Dear Santa,
Carl of Icahn Enterprises (IEP 0.64%) here. I guess it's that time year to start asking for things.
First and foremost, my net worth has risen by 50% -- or about $8 billion this year -- so a repeat of 2013 in 2014 would be a great place to start. So whatever you can drop off under the tree to make that a reality would be ideal. But I've got a few thoughts of my own on the matter.
What I'd like most under the tree, of course, is a letter from Apple (AAPL +2.59%) CEO Tim Cook and his fellow board members letting me know they've listened to my proposal. After all, as I told Time Magazine, Cook said to me, "Look, you've accomplished a lot, and we want to listen to you" -- so a little definitive proof of that would be great.
Having said all of that, evidence of the $50 billion share buyback I proposed would be excellent. They generated $53.6 billion in cash in 2013 alone. A little money back in the pockets of shareholders like myself -- remember I have $2.7 billion worth of stock -- would be great. I suspect you'll be handing out a lot of Apple products this year, so just drop off an iPad for me on which to read the letter from Cook.
Moving right along -- after Apple listens to me -- one thing you could do would be to repeat my Netflix (NFLX 9.71%) performance with any of the other companies I hold. Remember when I alerted everyone to the reality, I made a return of 457% on my investment? Well, in case you've forgotten that, I just want to remind you of it. So, a repeat of that would be ideal.
Perhaps you could give me a clue as to what that may be -- by dropping off a package of a product under my tree. Considering I've already made more than $500 million on my Herbalife (HLF +5.26%) investment, a box of its offerings would be a pleasant surprise. Like I said just a few days ago, "I've never really doubted that this is a valuable company." So a nice bottle of its shampoo would be ideal.
As an aside, while my Netflix performance was great, I will say that it's a bit frustrating that it's up another $50 or so since I sold my position. We only paid $58 per share -- so that represents quite a bit of appreciation over my initial investment. Maybe you could have 2014 be a year when it finally stops growing? A repeat of 2011 for the company, when the stock fell 60%, would allow me to sleep a touch easier.
All in all, 2013 was great. The only thing that could make it any better is if my nemesis, Bill Ackman, would admit I'm better than him at, well, everything. And really... that's all I want for Christmas this year.
Regards,
Carl
