Carl Icahn - Icahn Capital Management Portfolio

Carl Icahn - Icahn Capital Management Q4 2024 Portfolio

Icahn Capital Management, a hedge fund managed by Carl Icahn, disclosed 14 security holdings in their SEC 13F filing for the fourth quarter of 2024, with a total portfolio value $7,415,249,000

 

As of Q4 2024, Carl Icahn’s Icahn Capital Management portfolio shows several key adjustments across its major holdings. Below is a detailed overview of the top 10 positions and notable shifts since the previous quarter.

1.  IEP – Icahn Enterprises: 52.71%

2.  CVI – CVR Energy Inc.: 16.85%

3.  SWX – Southwest Gas Holdings Inc.: 9.19%

4.  IFF – International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.: 4.28%

5.  UAN – CVR Partners LP: 4.17%

6.  BHC – Bausch Health: 3.77%

7.  DAN – Dana Inc.: 2.23%

8.  JBLU – JetBlue Airways Corp.: 1.88%

9.  AEP – American Electric Power: 1.50%

10.                CZR – Caesars Entertainment: 1.10%


1. IEP – Icahn Enterprises

  • Portfolio Allocation: 52.71%
  • Recent Activity: Added 4.06%
  • Shares Held: 450,788,170
  • Reported Price: $8.67 per share
  • Value at Reported Price: $3,908,333,000

Icahn Enterprises remains the dominant holding, now exceeding half of the total portfolio. The additional 4.06% stake underscores Carl Icahn’s continued confidence in his own diversified holding company, which spans energy, real estate, automotive, and more. This significant allocation reflects a strong belief in IEP’s long-term prospects.


2. CVI – CVR Energy Inc.

  • Portfolio Allocation: 16.85%
  • Recent Activity: No change reported
  • Shares Held: 66,692,381
  • Reported Price: $18.74 per share
  • Value at Reported Price: $1,249,815,000

CVR Energy remains a major component of Icahn’s portfolio, focusing on petroleum refining and nitrogen fertilizer production. This substantial position indicates ongoing commitment to energy and agricultural commodities—sectors that can benefit from global demand fluctuations.


3. SWX – Southwest Gas Holdings Inc.

  • Portfolio Allocation: 9.19%
  • Recent Activity: Reduced 12.61%
  • Shares Held: 9,632,604
  • Reported Price: $70.71 per share
  • Value at Reported Price: $681,121,000

Southwest Gas Holdings continues to provide exposure to the utility sector, particularly natural gas distribution. However, the notable reduction (12.61%) suggests Icahn may be reallocating capital or taking profits, while still maintaining a significant stake in a defensive industry known for stable cash flows.


4. IFF – International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

  • Portfolio Allocation: 4.28%
  • Recent Activity: No change reported
  • Shares Held: 3,750,000
  • Reported Price: $84.55 per share
  • Value at Reported Price: $317,063,000

International Flavors & Fragrances remains in the portfolio, reflecting Icahn’s interest in specialty chemicals. As a key supplier of flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic ingredients, IFF taps into consistent demand from consumer goods manufacturers, offering diversification and a measure of defensive stability.


5. UAN – CVR Partners LP

  • Portfolio Allocation: 4.17%
  • Recent Activity: Added 4.48%
  • Shares Held: 4,066,192
  • Reported Price: $75.96 per share
  • Value at Reported Price: $308,868,000

CVR Partners, a nitrogen fertilizer producer, complements Icahn’s stake in CVR Energy by expanding his exposure to agricultural commodities. The increased position (4.48%) signals confidence in ongoing demand for fertilizer and the potential for attractive returns in the agricultural sector.


6. BHC – Bausch Health

  • Portfolio Allocation: 3.77%
  • Recent Activity: No change reported
  • Shares Held: 34,721,118
  • Reported Price: $8.06 per share
  • Value at Reported Price: $279,852,000

Bausch Health provides diversification into pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Although the position remains unchanged, Icahn’s involvement suggests continued optimism in Bausch’s restructuring efforts and potential for turnaround in its product portfolio.


7. DAN – Dana Inc.

  • Portfolio Allocation: 2.23%
  • Recent Activity: No change reported
  • Shares Held: 14,286,505
  • Reported Price: $11.56 per share
  • Value at Reported Price: $165,152,000

Dana Inc. offers exposure to automotive and commercial vehicle components, including electrified powertrain solutions. Keeping this stake steady indicates Icahn’s sustained interest in the evolving automotive sector, especially as the industry shifts toward electric and hybrid technologies.


8. JBLU – JetBlue Airways Corp.

  • Portfolio Allocation: 1.88%
  • Recent Activity: No change reported
  • Shares Held: 17,727,029
  • Reported Price: $7.86 per share
  • Value at Reported Price: $139,334,000

JetBlue Airways remains a relatively small but notable holding. Icahn’s ongoing stake suggests an expectation of continued or eventual recovery in the travel industry, even as airlines face economic headwinds and fluctuating fuel costs.


9. AEP – American Electric Power

  • Portfolio Allocation: 1.50%
  • Recent Activity: No change reported
  • Shares Held: 1,205,300
  • Reported Price: $92.23 per share
  • Value at Reported Price: $111,165,000

American Electric Power adds another layer of utility exposure, providing consistent dividend income and defensive characteristics. By maintaining this stake, Icahn preserves a stable component within a broader portfolio that leans heavily on energy, industrials, and consumer plays.


10. CZR – Caesars Entertainment

  • Portfolio Allocation: 1.10%
  • Recent Activity: No change reported
  • Shares Held: 2,440,109
  • Reported Price: $33.42 per share
  • Value at Reported Price: $81,548,000

Caesars Entertainment remains Icahn’s gateway into the gaming and hospitality sector. Although a smaller position, it offers potential upside linked to consumer discretionary spending and the ongoing recovery in travel and leisure activities.


Analysis of Carl Icahn’s Q4 2024 Portfolio Strategy

1.  Ongoing Commitment to Icahn Enterprises
Icahn Enterprises continues to dominate the portfolio, surpassing 50% in allocation. The additional 4.06% reflects Icahn’s unwavering belief in his own diversified holding company’s long-term prospects.

2.  Targeted Moves in Energy and Agriculture
With significant stakes in CVR Energy, CVR Partners, and partial exposure through Southwest Gas, Icahn maintains a strong focus on essential commodities. The added shares in UAN further highlight his conviction in agricultural inputs, while a reduced position in Southwest Gas may suggest selective rebalancing within the energy/utility segment.

3.  Defensive and Diversified Holdings
Utilities like American Electric Power, along with stable consumer-focused plays such as International Flavors & Fragrances, provide resilience. Meanwhile, Bausch Health represents Icahn’s healthcare exposure, which often appeals to value-oriented investors seeking turnaround stories.

4.  Selective Automotive and Airline Exposure
Dana Inc. and JetBlue reflect Icahn’s willingness to maintain positions in cyclical industries—betting on a broader economic rebound and technological shifts, especially in the automotive sector.


Conclusion

Carl Icahn’s Q4 2024 portfolio demonstrates a strong concentration in Icahn Enterprises, complemented by a robust energy and agriculture focus (CVI, UAN). The partial reduction in Southwest Gas, paired with a slight increase in UAN, signals tactical adjustments within the commodities space. Meanwhile, stable positions in utilities, healthcare, and consumer discretionary round out a strategy that blends high conviction in his own enterprise with select exposure to diverse sectors poised for both stability and growth.


Disclaimer:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. Investing involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should conduct their own research or consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

 

Icahn Enterprises L.P. (IEP) Stock Analysis

Icahn Enterprises L.P. (IEP) Stock Analysis

Sector: Conglomerate / Diversified Investments

Analysis Date: March 20, 2025

1.  Company Overview 

Icahn Enterprises L.P. (IEP) operates as a diversified holding company, primarily engaged in investments across various sectors including energy, automotive, food packaging, real estate, and financial markets. It is well-known for its value-oriented approach and activist investing style spearheaded by investor Carl Icahn.

Strategic Highlights:

·       Activist Investing: Focus on strategic investments in undervalued companies with potential for significant improvement.

·       Diversification: Presence across multiple industries mitigates individual sector risks.

·       High Dividend Yield: Historically generous dividends designed to attract income-focused investors.

2.  Financial Performance

a. Revenue & Growth TTM Revenue: $10.03 Billion Revenue Growth (YoY): -8.13% to -16.66% across recent quarters

Analysis: IEP has experienced consistent declines in revenue growth over recent quarters. Negative year-over-year growth indicates ongoing operational challenges and reduced business performance across its portfolio companies.

b. Profitability TTM Net Income: -$436.00 Million EPS (TTM): -$0.94 Profit Margin: -4.35%

Analysis: The company’s profitability remains pressured, reflected by negative net income and EPS. Operational challenges within its investment segments are significant drivers of these losses.

c. Margins Gross Margin: 8.01% Operating Margin: 0.20%

Analysis: A narrow gross margin and negligible operating margin indicate substantial operational costs and inefficiencies. This highlights the need for substantial strategic restructuring to improve overall profitability.

d. Free Cash Flow Operating Cash Flow (TTM): $832.00 Million Capital Expenditures (TTM): -$280.00 Million Free Cash Flow (TTM): $552.00 Million

Analysis: IEP maintains positive free cash flow, reflecting adequate liquidity from its core operations, which is critical for dividend sustainability and investment opportunities.

3.  Balance Sheet & Liquidity

Cash & Equivalents: $2.60 Billion Total Debt: $7.34 Billion Net Cash (Debt): -$4.74 Billion or approximately -$9.06 per share Equity (Book Value): $4.62 Billion

Analysis: Significant debt burden relative to its cash holdings poses a leverage risk. The company’s current ratio (2.06) indicates a comfortable ability to meet short-term obligations.

4.  Valuation

P/E (TTM): N/A (negative earnings) Forward P/E: 14.21 P/S (TTM): 0.45 EV/EBITDA (TTM): 18.50 P/FCF (TTM): 9.11

Analysis: IEP shows mixed valuation indicators. Forward P/E suggests potential recovery in profitability expectations, while low P/S and P/FCF ratios imply relative undervaluation against cash-generating capabilities.

5.  Market Performance

52-Week Price Change: -43.56% Beta (5Y): 0.78

Analysis: IEP stock significantly underperformed over the last year. Lower beta indicates less volatility compared to the broader market, but its large price decline reflects investors’ concerns regarding ongoing financial pressures and portfolio challenges.

6.  Risks & Considerations

·       Operational Risks: Persistent negative revenue and net income trends.

·       High Leverage: Significant debt burden limits financial flexibility.

·       Dividend Sustainability: High dividend yields are at risk given consistent operational losses.

·       Portfolio Volatility: Exposure to cyclical industries increases susceptibility to economic downturns.

·       Liquidity Risks: Negative net cash position necessitates strategic debt management.

7.  Conclusion

Pros:

·       Attractive Dividend Yield: Remains appealing to income investors.

·       Diversified Holdings: Reduces risk associated with single-sector exposure.

·       Positive Free Cash Flow: Adequate liquidity supports operational sustainability.

Cons:

·       Negative Earnings and Revenue Trends: Reflects fundamental operational challenges.

·       High Leverage: Financial flexibility is constrained by heavy debt obligations.

·       Significant Price Decline: Indicates waning investor confidence.

Final Note: IEP’s valuation appears attractive from a cash flow and dividend perspective, but the substantial leverage and operational challenges underscore high investment risk. Investors must carefully assess the sustainability of dividends and management’s strategic ability to restore profitability.

Disclaimer: This analysis is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Investing involves risks including potential loss of principal. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Who is Carl Icahn ?

1936:

·       Carl Celian Icahn is born on February 16, 1936, in Queens, New York City, United States.

1961:

·       Carl Icahn starts his career on Wall Street as a stockbroker at Dreyfus & Company.

1968:

·       Icahn establishes his own investment firm, Icahn & Co., which specializes in options trading.

1985:

·       Icahn launches a hostile takeover bid for the airline company TWA (Trans World Airlines), which eventually results in him gaining control of the company.

1986:

·       Icahn sells TWA’s profitable London routes to American Airlines for a substantial profit, leading to accusations of asset stripping.

1988:

·       Icahn acquires a significant stake in Texaco, an oil company, and initiates a proxy battle to gain control of the company. The battle ends in a settlement, with Icahn gaining several seats on the board of directors.

1990:

·       Icahn takes over the troubled airline, Eastern Air Lines, with the intention of turning it around. However, he is unable to save the company, and Eastern Air Lines goes bankrupt in 1991.

1997:

·       Icahn creates Icahn Enterprises LP, a diversified holding company, to manage his investments and business ventures.

2000:

·       Icahn launches a proxy fight against Yahoo!, urging the company to accept a takeover bid from Microsoft. Although unsuccessful in his bid, he garners attention for his aggressive tactics.

2006:

·       Icahn begins acquiring shares in the technology company Motorola and pressures the company to restructure and unlock shareholder value. This leads to the separation of Motorola into two separate entities, Motorola Solutions and Motorola Mobility.

2008:

·       Icahn purchases a large stake in the investment bank Bear Stearns, which is facing significant financial troubles during the subprime mortgage crisis. Ultimately, Bear Stearns is sold to JPMorgan Chase.

2013:

·       Icahn becomes involved in a highly publicized battle with the board of directors of Dell Inc., opposing the company’s plan to go private. Although unsuccessful in blocking the deal, Icahn negotiates a higher price for shareholders.

2016:

·       Icahn becomes an informal advisor to then-U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on regulatory reform. He plays a role in shaping Trump’s economic policies.

2020:

·       Icahn liquidates his entire stake in the energy company Cheniere Energy, which he had acquired in 2015. The move comes amidst concerns about the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market and declining energy prices.

2021:

·       Icahn discloses a substantial stake in the ride-hailing company, Lyft, and reportedly pushes for changes to increase shareholder value.

2022:

·       Icahn sells his remaining stake in Lyft after the company’s stock price rises significantly, resulting in a substantial profit.

2023:

·       Carl Icahn continues to be actively involved in the investment world, using his vast wealth and influence to pursue various investment opportunities and activism in publicly traded companies.

 

Interesting Facts

Carl Icahn is known as an activist investor, frequently taking significant stakes in companies and advocating for changes to boost shareholder value.

He has a reputation for aggressive tactics, including proxy fights, hostile takeovers, and public confrontations with company management.

Icahn has been involved in a wide range of industries, including airlines, energy, technology, and finance.

In addition to his investments, Icahn is known for his philanthropy. He has donated substantial amounts to various causes, including medical research and education.

Icahn is an avid poker player and has participated in high-stakes poker tournaments, occasionally donating his winnings to charity.

He is known for his strong opinions on corporate governance and often advocates for changes to board structures and executive compensation practices.

Icahn has faced criticism and legal challenges throughout his career, with some accusing him of short-term profit-seeking at the expense of long-term company health.

Despite his controversial reputation, Icahn’s influence and impact on the corporate world cannot be overlooked, as he has left an indelible mark on numerous companies and industries.

 

Carl Icahn's Investing Principles

Some people get rich studying artificial intelligence. Me, I make money studying natural stupidity.

Carl Icahn

In life and business, there are two cardinal sins. The first is to act precipitously without thought and the second is to not act at all.

Carl Icahn

When most investors, including the pros, all agree on something, they’re usually wrong.

Carl Icahn

In risk there is reward…

Carl Icahn

The cardinal rule is to have enough capital at the end of the day.

Carl Icahn

The big money is not in the buying and selling, but in the waiting.

Carl Icahn

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