DuPont saw its fourth-quarter earnings decline as increased sales were offset by higher costs.

But the result beat analyst expectations and the chemicals company boosted its outlook for 2011.

The company on Tuesday reported net income of $376 million, or 40 cents per share, for the quarter, down from $441 million, or 48 cents per share, a year earlier.

Earnings excluding items totaled 50 cents per share. The results beat analysts' consensus earnings estimate of 31 cents per share.

Revenue rose 14 percent to $7.74 billion, reflecting higher volume and selling prices.

E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. increased its full-year 2011 earnings guidance to a range of $3.45 to $3.75 per share, up from previous guidance of $3.30 to $3.60 per share.