# Starboard Value Takes Stake in Solstice Advanced Materials, Pushes for Cost Cuts

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/starboard-value-takes-stake-in-solstice-advanced-materials-pushes-for-cost-cuts-e4ee15
- Published: 2026-10-20T04:36:24Z
- Category: company_news; sentiment: bullish; impact: medium
- Symbols: [NASDAQ:SOLS](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-SOLS)
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Activist hedge fund Starboard Value has acquired a stake in Solstice Advanced Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:SOLS), valuing the specialty chemicals producer at approximately $9.4 billion. Starboard Chief Executive Officer Jeff Smith is expected to outline the firm's position publicly during an investor summit.

The activist push comes shortly after a planned $14.5 billion merger between Solstice and Element Solutions fell through in late August. Solstice, a former Honeywell spinoff, has seen its stock gain about 6% since the transaction was canceled, though shares remain nearly 25% below their pre-deal peak in July. Starboard is calling on management to eliminate roughly $100 million in corporate overhead while prioritizing execution in its core refrigerants and nuclear segments.

Investors will monitor whether Solstice management responds to the activist demands and how market participants react following Smith's presentation. Solstice shares recently traded at $60.47, up 2.06% on the day and up 24% year to date.

## Key points

- Activist firm Starboard Value built a stake in Solstice Advanced Materials following a canceled merger.
- Starboard wants Solstice to cut approximately $100 million in corporate overhead costs.
- The activist is urging the company to focus on its core refrigerants and nuclear operations.
- Solstice shares are up 24% year to date but remain roughly 25% below their July peak.
- Starboard CEO Jeff Smith is scheduled to detail the investment at an investor summit on Tuesday.

## Questions and answers

### What is Starboard Value demanding from Solstice Advanced Materials?

Starboard Value wants Solstice Advanced Materials to focus on its core refrigerants and nuclear businesses while cutting approximately $100 million in corporate overhead costs.

### Why did Solstice Advanced Materials attract activist investor interest?

The activist investment comes after Solstice's proposed $14.5 billion merger with Element Solutions was scrapped in late August. Solstice shares remain roughly 25% below their July peak despite recent gains.

### When will Starboard Value discuss its Solstice investment publicly?

Starboard Chief Executive Officer Jeff Smith is expected to reveal details about the investment on Tuesday at the 13D Monitor Active-Passive Investor Summit.