Also. . .

* DuPont Co. said its board approved a plan that could lead to a spinoff or sale of its pharmaceutical division. DuPont said that shedding the unit, which consumed nearly one-third of its $1.8-billion research budget this year, would give it more flexibility to pour resources into its core chemical research and development.

* Scholastic Corp.’s second-quarter earnings rose 21% to $56.3 million, or $2.95 a share, much better than the $2.66 analysts expected. Revenue grew 31% to $668.3 million, led by sales of the smash-hit “Harry Potter” books and the acquisition of Grolier. The company also announced a 2-for-1 stock split.

* TRW Inc. named as its chief executive David Cote, who led General Electric Co.’s appliance business before joining TRW as chief operating officer last year. Cote’s contract included a $10-million payment if he wasn’t named CEO by July 1. He will assume the post on Feb. 1.

* H&R; Block Inc. named its president and chief operating officer, Mark Ernst, chief executive, effective Jan. 1. Ernst, 42, replaces Frank Salizzoni, 62, who is retiring as CEO but will remain as chairman.