du pont Earnings Release 2005 3rd

Dupont reported third quarter 2005 earnings per share of -$0.09, which included significant one-time charges. Excluding these charges, earnings were $0.33 per share, up 32% from the prior year. Segment sales grew 5% to $6.2 billion due to price increases across all operating segments. However, business was impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which reduced sales by $100 million and operating income by $50 million. For the fourth quarter, Dupont expects challenges from plant shutdowns due to the hurricanes but remains focused on offsetting rising costs through pricing.