Rohm results may strengthen hand on Dow deal; cost reductions helped specialty-chemicals maker fare better than many peers during the fourth quarter

Rohm and Haas Co., a maker of specialty chemicals, reported a profit of $32 million and its shares dropped by 11 cents, to $56.39. Rohm & Haas is currently waging a legal battle with Dow Chemical Co. to force the company to live up to its agreement to acquire Rohm for $14.3 billion.