Auctioneer Sotheby’s (NYSE:BID) sold off -19.17% as it became clearer the art cycle is late in its growth phase. Management is acknowledging that buyers’ discernment on quality is increasing: good lots that once sold at high prices have not reached estimated prices recently. Unfortunately, the market also viewed the company’s auction of A. Alfred Taubman, the owner of Sotheby’s before it went public in 1988, unfavorably.
From John Rogers (Trades, Portfolio)' fourth quarter 2015 Ariel Fund Commentary.
