Earnings roundup: DuPont, Biogen Idec

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Chemicals maker DuPont Co. said Tuesday agriculture sales and emerging markets helped fuel a rise in second-quarter profit, which was also boosted in part by a lawsuit settlement and a lower tax rate.

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP)--A surge in multiple-sclerosis drug sales drove an 11 percent boost in Biogen Idec Inc.'s second-quarter profit, prompting the biotechnology company to boost its full-year outlook and aim for record revenue of $4 billion.

ST. LOUIS (AP)--Centene Corp. on Tuesday reported higher-than-expected second-quarter earnings, citing increased patient enrollment in its managed care plans.

HOUSTON (AP)--BJ Services Co., an oilfield services company, said Tuesday its fiscal third-quarter profit fell 16 percent as lower prices at its U.S. pressure pumping operations cut into margins.