DuPont expects reported earnings for the fourth quarter 2002 to be between $.31 and $.33 per share, slightly below the company's initial outlook.
The net impact of special items for the quarter is expected to be immaterial.
However, pre-tax operating results in the second half of the quarter were lower than expected. The company expects this decline to be largely offset by a significant benefit from further reduction in the effective income tax rate for full year 2002.
DuPont will provide details on its fourth quarter and full-year 2002 results on Jan. 28, via its fourth quarter and full-year earnings news release, Web site postings, and investor conference call.