Activist Investors Surge: A Look into 2025's Landscape

Activist Investors Surge in 2024

By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

A remarkable shift occurred in 2024 as a record number of activist shareholders launched campaigns aimed at global companies. Recent reports highlight that tactics employed by these shareholders have yielded impressive returns, which suggests a continued rise in these activities as we progress into the future.

Rising Activism and Campaigns

In 2024, approximately 160 activist investors, including various hedge funds, demanded significant changes from companies, like strategic improvements and leadership changes. Notably, 45 of these investors were taking such actions for the first time, indicating a trend where newcomers are becoming more involved. This is an increase of over 18% compared to the previous year, which recorded 135 activists, with 31 being first-timers.

Last year also saw 243 campaigns launched, a slight uptick from 229 in 2023, although it fell short of the record set in 2018 with 249 campaigns. Looking forward into 2025, analysts and experts anticipate that many more companies may face shareholder pressures due to last year's positive returns, stirring confidence among investors.

The Call for Change

Jim Rossman, a key figure in shareholder advisory, pointed out that investors are now significantly less patient, voicing their demands for immediate change from the companies they are invested in. Recent performance figures for 2024 suggest that several prominent firms experienced returns close to 30%. Moreover, major indices displayed robust growth, with the market showing an increase of over 23% during the same period.

High-Profile Activist Campaigns

Throughout the year, various high-profile activist campaigns took center stage. For instance, established firms such as Trian Fund Management became active at entertainment giant Walt Disney, while Elliott Investment Management turned its attention to coffee chain Starbucks and Southwest Airlines. These moves reflect the increasing willingness of veteran investors to capitalize on perceived company weaknesses.

Emergence of New Players

On the flip side, fresh faces in the activist investment sphere also made their mark. Noteworthy newcomers included Ananym Capital Management at Henry Schein, Daventry Group at Kinaxis, and Firstlight Management at Sotera Health. This shift underscores an inclusive landscape where new investors are eager to implement their strategies and shake up the status quo.

Shifting Focus of Activism

Interestingly, data indicates a progressive transition over recent years, suggesting that activist investors are increasingly prioritizing operational and strategic improvements over merger and acquisition pursuits. In 2024, over a quarter of campaign demands—specifically 26%—centered on enhancing strategy and operations, rising from 19% in 2021. In contrast, only 22% of campaigns requested M&A activities, starkly down from the previous high of 43% when global deal volumes were at their peak.

Developing Trends and Future Outlook

Moreover, experts predict that the upcoming campaigns might lead to divestments, particularly under changing political conditions. Campaigns targeting the removal of chief executives became more prevalent, with a staggering 27 CEOs ousted compared to 24 in 2023, surpassing the four-year average of 16. This illustrates an escalating trend where companies are held accountable for leadership decisions and operational competencies.

Geographical Trends in Activism

Geographically, the majority of these activist campaigns originated from the United States, with a total of 115 launched, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. However, while activism slowed in Europe, it witnessed remarkable growth in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Japan, South Korea, and Australia, as campaigns targeting companies like Tokyo Gas and Nippon Steel gained momentum.

Closing Remark on the Next Phase

The fourth quarter of 2024 recorded a striking 67% increase in new global campaigns, reflecting a strong upward trend as we head into 2025. As the landscape evolves, the influence of activist investors will continue to shape corporate strategies and boardroom discussions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main trend in activist investing in 2024?

The main trend was a significant increase in the number of activist investors and campaigns, with a focus on operational and strategic improvements instead of mergers.

How many new activist investors participated in campaigns?

Approximately 160 activist investors participated in campaigns, with 45 being first-time participants.

What notable companies faced activist campaigns in 2024?

Notable companies included Walt Disney, Starbucks, and Southwest Airlines, among others.

What percentage of campaigns focused on strategy and operations?

In 2024, 26% of activist campaigns centered on strategy and operational improvements.

What geographical areas saw increased activism in 2024?

The Asia-Pacific region, particularly Japan and South Korea, saw significant growth in activist campaigns alongside the United States.

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