November 28, 2012 23:37 ET (04:37 GMT)
SINGAPORE--Olam International Ltd. (
O32.SG) will relook its growth and investment strategy, which has been described as "aggressive" by short-seller Carson Block, Chief Executive Sunny Verghese told Dow Jones Newswires Thursday.
The commodity trader will be flexible about its stated goal to achieve US$1 billion in profit in the next four years. "It [the profit target] is a destination in our journey, it's not the end-game that if we don't achieve it, life ends. But we won't be pig-headed and bull-headed."
Mr. Verghese said Olam will "recalibrate" its strategy and spread its investments if needed.
"We clearly believe that our strategy is right and that's evidenced by the fact that over the last 23 years we have built market-leading positions in many of our platforms," he said.
Mr. Block and his research firm Muddy Waters have said Olam may become insolvent.
The company's shares have fallen 10.6% since Mr. Block first made comments about the company's accounting practices and high indebtedness at a conference in London Nov. 19.
At 0503 GMT Thursday, Olam was up 3.7% at S$1.555.
"We're reaching out to all our key stakeholders...we are keeping them regularly updated and briefed on this developing situation. We feel we have their confidence and support," Mr. Verghese said.