Sales in Dupont's performance materials segment, which includes construction materials and fibers, are expected to fall in the first quarter as lower prices and a stronger US dollar offset strong volumes, chief executive Ellen Kullman said today during a fourth quarter conference call.
The segment reported sales of $1.46bn during the fourth quarter, down 4pc from the prior year, as the effects of the rising dollar against the euro and other currencies offset improved volumes and pricing in the segment, according to the company.
However, operating earnings are expected to rise on improved volumes, as prior year sales were limited by a scheduled ethylene outage last summer, Kullman said.
Volumes sold rose 4pc on solid demand in auto, packaging, industrial and consumer markets, with particularly strong demand for performance polymers from the auto sector in China and North America.
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