Business: Atkore is a manufacturer of electrical products for construction and renovation markets, and safety and infrastructure products for the construction and industrial markets. The company's segments include electrical and safety & infrastructure. The electrical segment manufactures products used in the construction of electrical power systems including conduit, cable and installation accessories. This segment serves contractors in partnership with the electrical wholesale channel. The safety & infras ...

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]

By Svea Herbst-Bayliss NEW YORK (Reuters) -Starboard Value has nominated four directors, including one of its partners, to the board of BILL Holdings, said two people familiar with the matter, as the activist investor pushes the financial automation software company to improve shareholder returns. Starboard, with an 8.5% stake in BILL Holdings, said in a regulatory filing last week that it would like to see the company unlock value for shareholders and is prepared to shake up the board to achieve that go ...

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]