Icahn's Technology Stock Picks: How Good Is His Record?

Icahn’s Technology Security Selection by AlphaBetaWorks Insights

Should Investors Follow Icahn into Apple?

As we discussed in earlier articles, it is a mistake to treat all ideas of excellent managers with equal deference. Even great investors tend to be more skilled in some areas than in others. Carl Icahn is no exception.

Many investors follow the positions of Carl Icahn. His recent open letter to Apple’s CEO Tim Cook will cause some to follow Icahn into Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). Doing so merely on the basis on Icahn’s involvement would be a mistake. While Icahn Associates generated spectacular long-term returns from security selection (stock-picking), the firm’s technology performance has been disappointing.

Icahn’s Overall Security Selection

The risk-adjusted return of Icahn...