Speaking of the financial sector, U.S. Bank (NYSE:USB) was a top contributor to performance in both the fourth quarter and the full year (the Fund’s 6th top performer year-to-date) and is our largest holding. While valuations among financial stocks, including USB, are at the high end of their trading range, we remain comfortable with our position. The bank is well run and consistently posts lower (better) efficiency ratios and its return on assets and return on equity are leading among its peers. While a large multi-state bank and one of the largest in the U.S., it escapes the most intensive regulatory microscope the very largest banks of over $750 billion in assets operate under. In addition, we believe U.S. Bank is very well positioned under several different economic scenarios. If the expectations for lower corporate taxes, a lighter regulatory touch and a rising and steepening yield curve bear out as the market expects, the bank will benefit. But given its operating strengths and solid management, even if the most optimistic scenario does not pan out we believe the bank will perform well.
From Mairs & Power's Growth Fund fourth quarter 2016 commentary.
