Cabot Corporation
CBT
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$3.93 B
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Change (1 year)

Cabot Corporation - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
FORM 10-Q


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended

MARCH 31, 2002

or

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________ to ________

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-5667


CABOT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE 04-2271897
(State or Other Jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
of Incorporation or Organization)

TWO SEAPORT LANE 02210-2019
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (617) 345-0100

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days.

YES X NO

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date.

AS OF APRIL 30, 2002, THE COMPANY HAD 62,251,058 SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK, PAR VALUE $1 PER SHARE, OUTSTANDING.
CABOT CORPORATION

INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Part I. Financial Information Page
----
<S> <C>

Item 1. Financial Statements

Consolidated Statements of Income
Three Months Ended March 31, 2002 and 2001 3

Consolidated Statements of Income
Six Months Ended March 31, 2002 and 2001 4

Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2002 and September 30, 2001 5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended March 31, 2002 and 2001 7

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders'
Equity Six Months Ended March 31, 2002 8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 9

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 24

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risk 31

Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings 33

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 33

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 34
</TABLE>


-2-
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31,

(In millions, except per share amounts)

UNAUDITED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2002 2001
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Net sales and other operating revenues $ 350 $ 458
Interest and dividend income 2 7
----- -----
Total revenues 352 465
----- -----

Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales 247 339
Selling and administrative expenses 51 52
Research and technical service 12 12
Interest expense 6 9
Special items 3 17
Other charges (income), net (4) --
----- -----
Total costs and expenses 315 429
----- -----

Income before income taxes 37 36
Provision for income taxes (10) (10)
Equity in net income of affiliated companies -- 4
Minority interest in net income (1) (2)
----- -----

Income from continuing operations 26 28

Discontinued operations:
Gain on sale of businesses, net of income taxes -- 3
----- -----
Net income 26 31

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

Net income available to common shares $ 25 $ 30
===== =====

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

Basic 59 63
===== =====
Diluted 71 76
===== =====

Income per common share
Basic:
Continuing operations $0.43 $0.42
Discontinued operations:
Gain on sale of business -- 0.05
----- -----
Net income $0.43 $0.47
===== =====

Diluted:
Continuing operations $0.36 $0.36
Discontinued operations:
Gain on sale of business -- 0.04
----- -----
Net income $0.36 $0.40
===== =====

Dividends per common share $0.13 $0.11
===== =====
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


-3-
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Six Months Ended March 31,

(In millions, except per share amounts)

UNAUDITED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2002 2001
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Net sales and other operating revenues $ 727 $ 853
Interest and dividend income 5 18
----- -----
Total revenues 732 871
----- -----

Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales 507 644
Selling and administrative expenses 99 97
Research and technical service 23 23
Interest expense 14 17
Special items 3 17
Other charges (income), net (3) --
----- -----
Total costs and expenses 643 798
----- -----

Income before income taxes 89 73
Provision for income taxes (25) (21)
Equity in net income of affiliated companies 2 8
Minority interest in net income (2) (4)
----- -----

Income from continuing operations 64 56

Discontinued operations:
Gain on sale of businesses, net of income taxes -- 3
----- -----
Net income 64 59

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

Net income available to common shares $ 62 $ 57
===== =====

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

Basic 59 64
===== =====
Diluted 71 76
===== =====

Income per common share
Basic:

Continuing operations $1.06 $0.85
Discontinued operations:
Gain on sale of business -- 0.05
----- -----
Net income $1.06 $0.90
===== =====

Diluted:
Continuing operations $0.90 $0.73
Discontinued operations:
Gain on sale of business -- 0.04
----- -----
Net income $0.90 $0.77
===== =====

Dividends per common share $0.26 $0.22
===== =====
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


-4-
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
March 31, 2002 and September 30, 2001

(In millions)

ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, September 30,
2002 2001
----------- ------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 200 $ 364
Accounts and notes receivable, net of reserve for doubtful
accounts of $5 and $4 317 267

Inventories:
Raw materials 104 76
Work in process 129 70
Finished goods 123 106
Other 39 33
------- -------
Total inventories 395 285

Prepaid expenses 38 33
Deferred income taxes 15 19
------- -------

Total current assets 965 968
------- -------

Investments:
Equity 46 76
Other 42 29
------- -------
Total investments 88 105
------- -------

Property, plant and equipment 1,926 1,856
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,074) (1,049)
------- -------
Net property, plant and equipment 852 807
------- -------

Other assets:
Goodwill 95 19
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $4 and $4 8 2
Deferred income taxes 2 2
Other assets 18 16
------- -------
Total other assets 123 39
------- -------

Total assets $ 2,028 $ 1,919
======= =======
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


-5-
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
March 31, 2002 and September 30, 2001

(In millions, except for share amounts)

LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, September 30,
2002 2001
----------- -------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks $ 62 $ 13
Current portion of long-term debt 26 30
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 220 243
Deferred income taxes 4 5
------- -------
Total current liabilities 312 291
------- -------

Long-term debt 467 419
Deferred income taxes 97 94
Other liabilities 154 138

Commitments and contingencies (Note G)

Minority interest 32 27

Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock:
Authorized: 2,000,000 shares of $1 par value
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock
Issued and outstanding: none
Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock 7.75% Cumulative

Issued: 75,336 shares, outstanding: 57,798 and 59,148 shares 75 75
(aggregate redemption value of $58 and $59)

Less cost of shares of preferred treasury stock (39) (33)

Common stock:
Authorized: 200,000,000 shares of $1 par value
Issued and outstanding: 62,225,948 and 62,633,252 shares 62 63

Less cost of shares of common treasury stock (6) --

Additional paid-in capital -- 9

Retained earnings 1,120 1,078

Unearned compensation (30) (40)

Deferred employee benefits (52) (54)

Notes receivable for restricted stock (22) (23)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note J) (142) (125)
------- -------

Total stockholders' equity 966 950
------- -------

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,028 $ 1,919
======= =======
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


-6-
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended March 31,

(In millions)

UNAUDITED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2002 2001
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net income $ 64 $ 59
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 53 59
Deferred tax provision (benefit) 3 (1)
Equity in income of affiliated companies,
net of dividends received (1) (8)
Special items 2 10
Gain on sale of business, net of income taxes -- (3)
Non-cash compensation 10 11
Other, net 1 3
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts and notes receivable (37) (45)
Increase in inventory (34) (45)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (36) (22)
Increase in prepayments and other assets (8) (3)
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable 14 (156)
Increase in other liabilities 6 --
Other, net 1 --
----- -----

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities 38 (141)
----- -----

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from sale of business -- 5
Additions to property, plant and equipment (69) (36)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 1 2
Purchase of investments (9) (4)
Acquisition of affiliate, net of cash acquired (89) --
Cash from consolidation of equity affiliate 10 --
----- -----

Cash used in investing activities (156) (33)
----- -----

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from long-term debt -- 129
Repayments of long-term debt (5) (63)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt 4 (1)
Purchases of preferred and common stock (31) (77)
Sales and issuances of common stock 4 3
Cash dividends paid to stockholders (17) (16)
Employee loan repayments 1 6
----- -----

Cash used in financing activities (44) (19)
----- -----

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (2) (1)
----- -----

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (164) (194)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 364 638
----- -----

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 200 $ 444
===== =====
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


-7-
CABOT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Six Months Ended March 31, 2002

(In millions)

UNAUDITED


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated
Preferred Common Additional Other
Preferred Treasury Common Treasury Paid-in Retained Comprehensive
Stock Stock Stock Stock Capital Earnings Loss
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>

Balance at September 30, 2001 $ 75 $ (33) $ 63 $ -- $ 9 $1,078 $ (125)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 64
Foreign currency translation adjustments (18)
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-
sale securities 1

Total comprehensive income

Common dividends paid (16)
Issuance of stock under employee
compensation plans, net of tax benefit 4
Purchase and retirement of common stock (1) (14) (5)
Purchase of treasury stock - common (6)
Purchase of treasury stock - preferred (5)
Preferred stock conversion (1) 1
Preferred dividends paid to Employee
Stock Ownership Plan, net of tax (1)
Principal payment by Employee Stock
Ownership Plan under guaranteed loan
Amortization of unearned compensation
Notes receivable - payment and forfeitures
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at March 31, 2002 $ 75 $ (39) $ 62 $ (6) $ -- $1,120 $ (142)
=================================================================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
Deferred Receivable Total Total
Unearned Employee for Restricted Stockholders' Comprehensive
Compensation Benefits Stock Equity Income
----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>

Balance at September 30, 2001 $ (40) $ (54) $ (23) $ 950
---------------------------------------------------
Net income $ 64
Foreign currency translation adjustments (18)
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-
sale securities 1
------
Total comprehensive income $ 47
======
Common dividends paid
Issuance of stock under employee
compensation plans, net of tax benefit
Purchase and retirement of common stock
Purchase of treasury stock - common
Purchase of treasury stock - preferred
Preferred stock conversion
Preferred dividends paid to Employee
Stock Ownership Plan, net of tax
Principal payment by Employee Stock
Ownership Plan under guaranteed loan 2
Amortization of unearned compensation 10
Notes receivable - payment and forfeitures 1
---------------------------------------------------
Balance at March 31, 2002 $ (30) $ (52) $ (22) $ 966
===================================================
</TABLE>



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


-8-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2002

(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED

A. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cabot
Corporation and majority-owned and controlled U.S. and non-U.S.
subsidiaries ("Cabot"). Investments in 20 to 50 percent owned
affiliates are accounted for on the equity method. Intercompany
transactions have been eliminated.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and consequently do not
include all disclosures required by Form 10-K. Additional information
may be obtained by referring to Cabot's Form 10-K for the year ended
September 30, 2001.

The financial information submitted herewith is unaudited and reflects
all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to
provide a fair statement of the results for the interim periods ended
March 31, 2002 and 2001. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring
nature. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative
of the results to be expected for the fiscal year.

B. SPECIAL ITEMS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Associated with the acquisition of Showa Cabot Supermetals KK, Cabot
recorded special items for the second quarter of fiscal 2002 of $2
million for an asset impairment charge from the cancellation of an
expansion project at the Performance Materials plant in Boyertown,
Pennsylvania and $1 million of non-capitalizable transaction costs.

During fiscal 2000, Cabot approved plans to close two plants. In
relation to the plant closings, Cabot recorded an $18 million charge in
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000. Included in the charge were accruals
of $2 million for severance and termination benefits for approximately
38 employees of the Chemical and Performance Materials businesses, $7
million for facility closing costs, and a $9 million charge for the
impairment of long-lived assets. One of the plant closures was
completed during fiscal 2001, and the second plant closure was
completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2002. During the quarter
ended March 31, 2002, approximately $1 million of severance and
termination benefits were paid out of the accrual, which represents the
final payments under the severance arrangements. At March 31, 2002, $2
million remains accrued for the required monitoring costs at the second
site.

On September 19, 2000, Cabot completed a transaction to sell its
liquefied natural gas (LNG) business for approximately $688 million
cash. The sale included Cabot's LNG terminal in Everett, Massachusetts,
its LNG tanker, the Matthew, and its equity interest in the Atlantic
LNG liquefaction plant in Trinidad. The gain on the sale of the LNG
business recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000 was
approximately $309 million, net of taxes of $178 million. In February
2001, Cabot received additional cash proceeds of $5 million from the
sale. The receipt net of taxes is classified as a gain on sale of
discontinued business in the consolidated statements of income.

C. ACQUISITION

On February 8, 2002, Cabot Corporation purchased the remaining 50% of
the shares in Showa Cabot Supermetals KK (SCSM) in Japan, from its
joint venture partner, Showa Denko KK. SCSM is a supplier of tantalum
powders and metal products to the global electronics, aerospace, and
chemical processing industries. The acquisition of SCSM expands the
capacity of Cabot's tantalum business.


-9-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED

This acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase and the
operating results of SCSM will be reported on a one month lag. Prior
to the acquisition Cabot's investment in SCSM was accounted for as an
equity investment and the results were reported on a three month lag.
The equity investment income for the final three month period prior to
the acquisition was not material to the consolidated results of
operations. Included in the consolidated results of Cabot Corporation
for the second quarter of 2002, are 50% of the operating results of
SCSM for the months of October 2001 through January 2002 and 100% of
the operating results of Cabot Supermetals (formerly SCSM) for the
month of February 2002.

The fair value of the debt assumed and assets and liabilities acquired
represents the 50% of Cabot Supermetals purchased. A summary of the
consideration paid and the allocation of the purchase price of the
acquisition is as follows:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cash paid $ 99
Fair value of debt assumed 53

----
Total consideration $152
====

Fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired $103
Fair value of liabilities assumed 22

----
Fair value of net assets acquired $ 81
====

Recorded goodwill $ 71
====
</TABLE>

Allocation of the purchase price is based on estimates of the fair
value of the net assets acquired, and is subject to adjustment. Cabot
is not aware of any information that would indicate that the final
purchase price allocations will differ significantly from preliminary
estimates.

Assuming Cabot owned 100% of Cabot Supermetals for all periods
presented, the following table would be the unaudited pro forma
consolidated operating results for the three and six months ended March
31, 2002 and 2001:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended March 31 Six Months Ended March 31
--------------------------- -------------------------
2002 2001 2002 2001
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>

Total revenues $ 359 $ 508 $ 758 $ 944
Net income 25 37 62 66
Net income per share:
Basic $ 0.41 $ 0.58 $ 1.02 $ 1.02
Diluted $ 0.35 $ 0.49 $ 0.87 $ 0.87
</TABLE>

The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only
and are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations
had the acquisition taken place in the prior year or the results that
may occur in the future. Furthermore, the pro forma results do not give
effect to all cost savings or incremental costs which may occur as a
result of the integration and consolidation of Cabot Supermetals.

D. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Cabot adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("FAS No. 142") on October 1,
2001. Under FAS No. 142, all goodwill amortization ceased for Cabot on
October 1, 2001. Upon adoption, the goodwill attributable to each of
our reporting units was tested for impairment by comparing the fair
value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The fair value of a
reporting unit was determined by estimating the present value of
expected future cash flows. No impairments existed upon adoption of
FAS No. 142. On an ongoing basis, impairment tests under FAS No. 142
will be performed at least annually.


-10-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED


At March 31, 2002 and September 30, 2001, Cabot had goodwill balances
of $95 million and $19 million, respectively. During the first quarter
of 2002, Cabot acquired the shares of certain minority interest
shareholders in the Chemical Businesses, resulting in $5 million of
additional goodwill. On February 8, 2002, Cabot acquired the remaining
50% of the shares in Showa Cabot Supermetals KK, resulting in $71
million of additional goodwill in the Performance Materials business.

The carrying amount of goodwill attributable to each reportable
operating segment with goodwill balances and the changes in those
balances during the six months ended March 31, 2002 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Chemical Performance
Businesses Materials Total
---------- ----------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>

Balance at September 30, 2001 $ 16 $ 3 $ 19

Goodwill acquired during period 5 71 76

Foreign exchange translation adjustment (1) 1 --
---- ---- ----

Balance at March 31, 2002 $ 20 $ 75 $ 95
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>

Cabot does not have any indefinitely-lived intangible assets. At March
31, 2002, Cabot had $8 million of finite-lived intangible assets
primarily composed of know-how. At September 30, 2001, Cabot had $2
million of finite-lived intangible assets. Intangible assets are
amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from two to
fifteen years. Estimated amortization expense is expected to be
approximately $1 million in each of the next five years.

If FAS No. 142 had been adopted in the prior period Cabot's pro forma
net income and pro forma net income per common share for the three and
six months ended March 31, 2001 would have been:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended March 31, Six Months Ended March 31,
---------------------------- --------------------------
2001 2001
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Net income - as reported $ 31 $ 59
Goodwill amortization, net of tax
benefit -- 1
------ ------

Net income - pro forma $ 31 $ 60
====== ======
Net income per common share - pro forma:
Basic $ 0.48 $ 0.92
Diluted $ 0.41 $ 0.78
</TABLE>

E. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT

On February 8, 2002, SCSM had $47 million in notes payable to banks and
$59 million in long-term debt from institutional lenders. The bank
notes are payable in Yen and have renewable one year terms. Notes
payable to banks are classified as current liabilities on the
consolidated balance sheet. The interest rates on $10 million of the
bank notes are fixed and range from 0.7% to 0.8%. The interest rates on
the remaining bank notes are variable and based on short term interest
rates.

The long-term debts are also payable in Yen and mature on various dates
in fiscal years 2004 to 2006. The interest rates on $25 million of the
loans are fixed and range from 1.5% to 2.1%. The interest rates on the
remaining long-term loans are variable and based on short term interest
rates.


-11-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED

The principal payments on the $59 million in long-term debt due in each
of the five fiscal years 2002 through 2006 are zero, zero, $10 million,
$19 million, and $30 million, respectively.

F. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In October 2001, Cabot entered into four interest rate swaps in an
aggregate notional amount of $97 million. The swaps are derivative
instruments as defined by FAS No. 133 and have been designated as fair
value hedges. The swaps hedge the change in the fair value of $97
million of Cabot's fixed rate medium term notes due to changes in
interest rates. The interest rate swaps, as well as the medium term
notes they hedge, mature on various dates through February 2007. A
derivative liability and a corresponding reduction to long term debt of
$2 million were recorded for the fair market value of the swaps at
March 31, 2002. The interest rate swaps were determined to be highly
effective and no amount of ineffectiveness needed to be recorded in
earnings during the period ended March 31, 2002.

As part of the SCSM acquisition, Cabot assumed interest rates swaps in
an aggregate notional amount of $43 million. The swaps are derivative
instruments as defined by FAS No. 133 and have been designated as cash
flow hedges. The swaps hedge the risk of changes in market interest
rates associated with $43 million of the variable rate bank notes and
long-term debts assumed in the SCSM acquisition. The swaps are
variable-for-fixed swaps of the quarterly interest payments. The swaps
require payment of fixed rates ranging from 1.5% to 2.2% and the
receipt of variable rates based on short-term interest rates. The
interest rate contracts will mature with the associated loans in fiscal
years 2002 through 2006. The interest rate swaps were recorded at their
fair value of $1 million on the acquisition date. Subsequent changes in
the fair value of these cash flow hedges will be recorded in other
comprehensive income.

Derivative financial instruments are used by Cabot to manage some of
its foreign currency exposures. Cabot may also use financial
instruments to manage other exposures, such as commodity prices, share
repurchases and interest rates. Cabot does not enter into financial
instruments for speculative purposes. Derivative financial instruments
are accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standard No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities".

Cabot has formally documented the relationships between hedging
instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective.
All derivative instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at fair
value. Hedge accounting is followed for derivatives that have been
designated and qualify as fair-value hedges. Changes in the fair value
of a highly effective derivative, along with changes in the fair value
of the hedged liability that are attributable to the hedged risk, are
recorded in current period earnings.

By using derivative instruments, Cabot can expose itself to credit and
market risk. If a counterparty fails to fulfill its performance
obligations under a derivative contract, Cabot's credit risk will equal
the fair-value gain on the derivative. Generally, when the fair value
of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes Cabot, thus
creating a repayment risk for Cabot. When the fair value of a
derivative contract is negative, Cabot owes the counterparty and,
therefore, assumes no repayment risk. Cabot minimizes the credit (or
repayment) risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions
with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by
Cabot.


-12-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED

G. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Cabot is a defendant, or potentially responsible party, in various
lawsuits and environmental proceedings wherein substantial amounts are
claimed or at issue.

The Company has exposure to a safety respiratory products business that
it acquired in April 1990. It disposed of that business in July 1995.
In connection with its acquisition of the business, the Company agreed,
after an initial period during which responsibility was shared, to
indemnify the seller, American Optical Corporation, for costs,
including legal costs, settlements and judgments, in connection with a
number of lawsuits and claims relating to the respirators (in exchange
for which the Company received the benefits of the seller's insurance
and other indemnities). These lawsuits and claims typically involve
allegations that the plaintiffs suffer from asbestosis or silicosis as
a result, in part, from respirators that were negligently designed or
labeled. The defendants in these lawsuits are often numerous and
include, in addition to respirator manufacturers, the plaintiffs'
employers and makers of asbestos and sand used in sand blasting.

When the Company disposed of the business in 1995 to Aearo Corporation
("Aearo"), it agreed with Aearo that for an annual fee of $400,000 the
Company would retain responsibility for, and indemnify Aearo against,
claims asserted after July 11, 1995 to the extent they are alleged to
arise out of the use of respirators before that date. Aearo can
discontinue payment of the fee at any time, in which case it will
assume the responsibility for and indemnify the Company with respect to
these claims. Since the divestiture and until 2001, the Company had
never spent more than the $400,000 that it collects from Aearo each
year. In 2001 and to date in 2002, the amount spent in excess of
$400,000 was not material. Neither the Company, nor its past or present
subsidiaries, at any time manufactured asbestos or asbestos-containing
products. Moreover, not every person with exposure to asbestos giving
rise to an asbestos claim used a form of respiratory protection. At no
time did the business for which the Company is financially responsible
for legal costs represent a significant portion of the respirator
market. In addition, as a result of the arrangements involving these
lawsuits and claims, the Company has only a portion of the liability in
any given case.

The overall number of new cases filed increased last year, but the rate
of new case filings substantially decreased during the latter half of
the year. The rate of filings in the present year approximates the
overall rate of filings last year. However, due to the inherent
uncertainty of these matters, it is difficult to predict the scope and
number of claims which might be asserted in future years. Accordingly,
there is a remote possibility that this litigation could result in
future charges that could have a material adverse impact on the
Company's financial condition or results of operations. While there is
always the possibility of an unusual result in any case, it is
management's opinion, taking into account currently available
information, past experience, contractual obligations and insurance
coverage which may be applicable, that the pending suits and claims
should not result in final judgments or settlements that, in the
aggregate, would have a material effect on the Company's financial
condition or results of operations.

As of March 31, 2002, Cabot has approximately $28 million reserved for
environmental matters, primarily related to divested businesses. The
amount represents Cabot's current best estimate of its share of costs
likely to be incurred at those sites where costs are reasonably
estimable based on its analysis of the extent of cleanup required,
alternative cleanup methods available, abilities of other responsible
parties to contribute, and its interpretation of applicable laws and
regulations at each site. Cabot reviews the adequacy of this reserve as
circumstances change at individual sites. Cabot is unable to reasonably
estimate the amount of possible loss in excess of the accrued amount.


-13-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED

In the opinion of Cabot, although final disposition of these suits and
claims may impact Cabot's financial statements in a particular period,
they will not, in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on
Cabot's financial position.

H. COMMON TREASURY STOCK

Common treasury stock is presented on the consolidated balance sheet at
cost as a reduction to stockholders' equity. During the second quarter
of fiscal 2002, Cabot repurchased $6 million of its common stock. This
stock will be held in treasury and used to fund an employee benefit
plan.


-14-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(Preferred, preferred treasury and common treasury shares
in thousands and common shares in millions)
UNAUDITED


I. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

The following table summarizes the changes in shares of stock for the
three months ended March 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2002
------
<S> <C>
PREFERRED STOCK
Balance at December 31, 2001 75
------
Balance at March 31, 2002 75
======


PREFERRED TREASURY STOCK
Balance at December 31, 2001 17
Purchased preferred treasury stock --
Preferred stock conversion 1
------
Balance at March 31, 2002 18
======

COMMON STOCK
Balance at December 31, 2001 62
Purchased and retired common stock --
------
Balance at March 31, 2002 62
======

COMMON TREASURY STOCK
Balance at December 31, 2001 --
Purchased common treasury stock 175
------
Balance at March 31, 2002 175
======
</TABLE>


-15-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(Preferred, preferred treasury and common treasury shares
in thousands and common shares in millions)
UNAUDITED

I. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)

The following table summarizes the changes in shares of stock for the six
months ended March 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2002
------
<S> <C>
PREFERRED STOCK
Balance at September 30, 2001 75
------
Balance at March 31, 2002 75
======


PREFERRED TREASURY STOCK
Balance at September 30, 2001 16
Purchased preferred treasury stock 1
Preferred stock conversion 1
------
Balance at March 31, 2002 18
======

COMMON STOCK
Balance at September 30, 2001 63
Purchased and retired common stock (1)
------
Balance at March 31, 2002 62
======

COMMON TREASURY STOCK
Balance at September 30, 2001 --
Purchased common treasury stock 175
------
Balance at March 31, 2002 175
======
</TABLE>


-16-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(In millions)

UNAUDITED

J. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The pre-tax, tax, and after-tax effects of the components of other
comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31 are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pre-tax Tax After-tax
--------- ------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
2002
Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (17) $ -- $ (17)
Unrealized holding loss arising during period on
marketable equity securities (4) 1 (3)
----- ------ -----
Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (21) $ 1 $ (20)
===== ====== =====
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pre-tax Tax After-tax
--------- ------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
2001
Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (21) $ -- $ (21)
Unrealized holding gain arising during period on
marketable equity securities 7 (3) 4
----- ------ -----
Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (14) $ (3) $ (17)
===== ====== =====
</TABLE>


-17-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(In millions)

UNAUDITED

J. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (CONTINUED)

The pre-tax, tax, and after-tax effects of the components of other
comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended March 31 are shown
below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pre-tax Tax After-tax
--------- ------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
2002
Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (18) $ -- $ (18)
Unrealized holding gain arising during period on
marketable equity securities 2 (1) 1
----- ------ -----
Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (16) $ (1) $ (17)
===== ====== =====
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pre-tax Tax After-tax
--------- ------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
2001
Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (20) $ -- $ (20)
Unrealized holding gain arising during period on
marketable equity securities 11 (5) 6
----- ------ -----
Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (9) $ (5) $ (14)
===== ====== =====
</TABLE>


The balance of related after-tax components comprising accumulated other
comprehensive loss as of March 31 and September 30 is summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, September 30,
2002 2001
-------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Foreign currency translation adjustments $(149) $(131)
Unrealized holding gain on marketable equity securities 7 6
----- -----
Accumulated other comprehensive loss $(142) $(125)
===== =====
</TABLE>


-18-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(In millions, except per share amounts)

UNAUDITED

K. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") were calculated for the
three months ended March 31 as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2002 2001
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
BASIC EPS
Income available to common shares (numerator) $ 25 $ 30
====== ======

Weighted-average common shares outstanding 62 66
Less: Contingently issuable shares(1) (3) (3)
------ ------

Adjusted weighted-average shares (denominator) 59 63
====== ======

Basic EPS $ 0.43 $ 0.47
====== ======

DILUTED EPS
Income available to common shares $ 25 $ 30
Dividends on preferred stock 1 1
Less: Income effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock -- --
------ ------

Income available to common shares plus assumed conversions (numerator) $ 26 $ 31
====== ======

Weighted-average common shares outstanding 62 66
Effect of dilutive securities:
Conversion of preferred stock 8 9
Conversion of incentive stock options(2)(3) 1 1
------ ------

Adjusted weighted-average shares (denominator) 71 76
====== ======

Diluted EPS $ 0.36 $ 0.40
====== ======
</TABLE>

(1) Represents restricted stock issued under Cabot Equity Incentive Plans.

(2) As of March 31, 2001, the average fair value of Cabot's stock price exceeded
the exercise price of all options outstanding. As such, all options
outstanding have been included in the calculation of fully diluted earnings
per share.

(3) Of the options to purchase shares of common stock outstanding at March 31,
2002, .3 million shares were not included in the computation of diluted EPS
because those options' exercise price was greater than the average market
price of common shares for the second quarter of fiscal year 2002.


-19-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(In millions, except per share amounts)

UNAUDITED

K. EARNINGS PER SHARE (CONTINUED)

Basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") were calculated for the
six months ended March 31 as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2002 2001
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
BASIC EPS
Income available to common shares (numerator) $ 62 $ 57
====== ======

Weighted-average common shares outstanding 62 67
Less: Contingently issuable shares(1) (3) (3)
------ ------

Adjusted weighted-average shares (denominator) 59 64
====== ======

Basic EPS $ 1.06 $ 0.90
====== ======

DILUTED EPS
Income available to common shares $ 62 $ 57
Dividends on preferred stock 2 2
Less: Income effect of assumed conversion of preferred stock -- --
------ ------

Income available to common shares plus assumed conversions (numerator) $ 64 $ 59
====== ======

Weighted-average common shares outstanding 62 67
Effect of dilutive securities:
Conversion of preferred stock 8 9
Conversion of incentive stock options(2) 1 --
------ ------

Adjusted weighted-average shares (denominator) 71 76
====== ======

Diluted EPS $ 0.90 $ 0.77
====== ======
</TABLE>

(1) Represents restricted stock issued under Cabot Equity Incentive Plans.

(2) As of March 31, 2001 and 2002, the average fair value of Cabot's stock price
exceeded the exercise price of all options outstanding. As such, all options
outstanding have been included in the calculation of fully diluted earnings
per share.


-20-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(In millions)

UNAUDITED

L. FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY SEGMENT

The framework for segment reporting is intended to give analysts and
other financial statement users a view of Cabot "through the eyes of
management". It designates Cabot's internal management reporting
structure as the basis for determining Cabot's reportable segments, as
well as the basis for determining the information to be disclosed for
those segments. The following table provides financial information by
segment for the three months ended March 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHEMICAL PERFORMANCE SPECIALTY SEGMENT UNALLOCATED CONSOLIDATED
BUSINESSES MATERIALS FLUIDS TOTAL AND OTHER TOTAL
---------- ----------- --------- ------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>

2002
Net sales and other operating revenues(1) (2) $ 301 $ 48 $ 6 $ 355 $ (5) $ 350
Profit (loss) before taxes(3) $ 30 $ 14 $ (1) $ 43 $ (6) $ 37

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2001
Net sales and other operating revenues(1) (2) $ 357 $ 103 $ 5 $ 465 $ (7) $ 458
Profit (loss) before taxes(3) $ 35 $ 26 $ (1) $ 60 $ (24) $ 36

</TABLE>

Unallocated and other net sales and other operating revenues includes
the following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2002 2001
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Equity affiliate sales $ (15) $ (16)
Royalties paid by equity affiliates 1 1
Interoperating segment revenues (1) (2)
Shipping and handling fees 10 10
------ ------
Total $ (5) $ (7)
====== ======
</TABLE>


Unallocated and other profit (loss) before taxes includes the
following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2002 2001
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Interest expense $ (6) $ (9)
General unallocated income (expense)(4) 3 6
Equity in net income of affiliated companies -- (4)
Special item(5)(6) (3) (17)
------ ------
Total $ (6) $ (24)
====== ======
</TABLE>


(1) Segment sales for certain operating segments within Chemical Businesses
include 100% of equity affiliate sales and transfers of materials at cost
and market-based prices.

(2) Unallocated and other reflects an adjustment for equity affiliate sales and
interoperating segment revenues and includes royalties paid by equity
affiliates offset by external shipping and handling costs.

(3) Segment profit is a measure used by Cabot's chief operating decision-makers
to measure consolidated operating results and assess segment performance. It
includes equity in net income of affiliated companies, royalties paid by
equity affiliates, minority interest, and corporate governance costs, and
excludes foreign currency transaction gains (losses), interest income
(expense) and dividend income.

(4) General unallocated income (expense) includes foreign currency transaction
gains (losses), interest income and dividend income.

(5) Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2001 include a charge related to
the retirement of the Chief Executive Officer. Included in the charge is $10
million relating to the accelerated vesting of shares issued under the Long
Term Incentive Compensation Plan and a $7 million cash payment.

(6) Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2002 include a charge related to
the discontinuance of a project in the Performance Materials plant in
Boyertown, Pennsylvania and non-capitalizable transaction costs, both
associated with the acquisition of Showa Cabot Supermetals.



-21-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(In millions)

UNAUDITED


L. FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY SEGMENT (CONTINUED)

The framework for segment reporting is intended to give analysts and
other financial statement users a view of Cabot "through the eyes of
management". It designates Cabot's internal management reporting
structure as the basis for determining Cabot's reportable segments, as
well as the basis for determining the information to be disclosed for
those segments. The following table provides financial information by
segment for the six months ended March 31:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHEMICAL PERFORMANCE SPECIALTY SEGMENT UNALLOCATED CONSOLIDATED
BUSINESSES MATERIALS FLUIDS TOTAL AND OTHER TOTAL
---------- ----------- --------- ------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>

2002
Net sales and other operating revenues(1) (2) $ 594 $ 130 $ 15 $ 739 $ (12) $ 727
Profit (loss) before taxes(3) $ 57 $ 45 $ -- $ 102 $ (13) $ 89

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2001
Net sales and other operating revenues(1) (2) $ 691 $ 159 $ 12 $ 862 $ (9) $ 853
Profit (loss) before taxes(3) $ 76 $ 23 $ -- $ 99 $ (26) $ 73
</TABLE>


Unallocated and other net sales and other operating revenues includes
the following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2002 2001
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Equity affiliate sales $ (30) $ (31)
Royalties paid by equity affiliates 3 3
Interoperating segment revenues (4) (3)
Shipping and handling fees 19 22
------ ------
Total $ (12) $ (9)
====== ======
</TABLE>


Unallocated and other profit (loss) before taxes includes the
following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2002 2001
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Interest expense $ (14) $ (17)
General unallocated income (expense)(4) 6 16
Equity in net income of affiliated companies (2) (8)
Special item(5)(6) (3) (17)
------ ------
Total $ (13) $ (26)
====== ======
</TABLE>


(1) Segment sales for certain operating segments within Chemical Businesses
include 100% of equity affiliate sales and transfers of materials at cost
and market-based prices.

(2) Unallocated and other reflects an adjustment for equity affiliate sales and
interoperating segment revenues and includes royalties paid by equity
affiliates offset by external shipping and handling costs.

(3) Segment profit is a measure used by Cabot's chief operating decision-makers
to measure consolidated operating results and assess segment performance. It
includes equity in net income of affiliated companies, royalties paid by
equity affiliates, minority interest, and corporate governance costs, and
excludes foreign currency transaction gains (losses), interest income
(expense) and dividend income.

(4) General unallocated income (expense) includes foreign currency transaction
gains (losses), interest income and dividend income.

(5) Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2001 include a charge related to
the retirement of the Chief Executive Officer. Included in the charge is $10
million relating to the accelerated vesting of shares issued under the Long
Term Incentive Compensation Plan and a $7 million cash payment.

(6) Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2002 include a charge related to
the discontinuance of a project in the Performance Materials plant in
Boyertown, Pennsylvania and non-capitalizable transaction costs, both
associated with the acquisition of Showa Cabot Supermetals.


-22-
CABOT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
March 31, 2002

(In millions, except per share amounts)
UNAUDITED

M. RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

The FASB issued Statement No. 143, "Accounting for Obligations
Associated with the Retirement of Long-Lived Assets" ("FAS No. 143"),
in June 2001. The objective of FAS No. 143 is to establish an
accounting standard for the recognition and measurement of an asset
retirement obligation on certain long-lived assets. The retirement
obligation must be one that results from the acquisition, construction
or normal operation of a long-lived asset. FAS No. 143 requires the
legal obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible
long-lived asset to be recognized at fair value as a liability when
incurred, and the cost to be capitalized by increasing the carrying
amount of the related long-lived asset. FAS No. 143 will be effective
for Cabot on October 1, 2002. Cabot is currently evaluating the effect
of implementing FAS No. 143.

In October 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 144, "Accounting for
the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("FAS No. 144"),
which supersedes FAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of" and
provisions of APB Opinion No. 30 "Reporting the Results of Operations
- Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and
Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and
Transactions" ("APB No. 30"), for the disposal of segments of a
business. The statement creates one accounting model, based on the
framework established in FAS No. 121, to be applied to all long-lived
assets including discontinued operations. FAS No. 144 will be
effective for Cabot on October 1, 2002. Cabot is currently evaluating
the effect of implementing FAS No. 144.

The FASB issued Statement No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No.
4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical
Corrections" ("FAS No. 145") in April 2002. This statement updates,
clarifies and simplifies existing accounting pronouncements.
Specifically, the statement rescinds FASB Statement No. 4, "Reporting
Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt" ("FAS No. 4"), FASB
Statement No. 64, "Extinguishment of Debt Made to Satisfy Sinking Fund
Requirements" ("FAS No. 64") and FASB Statement No. 44, "Accounting for
Intangible Assets of Motor Carriers." This statement amends FASB
Statement No. 13, "Accounting for Leases" ("FAS No. 13") and certain
other existing authoritative pronouncements to make technical
corrections or clarifications. FAS No. 145 will be effective for Cabot
related to the rescission of FAS No. 4 and FAS No. 64 on October 1,
2002. FAS No. 145 will be effective related to the amendment of FAS No.
13 for all transactions occurring after May 15, 2002. All other
provisions of FAS No. 145 will be effective for financial statements
issued after May 15, 2002. Cabot is currently evaluating the effect of
implementing FAS No. 145.






-23-
CABOT CORPORATION

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

I. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Critical accounting policies are those that are central to the presentation of
the Company's financial condition and results of operations and that require
subjective or complex estimates by management. The preparation of the Company's
financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that
affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, and
related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis,
the Company evaluates its policies and estimates, including those related to
revenue recognition, inventory valuation, impaired assets, environmental costs,
pensions and other postemployment benefits, and litigation and contingencies.
The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current conditions and
on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about
the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from
other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different
assumptions or conditions.

The Company believes the following critical accounting policies are the most
important to the portrayal of the Company's financial condition and results and
require management's more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation
of the Company's consolidated financial statements.

REVENUE RECOGNITION AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

The Company derives its revenue through the sale of chemical products,
performance materials and specialty fluids products. Cabot recognizes revenue
when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the
sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is probable. Revenue
from product sales is recognized when product is shipped and title and risk of
loss has passed to the customer. The Company generally is able to ensure that
products meet customer specification prior to shipment. The Company prepares its
estimates for sales returns and allowances, discounts and rebates quarterly
based primarily on historical experience updated for changes in facts and
circumstances, as appropriate. If actual future results vary, the Company may
need to adjust its estimates, which could have an impact on earnings in the
period of adjustment.

The Company's revenue recognition policies are in compliance with Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements" ("SAB
101") which establishes criteria which must be satisfied before revenue is
realized or realizable and earned.

The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses
resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the
financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in
an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be
required, which could affect future earnings. As of March 31, 2002, the
allowance for doubtful accounts was $5 million.

INVENTORY VALUATION

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of most raw
materials, work in process and finished goods inventories in the United States
is determined by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. The cost of other
United States and all non-United States inventories is determined using the
average cost method or the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. As of March 31,
2002, the estimated current cost of these inventories exceeded their stated
valuation determined on the LIFO basis by approximately $90 million. The Company
writes down its inventories for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory
equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market
value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Such
write-downs have not historically been significant. If actual market conditions
are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory
write-downs may be required.


-24-
VALUATION OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

The Company's long-lived assets include property, plant, equipment, long-term
investments, goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company reviews the
carrying values of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes
in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not
be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the fair value of the
asset is less than the carrying value of the asset. The fair value of the asset
is based on undiscounted estimated cash flows. The Company's estimates reflect
management's assumptions about selling prices, production and sales volume,
costs and market conditions over the estimated remaining operating period. If an
impairment is indicated, the asset is written down to fair value.

Effective October 1, 2001, the Company adopted the Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("FAS No.
142"). In accordance with FAS No. 142, the Company no longer amortizes goodwill
and indefinite lived intangible assets. The Company performs an annual
impairment test for goodwill by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit
to its carrying value, including goodwill. The fair value is based on
discounted estimated cash flows. The assumptions used to estimate the fair
value of a reporting unit include management's best estimates of the reporting
unit's future growth rates, capital expenditures, discount rates and market
conditions over the estimated remaining operating period.

If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, then the Company compares the
implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying value of
the goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the
fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that
reporting unit. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value of the
goodwill, then an impairment loss is recognized for the excess amount.

ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS

The Company accrues environmental costs when it is probable that the Company has
incurred a liability and the amount can be reasonably estimated. When a single
amount cannot be reasonably estimated, but a range of estimated liability can be
reasonably estimated, the Company accrues the amount that reflects its best
estimate within that range. The amount accrued reflects the Company's
assumptions about remedial 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. The availability
of new information, changes in the estimates on which the accruals are based,
unanticipated government enforcement action, or changes in applicable government
laws and regulations could result in higher or lower costs. The Company does not
reduce its estimated liability for possible recoveries from insurance carriers.
Insurance recoveries are recorded when received. In fiscal 2001 and 2000, the
Company received $1 million and $10 million, respectively for insurance
recoveries which were classified as special items in the consolidated statement
of operations.

As of March 31, 2002, the Company had $28 million reserved for environmental
matters.

PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The Company maintains both defined benefit and defined contribution plans for
its employees. In addition, the Company provides certain health care and life
insurance benefits for retired employees. The costs and obligations related to
these benefits reflect the Company's assumptions related to general economic
conditions, including interest rates, expected return on plan assets, and rate
of compensation increase for employees. Projected health care benefits reflect
the Company's assumptions about health care cost trends. The cost of providing
plan benefits also depends on demographic assumptions including retirements,
mortality, turnover, and plan participation. If actual experience differs from
these assumptions, the cost of providing these benefits could increase or
decrease. Actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and
amortized over future periods and therefore, affect the recognized expense and
recorded obligation in such future periods.


-25-
LITIGATION AND CONTINGENCIES

When the Company is involved in litigation, it accrues a liability for such
matters when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount
can be reasonably estimated. The estimated reserves are recorded based on what
is deemed reasonable for such pending matters; however, there is always the
possibility of an unusual result in any case, which may have an adverse effect
on the results of operations.

II. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net sales and operating profit before taxes by segment are shown in Note L of
the Consolidated Financial Statements.

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2002 VERSUS
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001

Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2002 was $26 million ($0.36 per
diluted common share) compared to $31 million ($0.40 per diluted common share)
in the same quarter a year ago. Included in this quarter's results are special
charges totaling $3 million ($0.03 per diluted common share) related to the
cancellation of an expansion project in the Performance Materials plant in
Boyertown, Pennsylvania and non-capitalizable transaction costs. These special
charges are associated with the February 2002 acquisition of the remaining 50%
of the shares in Showa Cabot Supermetals KK ("SCSM") in Japan from the
Company's joint venture partner, Showa Denko KK. Included in results for the
second quarter of 2001 are special charges totaling $17 million ($0.16 per
diluted common share) related to the retirement of the Chief Executive Officer.
These charges consist of $10 million related to the accelerated vesting of
shares issued under the Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan and a $7 million
cash payment.

Sales decreased $108 million or 24%, from $458 million last year to $350 million
this year. Similarly, operating profit before taxes and special items decreased
25% from $53 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2001 to $40 million in the
second quarter of fiscal 2002.

Sales for the Chemical Businesses decreased 16%, from $357 million in the second
quarter of fiscal 2001 to $301 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2002.
Operating profit decreased 14%, from $35 million to $30 million which included a
$3 million impact related to unfavorable currency trends.

For the second quarter of fiscal 2002, global carbon black volumes declined 2%
compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2001. In addition to volume declines,
foreign exchange was unfavorable by $3 million for the global carbon black
business. Lower volumes and prices and unfavorable foreign exchange were
somewhat offset by reduced feedstock costs. Sales volumes decreased 2% and 7%,
respectively, in North America and Europe as a result of lower demand for carbon
black due to weakened economic conditions. European volumes were also negatively
impacted by pressure due to imports from outside the region, primarily from
Egypt. While the devaluation of the Peso has hurt domestic business in
Argentina, it has also caused exports to become more cost competitive.
Therefore, exports to Brazil have increased to offset the domestic volume
decline in Argentina. As a result, volumes in South America have remained stable
with a 1% increase in volume. Strong demand in Asia Pacific, particularly in
China, resulted in a 9% increase in volumes in that region.

The fumed metal oxides business experienced a 9% decrease in volumes in the
second fiscal quarter of 2002 compared to the same quarter of 2001. In
particular, fumed metal oxides' electronics and fiber optics markets experienced
a significant decline in demand. Its traditional silicone rubber, composites and
adhesives markets experienced relatively flat volumes year over year. Lower
operating costs, favorable feedstock costs, and revenue associated with the
operation of the fumed alumina unit did, however, offset the impact of price
erosion and volume decline resulting in a $2 million improvement in operating
profit versus the second fiscal quarter of 2001.


-26-
Cabot's inkjet colorants business continues to make progress with the growth of
its existing commercial products and the development of new products. Volumes
increased 39% resulting in a $1 million increase in operating profit in the
second quarter of fiscal 2002 versus the second fiscal quarter of 2001.

Though volumes for the Chemical Businesses decreased slightly in the second
fiscal quarter of 2002, volumes were 11% higher sequentially. Rising oil prices
will likely have a negative impact on carbon black feedstock costs and
short-term margins. Consequently, the Company remains cautious about the outlook
for the Chemical Businesses segment for the rest of fiscal 2002.

Performance Materials sales decreased 53% from $103 million in the second
quarter of fiscal 2001 to $48 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2002.
Volumes and operating profit declined 72% and 46%, respectively. The business
did, however, experience higher average selling prices due to improved mix and
higher contract prices for some products. In addition, the business benefited
from lower average ore costs because the spot price for tantalum was much lower
in the second quarter of 2002 compared to the same quarter of 2001. The
significant declines in sales, volumes, and operating profit essentially
resulted from the failure of two of the Company's tantalum customers to buy
tantalum wire and powder regularly during the year pursuant to their contracts
with the Company. Cabot has continued its efforts to resolve certain issues
under the supply contracts with these customers but to date has been
unsuccessful in reaching mutual resolution with them. Cabot filed legal actions
in April 2002 against the two customers to enforce its rights under the
contracts, to preserve their value for its shareholders, and to be fair to its
tantalum customers who are honoring their contracts. As these lawsuits
continue, the Company remains cautious about the outlook for the fiscal year
for this business.

Specialty Fluids sales in the second quarter were $6 million versus $5 million
last year. The segment reported an operating loss of $1 million for the second
quarter of 2002 and 2001. While the business benefited from increased volumes
and improved pricing in the second quarter of 2002 for cesium formate, lower
tantalum ore sales had a negative impact. During the second quarter of fiscal
2002, Specialty Fluids began work on three additional completion jobs, including
one job in the Gulf of Mexico which is a new market for the product. To date,
cesium formate has been successfully used in a total of 50 completion and
drill-in applications, primarily involving challenging high pressure, high
temperature wells in the North Sea. In the second quarter of fiscal 2002, actual
flow results continued to support the initial flow tests from drill-in jobs
finished during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, which anticipated two to five
times higher flow rates. These results indicate that cesium formate is
delivering the value in use that the Company and our customers anticipated.

Research and technical service spending remained flat at $12 million for the
second quarter of 2002 versus the second quarter of last year. Selling and
administrative expenses decreased $1 million from $52 million for the second
quarter of fiscal 2001 to $51 million spent in the second quarter of this year.
The decrease is largely due to reduced stock-based incentive compensation costs.

Interest income in the second quarter was $5 million less than in the same
quarter last year due to a decrease in Cabot's cash position and lower interest
rates.

Interest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 decreased $3 million
versus the year ago quarter due to the benefit of the interest rate swaps,
lower interest rates, and capitalized interest.

In the second quarter of 2002, other income increased $4 million due to a $2
million foreign exchange gain, primarily resulting from a net U.S. dollar
receivable position in Argentina and a $2 million gain from the sale of Cabot
Microelectronics shares related to incentive compensation forfeitures.

During fiscal 2000, Cabot approved plans to close two plants. In relation to the
plant closings, Cabot recorded an $18 million charge in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2000. Included in the charge were accruals of $2 million for severance
and termination benefits for approximately 38 employees of the Chemical and
Performance Materials businesses, $7 million for facility closing costs, and a
$9 million charge for the impairment of long-lived assets. One of the plant
closures was completed during fiscal 2001, and the second plant closure was
completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2002. During the quarter ended
March 31, 2002, approximately $1 million of severance and termination benefits
were paid out of the accrual, which represents the final payments under the
severance arrangements. At March 31, 2002, $2 million remains accrued for the
required monitoring costs at the second site.


-27-
SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2002 VERSUS
SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001

Net income from continuing operations for the first six months of fiscal 2002
was $64 million compared to $59 million for the first half of fiscal 2001.
Included in these results from operations for the first six months of 2002 is a
$3 million special charge related to the cancellation of an expansion project in
the Performance Materials plant in Boyertown, Pennsylvania and non-capitalizable
transaction costs, both associated with the acquisition of SCSM. Included in
these results from operations for the first half of fiscal 2001 is a $17 million
special charge related to the retirement of Cabot's Chief Executive Officer.

Sales decreased 15% from $853 million last year to $727 million this year due to
somewhat weaker volumes and pricing in the Chemical Businesses and significantly
decreased volumes in the Performance Materials segment. However, operating
profit before taxes and special items increased slightly from $90 million in the
first half of fiscal 2001 to $92 million in the first half of fiscal 2002.
Increased average selling prices, particularly in the first quarter of 2002, and
decreased ore costs in the Performance Materials business were the primary
drivers behind the increase in profitability.

Sales for the Chemical Businesses decreased $97 million or 14%, from $691
million last year to $594 million this year. Operating profit decreased $19
million or 25%, from $76 million to $57 million. The decrease in profitability
is primarily attributed to slower industrial growth in North America and Europe,
pressure on margins, and unfavorable currency trends.

Performance Materials sales were $130 million, an 18% decrease from $159 million
in the first six months of fiscal 2001. Operating profit increased 96% from $23
million in the first six months of last year to $45 million in the first two
quarters of this year driven by higher prices and lower raw material costs,
partially offset by lower volumes.

Specialty Fluids realized a $3 million improvement in sales for the six-month
period ended March 31, 2002. Sales increased from $12 million last year to $15
million this year. Operating profitability for Specialty Fluids was break- even
for the six month period of 2002 and for the same period in 2001. While cesium
formate volumes and pricing improved, the business results were negatively
impacted by declining tantalum ore sales.

In February 2001, Cabot received $3 million, net of tax, ($0.04 per diluted
common share) of additional proceeds from the September 2000 sale of the
Liquefied Natural Gas business. The proceeds, net of tax, are classified as a
gain on sale of discontinued business in the consolidated statements of income.

Research and technical service spending remained flat at $23 million for the
first half of 2002 versus the first half of last year. Selling and
administrative expenses increased $2 million from $97 million for the first six
months of fiscal 2001 to $99 million spent in the first six months of this year.
The increase is largely due to increased corporate administrative costs offset
by reduced stock-based incentive compensation costs.

Interest income in the six months ended March 31, 2002 was $13 million less than
in the same period last year due to a decrease in Cabot's cash position. Lower
interest rates further negatively impacted interest income.

Interest expense for the first six months of fiscal 2002 decreased $3 million
versus the year ago period due to the benefit of the interest rate swaps,
lower interest rates, and capitalized interest.

In the six month period ended March 31, 2002, other income increased $3 million
due to a $1 million foreign exchange gain, primarily resulting from a net U.S.
dollar receivable position in Argentina and a $2 million gain from the sale of
Cabot Microelectronics shares related to incentive compensation forfeitures.

During fiscal 2000, Cabot approved plans to close two plants. In relation to the
plant closings, Cabot recorded an $18 million charge in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2000. Included in the charge were accruals of $2 million for severance
and termination benefits for approximately 38 employees of the Chemical and
Performance Materials businesses, $7 million for facility closing costs, and a
$9 million charge for the impairment of long-lived assets. One


-28-
of the plant closures was completed during fiscal 2001, and the second plant
closure was completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2002. During the
quarter ended March 31, 2002, approximately $1 million of severance and
termination benefits were paid out of the accruals. At March 31, 2002, $2
million remains in the accrual for the required monitoring costs at the second
site.

III. CASH FLOW AND LIQUIDITY

During the first six months of the fiscal year, cash provided by operating
activities totaled $38 million as compared to cash used by operating activities
of $141 million for the same period last year. The cash provided by operations
for fiscal 2002 was attributable to net income offsetting an increase in
working capital. A component of the increase in working capital is the build-up
of inventory in the Performance Materials business, resulting from the failure
of two customers in the business to buy regularly under their contracts. The
uses of cash during the first six months of 2001 were much higher than 2002 due
to a $178 million tax payment related to the September 2000 disposition of
Cabot's Liquified Natural Gas business.

Capital spending for the first six months of the year was $167 million. Of this
amount, $89 million, net of $10 million in cash acquired, was related to the
buyout by Cabot of the other 50% shareholder in the Showa Cabot Supermetals
joint venture. The majority of the remaining capital spending related to
maintaining existing assets and the construction of a semi-works facility for
the Nanogel(TM) business. Capital expenditures for 2002 are expected to be
approximately $280-$300 million. Capital expenditures for 2002 also include
replacement projects, plant expansions, and the completion of projects started
in fiscal 2001.

On February 8, 2002, Cabot purchased the remaining 50% of the shares in Showa
Cabot Supermetals KK in Japan, from its joint venture partner, Showa Denko KK.
SCSM is a supplier of tantalum powders and metal products to the global
electronics, aerospace, and chemical processing industries. The acquisition of
SCSM expands the capacity of Cabot's tantalum business.

Cash used by financing activities was $44 million in the first half of fiscal
2002 as compared to $19 million for the same period last year. In the first six
months of 2002, the Company primarily used cash for the repurchase of $26
million of its common stock and $5 million of its preferred stock and a $17
million payment of cash dividends to shareholders. These uses of cash were
somewhat offset by an increase in short-term debt and the issuance of $4 million
of common stock. In the first six months of 2001, the key components of the
change in net cash from financing activities were the issuance of a 3-year EURO
note for $129 million, the repayment of $63 million in long-term debt, and the
repurchase of $73 million of common stock and $4 million of preferred stock.

On May 10, 2002, Cabot's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to
12.6 million shares of Cabot's common stock, superseding prior authorizations.
As of March 31, 2002, approximately 7 million shares have been purchased under
this authorization.

As a result of lower cash balances and the acquisition of debt, both related to
the SCSM acquisition, Cabot's ratio of total debt (including short-term debt net
of cash) to capital increased from 14% at December 31, 2001 to 26% at March 31,
2002.

The acquired debt of SCSM consisted of $47 million in notes payable to banks
and $59 million in long-term debt from institutional lenders. The bank notes
are payable in Yen and have renewable one year terms. Notes payable to banks
are classified as current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
Interest rates are variable and based on short-term interest rates.

The long-term debts are also payable in Yen and mature on various dates in
fiscal years 2004 to 2006. The interest rates on $25 million of the loans are
fixed and range from 1.5% to 2.1%. The interest rates on the remaining long-term
loans are variable and based on short-term interest rates. The principal
payments on the $59 million in long-term debt due in each of the five fiscal
years 2002 through 2006 are zero, zero, $10 million, $19 million, and $30
million, respectively.


-29-
In July 2001, Cabot replaced its revolving credit facility with a new agreement.
Under the new agreement, Cabot may, under certain conditions, borrow up to $250
million at floating rates. The new facility is available through July 13, 2006.
As of March 31, 2002, Cabot had no borrowings outstanding under this
arrangement. Management expects cash on hand, cash from operations and present
financing arrangements, including Cabot's unused line of credit and shelf
registration for debt securities, to be sufficient to meet Cabot's cash
requirements for the foreseeable future.

IV. Recent Accounting Developments

Cabot is assessing the impact of the following new accounting pronouncements:

The FASB issued Statement No. 143, "Accounting for Obligations Associated with
the Retirement of Long-Lived Assets" ("FAS No. 143"), in June 2001. The
objective of FAS No. 143 is to establish an accounting standard for the
recognition and measurement of an asset retirement obligation on certain
long-lived assets. The retirement obligation must be one that results from the
acquisition, construction or normal operation of a long-lived asset. FAS No. 143
requires the legal obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible
long-lived asset to be recognized at fair value as a liability when incurred,
and the cost to be capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related
long-lived asset. FAS No. 143 will be effective for Cabot on October 1, 2002.
Cabot is currently evaluating the effect of implementing FAS No. 143.

In October 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 144, "Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("FAS No. 144"), which supersedes
FAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of" and provisions of APB Opinion No. 30
"Reporting the Results of Operations - Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a
Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring
Events and Transactions" ("APB No. 30"), for the disposal of segments of a
business. The statement creates one accounting model, based on the framework
established in FAS No. 121, to be applied to all long-lived assets including
discontinued operations. FAS No. 144 will be effective for Cabot on October 1,
2002. Cabot is currently evaluating the effect of implementing FAS No. 144.

The FASB issued Statement No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and
64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections" ("FAS No.
145") in April 2002. This statement updates, clarifies and simplifies existing
accounting pronouncements. Specifically, the statement rescinds FASB Statement
No. 4, "Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt" ("FAS No. 4"),
FASB Statement No. 64, "Extinguishment of Debt Made to Satisfy Sinking Fund
Requirements" ("FAS No. 64") and FASB Statement No. 44, "Accounting for
Intangible Assets of Motor Carriers." This statement amends FASB Statement No.
13, "Accounting for Leases" ("FAS No. 13") and certain other existing
authoritative pronouncements to make technical corrections or clarifications.
FAS No. 145 will be effective for Cabot related to the rescission of FAS No. 4
and FAS No. 64 on October 1, 2002. FAS No. 145 will be effective related to the
amendment of FAS No. 13 for all transactions occurring after May 15, 2002. All
other provisions of FAS No. 145 will be effective for financial statements
issued after May 15, 2002. Cabot is currently evaluating the effect of
implementing FAS No. 145.




Forward-Looking Information: Included herein are statements relating to
management's projections of future profits, the possible achievement of Cabot's
financial goals and objectives, and management's expectations for Cabot's
product development program. Actual results may differ materially from the
results anticipated in the forward looking statements included herein due to a
variety of factors, including but not limited to the following: market supply
and demand conditions, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, the outcome of
pending litigation, changes in the rate of economic growth in the United States
and other major international economies, changes in regulatory environments,
changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies throughout the world, acts of war
and terrorist activities, future litigation, cost of raw materials,


-30-
patent rights of Cabot and others, demand for Cabot's customers' products, and
competitors' reactions to market conditions. Timely commercialization of
products under development by Cabot may be disrupted or delayed by technical
difficulties, market acceptance, or competitors' new products, as well as
difficulties in moving from the experimental stage to the production stage. The
risk management discussion and the estimated amounts generated from the analyses
are forward-looking statements of market risk, assuming certain adverse market
conditions occur. Actual results in the future may differ materially from these
projected results due to actual developments in the global financial markets.
The methods used by Cabot to assess and mitigate risks should not be considered
projections of future events or losses. The Company undertakes no obligation to
publicly release any revisions to the forward-looking statements or reflect
events or circumstances after the date of this document.


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


Cabot's objective in managing its exposure to interest rate changes is to
maintain an appropriate balance of fixed and variable rate debt and to match
borrowing costs with the economics of Cabot's business cycles. Cabot uses
interest rate swaps to adjust fixed and variable rate debt positions.

In October 2001, Cabot entered into four interest rate swaps in an aggregate
notional amount of $97 million. The swaps are derivative instruments as defined
by FAS No. 133 and have been designated as fair value hedges. The swaps hedge
the change in the fair value of $97 million of Cabot's fixed rate medium term
notes due to changes in interest rates. The interest rate swaps, as well as the
medium term notes they hedge, mature on various dates through February 2007. The
variable interest rates on the swaps are set for a six-month period and will
reset in June 2002.

As part of the SCSM acquisition, Cabot assumed $106 million of Yen denominated
debt, of which $35 million is at fixed interest rates and $71 million is at
variable interest rates, resulting in increased interest rate market risk.
Cabot also assumed $43 million of interest rates swaps that fix an equivalent
amount of the variable rate debt. The swaps are derivative instruments as
defined by FAS No. 133 and have been designated as cash flow hedges. The swaps
hedge the risk of changes in market interest rates associated with $43 million
of the variable rate bank notes and long-term debts assumed in the SCSM
acquisition. The swaps are variable-for-fixed swaps of the quarterly interest
payments. The swaps require payment of fixed rates ranging from 1.5% to 2.2%
and the receipt of variable rates. The interest rate contracts will mature with
the associated loans in fiscal years 2002 through 2006.

Cabot also has the equivalent of $115 million of Euro debt at variable rates. A
change in rates of 10% on Cabot's aggregate variable rate debt could cause
interest expense to change by $1 million per year.

As of March 31, 2002, Cabot had $200 million in cash and short-term investments.
It is the Company's practice to invest excess cash in instruments that will earn
a high rate of return, consistent with the protection of principal. Interest
income earned may vary as a result of changes in interest rates and average cash
balances, which could fluctuate over time. Based on current market rates of 2%
and a cash balance invested in money market securities of $143 million, a 10%
change in interest rates could cause interest income to change by approximately
$0.3 million.

Cabot utilizes a Value-at-Risk ("VAR") model to determine the maximum potential
loss in the fair value of its foreign exchange, share repurchases and commodity
sensitive derivative financial instruments within a 95% confidence interval.
Cabot's computation is based on the interrelationships between movements in
interest rates, foreign currencies, share repurchases and commodities. These
interrelationships are determined by observing historical interest rates,
foreign currency, share price and commodity market changes over corresponding
periods. The assets and liabilities, firm commitments and anticipated
transactions, which are hedged by derivative financial instruments, are excluded
from the model. The VAR model estimates were made assuming normal market
conditions. There are various modeling techniques that can be used in the VAR
computation. Cabot's computations are based on a Monte Carlo simulation method.
The VAR Model is a risk analysis tool and does not purport to represent actual
gains or losses in fair value that will be incurred by Cabot. The VAR Model
estimated a maximum


-31-
loss in market value of $9 million for the twelve month period following March
31, 2002 for derivative instruments held on that date.

At no time during 2001 did actual changes in market value exceed the VAR amounts
during the reporting period.

In 2001, the VAR Model estimated a maximum loss in market value of $2 million
for derivative instruments held as of September 30, 2001.




-32-
CABOT CORPORATION

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

On April 10, 2002 the Company commenced an action in Suffolk Superior Court in
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts against Vishay Intertechnology Inc., Vishay
Sprague Inc. and Vishay Sprague Sanford Inc. (referred to collectively as
"Vishay") with respect to tantalum supply contracts entered into by the parties
in 2000. The Company is seeking declaratory relief in connection with Vishay's
obligations to purchase tantalum products regularly over the contract year, as
well as damages in an unspecified amount. The Company is also requesting
preliminary injunctive relief. A hearing on the request for injunctive relief
is scheduled for June 2002, motions for summary judgment are scheduled to be
heard in September 2002 and the trial, if necessary, is scheduled to commence
in November 2002.

On April 10, 2002 the Company also commenced an action in Suffolk Superior Court
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts against Kemet Electronics Corporation
(referred to as "Kemet") with respect to a tantalum supply contract entered into
by the parties in 2000. The Company is seeking declaratory relief in connection
with Kemet's obligations to purchase tantalum products regularly over the
contract year, damages in an unspecified amount and preliminary injunctive
relief. A hearing on the request for injunctive relief is scheduled for June
2002, motions for summary judgment are scheduled to be heard in September 2002
and the trial, if necessary, is scheduled to commence in November 2002.


ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cabot Corporation (the "Annual Meeting")
was held on March 7, 2002. An election of Directors was held for which Arthur L.
Goldstein, Gautam S. Kaji and John H. McArthur were nominated and elected to the
class of Directors whose terms expire in 2005. The following votes were cast for
or withheld with respect to each of the nominees:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Director In Favor of Withheld
<S> <C> <C>

Arthur L. Goldstein 59,875,362 1,482,482
Gautam S. Kaji 59,842,424 1,515,420
John H. McArthur 59,924,227 1,433,617
</TABLE>

Other Directors whose terms of office as Directors continued after the meeting
are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Director Term of Office Expires
<S> <C>

Kennett F. Burnes 2004
John S. Clarkeson 2004
Roderick C.G. MacLeod 2004
Ronaldo H. Schmitz 2004
John G.L. Cabot 2003
John F. O'Brien 2003
Lydia W. Thomas 2003
Mark S. Wrighton 2003
</TABLE>

The second proposal before the Annual Meeting was a management proposal to adopt
certain amendments to the 1999 Equity Incentive Plan, including an increase in
the number of shares authorized for issuance under the Plan from 3,000,000
shares to 6,000,000 shares. The proposal was approved by the stockholders. The
following votes were cast for or against, or abstained from voting on, this
proposal:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For Against Abstained
<S> <C> <C>

59,699,284 4,349,614 308,946
</TABLE>

There were no broker non-votes with respect to this proposal.


-33-
CABOT CORPORATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a) EXHIBITS

The exhibit numbers in the following list correspond to the number assigned to
such exhibits in the Exhibit Table of Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------- -----------
<S> <C>
*10.1 1999 Equity Incentive Plan as amended through March 7, 2002.
</TABLE>

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2002 on
February 22, 2002 reporting that on February 8, 2002 it had completed its
purchase of the remaining 50% of the shares in Showa Cabot Supermetals KK in
Japan and attaching the texts of the related press releases dated January 31,
2002 and February 8, 2002.




-34-
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


CABOT CORPORATION


Date: May 15, 2002 By: /s/ John A. Shaw
----------------------------------------
John A. Shaw
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer (Duly Authorized
Officer)


Date: May 15, 2002 By: /s/ Eduardo E. Cordeiro
----------------------------------------
Eduardo E. Cordeiro
Controller
(Chief Accounting Officer)




-35-