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Ackman says taxpayers could reap $300B under his plan for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac
Fox Business· 2025-11-18 18:32
Core Viewpoint - Billionaire investor Bill Ackman proposed a three-step plan to help the Trump administration achieve its goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are under government control since the 2008 financial crisis [1][12]. Group 1: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Overview - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government-sponsored enterprises that play a crucial role in the U.S. housing-finance system by buying mortgages, bundling them into securities, and guaranteeing those securities for investors [3]. - These two entities currently back or own approximately half of all U.S. residential mortgages, amounting to about $12 trillion in outstanding debt [4]. Group 2: Ackman's Proposed Plan - The first step of Ackman's plan is to acknowledge that the bailout has been repaid, as Fannie and Freddie have sent hundreds of billions of dollars in profits to the U.S. Treasury, exceeding the amount received during the 2008 rescue [6]. - The second step involves making taxpayers the official owners of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by exercising government warrants that allow the purchase of up to 79.9% of each company's stock [7]. - The third step is to return Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to the stock market, as they meet the requirements for relisting after being removed from the New York Stock Exchange during the 2008 financial crisis [10]. Group 3: Financial Implications - If Ackman's plan is implemented, taxpayers would own a 79.9% stake in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which could represent a value of over $300 billion [11].
Bill Ackman to unveil plan for mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac this week
Fox Business· 2025-11-16 12:40
Core Viewpoint - Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman is set to unveil a new proposal regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which have been under federal conservatorship since the 2008 financial crisis [1] Group 1: Proposal Details - Ackman's plan aims to help the Trump administration achieve objectives such as maximizing taxpayer value, reducing mortgage spread risks, and allowing the U.S. Treasury to show a mark-to-market value for its holdings in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac [2] - A livestream event is scheduled for November 18, where Ackman will detail the proposal, with the potential for the transaction to be completed by year-end [4] - Ackman clarified that Pershing Square has not sold its stake in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and remains the largest common shareholder with over 210 million shares combined [4] Group 2: Background on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government-sponsored enterprises that play a crucial role in the U.S. housing-finance system by purchasing mortgages, bundling them into securities, and guaranteeing those securities for investors [8][9] - Together, they back or own approximately half of all U.S. residential mortgages, amounting to about $12 trillion in outstanding debt [11] - Both entities were placed under federal conservatorship in response to significant losses during the 2008 financial crisis [12] Group 3: Housing Market Context - Ackman's announcement coincides with the Trump administration's exploration of new housing affordability measures, including a proposed 50-year mortgage, despite concerns about increasing long-term debt for borrowers [15]