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May 10, 2011 at 08:00 PM
This is an extended version of the profile that appeared in the May issue of Investment Advisor, part of AdvisorOne's Special Report profiling this year's members of the IA 25, the most influential people in and around the advisor universe. See the complete list and Special Report schedule for extended profiles of all the 2011 members of the IA 25.
Bruce Berkowitz is the man(ager) of the moment—which always sounds nice, but is usually fleeting (Legg Mason’s Bill Miller anyone?).
Referred to as the “megamind of Miami” by Fortune, and an avid speed walker, Berkowitz founded the Fairholme Fund 11 years ago. Now with $17 billion in assets under management, it claims a five-year total return of 9.97% and a 10-year total return of 11.46% (as of Dec. 31, 2010). Its performance has earned the fund five stars and Berkowitz the title not just of 2009 U.S. stock-fund manager of the year from Morningstar, but also domestic stock fund manager of the decade (along with such unknowns as Bill Gross and David Herro).
However, despite the accolades, Berkowitz’s Bill Miller-style missteps may already have begun.
“This year, his performance is actually at the bottom of his peer group,” says Morningstar analyst Kevin McDevitt. “And actually his overall performance has significantly lagged over the past 12 months.”
But McDevitt is quick to note that Berkowitz’s contrarian view and unconventional approach means he will have periods of underperformance. Indeed, McDevitt is surprised it hasn’t happened sooner.
