Hercules Inc. (HPC)

Hercules Incorporated engages in the manufacture and marketing of specialty chemicals and related services for business, consumer, and industrial applications worldwide. It operates in two segments, Paper Technologies and Ventures (PTV), and Aqualon Group (Aqualon). The PTV segment offers functional performance chemicals, process treatment chemicals, pulping chemicals, water treatment chemicals, lubricants, and building and converted products, such as adhesives, resin modifiers, coatings, hydrophobic and release chemistries, crosslinkers and binders, and foam control. The Aqualon segment provides products, including water-soluble polymers, ethylcellulose, and rosin resins that comprise hydroxyethylcellulose and derivatives, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, guar and derivatives, ethylcellulose phosphate ester surfactants, and rosin resins. It serves primarily pulp and paper industry; paints and adhesives industry; construction materials industry; food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries; and industrial specialties, including oilfield and general industries. The company was founded in 1912 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware.

For the nine months ended 30 September 2006, Hercules Incorporated's revenues decreased 1% to $1.54B. Net loss from continuing operations before accounting change totaled $2.7M, vs. an income of $39.4M. Revenues reflect a decrease in sales due to sale of majority interest in fibreVisions and the presence of unfavorable mix. Net loss reflects the absence of gain on dispositions and the asbestos related costs.