GAMCO: Glass Lewis Firmly Opposes Dril-Quip Merger
August 26 2024 - 3:15PM
Business Wire
GAMCO Asset Management Inc. (“GAMCO”), an affiliate of GAMCO
Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI), on behalf of its clients and certain
of its affiliates owns approximately 2,872,654 shares of Dril-Quip,
Inc. (NYSE: DRQ) (“Dril-Quip”), representing 8.34% of the
34,452,230 outstanding shares. GAMCO intends to vote “Against” the
proposed merger with Innovex Downhole Solutions (“Innovex”).
On August 23, 2024, Glass, Lewis & Co. LLC (“Glass Lewis”)
published its report regarding Dril-Quip’s merger with Innovex.
Glass Lewis recommends that stockholders vote “Against”
all proposals at Dril-Quip’s Special
Meeting of Stockholders scheduled for September 5, 2024. The
report cites “problematic merger provisions” and a “significant
loss of value” amongst the key reasons for their opposition. GAMCO
commends Glass Lewis for its diligent analysis and attention to
these critical issues.
Late Proxy Amendment: Today, Dril-Quip amended its proxy
statement to remove the requirement that the approval of the
proposal to amend Dril-Quip’s certificate of incorporation be
passed as a condition to closing the merger. This material change
was communicated just 11 days before shareholders are scheduled to
vote on the future direction of Dril-Quip. GAMCO views the removal
of this proposal as a desperate attempt by Dril-Quip and Innovex to
take advantage of ISS’s (Institutional Shareholder Services Inc.)
mixed and confusing recommendation to push the merger across the
finish line. Further, although Dril-Quip has withdrawn certain
problematic governance-related proposals, the fact that these
provisions were initially included raises serious questions about
the future governance of the merged entity. This casts a shadow
over the merger, as the potential for future governance issues
remains a significant risk, potentially leading to decisions that
could negatively impact shareholder interests and long-term
value.
Shareholder Value Erosion: Since the announcement of this
merger, shareholder value has been significantly eroded, while
current Dril-Quip management stands to exit with lucrative golden
parachutes. When Dril-Quip announced its intention to merge with
Innovex, the stock price was $23.73. As of August 26, 2024,
Dril-Quip’s stock price has declined by 32%, compared to a much
smaller 6% decline in the VanEck Oil Services ETF (OIH) over the
same period. This stark contrast underscores the negative market
reaction to the proposed merger and the potential long-term
consequences for shareholders. Amendment No. 2 to Form S-4 (filed
on August 5, 2024) indicated that the merger of Dril-Quip with
Innovex constitutes a change of control. As a result of this change
of control, we estimate that Dril-Quip’s CEO, Jeff Bird, and CFO,
Kyle McClure, will receive compensation totaling $8.1 million and
$3.8 million, respectively.
Undervalued Shares: GAMCO believes that Dril-Quip shares are
significantly undervalued and believes that rejecting this merger
will allow Dril-Quip’s true value to be realized, free from the
constraints and risks posed by the proposed transaction.
(1) Permission to use quotes were neither sought nor
obtained.
GAMCO Investors, Inc., through its subsidiaries, manages assets
of private advisory accounts (GAMCO), mutual funds and closed-end
funds (Gabelli Funds, LLC) and is known for its Private Market
Value with a Catalyst™ style of investment.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240826512743/en/
Robert Leininger Chair, Proxy Voting Committee (914)
921-7754
For further information please visit www.gabelli.com
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