News

The following is a summary of business results for each of the company’s operating segments, comparing sales and pre-tax operating income (PTOI) (loss) for first quarter 2009 versus first quarter 2008.  All references to selling price changes are on a U.S. dollar basis, including the impact of currency.

Agriculture & Nutrition

• Sales of USD 3.1 billion were up 6 percent reflecting production agriculture price increases and North America and Europe seed volume gains, partly offset by currency.

• PTOI was USD 852 million, up 8 percent, driven by higher sales, partly offset by significant unfavorable currency impact and increased input costs.

Coatings & Color Technologies

• Sales of USD 1.2 billion were down 30 percent primarily reflecting broad-based volume declines across all regions and businesses. 

• The pre-tax loss of USD 19 million reflects lower sales volumes and unfavorable currency impact partly offset by fixed cost reductions and higher local prices.

Electronic & Communication Technologies

• Sales of USD 696 million were down 32 percent reflecting 31 percent lower volumes and 1 percent lower selling prices.  Lower volumes reflect significant de-stocking in supply chains for many electronic materials and general industrial markets.

• The pre-tax loss of USD 54 million reflects the depressed sales volumes and higher input costs, partly offset by fixed cost reductions.

Performance Materials

• Sales of USD 942 million were down 45 percent reflecting declines in major markets in all regions, precipitated by de-stocking and weak final demand, particularly in motor vehicle and general industrial end markets. 

• The pre-tax loss of USD 146 million reflects lower volume and higher raw material costs, partly offset by reductions in fixed costs.

Safety & Protection

• Sales of USD 1.0 billion were down 24 percent reflecting an 18 percent volume decline and 5 percent lower selling prices.  Volumes were down in all product lines, most significantly in North American and European motor vehicle, construction and general industrial markets.
  
  
• PTOI of USD 72 million principally reflects the impact of lower sales volumes.

Additional information on segment performance is available on the DuPont Investor Center website at www.dupont.com.