Emerging economies boost Q4 sales at DuPont
During the fourth quarter of 2007, sales at US-based chemicals company DuPont increased 11% to $7 billion, up 3% in terms of volume. Sales in emerging markets grew 20%, led by Brazil, China and India, while US sales rose 5%.
Net income for the fourth quarter was $545 million, including net benefit of $23 million, compared with $871 million in the previous year, which included a net benefit of $449 million.
Sales for its Performance Materials segment grew to $1.7 billion, primarily due to higher USD selling prices. However, volume growth in Latin America, Asia and Europe was more than offset by lower demand in North America. Income rose to $186 million, reflecting strong sales across all product lines, currency benefits and fixed cost productivity.
Sales for the company’s Safety and Protection division rose to $1.4 billion, reflecting higher selling prices and volume growth in the surfaces, Kevlar and Nomex product lines. Income grew to $277 million.
