DuPont and Plaintiffs Reach Settlement on Shareholder Class Action Litigation

WILMINGTON, Del.,  March 14, 2003  —  DuPont today announced that it has reached a settlement with plaintiffs for a 1995 shareholder class action lawsuit related to Benlate® fungicide. The company has agreed to settle the lawsuit for approximately $77 million. The impact of the settlement on first quarter earnings will be about $0.05 per share. DuPont is seeking recovery from insurance.

DuPont said that it acted appropriately in the matter and that its decision to settle was based on a desire to resolve the dispute.

The company discontinued the manufacture and sale of its Benlate® fungicide in 2001.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

3/14/03