Charles Holliday
Charles Holliday
Charles Otis "Chad" Holliday, Jr., is an American businessman, former chairman of Bank of America and former chairman, former chief executive officer and a former director of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. He is chairman emeritus of the U.S. Council on Competitiveness and chairman of the Business Roundtable's Task Force for Environment, Technology and Economy. Holliday is also a founding member of the International Business Council and serves on the board of advisors of the Nicholas Institute...
across assets committed costs delivered difficult encouraged environment expected fully growing improving knew operating people performance pleased return
We knew it would be a difficult operating environment in the first quarter, and I am very encouraged by the better than expected performance of our company. I am especially pleased with how our people delivered these results. We are fully committed to growing revenue, controlling costs and improving return on assets across all of our businesses.
asian challenges effects expect faced financial general growing quarter second slowing strike volumes
We expect the challenges we faced in the second quarter to continue, exacerbated by slowing volumes from the growing effects of the General Motors strike and the Asian financial crisis.
actions base business crop difficult enable necessary parts protection provide stronger support
These difficult but necessary actions will enable the crop protection business to provide an even stronger base in support of the other parts of our agricultural enterprise.
career company direction helped importance jefferson leadership places shape taking throughout
Ed Jefferson exemplified the importance our company places on science. His leadership and insights throughout his career at DuPont helped shape the direction our company is taking today.
actions begun earnings improve putting quarter specific
Our earnings this quarter are unacceptable and I have begun putting in place specific actions to improve second-half performance.
businesses costs delivering double earnings european higher material performed raw spite strategic weak
Most of our businesses performed exceptionally well in spite of higher raw material costs and weak European currencies, with 11 of 18 strategic business units delivering double digit earnings growth,
business conditions difficult half recent
Business conditions in the first half have been some of the most difficult that we have experienced in recent years,
dominates impact pervasive
The pervasive impact of e-commerce dominates the discussion,
businesses designed ensure future health improve plan profitable
This transformation plan is designed not only to improve the short-term health of these businesses but also to ensure a future of sustainable, profitable growth.
annual continue drive earnings percent
We will continue to drive for at least 10 to 12 percent annual earnings growth.
achieve actions decision enable goal hardest jobs leaders losing people rapidly result taking
Taking actions that result in people losing their jobs is the hardest decision we as leaders will ever have to make, ... these actions will enable us to more rapidly achieve our goal of sustainable growth.
action commitment enhance great reflection reinvest time
It's a great time to reinvest in our company, ... This action is yet another reflection of our commitment to enhance shareholder value.
higher prices
Ultimately, it will be higher prices for the consumer.
although began businesses industry markets polyester remain volume
Although the polyester industry and U.S. agriculture markets remain weak, most of our other businesses began to see some volume improvement,