Business: Clearwater Analytics Holdings is a provider of comprehensive cloud-native platforms for institutional investors across global public and private markets. The company's single-instance, multi-tenant architecture delivers real-time data and artificial intelligence-driven insights throughout the investment lifecycle. The platform eliminates information silos by integrating portfolio management, trading, investment accounting, reconciliation, regulatory reporting, performance, compliance, and risk ana ...

Company Overview - Baker Hughes is an energy technology company with a portfolio that spans the energy and industrial value chain, operating in two segments: oilfield services and equipment (OFSE) and industrial and energy technology (IET) [1][5] - The OFSE segment provides products and services for oilfield operations throughout the lifecycle of a well, while the IET segment focuses on technology solutions for mechanical-drive, compression, and power-generation applications [1][5] Financial Performance - Baker Hughes has delivered strong returns over the past 1, 3, and 5 years, with share price increases of 28.26%, 75.29%, and 232.98% respectively [6] - The IET unit is projected to contribute 55% of revenue and 60% of EBITDA in 2025, while the OFSE unit is expected to account for 45% of revenue and 40% of EBITDA [5] Market Position and Growth Opportunities - Baker Hughes holds a leading position in the LNG market, with a 95% global footprint for turbomachinery required in plant construction, which is expected to grow at a 10% compound annual growth rate through 2030 [6] - The company has seen significant growth in data center orders, increasing from $0 to $550 million in just two quarters, and is investing in larger-scale power systems to support mega-data center deployments [7] Strategic Initiatives - The pending acquisition of Chart Industries is expected to strengthen Baker's position in power, LNG, and industrial sectors, with IET approaching a 20% EBITDA margin [8] - Management has taken steps to improve the earnings mix of the OFSE segment and reduce exposure to commodity volatility by focusing on international markets and implementing pricing discipline [9] Valuation and Activist Involvement - Baker Hughes is currently valued at about 9x EBITDA, which is lower than its industrial and energy technology peers, suggesting potential for valuation improvement [10] - Ananym Capital Management has taken a position in Baker Hughes and is advocating for the spin-off of the OFSE segment, believing it could lead to a 60% increase in stock price [3][11]

Core Viewpoint - Cracker Barrel's share price has declined by 30% since the company reaffirmed its commitment to a transformation plan that has not restored investor confidence, leading to calls for significant changes in leadership and strategy [1][2][3]. Share Price and Market Performance - The share price of Cracker Barrel has seen a 70% decline over the past five years, with a current market value of approximately $667.8 million, down from $2.0 billion when CEO Julie Masino was appointed [10]. - Short interest in Cracker Barrel stock is high, around 25%, indicating that short sellers expect further declines in the stock price despite the existing losses [4][5]. Leadership and Governance - Biglari Capital is urging shareholders to vote against the election of certain directors, including CEO Julie Masino, at the upcoming annual meeting, emphasizing the need for a new leader with turnaround experience in the restaurant sector [3][6]. - The board's insistence on continuing the current transformation plan is viewed as a significant risk to the company's survival, as it fails to acknowledge the need for change [2][4]. Shareholder Actions - Shareholders are encouraged to participate in the upcoming meeting to hold the board accountable for the substantial loss in shareholder value and to signal that the current status quo is unacceptable [6][8]. - Independent proxy advisory firms have recommended voting against the election of incumbent directors, reinforcing the call for leadership change at Cracker Barrel [11].

Core Viewpoint - Victoria's Secret & Co. is experiencing significant momentum and outperformance under the leadership of new CEO Hillary Super, with total shareholder returns of 89% since her appointment, significantly outperforming relevant indices and peers [1][7]. Group 1: Board Engagement and Evaluation - The Board has been actively engaging with BBRC and is currently reviewing Brett Blundy's candidacy for a Board seat, along with his other demands [2][3]. - The Board's evaluation process includes thorough due diligence due to potential conflicts of interest and past conduct-related issues associated with BBRC [3][4]. - Despite the Board's collaborative approach, Mr. Blundy has not responded to follow-up questions, leading to disappointment from the Board regarding BBRC's public communication strategy [4][5]. Group 2: Company Performance and Strategy - Under CEO Hillary Super's leadership, Victoria's Secret & Co. has implemented the "Path to Potential" strategy, resulting in significant outperformance, including beating sales and operating income guidance in the second quarter [6][7]. - The company has increased its full-year sales guidance despite facing tariff headwinds, indicating strong operational performance [6][7]. - The Board has added four new directors since the spin-off from L Brands, enhancing its retail experience and governance [6]. Group 3: Shareholder Communication - Victoria's Secret & Co. is committed to transparent and collaborative communication with BBRC and all shareholders, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling fiduciary duties and enhancing shareholder value [5][8]. - The company appreciates BBRC's investment and aims to capitalize on its current momentum as it approaches the holiday season [7].

Company Overview - Atkore is a manufacturer of electrical products for construction and renovation markets, as well as safety and infrastructure products for construction and industrial markets [1][4] - The company operates in two segments: electrical and safety & infrastructure, with a total of 42 manufacturing facilities across eight countries [1][4] - The electrical segment focuses on products for electrical power systems, while the safety & infrastructure segment provides solutions for critical infrastructure protection [1][4] Financial Performance - From fiscal year 2019 to 2022, Atkore's revenue increased from $1.9 billion to $3.9 billion, and EBITDA rose from $300 million to $1.3 billion [5] - However, revenue has since declined to $2.9 billion and EBITDA to $462 million due to normalized demand post-COVID and aggressive pricing strategies that invited import competition [5][6] - SG&A expenses have increased despite the revenue decline, and the company's headcount has risen over 40% [6] Strategic Challenges - Atkore's management has been criticized for misallocating capital, focusing on non-core ventures instead of investing in its core electrical business [6][7] - The company is currently facing operational and capital challenges, compounded by the unexpected retirement of CEO Bill Waltz without a successor [6][7] - Atkore's stock price has dropped from around $190 per share in early 2024 to approximately $60 per share [6] Activist Involvement - Irenic Capital Management has taken a 2.5% position in Atkore and is urging the company to consider a potential sales process [3][7] - The board is at a critical juncture, needing to decide whether to remain independent or pursue a sale, while also identifying a new CEO [8][9] - Irenic's experience in strategic activism may influence board composition and decision-making regarding the company's future [13] Strategic Alternatives - Atkore currently trades at approximately 6.5x EBITDA, with potential for private equity takeout at 8 to 10 times EBITDA [9] - A standalone plan would require identifying a new CEO to realign the company's focus, cut costs, and divest non-core assets [10][12] - The company has initiated a strategic review focused on non-core asset sales, including its water conduit business, but this process may be perceived as rushed without a permanent CEO [12]

Company Overview - Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings is a major player in the outdoor advertising industry, providing services through billboards, street furniture displays, transit displays, and other out-of-home advertising formats, operating solely within the United States [1][4] - The company has transitioned to a U.S. pureplay, enhancing its focus and potential value from a multiple perspective, making it easier for potential acquirers [8] Activist Involvement - Anson Funds, which holds a 3.65% stake in Clear Channel Outdoor, has initiated a campaign calling for the sale of the company, marking a strategic shift for the fund [2][3][7] - The activist strategy is led by Sagar Gupta, who previously worked with Legion Partners during their campaign for Clear Channel Outdoor, indicating a long-term interest in the company [2][7] Financial Performance and Valuation - Clear Channel Outdoor has faced challenges with its two business lines in the Americas and Europe, with the U.S. operations trading at approximately 13-15 times EBITDA, while European operations traded around 8 times EBITDA [5][6] - Despite recent divestitures and a focus on digital transformation, the company's stock has declined by 26.56% since Legion's activist filing and over 90% from its IPO price [6] Strategic Moves and Market Position - The company has executed several divestitures, including selling its European and Latin American businesses, which has allowed it to focus on the U.S. market and reduce debt [6] - Potential acquirers for Clear Channel Outdoor include JCDecaux and Lamar, both of which have shown interest in the outdoor advertising sector [8][9] Digital Transformation - Clear Channel Outdoor's digital billboard segment has grown to only 5% of its portfolio, despite accounting for over a third of its revenue, highlighting the slow pace of digital transformation due to regulatory approvals [11] - The slow rollout of digital ads poses challenges for the company, particularly in meeting quarterly reporting expectations as a public entity [11]

Core Viewpoint - Starboard Value has nominated four directors to the board of BILL Holdings, aiming to enhance shareholder returns and unlock value for the company [1][2]. Group 1: Board Nominations - Starboard Value holds an 8.5% stake in BILL Holdings and is prepared to shake up the board to achieve its goals [1]. - Four of the company's 12 directors will stand for election at the upcoming annual meeting, with Starboard potentially nominating up to four candidates [2]. - The nominated executives bring expertise in financial technology, payments, operations, and corporate governance [2][4]. Group 2: Company Performance - Since its IPO in 2019, BILL Holdings' shares have increased by 30%, but they have declined nearly 40% this year [5]. - The company acknowledged its stock is undervalued and announced a $300 million share repurchase plan in August [5]. Group 3: Previous Engagements - Earlier this year, Starboard reached settlements with other companies, including Autodesk and Kenvue, to add independent directors to their boards [6].

Company Overview - Rexford Industrial Realty is a self-administered and self-managed full-service real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on owning, operating, and acquiring industrial properties in Southern California infill markets, with a portfolio of 424 properties totaling approximately 51.0 million rentable square feet [1] - The company also engages in acquiring or providing mortgage debt secured by industrial-zoned property and offers property management and leasing services [1] Activist Involvement - Elliott Investment Management has taken a position in Rexford Industrial Realty, indicating a significant economic exposure estimated between $400 million to $500 million, likely closer to $1 billion [3][7] - Elliott is known for advocating better corporate governance and capital allocation, aiming to restore strategic focus on shareholder value [8] Market Context - The industrial REIT sector has benefited from strong secular tailwinds due to the rise of e-commerce, increasing demand for warehouse space, particularly in Southern California, which faces land scarcity and entitlement challenges [4] - Historically, Rexford has traded at a premium to net asset value (NAV), but currently trades at a 20% discount to NAV and a 5-6 turn AFFO discount to peers, with stock prices declining from over $80 in December 2021 to around $40 [6][10] Strategic Implications - The involvement of Elliott may catalyze strategic outcomes for Rexford, making it a potential acquisition candidate due to its premium assets and current discounted valuation [10][11] - If an acquisition opportunity arises, Elliott would evaluate the best path for shareholder value, potentially favoring an acquisition at a reasonable premium over a long-term standalone plan [12]

SNC Investment Highlights - SNC shares offer an attractive dividend yield of 6.3% (8.5% grossed up for franking)[15] - The SNC portfolio can be acquired at a 9.8% discount to its Net Tangible Assets (NTA)[11, 15] - As of July 31, 2025, the company possesses solid profits reserves and franking credits amounting to 42.7 cents per share[11] - SNC has paid and announced 65.8 cents per share in dividends and 24.9 cents per share in imputation credits since its inception[18] SNC Performance - SNC's gross performance to July 31, 2025, shows a 1-year return of 19.0%, a 3-year return of 13.8% per annum, and a since-inception annualized return of 9.9%[22] - SNC's investment selection and portfolio discipline are highlighted by a win/loss ratio of approximately 70%[24] - SNC's gross performance in rising markets averaged 2.9%, while in falling markets, it averaged -3.3% since inception[26] Portfolio Companies - Carbon Conscious Investments Ltd (CCIL) manages large-scale projects of approximately 17,000 hectares[28] - SNC received a fully franked dividend of $720,000 from CCIL in February 2025 and currently holds approximately $1.7 million in cash[30] - QPM Energy Ltd (QPM) has gas reserves exceeding 400PJ and an enterprise value of $143.8 million[31]

Company Overview - Qiagen NV is a Netherlands-based holding company that provides "Sample to Insight" solutions, transforming biological samples into molecular insights through integrated sample and assay technologies, bioinformatics, and automation systems [1] - The company specializes in isolating and preparing DNA, RNA, and proteins from various biological materials, and its assay technologies enable the analysis of these biomolecules [1] - Qiagen operates primarily in two end markets: Molecular Diagnostics and Life Sciences, generating approximately 90% of its sales from recurring consumables revenue [4] Investment Context - Fivespan Partners has established a position in Qiagen and is engaging with its management to explore potential improvements [3][7] - Qiagen has struggled to create shareholder value post-Covid, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year returns of 1%, -6%, and 1%, respectively, while trading at around 13 times EV/EBITDA compared to peers at approximately 15 times [5] - The company has a strong market position and brand reputation but has lost focus on its core business, leading to missed opportunities for growth [6] Strategic Opportunities - Management is encouraged to invest more in its core business, improve communication with the market, and optimize its balance sheet to enhance shareholder value [6] - Qiagen's operating margin is currently at 25%, with potential for expansion to over 30% through a more disciplined approach [6] - The company holds $1.15 billion in cash and short-term investments against $1.39 billion in debt, suggesting room for leveraging to fund growth initiatives and share buybacks [6] Market Dynamics - Qiagen's dual-listing and geographical revenue distribution show that 52% of its FY24 sales are from North America, 32% from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and 16% from Asia [4] - The company has previously engaged in discussions for potential transactions, including a failed offer from Thermo Fisher Scientific at 43 euros per share, indicating its attractiveness as an acquisition target [8] - Fivespan's investment philosophy includes evaluating strategic transactions, and while it does not prioritize sales, it remains open to advocating for shareholder value in the event of acquisition offers [8]