Starboard's Jeff Smith told Pfizer in a meeting last week that they need to improve their return on investments in R&D and strategic acquisitions.

Southwest Airlines (LUV) and the activist hedge fund that has been trying to wrest control from the carrier’s management team might be about to reach an agreement to end their continuing proxy battle.

Elliott Investment Management and Southwest Airlines Co will begin discussing a potential settlement that would avoid a proxy fight for control of the airline’s board, according to people familiar with the matter.

Elliott Investment Management built up an 11% stake in Southwest — then started a podcast. It's a good move, two communications experts said.