Billionaire Israel Englander's Big Moves: Selling Nvidia and Palantir, Buying Archer Aviation

In the dynamic world of investing, billionaire hedge fund manager Israel Englander, co-founder of Millennium Management, has made significant moves in the third quarter of 2024. Englander, known for his astute investment decisions, has reduced his stakes in artificial intelligence (AI) giants Nvidia and Palantir while increasing his position in an under-owned growth opportunity, electric aircraft maker Archer Aviation. These strategic shifts offer valuable insights into Englander's investment philosophy and the broader market sentiment towards AI stocks.

Englander's decision to sell portions of his stakes in Nvidia and Palantir can be largely attributed to their high valuations. Despite the potential of AI to disrupt industries, an important lesson for investors is that valuation matters. Nvidia's P/E ratio of 46.57 and Palantir's P/E ratio of 42.91 reflect astronomical valuations, which leave less room for error, even for promising businesses. This strategic move by Englander appears to be a valuation call, reducing exposure to overbought markets.

While Englander's sale of these AI stocks may seem concerning, it's important to note that he maintained put and call options on both stocks. This approach suggests that he believes in the long-term potential of these AI stocks but wants to protect against short-term market volatility. By maintaining options, Englander can profit if the stocks rebound or limit his losses if they decline. This strategic move aligns with his reputation for being one of the world's most astute investors, seeking to balance potential gains with risk management.

Archer Aviation, the electric aircraft maker that Englander has invested in, presents an attractive opportunity despite its high risk. Archer's electric aircraft, Midnight, can carry four passengers with minimal charge time, reducing traffic congestion and driving distance. The company has achieved key regulatory milestones, including receiving final airworthiness criteria from the FAA and conducting 400 test flights. Archer has also signed deals with Southwest Airlines and plans an air taxi network in Los Angeles, aiming for commercial flights in 2025. Wall Street analysts have a high average price target of $9.38, implying 88% upside, with the most bullish predicting a 151% upside. Therefore, Archer's innovative product, significant partnerships, and regulatory progress make it an attractive investment despite its high risk.



In conclusion, Israel Englander's strategic moves in the third quarter reflect his cautious approach towards overbought markets, as indicated by the high valuations of Nvidia and Palantir. By selling these positions and maintaining options, Englander reduces risk in his portfolio while still benefiting from the long-term potential of AI stocks. Additionally, his investment in Archer Aviation suggests a focus on under-owned growth opportunities in the electric aircraft sector. As investors, we can learn from Englander's balanced portfolio strategy, emphasizing the importance of valuation and risk management in today's market.