Prominent activists are targeting them

Article Excerpt

Activist investors make their money by targeting underperforming firms they feel would benefit from better management or assets sales. Here’s our analysis of two U.S. companies that are now under pressure from prominent activists. DANA INC. $24 is a hold. The company (New York symbol DAN; Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 144.2 million; Market cap: $3.5 billion; Dividend yield 1.7%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.dana.com) makes a variety of parts, including axles, driveshafts and transmissions, for leading automakers such as Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and Toyota. Billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn now controls 9.9% of Dana’s shares. He has a long history of investing in auto-related firms and pushing for greater efficiency. Those savings should help Dana cope with parts shortages, supply chain disruptions and rising costs for raw materials and labour. The company has now agreed to place three of Icahn’s representatives on its 12-member board of directors. As well, Icahn will not increase his stake under a standstill agreement. Despite its current challenges, Dana’s shares…