3 SPACs Hit New 52-Week Highs: Are Any Worth Owning?

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the performance and structure of various SPACs, particularly focusing on American Exceptionalism Acquisition Corp. (AEXA) and its sponsor Chamath Palihapitiya, highlighting the potential for significant returns while also addressing structural issues within SPACs [1][4][12]. SPAC Performance - AEXA reached a new 52-week high of $11.91, which is 19.1% higher than its $10 offering price, starting trading on September 26 [3][5]. - A total of 68 stocks hit new 52-week highs on the NYSE, while 20 hit new lows; on Nasdaq, 187 stocks reached new highs and 73 new lows [5]. - The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 218 points, reaching a record high of 46,924.74, driven by strong quarterly results from companies like 3M, Coca-Cola, and General Motors [5]. SPAC Structure and Investor Returns - Palihapitiya's AEXA has no warrants attached, and his compensation only vests if shares appreciate by 50% post-combination, which are seen as positive changes [6][9]. - The Class B founders' shares in AEXA convert to Class A common shares based on specific price thresholds, with the first vesting price at $15 for 20 consecutive days [10]. - If an investor bought 100 Class A shares at $10 and the shares hit $20, the return on investment would be 100% over 18 months, equating to an annualized return of 66.7% [11]. Comparison with Other SPACs - Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II (PAII) reached a new 52-week high of $10.27, slightly above its $10 offering price, and has a 24-month deadline to complete a business combination [13][17]. - Rithm Acquisition Corp. (RAC) went public on February 26, 2025, and hit a new 52-week high of $10.40, with a focus on financial services and real estate for potential mergers [19][22]. - The sponsors of RAC have seen a return on investment of 1,018.7% based on current share prices, indicating significant potential despite previous underperformance of associated companies [23].