Key Takeaways
- Southwest Airlines on Wednesday implemented a so-called “poison pill” shareholder rights plan to prevent activist Elliott Investment Management from acquiring additional shares.
- The plan lets other shareholders buy stock at a 50% discount if Elliott's ownership stake rises to 12.5%.
- Elliott called for leadership changes at Southwest after the airline lowered its second-quarter revenue guidance.
Southwest Airlines (LUV) on Wednesday implemented a so-called “澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:poison pill” shareholder rights plan to prevent activist Elliott Investment Management from acquiring additional shares.
Intended to help protect Southwest 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bob Jordan and chairman Gary Kelly, whom Elliott is trying to oust, the plan would be triggered if any group acquires at least a 12.5% stake in💙 the company. If that happens, all other Southwest shareholders would have the opportunity to buy additional shares equal to their current stake at a 50% discount.
Elliott Says 'Leadership Change Is Urgently Needed' at Airline
Elliott holds an 11% stake in Southwest, and said last week that “leadership change is urgently needed” after the airline cut its second-quarter 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:revenue per avai꧃lable seat mile (RASM) guidance, citing issues in 💫adapting 𝓰revenue management to its booking patterns amid a "dynamic environment."
Elliott has also filed with U.S. antitrust authorities in o🧸rder to more easily acquire additional shares, Sout🦩hwest noted.
“Southwest Airlines has made a good faith effort to engage constructively with Elliott Investment Management since its initial investment and remains open to any ideas for lasting value creation,” Kelly said. “Our board and management team remain focused on restoring our industry-leading financial performance and building a sustainable and profitable future for the airline and its Shareholders.”𝔍
Southwest Airlines shares are little changed at ⛄$28.37 as of about 10 a.m. ET Wednesday. They are down less than 2% year-to-date.