lululemon athletica inc.’s Form 10-K includes the following risk factor:
Our business could be negatively affected as a result of actions of activist stockholders, and such activism could impact the trading value of our securities.
Responding to actions by activist stockholders can be costly and time-consuming, disrupting our operations and diverting the attention of management and our employees. Such activities could interfere with our ability to execute our strategic plan. In addition, a proxy contest for the election of directors at our annual meeting would require us to incur significant legal fees and proxy solicitation expenses and require significant time and attention by management and our board of directors. The perceived uncertainties as to our future direction also could affect the market price and volatility of our securities.
It’s an interesting idea, but I doubt it will become universal. And many will claim an activist investor might improve the business.