The Davis Financial Fund seeks to provide long term capital appreciation by investing primarily in the stocks of companies in the financial services industry. The Fund's overriding theme is looking for durable companies that are conservatively valued. It also may invest in companies outside the financial arena.1
Investment Philosophy 4 Compelling Reasons to Invest in Financial Stocks Reliable Performance Fund Factsheet Prospectus
WHAT IS THE FUND' S INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY?
The Fund capitalizes on the Davis family's core competency, honed over three generations, of successfully investing in financial services stocks.2 The Fund's basic philosophy is to seek durable, well-managed businesses that can be purchased at value prices and held for the long term. Portfolio Managers Kenneth Feinberg and Charles Cavanaugh focus on managing risk.
A Research-Driven Approach "Understanding a company's products and financial statements is critical, but it doesn't give you enough of an edge. We also work hard to evaluate the vision, character and goals of a company's management because that's the only way to gain conviction about a stock. And only with conviction can you buy when others are panicking and selling." Christopher C. Davis, Davis Advisors
A Strong Price Discipline "We think of ourselves as opportunistic buyers. We generally purchase companies when they are under a cloud —that is, when some short-term disappointment has created an opportunity. This strict price discipline helps us mitigate risk and can be particularly crucial in volatile markets." 3 Kenneth Charles Feinberg, Portfolio Manager
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4 COMPELLING REASONS TO INVEST IN FINANCIAL STOCKS
We believe financial stocks offer attractive investment opportunities over the long term for four compelling reasons: 4
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Powerful demographic trends—not only in America where 76 million baby boomers are entering their peak earning and investing years, but also in Europe and Asia—should lead to greater demand for financial products worldwide.
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Companies with strong brand-names are emerging in financial services that should increasingly gain market share from weaker competitors.
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Consolidation within financial services industries is a continuing trend that should result in improving profit margins for surviving companies.
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Many financial companies generate strong free cash flow that can be used to increase value for shareholders through share repurchases, acquisitions and higher dividends.
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RELIABLE PERFORMANCE 2
Davis Financial Fund Class A shares 5/1/91-12/31/07 Fund performance includes 4.75% maximum sales charge and reflects reinvested distribution and changes in net asset value for Class A shares.
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As of December 31, 2007
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1 Year
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Davis Financial Fund Class A
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-9.81%
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12.17%
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6.93%
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