Billionaire Dan Loeb’s Strategic Shift: From AT&T to Nvidia in AI Investments

In the complex machinery of Wall Street, data serves as the lifeblood; however, the vast volume of information risk dilutes its utility, occasionally allowing significant developments to evade the discerning investor.

On August 14, institutional investors managing at least $100 million in assets were compelled to submit Form 13F to the Securities and Exchange Commission. This document serves as a beacon, illuminating the trading activities of some of the shrewdest fund managers, though it is not without its flaws, sometimes presenting information that lags behind real-time market dynamics.

One such prominent figure captured within these filings is Dan Loeb, the billionaire founder of Third Point. As of mid-2025, Loeb was steering investments across 51 securities, collectively valued at over $7.6 billion. Notably, while his interest in small- and mid-cap equities frequently garners attention, this recent quarter showcased a more conspicuous maneuver into high-profile enterprises.

Third Point’s Disengagement from AT&T

During the second quarter, Third Point reported a reduction of 12 positions, culminating in the complete divestiture of ten holdings, most notably the 3,775,000 shares of AT&T (T) that were jettisoned.

The decision to divest from AT&T can credibly be attributed to conventional profit-taking behavior. Within Loeb’s portfolio, the average security is typically retained for less than 15 months, underscoring a propensity to capitalize on favorable market movements.

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Analyzing Loeb’s transactional history with AT&T reveals critical insights: the shares were initially acquired in the first quarter, only to be entirely divested in the subsequent quarter. This pattern aligns with a broader trend where safe-haven stocks, such as AT&T, found favor amidst tariff uncertainties. Nevertheless, as momentum shifted towards growth-oriented equities from mid-April onward, it is apparent that Loeb is redirecting his focus toward assets with greater upside potential.

Moreover, the valuation framework applied to AT&T may have played a significant role in this decision-making. Despite reporting a relatively modest forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 13.3, this figure must be viewed in tandem with AT&T’s stagnant growth profile, which features an average forward P/E multiple of 8.3 over the past five years. This broad disparity raises validity concerns regarding the attractiveness of its valuation.

While AT&T’s stock has surged significantly from its summer lows in 2023, the company has made strides in enhancing balance sheet agility, such as divesting its content arm, Time Warner, in April 2022, and employing operational cash flows to mitigate debt levels. These actions have bolstered AT&T’s position to undertake more aggressive strategic moves.

Operationally, AT&T continues to exhibit stable growth metrics. Although it will unlikely rival the growth trajectories of major technology firms, the expansion of 5G networks has precipitated a consistent uptick in high-margin wireless data consumption. Additionally, the busier operator has experienced a rebound in net broadband additions, fostering a lucrative environment for high-margin service bundling.

Dan Loeb’s Commitment to Nvidia: A Strategic Pivot

Conversely, the allure of emerging technologies is reshaping Loeb’s investment strategy. In the second quarter, an additional 16 new securities were acquired alongside increased stakes in 13 existing holdings. Among these, the ascendant AI powerhouse, Nvidia (NVDA), stands out as a particularly compelling acquisition.

In a striking development, Third Point had negligible investments in Nvidia from July 1, 2023, up until the end of 2024. However, in a brisk period spanning the first half of 2025, Loeb fastidiously amassed 1,450,000 shares in the first quarter followed by an additional 1,350,000 shares in the second quarter. This rapid accumulation propels Nvidia to the status of Third Point’s third-largest holding.

One potential motivating factor for this decisive leap could be attributed to Nvidia’s price corrections earlier in the year, which provided an advantageous entry point for discerning investors, including Loeb. The ephemeral market turmoil, sparked by significant policy announcements and geopolitical tensions, has proven fortuitous for those acting promptly.

Furthermore, Loeb’s enthusiasm can be partly ascribed to Nvidia’s dominance in the AI hardware landscape. The forthcoming deployment of advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) through Nvidia’s Hopper (H100) and Blackwell architecture is anticipated to maintain its preeminent position in high-performance computing environments.

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Moreover, the sustained loyalty of Nvidia’s clientele is reinforced by the utility of its CUDA software platform, which remains a critical tool for developers manipulating these high-performance GPUs. This could serve as a stabilizing anchor amidst the dynamic landscape of technological advancement.

The potential upside in AI market momentum is substantial; Nvidia’s renewed capability to export AI chips to China presents lucrative avenues for revenue, underpinning the possibility of sustaining a compelling growth rate of 20% to 30% annually.

However, it is pertinent to acknowledge some historical challenges associated with technological adoption cycles. The past three decades highlight an unsettling trend; nearly every transformative technology has faced an initial bubble that ruptured under strain. Similarly, as enterprises work to optimize their AI investments, the specter of an AI bubble looms, which could lead to significant depreciation in Nvidia’s valuations should market conditions deteriorate.

Additionally, it is crucial to consider competitive pressures facing Nvidia. Many of its largest customers have begun to develop proprietary AI-GPUs for exclusive usage within their data centers. This trend could jeopardize Nvidia’s market share, indicating that its enduring dominance may not be guaranteed in the face of evolving industry dynamics.

In conclusion, while Dan Loeb’s strategic pivot from AT&T to Nvidia illustrates a calculated realignment towards high-growth sectors, investors must remain vigilant about the inherent risks and volatility associated with emergent technologies. The dual nature of the market-stability versus innovation-continues to challenge and shape investment strategies moving forward. 📈

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2025-09-08 10:30