The ratings on Wilmington, Del.-based E.I. DuPont De Nemours&Co. (DuPont) reflect Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' assessment of the company's business risk profile as "excellent" and financial risk profile as " intermediate" (as our criteria define the terms), as well as its position as one of the world's premier chemical, specialty materials, and seed producers, with 2011 sales of nearly $38 billion. 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 outside the U.S., including about 30% in emerging markets that offer long-term growth potential. Nevertheless, the company has exhibited pronounced business cyclicality and some vulnerability to
