DuPont (DD) Introduces Enzyme Product Optimash AD-100

DuPont’s (NYSE:DD) Industrial Biosciences unit recently unveiled an innovative enzyme product – Optimash AD-100 – that will help biomethane makers improve biogas yields and process robustness. This, in turn, is expected to eventually increase their revenues and profitability.

Optimash AD-100 is an enzyme that has demonstrated its ability to produce up to a 13% increase in biogas yields in anaerobic digesters. This enzyme breaks down organic matter, resulting in more suitable sugars for biogas-producing microorganisms. Its addition into the biomethane process reduces feedstock requirements and enhances biogas production, which augments profitability for customers and operators.

This technology is expected to boost biogas production, improve biogas quality, curb processing time and reduce mixing costs.

Last month, DuPont Industrial Biosciences launched its DuPont Synerxia Fermentation System – a ground-breaking approach to fermentation that will help ethanol makers improve their yields by up to 2%, while reducing total sugar levels at drop by up to 25%.

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DuPont reported adjusted earnings of $1.26 per share in first-quarter 2016, outperforming the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.02. Earnings were aided by cost-saving plans. Sales of $7.4 billion for the reported quarter also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate, despite currency headwinds and lower volumes.

Sales from the Industrial Biosciences unit edged up 1% to $352 million in the quarter. Earnings jumped 17% to $63 million on higher pricing and increased demand for biomaterials, partly masked by currency impact. DuPont is undertaking an aggressive restructuring program this year, with numerous cost-cutting actions, including the layoff of 10% of its workforce.

DuPont’s shares closed around 0.2% higher at $66.09 yesterday. The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Better-ranked companies in the chemical space include Albemarle Corp. (NYSE:ALB) , Huntsman Corp. (NYSE:HUN) and Axiall Corp. (NYSE:AXLL) , all sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).