Chimie Hebdo: 1Q 2002 results in the chemicals industry: DSM registers 4% increase in sales.

(From Chemical Business NewsBase: Chimie Hebdo)

For 1Q 2002 DSM posted a 4% increase in its sales compared with 4Q 2001 but an 11% decline compared with 1Q 2001. Its 1Q 2002 net profits were higher than in 4Q 2001 but were 91% lower than in 1Q 2001. The group is unsure whether the improvement in figures represents a true market recovery or is simply the result of restocking. The main cause for optimism in 1Q 2002 was an increase in sales volumes. Celanese registered better than expected results thanks to a higher volume of sales compared with 4Q 2001. DuPont also registered encouraging signs of growth in its 1Q 2002 sales. Economic recovery is not obvious in all …