DuPont Chairman and CEO Speaks to Chemical Analysts of New York

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y.,  May 12, 2004  —  Charles O. Holliday, Jr., DuPont chairman and chief executive officer, addressed the Chemical Analysts of New York (CANY) at their annual luncheon here today in New York City.

Holliday provided an update on the progress of DuPont's five growth platforms: DuPont Agriculture & Nutrition, DuPont Coatings & Color Technologies, DuPont Electronic & Communication Technologies, DuPont Performance Materials, and DuPont Safety & Protection. He also discussed recent achievements and the 2004 focus for each platform.

Holliday reaffirmed the company's earnings outlook of approximately $0.78 per share in the second quarter and $2.10 to $2.30 per share for the full year (both of which exclude the impact of special items).

As indicated in the company's first quarter earnings news release, DuPont expects to record a charge in the second quarter of approximately $.17 to $.19 per share in connection with its previously announced cost improvement program. DuPont anticipates second quarter charges and credits associated with closing the INVISTA transaction, which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. In addition, the company recorded a charge of $.30 per share in the first quarter for special items attributable to the INVISTA transaction and litigation matters.

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.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the company's strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures and financial results are forward-looking statements. Some of the forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "projects," "indicates," and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors, including those discussed more fully elsewhere in this release and in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by DuPont, particularly its latest annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q, as well as others, could cause results to differ materially from those stated. These factors include, but are not limited to changes in the laws, regulations, policies and economic conditions, including inflation, interest and foreign currency exchange rates, of countries in which the company does business; competitive pressures; successful integration of structural changes, including restructuring plans, acquisitions, divestitures and alliances; cost of raw materials, research and development of new products, including regulatory approval and market acceptance; and seasonality of sales of agricultural products.

#   #   #

05/12/04