Chemical sales boost companies

BASF AG and Dow Chemical Co, the world’s two biggest chemical makers, said first quarter earnings rose on higher demand for pesticides, electronics materials and basic chemicals such as ethylene.

BASF’s net income jumped 17% to €515m, the Germany-based company said at a shareholder meeting. Midland, Michigan-based Dow, the US leader and number two worldwide, said net income soared more than six-fold to $469m.