DuPont posts 4Q profit on strong Asia demand

[January 26, 2010]  DOVER, Delaware (AP) -- DuPont says it swung to a profit in the fourth quarter and boosted its 2010 outlook as sales rebounded across global markets.

The chemical company on Tuesday reported net income of $441 million, or 48 cents per share, compared to a loss of $629 million, or 70 cents per share, a year earlier.

DuPont says demand in the Asia Pacific region was strong, topping levels seen before the global recession.

Full year earnings were $1.76 billion, or $1.92 per share, compared to $2 billion, or $2.20 per share, in 2008.

The company increased its full-year 2010 earnings guidance to a range of $2.15 to $2.45 per share, up from its previous guidance of $2.10 to $2.40 per share.

[Associated Press; By RANDALL CHASE]

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