Armstrong Holdings Inc. has reported first quarter 2004 net sales of $845.0 million, a 9.0 percent increase over first quarter net sales of $774.9 million in 2003. Excluding the favorable effects of foreign exchange rates of $34.6 million, consolidated net sales increased by 4.4 percent.
The increase in sales was primarily driven by strong demand for product in the North American residential and commercial markets, the company said. Also contributing to the improvement in sales was the impact of price increases initiated in 2003.