DuPont profit trounces Wall Street's expectation

NEW YORK (Reuters) - DuPont's profit rose 27 percent to trounce Wall Street's expectations, fueled by strong sales of seeds and solar panel films, leading the chemical giant to boost its earnings forecast.

Despite the strong results, shares rose only slightly on Thursday afternoon after weak employment numbers hit Wall Street.

DuPont, whose products touch the construction, agriculture and clothing sectors, is trying to buy Danish food additives maker Danisco for $5.9 billion.

Chief Executive Ellen Kullman stood firm on DuPont's bid, telling Danisco shareholders the company would not raise it.