Oil rig operator Transocean (RIG 1.57%) said in a statement that it had received notice from funds affiliated with activist investor Carl Icahn that they would push for a $4.00 per share annual dividend at the annual shareholder meeting. It had been expected Icahn would make such a proposal.
Following the oil spill at Transocean's Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico, the rig operator suspended its annual $3.25 per share payment in a bid to preserve its investment-grade credit rating and maintain a "strong, flexible balance sheet."
As a result of pressure brought to bear by Icahn, Transocean's board agreed to reinstate the dividend, and said it will recommend an annual payout of $2.24 a share at the annual meeting. Icahn responded in an SEC filing Monday that said the amount was insufficient and it "further highlights a long track record of weak capital allocation strategy." Icahn also said he will seek to nominate at least three alternative director candidates "who we expect to provide a more shareholder friendly capital allocation strategy."
Transocean remarked it will "evaluate the proposals in due course."
