In this article, we discuss Ken Griffin Stock Portfolio: Top 12 Stock Picks.
Always play offense and invest opportunistically during the market selloff. That’s the ethos that drives Ken Griffin, the billionaire investor behind one of the most successful hedge funds on Wall Street, Citadel Investment Group. That was evident as his hedge fund successfully navigated the April market chaos, generating a 1.3% return as the overall market tanked close to bearish territory.
Amid the market turmoil triggered by the US trade and tariff war, Citadel allocated more capital to its portfolio managers to capitalize on market pullbacks.
“As I’ve always said, an opinion without a position is still just an opinion,” Griffin said. “This is a job that each and every day you have to act with conviction. You need to lay it on the line and translate your opinion into a position.”
Citadel’s founder and chief executive officer has consistently maintained that playing defense is a losing strategy in turbulent markets. According to the legendary investor, it is better to hold on to cash during uncertainties rather than join the crowd in piling into assets often deemed as low-risk.
The investment strategy is clearly articulated in Citadel’s portfolio, given the significant investment in assets that withstand chaos rather than hiding in so-called safe havens. Consequently, the hedge fund has a solid inclination towards technology stocks that are benefiting from the artificial intelligence boom. Additionally, it is heavily invested in the healthcare and financial services sectors.
Griffin’s active, risk-neutral strategy has historically delivered strong performance. That was evident as the hedge fund’s flagship fund, Wellington, gained 15.1% in 2024, while the Tactical Trading fund returned 22.3%.
With the overall equity market at all-time highs amid uncertainties triggered by the trade war and anticipation of interest rate cuts, let’s look at Ken Griffin’s stock portfolio: top stock picks.
Ken Griffin of Citadel Investment Group
Our Methodology
To come up with our list of Ken Griffin’s stock portfolio: top stock picks, we scanned the Citadel Investment Group’s Q2 2025 13F portfolio filings. We focused on the hedge fund’s biggest holdings by equity stake and provided insights into their popularity among elite hedge funds in Q2 2025. We also provided insights on why they stand out as a buy. Finally, we ranked the stocks in ascending order based on the value of Citadel Investment Group equity stakes in them.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is straightforward: our research has demonstrated that we can outperform the market by replicating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
Ken Griffin Stock Portfolio: Top Stock Picks
12. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T)
Citadel Investment Group Equity Stake: $635.59 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 83
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is one of the top stock picks in Ken Griffin’s stock portfolio. On August 27, ratings firm Moody’s reiterated that the stock is an investment-grade, issuing a Baa2 rating. The positive rating comes on the wireless company inking an agreement to acquire spectrum from EchoStar Corporation for approximately $23 billion.
The telecommunication giant is to acquire 30 MHz of nationwide 3.45 GHz mid-band spectrum and 20 MHz of nationwide 600 MHz low-band spectrum. The ratings company expects AT&T to reduce its debt ratio to 3.5 times or less within two years, once the $23 billion deal closes.
AT&T expects the spectrum acquisition to enable it to advance its convergence strategy while maintaining its $20 billion capital return objective. The robust revenue growth is expected to allow the company to achieve significant operational efficiencies.
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a global telecommunications company that provides a range of connectivity services to consumers and businesses, including wireless and mobile phone services, fiber internet, and 5G networks.
11. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)
Citadel Investment Group Equity Stake: $665.14 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 119
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is one of the top stock picks in Ken Griffin’s portfolio. On August 27, BMO Capital reiterated its ‘Outperform’ rating with a $840 price target for the stock. The positive stance comes on the pharmaceutical giant delivering positive ATTAIN-2 clinical trial results for the weight loss drug orforglipron.
The ATTAIN-2 study showed peak placebo-adjusted weight loss of 8.3% in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. The positive results have set up orforglipron for a potential US Food and Drug Administration filing by the end of the year.
BMO Capital remains confident that orforglipron has the potential to strengthen Eli Lilly’s prospects in the weight loss market. It thus expects the company’s shares to trade higher as investors’ expectations have been reset following the previous ATTAIN-1 results.
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets prescription medicines to improve human health, with a focus on therapeutic areas such as diabetes, oncology, immunology, and neuroscience.
10. McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD)
Citadel Investment Group Equity Stake: $777.57 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 78
McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is one of the top stock picks in Ken Griffin’s portfolio. On August 27, the company strengthened its financial position by issuing $1.3 billion in medium-term notes.
The leading global fast-food chain issued $550 million of 4.400% medium-term notes due 2031 and $750 million of 5% medium-term notes due 2036. The strategic move is part of an ongoing medium-term notes program outlined last year. Additionally, the issuance allows the company to secure long-term financing at fixed interest rates.
The 4.4% and 5% medium-term notes underscore McDonald’s commitment to maintaining a robust financial strategy, thereby ensuring financial liquidity and flexibility. The issuance of the notes will enable the company to raise much-needed capital to support its strategic initiatives.
McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is a global restaurant company that operates and franchises quick-service restaurants worldwide. It serves millions of customers daily with a menu featuring popular items such as burgers, fries, and other fast food options.
9. Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ)
Citadel Investment Group Equity Stake: $783.48 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 49
Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is one of the top stock picks in Ken Griffin’s stock portfolio. On August 20, JPMorgan reiterated that the company’s volume and sales growth is poised to outperform most US food peers.
Consequently, the investment bank has resumed coverage of the stock with an Overweight rating and a $75 price target. The positive stance is also in response to the company’s robust global footprint and focus on the snacking category.
JPMorgan has echoed Mondelez’s strong track record in conducting successful mergers and acquisitions. The activities have only allowed the company to scale its business and manufacturing platforms. In addition, the investment bank expects the company to bounce back to accelerated growth as inflation eases, based on the decisive pricing actions.
Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is a global company that produces and sells snacks, confectionery, and beverages, operating in over 150 countries with well-known brands such as Oreo, Ritz, Cadbury, and Toblerone.
8. The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD)
Citadel Investment Group Equity Stake: $784.63 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 93
The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE: HD) is one of the top stock picks in Ken Griffin’s portfolio. On August 25, the company extended the expiration date of its tender offer for the proposed acquisition of GMS Inc. for $110 a share.
The offer is now set to expire on September 3, 2025. The additional time from August 22 2025 is poised to give the company extra time to satisfy remaining conditions under the Canadian Competition Act. As of the previous expiration date, only 29.31 million shares representing 77% of the GMS outstanding shares had been tendered for and not withdrawn.
Additionally, the proposed acquisition of GMS remains subject to regulatory approval. Home Depot is pushing to acquire the building products distributor as it seeks to strengthen its prospects in the market for professional contractors. It follows the $18 billion landmark acquisition of SRS Distribution, which allowed it to win a larger share of the massive professional contractor segment.
The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) is the world’s largest home improvement retailer, operating over 2,300 stores that offer a wide selection of tools, building materials, appliances, and services for both DIY and professional projects. The company sells products for home repair and construction, offers contractor supplies and professional services, and provides rentals for tools and equipment.
7. Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ:TXN)
Citadel Investment Group Equity Stake: $785.66 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 68
Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ:TXN) is one of the top stock picks in Ken Griffin’s portfolio. On August 21, the company confirmed that its semiconductors are enabling radar imaging and scientific exploration payloads for the NASA-Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, known as NISAR.
The milestone follows a recent launch into orbit and is a result of a decade-long partnership between Texas Instruments and ISRO. The two have been working together to optimize the performance of the electronic systems responsible for the Earth observation mission.
According to Shri Nilesh Desai, Director, Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Texas Instruments enabled the space agency to navigate complex payload requirements with ease. The company provided analog-to-digital converters with ultra-high sampling rates and high resolution, allowing the satellite’s payload to generate high-resolution radar imagery.
Texas Instruments also provided high-performance interface technology, enabling high-speed data transfer between satellite subsystems for reliable communication.
“A deeply coupled partnership, specifically focused on high-impact mixed signal and analog semiconductors, enabled ISRO to meet the system-level requirements for a satellite in low Earth orbit. Together, we achieved the space-grade performance standards needed for this important mission,” said Desai.
Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ:TXN) is a semiconductor company that designs, manufactures, tests, and sells analog and embedded processing chips, which are the essential building blocks for electronic systems in various markets, including industrial, automotive, and personal electronics.
6. Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT)
Citadel Investment Group Equity Stake: $853.99 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62
Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) is one of the top stock picks in Ken Griffin’s portfolio. On August 25, analysts at TD Cowen reiterated a ‘Buy’ rating on the stock and a $106 price target. The bullish stance comes as the research firm remains optimistic about the company’s coverage for renal denervation (RDN) therapy.
The company’s letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) affirms alignment on RDN coverage terms. The research firm is optimistic that the CMS will establish broad-based coverage for RDN in its final decision in October. A favorable final decision would be a significant tailwind for Medtronic in unlocking new growth opportunities.
TD Cowen insists Medtronic is staring at a tremendous opportunity with the RDN therapy, given that approximately half of the 18 million US patients with uncontrolled hypertension are Medicare patients. Therefore, they represent a significant market that the company can target. The company has already secured favorable Medicare reimbursement for RDN.
Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) is a global healthcare technology company that develops and manufactures medical devices and therapies to treat a wide range of health conditions, including cardiac devices, robotics for cranial and spine surgery, and insulin pumps. By combining medical science with technology, the company aims to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life, treating approximately 75 million people annually.
5. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)
Citadel Investment Group Equity Stake: $985.24 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 294
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is one of the top stock picks in Ken Griffin’s stock portfolio. On August 28, the company started cracking the whip on employees participating in demonstrations against the firm’s ties to the Israeli military as the Gaza siege wages.
The company has already fired two employees for allegedly taking part in a sit-in at the office, which it terms as a grave breach of the company’s policies. The employees were part of the No Azure Apartheid protest that is demanding Microsoft cut ties with Israel.
There have been claims that the Israeli military is using Microsoft’s cloud solution Azure to store countless recordings of mobile phone calls made by Palestinians in Gaza. Investigations conducted by the Guardian also revealed that Israel relies on Microsoft’s cloud for expansive surveillance of Palestinians.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) develops and supports software, services, devices, and solutions worldwide. Its Intelligent Cloud segment provides Server products and cloud services, such as Azure and other cloud services.
4. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)
Citadel Investment Group Equity Stake: $986.68 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 124
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is one of the top stock picks in Ken Griffin’s portfolio. On August 27, the company reiterated its focus on strengthening its technology team with the rehiring of Ofer Harduf from venture capital firm Fifth Wall.
Harduf joins a growing list of technology experts that JPMorgan has hired in recent years as it moves to strengthen its merger and acquisition group on the West Coast. It has already tapped Mark Garcia as vice chair and global head of semiconductors, Eric Quanbeck as managing director and head of applied technology, and Brett Miller as managing director and co-head of enterprise and cloud.
The increased focus on technology gurus comes as JPMorgan sees soaring momentum in winning advisory mandates in the technology sector. Its services have already been engaged in Palo Alto Networks’ $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is a leader in investment banking, commercial banking, and financial transaction processing and asset management. It serves millions of customers, predominantly in the US, and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional, and government clients globally.
3. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW)
Citadel Investment Group Equity Stake: $995.71 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 65
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW) is one of the top stock picks in Ken Griffin’s portfolio. On August 20, analysts at Leerink Partners reiterated a ‘Market Perform’ rating and hiked the stock’s price target to $85 from $84. The price target hike comes as the stock outperforms the overall market, rallying by 11% year to date.
In addition, the research firm increased the price target, impressed by the company’s commitment to returning value to shareholders. Edward Lifesciences is fresh from announcing an accelerated $500 million share repurchase program. The new plan will bring the company’s year-to-date repurchases to more than $800 million.
Following the buybacks, the total number of Edward Lifesciences’ diluted shares will drop to the low end of management’s guidance of 585-590 million for 2025. Leerink Partners expects the company to deliver earnings of $2.48 for 2025 but has increased its 2026-2028 adjusted earnings per share estimates by $0.02.
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) develops and sells patient-focused medical innovations, including transcatheter heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring systems for the treatment of structural heart disease and critical care. It also collaborates with healthcare professionals to develop breakthrough technologies that enhance patient lives and outcomes for individuals with cardiovascular disease and other critical illnesses.
2. Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)
Citadel Investment Group Equity Stake: $1.17 Billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 335
Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) is one of the top stock picks in Ken Griffin’s portfolio. On August 27, the company reiterated plans to integrate its grocery business more closely. Consequently, it plans to extend corporate staff programs, including pay structure and benefits to employees at its Whole Foods chain supermarkets.
The consolidation will see the e-commerce giant offering a 10% discount code on Amazon merchandise to Whole Foods employees. The employees will also gain access to the company’s online portal that offers deals on phone plans, car insurance, travel, and entertainment. The move is part of an effort to streamline collaboration across divisions.
The integration also comes as Amazon increasingly sharpens its focus on its grocery offerings in the US. It’s also expanding its Prime fast-delivery option to perishable food items. It’s also expanding its grocery offerings to new cities to better compete against Walmart, Kroger, and Instacart. Amazon is also in the process of investing $4 billion in expanding its delivery network in the US by the end of 2026.
Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) engages in the retail sale of consumer products, advertising, and subscription services through online and physical stores. It also offers cloud computing services through Amazon Web Services.
1. NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA)
Citadel Investment Group Equity Stake: $1.28 Billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 235
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is one of the top stock picks in Ken Griffin’s portfolio. On August 28, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Colette Kress, reiterated that the US government has yet to formalize the 15% tariff payment on Chinese AI sales.
Consequently, the company won’t be able to make any payments as it will pose legal risks. The remarks come as the US government has failed to implement regulations that require the chipmaker to make the payments. If the proposed 15% commission on AI chips is not codified, Nvidia will be able to proceed with China sales without paying any commission.
“We have been communicating,” she said. “If nothing shows up, I’ve got licenses. I don’t have to do this 15% until I see something that is a true regulatory document.”
Nvidia finds itself at the center of a geopolitical standoff between Beijing and Washington over the sale of chips needed to power artificial intelligence models. Previous restrictions have blocked the US chipmaker from selling its AI processors to China, denying it a key revenue stream.
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is a semiconductor company that provides graphics, compute, and networking solutions. The Compute & Networking segment includes its Data Centre accelerated computing platforms, artificial intelligence solutions and software, networking solutions, automotive platforms, and autonomous and electric vehicle solutions.
While we acknowledge the potential of NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVDA and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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