13F: George Soros with new strategic buy in Smurfit WestRock PLC.

Insights from the latest 13F filing for the third quarter of 2024
George Soros (Trades, Portfolio), the renowned financier and chairman of Soros Fund Management LLC, recently disclosed his investment activities for the third quarter of 2024 through the latest 13F filing. Born in 1930 in Budapest, Soros is known for his profound influence on global financial markets. His investment philosophy is based on the concept of “reflexivity,” a theory suggesting that the biases of market participants can affect market prices and broader economic conditions. This approach has led Soros to significant success, particularly during his speculative attack on the British pound in 1992. After converting his hedge fund into a family office in 2011, Soros continues to actively participate in financial markets, focusing on the inherent chaos and opportunities within them.

George Soros makes strategic move with 6.25% stake in Smurfit WestRock PLC
Summary of New Purchases
George Soros (Trades, Portfolio) strategically expanded his portfolio by adding 55 new stocks in the third quarter of 2024. Among the notable new positions are:

• Smurfit WestRock PLC (NYSE:SW), with a large acquisition of 6,896,971 shares, representing 6.25% of the portfolio, valued at $340.85 million.
• iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV), with 215,000 shares, accounting for 2.27% of the portfolio, valued at $124.02 million.
• Global Payments Inc (NYSE:GPN), with 460,000 shares, representing 0.86% of the portfolio, valued at $47.11 million.

Key Position Increases
Additionally, Soros significantly increased his stakes in some existing companies:

• Financial Select Sector SPDR (XLF), with an additional 2,787,730 shares, bringing the total to 2,800,000 shares. This represents a 22,719.89% increase in shares and impacts 2.32% of the portfolio, valued at $126.90 million.
• GFL Environmental Inc (NYSE:GFL), with an additional 2,618,589 shares, increasing the total to 3,156,327 shares. This represents a 486.96% increase in shares, valued at $125.87 million.

Summary of Fully Sold Positions
In the third quarter of 2024, Soros completely exited 54 positions, including:

• SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), selling all 450,000 shares, impacting the portfolio by -5.6%.
• WestRock Co (WRK), liquidating all 3,342,953 shares, leading to an impact of -3.84% on the portfolio.

Key Position Reductions
Soros also reduced his holdings in several companies:

• Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) was reduced by 397,052 shares, a decrease of -43.4%, impacting the portfolio by -1.65%. The shares traded at an average price of $167.74 during the quarter.
• ChampionX Corp (NASDAQ:CHX) saw a reduction of 1,667,062 shares, a decrease of -67.63%, impacting the portfolio by -1.26%. The shares traded at an average price of $31.58 during the quarter.

Portfolio Overview
As of the third quarter of 2024, Soros’ portfolio includes 154 stocks. The largest positions are:

• 6.25% in Smurfit WestRock PLC (NYSE:SW)
• 3.79% in AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN)
• 2.76% in AerCap Holdings NV (NYSE:AER)
• 2.54% in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA)
• 2.33% in Financial Select Sector SPDR (XLF)

The investments span all 11 sectors, with significant concentrations in industries such as consumer cyclicals, healthcare, and technology.