In this article, we discuss George Soros’ 2022 portfolio: 5 value stock picks. If you want to read our detailed analysis of Soros’ history, investment philosophy, and hedge fund performance, go directly to George Soros 2022 Portfolio: 10 Value Stock Picks.
5. Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE:EXP)
Soros Fund Management’s Stake Value: $11,867,000
Percentage of Soros Fund Management’s 13F Portfolio: 0.18%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of December 31: 26
PE Ratio (TTM): 13.33
Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE:EXP) is a Dallas, Texas-based building materials producer that has seen strong demand for its product post-pandemic recovery. Despite a challenging year due to the rise in inflation and interest rates, the low-cost cement producer saw its revenue increase by 13% YoY to $1.45 billion during the three quarters of the fiscal year 2022 and anticipates reaching the annual guidance of $1.8 billion.
On May 19, Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE:EXP) stated that the company remains committed to enhancing shareholder value and returning excess cash through a share repurchase program. Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE:EXP) has invested around $956 million in dividends and share repurchases and $700 million in acquisitions during the last three fiscal years. Eagle Materials Inc.’s (NYSE:EXP) management has authorized a repurchase of another 7.5 million common stock shares.
Investment management firm L1 Capital shared its stance on Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE:EXP) in its Q4 2021. Here’s what the firm said:
“Adjustments to the portfolio were relatively modest and centred on some of the smaller positions. Within the Top 10 holdings, there were two additions and two exits, although both companies that exited the Top 10 remain meaningful positions. Eagle Materials returned to the Top 10 due to relative outperformance, with the share price increasing 27% (in USD). Eagle Materials is one of the portfolio’s businesses exposed to the U.S. new residential, repair and renovation and infrastructure sectors, all of which have a robust outlook.”
4. Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASO)
Soros Fund Management’s Stake Value: $8,215,000
Percentage of Soros Fund Management’s 13F Portfolio: 0.12%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of December 31: 47
PE Ratio (TTM): 7.12
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASO) is a sporting goods chain with over 250 stores across 16 states in America.
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASO) posted an EPS Normalized Actual of $1.61 for Q1 2022, beating the analysts’ estimates by $0.24. Moreover, the company also beat the revenue estimates by $39.17 million. On May 11, Beth Reed at Truist issued a Buy rating on Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASO) stock with a price target of $53. The analyst highlighted that the company’s active living trends and other initiatives are expected to yield multi-year margin benefits. Reed stated that Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASO) “multiple is attractive at 7.5-times expected 12-months forward earnings.”
3. Columbia Banking System, Inc. (NASDAQ:COLB)
Soros Fund Management’s Stake Value: $7,691,000
Percentage of Soros Fund Management’s 13F Portfolio: 0.11%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of December 31: $28.78
PE Ratio (TTM): 10.30
Columbia Banking System, Inc. (NASDAQ:COLB) is a regional bank in the Northwest that provides banking solutions to businesses and individuals in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
In a note issued to investors on May 2, Matthew Clark at Piper Sandler reiterated a Neutral rating on Columbia Banking System, Inc. (NASDAQ:COLB) stock but lowered the target price on Columbia Banking Systems from $35 to $31, reflecting a potential upside of 7.7% from the last closing price. The analyst sees a “wait-and-see approach” to the merger with Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:UMPQ) and anticipates Columbia Banking System, Inc. (NASDAQ:COLB) stock to trade at a discount compared to its peers, making it a value stock.
2. CI Financial Corp. (NYSE:CIXX)
Soros Fund Management’s Stake Value: $6,980,000
Percentage of Soros Fund Management’s 13F Portfolio: 0.1%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of December 31: 17
PE Ratio (TTM): 6.90
CI Financial Corp. (NYSE:CIXX) is a Toronto, Ontario-based biggest investment management firm in terms of asset under management (AUM) in Canada.
As of March 31, 2022, CI Financial Corp. (NYSE:CIXX) reported an AUM of C$145 billion, up from C$138.5 billion during the last year. The company’s total assets saw a growth of 54% in March. CI Financial Corp. (NYSE:CIXX) also completed the acquisitions of LLC of Newport Beach, Galapagos Partners, and Corient Capital Partners in April. In a note issued to investors on May 16, Scott Chan at Canaccord kept a Buy rating on CI Financial Corp. (NYSE:CIXX), with a price target of C$23.5.
As of Q1 2022, the total assets of CI Financial Corp. (NYSE:CIXX) stood at $369.8 billion, and the company saw net redemptions of $1.2 billion.
1. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (NYSE:ZIM)
Soros Fund Management’s Stake Value: $6,544,000
Percentage of Soros Fund Management’s 13F Portfolio: 0.09%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders as of December 31: 33
PE Ratio (TTM): 1.35
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (NYSE:ZIM) is an Israeli cargo shipping company and is considered one of the top 20 global carriers, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia.
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (NYSE:ZIM) stock can be considered a bet on the shipping industry, which is under heavy pressure as ports are backlogged, resulting in significant supply chain disruptions across the globe. China is responsible for 12% of global trade. Once the COVID-19-related restrictions are eased, the supply-chain-related issues are expected to subside. According to experts, the value of goods facing disruption stands at around $22 trillion. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (NYSE:ZIM) is a stock with a single-digit P/E ratio and a double-digit earnings growth, which makes it a deep value stock.
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (NYSE:ZIM) was mentioned in the Q2 2021 investor letter of Evermore Global Advisors. Here’s what the investment management firm said:
“ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM) was the largest contributor to the Fund’s performance during the second quarter. With a market cap of $5.2 billion, ZIM is an Israel-based containership operator that had its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange this past January. As a reminder, we discussed ZIM at length in the Q1 2021 quarterly commentary as one of the new investments that we initiated during that period.
There were several notable developments during the second quarter. Given the company’s unique asset light business model and targeted, global niche approach, ZIM continued to generate exceptionally strong cash flows. ZIM ended the period with approximately $1.25 billion in cash and about $915 million in net debt. Due to the strong operational performance, the company further strengthened its balance sheet by redeeming its Series 1 and Series 2 unsecured notes due in 2023. With the early redemption of the unsecured notes, ZIM was no longer subject to certain dividend restrictions, and it declared a special dividend of $2 per share, which will be payable on Sept 15th (goes ex on August 24th). Lastly, management revised its 2021 fullyear EBITDA guidance from $1.4 – 1.6 billion to $2.5 – $2.7 billion, which was a sizeable increase compared to the levels set last March. To that end, we continue to have high conviction in our position in ZIM.”
You can also take a peek at the 7 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Bill Ackman and 10 LNG Shipping Stocks to Buy Now.
