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 Farallon Capital Management, founded by Thomas Steyer in 1986, which employs a bottom-up fundamental investing strategy.
The company's reportable stock portfolio totaled $4.8 billion in value as of March 31, 2012.
Interesting developments
So what does Farallon's latest quarterly 13F filing tell us? Here are a few interesting details:
New holdings include Ultra Petroleum
Priceline.com has long seemed overpriced, while continuing to grow and frustrate doubters. Unbeknownst to many, it generates much of its revenue outside our borders -- more than half from troubled Europe alone. Imagine how much better it can do when Europe eventually gets its bearings back. Its profit margins are also huge -- and growing, with gross margin recently topping 72%, and net margin near 25%.
Among holdings in which Farallon increased its stake was Fuel Systems Solutions
Farallon reduced its stake in a lot of companies, including BP
Finally, Farallon unloaded several companies, such as satellite imagery company GeoEye
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, and 13-F forms can be great places to find intriguing candidates for our portfolios.
As good as Ultra Petroleum's odds may be, there is one energy stock that could boost your portfolio even more. In fact, it could be the only energy stock you'll ever need. It's a well-positioned equipment provider that's poised to make investors today rich off the next energy spike. Read more about it.