Activist investor Elliott sends a letter to Goodyear (GT), sees 179% upside; Shares rally

The Goodyear Rubber & Tire Company (NASDAQ: GT) shares are moving sharply higher on Thursday after activist investor Elliott Investment Management said it sent a letter to the company’s management.

The hedge fund is said to have a ~10% stake in Goodyear and is one of the largest investors.

“[Elliott] has strong conviction in the significant value-creation opportunity achievable at the Company,” it is said in the letter.

Goodyear shares gained nearly 17% on the letter.

Elliott advises the management to take several steps to “create value at Goodyear and realize its full potential,” including:

1. Enhancing Leadership & Oversight: Appoint five new highly qualified independent directors to the Board to improve governance;
2. Monetizing the Trapped Value of Goodyear's Retail Platform: Explore ways to monetize Goodyear's Company-owned store network, which Elliott believes is nearly worth Goodyear's market capitalization given the multiples of auto aftermarket service businesses; and
3. Initiating an Operational Review: Form an Operational Review Committee to develop an operational and margin improvement plan.

More precisely, Elliott sees a $21 per share value-creation opportunity in Goodyear, which marks an increase of 179% to its current share price.

“Goodyear's stock has meaningfully and consistently underperformed,” the latter also said.

As such, Elliott says that “it is rare to find a company with as much potential to increase shareholder value.”

Goodyear shares are up 15.5% through Wednesday’s close.

By Senad Karaahmetovic

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