Industrial materials maker DuPont announced on Wednesday that it has decided not to separate its water business into a publicly traded company as originally planned. However, the company will proceed with the spinoff of its electronics business.
This decision follows DuPont’s earlier announcement of plans to split into three publicly traded companies in a tax-free manner to unlock value and pursue focused growth.
DuPont will expedite the separation of its electronics business, with the transaction expected to be completed by November 1. This timeline is ahead of the previously estimated 24 months for the process to close.
The electronic segment of DuPont includes semiconductor technologies and interconnect solutions, which saw a 7.1% increase in net sales during the third quarter.
CEO Lori Koch stated, “The decision to retain the water unit within DuPont allows the new organization to have greater strategic flexibility over time and adds another high-growth business alongside healthcare.” Koch added that the water segment is expected to have a strong year in 2025.
In 2015, DuPont merged with Dow to form DowDuPont in a $130 billion deal. Subsequently, the company spun off its chemical businesses as Dow and its agribusiness division as Corteva, with DuPont remaining as a standalone entity.
Several companies globally, such as Maple Leaf Foods, have opted to split up their businesses into publicly traded entities to enhance profitability and revenue.
Following the announcement, DuPont’s shares initially declined but later reversed losses to trade 1% higher at $77.00 in extended trading.
The company reaffirmed its annual adjusted profit forecast of $3.90 per share and anticipates net sales to be approximately $12.37 billion. DuPont is scheduled to report its financial results on February 11.