Shares of Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) have been stuck in the mud since December 2022, with its shares down more than 45% over that stretch. Despite its underwhelming performance, many individual investors are attracted to the drug giant's robust dividend,

Starboard has approached two former Pfizer executives, Ian Read and Frank D’Amelio, to assist in its efforts, and they have expressed interest in helping, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Starboard Value reportedly has taken a roughly $1 billion stake in Pfizer, as the activist investor seeks to turn the struggling drugmaker around.