Although Loews (L) was flat in the second quarter, it remained a detractor YTD, down 9%. The first quarter price fell after underlying holdings Diamond Offshore (DO) and Boardwalk Pipeline (BWP) disappointed. In April, DO’s results improved, and the company announced its first share buyback since 2004. After being punished for cutting its dividend in February, BWP outlined several attractive potential projects going forward and recovered in the second quarter. Loews’ other major holding, CNA Financial Corp. had a solid quarter. Loews ramped up its own share repurchases given the discount in the stock and the lack of high-return alternatives for the company’s large net cash of over $8.50/share.
From Mason Hawkins (Trades, Portfolio)’ Longleaf Partners Fund Semi Annual 2014 Management Discussion.
