Mar., 22 /WILMINGTON, Del., — DuPont announced, in advance of its annual investor meeting scheduled for March 25, that the company reaffirms its outlook for first quarter 2003 earnings per share.

In January, the company said that it expected earnings for the first quarter, before special items, to be roughly similar to the prior year. DuPont earned $.55 per share, before special items, in the first quarter of 2002. First Call consensus estimate for first quarter 2003 earnings, which excludes special items, is currently $.52 per share.

"We are pleased with the overall performance of our businesses. Operating results from production agriculture and pharmaceuticals have been particularly strong and have offset the impacts of higher energy and raw materials costs in some of our other businesses," said Gary M. Pfeiffer, DuPont chief financial officer. "For DuPont, March and April are typically unpredictable months as the timing for agricultural sales in the Northern Hemisphere is weather dependent. Current world events now add a new dimension of uncertainty. Nonetheless, based on the quarter-to-date performance of our businesses, we remain confident in our ability to meet or modestly exceed our original outlook."

As previously announced on March 14, the company expects to take a charge related to a recent litigation settlement, which will reduce first quarter 2003 reported earnings by about $.05 per share. First quarter 2002 reported earnings were $.48 per share.

Management believes the above discussion of earnings per share before special items is meaningful to investors because it provides insight with respect to current operating results. Special items represent significant charges or credits that are important to an understanding of the company's ongoing operations. Earnings per share before special items is not a measure of earnings recognized under U. S. generally accepted accounting principles.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.