NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Jan. 25, 2005-- 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 net income was somewhat weaker year over year does not affect the ratings or outlook on the company. Net income for the most recent quarter declined to $278 million from $636 million in the fourth quarter of 2003. However, earnings before special items rose 28% quarter over quarter. The fourth quarter of 2003 included $669 million of deferred tax benefits associated with the divestment of the Textiles&Interiors businesses. The improvement in earnings before special items reflects 5% growth in segment sales volume and 7% higher U.S. dollar selling prices, which
