MBK Partners and Young Poong Push for Governance Changes at Korea Zinc's AGM
In a significant move leading up to Korea Zinc's upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), MBK Partners and Young Poong, recognized as the largest shareholders of the company, have formally submitted a series of proposals aimed at bolstering corporate governance and increasing returns for shareholders. These proposals are set to be discussed during the AGM scheduled for March, and they cover critical areas such as board structure, shareholder dividends, and the cancellation of treasury shares.
Key Proposals Submitted
The primary components of the proposals include the following:
1. Appointment of a Temporary Chair: This request arises from recent governance concerns, especially following the disruption witnessed during Korea Zinc's extraordinary general meeting in January. The shareholders advocate for a temporary chair to ensure smooth operations moving forward.
2. Cancellation of Treasury Shares: A vital element of the proposals is the full cancellation of all treasury shares. Despite commitments made by the company's leadership to execute such a measure, MBK Partners and Young Poong have noted that these shares have remained unaddressed for over three months, which poses a risk to shareholder value.
3. Cash Dividend Recommendation: The shareholders propose a cash dividend of KRW 7,500 per common share for the company's 51st fiscal year, amounting to a total payout of KRW 17,500 per share when combined with interim dividends. While this marks a strong intention to reward shareholders, it is below the previous year's distribution of KRW 20,000 per share.
4. Board Expansion and Director Elections: The proposals included provisions for the election of an expanded board, with up to 17 directors. The ambition is to appoint directors with diverse expertise to enhance decision-making processes and governance standards.
Governance and Financial Transparency
The requests highlight a broader concern surrounding corporate governance at Korea Zinc. MBK Partners and Young Poong's commitment to maintaining transparency in financial practices has also brought attention to Korea Zinc's recent earnings reports. Following the submission of their proposals, the company shared its preliminary financial results for 2024, indicating a notable 15.6% rise in operating profits year-over-year, juxtaposed by a 22.1% fall in net profit due to unforeseen non-operating losses.
This discrepancy has raised eyebrows among shareholders, prompting them to demand further clarity to ensure that the figures shared correctly reflect the firm’s operational health.
Restoring Corporate Integrity
As these proposals push forward, MBK Partners and Young Poong emphasize their dedication to restoring corporate integrity and enhancing shareholder interests at Korea Zinc. They believe that adapting a well-structured board of directors will facilitate better governance practices, lead to improved financial management, and ultimately bolster shareholder value. By advocating for a transparent and accountable environment, they aim to align the company with the best practices in corporate governance.
The coming AGM will serve as a crucial juncture for Korea Zinc, as shareholders weigh in on these proposals which could potentially redefine the company's governance framework, lead to personnel changes at the board level, and reinforce its commitment to its shareholders.
As the meeting date approaches, all eyes will be on the dialogue between the company’s executives and its largest stakeholders, which will likely dictate the future trajectory of Korea Zinc and its strategic objectives.