Arch Chemicals Inc. (ARJ)

Arch Chemicals, Inc. provides chemistry-based and related solutions to control the growth of harmful microbes in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Treatment Products and Performance Products. The Treatment Products segment manufactures and sells chlorine-based and non-chlorine-based products for the sanitization and treatment of residential and commercial pool and spa water, drinking water, and water used in industrial applications. This segment also produces and supplies personal care and industrial biocides that control dandruff on the scalp and the growth of micro-organisms in other applications, and biocides for anti-bacterial applications. In addition, it manufactures and sells wood treatment chemicals that protect wood against rot, fungal decay, or termites, and other insects, as well as a range of industrial coatings for the surface decoration and protection of wood comprising stains, polyester-based and polyurethane-based coatings, and water-based coatings. The Performance Products segment provides urethane intermediate products, such as specialty polyols, which are used as ingredients for elastomers, adhesives, coatings, sealants, and rigid foam; and glycols and glycol ethers for use as ingredients in cleaners, personal care products, and antifreeze. This segment also supplies hydrazine hydrates and hydrazine derivatives for use in chemical blowing agents, water treatment chemicals, agricultural products, pharmaceutical intermediates, and other chemical products, as well as for use as fuel in satellites, expendable launch vehicles, and auxiliary and emergency power units. The company’s customers include pool and spa retailers, consumer product companies, big box retailers, furniture manufacturers, chemical and equipment distributors, wood treaters, sawmills, other chemical manufacturers, and the U.S. government. Arch Chemicals was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut. Arch Chemicals Inc. (NYSE:ARJ) operates independently of Olin Corp. as of February 8, 1999.

For the nine months ended 30 September 2006, Arch Chemicals, Inc.'s revenues increased 9% to $1.12B. Net income from cont. ops. increased 24% to $43M. Revenues reflect higher income from the impact of the acquisition of the remaining 50% of the water products joint venture, Nordesclor and favorable pricing in the HTH Water products business. Net income also reflects the absence of other expenses and decreased research & development expenses.