Activist investor Jana Partners has encouraged Wolfspeed (NYSE:WOLF), the leading manufacturer of silicon carbide, to consider all options to enhance shareholder value, including possibly selling the company, Reuters reported.
In a letter to Wolfspeed, Jana, which reportedly described its ownership as "significant," emphasized the need for the company to explore "all avenues to improve WOLF's performance" and to undertake a "comprehensive review of strategic alternatives."
"Such an exploration of alternatives could uncover numerous ways to highlight and realize value, including through a sale," the letter stated.
WOLF shares jumped 9% in Monday trading.
The investor's push comes as Wolfspeed's stock has seen a substantial decline, dropping about 50% since January and 63% over the past year.
The company has failed to meet several financial and operational goals, causing concern among investors about its strategic direction and capital management, especially at a time when the growth outlook for its main market in electric vehicles is becoming less optimistic.
In the letter, Jana highlighted that despite Wolfspeed's key manufacturing strengths and its role as a U.S. supplier in the energy transition, the investment has been unprofitable for all current shareholders.
Jana urged Wolfspeed to adopt a "back to basics" approach, focusing on execution and achieving key objectives at its new facilities in Mohawk Valley and Siler City. The firm also called for realistic goal-setting and demonstrating a clear plan for achieving acceptable returns on capital.
Moreover, Jana advised Wolfspeed to reconsider the scale and timing of upcoming projects, including a proposed manufacturing site in Europe, until the company can prove its ability to fulfill its current commitments.
Jana had a minor stake in Wolfspeed in the third quarter of 2023, though it was not listed as a shareholder in the fourth quarter regulatory filings.