What are Activist Investors? Learn More About Activist Investing

Those individuals interested in investing have likely heard a few terms they don’t quite understand yet - this is all part of the ongoing learning process which is inevitable in the finance industry.

The terms ‘activist investor’ and ‘activist investing’ are appearing increasingly in financial news, suggesting it may be a growing trend. But what is an activist investor? What is activist investing?

Let’s look into this emerging sub-topic in more detail to learn more about activist investing and how it fits into the complex structure of the finance industry. 

What Is Activist Investing? 

Activist investing is the act of buying a large amount of stock in a company to pressure the company into changing any or all of its various business practices. Activist investing typically (but not always) involves a specialized hedge fund which is created by a particular activist investor. 

Activist investing typically involves the purchase of a significant stake, albeit a minority one.

With their minority stake, activist investors can utilise traditional or social media to pressure a company into enacting its proposed changes. Compared to private equity, where they would hold majority shares, this style of activist investing allows for an open and democratic dialogue which challenges how true a company is to the values they promote. 

It is interestingly a topic which technically can have a lot of relevance within social impacting investing and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices, as the ultimate goal is more or less to improve business practices for a variety of reasons. 

What Defines an Activist Investor? What’s the Primary Goal? 

Since activist investing refers to somebody buying a sizeable (but not majority) amount of stock to pressure a company into major or minor changes, one would define an activist investor as one and the same. 

An activist investor can be anything from a hedge fund to a particularly wealthy private investor; what defines them are their actions, not their personhood. 

The goals of activist investors may vary.

Some investors, such as larger equity firms or billionaire moguls, may invest in a company to raise its stock price and gain a higher profit when they decide to sell their shares. 

Other activist investors may have goals that range from wanting to alter or remove a company’s existing management to simply wanting to provide advice for their management.

Generally speaking, an activist investor could be considered a more ethical type of investor - but of course, this is not always the case. 

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What Do Activist Investors Look For? 

Activist investors, as any investors, need to examine and choose carefully the companies they choose to buy into. 

While there are no set guidelines that activist investors follow at this point in time, there are some signs that can indicate interest from an activist investor. 

The traits that activist investors seek out are not something you will exclusively see via a stock trading app; you must do some research to notice these signs. 

Let’s take a closer look at the business traits which can draw in activist investors. 

High Cash Balance, Low Stock Price 

A company with a large cash base but a stock price lower than its competitors or other companies in the same industry are a prime target for activist investors. 

In these companies, an activist investor sees that the company makes money but does not incentivize shareholders to invest. 

As such, an activist investor may pressure the company into changing its payout policy for stockholders.

This change can come in the form of a stock buyback program or increasing the dividend payments of each stockholder. 

Strong Brands With Poor Marketing 

A strong brand with poor marketing is a prime target for larger activist investors, such as equity firms or billionaire moguls. 

The process to fix issues with poor marketing is more complex than simply forcing the company to alter its payout policy.

In cases of poor marketing and a lack of brand recognition, an activist investor might pressure the company into entirely altering its marketing strategies or replacing its management. 

A Stable Cash Flow With Low Equity Returns 

Any business would prefer a rising cash flow, but in cases where such an income is unlikely, business owners may be satisfied with a stable cash flow.

However, this steady flow is a beacon for activist investors, especially if the company has a low return on its equity. 

In this situation, an activist investor may advocate for cutting costs and pressure the company to increase its efficiency. 

Overdiversified Businesses 

Overdiversified businesses are a favoured indicator for activist investors.

When one of these investors sees a business that has spread itself too thin via expansion, they see a way to easily up their stock value. 

By pressuring the company to sell, spin-off, or even close down extraneous branches that do not fit its main focus, an activist investor can increase a company’s operational efficiency and increase profits. 

Do Activist Investors Create Value? 

When one reads about activist investors, they may seem like a saving grace for stockholders. However, this is not always the case. 

If an activist investor is correct, their methods will increase the stock value of a company and bring in further profits, generating plenty of value for the company that they invested in. 

However, it is vital to note that activist investors are still human. An activist investor will not always be correct, and by pressuring a company with their incorrect decisions, they can cause the company to lose money. 

Therefore, an activist investor does not inherently create monetary value - however, an activist investor who knows what they are doing certainly can create value, overall, in the long term. 

Stocks to Watch for Activist Investing 

We have reviewed what activist investors look for in a company before investing in such. Now, let’s look at what stocks activist investors may find interesting at this time of writing. 

Before one chooses to invest in any of these companies, remember that nobody can guarantee whether an activist investor’s changes will be positive.

One must always consider their risk management strategy before making any investment decisions. 

Vodafone Group Public Limited Company (VOD) 

Vodafone Group Public Limited Company, publicly traded as VOD, is a worldwide communications company based in England that has already seen investment by notorious activist investor Carl Icahn.

In 2022, Vodafone has seen a significant rise in share price that continues to climb, making it potentially an option for investors. 

However, a negative side is notable; currently, fewer than 18 hedge funds hold stock in Vodafone. If these funds disagree on a methodology, Vodafone may struggle internally. 

You have the option to invest in VOD with Admirals using the Invest.MT5 account when you have a live account. 

Toshiba Corporation (TOSYY) 

Toshiba Corporation, publicly traded as TOSYY, is an electronics company based in Japan that operates worldwide. 

Toshiba is one of the most notable electronics companies in the world, granting it a significant userbase that ensures a somewhat-stable stock. 

On the negative side, Toshiba is currently involved in a stockholder battle.

One activist investor, Effissimo Capital Management, wants to split Toshiba into three different companies. However, Toshiba’s second-largest shareholder, 3D Investment Partners, is formally contesting this decision. 

At Admirals, you have the option to invest directly into Toshiba Corp via our Invest.MT5 account, while you also have the option to trade in both directions (Buy and Sell) via the Toshiba Corp CFD. 

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Kohl’s Corporation (KSS) 

Kohl’s Corporation, publicly traded as KSS, is a popular retail store based in and operating out of the United States of America. 

On the negative side, Kohl’s has seen something of a downturn; with the company taking a major hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has not quite seen a return to form. 

However, in 2021, activist investors began to push for rehabilitation of the Kohl’s brand, replacing its board of directors and selling off a significant amount of real estate.

With many corporate changes, the future of the KSS stock should be interesting to observe.

With an Invest.MT5 account with Admirals, you can invest directly in the KSS stock - Or, or you can trade on the price fluctuations using KSS CFDs via the Trade.MT5 account. 

Activist Investing: Conclusion 

While an individual reading this article may not be considered a business mogul, a millionaire, or other traits which are commonly associated with the term ‘activist investor’, that does not mean one cannot learn from the investing style, itself. 

Perhaps someone who is interested in green investing, ESG investing and otherwise may find the concept of activist investing appealing as well. 

For those not registered with Admirals, it is possible to start first with a demo account using virtual funds, where one can then proceed to open a live account. Register for a demo account today by clicking the banner below:

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