Core Viewpoint - Marlton Partners L.P. has filed a preliminary proxy statement to solicit votes for the election of four independent director candidates at 180 Degree Capital Corp.'s upcoming Special Meeting of Shareholders on September 15, 2025 [1][5]. Group 1: Proxy Statement and Election - Marlton Partners, owning approximately 5.8% of 180 Degree Capital Corp.'s outstanding stock, is advocating for the election of James C. Elbaor, Gabriel Gliksberg, Aaron Morris, and Andrew Greenberg as directors [1][5]. - The proxy statement aims to provide shareholders with an opportunity to influence the governance of the company, emphasizing the importance of strong governance and respect for shareholder capital [2][5]. Group 2: Company Background - Marlton Partners L.P. is a Chicago-based investment firm with a focus on enhancing long-term value through active ownership in closed-end funds and other assets [3]. - The firm is led by James C. Elbaor, who holds degrees from New York University and Columbia University [3]. Group 3: Shareholder Information - As of the date of the announcement, Marlton Partners beneficially owns 174,867 shares of common stock in 180 Degree Capital Corp., while other participants collectively own 583,403 shares [8]. - The participants in the proxy solicitation include Marlton Partners, Marlton, LLC, and the nominated directors, among others [7].

Core Viewpoint - Lifeway Foods, Inc. has received a recommendation from Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) advising shareholders to "DO NOT VOTE" in the ongoing dissident-led consent solicitation, indicating that the dissident group has not made a compelling case for change [1][2]. Company Overview - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is recognized as a leading supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products in the U.S. and has been listed among Forbes' Best Small Companies [3]. - The company offers a variety of products including drinkable kefir, cheeses, and a ProBugs line for children, with distribution across the U.S., Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, the UAE, and France [3]. Financial Performance - Lifeway's financial performance has been directionally positive, with its share price rallying over the past year due to multiple positive earnings announcements [5]. - The total shareholder return has significantly outperformed peers in the Russell 3000 Food Producers Index [5]. Dissident Group Analysis - The critiques from the dissident group are viewed as lacking adequate context and do not clearly establish how their proposed changes would impact shareholder returns [5]. - The dissident nominees have a history of governance concerns during their previous tenures at the company [5]. Management's Position - The management team, led by CEO Julie Smolyansky, remains focused on maximizing shareholder value and encourages shareholders to follow ISS's guidance by taking no action on the consent solicitation [5].

Core Points - Barnwell Industries, Inc. has adjourned its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to September 3, 2025, due to the inability to obtain a quorum [1][3] - Shareholders of record as of July 21, 2025, are eligible to vote at the adjourned meeting [1][4] - The meeting remains uncontested, and the adjournment does not reopen the nomination window for director elections [4] Shareholder Voting - Shareholders are encouraged to vote on the WHITE proxy card for all of Barnwell's director nominees [2][7] - Those who previously voted on the Sherwood Group's green proxy card can change their vote to the WHITE proxy card to contribute to the quorum [2][7] - An amended notice and updated proxy materials will be sent to shareholders of record following the new record date [4] Company Commentary - Kenneth Grossman, Vice Chairman of Barnwell's Board, expressed optimism about the company's future and the value of its assets, while criticizing Ned Sherwood's actions as obstructive [3] - The company plans to actively solicit shareholders to achieve a quorum for the Annual Meeting [3]

Core Viewpoint - Elliott Investment Management L.P. is advocating for a change in leadership at Phillips 66, presenting a plan titled "Streamline 66" aimed at enhancing accountability and long-term performance for shareholders [1]. Group 1: Leadership and Performance - Elliott is positioning the current leadership of Phillips 66 as accepting poor performance and committed to maintaining the status quo, urging shareholders to consider electing new directors who can drive improvements [1]. - The upcoming Annual General Meeting on May 21st will serve as a pivotal moment for shareholders to decide between supporting the existing leadership or opting for Elliott's nominated directors [1]. Group 2: Proxy Solicitation - Elliott has filed a definitive proxy statement with the SEC to solicit proxies for the election of its director candidates and other proposals at the 2025 Annual Meeting [2]. - Shareholders are encouraged to review the proxy statement and related documents, which contain important information regarding the proxy solicitation [2]. Group 3: About Elliott - As of December 31, 2024, Elliott manages approximately $72.7 billion in assets, making it one of the largest investment management firms [3]. - Founded in 1977, Elliott has a diverse investor base, including pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, and high net worth individuals [3].

Core Viewpoint - Elliott Investment Management is advocating for the reevaluation of Phillips 66's asset management to unlock their full value, emphasizing the need for strategic clarity regarding the company's operations and structure [1][6]. Group 1: Elliott's Campaign and Podcast - Elliott Investment Management has launched the "Streamline 66" campaign, which includes a podcast series featuring discussions with director nominees and industry experts [1][2]. - The latest podcast episode features Sigmund Cornelius, former CFO of ConocoPhillips, who highlights his experience in enhancing shareholder value through divestiture and simplification [2]. Group 2: Proxy Solicitation and Board Nominees - Elliott has filed a definitive proxy statement with the SEC to solicit votes for its four director nominees for the Phillips 66 Board, aiming to influence the company's strategic direction [4]. - Stockholders are encouraged to review the proxy materials for important information regarding the election and the nominees [4]. Group 3: Company Asset Evaluation - There is a belief that Phillips 66 possesses valuable assets that are currently underappreciated due to the market's confusion over the company's identity as a refining, marketing, or midstream entity [6]. - The historical context of splitting ConocoPhillips is referenced as a precedent for potentially separating Phillips 66's operations to better allocate capital and enhance valuation [6].

Core Insights - Elliott Investment Management is actively engaging with Phillips 66, aiming to unlock significant value for shareholders through a proxy solicitation for board nominations [1][3][4] - The latest podcast episode features discussions on the company's financial performance and strategic direction, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes [2][5] Group 1: Elliott's Engagement Strategy - Elliott has filed a definitive proxy statement with the SEC to solicit votes for its slate of director candidates at the upcoming Annual Meeting of Phillips 66 [3] - The campaign, referred to as "Streamline 66," aims to highlight the qualifications of Elliott's director nominees and their vision for the company [1][2] Group 2: Financial Performance and Strategic Concerns - Elliott's representatives argue that if synergies within Phillips 66's businesses were effective, they would be reflected in the company's financial statements, suggesting current underperformance [5] - The company is perceived to be shifting focus towards midstream operations, which Elliott critiques as a strategy that may not resolve underlying refining issues [5]

Core Insights - Elliott Investment Management has launched the Streamline 66 Podcast to discuss its campaign for change at Phillips 66, featuring conversations with director nominees and industry experts [1][2] - The first episode features Brian Coffman, a seasoned operator with extensive experience in refining, including leadership roles at ConocoPhillips and Motiva [3] Company Overview - Phillips 66 is a major player in the refining industry, and Elliott Investment Management is a top five shareholder in the company [1][8] - Elliott is seeking to elect four highly qualified nominees to the Board of Directors during the upcoming Annual Meeting [2][5] Industry Context - Brian Coffman emphasizes the potential of Phillips 66's refining assets, countering the notion that they are outdated, and aims to restore the company's historical operating excellence [7] - The podcast aims to provide shareholders with insights into the nominees and Elliott's vision for Phillips 66 [2][3]