Dow Chemical Co. (DOW) completed the sale of its Netherlands-based crude oil refinery to Paris-based Total SA (TOT), one of the six major global oil companies, for about $800 million. The refinery is a key supplier of refined products, including diesel, to the European market. The move is in line with Dow’s strategy of divesting non-core assets. The deal received regulatory approval last month.

The Midlands, Michigan-based chemical company stated that the divestiture will increase its financial flexibility, improve cash flow and will help pay down debt. The company plans to use the proceeds from the deal to pay down debt, which was raised for the Rohm and Haas acquisition.

The Rohm and Haas acquisition increased Dow’s net debt from $8 billion to $22 billion in the first half of 2009. This resulted in a significant net cash deficit of $19 billion during the period. However, Dow Chemical has become

Ken Fisher recommended the following stocks in the July 21 issue of Forbes:

Dow Chemical:

a. superbly managed largest chemical company in the U.S.

b. Should overtake BASF someday as largest in world

c. sells only at 60% of revenue, 12 times 2008 earnings

d. 4.5% dividend

Rohm & Haas

a. owns Morton Salt

b. produces specialty chemicals

c. bought back 18% of shares in past four years

d. Sells at 1.1 times annual revenues, 11x 2008 forecasted earnings

e. 3.1% dividend

Franklin Resources

a. world leader in mutual funds

b. as stock prices rise, Franklin’s revenues rise

c. great CEO

d. should sell for more than 12.5x 2008 earnings

Ball

a. U.S. leader in metal and plastics containers

b. growing market share in a slow growth field

c. stock should do well when U.S stocks rally

d. sells at 70% of revenues and 12x 2008 earnings forecast

Merck and Pfizer

a. both are too cheap

b. congress isn;t going to kill prescription industry

c. selling at 10x and 7x 2008 forecasted earnings