Elliott reports 7% stake in Southwest, seeks ‘fundamental changes’

In a regulatory filing, Elliott Investment Management disclosed a 7% stake in Southwest Airlines, representing just under 42M common shares. Elliott said in the filing that it believes Southwest shares are undervalued and represent an attractive investment opportunity. The firm also believes that the company requires fundamental changes throughout its bueinss to “evolve its strategy and improve its performance.” Elliott believes Southwest can achieve this by reconstituting its board of directors; enhancing its leadership team, including through the identification of a new CEO and a new independent Board Chair, and; thereafter, undergoing a comprehensive business review to develop and execute a new strategy to restore the company to “industry-leading performance.”