(DuPont) -- Today, DuPont reported full year and fourth quarter earnings per share (EPS).
DuPont's 2011 earnings, before significant items, were up 20% to a record USD 3.93 per share versus USD 3.28 per share in 2010. Reported earnings per share were USD 3.68 versus USD 3.28 in 2010. Sales of USD 38.0 billion were up 20%, with a 27% increase in developing markets. Excluding significant items and pharmaceuticals, segment pre-tax operating income increased 31% with leading contributions from Performance Chemicals and Agriculture.
DuPont's fourth quarter 2011 earnings per share were USD.35 per share, excluding significant items, reflecting a USD.23 per share year-over-year headwind from a higher tax rate. Prior year earnings were USD.50 per share, excluding significant items. Reported fourth quarter 2011 earnings were USD.40 per share, unchanged from the prior year.
For 2012, DuPont reaffirmed its earnings outlook range of USD 4.20 to USD 4.40 per share, which represents 7 to 12% growth versus 2011, excluding significant items.
⌠We delivered exceptional full-year results in 2011 despite significant market headwinds late in the year, said DuPont Chair & CEO Ellen Kullman. ⌠Our market-driven science continues to meet customer needs in food, energy and protection. Acquisitions in Nutrition & Health and Industrial Biosciences, coupled with robust and disciplined productivity efforts across our businesses, contributed to our successful performance. We remain well-positioned to serve customers and innovate as key markets rebound and global population growth drives new opportunities.