Shareholder activism

Elliott Management Acquires Stake in Starbucks, Aiming for Transformative Changes

Elliott Management Corporation has made a significant investment in Starbucks, aiming to influence the company’s operations and strategic direction. This move could lead to operational improvements, innovative menu offerings, and an aggressive expansion strategy, positioning Starbucks for growth in a competitive coffee market. As the coffee giant navigates post-pandemic challenges, Elliott’s involvement may expedite its recovery and enhance shareholder value.

Disney’s Struggles at the Box Office

Disney has faced challenges in returning to its 2019 box-office success, leading to activist investor Nelson Peltz’s push for a board seat. The company’s recent struggles include six quarters of operating losses in its content sales business, with revenues falling below $9 billion in 2022 and 2023. Despite some successful films, such as ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3,’ Disney has not seen a movie generate over $1 billion since 2019, impacting its theatrical business.

Advance Auto Parts Reaches Settlement with Activist Investors for Three Board Seats

Advance Auto Parts settles with activists Third Point and Saddle Point, granting them three board seats. The company’s stock has been declining due to increased costs, leading to a cut in forecast and dividend. New board members appointed and CEO change reflect efforts to navigate challenges. Shares surged by 3.7% following the news. Activists express confidence in the company’s potential for value creation.

JetBlue Airways sees surge in shares after Carl Icahn’s 10% stake

Activist investor Carl Icahn’s nearly 10% stake in JetBlue Airways has caused a surge in the airline’s shares, sparking discussions about possible board representation. Despite facing challenges, JetBlue has been focusing on cost-cutting and operational improvements to regain profitability following the post-Covid travel surge and a blocked merger with Spirit Airlines.