Under activist spotlight, US IT co Cognizant enters a high-stakes reset
Bengaluru: It is rare for a global IT firm to attract two activist investors in less than a decade, but Cognizant has drawn scrutiny from both Elliott Management and Mantle Ridge — each pushing for stronger growth, sharper margins and greater shareholder value.
In 2016, Elliott pressed the company to re-evaluate its cost structure, board refresh, defined capital allocation policy, and strategic priorities to lift profitability. Elliott exited its position in Cognizant just over a year later.
