Activist investor targets Hewlett Packard by reportedly building $1.5B stake

Core Viewpoint - Elliott Investment Management has acquired a stake exceeding $1.5 billion in Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), positioning itself as one of the company's largest investors and indicating plans to engage with management [1][4]. Group 1: Investment Details - Elliott's investment in HPE comes as the company is valued at approximately $20 billion [2]. - The acquisition of HPE shares has led to a nearly 5% increase in stock price, reaching $14.98, although the shares have declined 30% year-to-date, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 index's 8% decline [4]. Group 2: Company Strategy and Challenges - HPE has announced a cost-cutting plan aimed at reducing expenses by about $350 million by fiscal 2027, which includes a 5% reduction in its global workforce [4][5]. - The company is currently pursuing an all-cash acquisition of Juniper Networks, but this deal faces legal challenges from the U.S. Justice Department, which argues it would harm competition and innovation [6]. Group 3: Elliott's Activism and History - Elliott Investment Management, managing $70 billion in assets, has been active in various campaigns, including seeking four board seats at Phillips 66 and holding nearly a 5% stake in BP [8]. - The firm has a history of influencing management changes in underperforming companies, with 14 CEOs having left their positions at companies where Elliott held stakes since 2022 [9].