Business News
DuPont: 2009 Earnings Outlook Revised, Anticipating Weak Demand
Tuesday 21. April 2009 - The companys 2009 earnings outlook has been revised downward to a range of USD 1.70 to USD 2.10 per share, excluding any significant items.
The revision anticipates that weak demand across key markets will continue throughout 2009. While favorable conditions in global agriculture markets and the benefit of cost reductions and lower raw material costs are expected, the protracted recessionary environment and the impact of currency are expected to limit the companys revenue growth. DuPont will continue aggressive actions to reduce costs and capital expenditures, in addition to maintaining an appropriate level of investment for high-growth, high-margin businesses including seed products and photovoltaics.
For the second quarter 2009, the company anticipates revenue growth to be limited by continuing weak demand in non-agriculture markets, the negative impact of currency, with some sequential improvement due to less de-stocking across multiple value chains. DuPonts Agriculture & Nutrition segment anticipates modest year-over-year revenue growth driven by pricing and volume gains partly offset by currency. The company will continue its aggressive cost and capital reduction programs.