Ackman Fannie-Freddie Plan Boosts Shares After White House Pitch

Bill Ackman still believes his bet on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can pay off this year, even without a blockbuster public offering. He’s not alone.

Shares in the government-controlled mortgage giants have climbed more than 15% since the Pershing Square Capital Management founder took to X on Tuesday to outline a proposal he recently pitched to the White House. The plan calls for relisting Fannie and Freddie on the New York Stock Exchange, writing down the Treasury’s senior-preferred stake and exercising the government’s option to acquire nearly 80% of the common stock. Ackman said the steps could be taken “immediately,” compared to the more drawn-out path of ending the companies’ conservatorship and pursuing a large public offering.