DuPont to pay share of $455M PFAS settlement
DuPont, with Chemours and Corteva, agreed to a $455 million, 15‑year PFAS-related settlement in North Carolina, largely covered by existing accruals and cost-sharing arrangements.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (DD) entered into a Settlement Agreement with the State of North Carolina and 11 local entities, together with Chemours and Corteva, to resolve claims relating to PFAS and other emissions from the Fayetteville Works facility and certain PFAS contamination elsewhere, including uses of aqueous film-forming foam. The Settlement provides for an aggregate $455 million cash payment to the plaintiffs over 15 years, shared among the companies under their 2021 Memorandum of Understanding. Of this amount, $18 million is attributed to alleged PFAS contamination unrelated to Fayetteville Works, with no more than $14.4 million tied to AFFF. DuPont previously recorded a probable loss of about $125 million (pre-tax net present value) in discontinued operations for its share, before a 44% reimbursement obligation from Qnity Electronics Inc., and notes that this is materially covered by existing accruals. DuPont and Corteva will also provide a $135 million reserve fund as financial security if Chemours does not perform under a 2019 Consent Order. The companies have agreed how this and potential future PFAS settlements will be valued under their cost-sharing MOU, and North Carolina and New Jersey settlement payments will fully satisfy their future MOU escrow contribution obligations, including the contribution otherwise due in September 2026.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- $455 million in aggregate settlement payments over 15 years for PFAS-related claims, plus a $135 million reserve fund commitment, represent sizable long-term cash and contingent obligations tied to environmental matters.
- DuPont recorded a probable loss of about $125 million (pre-tax NPV) for its share of the settlement, indicating a material charge within discontinued operations despite partial reimbursement and coverage by existing accruals.
8-K Event Classification
3 items: 1.01, 7.01, 9.01
3 items
Item 1.01
Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
Business
The company signed a significant contract such as a merger agreement, credit facility, or major partnership.
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Aggregate settlement payments: $455 million
Settlement period: 15 years
Amount attributed to non-Fayetteville PFAS claims: $18 million
+5 more
8 metrics
Aggregate settlement payments
$455 million
Cash payments to North Carolina and 11 local entities over 15 years
Settlement period
15 years
Duration over which the $455 million settlement will be paid
Amount attributed to non-Fayetteville PFAS claims
$18 million
Portion of settlement tied to alleged PFAS contamination unrelated to Fayetteville Works
Maximum amount ascribed to AFFF
$14.4 million (≈3%)
Cap on settlement portion attributable to AFFF-related PFAS contamination
Reserve Fund
$135 million
Financial security established by DuPont and Corteva if Chemours does not perform its 2019 Consent Order obligations
DuPont share present value
$126 million
Pre-tax present value of DuPont’s share of the settlement, before Qnity reimbursement
Qnity Electronics reimbursement percentage
44%
Portion of DuPont’s share of the cash payment to be reimbursed by Qnity Electronics Inc.
Probable loss recorded by DuPont
$125 million
Pre-tax net present value loss recorded in Q2 2026 within discontinued operations for DuPont’s share
Key Terms
PFAS, aqueous film-forming foam, Memorandum of Understanding, net present value, +2 more
6 terms
PFAS technical
"relating to PFAS and other emissions from the Fayetteville Works facility"
PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used in many everyday products, such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and food packaging, because they resist heat, water, and grease. They are often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, potentially leading to health concerns. For investors, the presence of PFAS-related risks can impact companies’ reputations, legal liabilities, and future costs.
aqueous film-forming foam technical
"including contamination associated with the use of aqueous film-forming foam ("AFFF")"
Aqueous film-forming foam is a liquid firefighting agent that spreads a thin, water-based film over burning flammable liquids to smother flames and prevent vapors, like pouring a fast-spreading, heat-resistant blanket over a spill. It matters to investors because its past use at facilities can create environmental contamination, cleanup costs, regulatory fines and legal liabilities that affect a company’s finances and stock value.
Memorandum of Understanding financial
"in accordance with the terms of the 2021 binding Memorandum of Understanding"
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a formal agreement between two or more parties that outlines their shared intentions and plans to work together. It acts like a handshake in writing, clarifying each side’s roles and expectations before any official contract is signed. For investors, an MOU signals that parties are serious about collaboration, which can influence future business opportunities and potential growth.
net present value financial
"will qualify for withdrawal ... and exceed the Companies’ future escrow contribution obligations"
Net present value is a way to measure the value of a future amount of money today. It considers how money available in the future is worth less than money now because of potential earning opportunities or inflation. Investors use it to decide whether an investment is worthwhile, aiming for projects with positive net present value, meaning they are expected to generate more value than they cost.
escrow account financial
"will qualify for withdrawal from the Companies’ MOU escrow account"
An escrow account is a neutral holding account run by an independent third party where cash, shares, or documents are kept until specific contract conditions are met — like a referee holding the ball until both teams agree the play is fair. Investors care because escrows reduce counterparty risk in deals (mergers, stock purchases, property transactions), ensuring payments or assets are released only when agreed terms are satisfied.
Consent Order regulatory
"fails to perform its obligations under its 2019 Consent Order with the State"
A consent order is a legally binding agreement between a regulator and a company that settles alleged violations without the company admitting guilt, laying out required fixes, penalties, and monitoring steps. For investors it matters because the order can impose fines, increased compliance costs, operational limits or oversight that affect future profits and risk; think of it like agreeing with a landlord to repair lease problems and accept rules to avoid a court battle, but with formal regulatory consequences.
FAQ
What additional reserve fund is being created in connection with the settlement?
DuPont and Corteva will establish a $135 million reserve fund, provided via self-guarantee, surety bond or similar instrument, as financial security that is accessible only if Chemours fails to perform its obligations under a 2019 Consent Order with North Carolina regulators.
How does the settlement affect DuPont’s MOU escrow contributions under the PFAS cost-sharing agreement?
The companies’ New Jersey and North Carolina settlement payments will qualify for withdrawal from their MOU escrow account and exceed future escrow contribution obligations, so future contributions, including the one otherwise due in September 2026, will be considered satisfied.
How will the PFAS settlements be valued under DuPont’s cost-sharing MOU?
The companies agreed to value the North Carolina settlement and potential future litigation settlements at net present value, as if payable in equal annual installments over 25 years and discounted at an 8% rate, for calculating qualified spend under the 2021 MOU.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 10, 2026 (September 9, 2026 )
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Section 1 - Registrant's Business and Operations
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
On September 9, 2026, DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (“DuPont” or the “Company”), together with The Chemours Company (“Chemours”), and Corteva Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary EIDP, Inc. (formerly known as E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and together with its parent, Corteva Inc., referred to as “Corteva”) entered into a Settlement Agreement with the State of North Carolina, by and through the North Carolina Attorney General, along with the State Subdivisions of Bladen County, Brunswick County, Columbus County, Cumberland County, New Hanover County, Robeson County, Sampson County, Town of Wrightsville Beach, City of Lumberton, Village of Bald Head Island, and Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority (collectively, the Plaintiffs”) (the “Settlement”) to resolve all claims asserted by the Plaintiffs relating to PFAS and other emissions from the Fayetteville Works facility, as well as claims asserted by the State of North Carolina relating to PFAS contamination unrelated to such facility, including contamination associated with the use of aqueous film-forming foam ("AFFF").
The Settlement includes an aggregate cash payment to the Plaintiffs of $455 million, payable over a period of 15 years, which will be shared in accordance with the terms of the 2021 binding Memorandum of Understanding between Chemours, Corteva and DuPont (“MOU”). Of the total settlement amount, $18 million is attributed to alleged PFAS contamination unrelated to Fayetteville Works, of which no more than $14.4 million, approximately 3 percent, can be ascribed to AFFF.
The Settlement Agreement remains subject to the entry of orders dismissing the claims covered therein. The foregoing description of the Settlement Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Settlement Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
In the second quarter of 2026, DuPont recorded a probable loss of about $125 million within discontinued operations, reflecting the pre-tax net present value of the Company’s share of the cash payment in accordance with the MOU prior to giving effect to the obligation of Qnity Electronics Inc. to reimburse 44 percent of the Company’s share of the cash payment. In addition, DuPont and Corteva will establish a reserve fund in the amount of $135 million (the “Reserve Fund”) to be funded (in the form of self-guarantee, surety bond, or similar financial instrument) in accordance with the sharing percentages in the Letter Agreement entered between the parties in 2019 (“Letter Agreement”). The Reserve Fund is financial security accessible only in the event Chemours fails to perform its obligations under its 2019 Consent Order with the State through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
Chemours, Corteva and DuPont (the “Companies”) have agreed to count the Settlement and potential future litigation settlements against the MOU limit at net present value as of the date of the settlement as if payable in equal annual installments over 25 years and discounted using an 8 percent discount rate.
In addition, since the aggregate payments to be made in connection with the Settlement Agreement and the Companies’ 2025 settlement with the State of New Jersey will qualify for withdrawal from the Companies’ MOU escrow account and exceed the Companies’ future escrow contribution obligations, all future contributions to the MOU escrow account will be considered satisfied by the Companies’ New Jersey and North Carolina settlement payments, including the escrow contribution that would have been due in September 2026.
Section 7 - Fair Disclosure
Item 7.01 - Regulation FD Disclosure.
On September 10, 2026, DuPont issued a press release announcing the matters described in this Current Report on Form 8-K. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information contained in this Item 7.01 is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of Section 18. Furthermore, the information contained in this Item 7.01 shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the Exchange Act.
Section 9 - Financial Statements and Exhibits
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
10.1 | Settlement Agreement, dated September 9, 2026, by and among The Chemours Company, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Corteva, Inc., EIDP, Inc. and certain other parties set forth therein. | ||||
99.1 | Press release issued by DuPont de Nemours, Inc. on September 10, 2026. | ||||
| 104 | The cover page from this Current Report on Form 8-K, formatted in Inline XBRL. | ||||
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events that may not be accurate or realized and often contain words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "see," "will," "would," "estimate", "target," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about expected performance and impact of the cost sharing arrangement by and between DuPont, Chemours and Corteva related to future eligible PFAS liabilities. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to: the achievement, terms and conditions of final agreements related to the cost sharing arrangement; the outcome of any pending or future litigation related to PFAS, including personal injury claims and natural resource damages claims; the extent and cost of ongoing remediation obligations and potential future remediation obligations; changes in laws and regulations applicable to PFAS chemicals; the performance by each of the parties of their respective obligations under the cost sharing arrangement. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Further lists and descriptions of risks and uncertainties can be found in DuPont’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and DuPont's subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other filings, the contents of which are not incorporated by reference into, nor do they form part of, this communication. Consequences of material differences in results as compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on DuPont's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, credit rating or liquidity. DuPont assumes no obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| DUPONT DE NEMOURS, INC. | ||||||||||||||
| Registrant | ||||||||||||||
| Date: | September 10, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Erik T. Hoover | |||||||||||||
| Name: | Erik T. Hoover | |||||||||||||
| Title: | Senior Vice President and General Counsel | |||||||||||||
Exhibit 99.1
NEWS RELEASE
DuPont, Chemours and Corteva Reach Agreement to Resolve PFAS-Related Claims in North Carolina
•Resolves litigations brought by the State of North Carolina and 11 local entities relating to PFAS and other historical discharges from Fayetteville Works, as well as the State’s claims of PFAS contamination unrelated to that site, including from the use of aqueous film forming foam (“AFFF”).
•Settlement payments over 15 years, with a net present value of approximately $355 million to be shared by DuPont, Chemours and Corteva.
•The pre-tax present value of DuPont’s share is approximately $126 million, of which 44% shall be reimbursed by Qnity Electronics, and is materially covered by existing accruals.
Wilmington, Del., Sept. 10, 2026 – DuPont (NYSE: DD) today announced that, together with The Chemours Company (“Chemours”), and Corteva Inc. and its subsidiary EIDP Inc. (formerly known as E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and together with its parent, Corteva Inc., referred to as “Corteva”), it has entered into a settlement (the “Settlement”) with the State of North Carolina and 11 local entities* in the vicinity of the Company’s Fayetteville Works facility that were excluded from the U.S. Public Water System Class Settlement approved in 2024.
The Settlement resolves litigations brought by the State and the settling local entities relating to PFAS and other historical discharges from Fayetteville Works, as well as the State’s claims of PFAS contamination unrelated to that site, including from the use of AFFF.
Settlement payments will total $455 million over a 15-year period beginning within 30 days of the execution date of the Settlement Agreement. Of the total settlement amount, $18 million is attributed to alleged PFAS contamination unrelated to Fayetteville Works, of which no more than $14.4 million, approximately 3%, can be ascribed to AFFF.
The terms of the Settlement, including a further description of claims released and not released, are set forth in the Settlement Agreement, which remains subject to entry of dismissals of the covered litigations.
DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva have also worked together to reach certain understandings concerning the 2021 Memorandum of Understanding between the parties (“MOU”), including the valuation of the Settlement and potential future settlements at net present value as if payable in equal annual installments over 25 years and discounted using an 8 percent discount rate for purposes of calculating qualified spend. In addition, since the companies’ aggregate New Jersey and North Carolina settlement payments will qualify for withdrawal from the companies’ MOU escrow account and exceed their required future MOU escrow contributions, including escrow replenishment obligations, these contributions will be considered satisfied by such settlement payments, including the contribution otherwise due in September 2026.
* The 11 local entities are Bladen County, Brunswick County, Columbus County, Cumberland County, New Hanover County, Robeson County, Sampson County, Town of Wrightsville Beach, City of Lumberton, Village of Bald Head Island, and Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader, providing advanced solutions that help transform industries and improve everyday life across our key markets of healthcare, water,
construction, and industrial. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events that may not be accurate or realized and often contain words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "see," "will," "would," "estimate", "target," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about expected performance and impact of the cost sharing arrangement by and between DuPont, Chemours and Corteva related to future eligible PFAS liabilities. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to: the achievement, terms and conditions of final agreements related to the cost sharing arrangement; the outcome of any pending or future litigation related to PFAS, including personal injury claims and natural resource damages claims; the extent and cost of ongoing remediation obligations and potential future remediation obligations; changes in laws and regulations applicable to PFAS chemicals; the performance by each of the parties of their respective obligations under the cost sharing arrangement. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Further lists and descriptions of risks and uncertainties can be found in DuPont’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and DuPont's subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other filings, the contents of which are not incorporated by reference into, nor do they form part of, this communication. Consequences of material differences in results as compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on DuPont's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, credit rating or liquidity. DuPont assumes no obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.
For further information contact: DuPont Investors: Ann Giancristoforo ann.giancristoforo@dupont.com +1 989-294-5890 | Media: Dan Turner daniel.a.turner@dupont.com +1 302-299-7628 | ||||
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