As the year winds down, it’s time again for GuruFocus readers to pick their favorite investing manager to be crowned Guru of the Year. In the past, readers have chosen legends such as Carl Icahn (Trades, Portfolio), Charlie Munger (Trades, Portfolio) of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, Financial)(BRK.B, Financial) and David Einhorn (Trades, Portfolio). Post your vote in the comments section below and check back to see who will be 2015’s Guru of the Year.
Though value investors have relatively little concern for short-term performance and results, it’s clear that some gurus have had a better year than others. Bill Ackman (Trades, Portfolio)’s Pershing Square has generated headlines for its large stake in Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX, Financial), which has been accused of improper business practices and accounting related to its partnership with a specialty pharmacy called Philidor Rx Services. Ackman has increased his position in the stock that has lost about half its value in the past few months, while other guru investors such as Wallace Weitz (Trades, Portfolio), Kyle Bass (Trades, Portfolio) and Jana Partners (Trades, Portfolio) have exited their holdings.
Einhorn’s Greenlight Capital has also struggled this year, having lost 20.6% for the year through November. This is one of the worst performances in the industry, according to the Wall Street Journal. The most recent blow to Einhorn was his short position in Keurig Green Mountain (GMCR, Financial). The maker of the Keurig coffee machines has since announced it will be acquired by JAB Holding, which sent the stock up by 72%.
On the other hand, Jeff Auxier (Trades, Portfolio)’s top 10 holdings in the Auxier Focus Fund have had a value-weighted average return of 14.28% for the year up to the latest quarterly filing. Bill Nygren (Trades, Portfolio), manager of the Oakmark Fund, has also seen his top 10 stocks return an average of 10.2% over the same time period.
To see which gurus have had the best performances over the past year — as well as the worst — check out GuruFocus’ Scoreboard. Don’t forget to Nominate your favorite guru in the comments below and include a short explanation of your thoughts.
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