10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2003

EIDP, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2003

Filed August 12, 2003For Securities:CTA-PBCTA-PA

Summary

E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) reported a strong financial performance for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, with net sales increasing by 10% to $7.4 billion, driven by global sales growth across most segments, a favorable currency impact, and strategic acquisitions. Net income rose 24% to $675 million, or $0.67 per share, demonstrating improved profitability compared to the same period last year. The company also reported significant progress in its strategic initiatives, including the formation of The Solae Company and the acquisition of a controlling interest in DuPont Canada Inc. The company's financial health appears robust, with a notable increase in cash from operations and a significant increase in net debt used to finance strategic investments and debt redemptions. DuPont continues to navigate significant macroeconomic factors, including increasing raw material costs and non-cash pension expenses, which are impacting profitability. However, the company's diversified business segments and global presence, coupled with disciplined cost management, position it to weather these challenges. The ongoing discussions regarding the potential sale of the Textiles & Interiors (DTI) segment are a key development to monitor, as this divestiture could reshape the company's portfolio and financial structure. Investors should pay close attention to management's outlook regarding continued market performance, cost mitigation strategies, and the impact of currency fluctuations.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased 10% year-over-year to $7.4 billion for the second quarter of 2003.
  • 2Net income increased 24% to $675 million ($0.67 per share) for the second quarter of 2003.
  • 3The company formed 'The Solae Company' by combining its Protein Technologies business with Bunge Limited's ingredient operations, resulting in a $62 million non-operating gain.
  • 4DuPont acquired a controlling interest in DuPont Canada Inc. for approximately $1.1 billion, increasing goodwill by $688 million.
  • 5The company is in exclusive negotiations for the potential sale of its Textiles & Interiors (DTI) segment.
  • 6Despite increased raw material and pension costs, the company anticipates continued market performance and potential improvements in demand in the second half of 2003.

Frequently Asked Questions

Net sales increased by 10% to $7.4 billion primarily due to a 5% benefit from currency, a 4% benefit from the net impact of acquired and divested businesses, and a 1% increase in higher local selling prices. Global sales growth across most segments also contributed significantly.

The company recorded a $62 million non-operating gain from the formation of The Solae Company. In the prior year's second quarter, there were significant charges related to restructuring and facility shutdowns totaling $345 million pre-tax. For the year-to-date 2003, DuPont adopted SFAS No. 143, resulting in a $29 million after-tax charge for asset retirement obligations. In the prior year, the adoption of SFAS No. 142 resulted in a substantial $2,944 million after-tax charge for goodwill impairments.

DuPont is in exclusive negotiations with subsidiaries of Koch Industries Inc. regarding the possible sale of the DTI segment. While there is no certainty an agreement will be reached, this transaction is a key strategic development to monitor.

The company is focusing on managing cash fixed costs to mitigate the impact of higher raw material and non-cash pension expenses. Management anticipates continued higher U.S. dollar pricing and some level of improved end-market demand in the second half of 2003 to offset these cost pressures. The company estimates the year-over-year impact of higher variable costs (raw materials, energy) to be approximately $0.60 per share for the full year.