Icahn takes 8.2-percent stake in Cheniere Energy, seeks talks about spending and compensation

Billionaire investor Carl Icahn is taking an 8.2-percent stake in liquid natural gas company Cheniere Energy Inc., sending its shares higher in aftermarket trading.

Icahn disclosed ownership of 19.4 million shares of Cheniere, which owns a liquid natural gas terminal and pipeline in Louisiana. Icahn's funds say they want to start talks with the Houston-based company about its business, financing of capital spending and executive compensation, and Icahn may seek representation on the board of directors.

Shares of Cheniere Energy jumped $4.18, or 6.5 percent, to $68.99 in aftermarket trading. The stock closed at $64.81 on Thursday.

Icahn is known for tangling with the boards of companies like Apple Inc., Yahoo Inc., Hertz Global Holdings Inc. and eBay Inc. He also invested in ride-hailing app Lyft this year.