Net income rose to $967 million, or 96 cents per share, from $668 million, or 66 cents a share, a year earlier. Analysts had expected $1.01 per share, according to Reuters Estimates.

Sales fell to $7.4 billion from $8.1 billion a year earlier. Sales in DuPont's agriculture and nutrition segment rose 7 percent to $2.4 billion; sales in its coatings and color technologies segment were up 8 percent at $1.5 billion.

DuPont backed its 2005 forecast for earnings of $2.65 to $2.85 per share. Analysts expect $2.78.

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. (MSO: chart) on Tuesday posted a narrower first-quarter net loss, but results were hurt by a persistent advertising slump at its flagship magazine triggered by its founder's legal woes.

The media and merchandising company posted a loss of $19.2 million, or 38 cents a share, compared with a loss of $19.5 million, or 39 cents a share, in the corresponding period last year.

Southern Co. (SO: chart), which supplies power to the U.S. Southeast, on Tuesday said its first-quarter earnings fell on higher operating expenses and mild winter weather. Net income in the quarter fell to $323 million, or 43 cents a share, from $331 million, or 45 cents a share, last year. Analysts, on average, had expected first-quarter earnings of 41 cents a share.

Revenue in the quarter rose to $2.86 billion from $2.73 billion last year. Southern said its still expects to meet its financial and operational targets for 2005.