Summary
EIDP, Inc. (CTA-PB) filed an 8-K on November 17, 2016, disclosing significant changes to its employee benefit plans. The company announced the freeze of benefit accruals under the U.S. Pension Plan and Retirement Plan, impacting active employees. This freeze will take effect on the earlier of the first Intended Business Separation or November 30, 2018. Additionally, eligible employees under 50 as of the Effective Date will no longer receive post-employment medical, dental, and life insurance benefits (OPEB benefits). These changes are linked to the ongoing merger with The Dow Chemical Company and the intended subsequent separations of businesses. The company anticipates a reduction in its long-term employee benefit obligations by approximately $550 million, recognizing an estimated pre-tax curtailment gain of $380 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Annual pension and OPEB expenses are expected to decrease by about $50 million post-Effective Date. Retirees already collecting benefits and vested former employees are not affected by these changes.
Key Highlights
- 1E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) is freezing benefit accruals under its U.S. Pension and Retirement Plan for active employees.
- 2The freeze will be effective on the earlier of the first Intended Business Separation or November 30, 2018.
- 3Eligible employees under the age of 50 as of the Effective Date will not receive post-employment medical, dental, and life insurance benefits (OPEB benefits).
- 4The company estimates these changes will reduce its long-term employee benefit obligations by approximately $550 million.
- 5A pre-tax curtailment gain of approximately $380 million is expected to be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2016.
- 6Annual pension and OPEB expenses are projected to decrease by about $50 million post-Effective Date.
- 7These benefit changes are related to the merger with The Dow Chemical Company and subsequent business separations.