SAEDNEWS: Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has doubled his net worth to $9.2 billion in 2025, fueled by Pershing Square’s outsized gains and a $2 billion windfall from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. His bold strategy, political influence, and contrarian bets are once again making headlines.
According to Saed News; Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has delivered one of the most impressive comebacks in recent Wall Street history. According to Forbes, Ackman’s net worth has more than doubled in just one year, soaring from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $9.2 billion in 2025. The stunning rise is fueled by the exceptional performance of his hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital Management, and its publicly traded investment arm, Pershing Square Holdings.
While the S&P 500 has delivered a respectable 11.7% total return in 2025, Pershing Square Holdings has outpaced it dramatically, racking up a 25.3% gain. The fund’s net asset value (NAV) currently stands at around $16 billion, though its market cap is closer to $11 billion.
This level of performance has not only boosted investor confidence but also cemented Ackman’s reputation as one of the most daring and successful fund managers of his generation.
The real star of Ackman’s 2025 success story lies in his long-standing bet on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two mortgage giants that have been under federal conservatorship since the 2008 financial crisis.
Both companies’ stocks have staged breathtaking rallies this year. Fannie Mae surged 350% to $14.64, while Freddie Mac jumped over 300% to $13.50 — both starting 2025 at around $3 per share.
Ackman, one of the largest shareholders with about 180 million combined shares, has reportedly pocketed nearly $2 billion in profit from these holdings. Investors believe the Trump administration could finally release the mortgage agencies from government control — a policy Ackman has been advocating for years.
Unlike many hedge funds, Pershing Square runs a concentrated portfolio, usually holding around six to eight major positions. Current stakes include Uber, Alphabet, Brookfield Asset Management, and Restaurant Brands International.
Ackman’s philosophy has shifted over the years. Once known for headline-making short positions, he now focuses on what he calls “durable growth companies” with long-term upside. This focus has insulated Pershing Square from market volatility and delivered outsized gains.
Ackman’s influence goes beyond finance. With over 2 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), he frequently makes headlines for his outspoken views.
In 2024, he campaigned for the resignation of Harvard University’s president Claudine Gay over plagiarism and antisemitism allegations — a push that ultimately led to her departure. Ackman also shocked many by endorsing Donald Trump for president, breaking with his long history of supporting Democrats.
Ackman’s career has been shaped by bold moves. In 2020, he famously pocketed $2.6 billion by shorting the bond market just before the COVID-19 crash — using those profits to reinforce long-term holdings.
His best-known wins include investments in Canadian Pacific Railway and Chipotle Mexican Grill, both of which remain integral to Pershing Square’s strategy.
With Pershing Square managing roughly $20 billion in assets, Ackman’s next moves will be closely watched by both Wall Street insiders and everyday investors. His reputation as a contrarian who thrives during uncertain times ensures that whatever comes next will likely be bold, controversial, and highly profitable.