Every quarter, fund managers have to disclose what they've bought and sold. Their latest moves can shine a bright light on smart stock picks.
Today, let's look at investing giant Donald Yacktman, who founded Yacktman Asset Management in 1992. He isn't as well-known as investors such as Buffett, Soros, Berkowitz, and the like, but his track record is right up there with them. Yacktman is a value investor, aiming to achieve the highest possible risk-adjusted long-term return on his investments. According to the folks at GuruFocus.com, Yacktman gained about 175% cumulatively over the past decade, compared with just 32% for the S&P 500.
The Yacktman portfolio totaled about $12 billion in value as of Dec. 31, with 64 holdings. The portfolio's top three holdings, representing about a third of its asset value, are News Corp., PepsiCo, and Procter & Gamble.
Interesting developments
So what does the latest Yacktman quarterly 13-F filing tell us? Here are a few interesting details:
A new holding is Bank of America
One company that Yacktman has increased its stake in is Corning
Another holding that has experienced a boost in shares held is Sysco
Meanwhile, Yacktman pared down its minimal Altria
Shares of Walgreen
Finally, Yacktman sold out of business information specialist Dun & Bradstreet entirely, perhaps due to the company's tough competition online and its modest revenue and earnings growth.
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. 13-F forms can be great places to find intriguing candidates for our portfolios.
Looking for promising investments? Check out our free special report -- " The Stocks Only the Smartest Investors Are Buying " -- and learn which stocks are appealing to Warren Buffett and other great investors.