DuPont Earnings Fall, Yet Beat Analysts' Estimates

Wilmington, DE, April 21, 2009--E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. reported net income of $489 million, or 54 cents a share in the first quarter, down from $1.12 billion, or $1.31 a share, earned in the same period during 2008.

Nevertheless, the results beat analysts' estimates of 52 cents per share.

Total sales for the quarter also fell, dropping to $7.27 billion from the prior year's $8.77 billion, primarly as a result of lower volumes.

The results, DuPont said, reflect "severe decline in global industrial demand" seen during the first three months of the year, particularly in construction, auto production and consumer spending.