NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Jan. 28, 2004-- Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that E.I. DuPont de Nemours&Co.'s (AA-/Negative/A-1+) announcement that the company's fourth-quarter earnings before special items were somewhat weaker year over year does not affect Standard&Poor's ratings or outlook on the company. The fourth-quarter earnings shortfall is in large part due to higher raw material costs. Nevertheless, the company indicates that global volumes rose 6% in the fourth quarter, benefiting from an economic recovery in manufacturing. Also, the company anticipates that improving business conditions will continue in 2004 and lead to stronger earnings. Ratings are supported by the company's well-above-average business profile and the expectation that DuPont will maintain a strong financial
