Mason Hawkins Comments on Saks

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Aug 13, 2013
Saks (SKS, Financial), which we purchased in the market decline in 2011, gained 19% for the second quarter and 30% for the first half of the year, making it the largest contributor in the quarter and the second largest YTD. Although the luxury retailer's highend shoppers are sensitive to large stock market downswings, they are less vulnerable to the challenges of high unemployment and slower economic growth that affect most consumers. During the second quarter, Saks' price rose sharply on news that the company had hired Goldman Sachs to explore strategic alternatives, including a sale of the company. In addition, investment in store renovation and the online retail business began to show positive results.

From Mason Hawkins' semi-annual 2013 report.