Retail

Ackman: Herbalife “A Pyramid Scheme”

Nutrition Supplement
Source: Thinkstock
Hedge fund manager William Ackman of Pershing Square Capital Management told CNBC today that he has taken a short position in nutrition and weight loss product maker Herbalife Inc. (NYSE: HLF). Shares of Herbalife were halted temporarily as the price plunged.

Ackman called the company “a pyramid scheme,” according to a report at The Wall Street Journal. Later today he is expected to tell a conference audience his reasons for shorting Herbalife stock.

In May of this year, David Einhorn of hedge fund Greenlight Capital, sought answers to questions about the way distributors account for the products that Herbalife ships to them. Herbalife countered with a $428 million share buyback, but that didn’t stop the stock’s collapse. The Securities and Exchange Commission asked Herbalife for answers to the same questions in August.

Shares of Herbalife closed down 12.1% today at $37.34 after posting a new 52-week low of $35.95 earlier today. Shares are down another 0.9% in after-hours trading, at $37.01.

Paul Ausick

Essential Tips for Investing: Sponsored

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.