N-CSRS
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number: 811-4923
Longleaf Partners Funds Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in
charter)
c/o Southeastern Asset Management, Inc.
6410 Poplar Avenue, Suite 900
Memphis, TN 38119
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Andrew R. McCarroll, Esq.
Southeastern Asset Management, Inc.
6410 Poplar Ave., Suite 900
Memphis, TN 38119
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrants telephone number,
including area code: (901) 761-2474
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2021.
Item 1(a). Longleaf Partners Funds Semi-Annual Report at June 30, 2021.
Semi-Annual Report
June 30, 2021
Partners Fund
Small-Cap Fund
International Fund
Global Fund
One of
Southeastern's “Governing Principles” is that “we will communicate with our investment partners as candidly as possible,” because we believe Longleaf shareholders benefit from understanding our investment philosophy and
approach. Our views and opinions regarding the investment prospects of our portfolio holdings and Funds are “forward looking statements” which may or may not be accurate over the long term. While we believe we have a reasonable basis for
our appraisals, and we have confidence in our opinions, actual results may differ materially from those we anticipate. Information provided in this report should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security.
You can identify forward looking statements by words like
“believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” or similar expressions when discussing prospects for particular portfolio holdings and/or one of the Funds. We cannot assure future results and achievements. You should not place
undue reliance on forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We disclaim any obligation to update or alter any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Current
performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted herein. Past performance does not guarantee future results, fund prices fluctuate, and the value of an investment may be worth more or less than the purchase price. Call (800) 445-9469 or go to southeasternasset.com for current performance information and for the Prospectus and Summary Prospectus, both of which should be read carefully before investing to learn about fund investment
objectives, risks and expenses. This material must be accompanied or preceded by a prospectus. Please read it carefully before investing.
The price-to-value ratio (“P/V”) is a calculation
that compares the prices of the stocks in a portfolio to Southeastern's appraisals of their intrinsic values. P/V represents a single data point about a Fund, and should not be construed as something more. P/V does not guarantee future results, and
we caution investors not to give this calculation undue weight. P/V alone tells nothing about:
•
|
The quality of the businesses
we own or the managements that run them; |
•
|
The cash held in the
portfolio and when that cash will be invested; |
•
|
The range or distribution of
individual P/V's that comprise the average; and |
•
|
The
sources of and changes in the P/V. |
When all of the above information is considered, the P/V is a
useful tool to gauge the attractiveness of a Fund's potential opportunity. It does not, however, tell when that opportunity will be realized, nor does it guarantee that any particular company's price will ever reach its value. We remind our
shareholders who want to find a single silver bullet of information that investments are rarely that simple. To the extent an investor considers P/V in assessing a Fund's return opportunity, the limits of this tool should be considered along with
other factors relevant to each investor.
Unless otherwise
noted, performance returns of Fund positions combine the underlying stock and bond securities including the effect of trading activity during the period.
Risks
The Longleaf Partners Funds are subject to stock market risk,
meaning stocks in the Fund may fluctuate in response to developments at individual companies or due to general market and economic conditions. Also, because the Funds generally invest in 15 to 25 companies, share value could fluctuate more than if a
greater number of securities were held. Mid-cap stocks held by the Funds may be more volatile than those of larger companies. With respect to the Small-Cap Fund, smaller company stocks may be more volatile with fewer financial resources than those
of larger companies. With respect to the International and Global Funds, investing in non- U.S. securities may entail risk due to non-U.S. economic and political developments, exposure to non-U.S. currencies, and different accounting and financial
standards. These risks may be higher when investing in emerging markets. Diversification does not eliminate the risk of experiencing investment losses.
Derivatives may involve certain costs and risks such as
liquidity, interest rate, market, credit, management, and the risk that a position could not be closed when most advantageous. Investing in derivatives could lose more than the amount invested.
Indexes
The S&P 500 Index is an index of 500 stocks chosen for
market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500 Value Index
constituents are drawn from the S&P 500 and are based on three factors: the ratios of book value, earnings, and sales to price.
The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the 2,000
smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 Index. The Russell 2000 Value index is drawn from the constituents of the Russell 2000 based on book-to-price
(B/P) ratio.
The MSCI EAFE Index (Europe, Australia, Far
East) is a broad based, unmanaged equity market index designed to measure the equity market performance of 21 developed markets, excluding the US & Canada.
The MSCI EAFE Value Index captures large and mid-cap securities
exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries around the world, excluding the US and Canada.
The MSCI World Index is a broad-based, unmanaged equity market
index designed to measure the equity market performance of 23 developed markets, including the United States.
The MSCI World Value Index captures large and mid-cap
securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across 23 Developed Markets countries.
An index cannot be invested in directly.
Definitions
An ETF is an exchange traded fund.
EBITDA is a company’s earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization.
Free Cash Flow (FCF) is a
measure of a company’s ability to generate the cash flow necessary to maintain operations. Generally, it is calculated as operating cash flow minus capital expenditures.
Internal rate of return (IRR) is the interest rate at which the
net present value of all the cash flows from an investment equal zero.
Price / Earnings (P/E) is the ratio of a company’s share
price compared to its earnings per share.
A 13D filing is
generally required for any beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of registered equity securities, and who are not able to claim an exemption for more limited filings due to an intent to change or influence control of the issuer.
© 2021
Southeastern Asset Management, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Longleaf, Longleaf Partners Funds and the pine cone logo are registered trademarks of Longleaf Partners Funds Trust.
Southeastern Asset Management, Inc.
is a registered trademark.
Funds distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Performance Summary
(Unaudited)
Average
Annual Returns for the Periods Ended June 30, 2021 |
|
YTD*
|
1
Year |
5
Year |
10
Year |
20
Year |
Since
Inception |
Partners
Fund (Inception 4/8/87) |
23.42%
|
62.43%
|
10.96%
|
7.55%
|
6.27%
|
10.25%
|
S&P
500 Index |
15.25
|
40.79
|
17.65
|
14.84
|
8.61
|
10.59
|
Small-Cap
Fund (Inception 2/21/89) |
13.88
|
63.54
|
9.60
|
10.21
|
9.86
|
10.74
|
Russell
2000 Index |
17.54
|
62.03
|
16.47
|
12.34
|
9.26
|
10.23
|
International
Fund (Inception 10/26/98) |
8.00
|
34.82
|
10.64
|
4.50
|
4.86
|
7.45
|
MSCI
EAFE Index |
8.83
|
32.35
|
10.28
|
5.89
|
5.78
|
5.62
|
Global
Fund (Inception 12/27/12) |
14.63
|
40.57
|
12.60
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
7.82
|
MSCI
World Index |
13.05
|
39.05
|
14.83
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
12.15
|
* |
Year-to-date (YTD) not
annualized. |
The indices are
unmanaged. During the inception year, the S&P 500 and the EAFE Index were available only at month-end; therefore the S&P 500 value at 3/31/87 and the EAFE value at 10/31/98 were used to calculate performance since inception. Returns reflect
reinvested capital gains and dividends but not the deduction of taxes an investor would pay on distributions or share redemptions. Performance data quoted represents past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. The
investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of a Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted.
Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by visiting southeasternasset.com.
As reported in the Prospectus dated May 1, 2021, the total
expense ratio for the Partners Fund is 1.03% (gross) and 0.79% (net). Through at least October 31, 2022, this expense ratio is subject to fee waiver to the extent the fund's normal annual operating expenses exceed 0.79% of average net assets. The
total expense ratio of the Small-Cap Fund is 0.96%. The total expense ratio for the International Fund is 1.20% (gross) and 1.15% (net). This expense ratio is subject to fee waiver to the extent the fund's normal annual operating expenses exceed
1.15% of average annual net assets. The total expense ratio for the Global Fund is 1.33% (gross) and 1.15% (net). This expense ratio is subject to fee waiver to the extent the fund's normal annual operating expenses exceed 1.15% of average annual
net assets. Please refer to the Financial Highlights within this report for the Funds' current expense ratio.
Management
Discussion (Unaudited)
Partners Fund
Longleaf
Partners Fund added 4.40% in the second quarter, taking year-to-date returns to 23.42%, while the S&P 500 returned 8.55% and 15.25% over the same periods. Almost every company was positive in the quarter. The portfolio’s cash position and
lack of information technology holdings together drove the majority of the relative performance drag in a period where growth stocks saw a (we believe temporary) rebound. Despite relative underperformance, it was a solid period for value per share
growth at our holdings.
We highlighted several
high-conviction companies in last quarter’s letter, and all saw positive progress. For example, Mattel reported another good quarter and is well on track to generating more free cash flow (FCF) this year than we initially expected. The company
also continues to announce new media projects - including tangible progress for Polly Pocket and Masters of the Universe in the quarter - to monetize the value of its intellectual property. Lumen management spoke publicly of its efforts to realize
value from its distinct parts, in line with the 13D that we filed at the end of last year. CNX Resources is taking advantage of gas price strength to lock in more FCF with accretive hedges. CK Hutchison began buying in stock in a material way, with
more than $460 million in shares repurchased YTD.
The
investments in the preceding paragraph have been long-term holdings, but what about our newer purchases? We have heard from long-time Southeastern/Longleaf observers who look at these stock charts and ask, “How can that still be cheap?”
We continue to focus on the importance of value growth and dynamically updating our appraisals. MGM for example has seen very strong value growth since our purchase last year as the company’s properties in the US have rebounded much stronger
than even the biggest optimists predicted. Management and the board have reduced risk by monetizing more of MGM’s holdings in MGM Growth Properties, its real estate subsidiary. There is still plenty of value to be added in the online division
as well. All this leads to a value per share that was in the $30s last year now approaching $50. The company remains attractively discounted, even after price appreciated 109% since we first bought the stock 10 months ago.
But price will always be important to us, no matter how great
qualitatively a business or people are or how nice it feels to have price and value momentum. We will gladly sell fully priced winners like Biogen, where positive news sent the company’s stock price to our appraisal in only a few short months,
as detailed later in this letter.
More broadly,
“value” had a pullback vs. “growth” in the second quarter on the back of lower interest rates and various other factors. Over the last year, we have seen interest rate consensus go from “low rates forever” for
most of 2020 to “rates are definitely going up” in February/March of 2021 to now what feels like magical goldilocks thinking for growth stocks in the 1-2% US 10-year range. While we cannot predict precisely what rates will do in the near
term, we welcome increased volatility on this all-important valuation input, especially after decades of gradual moves down have made things relatively harder for value-focused public equity investors.
It is also important to remember that, while what matters most
will always be our individual holdings, we do not expect value to ever go up in a straight line. The chart below illustrates that point well. It can be easy to forget that, even in the greatest value bull market of our lifetime that started in 2000,
there was a several month period after the initial turn in March/April in which growth fought back from similarly absurd relative valuations.
However, value ultimately prevailed (with even more ups and
downs in 2001-02), and the next several years looked like the previous 200 years for value. (Note the chart below is a reprint from our “Why We Believe Value Will Work Again” white paper published in December 2020.)
Joining the macro
with the stock specific, we continue to like our portfolios on both an earnings multiple and earnings growth basis vs. the growth and value parts of the index.
Contributors and Detractors
(Q2 Investment return; Q2 Fund contribution)
Biogen (51%, 1.78%), a biotechnology company specializing in
therapies for the treatment of neurological diseases, contributed in a way that warrants a longer than usual writeup. When we first began buying the company in early January, the stock scored well on all three Business, People and Price criteria,
but the range of outcomes was wider than most investments for us. On the business, while the company has had a leading position in neuroscience for decades, it had become a collection of assets that was hard for the stock market to value. This led
to most short-term investors focusing on year-over-year (YOY) earnings declines in 2021 and pipeline uncertainty. We focused most on strong cash flows from Biogen’s Multiple Sclerosis
franchise, a
growing yet hidden biosimilars business, and a pipeline that we believed was actually quite interesting and diversified beyond the manic market focus on Aducanumab, a proposed treatment for Alzheimer’s. On the people front, we also liked what
the board and management had been doing (large, discounted repurchases and prudent internal and external investments) and not doing (no big, dumb M&A or unsustainable dividends). Our single point appraisal was around $375/share, but we saw a
range at the low end of slightly above $250 if the pipeline totally failed or approaching $500 if the company saw a reasonable amount of pipeline success. We also thought that we were effectively paying a very low double-digit multiple of FCF/share.
It is important to note that we were not betting on our science expertise or any other predictions that fall outside our circle of competence. Rather, we used our bottom-up appraisal skills to find a security that was mispriced at that given moment
- we had followed the company for over 10 years before our purchase - and that shorter-term investors were afraid to own due to the potential for near-term stock price volatility. We started with a partial position, as we felt the wider-than-usual
range of outcomes and uncertainty around the stock could lead to the chance to fill it out at a better price later.
On June 7, the FDA approved Aducanumab (now known as Aduhelm)
after a contentious process that has yet to fully play out. The stock shot upward, and our single point value increased to $425. With the stock trading at that level, we exercised our price discipline and sold our position. In this era of
“multi-decade-compounders at any price” and given Southeastern’s history of being long term, it feels weird to be in and out of something so quickly. But it also feels OK to be able to use our appraisal skills to secure a payoff
for our long-term clients. The company’s stock price has fallen since our sale, and we will continue to watch the price-to-value (P/V) gap going forward.
MGM (12%, 0.59%), the casino and online gaming company, was a
top contributor as it reported a solid first quarter with Vegas EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and restructuring or rent costs) doubling sequentially and Regional EBITDAR actually growing strongly YOY due to
exceptional cost control. The second quarter saw clear signs of even more growth with a strong rebound in travel to the company’s US properties. MGM also continued to de-risk its value and balance sheet by selling over $1 billion of fully
valued shares of its real estate subsidiary MGM Growth Properties in the quarter. On the first day of July, the company announced a transaction to consolidate and sell the real estate of its CityCenter project at a price that was accretive to our
value per share.
Williams (14%, 0.51%), the natural gas
pipeline operator, was also a positive contributor. The value grew slowly but steadily thanks to continued cash flow growth at Williams’s main Transco pipeline, as well as good volume trends (up 11% YOY) in its Northeast assets. The stock
traded up with gas price strength as the quarter went on. We believe that management is open to more transactions to grow and simplify value per share, and as industry conditions improve, this becomes more likely.
Portfolio Activity
As discussed in detail above, we sold our position in Biogen in
the quarter. We trimmed CNX early in the quarter on the back of positive performance and added to the heavily discounted position in CK Hutchison. It has been harder to find strong US large-cap on-deck qualifiers as the year has gone on, but we have
a number of companies in the portfolio where we hope to have the opportunity to fill out our positions. We have also added several businesses to the on-deck list in financial services, industrials, retail / consumer packaged goods, health care and
media. We remain disciplined on the price we will pay and are watching and waiting for prices to cooperate so we can put our cash to work.
Outlook
Our outlook on the stock market and our portfolio is not
dramatically different than it was the last time we wrote to you. Our confidence in the specific company opportunities in our portfolio has only grown, as our businesses made solid progress in the quarter, and we believe the Fund is more
attractively positioned - qualitatively and quantitatively - than both the market and the average “value” strategy. We believe the recent pullback in value’s performance of the last month or so is a temporary blip, and that the
strong performance that began in the second half of 2020 marks a longer-term reversion to the mean for value vs. growth.
We wrote in our 4Q20 letter about the work we have done to
formalize the way we incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues within our firm and our investment process in the last several years. We are excited to share our first Annual ESG Report (southeasternasset.com/our-approach/), which
highlights some of the progress we have made and the work we are doing to keep improving in this area. In addition to our annual ESG report, we will be sharing a semi-annual portfolio carbon footprint report going forward and will continue to
discuss our engagement efforts with our management partners on these important issues in our quarterly letters and the Price-to-Value Podcast.
Speaking of podcasts, we thought it would be good to close with
a recent interview that our Vice-Chairman Staley Cates did with Bob Huebscher of Advisor Perspectives (southeasternasset.com/podcasts/). It is a great summary of what we are all about at Southeastern and why we remain very excited about our
future.
Performance History
(Unaudited)
Partners Fund
Comparison
of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment
Since Inception
April 8, 1987
Average
Annual Returns for the Periods Ended June 30, 2021 |
|
YTD*
|
1
Year |
5
Year |
10
Year |
20
Year |
Since
Inception 4/08/87 |
Partners
Fund |
23.42%
|
62.43%
|
10.96%
|
7.55%
|
6.27%
|
10.25%
|
S&P
500 Index |
15.25
|
40.79
|
17.65
|
14.84
|
8.61
|
10.59
|
* |
Year-to-date (YTD) not
annualized. |
The index is unmanaged.
Because the S&P 500 Index was available only at month-end in 1987, we used the 3/31/87 value for performance since inception. Returns reflect reinvested capital gains and dividends but not the deduction of taxes an investor would pay on
distributions or share redemptions. Performance data quoted represents past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s
shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by visiting
southeasternasset.com. The Partners Fund is subject to stock market risk, meaning stocks in the Fund may fluctuate in response to developments at individual companies or due to general market and economic conditions. Also, because the Fund generally
invests in 15 to 25 companies, share value could fluctuate more than if a greater number of securities were held. Mid-cap stocks held may be more volatile than those of larger companies.
As reported in the Prospectus dated May 1, 2021, the total
expense ratio for the Partners Fund is 1.03% (gross) and 0.79% (net). Through at least October 31, 2022, this expense ratio is subject to fee waiver to the extent the fund's normal annual operating expenses exceed 0.79% of average net assets. Please
refer to the Financial Highlights within this report for the Fund's current expense ratio.
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)
Partners Fund
Portfolio Holdings at June 30, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
Net
Assets |
Investments
|
|
79.2%
|
Lumen
Technologies, Inc. |
10.2
|
|
Mattel,
Inc. |
6.1
|
|
Affiliated
Managers Group, Inc. |
6.0
|
|
CNH
Industrial N.V. |
5.8
|
|
Fairfax
Financial Holdings Limited |
5.2
|
|
MGM
Resorts International |
5.2
|
|
Douglas
Emmett, Inc. |
5.0
|
|
CNX
Resources Corporation |
4.9
|
|
CK
Hutchison Holdings Limited |
4.8
|
|
Holcim
Ltd |
4.7
|
|
Comcast
Corporation |
4.7
|
|
General
Electric Company |
4.5
|
|
FedEx
Corporation |
4.3
|
|
The
Williams Companies, Inc. |
4.1
|
|
Hyatt
Hotels Corporation |
3.7
|
|
Cash
Reserves Net of Other Assets and Liabilities |
|
20.8
|
|
|
100.0%
|
Fund holdings are subject to change
and holding discussions are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
Portfolio
Changes January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021 |
|
New
Holdings |
Quarter
|
Biogen
Inc. |
1Q
|
Eliminations
|
Biogen
Inc. |
2Q
|
DuPont
de Nemours, Inc. |
1Q
|
Portfolio of
Investments (Unaudited)
Partners Fund
Common
Stocks |
|
Shares
|
Value
|
%
of Net Assets |
Air
Freight & Logistics |
FedEx
Corporation |
269,094
|
$
80,278,813 |
4.3%
|
Capital
Markets |
Affiliated
Managers Group, Inc. |
737,271
|
113,694,561 |
6.0
|
Construction
Materials |
Holcim
Ltd(Formerly LafargeHolcim Ltd) (Switzerland) |
1,492,787
|
89,388,645 |
4.7
|
Diversified
Telecommunication Services |
Lumen
Technologies, Inc. |
14,087,844
|
191,453,800 |
10.2
|
Hotels,
Restaurants & Leisure |
Hyatt
Hotels Corporation - Class A |
912,989
|
70,884,466 |
3.7
|
MGM
Resorts International |
2,286,705
|
97,527,968
|
5.2
|
|
|
168,412,434
|
8.9
|
Industrial
Conglomerates |
CK
Hutchison Holdings Limited (Hong Kong) |
11,564,500
|
90,111,440 |
4.8
|
General
Electric Company |
6,379,263
|
85,864,880
|
4.5
|
|
|
175,976,320
|
9.3
|
Insurance
|
Fairfax
Financial Holdings Limited (Canada) |
224,977
|
98,658,839 |
5.2
|
Leisure
Products |
Mattel,
Inc.* |
5,688,794
|
114,344,759 |
6.1
|
Machinery
|
CNH
Industrial N.V. (Netherlands) |
6,589,267
|
108,799,135 |
5.8
|
Media
|
Comcast
Corporation - Class A |
1,548,686
|
88,306,076 |
4.7
|
Oil,
Gas & Consumable Fuels |
CNX
Resources Corporation* |
6,723,090
|
91,837,409 |
4.9
|
The
Williams Companies, Inc. |
2,911,643
|
77,304,122
|
4.1
|
|
|
169,141,531
|
9.0
|
Real
Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) |
Douglas
Emmett, Inc. |
2,827,624
|
95,064,719
|
5.0
|
Total
Common Stocks (Cost $1,191,412,414) |
|
1,493,519,632
|
79.2
|
Short-Term
Obligations |
|
Principal
Amount |
|
|
Repurchase
agreement with State Street Bank, 0.00%, dated 06/30/21, due 07/01/21, Repurchase price $394,704,000 (Collateral: $402,598,143 U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.50% - 3.375% due 11/15/44 to 11/15/48, Par $330,089,700) (Cost $394,704,000) |
394,704,000
|
394,704,000
|
20.9
|
Total
Investments (Cost $1,586,116,414) |
|
1,888,223,632
|
100.1
|
Other
Assets (Liabilities), Net |
|
(968,212)
|
(0.1)
|
Net
Assets |
|
$
1,887,255,420 |
100.0%
|
* |
Non-income
producing security. |
Note: Non-U.S.
Companies represent 20.5% of net assets.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Management
Discussion (Unaudited)
Small-Cap Fund
Longleaf
Partners Small-Cap Fund added 1.91% in the second quarter, taking year-to-date returns to 13.88%, while the Russell 2000 returned 4.29% and 17.54% in the same periods. The majority of our holdings were positive in the quarter, but it was a much more
muted absolute return period contrasted to the dramatic small-cap rally in the last several quarters. The portfolio’s cash position was a primary driver of the relative performance drag in a period where growth stocks saw a (we believe
temporary) rebound in the latter end of the quarter. Despite relative underperformance, it was a solid period for value per share growth at our holdings.
We highlighted several high-conviction companies in last
quarter’s letter, and all saw positive progress. For example, Mattel reported another good quarter and is well on track to generating more free cash flow (FCF) this year than we initially expected. The company also continues to announce new
media projects - including tangible progress for Polly Pocket and Masters of the Universe in the quarter - to monetize the value of its intellectual property. Lumen management spoke publicly of its efforts to realize value from its distinct parts,
in line with the 13D that we filed at the end of last year. CNX Resources is taking advantage of gas price strength to lock in more FCF with accretive hedges.
In addition to these long-term holdings we highlighted last
quarter, we have seen price rallies at some holdings that have prompted long-time Southeastern/Longleaf observers to look at these stock charts and ask, “How can that still be cheap?” We continue to focus on the importance of value
growth and dynamically updating our appraisals. Realogy, for example, has seen massive value growth over the last 12 months due to both significant FCF generation (~$3 per share) and an improvement in the baseline FCF level that we capitalize. CEO
Ryan Schneider also has taken advantage of wide-open credit markets to refinance the company’s debt, saving almost $100 million per year in the next 12 months vs. the 2020 run-rate, and therefore reducing risk while improving future value
growth. Our appraisal has grown from the $10s this time last year well into the mid-$20s+ today. The company remains attractively discounted, even after price appreciated over 400% since its COVID-driven low last March.
But price will always be important to us, no matter how great
qualitatively a business or people are or how nice it feels to have price and value momentum. We will gladly sell winners like PotlatchDeltic and Formula One, both of which we sold in the first quarter after strong price performance. We have not
regretted selling the businesses (and both ended the second quarter below our last sale prices), but we do hope to have the opportunity to own both again.
More broadly, “value” had a pullback vs.
“growth” in the second quarter on the back of lower interest rates and various other factors. Over the last year, we have seen interest rate consensus go from “low rates forever” for most of 2020 to “rates are
definitely going up” in February/March of 2021 to now what feels like magical goldilocks thinking for growth stocks in the 1-2% US 10-year range. While we cannot predict precisely what rates will do in the near term, we welcome increased
volatility on this all-important valuation input, especially after decades of gradual moves down have made things relatively harder for value-focused public equity investors.
It is also important to remember that, while what matters most
will always be our individual holdings, we do not expect value to ever go up in a straight line. The chart below illustrates that point well. It can be easy to forget that, even in the greatest value bull market of our lifetime in 2000, there was a
several month period after the initial turn in March/April in which growth fought back from similarly absurd relative valuations.
However, value ultimately prevailed (with even more ups and
downs in 2001-02), and the next several years looked like the previous 200 years for value. (Note the chart below is a reprint from our “Why We Believe Value Will Work Again” white paper published in December 2020.)
Joining the macro
with the stock specific, we continue to like our portfolios on both an earnings multiple and earnings growth basis vs. the growth and value parts of the index.
Contributors and Detractors
(Q2 Investment Return; Q2 Fund contribution)
Realogy (20%, 1.35%), the residential real-estate brokerage
franchisor, was the top contributor after another strong quarter of operating results, solid housing numbers and, most importantly, great management actions to continue to improve the company’s financial strength. The key operating numbers
came in the Franchising segment, where revenues and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) both grew over 40% year-over-year (YOY). Management made two very savvy, value-accretive moves in the quarter. Realogy
completed its first refranchising transaction in some time. While small (and therefore largely ignored by the market), it was a great sign that this path is possible and getting more likely as the
world returns to
normal. Later in the quarter, Realogy issued very low-rate convertible debt with an effective strike price over $30 per share. This was unthinkable over a year ago, when it was feared that the company would need to issue straight equity in the
single digits. CEO Ryan Schneider and team expertly navigated the company through a difficult period without needing to act out of desperation.
Graham Holdings (13%, 0.60%), the media, education and
manufacturing conglomerate, was also a top contributor after its acquisition of Leaf Group in early April was well received by the market. Leaf Group is a smaller public company that is diversified across digital media and e-commerce. While we are
generally wary of mergers and acquisitions, we think this deal can be a positive move that fits uniquely well with Graham’s existing assets. Graham was able to take advantage of a limited buyer universe, given Leaf’s size and disparate
assets. Graham also reported a solid quarter that saw continued growth at the TV segment, with 8% YOY revenue growth without political advertising in either period.
Empire State Realty Trust (ESRT) (8%, 0.46%), the New York City
property owner, contributed after reporting a positive quarter in April, a reinstated dividend in May and the world taking note of New York City returning to normal as the second quarter progressed. Office occupancy at the Empire State Building
actually ticked up slightly quarter-over-quarter. Fears of massive vacancies and deeply depressed lease rates per square foot have not materialized. While this is good for ESRT’s existing assets, it is disappointing for its hopes to buy its
own stock cheaply and/or acquire distressed assets.
Portfolio Activity
While there were no exits or large position weight changes in
the quarter, we did find another new investment to add to the two that we purchased last quarter. This newest company remains undisclosed as we continue to fill out the position, but it is a business that we know well from a previous successful
holding.
We can now talk more about the two new
investments we made in the first quarter. Gruma is a consumer packaged goods company that is headquartered in Mexico but derives over 70% of its value from a dominant position in US tortillas and corn flour – the Mission and Maseca brands in
particular. Surging corn prices have led to near-term earnings uncertainty, but we believe Gruma remains positioned for strong long-term earnings growth, and the owner-operator management team has a strong history of growing value per share. Idorsia
is a diversified pharmaceutical company that is headquartered in Switzerland but also has a strong majority of its value in the US. We are most attracted to the husband and wife founding team of Jean-Paul and Martine Clozel. Their incredible track
record at previous company Actelion led to a sale at a great price to Johnson and Johnson, which then led to the creation and spinoff of Idorsia. Idorsia is not as focused as other “theme-y” small cap drug stocks that fit into US ETFs.
The company is also in a news lull now until more pipeline news later in 2021-22, so the market views it as “dead money”. We ultimately think the company will have several unique products in the market in the years to come, leading to
significant FCF.
The portfolio ended the quarter with 19%
cash. We have a number of companies in the portfolio where we hope to have the opportunity to fill out our positions and have also added two new businesses in the financial services industry to the on-deck list. We remain disciplined on the price we
will pay and are watching and waiting for prices to cooperate so we can put our cash to work.
Outlook
Our outlook on the stock market and our portfolio is not
dramatically different than it was the last time we wrote to you. Our confidence in the specific company opportunities in our portfolio has only grown, as our businesses made solid progress in the quarter, and we believe the Fund is more
attractively positioned - qualitatively and quantitatively - than both the market and the average “value” strategy. We believe the recent pullback in value’s performance of the last month or so is a temporary blip, and that the
strong performance that began in the second half of 2020 marks a longer-term reversion to the mean for value vs. growth. We would also caution proponents of a broad trade into small-cap value that there are vast qualitative differences between some
of the lower-quality highflyers driving the Russell 2000 this year (yes meme stocks, but also lower quality, capital intense businesses like banks, retailers and commodity producers) and our more carefully selected portfolio.
We wrote in our 4Q20 letter about the work we have done to
formalize the way we incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues within our firm and our investment process in the last several years. We are excited to share our first Annual ESG Report (southeasternasset.com/our-approach/), which
highlights some of the progress we have made and the work we are doing to keep improving in this area. In addition to our annual ESG report, we will be sharing a semi-annual portfolio carbon footprint report and will continue to discuss our
engagement efforts with our management partners on these important issues in our quarterly letters and the Price-to-Value Podcast.
Speaking of podcasts, we thought it would be good to close with
a recent interview that our Vice-Chairman Staley Cates did with Bob Huebscher of Advisor Perspectives (southeasternasset.com/podcasts/). It is a great summary of what we are all about at Southeastern and why we remain very excited about our
future.
Performance History
(Unaudited)
Small-Cap Fund
Comparison
of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment
Since Inception
February 21, 1989
Average
Annual Returns for the Periods Ended June 30, 2021 |
|
YTD*
|
1
Year |
5
Year |
10
Year |
20
Year |
Since
Inception 2/21/89 |
Small-Cap
Fund |
13.88%
|
63.54%
|
9.60%
|
10.21%
|
9.86%
|
10.74%
|
Russell
2000 Index |
17.54
|
62.03
|
16.47
|
12.34
|
9.26
|
10.23
|
* |
Year-to-date (YTD) not
annualized. |
The index is unmanaged.
Returns reflect reinvested capital gains and dividends but not the deduction of taxes an investor would pay on distributions or share redemptions. Performance data quoted represents past performance; past performance does not guarantee future
results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the
performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by visiting southeasternasset.com. The Small-Cap Fund is subject to stock market risk, meaning stocks in the Fund may fluctuate in response to developments at
individual companies or due to general market and economic conditions. Also, because the Fund generally invests in 15 to 25 companies, share value could fluctuate more than if a greater number of securities were held. Smaller company stocks may be
more volatile with fewer financial resources than those of larger companies.
As reported in the Prospectus dated May 1, 2021, the total
expense ratio for the Small-Cap Fund is 0.96%. Please refer to the Financial Highlights within this report for the Fund's current expense ratio.
Performance Summary
(Unaudited)
Small-Cap Fund
Portfolio Holdings at June 30, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
Net
Assets |
Investments
|
|
81.2%
|
Lumen
Technologies, Inc. |
13.0
|
|
Realogy
Holdings Corp. |
7.3
|
|
Mattel,
Inc. |
6.3
|
|
Empire
State Realty Trust, Inc. |
6.2
|
|
CNX
Resources Corporation |
5.5
|
|
Graham
Holdings Company |
5.3
|
|
Lazard
Ltd |
4.9
|
|
Eastman
Kodak Company |
4.8
|
|
Gruma,
S.A.B. DE C.V. |
4.6
|
|
Madison
Square Garden Sports Corp. |
4.2
|
|
Everest
Re Group, Ltd. |
4.2
|
|
LANXESS
AG |
4.0
|
|
Hyatt
Hotels Corporation |
3.8
|
|
Liberty
Braves Group |
3.6
|
|
Idorsia
Ltd |
3.5
|
|
Cash
Reserves Net of Other Assets and Liabilities |
|
18.8
|
|
|
100.0%
|
Fund holdings are subject to change
and holding discussions are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
Portfolio
Changes January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021 |
|
New
Holdings |
Quarter
|
Gruma,
S.A.B. DE C.V. |
1Q
|
Idorsia
Ltd |
1Q
|
Madison
Square Garden Sports Corp. |
2Q
|
Eliminations
|
Liberty
Media Formula One |
1Q
|
PotlatchDeltic
Corporation |
1Q
|
Portfolio of
Investments (Unaudited)
Small-Cap Fund
Common
Stocks |
|
Shares
|
Value
|
%
of Net Assets |
Biotechnology
|
Idorsia
Ltd* (Switzerland) |
2,516,860
|
$
69,201,749 |
3.5%
|
Capital
Markets |
Lazard
Ltd - Class A(a) |
2,146,464
|
97,127,496 |
4.9
|
Chemicals
|
LANXESS
AG (Germany) |
1,166,974
|
80,007,813 |
4.0
|
Diversified
Consumer Services |
Graham
Holdings Company - Class B |
165,499
|
104,909,816 |
5.3
|
Diversified
Telecommunication Services |
Lumen
Technologies, Inc. |
19,116,776
|
259,796,986 |
13.0
|
Entertainment
|
Liberty
Braves Group - Series C* |
2,562,776
|
71,168,289 |
3.6
|
Madison
Square Garden Sports Corp. - Class A* |
490,852
|
84,706,330
|
4.2
|
|
|
155,874,619
|
7.8
|
Food
Products |
Gruma,
S.A.B. DE C.V. (Mexico) |
8,114,688
|
91,209,842 |
4.6
|
Hotels,
Restaurants & Leisure |
Hyatt
Hotels Corporation - Class A |
990,000
|
76,863,600 |
3.8
|
Insurance
|
Everest
Re Group, Ltd. |
329,954
|
83,151,708 |
4.2
|
Leisure
Products |
Mattel,
Inc.* |
6,269,977
|
126,026,538 |
6.3
|
Oil,
Gas & Consumable Fuels |
CNX
Resources Corporation*(b) |
8,099,112
|
110,633,870 |
5.5
|
Real
Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) |
Empire
State Realty Trust, Inc.(b) |
10,274,803
|
123,297,636 |
6.2
|
Real
Estate Management & Development |
Realogy
Holdings Corp.*(b) |
7,975,208
|
145,308,290
|
7.3
|
Total
Common Stocks (Cost $1,229,773,023) |
|
1,523,409,963
|
76.4
|
Preferred
Stock |
|
|
|
|
Technology
Hardware, Storage & Peripherals |
Eastman
Kodak Company Convertible Preferred Stock - Series B 4.00%(b)(c)(d) (Cost $95,452,160) |
932,150
|
94,986,085 |
4.8
|
Short-Term
Obligations |
|
Principal
Amount |
|
|
Repurchase
agreement with State Street Bank, 0.00%, dated 06/30/21, due 07/01/21, Repurchase price $376,322,000 (Collateral: $383,848,474 U.S. Treasury Bond, 3.00% due 11/15/44, Par $326,386,500) (Cost $376,322,000) |
376,322,000
|
376,322,000
|
18.9
|
Total
Investments (Cost $1,701,547,183) |
|
1,994,718,048
|
100.1
|
Other
Assets (Liabilities), Net |
|
(2,018,769)
|
(0.1)
|
Net
Assets |
|
$1,992,699,279
|
100.0%
|
* |
Non-income
producing security. |
(a) |
Master
Limited Partnership |
(b) |
Affiliated
issuer during the period. See Note 6. |
(c) |
Investment
categorized as Level 3 in fair value hierarchy. See Note 7. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
(d) |
These
shares were acquired directly from the issuer in a private placement on February 26, 2021 with a total cost at June 30, 2021 of $95,452,160. They are considered restricted securities under the Securities Act
of 1933(the "33 Act"). These shares may be sold only if registered under the 33 ACT or an exemption is available. The issuer has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 providing for the potential resale on an ongoing basis under 33
Act Rule 415 of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, subject to certain terms of a Registration Rights Agreement with the issuer. Due to the lack of an active trading market, all or a portion of this position may be
illiquid. Judgment plays a greater role in valuing illiquid securities than those for which a more active market exists, and are valued using procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees (See Note 2). |
Note: Non-U.S. Companies represent 12.1% of net assets.
See Notes to
Financial Statements.
Management
Discussion (Unaudited)
International Fund
Longleaf
Partners International Fund added 1.19% in the quarter and 8.00% year-to-date, trailing the MSCI EAFE Index’s 5.17% and 8.83% for the same periods. US markets continued the monetary liquidity fueled run to ever sillier valuation levels, while
non-US lagged relatively. The majority of our holdings were positive in the quarter. The Fund’s exposure to China and Hong Kong (including Netherlands-listed Prosus, whose business is driven by the Chinese consumer) was the biggest geographic
headwind. FX was a moderate contributor to the Fund, as well as the MSCI EAFE index. Despite relative underperformance, it was a solid period for value per share growth at our holdings.
“Value” had a (we believe temporary) pullback vs.
“growth” in the second quarter on the back of lower interest rates and various other factors. Over the last year, we have seen interest rate consensus go from “low rates forever” for most of 2020 to “rates are
definitely going up” in February/March of 2021 to what now feels like magical goldilocks thinking for growth stocks in the 1-2% US 10-year range. While we cannot predict precisely what rates will do in the near term, we welcome increased
volatility on this all-important valuation input, especially after decades of gradual moves down have made things relatively harder for value-focused public equity investors.
It is also important to remember that, while what matters most
will always be our individual holdings, we do not expect value to ever go up in a straight line. The chart below illustrates that point well. It can be easy to forget that, even in the greatest value bull market of our lifetime that started in 2000,
there was a several month period after the initial turn in March/April in which growth fought back from similarly absurd relative valuations.
However, value ultimately prevailed (with even more ups and
downs in 2001-02), and the next several years looked like the previous 200 years for value. (Note the chart below is a reprint from our “Why We Believe Value Will Work Again” white paper published in December 2020.)
Last quarter we
highlighted Swiss luxury products company Richemont as an example of the kind of superior quality company we have invested in over the last several years. Generally, the highest quality companies trade at deserved rich multiples. As discussed last
quarter, occasionally because of local market complexity, broad non-US and/or regional cheapness, and company specific short-term issues, we have an opportunity to invest in such gems. The market began to recognize this in the quarter, and Richemont
was the top contributor in the quarter, returning 26%.
Contributors and Detractors
(Q2 Investment Return; Q2 Fund contribution)
Richemont (26%, 1.19%), the Swiss luxury goods company, was the
top contributor in the quarter. Richemont’s performance was driven primarily by the continued strong demand for luxury branded jewelry, a structural driver with a long runway as unbranded jewelry still accounts for approximately 75% of the
total market. The most iconic brands continue to gain share disproportionately, particularly among the newer consumer groups in China and Southeast Asia, and Richemont’s Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels are two of the strongest brands in the
market. Richemont reported FY4Q jewelry growth of 62% YOY and, even more impressively, 28% on a 2-year comparison as the jewellery maisons shrugged off COVID and travel restrictions. Demand simply repatriated to domestic markets with Richemont
demonstrating a strong ability to rapidly transition supply chains and retail distribution to mainland China in particular. With excellent capital expenditure (capex) and cost control, FCF generation has also been exceptionally strong, with over
SFr4 billion of net cash on the balance sheet. This cash has been partially deployed to address YOOX Net-a-Porter (YNAP), which has implicitly been trading at a negative valuation for the past two years. Richemont invested €460 million into a
joint venture in China with Farfetch, and into Farfetch itself, with the potential to leverage Farfetch’s technology and expertise to develop YNAP into a hybrid wholesale/marketplace model. Aided by the recent IPO of MyTheresa – a pure
online luxury wholesale business which currently trades at 3x revenue – Richemont is finally benefitting from a recognition of the true value of the high net worth customers that are cornerstones of the YNAP model.
Domino’s Pizza Group (DPG) (15%, 0.75%), the leading UK
pizza delivery company, was another top contributor in the quarter. The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant tailwind for DPG’s delivery business. However, lockdown dynamics negatively impacted carryout sales, which were ~20% of system revenue
pre-pandemic. As the UK and Ireland re-open, DPG is demonstrating that new delivery customers acquired during the lockdown are proving to be sticky. At the same time, re-opening and return to the office dynamics are supporting a carryout recovery,
resulting in a double benefit. Strong trends on top of the pandemic-assisted like-for-like sales of a year ago are demonstrating the strength of the business model and the renewed vigor of the system under new CEO Dominic Paul. We expect this strong
performance to continue as the company
supports and
empowers the franchisee base and brings improved technology into play with the newly relaunched app and new analytics capabilities. The company is actively buying back shares on the back of a robust capital allocation policy.
CK Asset (CKA) (17%, 0.55%), the Hong Kong and China real
estate company, was also a contributor in the quarter. In March, CKA announced a transaction to buy stakes in infrastructure assets from Li Ka Shing Foundation via scripts and structured a tender offer and buyback plan to offset the dilution. After
hearing feedback from various shareholders (including us), CKA decided to increase the tender offer size, which will result in a net share count reduction when fully completed. This transaction was voted through at the EGM with enough shares
tendered. The net effect is equivalent to CKA spending HK$17 billion cash for the deal and an additional HK$2.4 billion in buying back shares at HK$51/share. What the market did not expect is that after fully completing the deal, CKA continued
on-market share buybacks, on top of additional insider buying. It is not surprising to us because CKA management recognizes that the business is being severely undervalued by the market today. Based on the deal circular, the net asset value (NAV)
per share would be over HK$130, if carrying CKA’s properties at the market valuation.
Prosus (-12%, -0.71%), a global consumer internet group, was
the top detractor in the quarter. There are two key components to Prosus’s NAV - its 29% stake in Tencent (which represents the majority of its appraisal) and the global e-commerce portfolio (which includes the food delivery, classifieds,
payments and education technology investments). Tencent reported strong results in the first quarter with revenues up 25% and profits up 22% YOY. The online advertising, gaming and cloud businesses all delivered solid topline growth YOY and
strengthened their competitiveness. The company also announced its plans to step up investments in cloud, large-scale gaming and short form video, which we believe can help drive higher value growth in the coming years. But its stock price
performance was negatively impacted by increasing regulatory headwinds for the entire online platform industry. The global e-commerce portfolio reported strong results with revenues up 54% YOY in FY21 and trading loss margin improving by 11%. This
portfolio has been independently valued by Deloitte at $39 billion vs. an investment of $16 billion (inception to date). IRR on these investments is greater than 20%. During the second quarter, Prosus announced the disposal of 2% of its Tencent
stake, raising around $14 billion. This will provide the company with greater financial flexibility to invest in this growth ventures portfolio. Despite solid operating performance, the discount to NAV has increased in recent months primarily due to
holding company Naspers’s (which owns a 73% stake in Prosus) excessive weighting (23%) on the South African Index (SWIX), which causes funds to limit their exposure to Naspers due to single stock ownership limits. To address this issue, Prosus
announced a share exchange offer wherein Prosus proposes to acquire a 45.4% stake in Naspers in exchange for newly issued Prosus shares. This will reduce Naspers’s weighting on SWIX to 15% without any tax leakage. While this increases
complexity by introducing crossholding structure, this is a value-accretive transaction for Prosus shareholders, as we are buying higher discount Naspers shares in exchange for relatively lower discount Prosus shares and addressing the key reason
for the NAV discount. Prosus also announced an additional $5 billion share repurchase program alongside this transaction (on top of the $5 billion announced in November 2020). We believe these value accretive steps will lead to narrowing of discount
to NAV. Given management’s alignment and history of unlocking values, we remain positive on Prosus and added to our position in the quarter.
Melco International (-10%, -0.60%), the Macau casino and resort
holding company, was another top detractor in the quarter. The quarterly results (which were largely in-line with expectations) were a non-event because of the travel restrictions in its most important feeder markets, China and Hong Kong. As a
result, revenue for the industry is down over 65%, and EBITDA is down almost 90% from pre-COVID levels. During the quarter, a COVID outbreak in parts of neighboring Guangdong province (the most important feeder market) led to tighter travel
restrictions being imposed, hurting any signs of recovery after a strong May Golden Week holiday. While the reopening progress has been disappointing, we are confident that the demand is not impaired and Chinese consumers will come back strongly as
vaccination rolls out and travel restrictions ease. Macau will be the biggest and the earliest beneficiary of Chinese outbound tourism. Melco International’s operating subsidiary Melco Resorts (MLCO) reported property level EBITDA that,
adjusting for the luck factor and bad debt provision, has shown a sequential improvement. MLCO continues to outperform the industry in the Macau mass segment with mid-single digit gross gaming revenue (GGR) growth on a quarter-over-quarter basis. In
June, Melco International announced its joint venture with Agile to develop and operate a theme park in Zhongshan, Guangdong, contributing US$23 million for the land acquisition and US$28 million for the development costs. Although earnings
contribution would be minimal in the near term, we still see value in the project, as this should enhance Melco’s brand value in Guangdong and may serve them well on the license renewal front with increasing non-gaming contribution without a
significant capital outlay. CEO Lawrence Ho, who has shown strong capital allocation skills during many uncertain times in the past, is well aligned with the shareholders, and we were encouraged to see him buying shares during the quarter. We
continue to believe Melco’s mid-to-long-term growth prospect is intact, and it will emerge stronger post-COVID given Lawrence Ho and his team’s strong execution and the company’s leading position in the premium mass segment. We
took advantage of the price discount to add to our position in the quarter.
Portfolio Activity
We exited one position in the quarter in Becle, a leading
manufacturer of tequila and whiskeys based in Mexico. Like Richemont, Becle sits in our top category of business quality rank. We did not sell it lightly, but when the share moved above our top end of the valuation range, we exited the small
remaining position. The holding period return was 87% in under three years. We trimmed Richemont after its strong quarter took the position to an overweight. Likewise, we trimmed Fairfax on the back of good performance. We added opportunistically to
more heavily discounted Lanxess, Alibaba, Millicom, Prosus and Melco. We also initiated two new positions, which will be discussed in more detail in future letters, as both positions are still in
process of being
filled out. The portfolio ended the quarter at 8% cash, and the Fund would essentially be fully invested if prices cooperate so both new positions can scale to a full weight. The on-deck list remains healthy, and global research productivity is
high, reflecting the opportunity set.
Outlook
Our outlook on the stock market and our portfolio is not
dramatically different than it was the last time we wrote to you. Our confidence in the specific company opportunities in our portfolio has only grown, as our businesses made solid progress in the quarter, and we believe the Fund is more
attractively positioned - qualitatively and quantitatively - than both the market and the average “value” strategy. We believe the recent pullback in value’s performance of the last month or so is a temporary blip, and that the
strong performance that began in the second half of 2020 marks a longer-term reversion to the mean for value vs. growth.
Non-US markets continue to have more opportunities and a
healthy on-deck list. Cash has increased slightly in the quarter, mostly due to timing, not a reflection on opportunity set. We are finding much to be excited about in China, Hong Kong and increasingly, India. Europe remains a target-rich
environment. While not broadly as cheap from a top-down level as sometimes in the recent past, Europe broadly remains highly inefficient in our view, providing ample idiosyncratic opportunities for our style of investing.
We wrote in our 4Q20 letter about the work we have done to
formalize the way we incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues within our firm and our investment process in the last several years. We are excited to share our first Annual ESG Report (southeasternasset.com/our-approach), which
highlights some of the progress we have made and the work we are doing to keep improving in this area. In addition to our annual ESG report, we will be sharing a semi-annual portfolio carbon footprint report and will continue to discuss our
engagement efforts with our management partners on these important issues in our quarterly letters and the Price-to-Value Podcast.
Speaking of podcasts, we thought it would be good to close with
a recent interview that our Vice-Chairman Staley Cates did with Bob Huebscher of Advisor Perspectives (southeasternasset.com/podcasts/). It is a great summary of what we are all about at Southeastern and why we remain very excited about our
future.
Performance History
(Unaudited)
International Fund
Comparison
of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment
Since Inception
October 26, 1998
Average
Annual Returns for the Periods Ended June 30, 2021 |
|
YTD*
|
1
Year |
5
Year |
10
Year |
20
Year |
Since
Inception 10/26/98 |
International
Fund |
8.00%
|
34.82%
|
10.64%
|
4.50%
|
4.86%
|
7.45%
|
MSCI
EAFE Index |
8.83
|
32.35
|
10.28
|
5.89
|
5.78
|
5.62
|
* |
Year-to-date (YTD) not
annualized. |
The index is unmanaged.
Because the MSCI EAFE Index was available only at month-end in 1998, we used the 10/31/98 value for performance since inception. Returns reflect reinvested capital gains and dividends but not the deduction of taxes an investor would pay on
distributions or share redemptions. Performance data quoted represents past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s
shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by visiting
southeasternasset.com. The International Fund is subject to stock market risk, meaning stocks in the Fund may fluctuate in response to developments at individual companies or due to general market and economic conditions. Also, because the Fund
generally invests in 15 to 25 companies, share value could fluctuate more than if a greater number of securities were held. Investing in non-U.S. securities may entail risk due to non-U.S. economic and political developments, exposure to non-U.S.
currencies, and different accounting and financial standards. These risks may be higher when investing in emerging markets.
As reported in the Prospectus dated May 1, 2021, the total
expense ratio for the International Fund is 1.20% (gross) and 1.15% (net). The expense ratio is subject to fee waiver to the extent normal annual operating expenses exceed 1.15% of average annual net assets. Please refer to the Financial Highlights
within this report for the Fund's current expense ratio.
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)
International Fund
Portfolio Holdings at June 30, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
Net
Assets |
Investments
|
|
91.9%
|
EXOR
N.V. |
7.8
|
|
Melco
International Development Limited |
6.2
|
|
Glanbia
plc |
5.8
|
|
Domino's
Pizza Group PLC |
5.4
|
|
Prosus
N.V. |
5.1
|
|
Compagnie
Financiere Richemont SA (Common & Warrants) |
5.0
|
|
Fairfax
Financial Holdings Limited |
4.7
|
|
Lazard
Ltd |
4.6
|
|
LANXESS
AG |
4.6
|
|
Accor
S.A. |
4.5
|
|
CK
Hutchison Holdings Limited |
4.4
|
|
Gruma,
S.A.B. DE C.V. |
4.3
|
|
Holcim
Ltd |
4.1
|
|
Millicom
International Cellular S.A. |
3.8
|
|
CK
Asset Holdings Limited |
3.7
|
|
Baidu,
Inc. ADR |
3.0
|
|
Jollibee
Foods Corporation |
2.9
|
|
Alibaba
Group Holding ADR |
2.8
|
|
Premier
Foods plc |
2.7
|
|
Applus
Services, S.A. |
2.2
|
|
Great
Eagle Holdings Limited |
2.2
|
|
Gree
Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai |
2.1
|
|
Cash
Reserves Net of Other Assets and Liabilities |
|
8.1
|
|
|
100.0%
|
Fund holdings are subject to change
and holding discussions are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
Portfolio
Changes January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021 |
|
New
Holdings |
Quarter
|
Alibaba
Group Holding ADR |
1Q
|
Gree
Electric Appliances, Inc. |
|
of
Zhuhai |
2Q
|
Premier
Foods plc |
2Q
|
Eliminations
|
Becle,
S.A.B. de C.V. |
2Q
|
MinebeaMitsumi
Inc. |
1Q
|
Portfolio of
Investments (Unaudited)
International Fund
Common
Stocks |
|
Shares
|
Value
|
%
of Net Assets |
Capital
Markets |
Lazard
Ltd - Class A(a) (United States) |
1,499,630
|
$
67,858,258 |
4.6%
|
Chemicals
|
LANXESS
AG (Germany) |
975,451
|
66,876,984 |
4.6
|
Construction
Materials |
Holcim
Ltd(Formerly LafargeHolcim Ltd) (Switzerland) |
1,010,480
|
60,507,921 |
4.1
|
Diversified
Financial Services |
EXOR
N.V. (Netherlands) |
1,427,930
|
114,390,430 |
7.8
|
Food
Products |
Glanbia
plc (Ireland) |
5,241,505
|
85,084,918 |
5.8
|
Gruma,
S.A.B. DE C.V. (Mexico) |
5,556,769
|
62,458,597 |
4.3
|
Premier
Foods plc* (United Kingdom) |
25,800,405
|
39,115,911
|
2.7
|
|
|
186,659,426
|
12.8
|
Hotels,
Restaurants & Leisure |
Accor
S.A.* (France) |
1,757,417
|
65,620,663 |
4.5
|
Domino's
Pizza Group PLC (United Kingdom) |
14,881,498
|
79,995,549 |
5.4
|
Jollibee
Foods Corporation (Philippines) |
9,660,860
|
42,273,066 |
2.9
|
Melco
International Development Limited* (Hong Kong) |
49,266,700
|
90,483,771
|
6.2
|
|
|
278,373,049
|
19.0
|
Household
Durables |
Gree
Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai (China) |
3,805,362
|
30,683,416 |
2.1
|
Industrial
Conglomerates |
CK
Hutchison Holdings Limited (Hong Kong) |
8,336,000
|
64,954,729 |
4.4
|
Insurance
|
Fairfax
Financial Holdings Limited (Canada) |
155,162
|
68,042,968 |
4.7
|
Interactive
Media & Services |
Baidu,
Inc. ADR* (China) |
214,001
|
43,634,804 |
3.0
|
Internet
& Direct Marketing Retail |
Alibaba
Group Holding ADR* (China) |
179,083
|
40,612,443 |
2.8
|
Prosus
N.V. (Netherlands) |
766,590
|
74,963,918
|
5.1
|
|
|
115,576,361
|
7.9
|
Professional
Services |
Applus
Services, S.A. (Spain) |
3,338,850
|
32,622,501 |
2.2
|
Real
Estate Management & Development |
CK
Asset Holdings Limited (Hong Kong) |
7,743,500
|
53,456,409 |
3.7
|
Great
Eagle Holdings Limited (Hong Kong) |
9,449,835
|
32,131,119
|
2.2
|
|
|
85,587,528
|
5.9
|
Textiles,
Apparel & Luxury Goods |
Compagnie
Financiere Richemont SA (Switzerland) |
587,579
|
71,093,725 |
4.9
|
Wireless
Telecommunication Services |
Millicom
International Cellular S.A.* (Sweden) |
1,402,806
|
55,534,601
|
3.8
|
Total
Common Stocks (Cost $1,046,683,439) |
|
1,342,396,701
|
91.8
|
Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
Textiles,
Apparel & Luxury Goods |
Compagnie
Financiere Richemont SA Warrants, exercise price $72.41, 11/22/23* (Switzerland) (Cost $0) |
1,311,288
|
878,680 |
0.1
|
Options
Purchased |
|
Notional
Amount |
|
|
Currency
|
Hong
Kong Dollar Put, 3/25/22, with BNP Paribas, Strike Price $7.80 (Cost $658,750) |
155,000,000
|
232,500 |
0.0
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Short-Term
Obligations |
|
Principal
Amount |
Value
|
%
of Net Assets |
Repurchase
agreement with State Street Bank, 0.00%, dated 06/30/21, due 07/01/21, Repurchase price $120,984,000 (Collateral: $123,403,805 U.S. Treasury Bond, 3.38% due 11/15/48, Par $96,775,400) (Cost $120,984,000) |
120,984,000
|
$
120,984,000 |
8.3%
|
Total
Investments (Cost $1,168,326,189) |
|
1,464,491,881
|
100.2
|
Other
Assets (Liabilities), Net |
|
(2,312,184)
|
(0.2)
|
Net
Assets |
|
$1,462,179,697
|
100.0%
|
* |
Non-income
producing security. |
(a) |
Master
Limited Partnership |
Country
Weightings |
|
|
Net
Assets |
Hong
Kong |
16.5%
|
Netherlands
|
12.9
|
Switzerland
|
9.1
|
United
Kingdom |
8.1
|
China
|
7.9
|
Ireland
|
5.8
|
Canada
|
4.7
|
United
States |
4.6
|
Germany
|
4.6
|
France
|
4.5
|
Mexico
|
4.3
|
Sweden
|
3.8
|
Philippines
|
2.9
|
Spain
|
2.2
|
Cash
& Other |
8.1
|
|
100.0%
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Management
Discussion (Unaudited)
Global Fund
Longleaf
Partners Global Fund added 1.27% in the second quarter, taking year-to-date (YTD) returns to 14.63%, while the MSCI World returned 7.74% and 13.05% over the same periods. The majority of our holdings were positive in the quarter. The
portfolio’s cash position together with a few unrelated holdings that declined in price drove the majority of the relative performance drag in a period where growth stocks saw a (we believe temporary) rebound. Despite relative
underperformance, it was a solid period for value per share growth at our holdings.
We highlighted several high-conviction companies in last
quarter’s letter, and all saw positive progress. For example, CNX Resources is taking advantage of gas price strength to lock in more free cash flow (FCF) with accretive hedges. Lumen management spoke publicly of its efforts to realize value
from its distinct parts, in line with the 13D that we filed at the end of last year. CK Hutchison began buying in stock in a material way, with more than $460 million in shares repurchased YTD.
The investments in the preceding paragraph have been long-term
holdings, but what about our newer purchases? We have heard from long-time Southeastern/Longleaf observers who look at these stock charts and ask, “How can that still be cheap?” We continue to focus on the importance of value growth and
dynamically updating our appraisals. MGM for example has seen very strong value growth since our purchase last year as the company’s properties in the US have rebounded much stronger than even the biggest optimists predicted. Management and
the board have reduced risk by monetizing more of MGM’s holdings in MGM Growth Properties, its real estate subsidiary. There is still plenty of value to be added in the online division as well. All this leads to a value per share that was in
the $30s last year now approaching $50. The company remains attractively discounted, even after price appreciated 101% since we first bought the stock 9 months ago.
But price will always be important to us, no matter how great
qualitatively a business or people are or how nice it feels to have price and value momentum. We will gladly sell fully priced winners like Biogen, where positive news sent the company’s stock price to our appraisal in only a few short months,
as detailed later in this letter.
More broadly,
“value” had a pullback vs. “growth” in the second quarter on the back of lower interest rates and various other factors. Over the last year, we have seen interest rate consensus go from “low rates forever” for
most of 2020 to “rates are definitely going up” in February/March of 2021 to now what feels like magical goldilocks thinking for growth stocks in the 1-2% US 10-year range. While we cannot predict precisely what rates will do in the near
term, we welcome increased volatility on this all-important valuation input, especially after decades of gradual moves down have made things relatively harder for value-focused public equity investors.
It is also important to remember that, while what matters most
will always be our individual holdings, we do not expect value to ever go up in a straight line. The chart below illustrates that point well. It can be easy to forget that, even in the greatest value bull market of our lifetime that started in 2000,
there was a several month period after the initial turn in March/April in which growth fought back from similarly absurd relative valuations.
However, value ultimately prevailed (with even more ups and
downs in 2001-02), and the next several years looked like the previous 200 years for value. (Note the chart below is a reprint from our “Why We Believe Value Will Work Again” white paper published in December 2020.)
Joining the macro
with the stock specific, we continue to like our portfolios on both an earnings multiple and earnings growth basis vs. the growth and value parts of the index.
Contributors and Detractors
(Q2 Investment Return; Q2 Fund contribution)
Biogen (52%, 1.24%), a biotechnology company specializing in
therapies for the treatment of neurological diseases, contributed in a way that warrants a longer than usual writeup. When we first began buying the company in early January, the stock scored well on all three Business, People and Price criteria,
but the range of outcomes was wider than most investments for us. On the business, while the company has had a leading position in neuroscience for decades, it had become a collection of assets that was hard for the stock market to value. This led
to most short-term investors focusing on year-over-year (YOY) earnings declines in 2021 and pipeline uncertainty. We focused most on strong cash flows from Biogen’s Multiple Sclerosis
franchise, a
growing yet hidden biosimilars business, and a pipeline that we believed was actually quite interesting and diversified beyond the manic market focus on Aducanumab, a proposed treatment for Alzheimer’s. On the people front, we also liked what
the board and management had been doing (large, discounted repurchases and prudent internal and external investments) and not doing (no big, dumb M&A or unsustainable dividends). Our single point appraisal was around $375/share, but we saw a
range at the low end of slightly above $250 if the pipeline totally failed or approaching $500 if the company saw a reasonable amount of pipeline success. We also thought that we were effectively paying a very low double-digit multiple of FCF/share.
It is important to note that we were not betting on our science expertise or any other predictions that fall outside our circle of competence. Rather, we used our bottom-up appraisal skills to find a security that was mispriced at that given moment
- we had followed the company for over 10 years before our purchase - and that shorter-term investors were afraid to own due to the potential for near-term stock price volatility. We started with a partial position, as we felt the wider-than-usual
range of outcomes and uncertainty around the stock could lead to the chance to fill it out at a better price later.
On June 7, the FDA approved Aducanumab (now known as Aduhelm)
after a contentious process that has yet to fully play out. The stock shot upward, and our single point value increased to $425. With the stock trading at that level, we exercised our price discipline and sold our position. In this era of
“multi-decade-compounders at any price” and given SAM’s history of being long term, it feels weird to be in and out of something so quickly. But it also feels OK to be able to use our appraisal skills to secure a payoff for our
long-term clients. The company’s stock price has fallen since our sale, and we will continue to watch the price-to-value (P/V) gap going forward.
Williams (14%, 0.50%), the natural gas pipeline operator, was
also a positive contributor. The value grew slowly but steadily thanks to continued cash flow growth at Williams’s main Transco pipeline, as well as good volume trends (up 11% YOY) in its Northeast assets. The stock traded up with gas price
strength as the quarter went on. We believe that management is open to more transactions to grow and simplify value per share, and as industry conditions improve, this becomes more likely.
MGM (12%, 0.43%), the casino and online gaming company, was a
top contributor as it reported a solid first quarter with Vegas EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and restructuring or rent costs) doubling sequentially and Regional EBITDAR actually growing strongly YOY due to
exceptional cost control. The second quarter saw clear signs of even more growth with a strong rebound in travel to the company’s US properties. MGM also continued to de-risk its value and balance sheet by selling over $1 billion of fully
valued shares of its real estate subsidiary MGM Growth Properties in the quarter. On the first day of July, the company announced a transaction to consolidate and sell the real estate of its CityCenter project at a price that was accretive to our
value per share.
Prosus (-12%, -0.55%), a global consumer
internet group, was the top detractor in the quarter. There are two key components to Prosus’s net asset value (NAV) - its 29% stake in Tencent (which represents the majority of its appraisal) and the global e-commerce portfolio (which
includes the food delivery, classifieds, payments and education technology investments). Tencent reported strong results in the first quarter with revenues up 25% and profits up 22% YOY. The online advertising, gaming and cloud businesses all
delivered solid topline growth YOY and strengthened their competitiveness. The company also announced its plans to step up investments in cloud, large-scale gaming and short form video, which we believe can help drive higher value growth in the
coming years. But its stock price performance was negatively impacted by increasing regulatory headwinds for the entire online platform industry. The global e-commerce portfolio reported strong results with revenues up 54% YOY in FY21 and trading
loss margin improving by 11%. This portfolio has been independently valued by Deloitte at $39 billion vs. an investment of $16 billion (inception to date). IRR on these investments is greater than 20%. During the second quarter, Prosus announced the
disposal of 2% of its Tencent stake, raising around $14 billion. This will provide the company with greater financial flexibility to invest in this growth ventures portfolio. Despite solid operating performance, the discount to NAV has increased in
recent months primarily due to holding company Naspers’s (which owns a 73% stake in Prosus) excessive weighting (23%) on the South African Index (SWIX), which causes funds to limit their exposure to Naspers due to single stock ownership
limits. To address this issue, Prosus announced a share exchange offer wherein Prosus proposes to acquire a 45.4% stake in Naspers in exchange for newly issued Prosus shares. This will reduce Naspers’s weighting on SWIX to 15% without any tax
leakage. While this increases complexity by introducing crossholding structure, this is a value-accretive transaction for Prosus shareholders, as we are buying higher discount Naspers shares in exchange for relatively lower discount Prosus shares
and addressing the key reason for the NAV discount. Prosus also announced an additional US$5 billion share repurchase program alongside this transaction (on top of the US$5 billion announced in November 2020). We believe these value accretive steps
will lead to narrowing of discount to NAV. Given management’s alignment and history of unlocking values, we remain positive on Prosus and added to our position in the quarter.
Melco International (-10%, -0.42%), the Macau casino and resort
holding company, was another top detractor in the quarter. The quarterly results (which were largely in-line with expectations) were a non-event because of the travel restrictions in its most important feeder markets, China and Hong Kong. As a
result, revenue for the industry is down over 65%, and EBITDA is down almost 90% from pre-COVID levels. During the quarter, a COVID outbreak in parts of neighboring Guangdong province (the most important feeder market) led to tighter travel
restrictions being imposed, hurting any signs of recovery after a strong May Golden Week holiday. While the reopening progress has been disappointing, we are confident that the demand is not impaired and Chinese consumers will come back strongly as
vaccination rolls out and travel restrictions ease. Macau will be the biggest and the earliest beneficiary of Chinese outbound tourism. Melco International’s operating subsidiary Melco Resorts (MLCO) reported property level EBITDA that,
adjusting for the luck factor and bad debt provision, has shown a sequential improvement. MLCO continues to outperform the industry in the Macau mass segment with mid-single digit gross
gaming revenue
(GGR) growth on a quarter-over-quarter basis. In June, Melco International announced its joint venture with Agile to develop and operate a theme park in Zhongshan, Guangdong, contributing US$23 million for the land acquisition and US$28 million for
the development costs. Although earnings contribution would be minimal in the near term, we still see value in the project, as this should enhance Melco’s brand value in Guangdong and may serve them well on the license renewal front with
increasing non-gaming contribution without a significant capital outlay. CEO Lawrence Ho, who has shown strong capital allocation skills during many uncertain times in the past, is well aligned with the shareholders, and we were encouraged to see
him buying shares during the quarter. We continue to believe Melco’s mid-to-long-term growth prospect is intact, and it will emerge stronger post-COVID given Lawrence Ho and his team’s strong execution and the company’s leading
position in the premium mass segment. We took advantage of the price discount to add to our position in the quarter.
Portfolio Activity
As discussed in detail above, we sold our position in Biogen in
the quarter. We trimmed CNX early in the quarter on the back of positive performance and added to more heavily discounted positions in Affiliated Managers Group, Melco International, Ferrovial and Prosus. We were excited to find two new investments,
one Chinese consumer brand in an industry we know well and one European financial services company that gets incorrectly grouped with inferior peers and has underrecognized new leadership. Both holdings remain undisclosed as we continue to fill out
the positions, but we will look forward to sharing more details next quarter. We have also added several companies to the on-deck list in financial services, industrials, retail / consumer packaged goods, health care and media. We remain disciplined
on the price we will pay and are watching and waiting for prices to cooperate so we can put our cash to work.
Outlook
Our outlook on the stock market and our portfolio is not
dramatically different than it was the last time we wrote to you. Our confidence in the specific company opportunities in our portfolio has only grown, as our businesses made solid progress in the quarter, and we believe the Fund is more
attractively positioned - qualitatively and quantitatively - than both the market and the average “value” strategy. We believe the recent pullback in value’s performance of the last month or so is a temporary blip, and that the
strong performance that began in the second half of 2020 marks a longer-term reversion to the mean for value vs. growth.
We wrote in our 4Q20 letter about the work we have done to
formalize the way we incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues within our firm and our investment process in the last several years. We are excited to share our first Annual ESG Report (southeasternasset.com/our-approach/), which
highlights some of the progress we have made and the work we are doing to keep improving in this area. In addition to our annual ESG report, we will be sharing a semi-annual portfolio carbon footprint report and will continue to discuss our
engagement efforts with our management partners on these important issues in our quarterly letters and the Price-to-Value Podcast.
Speaking of podcasts, we thought it would be good to close with
a recent interview that our Vice-Chairman Staley Cates did with Bob Huebscher of Advisor Perspectives (southeasternasset.com/podcasts/). It is a great summary of what we are all about at Southeastern and why we remain very excited about our
future.
Performance History
(Unaudited)
Global Fund
Comparison
of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment
Since Inception
December 27, 2012
Average
Annual Returns for the Periods Ended June 30, 2021 |
|
YTD*
|
1
Year |
5
Year |
Since
Inception 12/27/12 |
Global
Fund |
14.63%
|
40.57%
|
12.60%
|
7.82%
|
MSCI
World Index |
13.05
|
39.05
|
14.83
|
12.15
|
* |
Year-to-date (YTD) not
annualized. |
The index is unmanaged.
Returns reflect reinvested capital gains and dividends but not the deduction of taxes an investor would pay on distributions or share redemptions. Performance data quoted represents past performance; past performance does not guarantee future
results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the
performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by visiting southeasternasset.com. The Global Fund is subject to stock market risk, meaning stocks in the Fund may fluctuate in response to developments at
individual companies or due to general market and economic conditions. Also, because the Fund generally invests in 15 to 25 companies, share value could fluctuate more than if a greater number of securities were held. Investing in non-U.S.
securities may entail risk due to non-U.S. economic and political developments, exposure to non-U.S. currencies, and different accounting and financial standards. These risks may be higher when investing in emerging markets.
As reported in the Prospectus dated May 1, 2021, the total
expense ratio for the Global Fund is 1.33% (gross) and 1.15% (net). The expense ratio is subject to fee waiver to the extent normal annual operating expenses exceed 1.15% of average annual net assets. Please refer to the Financial Highlights within
this report for the Fund's current expense ratio.
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited)
Global Fund
Portfolio Holdings at June 30, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
Net
Assets |
Investments
|
|
86.9%
|
Lumen
Technologies, Inc. |
9.5
|
|
EXOR
N.V. |
9.0
|
|
CK
Hutchison Holdings Limited |
5.8
|
|
Fairfax
Financial Holdings Limited |
5.3
|
|
CNX
Resources Corporation |
4.8
|
|
Millicom
International Cellular S.A. |
4.7
|
|
Comcast
Corporation |
4.7
|
|
Prosus
N.V. |
4.5
|
|
Melco
International Development Limited |
4.5
|
|
General
Electric Company |
4.5
|
|
Holcim
Ltd |
4.4
|
|
FedEx
Corporation |
4.3
|
|
The
Williams Companies, Inc. |
4.1
|
|
MGM
Resorts International |
3.9
|
|
Affiliated
Managers Group, Inc. |
2.5
|
|
Credit
Suisse Group AG |
2.4
|
|
Hyatt
Hotels Corporation |
2.2
|
|
Gree
Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai |
2.2
|
|
Accor
S.A. |
2.1
|
|
Ferrovial
S.A. |
1.5
|
|
Cash
Reserves Net of Other Assets and Liabilities |
|
13.1
|
|
|
100.0%
|
Fund holdings are subject to change
and holding discussions are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
Portfolio
Changes January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021 |
|
New
Holdings |
Quarter
|
Biogen
Inc. |
1Q
|
Credit
Suisse Group AG |
2Q
|
Ferrovial
S.A. |
1Q
|
Gree
Electric Appliances, Inc. |
|
of
Zhuhai |
2Q
|
Eliminations
|
Biogen
Inc. |
2Q
|
CK
Asset Holdings Limited |
1Q
|
DuPont
de Nemours, Inc. |
1Q
|
MinebeaMitsumi
Inc. |
1Q
|
Portfolio of
Investments (Unaudited)
Global Fund
Common
Stocks |
|
Shares
|
Value
|
%
of Net Assets |
Air
Freight & Logistics |
FedEx
Corporation (United States) |
55,641
|
$
16,599,379 |
4.3%
|
Capital
Markets |
Affiliated
Managers Group, Inc. (United States) |
62,900
|
9,699,809 |
2.5
|
Credit
Suisse Group AG (Switzerland) |
877,090
|
9,187,524
|
2.4
|
|
|
18,887,333
|
4.9
|
Construction
& Engineering |
Ferrovial
S.A. (Spain) |
194,986
|
5,722,315 |
1.5
|
Construction
Materials |
Holcim
Ltd(Formerly LafargeHolcim Ltd) (Swiss Exchange) (Switzerland) |
107,042
|
6,420,785 |
1.7
|
Holcim
Ltd(Formerly LafargeHolcim Ltd) (French Exchange) (Switzerland) |
175,293
|
10,496,610
|
2.7
|
|
|
16,917,395
|
4.4
|
Diversified
Financial Services |
EXOR
N.V. (Netherlands) |
428,992
|
34,366,236 |
9.0
|
Diversified
Telecommunication Services |
Lumen
Technologies, Inc. (United States) |
2,685,831
|
36,500,443 |
9.5
|
Hotels,
Restaurants & Leisure |
Accor
S.A.* (France) |
215,419
|
8,043,588 |
2.1
|
Hyatt
Hotels Corporation - Class A (United States) |
109,563
|
8,506,471 |
2.2
|
Melco
International Development Limited* (Hong Kong) |
9,442,388
|
17,341,995 |
4.5
|
MGM
Resorts International (United States) |
349,035
|
14,886,343
|
3.9
|
|
|
48,778,397
|
12.7
|
Household
Durables |
Gree
Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai (China) |
1,026,592
|
8,277,622 |
2.2
|
Industrial
Conglomerates |
CK
Hutchison Holdings Limited (Hong Kong) |
2,835,529
|
22,094,652 |
5.8
|
General
Electric Company (United States) |
1,284,385
|
17,287,822
|
4.5
|
|
|
39,382,474
|
10.3
|
Insurance
|
Fairfax
Financial Holdings Limited (Canada) |
46,348
|
20,324,922 |
5.3
|
Internet
& Direct Marketing Retail |
Prosus
N.V. (Netherlands) |
177,646
|
17,371,790 |
4.5
|
Media
|
Comcast
Corporation - Class A (United States) |
313,453
|
17,873,090 |
4.7
|
Oil,
Gas & Consumable Fuels |
CNX
Resources Corporation* (United States) |
1,353,650
|
18,490,859 |
4.8
|
The
Williams Companies, Inc. (United States) |
587,732
|
15,604,285
|
4.1
|
|
|
34,095,144
|
8.9
|
Wireless
Telecommunication Services |
Millicom
International Cellular S.A.* (Sweden) |
454,496
|
17,992,690
|
4.7
|
Total
Common Stocks (Cost $262,529,127) |
|
333,089,230
|
86.9
|
Options
Purchased |
|
Notional
Amount |
|
|
Currency
|
Hong
Kong Dollar Put, 3/25/22, with BNP Paribas, Strike Price $7.80 (Cost $80,750) |
19,000,000
|
28,500 |
0.0
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Short-Term
Obligations |
|
Principal
Amount |
Value
|
%
of Net Assets |
Repurchase
agreement with State Street Bank, 0.00%, dated 06/30/21, due 07/01/21, Repurchase price $50,728,000 (Collateral: $51,742,656 U.S. Treasury Bond, 3.00% due 11/15/44, Par $43,996,000) (Cost $50,728,000) |
50,728,000
|
$
50,728,000 |
13.3%
|
Total
Investments (Cost $313,337,877) |
|
383,845,730
|
100.2
|
Other
Assets (Liabilities), Net |
|
(699,071)
|
(0.2)
|
Net
Assets |
|
$
383,146,659 |
100.0%
|
* |
Non-income
producing security. |
Country
Weightings |
|
|
Net
Assets |
United
States |
40.5%
|
Netherlands
|
13.5
|
Hong
Kong |
10.3
|
Switzerland
|
6.8
|
Canada
|
5.3
|
Sweden
|
4.7
|
China
|
2.2
|
France
|
2.1
|
Spain
|
1.5
|
Cash
& Other |
13.1
|
|
100.0%
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Statements of
Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited)
at June 30, 2021
|
Partners
Fund |
Small-Cap
Fund |
International
Fund |
Global
Fund |
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliated
investments in securities, at value (Cost $1,191,412,414, $934,288,581, $1,047,342,189, $262,609,877, respectively) |
$
1,493,519,632 |
$
1,144,170,166 |
$
1,343,507,881 |
$
333,117,730 |
Affiliated
investments, at value (Cost $0, $390,936,602, $0, $0, respectively) |
—
|
474,225,881
|
—
|
—
|
Repurchase
agreements, at value (Cost $394,704,000, $376,322,000, $120,984,000 and $50,728,000, respectively) |
394,704,000
|
376,322,000
|
120,984,000
|
50,728,000
|
Cash
|
705
|
61
|
797
|
76
|
Receivable
from: |
|
|
|
|
Fund
shares sold |
66,425
|
1,234,286
|
74,759
|
1,000
|
Dividends
and interest |
1,057,348
|
2,913
|
—
|
54,575
|
Investment
Counsel |
347,873
|
—
|
—
|
53,359
|
Foreign
tax reclaims |
—
|
372,982
|
934,075
|
43,155
|
Other
assets |
18,101
|
33,082
|
17,757
|
4,433
|
Total
Assets |
1,889,714,084
|
1,996,361,371
|
1,465,519,269
|
384,002,328
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Payable
for: |
|
|
|
|
Fund
shares redeemed |
747,238
|
1,935,972
|
880,683
|
175,000
|
Securities
purchased |
—
|
—
|
988,391
|
207,615
|
Investment
Counsel fee |
1,393,787
|
1,467,682
|
1,285,838
|
398,867
|
Administration
fee |
173,784
|
183,636
|
132,825
|
35,455
|
Other
accrued expenses |
143,855
|
74,802
|
51,835
|
38,732
|
Total
Liabilities |
2,458,664
|
3,662,092
|
3,339,572
|
855,669
|
Net
Assets |
$
1,887,255,420 |
$
1,992,699,279 |
$
1,462,179,697 |
$
383,146,659 |
Net
assets consist of: |
|
|
|
|
Paid-in
capital |
$
1,488,598,411 |
$
2,047,020,564 |
$
1,222,396,173 |
$
298,479,541 |
Total
distributable earnings (losses) |
398,657,009
|
(54,321,285)
|
239,783,524
|
84,667,118
|
Net
Assets |
$1,887,255,420
|
$1,992,699,279
|
$1,462,179,697
|
$383,146,659
|
Net
asset value per share |
$
26.82 |
$
27.16 |
$
18.77 |
$
15.20 |
Fund
shares issued and outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value) |
70,373,066
|
73,364,311
|
77,890,529
|
25,209,746
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Statements of
Operations (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
|
Partners
Fund |
Small-Cap
Fund |
International
Fund |
Global
Fund |
Investment
Income: |
|
|
|
|
Dividends
from non-affiliates (net of foreign tax withheld of $337,466, $213,670, $532,714, $102,328, respectively) |
$
20,867,779 |
$
13,010,261 |
$13,085,818
|
$
3,991,754 |
Dividends
from affiliates |
—
|
4,606,079
|
—
|
—
|
Total
Investment Income |
20,867,779
|
17,616,340
|
13,085,818
|
3,991,754
|
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
Investment
Counsel fee |
7,371,901
|
7,934,500
|
6,444,472
|
2,093,680
|
Administration
fee |
916,801
|
991,815
|
660,953
|
186,105
|
Transfer
agent fees and expenses |
509,948
|
241,114
|
212,487
|
33,009
|
Trustees’
fees and expenses |
151,568
|
168,650
|
104,578
|
31,424
|
Custodian
fees and expenses |
42,457
|
23,369
|
111,483
|
24,936
|
Other
|
136,372
|
198,431
|
107,748
|
58,195
|
Total
Expenses |
9,129,047
|
9,557,879
|
7,641,721
|
2,427,349
|
Expenses
waived and/or reimbursed |
(1,886,210)
|
—
|
(60,614)
|
(286,399)
|
Net
expenses |
7,242,837
|
9,557,879
|
7,581,107
|
2,140,950
|
Net
Investment Income |
13,624,942
|
8,058,461
|
5,504,711
|
1,850,804
|
Realized
and Unrealized Gain: |
|
|
|
|
Net
Realized Gain (Loss): |
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliated
securities |
97,028,223
|
41,185,718
|
33,371,392
|
11,979,359
|
Affiliated
securities |
—
|
(40,587,318)
|
—
|
—
|
Forward
currency contracts |
—
|
—
|
(2,489,459)
|
—
|
Foreign
currency transactions |
(700)
|
(1,901)
|
(306,932)
|
(63,625)
|
Net
Realized Gain |
97,027,523
|
596,499
|
30,575,001
|
11,915,734
|
Change
in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation): |
|
|
|
|
Non-affiliated
securities |
268,009,877
|
93,579,416
|
55,063,828
|
35,625,625
|
Affiliated
securities |
—
|
150,062,041
|
—
|
—
|
Forward
currency contracts |
—
|
—
|
1,642,940
|
—
|
Foreign
currency transactions |
—
|
(11,244)
|
(47,321)
|
(1,258)
|
Net
Change in Unrealized Appreciation |
268,009,877
|
243,630,213
|
56,659,447
|
35,624,367
|
Net
Realized and Unrealized Gain |
365,037,400
|
244,226,712
|
87,234,448
|
47,540,101
|
Net
Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations |
$
378,662,342 |
$
252,285,173 |
$
92,739,159 |
$49,390,905
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Statements of
Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited)
|
Partners
Fund |
|
Small-Cap
Fund |
|
Six
Months Ended June 30, |
Year
Ended December 31, |
|
Six
Months Ended June 30, |
Year
Ended December 31, |
|
2021
(Unaudited) |
2020
|
|
2021
(Unaudited) |
2020
|
Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
investment income |
$
13,624,942 |
$
18,120,051 |
|
$
8,058,461 |
$
19,553,203 |
Net
realized gain (loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions |
97,027,523
|
41,571,618
|
|
596,499
|
(268,822,690)
|
Net
change in unrealized appreciation from investments and foreign currency transactions |
268,009,877
|
65,950,094
|
|
243,630,213
|
97,562,753
|
Net
increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
378,662,342
|
125,641,763
|
|
252,285,173
|
(151,706,734)
|
Distributions
to Shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions
before tax return of capital |
—
|
(52,027,624)
|
|
—
|
(102,858,567)
|
Tax
return of capital distributions |
—
|
—
|
|
—
|
(1,248,739)
|
Total
distributions |
—
|
(52,027,624)
|
|
—
|
(104,107,306)
|
Capital
Share Transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
Net
proceeds from sale of shares |
15,196,639
|
71,433,738
|
|
50,587,106
|
213,617,925
|
Reinvestment
of shareholder distributions |
—
|
48,838,078
|
|
—
|
97,141,867
|
Cost
of shares redeemed |
(161,914,217)
|
(336,367,590)
|
|
(146,891,603)
|
(1,543,214,273)
|
Net
increase (decrease) in net assets from fund share transactions |
(146,717,578)
|
(216,095,774)
|
|
(96,304,497)
|
(1,232,454,481)
|
Total
increase (decrease) in net assets |
231,944,764
|
(142,481,635)
|
|
155,980,676
|
(1,488,268,521)
|
Net
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning
of year |
1,655,310,656
|
1,797,792,291
|
|
1,836,718,603
|
3,324,987,124
|
End
of year |
$
1,887,255,420 |
$1,655,310,656
|
|
$1,992,699,279
|
$
1,836,718,603 |
Capital
Share Transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
Issued
|
612,799
|
4,395,426
|
|
1,910,622
|
10,848,821
|
Reinvested
|
—
|
2,280,163
|
|
—
|
4,102,451
|
Redeemed
|
(6,431,087)
|
(19,044,530)
|
|
(5,561,189)
|
(74,930,010)
|
Net
increase (decrease) in shares outstanding |
(5,818,288)
|
(12,368,941)
|
|
(3,650,567)
|
(59,978,738)
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
|
International
Fund |
|
Global
Fund |
|
Six
Months Ended June 30, |
Year
Ended December 31, |
|
Six
Months Ended June 30, |
Year
Ended December 31, |
|
2021
(Unaudited) |
2020
|
|
2021
(Unaudited) |
2020
|
Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
investment income |
$
5,504,711 |
$
5,012,026 |
|
$
1,850,804 |
$
2,004,138 |
Net
realized gain (loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions |
30,575,001
|
(66,043,518)
|
|
11,915,734
|
7,451,458
|
Net
change in unrealized appreciation from investments and foreign currency transactions |
56,659,447
|
20,186,519
|
|
35,624,367
|
12,746,741
|
Net
increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
92,739,159
|
(40,844,973)
|
|
49,390,905
|
22,202,337
|
Distributions
to Shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
Total
distributions |
—
|
(5,647,816)
|
|
—
|
(9,951,569)
|
Capital
Share Transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
Net
proceeds from sale of shares |
254,143,921
|
164,262,799
|
|
3,376,996
|
72,277,055
|
Reinvestment
of shareholder distributions |
—
|
5,164,164
|
|
—
|
8,794,708
|
Cost
of shares redeemed |
(50,865,980)
|
(305,548,470)
|
|
(12,241,848)
|
(39,338,939)
|
Net
increase (decrease) in net assets from fund share transactions |
203,277,941
|
(136,121,507)
|
|
(8,864,852)
|
41,732,824
|
Total
increase (decrease) in net assets |
296,017,100
|
(182,614,296)
|
|
40,526,053
|
53,983,592
|
Net
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning
of year |
1,166,162,597
|
1,348,776,893
|
|
342,620,606
|
288,637,014
|
End
of year |
$1,462,179,697
|
$
1,166,162,597 |
|
$383,146,659
|
$
342,620,606 |
Capital
Share Transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
Issued
|
13,590,006
|
11,922,569
|
|
230,643
|
6,862,453
|
Reinvested
|
—
|
298,507
|
|
—
|
667,876
|
Redeemed
|
(2,780,608)
|
(21,416,711)
|
|
(865,263)
|
(3,572,736)
|
Net
increase (decrease) in shares outstanding |
10,809,398
|
(9,195,635)
|
|
(634,620)
|
3,957,593
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Notes to Financial
Statements (Unaudited)
Note 1. Organization
Longleaf Partners Fund, Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund,
Longleaf Partners International Fund, and Longleaf Partners Global Fund (the “Funds”) are non-diversified and each is a series of Longleaf Partners Funds Trust, a Massachusetts business trust, which is registered as an open-end
management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Note 2. Significant Accounting
Policies
The Funds follow the accounting and reporting
guidance in FASB Accounting Standards Codification 946.
Management Estimates
The accompanying financial statements are prepared in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”); these principles may require the use of estimates by Fund management. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Security Valuation
The following is a description of the valuation techniques
applied to the Funds' investments (see also Note 7. Fair Value Measurements).
Portfolio securities listed or traded on a securities exchange
(U.S. or foreign), on the NASDAQ national market, or any representative quotation system providing same day publication of actual prices, are valued at the last sale price, and categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. If there are no
transactions in the security that day, securities are valued at the midpoint between the closing bid and ask prices or, if there are no such prices, the prior day's close, and categorized as Level 2.
In the case of bonds and other fixed income securities,
valuations are furnished by a pricing service which takes into account factors in addition to quoted prices (such as trading characteristics, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, and other market data relating to the priced security
or other similar securities) where taking such factors into account would lead to a more accurate reflection of the fair market value of such securities. Such securities are categorized as Level 2.
When market quotations are not readily available, valuations of
portfolio securities are determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Funds' Board of Trustees (the “Board”). In determining fair value, the Board considers relevant qualitative and
quantitative information including news regarding significant market or security specific events. The Board may also utilize a service provided by an independent third party to assist in fair valuation of certain securities. These factors are
subject to change over time and are reviewed periodically. Because the utilization of fair value depends on market activity, the frequency with which fair valuation may be used cannot be predicted. Estimated values may differ from the values that
would have been used had a ready market for the investment existed. Such securities are categorized as either Level 2 or 3.
Repurchase agreements are valued at cost which, combined with
accrued interest, approximates market value. Short-term U.S. Government obligations purchased with a remaining maturity of more than 60 days are valued through pricing obtained through pricing services approved by the Funds' Trustees. Obligations
purchased with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less or existing positions that have less than 60 days to maturity generally are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. However, if amortized cost is deemed not to reflect fair
value, the securities are valued at prices furnished by dealers who make markets in such securities or by an independent pricing service. Such securities are categorized as Level 2.
The Funds determine net asset values (“NAVs”) once
a day, at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“Exchange”) (usually at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on days the Exchange is open for business. The Exchange is closed for specified national holidays and on weekends.
Foreign securities are generally priced at the latest market close in the foreign market, which may be at different times or days than the close of the Exchange. If country specific (i.e. natural disaster, economic or political developments), issuer
specific (i.e. earnings report, merger announcement), or U.S. markets-specific (i.e. significant movement in U.S. markets that would likely affect the value of foreign securities) events occur which could materially affect the NAV between the close
of the foreign market and normal pricing at the close of the Exchange, foreign securities may be fair valued by the Board using observable data (i.e. trading in depository receipts) or using an external pricing service approved by the Board. The
pricing service uses an automated system incorporating a model based on multiple parameters, including a security’s local closing price, relevant general and sector indices, currency fluctuations, trading in depositary receipts and futures, if
applicable, and/or research valuations by its staff, in determining what it believes is the fair value of the securities. Such securities are categorized as Level 2.
Security Transactions
For financial reporting purposes, the Funds record security
transactions on trade date. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities are
recorded as soon after the ex-dividend date as the Fund is able to obtain information on the dividend. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis and includes, where applicable, the amortization of premium or accretion of discount using the
effective interest method. The Funds record distributions received from investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) and Master Limited Partnerships ("MLPs") in excess of income from underlying investments as a reduction of
cost of investments and/or realized gain. Such amounts are based on estimates if actual amounts are not available and actual amounts of income, realized gain and return of capital may differ from the estimated amounts. The Funds adjust the estimated
amounts once the issuers provide information about the actual composition of the distributions.
The Funds’ investments in debt securities may contain
payment-in-kind ("PIK") interest provisions. PIK interest, which represents contractually deferred interest added to the loan balance that is generally due at the end of the loan term, is generally recorded on the accrual basis to the extent such
amounts are expected to be collected. The Funds generally cease accruing PIK interest if there is insufficient value to support the accrual or if the Funds do not expect the underlying company to be able to pay all principal and interest due.
Distributions to Shareholders
Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and
distributed to shareholders annually. Net realized capital gains from investment transactions, if any, are declared and distributed to shareholders at least annually. Furthermore, capital gains are distributed only to the extent they exceed
available capital loss carryforwards. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.
Federal Income Taxes
The Funds' policy is to comply with the requirements of
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all taxable income to shareholders. Accordingly, no federal income tax provision is required. Reclassifications are made within
the Funds' capital accounts for permanent book and tax basis differences.
The Funds' tax returns are subject to examination by the
relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after filing of the tax return but could be longer in certain circumstances. Management has analyzed the Funds' tax positions taken on
federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended December 31, 2017 through 2020), and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Funds' financial statements. The Funds recognize interest and
penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. The Funds did not incur any interest or penalties during the period.
Foreign Currency Translations
The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S.
dollars. Securities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are subject to changes in value due to fluctuations in exchange rates. Purchases and sales of securities and income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing
exchange rate on the respective date of each transaction. The market values of investment securities, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars daily. The Funds do not isolate the portion of net realized and unrealized gains or losses
in security investments which are attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates. Accordingly, the impact of such changes is included in the realized and unrealized gains or losses on the underlying securities.
Repurchase Agreements
The Funds may engage in repurchase agreement transactions. The
Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (“FICC”) sells U.S. government or agency securities to each Fund under agreements to repurchase these securities at a stated repurchase price including interest for the term of the agreement, which is
usually overnight or over a weekend. Each Fund, through FICC, receives delivery of the underlying U.S. government or agency securities as collateral, whose market value is required to be at least equal to the repurchase price. If FICC becomes
bankrupt, the Fund might be delayed, or may incur costs or possible losses of principal and income, in selling the collateral.
Options
The Funds may purchase and sell (“write”) call and
put options on various instruments including securities to gain long or short exposure to the underlying instruments. An option contract gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) an underlying item at a fixed
exercise price on a certain date or during a specified period. The cost of securities
acquired through
the exercise of a call option is increased by the premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of a purchased put option are decreased by the premiums paid. The cost of purchased options that expire unexercised are treated,
on expiration date, as realized losses on investments.
The market value of exchange traded options is the last sales
price, and are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options are valued at the mean of their closing bid and ask prices supplied by the counterparty in accordance with fair value procedures
established by and under the general supervision of the Funds' Trustees, and are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Risk of Options
Gains on investment in options may depend on correctly
predicting the market value direction of the underlying security. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when a Fund seeks to close out an option position and a Fund may experience losses as a result of such illiquidity. Listed
options involve minimal counter-party risk since listed options are guaranteed against default by the exchange on which they trade. When purchasing OTC options, the Funds bear the risk of economic loss from counterparty default, equal to the market
value of the option.
Forward Currency
Contracts
The Funds may use forward currency contracts
for hedging purposes to offset currency exposure in portfolio holdings. Forward currency contracts are commitments to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future maturity date at a prespecified price. The resulting obligation is marked-to-market
daily using foreign currency exchange rates supplied by an independent pricing service, and are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. An unrealized gain or loss is recorded for the difference between the contract opening value and its
current value. When a contract is closed or delivery is taken, this gain or loss is realized. For federal tax purposes, gain or loss on open forward contracts in qualifying currencies are treated as realized and are subject to distribution at our
excise tax year-end date.
Risk of Forward
Currency Contracts
Forward contracts may reduce the
potential gain from a positive change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies or, considered separately, may produce a loss. Not all foreign currencies can be effectively hedged; and the costs of hedging may outweigh the
benefits. If our hedging strategy does not correlate well with market and currency movements, price volatility of the portfolio could increase. Where a liquid secondary market for forwards does not exist, the Funds may not be able to close their
positions and in such an event, the loss is theoretically unlimited. In addition, the Funds could be exposed to risks if the counterparty to these contracts is unable to perform.
Counterparty Risk and Collateral
The Funds have entered into collateral agreements with
counterparties to mitigate risk on OTC derivatives. Collateral is generally determined based on the net unrealized gain or loss with each counterparty, subject to minimum exposure amounts. Collateral, both pledged by and for the benefit of a Fund,
is held in a segregated account at the Funds' custodian bank and is comprised of assets specific to each agreement.
Risks Associated with Health Crises
An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel COVID-19
was first detected in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. COVID-19 has resulted in closing borders, enhanced health screenings, healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to
supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this COVID-19 may be short term or may last for an extended period of time and result in a substantial economic downturn. The impact of this outbreak, and
other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could negatively affect the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, individual companies and the market in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such
impact could adversely affect a Fund’s performance, the performance of the securities in which a Fund invests and may lead to losses on your investment in a Fund. Please see the Funds’ prospectus for a complete discussion of these and
other risks.
Note 3. Investment Counsel Agreement and
Other Transactions with Affiliates
Southeastern Asset
Management, Inc. (“Southeastern”) serves as Investment Counsel to the Funds and receives annual compensation, computed daily and paid monthly, in accordance with the following schedule:
Partners
Fund |
1.00%
on first $400 million of average net assets 0.75% in excess of $400 million |
Small-Cap
Fund |
1.00%
on first $400 million of average net assets 0.75% in excess of $400 million |
International
Fund |
1.10%
on first $500 million of average net assets 0.90% in excess of $500 million |
Global
Fund |
1.125%
on first $500 million of average net assets 1.00% in excess of $500 million |
Investment Counsel fees payable at June 30, 2021 were
$1,393,787, $1,467,682, $1,285,838, and $398,867 for Partners Fund, Small-Cap Fund, International Fund, and Global Fund, respectively.
Southeastern has contractually committed to waive fees and/or
reimburse expenses so that each Fund's annual operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage fees, and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed the following:
Partners
Fund |
0.79%
|
Small-Cap
Fund |
1.50
|
International
Fund |
1.15
|
Global
Fund |
1.15
|
During the period ended June 30,
2021, Southeastern waived and/or reimbursed $1,886,210, $60,614 and $286,399 expenses of Partners Fund, International Fund and Global Fund, respectively. At June 30, 2021, Investment Counsel fees receivable were $347,873 and $53,359 for Partners
Fund and Global Fund, respectively. The Partners Fund fee-waiver agreement is in effect through at least October 31, 2022. The Small-Cap Fund, International Fund and Global Fund fee-waiver agreements do not have a limited term. These agreements may
not be terminated without Board approval.
Southeastern
also serves as the Fund Administrator and in this capacity is responsible for managing, performing or supervising the administrative and business operations of the Funds. Functions include the preparation of all registration statements,
prospectuses, proxy statements, and oversight of daily valuation of the portfolios and calculation of daily net asset values per share. The Funds pay a fee as compensation for these services, accrued daily and paid monthly, of 0.10% per annum of
average daily net assets, and are included in Administration fees on the Statements of Operations.
The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each
Trustee serves as a Trustee for the lifetime of the Trust or until resignation or removal. “Independent Trustees,” meaning those Trustees who are not “interested persons” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940
(“1940 Act”) of the Trust, each receives annual compensation of $150,000 from the Trust, paid in four equal quarterly installments. In addition, the Trust reimburses Trustees for out-of-pocket expense incurred in conjunction with
attendance at Board meetings. One Trustee of the Trust is an employee of Southeastern.
Note 4. Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities for the period
ended June 30, 2021 (excluding short-term and U.S. government obligations) are summarized below:
|
Purchases
|
Sales
|
Partners
Fund |
$
69,530,357 |
$343,438,556
|
Small-Cap
Fund |
250,790,013
|
339,630,860
|
International
Fund |
225,557,695
|
85,065,169
|
Global
Fund |
53,058,331
|
58,307,247
|
Note 5. Related Ownership
At June 30, 2021 officers, employees of Southeastern and their
families, Fund trustees, the Southeastern retirement plan and other affiliates owned the following:
|
%
of Fund |
Partners
Fund |
28%*
|
Small-Cap
Fund |
9
|
International
Fund |
28*
|
Global
Fund |
58*
|
*
|
A
significant portion consists of a few shareholders whose redemptions could have a material impact on the fund. |
Note 6. Affiliated Issuer and Controlled
Investments
Under Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, a portfolio company is defined as “affiliated” if a fund owns five percent or more of its voting stock during all or part of the period. Affiliated companies during the period ended June 30, 2021 were as
follows:
|
Shares
at 6/30/21 |
Value
at 12/31/20 |
Purchases
|
Sales
|
Dividends/Interest
|
Net
Realized Gain (Loss) 1/1/21 to 6/30/21 |
Net
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) 1/1/21 to 6/30/21 |
Value
at 6/30/21 |
Small-Cap
Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CNX
Resources Corporation*(a) |
8,099,112
|
$137,717,356
|
$
— |
$
64,874,554 |
$
— |
$(36,255,850)
|
$
74,046,918 |
$110,633,870
|
Eastman
Kodak Company Convertible Preferred Stock – Series A 5.5%(a)(b)(c)(d) |
—
|
190,717,890
|
—
|
186,430,000
|
—
|
2,237,160
|
(6,525,050)
|
—
|
Eastman
Kodak Company Convertible Preferred Stock – Series B 4.0%(b)(c)(d) |
932,150
|
—
|
95,452,160
|
—
|
4,246,461
|
—
|
(466,075)
|
94,986,085
|
Empire
State Realty Trust, Inc. Holdings Limited |
10,274,803
|
121,081,060
|
—
|
29,983,697
|
359,618
|
(2,292,074)
|
34,492,347
|
123,297,636
|
Realogy
Holdings Corp.* |
7,975,208
|
112,889,308
|
—
|
11,818,365
|
—
|
(4,276,554)
|
48,513,901
|
145,308,290
|
|
|
$
562,405,614 |
$95,452,160
|
$293,106,616
|
$
4,606,079 |
$(40,587,318)
|
$150,062,041
|
$
474,225,881 |
* |
Non-income producing
security. |
(a) |
Not an affiliate at the end
of the period. |
(b) |
Restricted security, see
Portfolio of Investments for additional disclosures. |
(c) |
Investment categorized as
Level 3 in fair value hierarchy. See Note 7. |
(d) |
$188.7 million of Eastman
Kodak Company Convertible Preferred Stock - Series A 5.5% was exchanged for $95.5 million of Eastman Kodak Company Convertible Preferred Stock - Series B 4.0% and $93.2 million in cash. |
Note 7. Fair Value Measurements
FASB ASC 820 established a single definition of fair value for
financial reporting, created a three-tier framework for measuring fair value based on inputs used to value the Funds' investments, and required additional disclosure about the use of fair value measurements. The hierarchy of inputs is summarized
below.
•
|
Level 1 – quoted prices
in active markets for identical investments |
•
|
Level 2
– other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
•
|
Level 3 – significant
unobservable inputs (including the Funds' own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Observable inputs are those based on market data obtained from
sources independent of the Funds, and unobservable inputs reflect the Funds' own assumptions based on the best information available. The input levels are not necessarily an indication of risk or liquidity associated with investing in those
securities.
A summary of the inputs used in valuing the
Funds' investments at June 30, 2021 follows:
|
Level
1 |
Level
2 |
Level
3 |
Total
Value |
Partners
Fund |
|
|
|
|
Common
Stocks |
$1,493,519,632
|
$
— |
$
— |
$1,493,519,632
|
Short-Term
Obligations |
—
|
394,704,000
|
—
|
394,704,000
|
|
$1,493,519,632
|
$
394,704,000 |
$
— |
$1,888,223,632
|
Small-Cap
Fund |
|
|
|
|
Common
Stocks |
$
1,523,409,963 |
$
— |
$
— |
$
1,523,409,963 |
Preferred
Stock |
—
|
—
|
94,986,085
|
94,986,085
|
Short-Term
Obligations |
—
|
376,322,000
|
—
|
376,322,000
|
|
$
1,523,409,963 |
$
376,322,000 |
$94,986,085
|
$
1,994,718,048 |
International
Fund |
|
|
|
|
Common
Stocks |
$
1,342,396,701 |
$
— |
$
— |
$
1,342,396,701 |
Warrants
|
878,680
|
—
|
—
|
878,680
|
Options
Purchased |
—
|
232,500
|
—
|
232,500
|
Short-Term
Obligations |
—
|
120,984,000
|
—
|
120,984,000
|
|
$1,343,275,381
|
$121,216,500
|
$
— |
$
1,464,491,881 |
Global
Fund |
|
|
|
|
Common
Stocks |
$
333,089,230 |
$
— |
$
— |
$
333,089,230 |
Options
Purchased |
—
|
28,500
|
—
|
28,500
|
Short-Term
Obligations |
—
|
50,728,000
|
—
|
50,728,000
|
|
$
333,089,230 |
$
50,756,500 |
$
— |
$
383,845,730 |
The following table provides quantitative information related
to the significant unobservable inputs used to determine the value of Level 3 assets and the sensitivity of the valuations to changes in those significant unobservable inputs. These securities were valued by a third party specialist utilizing a
binomial lattice pricing model (a type of the income approach), which includes an analysis of various factors and subjective assumptions, including the current common stock price, expected period until exercise, expected volatility of the common
stock, expected dividends, risk-free rate, credit quality of the issuer, and common stock borrow cost. Because the Valuation Committee considers a variety of factors and inputs, both observable and unobservable, in determining fair values, the
significant unobservable inputs presented below do not reflect all inputs significant to the fair value determination.
Fund
|
Investments
in Securities |
Fair
Value (000s) |
Valuation
Technique |
Unobservable
Input |
Value
or Range of Input |
Impact
to Valuation from an Increase in Input* |
Small-Cap
Fund |
Preferred
Stock |
$94,986
|
Binomial
Lattice Pricing |
Straight
Debt Yield |
16%
|
Decrease
|
|
|
|
|
Expected
Volatility |
62%
|
Increase
|
* |
Represents the directional
change in the fair value that would result in an increase from the corresponding unobservable input. A decrease to the unobservable input would have the opposite effect. Significant increases and decreases in these unobservable inputs in insolation
could result in significantly higher or lower fair value. |
The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 holdings for which
significant unobservable inputs were used in determining fair value at June 30, 2021:
|
Small-Cap
Fund |
|
Fair
value at December 31, 2020 |
$
190,717,890 |
|
Purchases
|
95,452,160
|
|
Sales
|
(186,430,000)
|
|
Change
in unrealized depreciation(a) |
(6,991,125)
|
|
Realized
gain |
2,237,160
|
|
Fair
value at June 30, 2021 |
$
94,986,085 |
|
(a) |
Statements of Operations
location: Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) Affiliated investments. $(466,075) relates to assets held as of June 30, 2021. |
Note 8. Derivative Instruments
The Funds invested in options and forward currency contracts to
hedge embedded currency exposure related to specific holdings.
The Statements of Assets and Liabilities included the following
financial derivative instrument fair values at June 30, 2021:
|
Location
|
Currency
|
International
Fund |
|
|
Options
Purchased |
Non-affiliated
securities, at value |
$232,500
|
Global
Fund |
|
|
Options
Purchased |
Non-affiliated
securities, at value |
$
28,500 |
Financial derivative instruments had the following effect on
the Statements of Operations for the period ended June 30, 2021:
|
Location
|
Currency
|
International
Fund |
|
|
Net
realized loss: |
|
|
Options
purchased |
Non-affiliated
securities |
$
(859,712) |
Forward
currency contracts |
Forward
currency contracts |
(2,489,459)
|
|
|
$(3,349,171)
|
Change
in unrealized appreciation: |
|
|
Options
purchased |
Non-affiliated
securities |
$
354,460 |
Forward
currency contracts |
Forward
currency contracts |
1,642,940
|
|
|
$
1,997,400 |
Global
Fund |
|
|
Net
realized loss: |
|
|
Options
purchased |
Non-affiliated
securities |
$
(155,136) |
Change
in unrealized appreciation: |
|
|
Options
purchased |
Non-affiliated
securities |
$
88,630 |
For the period ended June 30, 2021, the average monthly
notional value of derivative instruments were as follows:
|
Options
Purchased |
Forward
Currency Contracts |
International
Fund |
$147,666,667
|
$28,695,524
|
Global
Fund |
20,666,667
|
—
|
The Funds may invest in certain
securities or engage in other transactions where the Funds are exposed to counterparty credit risk in addition to broader market risks. The Funds may face increased risk of loss in the event of default or bankruptcy by the counterparty or if the
counterparty otherwise fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Funds' investment manager attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the
amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment and (iii) requiring
collateral from
the counterparty for certain transactions. Market events and changes in overall economic conditions may impact the assessment of such counterparty risk by the investment manager. In addition, declines in the values of underlying collateral received
may expose the Funds to increased risk of loss.
The Funds
have entered into master agreements with its derivative counterparties that provide for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral, events of default or termination and credit related contingent features. The credit related
contingent features include, but are not limited to, a percentage decrease in the Fund's net assets or NAV over a specified period of time. If these credit related contingent features were triggered, the derivatives counterparty could terminate the
positions and demand payment or require additional collateral.
Note 9. Federal Income Taxes
The tax basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and
federal tax cost of investments held by each fund as of June 30, 2021 were as follows:
|
Partners
Fund |
Small-Cap
Fund |
International
Fund |
Global
Fund |
Gross
unrealized appreciation |
$
379,208,351 |
$
294,118,940 |
$
319,085,851 |
$
74,514,855 |
Gross
unrealized depreciation |
(95,028,670)
|
(6,326,860)
|
(22,920,159)
|
(5,085,549)
|
Net
unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
$
284,179,681 |
$
287,792,080 |
$
296,165,692 |
$
69,429,306 |
Cost
for federal income tax purposes |
$1,604,043,951
|
$1,706,925,968
|
$1,168,326,189
|
$314,416,424
|
Note
10. Commitments and Contingencies
The Funds
indemnify the Trust's Trustees for certain liabilities that might arise from their performance of their duties to the Funds. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and
warranties and which provide general indemnifications. The Funds' maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience,
the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.
Note 11. Subsequent Events
The Funds evaluated events from the date of the financial
statements through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure.
The presentation is for a share outstanding throughout each
period.
Partners
Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six
Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Unaudited) |
Year
Ended December 31, |
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Net
Asset Value Beginning of Period |
$
21.73 |
$
20.30 |
$
18.35 |
$
26.84 |
$
25.36 |
$
21.45 |
Net
Investment Income(a) |
0.19
|
0.23
|
0.38
|
0.42
|
0.12
|
0.20
|
Net
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) |
4.90
|
1.90
|
2.33
|
(4.78)
|
3.74
|
4.24
|
Total
from Investment Operations |
5.09
|
2.13
|
2.71
|
(4.36)
|
3.86
|
4.44
|
Dividends
from Net Investment Income |
—
|
(0.23)
|
(0.42)
|
(0.47)
|
(0.33)
|
—
(d) |
Distributions
from Net Realized Capital Gains |
—
|
(0.47)
|
(0.34)
|
(3.66)
|
(2.05)
|
(0.53)
|
Total
Distributions |
—
|
(0.70)
|
(0.76)
|
(4.13)
|
(2.38)
|
(0.53)
|
Net
Asset Value End of Period |
$
26.82 |
$
21.73 |
$
20.30 |
$
18.35 |
$
26.84 |
$
25.36 |
Total
Return |
23.42%
(e) |
10.53%
|
14.81%
|
(17.98)%
|
15.51%
|
20.72%
|
Net
Assets End of Period (thousands) |
$1,887,255
|
$1,655,311
|
$1,797,792
|
$1,980,081
|
$3,293,533
|
$3,448,288
|
Ratio
of Expenses to Average Net Assets |
0.79%
(f)(g) |
0.79%
(g) |
0.93%
(g) |
0.97%
|
0.95%
|
0.95%
|
Ratio
of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets |
1.49%
(f) |
1.23%
|
1.92%
|
1.59%
|
0.44%
|
0.84%
|
Portfolio
Turnover Rate |
5%
(e) |
37%
|
6%
|
37%
|
28%
|
17%
|
Small-Cap
Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six
Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Unaudited) |
Year
Ended December 31, |
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Net
Asset Value Beginning of Period |
$
23.85 |
$
24.27 |
$
22.10 |
$
27.60 |
$
27.49 |
$
26.98 |
Net
Investment Income(a) |
0.11
|
0.18
|
0.51
|
0.74
|
0.48
(b) |
0.07
|
Net
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) |
3.20
|
0.79
(c) |
3.78
|
(2.24)
|
1.95
|
5.39
|
Total
from Investment Operations |
3.31
|
0.97
|
4.29
|
(1.50)
|
2.43
|
5.46
|
Dividends
from Net Investment Income |
—
|
(0.55)
|
(0.62)
|
(0.76)
|
(0.45)
|
(0.10)
|
Distributions
from Net Realized Capital Gains |
—
|
(0.82)
|
(1.50)
|
(3.24)
|
(1.87)
|
(4.85)
|
Return
of Capital |
—
|
(0.02)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
Total
Distributions |
—
|
(1.39)
|
(2.12)
|
(4.00)
|
(2.32)
|
(4.95)
|
Net
Asset Value End of Period |
$
27.16 |
$
23.85 |
$
24.27 |
$
22.10 |
$
27.60 |
$
27.49 |
Total
Return |
13.88%
(e) |
4.14%
|
19.65%
|
(6.52)%
|
8.99%
|
20.48%
|
Net
Assets End of Period (thousands) |
$1,992,699
|
$1,836,719
|
$3,324,987
|
$3,109,436
|
$3,805,597
|
$3,995,661
|
Ratio
of Expenses to Average Net Assets |
0.96%
(f) |
0.96%
|
0.93%
|
0.92%
|
0.92%
|
0.91%
|
Ratio
of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets |
0.81%
(f) |
0.89%
|
2.10%
|
2.61%
|
1.70%
(b) |
0.23%
|
Portfolio
Turnover Rate |
16%
(e) |
33%
|
22%
|
32%
|
29%
|
31%
|
(a) |
Computed
using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
(b) |
Includes
receipt of a $17,466,656 special dividend, if the special dividend had not occurred, net investment income per share and the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have decreased by $0.12 and 0.43%, respectively. |
(c) |
Due to the
timing of sales and redemptions of capital shares, the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share will not equal the Fund's changes in the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments for the period. |
(d) |
Rounds to
less than $0.01. |
(e) |
Not
annualized. |
(f) |
Annualized.
|
(g) |
Expenses
presented net of fee waiver. The Partners Fund expense ratio before waiver for the periods ended June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and 2019 were 1.00%, 1.03%, and 1.00%, respectively. |
International
Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six
Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Unaudited) |
Year
Ended December 31, |
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Net
Asset Value Beginning of Period |
$
17.38 |
$
17.68 |
$
15.26 |
$
16.63 |
$
13.53 |
$
12.35 |
Net
Investment Income(a) |
0.08
|
0.07
|
0.14
|
0.12
|
0.05
|
0.11
|
Net
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) |
1.31
|
(0.29)
|
2.89
|
(1.29)
|
3.23
|
1.39
|
Total
from Investment Operations |
1.39
|
(0.22)
|
3.03
|
(1.17)
|
3.28
|
1.50
|
Dividends
from Net Investment Income |
—
|
(0.08)
|
(0.14)
|
—
|
(0.18)
|
(0.32)
|
Distributions
from Net Realized Capital Gains |
—
|
—
|
(0.47)
|
(0.20)
|
—
|
—
|
Total
Distributions |
—
|
(0.08)
|
(0.61)
|
(0.20)
|
(0.18)
|
(0.32)
|
Net
Asset Value End of Period |
$
18.77 |
$
17.38 |
$
17.68 |
$
15.26 |
$
16.63 |
$
13.53 |
Total
Return |
8.00%
(b) |
(1.22)%
|
20.00%
|
(7.08)%
|
24.23%
|
12.20%
|
Net
Assets End of Period (thousands) |
$1,462,180
|
$1,166,163
|
$1,348,777
|
$1,012,707
|
$1,177,197
|
$988,743
|
Ratio
of Expenses to Average Net Assets |
1.15%
(c)(d) |
1.15%
(c) |
1.15%
(c) |
1.18%
(c) |
1.29%
|
1.33%
|
Ratio
of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets |
0.83%
(d) |
0.46%
|
0.82%
|
0.75%
|
0.33%
|
0.88%
|
Portfolio
Turnover Rate |
7%
(b) |
28%
|
23%
|
46%
|
25%
|
21%
|
Global
Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six
Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Unaudited) |
Year
Ended December 31, |
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
Net
Asset Value Beginning of Period |
$
13.26 |
$
13.19 |
$
11.25 |
$
14.94 |
$
11.96 |
$
9.98 |
Net
Investment Income(a) |
0.07
|
0.08
|
0.12
|
0.18
|
0.05
|
0.06
|
Net
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) |
1.87
|
0.39
|
2.17
|
(2.48)
|
3.09
|
1.98
|
Total
from Investment Operations |
1.94
|
0.47
|
2.29
|
(2.30)
|
3.14
|
2.04
|
Dividends
from Net Investment Income |
—
|
(0.07)
|
(0.13)
|
(0.13)
|
(0.03)
|
(0.06)
|
Distributions
from Net Realized Capital Gains |
—
|
(0.33)
|
(0.22)
|
(1.26)
|
(0.13)
|
—
|
Total
Distributions |
—
|
(0.40)
|
(0.35)
|
(1.39)
|
(0.16)
|
(0.06)
|
Net
Asset Value End of Period |
$
15.20 |
$
13.26 |
$
13.19 |
$
11.25 |
$
14.94 |
$
11.96 |
Total
Return |
14.63%
(b) |
3.57%
|
20.38%
|
(16.16)%
|
26.33%
|
20.43%
|
Net
Assets End of Period (thousands) |
$383,147
|
$342,621
|
$288,637
|
$212,824
|
$238,865
|
$187,584
|
Ratio
of Expenses to Average Net Assets |
1.15%
(c)(d) |
1.19%
(c) |
1.20%
(c) |
1.20%
(c) |
1.20%
(c) |
1.32%
(c) |
Ratio
of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets |
0.99%
(d) |
0.72%
|
0.95%
|
1.19%
|
0.36%
|
0.54%
|
Portfolio
Turnover Rate |
17%
(b) |
36%
|
37%
|
29%
|
27%
|
33%
|
(a) |
Computed
using average shares outstanding throughout the period. |
(b) |
Not
annualized. |
(c) |
Expenses
presented net of fee waiver. The International Fund expense ratio before waiver for the periods ended June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were 1.16%, 1.20%, 1.17% and 1.21%, respectively. The Global Fund expense ratio before waiver
for the periods ended June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016 were 1.30%, 1.33%, 1.32%, 1.33%, 1.48%, and 1.52%, respectively. |
(d) |
Annualized.
|
Expense Example (Unaudited)
Shareholders of mutual funds may incur two types of costs: (1)
ongoing costs, including management fees, transfer agent fees, and other fund expenses; and (2) transaction costs, including sale charges (loads) and redemption fees. Longleaf does not charge transaction fees of any sort.
The following examples are intended to show the ongoing costs
(in dollars) of investing in the Longleaf Partners Funds and to enable you to compare the costs of investing in other mutual funds. Each example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at January 1, 2021 and held through June 30, 2021.
Actual Expenses
The table below provides information about actual account
values and actual expenses using each Fund's actual return for the period. To estimate the expenses that you paid over the period, divide your account balance by $1,000 (for example, a $12,500 account balance divided by $1,000 = 12.5), then multiply
the result by the number in the third line entitled “Expenses Paid During Period.”
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table below also provides information about hypothetical
account values and expenses based on each Fund's actual expense ratio and assumed returns of 5% per year before expenses, which are not the Funds' actual returns. Do not use the hypothetical data below to estimate your ending account balance or
expenses you paid. This information serves only to compare the ongoing costs of investing in Longleaf with other mutual funds. To do so, examine this 5% hypothetical example against the 5% hypothetical examples found in other funds' shareholder
reports.
The expenses shown in the table highlight only
ongoing costs and do not reflect transactional costs that may be charged by other funds. Therefore, the table does not reveal the total relative costs of owning different funds. Since Longleaf does not charge transactions fees, you should evaluate
other funds' transaction costs to assess the total cost of ownership for comparison purposes.
|
|
Actual
|
|
Hypothetical
(5% return before expenses) |
|
|
Beginning
account value 12/31/2020 |
Ending
account value 06/30/2021 |
Expenses
paid during period * |
|
Ending
account value 06/30/2021 |
Expenses
paid during period * |
Annualized
expense ratio |
Partners
Fund |
$1,000.00
|
$
1,234.20 |
$
4.38 |
|
$
1,020.88 |
$3.96
|
0.79%
|
Small-Cap
Fund |
1,000.00
|
1,138.80
|
5.09
|
|
1,020.03
|
4.81
|
0.96
|
International
Fund |
1,000.00
|
1,080.00
|
5.93
|
|
1,019.09
|
5.76
|
1.15
|
Global
Fund |
1,000.00
|
1,146.30
|
6.12
|
|
1,019.09
|
5.76
|
1.15
|
*
Expenses are equal to each Fund's annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (181) divided by 365 days in
the current year. |
The following additional information may be obtained for free
by calling (800) 445-9469, visiting southeasternasset.com, or on the SEC's website at sec.gov.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
A description of Longleaf's Proxy Voting Policies and
Procedures is included in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
Proxy Voting Record
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to
portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is contained in Form N-PX.
Quarterly Portfolio Holdings
Longleaf provides a complete list of its holdings four times
each year, as of the end of each quarter. The Fund files the lists with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form N-CSR (second and fourth quarters) and Form NPORT-EX (formerly N-Q) (first and third quarters). Shareholders may view the
Longleaf Funds' Forms N-CSR and NPORT-EX on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Forms N-CSR and NPORT-EX may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference
Room may be obtained by calling (202) 551-8090 (direct) or (800) 732-0330 (general SEC number). A list of the Longleaf Funds' quarter-end holdings is also available at www.southeasternasset.com on or about 15 days following each quarter end and
remains available until the list is updated in the subsequent quarter.
Fund Trustees
Additional information about Fund Trustees is included in the
SAI.
Call (800) 445-9469
Fund Information
To request a printed Prospectus, Summary Prospectus
(connect.rightprospectus.com/Longleaf/TADF/543069108/SP#), Statement of Additional Information (including Longleaf's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures), financial report, application or other Fund information from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern
time, Monday through Friday.
Shareholder
Inquiries
To request action on your existing account from
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
Account Information
For automated account balance and transaction activity, 24
hours a day, seven days a week.
Correspondence
|
|
By
regular mail: |
By
express mail or overnight courier: |
Longleaf
Partners Funds |
Longleaf
Partners Funds |
P.O.
Box 9694 |
c/o BNY
Mellon |
Providence,
RI 02940-9694 |
4400
Computer Drive |
|
Westborough,
MA 01581 |
|
(800)
445-9469 |
Published Daily
Price Quotations
Below are the common references for
searching printed or electronic media to find daily NAVs of the Funds.
Abbreviation
|
Symbol
|
Cusip
|
Transfer
Agent Fund Number |
Status
to New Investors |
Partners
|
LLPFX
|
543069108
|
133
|
Open
|
Sm-Cap
|
LLSCX
|
543069207
|
134
|
Open
|
Intl
|
LLINX
|
543069405
|
136
|
Open
|
Global
|
LLGLX
|
543069504
|
137
|
Open
|
Our Governing Principles
We will treat your investment as if it were our own.
We will remain significant investors in Longleaf Partners Funds.
We will invest for the long term, while striving to maximize returns and
minimize business, financial, purchasing power, regulatory and market risks.
We will choose each equity investment based on its discount from our appraisal
of corporate intrinsic value, its financial strength, its management, its competitive position, and our assessment of its future earnings potential.
We will focus our assets in our best ideas.
We will not impose loads or 12b-1 charges on mutual fund shareholders.
We will consider closing to new investors if closing would benefit existing
clients.
We will discourage short-term speculators and market timers.
We will continue our efforts to enhance shareholder services.
We will communicate with our investment partners as candidly as possible.
Item 1(b) Rule 30e-3 Notice
August 26, 2021
An Important Report to Shareholders of Longleaf Partners Funds
is Now Available Online and in Print by Request
The Longleaf Partners Funds have filed a new shareholder report, which is now available online and in print by request. Your shareholder report contains important information about your investments,
including performance, expenses, portfolio holdings, and financial statements. We encourage you to access and review it. You can:
|
|
|
Access the report and other resources at https://southeasternasset.com/investment-offerings/longleaf-partners-fund/ under the heading
Resources. |
|
|
|
At any time, request a mailed copy of the report and other resources at no charge by calling (800) 445-9469, by
written request to Longleaf Partners Funds, P.O. Box 9694, Providence, RI 02940-9694, or by contacting your financial intermediary. You will not otherwise receive a paper copy. |
|
|
|
Sign-up for e-delivery of shareholder reports and other communications
by logging on to your account at https://my.accessportals.com/app/a07/login, by calling (800) 445-9469, by written request to Longleaf Partners Funds, P.O. Box 9694, Providence, RI 02940-9694, or by
contacting your financial intermediary. You will not otherwise receive an email copy. |
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Not applicable to semi-annual reports.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial
Expert.
Not applicable to semi-annual reports.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not applicable to
semi-annual reports.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable.
Item 6.
Schedule of Investments.
A complete schedule of investments for the period ended June 30, 2021 is included in the
Semi-Annual Report filed under Item 1 of this form.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by
Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
The registrant does not currently have in place procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrants board of directors.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
The registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on their evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the registrants
disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report on Form N-CSR, that the design and operation of such procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance
that information required to be disclosed by the investment company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the
Commissions rules and forms.
At the date of filing this Form N-CSR, the registrants
principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no changes in the registrants internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely
to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending
Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item
13. Exhibits.
Exhibit 99. CERT Certification Required by Item 12(a)(2) of Form N-CSR
Exhibit 99.906 CERT Certification Pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
Longleaf Partners Funds Trust |
|
|
By |
|
/s/ O. Mason Hawkins |
|
|
O. Mason Hawkins |
|
|
Trustee |
|
|
Longleaf Partners Funds Trust |
|
|
Date |
|
August 26, 2021 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
By |
|
/s/ Ross Glotzbach |
|
|
Ross Glotzbach CEO,
Southeastern Asset Management, Inc. Functioning as principal executive officer under agreements with Longleaf Partners Funds Trust and its separate
series |
|
|
|
Date |
|
August 26, 2021 |
|
|
By |
|
/s/ Ryan S. Hocker |
|
|
Ryan S. Hocker |
|
|
Global Funds Treasurer, Southeastern Asset |
|
|
Management, Inc. Functioning as principal financial officer |
|
|
under agreements with Longleaf Partners Funds Trust and its
separate series |
|
|
Date |
|
August 26, 2021 |
A signed original of this written statement has been provided to Longleaf Partners Funds Trust and will be retained by
Longleaf Partners Funds Trust and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.