By Peter Bergman (MoneyAmped.com)
In light of the Federal Reserve’s implementation of 11 interest rate hikes, several experts have articulated apprehensions regarding the potential repercussions of elevated rates on the United States economy.
As per the assessment provided by Bill Ackman, the Chief Executive Officer of Pershing Square Capital Management, there are indications of a deceleration in the economy.
The individual expressed their belief that the current level of actual interest rates is sufficiently elevated to impede economic activity. Specifically, they highlighted the notable increase in mortgage, car loan, and credit card rates, emphasizing their consequential influence on the overall economy. This statement was made during a recent interview with CNBC. The current state of the economy remains robust, albeit exhibiting signs of gradual deterioration.
The billionaire investor posits that enduringly elevated levels of structural inflation are likely over an extended duration.
The impact of elevated interest rates is not uniformly distributed among all individuals. Ackman has observed that a significant proportion of the population possesses fixed-rate mortgages, with interest rates of 4% or lower. It was further emphasized that numerous enterprises include fixed-rate debt extended over a considerable duration.
However, the circumstances can present significantly greater difficulties for individuals who are not directly involved.
Specific individuals have availed themselves of short-term loans at a reduced fixed interest rate and are currently undergoing a process of reevaluation. Upon examining numerous commercial real estate investors, it becomes evident that they will likely encounter a notably arduous phase. The speaker expressed concern regarding the significant threat at hand.
Confident investors express concerns regarding the potential ramifications of elevated interest rates on the stock market. The firm managed by Ackman maintains an equity portfolio of significant value in the billions. Presented below are the top three holdings of the subject in question.
Restaurant Brands International Inc.
Pershing Square’s secondary prominent publicly traded asset pertains to the fast-food industry, specifically Restaurant Brands International.
The organization is the parent company for a portfolio of prominent quick-service brands, including Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
During the second quarter, there was a 14% year-over-year increase in systemwide sales at Restaurant Brands International.
The organization additionally disburses dividends every quarter and presents an annual yield of 3.5%.
However, the stock’s performance in 2023 has not been as favorable as that of Chipotle. The shares of QSR have experienced a decline of slightly over 1% year to date.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.
Based on the most recent Form 13F filing submitted by Pershing Square Capital Management to the Securities and Exchange Commission, it was reported that the firm held a total of 953,608 shares of Chipotle as of June 30. At the time, the position held by Chipotle in Ackman’s portfolio was valued at $2.04 billion, making it the largest publicly traded holding.
Chipotle, a prominent restaurant chain renowned for its expertise in tacos and Mission-style burritos, boasts an extensive presence with over 3,250 establishments across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
During the second quarter, the organization experienced notable revenue growth, with a year-over-year increase of 13.6%, amounting to $2.5 billion.
The stock has garnered growing investor interest. As of the present year, Chipotle shares have experienced a notable increase of 34%.
Lowe’s Companies Inc.
The fund managed by Ackman maintained a total of 7,468,850 shares in Lowe’s as of the conclusion of June. At the time, the position held by Lowe’s in Pershing Square’s portfolio was valued at $1.69 billion, making it the third-largest public holding.
Lowe’s, a prominent global home improvement retailer, boasts a vast operational network comprising more than 1,700 stores and a substantial workforce of approximately 300,000 associates. Within the United States, the company, as mentioned above, effectively manages a significant volume of roughly 17 million customer transactions every week.
During the fiscal quarter that concluded on August 4, Lowe’s experienced a decline of 1.6% in comparable sales. Based on the available data, it is anticipated that similar deals for the entire fiscal year will experience a reduction ranging from 2% to 4%.
The organization is engaging in the distribution of funds to its stakeholders. During the second quarter, Lowe’s allocated $2.2 billion towards repurchasing approximately 10.1 million shares, alongside a dividend payment of $624 million.
