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We recently compiled a list of the Billionaire Mason Hawkins' Top 15 Long-Term Stock Picks. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) stands against the other stocks.
Mason Hawkins is a prominent figure in the world of value investing, best known as the founder and chairman of Southeastern Asset Management, an investment firm established in 1975. The firm began with a modest pool of assets but grew to manage approximately $20 billion within a few years. With decades of experience and a reputation for disciplined investment strategies, Hawkins has earned widespread respect among investors and financial professionals for his long-term approach to wealth creation. His firm specializes in managing concentrated portfolios based on in-depth research, fundamental analysis, and a value-oriented philosophy. Hawkins believes that patience and a contrarian mindset are critical to success, often holding onto investments for years to allow their true value to emerge.
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This strategy has been central to the success of the flagship Longleaf Partners Funds run by Southeastern Asset Management. For example, during the 20 years leading up to the mid-2000s, the fund achieved an annualized return of approximately 12%, compared to around 10% for the S&P 500. A native of Tennessee, Hawkins graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Finance and later earned his MBA from the University of Georgia. His early career included roles at Atlantic National Bank and First Tennessee Investment Management before he decided to establish Southeastern Asset Management. Under his leadership, the firm grew from managing a small pool of assets to overseeing billions of dollars across various funds.
One hallmark of the investment style made popular by Hawkins is his emphasis on what he calls a "margin of safety." This concept, pioneered by Benjamin Graham, involves purchasing stocks at a significant discount to their estimated intrinsic value. By doing so, Hawkins aims to minimize downside risk while maximizing potential returns. This disciplined approach has helped Southeastern Asset Management weather multiple market cycles, including challenging periods like the dot-com bubble and the 2008 financial crisis. Hawkins focuses on quality rather than quantity, reflected in the 13F portfolio of his fund that typically holds positions in twenty to thirty stocks, highlighting a preference for concentration rather than diversification. This approach allows the firm to take significant positions in companies it believes in, leading to outsized returns when these investments succeed.