Rohm and Haas reports sales, earnings boosts in third quarter

Philadelphia -- Rohm and Haas Co. posted third-quarter sales of $1950 million, an 8-percent increase over the same period in 2004, driven by increased selling prices necessary to recover higher raw material and energy-related costs.

Earnings from continuing operations for the quarter were $169 million, up 23 percent compared to the $137 million reported in the same period last year. The quarter´s results include approximately $7.0 million, after taxes, in costs associated with the shutdowns caused by hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region during the quarter.

Year-to-date, the speciality materials firm posted earnings from continuing operations of $507 million on sales of $5980 million, up from income of $369 million on sales of $5440 million in 2004.

Rohm and Haas´ sales in its adhesives and sealants business were $175 million for the quarter, up 4 percent from the like period in 2004. The segment reported earnings of $10 million in the quarter, up 25 percent from last year.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)