DuPont reported record first quarter 2012 earnings per share, with the company has reaffirmed its full-year earnings outlook of $4.20 to $4.40 per share, 7 to 12 pecent growth when compared to 2011,minus significant items.DuPont’s first-quarter 2012 earnings per share were $1.61, compared to $1.52 in 2011. 
Sales were $11.2 billion, up 12 percent from 2011. The performance reflected higher prices and sales in developing markets that were up 15 percent. DuPont has been aided by stronger overseas markets for a number of years.
“DuPont’s market-driven science and commitment to innovation and productivity are winning in key markets, despite economic headwinds early in the first quarter,” said DuPont Chair & CEO Ellen Kullman. “Around the world, we are bringing our science closer to local markets by collaborating with customers and partners in our new DuPont Innovation Centers. We are prioritizing our R&D portfolio to deliver food, energy and protection solutions for the world’s growing population.”
Perhaps the best performer was the company’s agriculture busiensss.
Business Week reported the Pioneer seed business was aided by warm weather that made planting easier. It also reported earnings exceeded estimates.
Under Kullman, DuPont has emerged in good shape from the economic downturn, generating strong earnings from new products and gaining sales from faster growing markets like India.
