Out of the Gate: DuPont declines on outlook

Shares retreated $2.07, or 4 percent, to $50.18.

Before Tuesday's opening bell, DuPont posted a higher quarterly profit, helped by higher local selling prices and the weak dollar. Although DuPont backed its profit outlook for 2008, the company warned that a slowing U.S. economy was likely to crimp performance. During the first quarter, demand for the company's products in the construction and automotive markets was weak.

Goldman Sachs analyst Robert Koort, who rates the stock "Buy," said DuPont is trying to ramp up growth outside the U.S.

During the first quarter, Koort said rapid growth in emerging markets nearly offset trouble in the U.S. construction and automotive markets.

Koort predicted further gains from DuPont's agricultural segment and international presence, as 60 percent of sales come from outside the U.S.