Billionaire Bill Ackman is about to get $4 billion richer as his hedge fund Pershing Square expects a funding round at a premium valuation

Bill Ackman's investment strategy has evolved in recent years, particularly in terms of the types of companies Pershing Square invests in3. In the past, Ackman was known for investing in undervalued stocks and pushing for corporate reforms to unlock value. However, in recent years, Ackman has shifted his focus towards investing in larger, high-quality companies with strong growth potential and sustainable business models.

This shift in strategy has led Pershing Square to invest in companies such as Chipotle Mexican Grill, Restaurant Brands International, Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Howard Hughes Holdings, and Alphabet Inc. These companies are well-established, large-capitalization businesses with strong fundamentals and growth prospects.

Additionally, Ackman has moved away from vocal short-selling campaigns and has adopted a quieter approach to investing. This quieter approach, sometimes referred to as "Pershing Square 3.0," involves focusing on constructive engagements with portfolio companies and their boards and management teams. Ackman has also shown a willingness to hold large positions in a handful of large-cap value stocks, a strategy similar to that of Warren Buffett.

Overall, Ackman's investment strategy has evolved from an activist approach focused on undervalued companies to a more long-term, value-oriented approach focused on high-quality companies with strong growth potential.

Bill Ackman has taken several notable public positions on social issues and political matters recently. Some of these include:

1. Antisemitism on college campuses: Ackman has expressed concerns about the rise of antisemitism on college campuses and has been vocal about the need to address this issue.

2. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Ackman has been critical of DEI initiatives, arguing that they can sometimes do more harm than good. He has been particularly vocal about his opposition to the use of diversity statements in academic hiring processes.

3. Political bias in legal proceedings: In response to the conviction of former President Donald Trump on 34 felony counts, Ackman implied that he agreed with then-Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's assertion that the legal proceedings against Trump were politically biased.

4. Free speech: Ackman has been a strong advocate for free speech, arguing that it is essential for the health of our democracy. He has expressed concern about what he sees as a growing intolerance for dissenting viewpoints, particularly in academic and political contexts.

5. Support for Jamie Dimon: Ackman has expressed strong support for JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, praising him as a "no bullsh*t, straight-talking charismatic leader" who should run for president. He believes Dimon's leadership could help manage the country's $32 trillion debt and address the "great political uncertainty" facing the nation.

These positions reflect Ackman's willingness to engage with important social and political issues and to use his platform to advocate for change. However, they have also attracted criticism from some who disagree with his views.