The ratings on Wilmington, Del.-based E.I. DuPont de Nemours&Co. reflect the company's excellent business risk profile as one of the world's premier chemical, specialty materials, and seed producers, with annual sales of nearly $30 billion, tempered by an intermediate financial risk profile. DuPont's key business strengths include leading technology and cost positions in an exceptionally broad mix of products and geographic markets, with about 60% of sales outside the U.S. These attributes result in relatively consistent earnings and cash flows. DuPont's key business segments include agriculture and nutrition, coatings and color technologies, electronic and communication technologies, performance materials, and safety and protection. In addition, DuPont receives royalty payments from Merck&Co. Inc. for the hypertension drugs Cozaar®
