07:25 AM EDT, 06/17/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Activist investor Starboard Value has been meeting with Autodesk ( ADSK ) executives in recent weeks to discuss concerns over its operations and corporate governance, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Starboard, which has a $500 million stake in Autodesk ( ADSK ), expressed in private conversations that the company should improve its margins and make changes to the board, the Journal said.

Additionally, the activist criticized the company for not alerting shareholders of a recent accounting probe until after the company's nominations for director candidates closed in late March, according to the report. Autodesk ( ADSK ) delayed its annual financial report in April as it opened an investigation into its accounting practices involving free cash flow and operating margins.

Starboard is considering taking legal action to reopen Autodesk's ( ADSK ) nomination for directors and to delay the annual shareholder meeting set for July 16, the report said.

Neither Autodesk ( ADSK ) nor Starboard immediately responded to MT Newswires' request for comment.

Shares of the company were up 4.1% in recent Monday premarket activity.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Price: 235.25, Change: +9.38, Percent Change: +4.15