DuPont raises 2026 profit outlook on healthcare and aerospace demand

what happened

DuPont, an industrial materials maker based in Wilmington, Delaware, raised its annual profit forecasts on Tuesday, according to Reuters. The company also expects fourth-quarter earnings to top Wall Street estimates after beating expectations in the third quarter, helped by solid demand in healthcare, aerospace and industrial water.

Its adjusted core profit outlook for 2026 now stands at nearly $1.79 billion, up from the earlier range of $1.75-$1.77 billion. Adjusted earnings per share are now forecast at $7.47-$7.52, versus the previous $7.17-$7.32. Chief Financial Officer Antonella Franzen said full-year results should come in at or above the top of the earlier guidance.

Revenue in the healthcare and water technologies unit grew almost 4% to $865 million, while the diversified industrials division added 4.2% to just over $1 billion. Third-quarter adjusted profit came in at $2.09 per share against an estimate of $1.87. For the fourth quarter, the company expects $1.90-$1.95 per share, while the LSEG consensus sits at $1.87.

DuPont concluded a $250 million accelerated share repurchase, substantially completed $100 million of open-market buybacks in the third quarter and plans another $250 million of repurchases in the fourth. It previously spun off its electronics business into Qnity Electronics.

why it matters

A guidance increase from a large industrial supplier suggests demand in healthcare, aerospace and water treatment is holding up despite weakness in parts of the chemicals market. Ongoing share buybacks also support per-share earnings. For industrial-sector investors, the fourth-quarter results will be the next test of whether this pace continues.

market impact

DuPont (DD): guidance above forecasts supports the shares and industrials sentiment

• ▲DuPont shares pressure up — raised guidance and a third-quarter earnings beat support expectations for profit

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