DuPont forecasts 2010 earnings per share growth

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - DuPont expects earnings growth next year by concentrating on key areas such as food production, environmental protection and emerging market opportunities.

The company said Tuesday that 2010 earnings will range from $2.10 a share to $2.40 a share.

That would be up from its 2009 earnings outlook of $1.95 to $2.05 per share excluding items.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters have predicted 2010 earnings of $2.01 a share.

DuPont also predicts 20 percent compound annual earnings growth from 2009 to 2012.

Chemical makers have been hurt by plummeting sales in the U.S. and abroad as the housing and automotive markets imploded during the recession.

The third quarter marked the first time DuPont posted improved quarterly profits this year.