In addition to selling Ralph Lauren, we also exited DuPont (NYSE:DFT) in the quarter. We earned a 60% gain in DuPont when price reached our appraisal. We bought the stock in August 2015 when questions surrounded both the business quality and management, but we believed the board, which was under shareholder pressure, would address the company’s leadership, cost structure, and capital allocation to help the conglomerate focus on its more dominant, growing segments. The businesses performed solidly, and the arrival of CEO Ed Breen with his cost cutting plans and smart merger with Dow turned the investment into a success. We will continue to watch the company and its spinoffs going forward.
From Longleaf Partners Fund first quarter 2017 commentary.
