68

    (A) Segment sales for certain operating segments within the Carbon Black
        Business include 100% of sales of one equity affiliate at market-based
        prices.
    (B) Unallocated and other reflects an elimination for sales for one equity
        affiliate offset by royalties paid by equity affiliates and external
        shipping and handling fees.
    (C) The fourth quarter and fiscal year end 2006 amounts include a
        reclassification of $4 million of profit from the Carbon Black segment
        to the Metal Oxides segment.  This reclassification was deemed to be
        immaterial for purposes of the annual segment reporting in the
        September 30, 2006 consolidated financial statements.
    (D) Segment profit is a measure used by Cabot's operating decision-makers
        to measure consolidated operating results and assess segment
        performance. Segment profit includes equity in net income of
        affiliated companies, royalties paid by equity affiliates, minority
        interest and allocated corporate costs.
    (E) General unallocated expense includes foreign currency transaction
        gains (losses), interest income, dividend income and certain items
        listed in Exhibit I.  These amounts also include the $27 million
        settlement payment to the Sons of Gwalia in the second quarter of
        2006.
    (F) Amounts relate to legal and tax settlements in connection with our
        discontinued operations.
    (G) Amounts relate to the cumulative benefit resulting from the adoption
        of FAS 123(R) in the first quarter of 2006 of $0.04 and the cumulative
        expense resulting from the adoption of FIN 47 in the fourth quarter of
        2006 of ($0.07).
Downloadable Earnings Tables and Supplemental Infomation

SOURCE Cabot Corporation

http://www.cabot-corp.com