Shareholder Value

Mobix Labs (MOBX) initiated a hostile exchange offer for Peraso (PRSO), valued with a mix of cash and stock. This move follows a disagreement where Peraso allegedly restricted Mobix Labs’ communication with shareholders. Mobix Labs criticizes Peraso’s recent financing as dilutive and aimed at benefiting management at the expense of shareholders. Mobix Labs cites potential synergies, diversification, and scale as the rationale behind the acquisition, supported by a secured equity line of credit. The completion is subject to standard conditions including regulatory approvals.

DigiAsia Corp. (NASDAQ: FAAS) will voluntarily delist from Nasdaq, with the last trading day expected around October 2, 2025, due to the inability to meet the Form 20-F filing deadline. This decision is driven by high listing costs and challenges in raising capital. DigiAsia received a $400 million acquisition offer from PayMate, which includes cash and a share swap. The board is reviewing strategic alternatives and plans to prioritize repaying lenders following any sale. They believe privatization best protects shareholder value.

Salesforce has announced its first quarterly dividend program, signaling confidence in its financial stability and future growth. The decision marks a shift from solely focusing on growth through reinvestment and acquisition to rewarding shareholders. Analysts view this as a sign of maturity and financial discipline, reflecting Salesforce’s recurring revenue allowing for both growth funding and shareholder returns. The company faces increasing competition and must balance dividend payouts with maintaining its competitive edge and R&D spending in the long run.

Kemper Corporation (KMPR) announced a $150 million accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with Goldman Sachs, part of its $550 million authorization. The insurer believes shares are undervalued and the ASR demonstrates confidence in its business. Kemper will pay Goldman Sachs $150 million on August 14, 2025, receiving an initial 2,279,203 shares. The final number depends on the volume-weighted average price of Kemper’s stock. The ASR is expected to conclude within three months. Kemper is a specialized insurer with $13 billion in assets, serving 4.7 million policies.

Avantor reaffirmed its commitment to shareholder value after Engine Capital’s letter, highlighting strategic efforts to drive growth and returns. Key actions include a new CEO appointment (Emmanuel Ligner, starting August 18, 2025), a $400M cost transformation, business resegmentation, and significant debt reduction ($1.5B). The company emphasizes its robust product portfolio, distribution network, and life sciences relationships, expressing confidence in future value creation under Ligner’s leadership and welcomes continued shareholder dialogue.

Lifeway Foods (LWAY) received a boost as ISS recommended shareholders “DO NOT VOTE” on the consent solicitation by dissident shareholders Ludmila and Edward Smolyansky. ISS cited Lifeway’s positive financial performance and share price rally, finding the dissidents’ arguments lacking context and a clear plan. CEO Julie Smolyansky welcomed the recommendation, stating the solicitation is “unwarranted, disruptive and not in the best interest of Lifeway shareholders.” Lifeway urges shareholders to follow ISS’s advice and take no action.

Heineken Holding N.V. provided an update on its share buyback program. Between June 30 and July 4, 2025, the company repurchased 42,006 shares at an average price of €65.07, bringing the total acquired to 1,301,287 shares for €88,261,067. Weekly updates are available on their website. The company continues to focus on its stake in Heineken N.V., emphasizing innovation, brand investment, and sustainability.

Golden Goliath Resources Ltd. announced the immediate resignation of Mr. Daniel Nofrietta Fernandez from its Board of Directors. The company expressed gratitude for his contributions and is actively seeking replacements as part of a strategic review to enhance shareholder value and guide future growth.

Endeavour Mining announced a share buyback on June 27, 2025, purchasing 1,000 shares from Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited on June 26, 2025, at a price of 2,250.00 GBp per share. This action, part of a previously announced buyback program, reflects the company’s commitment to shareholder value and optimizing its capital structure. Following this, the company will have 241,854,962 ordinary shares in issue.

SINOVAC Biotech is urging shareholders to vote against proposals to replace the board, citing its efforts to restore shareholder value, including dividend payments and a strategic realignment. The company launched www.VoteSinovac.com and filed an investor presentation with the SEC, highlighting the board’s commitment to maximize shareholder investment, defend against litigation from a dissenting investor group, and potentially relist on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.