DuPont Earnings Top Expectations on Overseas Sales

Wilmington, DE, January 22, 2008-- DuPont said Tuesday that earnings fell 37 percent in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, although overseas business is booming.

Last year a one-time item boosted the bottom line. This year profit exceeded Wall Street expectations as the company's international business expanded.

Net income was $545 million, or 60 cents per share.

Sales rose 6 percent to $7.21 billion from $6.84 billion last year thanks to sales to developing markets. Exports were boosted by exchange rates.

U.S. sales rose 5 percent, hurt by the housing market.