Arch Chemicals Reports Full-Year 2004 Earnings

02-15-2005: Arch Chemicals, Inc. announced full year sales of $1,120.9 million in 2004, a 30 percent increase, compared to $863.5 million reported in 2003. Full year income from continuing operations was $17.3 million in 2004, compared to $10.1 million in 2003. Excluding the impairment and restructuring charges of $4.6 million, full year income from continuing operations was $20.1 million.

"I am very pleased that Arch delivered strong top-line and bottom-line growth in 2004, despite unprecedented high raw material costs which impacted several of our businesses," said Chairman, President and CEO Michael E. Campbell. "We delivered strong performance in our Wood Protection business and benefited from increased demand for biocides used in marine paints, antidandruff shampoos and building products. We also made excellent progress last year to strengthen our core Treatment businesses by acquiring Avecia's Biocides businesses and by divesting the majority of the Microelectronic Materials businesses. We are confident that this strengthening of our portfolio gives us greater resources to pursue additional growth opportunities in our core businesses."

Treatment Products reported sales of $195.5 million and an operating loss of $0.7 million compared with sales and an operating loss of $143.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively, in 2003.

HTH water products reported sales of $50.5 million and an operating loss of $16.1 million for 2004 compared to sales and an operating loss of $39.2 million and $12.0 million, respectively, in 2003.

Personal care and industrial biocides reported sales of $61.7 million and operating income of $12.0 million compared to sales and operating income of $36.4 million and $7.1 million, respectively, in 2003.

Wood protection and industrial coatings reported sales of $83.3 million and operating income of $3.4 million compared to sales and operating income of $68.2 million and $4.4 million, respectively, in 2003.

Performance Products reported sales of $46.3 million and operating income of $0.7 million compared with sales and operating income of $39.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively, in 2003.