DuPont beats estimates, backs outlook
Chemicals company DuPont said profits increased 26% in the first quarter, boosted by higher selling prices and the weak dollar.
Wilmington, Del.-based DuPont said it earned $1.19 billion, or $1.31 per share, on revenue of $8.77 billion. That compares to a profit of $945 million, or $1.01 per share, on revenue of $8.16 billion last year.
Thomson Financial said analysts had expected earnings of $1.28 per share on revenue of $8.61 billion.
DuPont (DD, Fortune 500) also said it stands by its 2008 earnings outlook for $3.40 to $3.55 per share payday loan. But it said for the rest of 2008, slowing U.S. demand will offset growth outside the country.