Contrarian Corpus
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Callouts & quotes from 10,384+ activist slides

Every emphasised callout and every pulled quote, extracted slide-by-slide. Search by keyword, filter by slide type or by source.

Showing 1741–1800 of 10,384
quote villain critique

""Pricing is number one. I know that sounds very simple, but it's true. Pricing is more important than feature, functions, et cetera." — Associate VP of Carrier Sales at Geotab. "...the market is definitely saturated. There's no question about that. But the other thing that's happened when a market is saturated, the product becomes commoditized, the price goes down." — Former Director of Sales, New Business at Omnitracs. "They weren't going to lose on price, right? They were going to be very flexible if they needed a discount, they'll discount to win deals." — Former Samsara Mid-Market Account Executive."

Samsara Inc. · IOT Spruce Point Capital · p. 57
quote ceo quote

""Our ending inventory balance was $191 million, in line with our expectations and up from $81 million a year ago. The difference is primarily a combination of 3 things: first, as we've said the past few quarters, we continue to build back our inventory levels to support strong consumer demand. Second, our consolidated results now include Naturium, which added approximately $26 million of inventory; lastly, an additional $8 million of the increase is the result of taking ownership of inventory from China when it ships versus when it enters our distribution center here in the U.S." — Mandy Fields, ELF CFO"

e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. · ELF Muddy Waters · p. 47
quote ceo quote

""The portfolios are what really got them into the trouble. The portfolios were the ways that the managements of Freddie and Fannie tried to juice up the earnings, basically, because the insurance guaranteed that they were given that mortgage. I always thought that made a lot of sense. But the portfolio operations enabled both of those entities to use, in effect, government-related borrowing costs and sort of unlimited credit, to set up the biggest hedge fund in the world...So the portfolios are poison. They aren’t really needed to carry out the function of Freddie and Fannie." — Warren Buffett, 9/8/2008"

quote villain critique

""Yard House is yet to re-establish momentum since the acquisition." — Credit Suisse, March 21, 2014; "None of these solutions ultimately solve the business issue...This fundamental issue has been compounded by what in retrospect were ill timed acquisitions of new brands (e.g. Yard House)..." — Morgan Stanley, October 29, 2013; "...sell its struggling Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill unit to an affiliate of the private-equity firm Sun Capital Partners for about $80 million... for the 2007 fiscal year, which ended in May, Smokey Bones posted annual sales of $222 million." — Orlando Sentinel, December 5, 2007"

Darden Restaurants, Inc. · DRI Starboard Value · p. 91
quote ceo quote

"And as John said, it's because we get the team together, we run this organization very flat, enormous amounts of transparency and we figure out what makes sense and then we lock arms on it. — CEO, Analyst Day, March 2026; As part of that, we are updating our segment reporting to align with our operating structure. It will benefit our investors by providing you with a clear understanding of the drivers of our combined company's results and our value chains. We've always been committed to transparency and candor, and we're taking steps to align fully with those values. — CFO, Business Update, October 2025"

Bunge Global SA · BG Spruce Point Capital · p. 44
quote ceo quote

""The portfolios are what really got them into the trouble. The portfolios were the ways that the managements of Freddie and Fannie tried to juice up the earnings, basically, because the insurance guaranteed that they were given that mortgage. I always thought that made a lot of sense. But the portfolio operations enabled both of those entities to use, in effect, government-related borrowing costs and sort of unlimited credit, to set up the biggest hedge fund in the world...So the portfolios are poison. They aren’t really needed to carry out the function of Freddie and Fannie." — Warren Buffett, 9/8/2008"

quote other

"I know that when you are a new doctor, you get the worst Invisalign technicians out of Costa Rica that are designing your case. Sometimes, you are going back and forth with the technician as many as eight times before the case is right. — Dental Consultant; I now have the capability of providing same day treatment with clear aligners which I could not do with Invisalign. I would have to wait at least two weeks. With braces, I can make the change immediately. With 3D printing in your office, you have an aligner the same day which will make case management simpler. — Orthodontist, Diamond Plus Align Tier"

Align Technology, Inc. · ALGN Spruce Point Capital · p. 14
quote peer gap

"General and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee-related expenses for the executive, finance, accounting, legal, and human resources functions. Employee-related expenses consist of salaries, taxes, benefits and equity-based compensation. In addition, general and administrative expenses include non-personnel costs, such as legal, accounting and other professional fees, warrant expense, variable credit card fees, variable mobile enrollment costs, and all other supporting corporate expenses not allocated to other departments including overhead and acquisition-related costs. — Clear Secure"

Clear Secure, Inc. · YOU Spruce Point Capital · p. 63
quote precedent table

"The biggest priorities for our cash have not changed over the years. We want to maintain the cash we need to fund our day-to-day operations, to invest in our future, and to provide flexibility so that we can respond effectively to the strategic opportunities we encounter along the way. As we said in February, our goal is to become approximately net cash neutral over time. Given our strong confidence in Apple's future and the value that we see in our stock, our board has authorized a new $100 billion share repurchase program which we will start executing during the June quarter — Luca Maestri, Apple CFO"

Sony Corporation · 6758.T Third Point · p. 98
quote ceo quote

"Our goal at WebMD is really to transform healthcare, as I said, and to reduce administrative cost and to increase clinical efficiency. We believe, we are well positioned with leadership in each of our divisions. Today WebMD is the leading provider of integrated claims management services to payers and revenue cycle management services to providers. We are also at WebMD the leading provider of practice management and now electronic health record software and services for the provider community. And at WebMD we are the leader in providing consumers and providers with healthcare information and education."

athenahealth · ATHN Greenlight Capital · p. 66
quote ceo quote

""We cannot guarantee that we will continue to repurchase shares of our common stock or pay dividends on our common stock or that repurchases will enhance long-term stockholder value. Changes in our levels of stock repurchases or dividends could affect our stock price and increase its volatility." — 2019 10-K, p. 13; "Although we increased our quarterly dividend rate by approximately 7% in October 2020, having earlier this year maintained it due to the impact of COVID-19, there can be no assurance that we will maintain this increased rate, particularly if the situation deteriorates." — 2020 10-Q, p. 41"

Avery Dennison Corporation · AVY Spruce Point Capital · p. 49
quote other

""A link to a basket of currencies or ‘no link at all’ is ‘more desirable’" — Marc Faber, March 2011; "Continuous appreciation of the Renminbi means diminishing purchasing power of the Hong Kong dollar...The problem cannot be tackled unless we abolish the linked rate in Hong Kong." — The Honourable Chan Kin-Por, January 2011; "I think it’s a case of a frog boiling in water...It could happen sooner than people think given the rapid rise in circulation of the currency [RMB]" — Peter Redward, October 2010; "The merits of reform are high and the cost of the relevant option is low." — James Grant, May 2011."

quote ceo quote

"“...we serve as an administrative services manager for the Affiliated Medical Groups for the non-clinical aspects of their operations and receive a fixed administrative fee from each Affiliated Medical Group for these services.” — HIMS Regulatory Disclosure (2022 10-K pages 4 and 6). “...we are the primary beneficiary of the Affiliated Medical Groups ... for accounting purposes because we have the ability to direct the activities that most significantly affect these entities’ economic performance and have the obligation to absorb the entities’ losses.” — HIMS Accounting Disclosure (2022 10-K page 62)."

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. · HIMS Spruce Point Capital · p. 21
quote other

"In Germany, the Institut für das Entgeltsystem im Krankenhaus, the German federal reimbursement agency, has granted the Neue Untersuchungs-und Behandlungsmethoden ("NUB") Status 1 coverage for our Inspire system. The NUB process allows for the introduction of new and innovative medical devices prior to reaching reimbursement eligibility and provides for a supplemental payment for new technologies in the German reimbursement system. NUB Status 1 is the highest of four levels and allows for full reimbursement for our Inspire system for the 113 hospitals that applied for therapy in 2019. — INSP 2019 10-K"

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. · INSP Wolfpack Research · p. 9
quote villain critique

"“TSMC will keep a minimal share for Lasertec...KLA is what we call opportunistic...they increased the price...they deal with a hard hand. For the past three years, Intel purchased some tools, maybe two or three from Lasertec. But we believe they want leverage with KLA. We mainly think they purchased Lasertec because they want to give some leverage power to KLA because KLA’s price is even higher... TSMC spent a lot of money on KLA’s particle inspection tools, like SP5, SP7, and SP6. That’s very, very expensive.” — Longtime ex-TSMC procurement executive who introduced Lasertec inspection tools into TSMC"

Lasertec Corporation · 6920 Scorpion Capital · p. 262
quote ceo quote

"“If you want some money today, perfect, put together a retail plan. But if you want lifestyle money, if you want to build that financial independence, you want to lock in that security for life, you need to recruit. And the other thing you need to do to, be prepared to roll that cash flow for straight 9 to 12 months. Because you know what, in that short space of time, by making that commitment, you are going to create a foundation for life. Absolutely. Not just for yourself, but a legacy, a legacy for your family, for your children, and their children’s children.” — Herbalife Independent Distributor"

Herbalife Ltd. · HLF Pershing Square · p. 77
quote villain critique

"Falsify outcomes. A lot of times patients won't report back to the doctor about how the stimulator trial went. They talk to the rep, and the rep says, "Oh my gosh, I talked to the patient who's at home now, enjoying their trial. The patient is getting 90% relief." So, they falsify the actual outcome from the patient and they persuade the patient irrespective of the patient's opinion. I've heard it. The rep will say, "Isn't this great? Aren't you doing well?" You can hear the back and forth and that that's not what the patient said. There are a lot of unethical things. — High volume implanter and KOL"

Nevro Corp. · NVRO Scorpion Capital · p. 117
quote ceo quote

""So why don't we just stick with that for a moment here, Dynetics in the LHX security and detection assets?" — Analyst Sharpe. "Sure. Well, in Dynetics, when we acquired that business, we were really excited about what it did for the part of our business that we consider really more high-end..." — LDOS CEO. "And then maybe just your thoughts here on the security and detection assets?" — Analyst Sharpe. "Sure. And the obvious one is that there's a desire at most airports to get increasingly touchless... So then getting to the business that we acquired from LHX, that's performing well...." — LDOS CEO."

Leidos Holdings, Inc. · LDOS Spruce Point Capital · p. 25
quote villain critique

"“We discussed this last time, too. [Redacted] would - there were numerous occasions whenever [redacted] would be in front of a provider and just say, you know, we may have to take you off this lucrative speaker’s program because you’re just not writing enough. You don’t have enough clinical experience with our drug because you’re not writing enough of it. Some doctors would take that offensively. And keep in mind, you know, Stark law; you can’t do that. You can’t provide compensation for speaking based upon—you can’t use that as a leverage tool.” — Ex-field reimbursement manager working with Harmony"

Harmony Biosciences Holdings · HRMY Scorpion Capital · p. 352
quote ceo quote

""We’re in the very lucky situation that in our seven target market we have everywhere opportunity to grow…from concrete to roofing to waterproofing, great opportunities." — Sika (May 2018); "So we have a market growth rate that is a little – still growing but a little softer than this year. So if we see a stronger construction market, that clearly would be a positive." — GCP (November 2018); "SBM's revenue was down 11% year-over-year. Our project-based Building Envelope business was down 12% as growth in EMEA was more than offset by declines in North America and Asia Pacific." — GCP (November 2019)"

GCP Applied Technologies · GCP Starboard Value · p. 26
quote villain critique

""At these multiples, I can't see anybody digesting a business that isn't diversified. With St. Jude, I understood the Abbott acquisition because all of your eggs aren't in one basket, and they were a proven entity. But with Nevro, I don't know that a Stryker or a J&J is going to want to bite off that much. I can't see Stryker making an acquisition in the SCS space. I really can't see it. If Boston Scientific wanted to spin off their neuromodulation business, I think their product portfolio is better than Nevro's. But I can't see it." — Longtime C-level executive in the spinal cord stimulation space"

Nevro Corp. · NVRO Scorpion Capital · p. 184
quote ceo quote

"So it's interesting from a private equity perspective, I think what that does is ultimately really shows people that are selling their business, just a differentiation between maybe going down that route versus the Limbach route. So I think the saturation in the market has allowed us to differentiate ourselves. And I think what it really comes down to is our approach is just different. We're going to patient, diligent. We're going to take our time. We're really focused not on just the deal itself, but what the deal is going to look like over the long term. — Limbach Management (Q1'25 Earnings Call)"

Limbach Holdings, Inc. · LMB Spruce Point Capital · p. 72
quote other

"“Yes, NRP is even cheaper...here in California—there’s an OPO out of Seattle that covers parts of Alaska, Montana, you need a big team; you need perfusionists, a really specialized team on top of the transplant surgeons that will need to come in and run the NRP. So, sometimes, there are some transplant centers that have really figured it out beautifully, like Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City. They’ve got a small, tiny device and a great team, and they travel all over the place doing NRP, bringing all their organs in that way.” — Executive at a West Coast OPO, longtime industry veteran"

TransMedics Group Inc · TMDX Scorpion Capital · p. 324
quote villain critique

"Mercury is building a C4I rugged server business. Mercury highlighted how its acquisition of Germane benefits from its FY18 acquisition of Themis, which the company views as a platform to build upon. The two entities have complementary rugger server portfolios and cover much of the C4I market with an expected ~$100 mn in revenue. Near-term, the Germane acquisition is dilutive to company-wide profitability but Mercury should achieve cost synergies after integrating the units and believes the combined entity will reach the midpoint of MRCY's adjusted EBITDA margin target in 2020 — JPMorgan July 2018"

Mercury Systems Inc. · MRCY Spruce Point Capital · p. 32
quote villain critique

"It is kind of a sham transaction, and that announcement was—for me, that bordered on bullshit—when they tripled revenue expectations because it was like, look, you just signed this deal yesterday. So, now you’re tripling your revenue. I didn’t feel that it was strategically the message they really wanted to send for the company because it puts them under pressure to have increasing amounts of revenue in a market that’s still very nascent. I felt that it was a stupid move because they’re setting expectations that the revenue is going to really grow and ramp, and it’s not. — Former executive of IonQ"

IonQ Inc. · IONQ Scorpion Capital · p. 157
quote ceo quote

"“We go through phases in new marketplaces where recruiting is the initial phase of our business and then retailing comes in to function at the base of it. We try to train distributors and we’re taking a much more aggressive stance… China is 1.3 billion people, you can recruit for a long time there before we had what was called the classic ‘pop-and-drop’ in that marketplace. So we’re trying to build in right away a retailing base into that marketplace. I would say initially there is going to be a lot of recruiting, a lot of business opportunity development.” — Michael Johnson, Herbalife CEO, 8/6/08"

Herbalife Ltd. · HLF Pershing Square · p. 249
quote villain critique

"On October 28, 2019 (“the effective date”), Nanox IL signed an agreement with Dr. Ilung Kim, according to which Dr. Kim will provide certain services to the Company. Dr. Kim will not receive any cash compensation but will be granted options to purchase 1,206,290 ordinary shares with an exercise price of $2.21. 301,572 of the options vested as of the grant date and the remaining 904,718 options will vest in equal monthly installments over a period of three years from the grant date. The vested options will be exercisable in accordance to the terms specified in the agreement. — NNOX Draft Prospectus"

Nano-X Imaging Ltd. · NNOX Muddy Waters · p. 15
quote villain critique

""I'd say, because you have a rep in the room, [pre-planning] can take a minute or so, but [with the AI] you're talking about shaving off a minute here or a minute there, not 15 minutes." — Former Procept Executive, Nov 2024; "to me, the AI is a pain in the ass because you can't rely on it; you have to check it... I think [AI] is a fun word that gets you in the door. I think it's meaningless" — Major Hospital Urologist, Nov 2024; "[the AI] sounds a lot better and cooler than it actually is... it doesn't translate to having or squeezing in an extra procedure." — Private Practice Urologist, Dec 2024"

PROCEPT BioRobotics Corporation · PRCT Spruce Point Capital · p. 42
quote villain critique

""During the 2021 financial year, the Company completed the following additional acquisitions: on 12 March 2021, on the basis of two sale agreements respectively with (i) Freccia Alata Real Estate S.r.l., and (ii) Lamaro Appalti S.p.A., it acquired a portfolio of rights receivables and monetary receivables deriving from some shareholder loans claimed against Peabody Lamaro Roma S.r.l. Unipersonale and Freccia Alata 2 S.r.l. Unipersonale, and towards Millennium S.r.l. Unipersonale - for a total consideration of Euro 8,538,610, against a GBV of Euro 25,273,573..." — CPI Italy 130 SPV 2021 Financials"

quote expose contradiction

"Revenue Sharing. Tuition (less any Tuition Waivers as permitted under Section 2(c)) will be collected by Illinois for all Degree Courses and Degree Programs, and shall be shared with Coursera in the percentages set forth below. i. iMBA Degree Program. Contingent on the Roadmap being completed as set forth in Attachment C, tuition revenue share for the iMBA Degree Program will be [redacted] to Illinois and [redacted] to Coursera from Degree Launch through Spring Semester 2018; and 60% to Illinois and 40% to Coursera beginning Summer 2018, and continuing for the duration of the iMBA Degree Program."

2U, Inc. · TWOU Spruce Point Capital · p. 12
quote villain critique

"Generally we enter into a three-year standard employment contract with our officers and managers and a one-year standard employment contract with other employees. According to these contracts, all of our employees are prohibited from engaging in any activities that compete with our business during the period of their employment with us. Furthermore, the employment contracts with officers or managers include a covenant that prohibits officers or managers from engaging in any activities that compete with our business for two years after the period of their employment with us. — 2007 20-F, pp. 87-88"

quote villain critique

"And by the way, it's a good long-term investment and arguably our most valuable franchise to say we're going to be here for a long term and a little bit of a message to any would-be entrants to say we're willing to invest big money. And we -- as you know, we spent $140 million on buying a technology player, 3 or 4 years ago to help us get there faster. So we're very deliberate and committed to investing in our platform to make sure that it's good governance today, tomorrow and many years to comment. And that's on digital ledger, then we're ready for it. — Former CFO Young at Evercore Conf. 3/3/20"

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. · BR Spruce Point Capital · p. 75
quote villain critique

"“Initially in the first 7-nanometer or 5, it was a big phase for EUV...Taiwan is very smart. They always wants to wait for Intel and these guys to go first, and then TSMC really comes in big time to copy all the protocols...they were really slow to pick up because they are very careful about spending. So, they still used the traditional tools like KLA...there are second choices...KLA is not just sitting there. KLA also has very strong inspection mask manufacturing for EUV. So, KLA does offer some alternatives.” — Former head of TSMC R&D; played key role in 5nm transition and vendor/tool selection"

Lasertec Corporation · 6920 Scorpion Capital · p. 205
quote villain critique

"“The mechanics are extremely important, and this is why the single-layer thing is such a big deal. Lithium metal is a piston. That means that when it charges, it's actually expanding in volume. So, when you have 20 or 50 or 100 layers together and they're constantly going back and forth, you have mechanical breathing that's way more than the mechanical breathing that you see in lithium-ion. So, the mechanics of this cell may be much more favorable than if you had a multi-layer cell. This is one example where I can for sure say I would love to see this in a multi-layer cell.” — Solid state expert"

QuantumScape · QS Scorpion Capital · p. 129
quote other

""By delivering 64-bit performance with comprehensive GPU support, QNX SDP 7.0 will help the automotive industry realize the vision of the unified digital cockpit." — Ron Martino, vice president of Application Processors product line, NXP Semiconductors. "Ironically, that leader is BlackBerry, largely because QNX is already entrenched in the automotive world." — Rob Enderle. "This means that the current hardware-based power structure could switch to a software and component dynamic, which is what both the NVIDIA-led hardware effort and BlackBerry-led software group are betting on." — Rob Enderle."

Unknown · p. 4
quote ceo quote

"“How can there be any value left for shareholders under your plan when in almost every bankruptcy stockholders receive no recovery? Have creditors signed on to your plan for a full recovery?” — Analyst Question; “Well, quite simply, Amerco has more assets than liabilities. Real estate appraisals showed the market value of Amerco’s unencumbered owned real estate is $550 million higher than stated book value. Two of four major creditor groups have agreed to our plan and we’re working with the remaining persons to get agreement to our plan.” — Joe Shoen, Amerco CEO, Q4’03 Conference Call Transcript"

General Growth Properties · GGWPQ Pershing Square · p. 28
quote villain critique

"“Although not saying so directly, Mr. Docter also indicated that Pixar had perhaps drifted too far from its storytelling roots” and that Mr. Docter “want[s] to double down on what allowed [Pixar] to speak to audiences to begin with.” — New York Times October 2023 Interview with Pete Docter, Head of Pixar Animation; “Mr. Iger continued to direct Disney’s creative endeavors until his departure as Executive Chairman last December [2021], and the Company’s robust pipeline of content is a testament to his leadership and vision.” — Disney November 2022 Press Release Announcing Mr. Iger’s Return as CEO"

The Walt Disney Company · DIS Trian Partners · p. 40
quote villain critique

"…I think all of us would say, over a 10- or 15-year period, Intuit had way more unsatisfying acquisitions than really satisfying ones. We all tried to learn from that, but I don’t think Intuit has core competency in this area. I think the Mailchimp acquisition continues to show that. I don’t believe it's been smooth. I think there's been public references to the fact it hasn't been smooth. But a lot of Mailchimp folks are like, I don’t see it. I’m out. And so I think there's been attrition, and there's been difficulty integrating them into Intuit. — Former VP at Intuit, Tegus, 9/8/23 and 8/24/23"

Intuit Inc. · INTU Spruce Point Capital · p. 41
quote villain critique

"Former Fenelon Township man sentenced to two years in jail after failed attempt to rip off marijuana grow. Dressing as a police officer and carrying a loaded rifle to rip off a marijuana grow operation in 2003 has resulted in a penitentiary sentence for a former Fenelon Township man. Nick Churchill, 34, did not visibly react as he was sentenced on Monday (Jan. 26) to two years in prison.... Mr. Churchill's father, Gordon, 55, and brother, Jody, 31, Garfield Lefort, 33, and Phillip Weddel, 34, all of Port Perry, received jail terms and hefty fines when they were sentenced last year — News Report"

GFL Environmental Inc. · GFL Spruce Point Capital · p. 19
quote villain critique

"Former Fenelon Township man sentenced to two years in jail after failed attempt to rip off marijuana grow. Dressing as a police officer and carrying a loaded rifle to rip off a marijuana grow operation in 2003 has resulted in a penitentiary sentence for a former Fenelon Township man. Nick Churchill, 34, did not visibly react as he was sentenced on Monday (Jan. 26) to two years in prison.... Mr. Churchill's father, Gordon, 55, and brother, Jody, 31, Garfield Lefort, 33, and Phillip Weddel, 34, all of Port Perry, received jail terms and hefty fines when they were sentenced last year — News Report"

GFL Environmental Inc. · GFL Spruce Point Capital · p. 34
quote ceo quote

"“I think QuantumScape wants to keep their recipe in their kitchen. That’s my feeling. They open up the black box to say here are the specs you requested, and this is our testing result.” — VW employee; “VW doesn’t know the chemistry and the core processing of the manufacturing and industrialization. By chemistry, I mean the structure of the cells and also the material in the cell. We treat that as a kind of black box. In the meantime, they are developing the industrialization process based on this technology, which is actually unknown to everybody.” — VW employee; “Not in detail.” — VW employee"

QuantumScape · QS Scorpion Capital · p. 45
quote villain critique

""It's contrived. Everyone wants to say they have a device that has quantum supremacy that can perform a calculation 10 million times faster than a classical computer. But if you're very specifically tailoring the problem you're solving to be something that is easy to do on a quantum computer but almost impossible to do on a classical computer, then it's very easy to show you have supremacy, but you've just constructed a problem that has no real application, other than to demonstrate the fact that your computer can do something a classical computer couldn't do." — Former IonQ employee, physicist"

IonQ Inc. · IONQ Scorpion Capital · p. 97
quote ceo quote

"The plan provides that targets for 100% achievement should be challenging and ambitious, but also realistic and attainable such that it is possible to achieve and exceed them. The impact of over- or under-achieving targets on the annual incentive can be significant. The company and Board of Directors therefore approach the target setting process with care and consideration. We believe targets are set consistently with the philosophy of the POBS Plus plan that they be challenging and ambitious. In the last five years the average target achievement for named executive officers was 107% — Proxy st"

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. · MTD Spruce Point Capital · p. 24
quote ceo quote

"The plan provides that targets for 100% achievement should be challenging and ambitious, but also realistic and attainable such that it is possible to achieve and exceed them. The impact of over- or under-achieving targets on the annual incentive can be significant. The company and Board of Directors therefore approach the target setting process with care and consideration. We believe targets are set consistently with the philosophy of the POBS Plus plan that they be challenging and ambitious. In the last five years the average target achievement for named executive officers was 107% — Proxy st"

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. · MTD Spruce Point Capital · p. 121
quote ceo quote

""The Company's second quarter sales were adversely affected by holiday shifts on Easter and Fourth of July. The 2018 Easter sales week fell on the last week of the first quarter and the slow selling week afterwards fell in the second quarter this year. While comparatively last year, both holiday selling weeks fell in the second quarter. Additionally, the Fourth of July fell later in the week after the second quarter ended. Management estimates the incremental holiday sales impact was approximately $12.5 million and included it in the second quarter 2018 comparable store sales." — 2017 10-Q, p.9"

Weis Markets, Inc. · WMK Spruce Point Capital · p. 27
quote villain critique

"No. You may not derive data from a device for the purpose of uniquely identifying it, per the Apple Developer Program License Agreement. Examples of user or device data include, but are not limited to: properties of a user’s web browser and its configuration, the user’s device and its configuration, the user’s location, or the user’s network connection. Apps that are found to be engaging in this practice, or that reference SDKs (including but not limited to Ad Networks, Attribution services, and Analytics) that are, may be rejected from the App Store. — Apple Developer Program License Agreement"

AppLovin · APP Muddy Waters · p. 14
quote cover

"We appreciate the Board's willingness to engage with us about steps that can be taken to enhance value for all of Lyft's shareholders. Following a series of productive conversations, the Board has taken an important first step by committing to significant share repurchases in the coming quarters. In light of these actions, we have withdrawn our nomination and are providing the Company time to execute on its new commitments. Engine looks forward to continuing to engage with the Board about additional actions that can benefit shareholders. — Arnaud Ajdler, Founder and Portfolio Manager of Engine"

Lyft, Inc. · LYFT Engine Capital · p. 1
quote ceo quote

""By combining resources and technology, Generac and Motortech will lead the industry in innovative, spark-ignited engine generator offerings," said Patrick Forsythe, Executive Vice President of Global Engineering at Generac. "This acquisition allows Generac to expand its global market for gaseous products beyond standby generators, and it aligns with our strategy of gas power-generation leadership. It will significantly expand our worldwide spark-ignited engine capabilities, complementing the international growth Generac has experienced." — Patrick Forsythe, Generac Press Release, Nov 28, 2016"

Generac Holdings, Inc. · GNRC Spruce Point Capital · p. 95
quote ceo quote

"“Based on Mr. Peltz’s track record, he’s not a short-term guy. When he gets on a Board, they stay in the stock for an average of 5.6 years. He’s told me that he’s told the mutual funds that are already in the stock that [Trian] will likely be there longer than they will. His track record in names like...I can go down the list: Wendy’s, they’ve been in Wendy’s since ’05. There’s Pepsi, Kraft, Mondelez, Tiffany’s. These are not fly by night investments from a guy who shows up and then bails 10 minutes later. Doesn’t the track record speak for itself?” — Scott Wapner, Host, CNBC’s Halftime Report"

quote ceo quote

"“Based on Mr. Peltz’s track record, he’s not a short-term guy. When he gets on a Board, they stay in the stock for an average of 5.6 years. He’s told me that he’s told the mutual funds that are already in the stock that [Trian] will likely be there longer than they will. His track record in names like...I can go down the list: Wendy’s, they’ve been in Wendy’s since ’05. There’s Pepsi, Kraft, Mondelez, Tiffany’s. These are not fly by night investments from a guy who shows up and then bails 10 minutes later. Doesn’t the track record speak for itself?” — Scott Wapner, Host, CNBC’s Halftime Report"

quote ceo quote

"“Based on Mr. Peltz’s track record, he’s not a short-term guy. When he gets on a Board, they stay in the stock for an average of 5.6 years. He’s told me that he’s told the mutual funds that are already in the stock that [Trian] will likely be there longer than they will. His track record in names like...I can go down the list: Wendy’s, they’ve been in Wendy’s since ’05. There’s Pepsi, Kraft, Mondelez, Tiffany’s. These are not fly by night investments from a guy who shows up and then bails 10 minutes later. Doesn't the track record speak for itself?” — Scott Wapner, Host, CNBC’s Halftime Report"

quote villain critique

"Although not saying so directly, Mr. Docter also indicated that Pixar had perhaps drifted too far from its storytelling roots and that Mr. Docter "want[s] to double down on what allowed [Pixar] to speak to audiences to begin with." — New York Times October 2023 Interview with Pete Docter, Head of Pixar Animation; "Mr. Iger continued to direct Disney’s creative endeavors until his departure as Executive Chairman last December [2021], and the Company’s robust pipeline of content is a testament to his leadership and vision." — Disney November 2022 Press Release Announcing Mr. Iger’s Return as CEO"

The Walt Disney Company · DIS Trian Partners · p. 40
quote ceo quote

""WaterSound, located on approximately 1,402 acres and currently planned for a 1,330-unit mixed-use development, is a resort community approximately three miles from WaterSound Beach north of U.S. 98 in Walton County. WaterSound land-use entitlements include 457,380 square feet of commercial space. The DRI process for WaterSound was completed in 2005. This resort town is being planned for the pre-retirement and second-home markets with six and nine-hole golf courses along with pools, beach access and other amenities. Sales at WaterSound are expected to begin in mid-2006." — JOE 2005 10-K, p.6"

The St. Joe Company · JOE Greenlight Capital · p. 71
quote nominee bio

""Campaigners for gender equality in the boardroom hailed [the appointment of Patrice Merrin to the board of Glencore] as a ‘landmark’ moment for British business...." — The Daily Mail, June 26, 2014; "'She’s very, very strong on the corporate governance side of things and the market-facing aspects,' Mick McMullen, chief executive officer of Stillwater Mining, said in a phone interview from Billings, Montana, where Stillwater is based. 'There’s some big names on that board and working within the confines of that will be an interesting challenge, or an opportunity.'" — Bloomberg, July 18, 2014"

Arconic Inc. · ARNC Elliott Management · p. 284
quote villain critique

""Expected average member count for the fourth quarter to 4.6 million." -- Mark Livingston, 3Q22 Transcript; "We continued that momentum and secured a record 105 new client commitments during the selling season representing an additional 1.2 million covered lives."; "Weighted average covered lives increased by more than 200,000 [in 3Q22] driven by the launch of nine new clients at various points during the quarter." -- Mark Livingston, 3Q22 Transcript; "We expect to be managing fertility benefits for 5.4 million people and approximately 370 companies in 2023" -- Peter Anevski, 3Q22 Transcript"

Progyny, Inc. · PGNY Spruce Point Capital · p. 33
quote villain critique

"In FY09 TFS sold an investment of 350 ha to the first non MIS wholesale investor (not connected to EIG). At the time, TFS set extended payment terms, with payment due by April 30, 2010. The extended payment terms were part of an introductory offer to the first client of this new product initiative for TFS and were designed to align payment with the planting of the investment during the April to June planting season. The investor concerned has not met the April deadline for payment of all the funds but TFS is confident that full payment will be made by 30 June 2010. — TFS Corporate Disclosure"

Quintis Limited · QIN Viceroy Research · p. 12
quote villain critique

"“if you care about production throughput, you have to use a 213nm light source.” — Longtime ex-TSMC procurement executive who introduced Lasertec inspection tools into TSMC; “TSMC just wants to do quite frequent monitoring...a quick check...the best resolution is not necessary.” — Longtime ex-TSMC procurement executive who introduced Lasertec inspection tools into TSMC; “Yes. Because of the throughput. TSMC will not consider the A300 or A150 for production. They will only exist in the EPO mask house.” — Longtime ex-TSMC procurement executive who introduced Lasertec inspection tools into TSMC"

Lasertec Corporation · 6920 Scorpion Capital · p. 222
quote ceo quote

"While there was a lot to digest, all-in we learned little that altered our view of the fundamental trajectory of the business or value of the stock. — Goldman Sachs; One need look no further than [fiscal 4q18] performance to understand that change is long overdue. — Consumer Edge; What we found most interesting... was Interim CEO Keith McLoughlin's point-by-point assessment of what had gone wrong at CPB. Not only did this appraisal destroy ex-CEO Denise Morrison's legacy but it also served as a scathing critique of a board that let the company drift during the Morrison era. — Gordon Haskett"

Campbell Soup Company · CPB Third Point · p. 32
quote villain critique

"At year-end 2019, we had cash and cash equivalents of $253.7 million held in accounts at third-party financial institutions. Our cash balances are held in numerous locations throughout the world. At year-end 2019, the majority of our cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries. However, if we were to repatriate incremental foreign earnings and profits, we could be subject to cash payments of withholding taxes imposed by foreign tax authorities and additional U.S. taxes due to the impact of foreign currency movements related to such earnings and profits. — 2019 10-K, p. 13"

Avery Dennison Corporation · AVY Spruce Point Capital · p. 40
quote villain critique

""Right now I can't believe that this bid is true and I haven't received either from the independent financial review or city staff enough reassurance that I should trust this number," said Councillor Gord Perks. "If they can't deliver on price, we are going to find ourselves two or three years from now with them holding a gun to our heads because we will have laid off our staff, sold our trucks and will be completely dependent on them," he said. "I have particular concerns with this contract because it is so far off the mark that the rest of the marketplace has set." — Councillor Gord Perks"

GFL Environmental Inc. · GFL Spruce Point Capital · p. 36