Icahn defends Dell assault

Carl Icahn is described in the article as a Wall Street raider and a high-profile investor known for activist investing. The piece highlights his reputation for taking direct actions to push companies to change in ways he believes will improve performance for shareholders.

The article notes that Icahn singled out computer giant Dell and offshore oil rig operator Transocean as targets of his investor activism.

Icahn defended his attacks by saying both Dell and Transocean need a ‘shaking up’ to benefit shareholders. He says his goal is to press companies and their chief executives to perform better.

According to the article, ‘shaking up’ refers to Icahn’s approach of pushing companies and CEOs to make changes to improve performance—essentially urging management to take action that could benefit shareholders.

The article suggests Icahn believes his campaigns are aimed at improving shareholder outcomes by prompting management change or better performance. For everyday investors, that means activist attention can bring management under pressure to act in ways the activist argues will add value—though outcomes can vary.

Investor activism, as illustrated by Icahn in the article, is when a prominent investor publicly pushes companies and their executives to change strategy or improve performance. The article calls Icahn’s approach his 'legendary brand of investor activism.'

Icahn defended his actions. The article reports that he said he was doing what he has always done—pressing companies and chief executives to perform better for the benefit of shareholders.

Based on the article’s focus, investors should watch how company management responds to the activist’s demands and whether the company announces steps to improve performance. The piece emphasizes Icahn’s goal of pressing companies and CEOs to perform better, so management reactions and stated plans are key signals.