ROHM & HAAS CO
10-Q, 1997-05-13
PLASTIC MATERIALS, SYNTH RESINS & NONVULCAN ELASTOMERS
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                              UNITED STATES
                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                         WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

                                FORM 10-Q

            QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
                  OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


FOR QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1997              COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-3507


                R O H M   A N D   H A A S   C O M P A N Y
          ------------------------------------------------------
          (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


          DELAWARE                                        23-1028370
- -------------------------------               --------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                        (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                        Identification No.)


100 INDEPENDENCE MALL WEST, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA                19106
- ------------------------------------------------------              ----------
       (Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)


     Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (215) 592-3000
                                                          --------------

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.



                         Yes    X        No
                             -------        -------



         Common stock outstanding at May 9, 1997:  62,099,897 SHARES
                                                   -----------------

<PAGE>

                      ROHM AND HAAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                     FORM 10-Q

PART I  --   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following are incorporated herein by reference to pages 6 through 9
of the company's Quarterly Report to Stockholders for the first quarter
of 1997, a complete copy of which is attached as Exhibit 20.

         1.  Statements of Consolidated Earnings

         2.  Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows

         3.  Consolidated Balance Sheets

         4.  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

ITEM 2.      MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
             AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The management discussion and analysis is incorporated herein by
reference to pages 2 through 3 of the company's Quarterly Report to
Stockholders for the first quarter of 1997, a complete copy of which is
attached as Exhibit 20.


PART II --   OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.      LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

A discussion of legal proceedings is incorporated herein by reference
to pages 3 and 9 of the company's Quarterly Report to Stockholders for the
first quarter of 1997, a complete copy of which is attached as Exhibit 20.

ITEM 6.      EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

         (a) Exhibits:

             Exhibit (12) -- Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
             Charges for the company and subsidiaries.

             Exhibit (20) -- Copy of the company's Quarterly Report to
             Stockholders for the quarter ended March 31, 1997.

             Exhibit (27) -- Financial Data Schedule

         (b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended
             March 31, 1997.

<PAGE>

                                SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.





DATE: May 13, 1997                    ROHM AND HAAS COMPANY
      ------------                          (Registrant)




                                           FRED W. SHAFFER
                                          VICE PRESIDENT AND
                                       CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER



<PAGE>

                             EXHIBIT INDEX

            (Pursuant to Part 232.102(d) of Regulation S-T)


Exhibit
  No.                            Description
- -------    -----------------------------------------------------------
 (12)        Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 (20)        Copy of Quarterly Report to Stockholders
 (27)        Financial Data Schedule




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 12

                            ROHM AND HAAS COMPANY
                              AND SUBSIDIARIES


              COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                            (millions of dollars)


                        THREE MONTHS
                            ENDED             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          MARCH 31,    --------------------------------------
                            1997        1996    1995    1994    1993    1992
                        ------------   ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
<S>                       <C>          <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Earnings before income
  taxes                   $  155       $  530  $  441  $  407  $  194  $  261
Fixed charges                 18           75      84      82      79      83
Capitalized interest
  adjustment                  --           (1)     (5)     (2)     (7)     (3)
Undistributed earnings
  adjustment                  (3)          12      (3)     (2)      6       2
                        ------------   ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
    Earnings              $  170       $  616  $  517  $  485  $  272  $  343
                        ------------   ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
Ratio of earnings to
  fixed charges              9.4          8.2     6.2     5.9     3.4     4.1
                        ------------   ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
</TABLE>

Note: Earnings consist of earnings before income taxes and fixed charges
      after eliminating undistributed earnings (losses) of affiliates and
      capitalized interest net of amortization of previously capitalized
      interest.  Fixed charges consist of interest expense, including
      capitalized interest, and amortization of debt discount and expense on
      all indebtedness, plus one-third of rent expense deemed to represent an
      interest factor.





                                 EXHIBIT 20


                  COPY OF QUARTERLY REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

<PAGE>


                            ROHM AND HAAS COMPANY
                              FIRST QUARTER 1997


                              ID: COVER GRAPHIC


<PAGE>

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Millions of dollars, except earnings per share)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
                                       First Quarter
                                --------------------------
                                                   Percent
                                  1997     1996    Change
                                --------------------------
Net sales                        $ 986    $ 994      (1)
Net earnings                       104      100       4
Net earnings per common share    $1.62    $1.46      11
- ----------------------------------------------------------



         ================================
         ==   SALES BY BUSINESS GROUP  ==
         ================================

                Millions of dollars
- ---------------------------------------------------

                Polymers, Resins and Monomers  $497
[PIE CHART]     Performance Chemicals          $178
                Plastics                       $171
                Agricultural Chemicals         $140




         ================================
         == SALES BY CUSTOMER LOCATION ==
         ================================

                Millions of dollars
- ---------------------------------------------------

                                North America  $535
[PIE CHART]                     Europe         $259
                                Asia-Pacific   $133
                                Latin America  $ 59


<PAGE>

                         =======================
                         == CHAIRMAN'S LETTER ==
                         =======================

Rohm and Haas did well during the first quarter of 1997.

Unit volume increased by 7 percent.  Growth was especially strong in the
acrylic businesses -- Polymers and Resins, Monomers, Plastics Additives
and AtoHaas Americas -- which reported a collective 13 percent increase
in volume over the same period in 1996.  I can say with assurance that
Rohm and Haas is back on its historic growth track of about 7 percent
per year -- the highest internal growth rate in the S&P chemical index.

Net earnings were up 4 percent.  Earnings-per-common-share were up 11
percent.  Excellent internal cost control and the share buyback program
enabled Rohm and Haas to overcome the effects of negative currency
swings in Europe and Japan, and a less-favorable product mix.

I was extremely disappointed about the ravaging of our stock price in
March.  The observation on March 19th that currency swings might cause
first quarter earnings to fall below the consensus First Call estimate
of $1.70 cost shareholders $1.3 billion in market value over the next
two days.

And although the stock price has recovered somewhat since that time, it
is my duty to do everything I can to see that the Rohm and Haas stock
price more accurately reflects the true strength of this company as soon
as possible.  Shareholders who have been with us over the past year are
still considerably ahead.  From May 1, 1996 to May 2, 1997, the value of
Rohm and Haas stock increased 26 percent.

The Board of Directors elected four new officers earlier this month.
Brad Bell and Bill Andrews became vice presidents on May 5th.  Mr. Bell
recently joined us from the Whirlpool Corporation, and will become chief
financial officer when Fred Shaffer retires later in the year.
Mr. Andrews is the company's controller.  Ed Liebert became assistant
controller and Mac Sarreal was elected assistant treasurer at the same
meeting.


/s/ J. LAWRENCE WILSON
    J. Lawrence Wilson
    May 12, 1997


<PAGE>

                 ========================================
                 == MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS ==
                 ========================================


FIRST QUARTER 1997 VERSUS
FIRST QUARTER 1996

Earnings of $104 million in the first quarter of 1997 were up 4%
from last year's strong first quarter results of $100 million.  Earnings
per common share were $1.62 compared to earnings of $1.46 per common
share in 1996.  Though volume increased by 7%, sales of $986 million
were down 1% from last year's sales of $994 million because of weaker
currencies in Europe and Japan, 2% lower selling prices, lower-priced
product mix and the formation of the RohMax joint venture.  Earnings
increased as a result of higher volume, 2% lower raw material costs,
good internal cost control and earnings from affiliates versus losses
in 1996.

Polymers, Resins and Monomers (PRM) earnings were $62 million, up
17% compared to the prior year.  Excluding the Petroleum Chemicals
business, now accounted for through the RohMax joint venture, sales were
up 7%, reflecting 13% higher volume offset by lower selling prices and
weaker currencies in both Europe and Japan.  Polymers and Resins had
strong volume increases in all regions.  The earnings increase is
primarily due to higher volume.

Performance Chemicals recorded earnings of $21 million, down from
last year's earnings of $24 million.  Sales decreased 3% and volume was
down 5%.  The volume decline was primarily in Biocides due to the
discontinuation of the joint venture with Dead Sea Bromine.  Earnings
decreased due to higher manufacturing costs, lower volume and weaker
currencies in Europe and Japan.

Plastics reported earnings of $16 million, up 14% from the 1996
period.  Sales increased 1%, reflecting 11% higher volume offset by
lower selling prices and weaker European currencies.  Volume gains were
in North America and Europe.  The earnings increase primarily resulted
from break-even results for AtoHaas Europe compared to losses in 1996.

Agricultural Chemicals earnings of $19 million were 5% lower than
the prior year period.  Though volume was up 1%, sales of $140 million
were 5% lower than 1996.  The sales and earnings decrease was
attributable to weaker currencies in Europe and Japan and a lower-priced
product mix.  Volume increased due to higher shipments of Dithane in
Latin America.

Corporate expenses totaled $14 million in 1997, compared to $11
million in last year's first quarter due to higher interest expense.

Net sales were $986 million, down 1% from 1996.  The first quarter
gross profit margin was 37%, unchanged from the prior year period.
Selling prices were down 2% and currency fluctuations were unfavorable,
but were partially offset by 2% lower raw material prices and higher
volume.

Selling, administrative and research (SAR) expenses were flat for
the quarter reflecting weaker currencies, the absence of SAR expenses
now included in the RohMax joint venture and good internal cost
controls.  Interest expense increased $3 million as a



2

<PAGE>


result of lower capitalization of interest cost due to lower capital
spending.  Affiliate earnings were $3 million compared to last year's
losses of $3 million.  This improvement was due to break-even results
from AtoHaas Europe compared to losses in 1996 and to earnings from the
RohMax joint venture.

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 1997 was 33%, down
from 35% for the first quarter of 1996.  This decrease was a result of
tax credits on research and export sales, and the effect of affiliate
earnings, which are recorded on an after-tax basis.

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES
AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA

At the end of the quarter, cash and cash equivalents totaled $49
million, up $38 million from the 1996 year-end balance.  Receivables
were up $79 million during the first three months, which reflects the
normal seasonal pattern.  The debt-to-equity ratio, calculated without
the reduction to stockholders' equity for the ESOP transaction, was 39%
at the end of March, compared with 38% at year-end 1996.  The company
continued its common stock repurchase program during the first quarter,
repurchasing 353,000 shares at a cost of $29 million.

Fixed asset additions during the first three months of 1997 totaled
$58 million.  Spending for the full year is estimated to be in the range
of $350 million, and includes expenditures to expand emulsion facilities
in Taiwan, Indonesia and Sweden, capacity expansion for acrylic acid at
Houston, Texas and investment in electronic chemicals manufacturing in
the Far East.

During the quarter, the company recorded expense before tax of $2
million for environmental remediation compared to $6 million for the
first quarter of 1996.  There were charges of $27 million resulting
largely from an unfavorable arbitration decision related to the Woodland
sites.  These charges were offset by a $25 million increase in insurance
recoveries receivable resulting from agreements reached during the
quarter with certain insurance carriers.  Also during the quarter, the
company collected $23 million of previously recorded remediation-
related settlements with insurance carriers.  Other carriers have denied
coverage in most cases and the company had initiated legal action in New
Jersey and Pennsylvania.  The jury in the Pennyslvania action found in
favor of the insurance carriers on certain issues but the company has
filed post-trial motions seeking relief.

On May 5, 1997, the board of directors declared a regular quarterly
dividend of $.45 per common share and $.6875 per preferred share,
payable June 1, 1997, to stockholders of record on May 16, 1997.

In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement No. 128, "Earnings Per Share."  Effective for year-end 1997,
the statement establishes guidance intended to simplify the computation
and presentation of earnings per share.  The company does not expect
that the adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on its
reported earnings per share.



                                                                          3

<PAGE>

               ============================================
               == ROHM AND HAAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES ==
               ============================================

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

SALES BY BUSINESS GROUP AND CUSTOMER LOCATION   (Millions of dollars)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST QUARTER 1997 AND 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

           Polymers,
          Resins and    Performance                Agricultural
           Monomers*     Chemicals*     Plastics    Chemicals       Total
         ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
         1997    1996  1997    1996  1997    1996  1997    1996  1997   1996
- -------  ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S>      <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>   <C>     <C>   <C>    <C>
North
America  $330    $317  $ 74    $ 73  $ 94    $ 88  $ 37    $ 38  $535   $516
- -------  ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Europe     91     102    49      52    63      64    56      60   259    278
- -------  ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Asia-
Pacific    50      51    51      53     7      11    25      30   133    145
- -------  ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Latin
America    26      24     4       5     7       6    22      20    59     55
- -------  ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total    $497    $494  $178    $183  $171    $169  $140    $148  $986   $994
- -------  ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
</TABLE>

*1996 sales have been restated to reclassify the results of the Petroleum
 Chemicals business from Performance Chemicals to Polymers, Resins and
 Monomers.  The Petroleum Chemicals business has been accounted for through
 the RohMax joint venture since July 1, 1996.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PHYSICAL VOLUME CHANGE
CURRENT QUARTER RELATIVE TO YEAR-EARLIER QUARTER
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Percent         CUSTOMER        Percent
BUSINESS GROUP                  Change          LOCATION        Change
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>           <C>               <C>
Polymers, Resins and Monomers      8            North America      8
Performance Chemicals             (5)           Europe             6
Plastics                          11            Asia-Pacific       2
Agricultural Chemicals             1            Latin America     14
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide                          7            Worldwide          7
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


4

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET EARNINGS BY BUSINESS GROUP AND CUSTOMER LOCATION
- -----------------------------------------------------------
                                  Quarter Ended March 31,
                                ---------------------------
                                   1997           1996
                                ---------------------------
BUSINESS GROUP                    (Millions of dollars)
                                ---------------------------
<S>                                <C>            <C>
Polymers, Resins and Monomers*     $ 62           $ 53
Performance Chemicals*               21             24
Plastics                             16             14
Agricultural Chemicals               19             20
Corporate                           (14)           (11)
- -----------------------------------------------------------
    Total                          $104           $100
- -----------------------------------------------------------
CUSTOMER LOCATION
North America                      $ 67           $ 53
Europe                               30             37
Asia-Pacific                         15             15
Latin America                         6              6
Corporate                           (14)           (11)
- -----------------------------------------------------------
    Total                          $104           $100
- -----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Corporate includes non-operating items such as interest income and
expense, corporate governance costs and corporate exploratory research.

*1996 earnings have been restated to reclassify the results of the Petroleum
 Chemicals business from Performance Chemicals to Polymers, Resins and
 Monomers.  The Petroleum Chemicals business has been accounted for through
 the RohMax joint venture since July 1, 1996.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANALYSIS OF CHANGE IN PER-SHARE EARNINGS
CURRENT PERIOD RELATIVE TO YEAR-EARLIER PERIOD
- ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  $/Share
GROSS PROFIT                                    (after-tax)
                                               -------------
<S>                                                <C>
Selling prices                                     $(.19)
Physical volume and product mix                      .13
Raw material costs                                   .04
Other manufacturing cost                             .13
Currency effect on gross profit                     (.13)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
    Decrease in gross profit                        (.02)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER CAUSES
Interest expense                                    (.03)
Share of affiliate earnings (losses)                 .09
Reduction in outstanding shares of common stock      .10
Other                                                .02
- ------------------------------------------------------------
    Increase from other causes                       .18
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Increase in per-share earnings                     $ .16
- ------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                                                          5

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rohm and Haas Company and Subsidiaries
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS  (Subject to Year-end Audit)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Quarter Ended March 31,
                                           -------------------------
                                               1997        1996
                                           -------------------------
CURRENT EARNINGS                             (Millions of dollars)
                                           -------------------------
<S>                                           <C>         <C>
Net sales                                     $   986     $   994
Cost of goods sold                                625         631
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit                                      361         363

Selling and administrative expense                154         153
Research and development expense                   45          46
Interest expense                                   10           7
Share of affiliate net earnings (losses)            3          (3)
Other expense, net                                 --          --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before income taxes                      155         154
Income taxes                                       51          54
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
NET EARNINGS                                  $   104     $   100
Less preferred stock dividends                      2           2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
NET EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO
   COMMON SHAREHOLDERS                        $   102     $    98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------

PER COMMON SHARE:
Net earnings                                  $  1.62     $  1.46
Dividends                                     $   .45     $   .41

Average number of common shares
   outstanding (000's)                         62,976      67,099
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.




6

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rohm and Haas Company and Subsidiaries
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS   (Subject to Year-end Audit)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Quarter Ended March 31,
                                             ---------------------------
                                                 1997           1996
                                             ---------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES             (Millions of dollars)
                                             ---------------------------
<S>                                              <C>            <C>
Net earnings                                     $ 104          $ 100
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings
   to cash provided by operating activities:
      Depreciation                                  65             60
      Deferred income taxes                         (4)             3
      Accounts receivable                          (79)           (89)
      Inventories                                   11              1
      Accounts payable                             (36)           (51)
      Income taxes payable                          35             28
      Other working capital changes, net           (28)           (32)
      Other, net                                    40             22
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net cash provided by
         operating activities                      108             42
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to land, buildings and equipment         (58)           (73)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net cash used by investing activities        (58)           (73)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt            --              1
Purchases of treasury stock                        (30)           (62)
Repayments of long-term debt                        (1)            (7)
Net change in short-term borrowings                 52            128
Payment of dividends                               (29)           (29)
Other, net                                          (4)            (3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net cash provided (used) by
         financing activities                      (12)            28
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash             --             --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
         AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                    $  38          $  (3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.



                                                                          7

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rohm and Haas Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS   (Subject to Year-end Audit)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         MARCH 31,    December 31,  March 31,
                                            1997          1996        1996
                                         ------------------------------------
ASSETS                                           (Millions of dollars)
                                         ------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>           <C>         <C>
Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents               $   49        $   11      $   40
   Receivables, net                           920           841         845
   Inventories (note d)                       472           483         503
   Prepaid expenses and other assets          125           121          99
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total current assets                  1,566         1,456       1,487
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Land, buildings and equipment               4,364         4,327       4,221
Less accumulated depreciation               2,317         2,261       2,166
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net land, buildings and equipment     2,047         2,066       2,055
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other assets                                  406           411         446
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           $4,019        $3,933      $3,988
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
   Notes payable                           $  196        $  145      $  212
   Accounts payable and accrued
      liabilities                             606           669         567
   Accrued income taxes                       107            72         100
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total current liabilities               909           886         879
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt                                559           562         603
Employee benefits                             409           405         395
Other liabilities                             371           352         318

Stockholders' equity:
   $2.75 Cumulative convertible preferred
      stock (note e)                          129           131         133
   Common stock: shares
      issued -- 78,652,380                    197           197         197
   Additional paid-in capital                 138           143         146
   Retained earnings                        2,111         2,036       1,860
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            2,575         2,507       2,336
   Less: Treasury stock (note f)              646           629         397
   Less: ESOP shares                          144           145         150
   Other equity adjustments                   (14)           (5)          4
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total stockholders' equity            1,771         1,728       1,793
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           $4,019        $3,933      $3,988
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.



8

<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(A) These interim financial statements are unaudited, but, in the
    opinion of management, all adjustments, which are of a normal
    recurring nature, have been made to present fairly the company's
    financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  These
    financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
    financial statements, accounting policies and the notes included in
    the company's annual report for the year ended December 31, 1996.

(B) The company is a party in various government enforcement and private
    actions associated with former waste disposal sites.  The company is
    also involved in potential corrective actions at some of its
    manufacturing facilities.  At March 31, 1997, the reserves for
    remediation were $160 million compared to $139 million at December
    31, 1996.  The probable insurance recovery asset was $50 million and
    $48 million at March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively.
    During the quarter, the company recorded expense before tax of $2
    million for environmental remediation compared to $6 million for the
    first quarter of 1996.  There were charges of $27 million resulting
    largely from an unfavorable arbitration decision related to the
    Woodland sites.  These charges were offset by a $25 million increase
    in insurance recoveries receivable resulting from agreements reached
    during the quarter with certain insurance carriers.  Also during the
    quarter, the company collected $23 million of previously recorded
    remediation-related settlements with insurance carriers.  Other
    carriers have denied coverage in most cases and the company had
    initiated legal action in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  The jury in
    the Pennyslvania action found in favor of the insurance carriers on
    certain issues but the company has filed post-trial motions seeking
    relief.

    In addition to accrued environmental liabilities, the company has
    reasonably possible loss contingencies relating to environmental
    matters of approximately $50 million.  The company has also
    identified other sites where future environmental remediation
    expenditures may be required, but these expenditures are not
    reasonably estimable at this time.  The company believes that these
    matters, when ultimately resolved, which may be over the next
    decade, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated
    financial position of the company, but could have a material adverse
    effect on consolidated results of operations in any given year.

(C) The company and its subsidiaries are parties to litigation arising
    out of the ordinary conduct of its business.  The company is also a
    subject of an investigation by U.S. Customs into the labeling of
    some products imported into the U.S. from some of the company's
    non-U.S. locations.  Recognizing the amounts reserved for such items
    and the uncertainty of the outcome, it is the company's opinion that
    the resolution of all pending lawsuits and claims will not have a
    material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, upon the
    results of operations and the consolidated financial position of the
    company.

(D) Inventories consist of:
    (Millions of dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        MAR. 31,   Dec. 31,   Mar. 31,
                         1997       1996       1996
                       ---------   --------  ---------
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>
Finished products and
  work in process        $372       $375       $378

Raw materials and
  supplies                100        108        125
                         ----       ----       ----

Total inventories        $472       $483       $503
                         ----       ----       ----
</TABLE>

(E) The number of preferred shares issued
    and outstanding were:

    March 31, 1997                 2,579,842
    December 31, 1996              2,631,822
    March 31, 1996                 2,653,591

(F) The number of common treasury shares were:

    March 31, 1997                15,719,055
    December 31, 1996             15,507,629
    March 31, 1996                12,088,999


Dithane is a trademark of Rohm and Haas Company.

                                                                          9

<PAGE>


                                  [LOGO]
                           RESPONSIBLE CARE(R)
                           A PUBLIC COMMITMENT



                                  [LOGO]
                              ROHM AND HAAS


<PAGE>

                          APPENDIX TO EXHIBIT 20


             (Pursuant to Part 232.304(a) of Regulation S-T)


  Graphic                      Description/Cross Reference
- -----------     ----------------------------------------------------------
Cover           A flask with a globe inside and words "First Quarter 1997"

Pie Charts      Description included in introduction to Exhibit 20
                (not incorporated by reference)



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>       5
<LEGEND>        ROHM AND HAAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)

                THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED
                FROM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF MARCH 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED
                IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<MULTIPLIER>    1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                              49
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                      773
<ALLOWANCES>                                        14
<INVENTORY>                                        472
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 1,566
<PP&E>                                           4,364
<DEPRECIATION>                                   2,317
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   4,019
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                              909
<BONDS>                                            559
                                0
                                        129
<COMMON>                                           197
<OTHER-SE>                                       1,445
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                     4,019
<SALES>                                            986
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                   986
<CGS>                                              625
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                      625
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   199
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  10
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    155
<INCOME-TAX>                                        51
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                104
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       104
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.62
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.62
        

</TABLE>


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