Snap Inc (SNAP.US) saw its stock price rise more than 6% on Wednesday, closing at $5.95. The company announced plans to eliminate approximately 1,000 full-time positions, representing about 16% of its global workforce, and to close over 300 open job roles. This restructuring is part of Snap's latest effort to reduce costs and shift towards profitable growth.

Snap indicated it expects to incur between $95 million and $130 million in related charges during the second quarter, primarily covering severance payments, contract termination expenses, and asset impairment costs. In a memo to employees, CEO Evan Spiegel stated the move is intended to enhance operational efficiency, noting that advancements in artificial intelligence are enabling teams to reduce repetitive tasks.

Last month, activist investment firm Irenic Capital Management, which acquired a stake of about 2.5% in Snap, urged management to implement a series of measures aimed at increasing the company's valuation. Recommendations included reducing headcount and potentially closing or spinning off its Spectacles division. In a letter to the company, Irenic highlighted the need to optimize Snapchat's operational cost structure, pointing to past over-hiring as an issue. The firm also referenced recent layoffs at other companies such as Meta and Block as examples of efficiency improvements.