DuPont opened 2026 with stronger-than-expected momentum, beating its first-quarter guidance and raising its full-year forecast, driven by organic growth, margin expansion, and improved cash flow across its core businesses.

 

The company reported net sales of $1.7 billion, up 4% year over year, with organic sales increasing 2% versus the year-ago period. Growth was supported by both operational execution and favorable currency effects.

 

Profitability strengthened meaningfully. GAAP income from continuing operations rose to $150 million, up from $80 million a year earlier, while GAAP EPS from continuing operations came in at $0.36 versus $0.19. On an adjusted basis, earnings climbed to $0.55 per share, up sharply from $0.36.

 

Operating performance also improved, with operating EBITDA increasing to $414 million, up 15%, and margins expanding to 24.6%, a 230-basis-point gain. Cash generation accelerated, with cash from operating activities reaching $232 million, compared to $77 million in the prior year period. Transaction-adjusted free cash flow surged to $147 million from just $8 million a year earlier.

 

Chief Executive Officer Lori Koch said the company’s performance reflected disciplined execution across its businesses.

 

“We delivered a strong start to the year, exceeding our financial guidance through disciplined commercial and operational execution” said Lori Koch, DuPont Chief Executive Officer. “Our teams remained focused on our customers and delivered organic growth, margin expansion, and double-digit adjusted EPS growth, along with solid cash flow generation in the quarter.”

 

She added: “Our strategic priorities are clear and we remain focused on value creation by serving our customers, driving commercial and operational excellence and allocating capital thoughtfully to deliver consistent performance to our shareholders."

 

The Healthcare & Water Technologies unit stood out with net sales of $806 million, up 6%, including 3% organic growth. Operating EBITDA rose 9% to $244 million, with margins expanding to 30.3%.

 

However, Water Technologies saw mixed results: “Water Technologies sales down low to mid-single digits on an organic basis as strength in industrial water and microelectronics markets were more than offset by logistics disruptions in the Middle East.”

 

Diversified Industrials steady, margins improve

Diversified Industrials posted net sales of $875 million, up 3%, though organic sales were roughly flat. Operating EBITDA rose 8% to $200 million, with margins improving to 22.9%.

 

“Industrial Technologies sales up low-single digits on an organic basis on strength in aerospace and automotive, partially offset by declines in the printing and packaging businesses.”

 

Looking ahead, DuPont raised its full-year expectations, citing a strong start to the year and benefits from portfolio actions.

 

“For the second quarter 2026, we estimate net sales of about $1.8 billion, operating EBITDA of about $430 million and adjusted EPS of approximately $0.59 per share,” said Antonella Franzen, DuPont Chief Financial Officer. “Our second quarter guidance estimates organic sales growth of about 3%, with currency a slight tailwind in the quarter.”