Today's Winners and Losers: Rohm & Haas

Shares of Pike Electric(PEC Quote) were among the NYSE's losers Tuesday, tumbling 18% after the provider of outsourced electric distribution and transmission services warned that third-quarter earnings would be lower than expected.

The company sees break-even earnings on revenue of $154 million to $157 million for the March quarter. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call project earnings of 20 cents a share and revenue of $156.5 million. The company blamed the earnings shortfall on lower operating margins, which were hurt by higher labor pricing, insurance costs, fuel costs and new crew inefficiency. "This pressure on operating margins is expected to continue for at least the remainder of fiscal 2006," Pike said. Shares were trading down $3.90 to $17.15.

Rohm & Haas(ROH Quote) rose 2% after the maker of coatings and chemicals projected first-quarter earnings above analysts' expectations. The company estimates earnings of 90 cents to 93 cents a share, topping analysts' projections of 78 cents a share.

During the year-earlier period, the company earned 70 cents a share. The company said strong electronic materials sales and better profits in some of its largest chemical businesses helped results. Rohm & Haas plans to issue first-quarter earnings on April 24. Shares were trading up $1.18 to $50.23.

Shares of Alcoa(AA Quote) jumped 7% after the aluminum producer posted strong first-quarter earnings that easily surpassed expectations. The company reported earnings from continuing operations of $615 million, or 70 cents a share, on sales of $7.24 billion. Analysts expected earnings of 51 cents a share and sales of $7.21 billion.

"We had excellent top and bottom line results, driven by strong demand, favorable metal prices and productivity programs implemented through the Alcoa Business System," the company said. During last year's first quarter, Alcoa earned $268 million, or 31 cents a share, on sales of $6.22 billion. Shares were up $2.08 to $34.91.