After the market closed today the government announced that they will be selling some more of their stock.  They didn’t specify size as that is contingent upon pricing.  The good news for AIG shareholders is that the company is buying back $2 billion of their stock.  At just over 50% of tangible book value this...Read More

AIG came out with exceptional earnings after the close today.  The company earned $3.2 billion in the quarter and had operating income of $1.65 a share versus expectations of $1.13 per share.  The company increased book value to $57.68 reflecting 69% upside from the current price.  Recent sales of the Maiden Lane portfolios and AIA...Read More

This article provides interesting insight into the buoyant market for junk bonds.  Investors hungry for higher yielding investments have been willing to offer very favorable terms to companies in less than ideal financial condition.  This is actually a decent time to be investing in junk bonds as the economy is improving but has likely not...Read More

This article showcases the high quality lending that banks are doing currently.  Improved underwriting and more disciplined pricing are the results of the consolidation that the industry has undergone.  While these are fairly normal characteristics for the recovery period in the credit cycle, markets aren’t giving the banks any credit for their solid financial strength....Read More

We’ve been documenting the resurgence in AIG and the absurd valuation that “Mr. Market” is placing on the stock.  Another key cog of that value is their stake in Maiden Lane III.  Once the Fed sells these securities to repay the loan the balance will belong to AIG.  This could be anywhere from $4-$7 billion...Read More

AIA Group Ltd (1299) continues to profitably grow in Asia.  As disposable incomes rise it is very likely that the insurance industry will experience a long and fast growth trajectory in Asia and other emerging markets.  American International Group Inc. (AIG) still owns about 19% of AIA and it will be interesting to see if...Read More

The Federal Reserve continues to unwind the various Maiden Lane portfolios at a really nice profit for taxpayers.  Once the Federal Reserve sells the remaining portion of Maiden Lane III AIG should be pretty much done owing any more money.  According to Bloomberg the central bank is owed almost $9 billion on its loan to...Read More

It’s good to see AIG getting back into Real Estate while collateral values are still low.  This is a company that has a huge amount of float that they need to invest so they must remain disciplined and diversified.  Before their CEO Robert Benmosche took over AIG was winding down everything under pressure from the...Read More

As usual Bruce Berkowitz and Fairholme Funds do an excellent job outlining the investment thesis for AIG which is probably our number one idea right now at TTCM.  Very few fund managers are as comfortable going against the grain as Berkowitz is, and I really admire that quality in addition to his phenomenal analysis. http://www.fairholmefunds.com/pdf/CaseStudyII.pdf...Read More

Jamie Dimon the CEO of JP Morgan Chase came out with his shareholder letter today.  I always enjoy reading it as Dimon is honest, insightful, and outspoken.  He touches on a variety of subjects but I found most interesting his belief in buying his stock, and his rationale for doing so which I completely agree...Read More