Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

DuPont sinks as Q1 outlook disappoints

(Sharecast News) - DuPont shares sank in pre-market trade on Wednesday after the company's outlook for the first quarter fell short of analysts' expectations, as it pointed to destocking and weak demand in China. The chemicals company said it now expects first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 63 to 65 cents, down from 84 cents a year earlier and below consensus forecasts of 88 cents.

Meanwhile, net sales are expected to come in at around $2.8bn, down from $3.02bn last year and below expectations of $3.04bn. Operating EBITDA is expected to be around $610m.

Executive chairman and chief executive Ed Breen said: "In a continued lower volume environment, we remain focused on the operational levers within our control with strong cash generation during the fourth quarter.

"As we finished 2023, we saw additional channel inventory destocking within our industrial businesses as well as continued weak demand in China. We are seeing similar trends continue and expect sequential sales and earnings to decline in the first quarter of 2024, driven by these factors and the absence of certain discrete items which benefited fourth quarter operating EBITDA."

At 1250 GMT, the shares were down 12% in pre-market trade at $65.90.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Agronomics investee Solar Foods raises EUR 8m
(Sharecast News) - Cellular agriculture investor Agronomics announced on Friday that its portfolio company Solar Foods had raised an additional €8m through Finnish investment organiser Springvest.
Berenberg hikes target price on Greggs
(Sharecast News) - Analysts at Berenberg raised their target price on bakery chain Greggs from 3,550.0p to 3,990.0p on Friday as it noted that customer appeal had broadened as its market share was expanding.
Thousands of UK firms fighting for survival - Begbies Traynor
(Sharecast News) - More than half a million UK business are fighting for survival, according to an industry research published on Friday, weighed down by the weak economy.
Thruvision FY24 adjusted underlying losses widen
(Sharecast News) - Security technology business Thruvision said on Friday that adjusted underlying losses had widened in FY24 as revenues fell.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.