Shares of Chesapeake Energy (CHK) were gaining nearly 2% in morning trading on news that activist investor Carl Icahn is betting big on the beleaguered name.
Bloomberg is reportingthat Icahn may now be the company’s fifth-largest investor, with a stake amounting to more than 4% of shares outstanding, worth more than $400 million, given the stock’s current levels. The report cited anonymous sources, as the holdings have yet to be officially reported.
As of the first quarter, regulatory filings showed Icahn did not have a position in Chesapeake. However, he is of course familiar with the company, as he held a 5.8% stake in the firm in late 2010, a position that CEO Aubrey McClendon estimates netted Icahn about a half a billion dollars.
However, its unclear what new steps Icahn will agitate for at the firm as Chesapeake, which has lost more than half its value from its August 2011 high, is already paring down its debt and selling assets, as it struggles with record low natural gas prices and scrutiny over McClendon’s stewardship.
The stock was making headway this morning as Icahn’s move and an investment by BlackRock (BLK) came after the close yesterday.
Update: Icahn’s stake may be as high as 7.56%, and he is seeking the removal of four directors from the company’s board, reports are now suggesting.
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