Excellent business profile as a premier global chemicals producer; Well-diversified product lines and end markets; Leadership positions in an extensive range of technologies; and Solid overall profitability supported by mostly low-cost, efficient operations and significant research spending. Earnings affected by cyclical economic swings and volatile raw-material costs; Sizable unfunded postretirement liabilities; Stretched financial profile for the current ratings because of a large ongoing share repurchase program; and Pending litigation represents a contingent risk. The ratings reflect E.I. DuPont de Nemours&Co.'s status as one of the world's premier chemical producers, with annual sales of $27 billion, and a financial profile that is expected to strengthen to appropriate levels for the rating during the next two to three years. Wilmington,
