American chemical specialty company, Rohm and Haas Company, has reported fourth quarter 2004 sales of $1,864 million, a 13% increase over the same period in 2003, with higher selling prices accounting for a 6% increase, higher volume and favourable mix reflecting a 4% percent increase, and favourable currencies adding 3% to revenues. Earnings for the quarter were $128 million, including $11 million in restructuring charges.

Sales in the coatings business of $560 million represented a 9% increase over the same period in 2003. Performance Chemicals sales of $411 million were up 18% over the comparable period in 2003. Sales in plastics additives were up 16%, due to higher demand and higher pricing to recover escalating raw materials. Consumer and industrial specialties sales were up 13% over the same period last year, due to higher volume, the impact of favourable currency, as well as higher pricing. Sales for process chemicals were up 26% from the comparable period a year ago, reflecting very strong demand across all regions and most market segments, along with the favourable impact of currency and higher selling prices. Performance chemicals earnings were $36 million in the quarter, up from $13 million in the prior year period, due to increased selling prices, higher demand, and efficient manufacturing operations, which more than offset the impact of higher raw material and energy costs. 

North American sales of $965 million were up 13% over the comparable period in 2003, the result of higher pricing and increased demand. European sales were $476 million for the quarter, up 12% from the same period last year, due to the favourable impact of currency and higher selling prices. Asia Pacific sales were $350 million, a 14% increase over the same period last year, due to strong demand across most businesses, as well as higher selling prices and favourable currencies. Latin America sales of $73 million in the quarter were up 22% from the same period last year, reflecting strong demand across most of the markets, as well as higher selling prices.

Full-year 2004 sales for the company of $7,300 million represents a 14% increase over 2003, with higher demand representing approximately 7%, higher selling prices 3%, and the favourable impact of currency movement on the revenue line 3%. Demand was higher across most businesses and all regions, and selling prices had a notable increase in the second half of the year.