Core Insights - The discussion emphasizes that activism in investing is not limited to billionaires, and retail investors can also have a significant impact on companies [1][2][10] Group 1: Activist Investing Steps - The first step for retail investors is to identify companies that align with their values [2] - Engaging with like-minded individuals is crucial for influencing a company's direction [2][5] - Achieving a certain level of ownership allows investors to vote for board members, thereby influencing company governance [3][6] Group 2: Role of Younger Investors - Younger investors typically start their activist journey early by connecting with others who share their values [4][7] - As they progress, they become more involved in discussions about company direction and financials [7][8] Group 3: Collective Action and Retail Investor Power - The meme stock phenomenon illustrates the power of collective action among retail investors [8][10] - Retail investors now own more shares than institutional investors in many NASDAQ and NYSE firms, indicating a shift in power dynamics [9][10] Group 4: Impact of AI on Investing - AI is transforming the landscape for retail investors, enabling them to conduct analyses previously reserved for institutional investors [12][19] - Retail investors can leverage AI for financial planning and investment management without needing extensive technical skills [14][20] - AI tools can assist in tracking the activities of established activist investors, providing insights for retail activists [16][17] Group 5: Future of Activism and Technology - The convergence of technology and investing is expected to significantly change wealth management and investment strategies [18][19] - Next-generation investors are encouraged to educate themselves on AI to enhance their investment capabilities [20]

in tradfi, you buy mispriced assets, hold, and waitin crypto, you buy mispriced assets, hold, *add value to the network*, and waitcrypto lets anyone become an activist investorunlike tradfi, you can change the course of the project by shipping code, writing content, and helping with events etc to increase the probability of success for your investmentyou can't do this for apple or microsoft, but you can do it for a people owned networkyou can both create and capture valuevery underrated ...

Activist investor Starboard Value has taken a nearly 5% stake in Fluor and plans to push for ways to boost the engineering and construction company’s shares https://t.co/CI4YnhZOFT ...

Core Thesis - Rapid7, Inc. is undergoing a strategic pivot towards an integrated Command Platform, enhancing its cybersecurity offerings and addressing customer demand for streamlined security solutions [2][5] - The company has shown significant financial growth, with revenue increasing from $411.5 million in 2020 to $844 million in 2024, reflecting a 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) [2] Financial Performance - Rapid7's trailing and forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios are 47.30 and 9.95 respectively, indicating a potential undervaluation [1] - Current guidance projects revenue of $858 million, EBITDA of $163 million, and free cash flow between $125 million and $135 million, resulting in an attractive ~10% free cash flow yield and ~9.8x EV/EBITDA valuation [3] Strategic Developments - The company has $600 million in cash and investments, generating interest income that exceeds debt costs, despite facing historical share dilution and ~$900 million in convertibles due in 2027 and 2029 [3] - Activist investor JANA Partners controls over 14% of shares and is advocating for governance changes and operational improvements, positioning Rapid7 as a credible acquisition candidate [3][4] Acquisition Speculation - There has been ongoing speculation regarding potential acquisitions, with interest from firms such as TPG, Alphabet, and Thoma Bravo, alongside insider incentives for pursuing a transaction [4] - Elevated professional fees suggest active corporate advisory efforts, indicating that Rapid7 is preparing for potential strategic alternatives, including a sale [4]

Core Viewpoint - Target's recent underperformance has attracted the attention of an activist investor, who is advocating for the exclusion of outgoing CEO Brian Cornell from the position of board chair [2]. Group 1 - Target's performance has been described as lackluster, prompting scrutiny from investors [2].

Corporate Governance - Cracker Barrel faces renewed pressure from an activist investor seeking board shakeup [1] - The push follows a rebranding "fiasco" at the country-themed restaurant chain [1]

Activist Asset Value Investors plans to add stakes in Japanese small- and mid-cap companies once it gains more firepower from a planned merger of one of its investment trusts https://t.co/ESZAlt4htF ...

Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo's stock has been stagnant for five years, but activist investor Elliott Investment Management believes there is a clear path for improvement following its $4 billion stake acquisition, representing approximately 2% ownership in the company [1][2]. Activist Investor Influence - Activist investors like Elliott acquire significant stakes to influence company operations and address solvable issues, often targeting underperforming companies with strong brands [4]. - Elliott's involvement in companies like Honeywell demonstrates how a relatively small stake can lead to substantial changes, such as splitting the company into separate entities to unlock value [6][7]. Pepsi's Potential - Elliott's 75-page report praises Pepsi's diverse portfolio and international reach, highlighting that the stock is undervalued compared to the S&P 500 Consumer Staples index [8]. - The report criticizes Pepsi's margin erosion in North American snacks and beverages, attributing it to strategic missteps and operational inefficiencies [9][11]. Proposed Changes - Elliott suggests several strategies to revitalize Pepsi's North American business, including focusing on beverage branding, optimizing the bottler network, and improving management and asset allocation [10]. - The report indicates that if Pepsi can shift organic revenue growth from low single digits to mid single digits, it could see at least 50% upside in its stock value [10]. Current Progress - Despite challenges, Pepsi has made strides in its food and snack segments by adapting to consumer preferences and focusing on health-conscious products [15]. - The company has already begun implementing some of Elliott's suggestions, which could serve as a catalyst for further positive changes [16]. Investment Appeal - Pepsi is characterized as a high-yield stock with a P/E ratio of 17.7 and a dividend yield of 4%, having increased its dividend for 53 consecutive years [17]. - Following a period of stagnation, there are signs of improvement in Pepsi's performance, and upcoming earnings calls may provide further insights into the company's direction [18][19].

A Japanese activist investor who took over as president of one of his target companies has now started an equity fund, seeking US investors including family offices as clients https://t.co/QocUAyT0sq ...

Activist Investor & Stake - Elliot Management takes a significant $4 billion stake in PepsiCo, becoming one of its largest investors [3] - Elliot's proposal could potentially deliver 50% upside to shareholders [1] - Elliot is among the most feared activist investors in corporate America, often achieving desired changes [7] Performance Concerns & Strategic Review - Pepsi trades at a substantial discount to peers and its historical average valuation [2] - Underperformance is driven by share loss and margin pressure in North American beverages, along with decelerating growth and declining profitability in North American foods [2] - Elliot suggests strategic reviews of the brand portfolio and bottler refranchising for the beverages side (Pepsi, Gatorade, Lipton) [2] - Elliot recommends streamlining and rightsizing the cost basis for the food side (Fritos, Lays, Doritos) [3] Potential Actions & Future Outlook - Strategic review might lead to a company split or separation from underperforming businesses with bolt-on acquisitions [5] - Pepsi is reviewing Elliot's perspectives within its strategy to drive sustainable growth [3] - Elliot has not called for board changes or firings at the executive level at this point [3]