The ratings on Wilmington, Del.-based E.I. DuPont De Nemours&Co. reflect its excellent business risk profile as one of the world's premier chemical, specialty materials, and seed producers, with 2009 sales of about $26 billion, and an intermediate financial risk profile. DuPont's key business strengths include strong product development capability, leading technology, and good cost positions in a broad mix of products and geographic markets. More than 60% of sales are from outside the U.S., including a significant portion in emerging markets that offer long-term growth potential. Our business risk assessment is tempered by pronounced business cyclicality and some vulnerability to fluctuating raw material costs. DuPont's businesses encompass seeds, agricultural chemicals, and food ingredients; materials and technologies for photovoltaics,
