Starboard’s shake-up

What we’ll cover today:

• Starboard’s 9% bet on Tripadvisor and what it signals for SaaS leadership shakeups

• Apple claws back in China with discounts (and what it teaches about market timing)

• Global isn’t just a buzzword: Why every SaaS playbook is getting rewritten

Starboard Buys Big Into Tripadvisor 💼✈️

Starboard Value, a well-known activist investor, just bought a big chunk of Tripadvisor, the travel site with reviews and bookings.

🚨 Breaking News:
Tripadvisor stock shot up 17% after Starboard revealed it now owns over 9% of the company, worth $160 million.

⚡ Wire Simplified:

• Tripadvisor shares have been struggling, down 30% last year.

• Starboard is known for shaking up companies with big changes.

• They’ve done this with Pfizer, Salesforce, and Match Group too.

• A special committee at Tripadvisor is exploring options.

• The move hints at possible leadership or structural shifts ahead.

✔️ Straight to the Point:
Tripadvisor might be in for a makeover if Starboard follows its usual playbook of new bosses, plans, and cost cuts.

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Apple’s iPhones Are Back in China’s Game 🍎📈

Apple’s iPhone sales in China grew again after 2 years. Counterpoint Research says smart discounts helped Apple bounce back.

🚨 Breaking News:
iPhone sales in China rose 8% last quarter, the first growth since 2023, thanks to discounts and trade-in perks.

⚡ Wire Simplified:

• Apple timed price cuts perfectly before China’s big “618” shopping fest.

• Trade-in deals also helped push sales up.

• Huawei is still leading with 12% growth and strong loyalty.

• Apple’s stock has dipped 15% this year despite the sales win.

• Trump wants iPhones made in the US, but experts say it's nearly impossible.

✔️ Straight to the Point:
Apple’s smart discount game worked in China, but Huawei’s rise and US pressure mean the road ahead won't be smooth.

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