We added to our position in First Republic Bank (NYSE:FRC) because our confidence in the company’s uniqueness, business model, and management continues to grow. The election results clearly suggest potential for higher interest rates, faster economic growth, lower corporate tax rates, and a more benign regulatory environment. We first purchased First Republic Bank earlier in the year because we believed it was a highly differentiated bank with a long runway for growth. First Republic Bank employs a unique, high-touch business model to serve wealthy customers in fast-growing, coastal markets of the U.S. A singular focus on client service leads to high customer retention and word-of-mouth referrals. Despite growing much faster than the overall banking industry, First Republic Bank is a disciplined underwriter with much lower credit losses than peers. We believe First Republic Bank can continue growing profitably for many years given its strong reputation and low penetration in large markets.
From Baron Funds' Fifth Avenue Growth Fund fourth quarter 2016 commentary.
