DuPont responded to the proxy fight launched by Nelson Peltz of Trian Fund Management, which intends to nominate executives to the board of the chemical giant as it continues to push for its break up.
In a statement, DuPont emphasized that its board of directors and management have a track record of delivering value to shareholders.
DuPont shareholders returns outperforms S&P 500, proxy peers
According to the chemical giant it delivered a total revenue return of 17% over the past years, 78% over the past three years and 160% over the previous five years. DuPont said it outperformed its proxy pees and the S&P 500.
DuPont added that delivered $13 billion in cumulative capital returns to shareholders under its current leadership team since the year-end of 2008. That company pointed out that its total shareholder returns were 266%, higher than the S&P 500’s 159% and proxy peers of 133%.
Furthermore, DuPont said its leadership proactively refined its portfolio around three strategic priorities including the separation of its Performance Chemicals business and seven previous divestitures.
The company said it is on track with its enterprise-wide redesign initiative, which is expected to enhance its organizational agility and operational efficiency and reduce costs significantly.
DuPont estimated that its initiative will result to $1 billion in savings. It also intends to continue its effort in identifying additional areas of productivity across its organization.
“Our businesses benefit from significant competitive advantages as part of DuPont. The combined power of DuPont’s science platform, our global scale, market access, and infrastructure leverage, along with our established brand and solid financial foundation, have enabled us to deliver strong returns,” according to the company.
DuPont to review Trian Fund’s proposal
Moreover, DuPont pointed out that despite its numerous efforts to engage constructively with Trian Fund Management, the investor chose a proxy fight that could potentially disrupt the company.
DuPont further emphasized that the members of its board are highly-qualified professionals with expertise across a range of relevant disciplines and industries critical to its businesses.
The board of the company vowed that its corporate governance committee will review the proposal from Trian Fund Management and it will make a recommendation that is in the best interest of all shareholders.
“In the interim, we will remain laser focused on executing our plan, which has already delivered and continues to drive superior value to shareholders,” said DuPont.
Your move, Nelson Peltz.
