DuPont (DD), a Dow 30 component, is a global chemicals maker with a diverse array of product offerings. Its products have applications across a bevy of industries including transportation, construction, oil and gas, automobile, apparel, agriculture, nutrition and health, packaging and electronics.

DuPont is facing increased pressure from Nelson Peltz’s Trian Fund Management lately. Trian recently announced its plans to nominate four directors to the company’s board, launching one of the biggest activist-investor led proxy battles in recent times. The move to secure board seats represents a fresh attempt by the renowned activist investor to break up DuPont into two distinct companies.

However, DuPont have been actively defending itself against such breakup calls while remaining focused on executing strategic actions including portfolio optimization, disciplined capital allocation and cost control. As part of its strategy to gradually shift its focus to high growth businesses, DuPont is selectively spinning off or selling its underperforming assets that are exposed to raw material price fluctuations.

Let’s have a quick look at this 200-plus year old chemical behemoth’s fourth-quarter release.

Estimate Trend & Surprise History

Investors should note that the earnings estimate for DuPont for the fourth quarter has been stationary over the past week and month. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has remained static at 71 cents over these periods.

DuPont has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in 3 of the trailing 4 quarters with an average beat of 1.98%. Investors have been eagerly awaiting DuPont’s latest earnings report to see whether it ends 2014 with an outperformance.

In-line Earnings

DuPont raked in adjusted earnings of 71 cents per share that matched the Zacks Consensus Estimate.

The company’s strategic measures including portfolio optimization and productivity improvements contributed to higher profits in the reported quarter.

Revenues Trail

DuPont logged net sales of $7,378 million, down roughly 5% year over year. That missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7,821 million.

Key Stats/Developments to Note

DuPont sees adjusted earnings for 2015 in the band of $4.00 to $4.20 per share including a roughly 60 cents per share unfavorable currency impact stemming from a stronger dollar. The company’s operational redesign initiatives are also expected to deliver savings of around 35 cents per share in 2015. DuPont will also repurchase shares worth up to $4 billion utilizing the one-time dividend proceeds from the spin off of its performance chemicals unit.

Update: More detailed analysis here.