From Master-Planned Communities to Modern-Day Berkshire? Ackman's Real Estate Gamble Leaves Wall Street Scratching Their Heads

Houston We Have a Problem...Or Do We?

Alright darlings let's talk about money. You know that thing that buys us shoes cosmos and the occasional escape from reality. Word on Wall Street is that Bill Ackman the man who probably has more shoes than my closet can handle (and that's saying something) is shaking things up at Howard Hughes Holdings. Apparently he wants to turn this real estate developer into a 'modern day' Berkshire Hathaway. As I was thinking is this fabulous or a complete faux pas? I mean isn't real estate juicy enough? It's like ordering a salad and then deciding you want to add motor oil. Why?

From Bricks to Berkshire: A Real Estate Makeover?

JPMorgan isn't exactly throwing confetti. They've downgraded Howard Hughes citing Ackman's plan to use the company's newfound cash to invest outside of real estate – maybe even into insurance! Remember when Miranda got into law? Everyone thought she was crazy but she ended up being a total rockstar. But I cannot help but wonder is Ackman the new Miranda of the finance world or is he just leading us down a path paved with uncertainty? A diversified holding company? It sounds like a complicated relationship – exciting at first but likely to end in tears (and maybe a designer handbag tossed across the room).

The Insurance Angle: Is Geico the New Black?

Ackman is reportedly eyeing an insurance company which he hopes will mirror Berkshire Hathaway's success with Geico. Insurance? I mean I get it. It's like a safety net for your stilettos. But is it *sexy*? I cannot help but wonder will we see Ackman sporting a Geico gecko pin at his next gala? Or will he stick to his power ties and furrowed brow? Either way it's a bold move. Remember what happened to Charlotte when she tried to be 'daring' with her wardrobe? Let's just say not every risk pays off in Manolos.

Wall Street's Verdict: Uncertain Outlook or Fabulous Opportunity?

JPMorgan believes the fate of Howard Hughes' stock now hinges on Ackman's future investments. Translation: it's a gamble darling! And what are the odds? Suddenly the stock price which let's be honest most of us only glance at before heading to brunch depends on investments we know nothing about. It's like dating a guy who refuses to tell you what he does for a living. Intriguing yes but also incredibly stressful.

Price Target Down: A Fashion Faux Pas?

Adding insult to injury (or a crack in our favorite compact) JPMorgan slashed its year end price target on Howard Hughes. Ouch. It’s like finding out your vintage Chanel bag is a fake. They lowered it by more than 7% to $76 per share. Although it's still 14% higher than the current price which proves even Wall Street can have its 'I hate you I love you' moments right? It’s complicated just like trying to decide which pair of shoes to wear to a first date.

Down But Not Out: Will Howard Hughes Rise Again?

Howard Hughes shares have taken a tumble. It's been a rough year but remember even the most fabulous of us have our down days. It's giving me flashbacks to when Big left me at the altar. A disaster? Absolutely. Did I survive? You betcha and I'm wearing a killer outfit to prove it. The question now is can Howard Hughes pull a Carrie Bradshaw and reinvent itself? Only time (and maybe a few cosmos) will tell.