Wolfspeed Bundle
Who Really Owns Wolfspeed?
Delving into the Wolfspeed SWOT Analysis reveals more than just its strengths; it highlights the critical importance of understanding its ownership structure. Knowing who controls Wolfspeed is paramount for investors and strategists alike, impacting everything from innovation to market strategy. Unraveling the Wolfspeed ownership reveals the forces shaping the future of this Wolfspeed company and its groundbreaking Wolfspeed semiconductors.
From its origins as Cree, Inc. in 1987 to its current incarnation as Wolfspeed, the company has undergone significant transformations. This evolution, including the shift to the NYSE under the 'WOLF' ticker, underscores the importance of examining the Wolfspeed owner landscape. Understanding the Wolfspeed history and the current distribution of shares is key to grasping the company's strategic direction and potential for growth. Considering questions like "Who is the CEO of Wolfspeed?" and "Is Wolfspeed a public company?" further enriches this understanding.
Who Founded Wolfspeed?
The company, originally known as Cree, Inc., was established in 1987. The founders' initial focus was on pioneering advancements in wide bandgap semiconductors. This early vision set the stage for its future work in silicon carbide and gallium nitride technologies.
Specific details regarding the initial equity split among the founders are not available in the public domain. Early financial backing from angel investors played a crucial role in providing the necessary capital to launch the company. However, the identities of these early investors and the size of their stakes remain undisclosed.
Agreements like vesting schedules and buy-sell clauses were likely in place to manage ownership transitions and align founder incentives. Information on initial ownership disputes or buyouts that may have influenced early control distribution is also not available.
Early Ownership Structure
The early ownership structure of the company, now known as Wolfspeed, involved its founders and angel investors. The exact equity distribution among the founders at the company's inception is not publicly available. The company's focus on wide bandgap semiconductors, particularly silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), has been a key factor in its development.
- The company's initial focus was on innovation in wide bandgap semiconductors.
- Early financial backing from angel investors was crucial.
- Vesting schedules and buy-sell clauses would have been in place.
- Details on initial ownership disputes or buyouts are not available.
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How Has Wolfspeed’s Ownership Changed Over Time?
The company, formerly known as Cree, Inc., transitioned to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on October 4, 2021, under the ticker 'WOLF'. This move marked a significant change in its ownership structure, as it became a publicly traded entity. As of June 13, 2025, the stock price was $1.29 per share, a substantial decrease from $27.08 on June 17, 2024, reflecting a 95.24% decline. The market capitalization stood at $201 million with 156 million shares as of June 13, 2025.
The ownership of Wolfspeed is primarily distributed among institutional investors, retail investors, and company insiders. The shift to public trading and subsequent fluctuations in stock price have influenced the composition of its shareholder base. Understanding the evolution of the company's ownership is crucial for assessing its strategic direction and financial health. For more insights into the company's strategic growth, you can read about the Growth Strategy of Wolfspeed.
| Ownership Category | Approximate Percentage (May 30, 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional Investors | ~90.64% | Significant influence on company strategy |
| Insider Ownership | ~3.32% | Held by executives and directors |
| Retail Investors | ~6.85% to 24.43% | Varying percentages based on different sources |
Institutional investors, holding a dominant portion of Wolfspeed ownership, include major players like BlackRock, Inc., Vanguard Group Inc, and UBS Group AG. BlackRock, Inc. is the largest individual shareholder, owning 12.23% of the company as of recent filings. Vanguard Group Inc. holds approximately 12.15%, and UBS Group AG holds 9.34% of the shares. These large institutional holdings provide significant influence over the company's strategic decisions and governance.
Key Takeaways on Wolfspeed Ownership
Wolfspeed's ownership structure is primarily shaped by institutional investors, with a smaller portion held by insiders and retail investors.
- Institutional investors hold a substantial majority of the company's stock.
- Insider ownership represents a small percentage, held by company executives.
- Retail investors account for a varying percentage of the company's shares.
- The stock price has significantly decreased from June 2024 to June 2025.
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Who Sits on Wolfspeed’s Board?
The Board of Directors at Wolfspeed, Inc. oversees the company's operations, with a focus on independent oversight. The board's size fluctuates between five and ten members, as determined by the board itself. Shareholders vote annually to elect directors, with each share of common stock generally carrying one vote per director nominee. Directors are elected based on a plurality of votes.
At the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on December 5, 2024, nine nominees were elected to the board. Notably, Gregg A. Lowe, the former President and CEO, withdrew his nomination following his departure on November 18, 2024. The company adheres to corporate responsibility and accountability standards, aligning with SEC rules and NYSE listing standards. There is no information on dual-class shares or arrangements that would grant outsized control to specific individuals or entities beyond the standard one-share-one-vote structure for common stock. For more information about the competitive landscape, you can read the Competitors Landscape of Wolfspeed.
| Board Member | Role | Date of Election (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| John B. Bailey | Lead Independent Director | December 5, 2024 |
| M. Kirk Hachigian | Director | December 5, 2024 |
| Daniel L. Jones | Director | December 5, 2024 |
The composition of the board reflects the company's commitment to governance, with a majority of independent directors. The election process ensures that shareholders have a direct say in the leadership of the company. The departure of the CEO and changes in board nominations indicate ongoing governance dynamics within the Wolfspeed company.
Key Takeaways on Wolfspeed Ownership
The Board of Directors is responsible for the governance of Wolfspeed, with a majority of independent directors.
- Shareholders elect directors annually.
- Each share generally carries one vote.
- The board size varies between five and ten members.
- The CEO's departure and board nominations reflect ongoing governance changes.
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What Recent Changes Have Shaped Wolfspeed’s Ownership Landscape?
In the past few years, Wolfspeed's ownership structure and strategic direction have seen significant shifts. A key development was the company's rebranding from Cree, Inc. to Wolfspeed, Inc. on October 4, 2021. This change emphasized the company's focus on silicon carbide technology. Leadership changes have also been notable; Gregg Lowe, the former President and CEO, departed on November 18, 2024. Following this, nine nominees were elected to the board at the December 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The company's stock price has experienced a significant decline. From June 17, 2024, to June 13, 2025, the stock price dropped by 95.24%. As of May 27, 2025, Wolfspeed's market capitalization stood at $1.39 billion, reflecting a substantial decrease in valuation. The company is also facing financial challenges, including a rapid cash burn rate and a considerable debt burden. Approximately half of the company's debt, exceeding $3 billion, is convertible to WOLF stock in the coming years, a potential dilutive event expected to be restructured into new debt with higher interest rates. Furthermore, Wolfspeed is required to raise $300 million by issuing new stock within fiscal year 2025.
| Metric | Value | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | $1.39 billion | May 27, 2025 |
| Institutional Ownership | 91.13% | May 2025 |
| Insider Ownership | 3.32% | May 2025 |
Despite these challenges, institutional ownership of Wolfspeed remains high, at 91.13% as of May 2025. Major institutional holders include BlackRock, Inc., Vanguard Group Inc, and UBS Group AG. Insider ownership was around 3.32% as of May 2025, with some insider buying activity noted in late 2024. The company has also engaged in post-IPO funding rounds, with JANA Partners making an investment in April 2024.
Key Ownership Trends
Institutional investors continue to hold a significant stake in Wolfspeed. The company's stock price has declined significantly. Insider ownership remains relatively low.
Financial Performance
Wolfspeed is experiencing financial difficulties. The company has a high debt burden and is burning through cash. It is required to raise additional capital.
Leadership and Strategy
The company has shifted its focus to silicon carbide technology. There have been leadership changes, including the departure of the CEO. The board of directors has seen new appointments.
Investor Activity
Institutional investors are still buying shares. JANA Partners made an investment in April 2024. The company is seeking to raise more capital.
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