What happened
Shares of PDL BioPharma (PDLI) had soared 15.1% higher as of 11:26 a.m. EDT on Wednesday. The big jump came after a large shareholder, Engine Capital, called for PDL's board of directors "to immediately cease its investment activities and commence a review of strategic alternatives, including a possible sale or liquidation of the Company."
So what
Engine Capital owns around 5.3% of PDL BioPharma. When a shareholder with such a significant stake pushes a company's board to do something, it will at least get the board's attention.
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In this case, Engine Capital thinks that PDL is "just grasping at straws" with its strategy to build a portfolio of investments. It believes that PDL BioPharma stock is undervalued and that the best way to unlock value for shareholders is to either sell or liquidate the company.
The letter that Engine Capital's Arnaud Ajdler and Brad Favreau sent to PDL's board of directors was very direct. It stated that the directors were being put "on notice" and will be "closely watched," adding that "any attempt to utilize the company's cash for further acquisitions or investments will be vehemently opposed."
Shareholders probably would win if PDL BioPharma is acquired by another company or liquidates its assets. The stock currently trades at roughly half of its book value.
Now what
PDL BioPharma is certainly a unique example of a healthcare stock. It doesn't develop drugs or medical devices itself, but instead invests in other companies that do. If Engine Capital has its way, those investments will come to an immediate halt.
What will PDL BioPharma's board of directors do in response to Engine Capital's demands? That remains to be seen. The company hasn't publicly responded to Engine Capital's letter yet. Stay tuned.
