Every quarter, many money managers have to disclose what they've bought and sold, via "13F" filings. Their latest moves can shine a bright light on smart stock picks.
Today let's look at Gardner Russo & Gardner, a hedge fund company with a record that speaks for itself. Over the past 25 years, according to the folks at GuruFocus.com, it has posted a cumulative gain of about 2,341% versus 830% for the S&P 500. Over the past 10 full years, it gained 122% versus 35% for the S&P 500.
To get a sense of the company's investment style, look at its well-respected partner, Thomas Russo. He's known for favoring companies with strong free cash flow, robust balance sheets, and hefty returns on assets. He's also a value guy, aiming to buy such companies at undervalued prices.
Gardner Russo & Gardner's reportable stock portfolio totaled $6.4 billion in value as of June 30, 2012. The company's biggest holdings, representing nearly 30% of total assets, were Philip Morris International, Nestle, and Berkshire Hathaway. (Note that the company's holdings are not in just one fund, but spread out over various funds and accounts.)
Interesting developments
So what does Gardner Russo & Gardner's latest quarterly 13F filing tell us? Here are a few interesting details:
New holdings include Phillips 66
Falling close to 70% over the past year, Arch Coal, like its peers, has been stung by the global economic slowdown and low natural gas prices (which are partially tied to coal prices) -- to the point of having to reduce its dividend payout. It may be a long time before coal stocks are attractive again. Some are bullish, though, seeing gas prices inevitably rising, and demand for coal (and steel, which requires metallurgical coal) growing. Indeed, shares of Arch Coal recently jumped 24%, on better-than-expected earnings.
Among holdings in which Gardner Russo & Gardner increased its stake was agriculture, construction, and forestry titan Deere
Gardner Russo & Gardner reduced its stake in lots of companies, including Walgreen
Finally, Gardner Russo & Gardner unloaded several companies, such as Freeport-McMoRan
We should never blindly copy any investor's moves, no matter how talented the investor. But it can be useful to keep an eye on what smart folks are doing. 13F forms can be great places to find intriguing candidates for our portfolios.
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