We added two new positions in the first quarter. Weakness in the Macau (China) gaming market provided the opportunity to purchase Wynn Resorts (WYNN) at a substantial discount to our appraisal. Wynn owns some of the world’s prime real estate through luxury gaming and hotel operations in Las Vegas and Macau as well as a future location outside Boston, Massachusetts. Through its 72% ownership of Wynn Macau, Wynn controls a gaming and hotel complex on the Macau peninsula and is completing an additional project in nearby Cotai. The company’s Wynn and Encore casinos are among the most profitable in Vegas, with a prime location on the Strip. Steve Wynn has been a successful owner- operator who has made money for shareholders over a long period. We bought Google as fears around a slowdown in the company’s dominant search and display advertising business became over-discounted in the market.
From Mason Hawkins (Trades, Portfolio)’ Longleaf Partners Fund Q1 2015 Management Discussion.
