DuPont raises first-quarter view

Chemicals company DuPont (DD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday raised its forecasts for the first quarter and the full year, as broad operating strength offset weak conditions in Europe and unfavorable currency issues.

The company said it expects first-quarter earnings per share to be 80 cents, before items, up from a previous forecast of 70 cents. Analysts expected 71 cents per share for the quarter.