WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DuPont today announced that the company plans to begin expensing stock options granted to employees after Jan. 1, 2003, using the guidelines of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."

Under historical grant levels and current valuation assumptions, the resulting increase in non-cash expense is expected to reduce the company's earnings per share by approximately $.03 in 2003. This impact would grow to about $.09 per share by 2005 and then stabilize.

DuPont will continue its long-standing practice of offsetting the potential dilution of stock option grants through share repurchase.

During 2002, DuPont is celebrating its 200th year of scientific achievement and innovation -- providing products and services that improve the lives of people everywhere. Based in Wilmington, Del., DuPont delivers science-based solutions for markets that make a difference in people's lives in food and nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction; electronics; and transportation.