On May 11, 2005, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA-' preliminary senior unsecured debt rating to E.I. DuPont de Nemours&Co.'s $3.0 billion Rule 415 shelf registration. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AA-' corporate credit rating and other ratings on the Wilmington, Del.-based company. As of March 31, 2005, DuPont reported more than $8.9 billion in total debt. The outlook remains negative. The ratings incorporate DuPont's status as one of the world's premier chemical producers, with sales approaching $27 billion and $37 billion of assets, and expectations that management will maintain prudent financial management practices. The ratings reflect DuPont's well-above-average business profile. Key business attributes include leading technology and cost positions in an
