We initiated a position in Royal Bank of Scotland (NYSE:RBS), a U.K.-based commercial and retail bank, during the quarter after the share price plummeted on news that the U.K. had voted to leave the European Union. We believed the market had overreacted as shares of RBS fell nearly 40% in the two weeks following the announcement. We used the opportunity to purchase shares of the company at a significant discount to our estimate of intrinsic value. We believe RBS has a strong competitive position and a solid management team that has made tremendous strides in de-risking the business. The company’s historical earnings have been hurt by restructuring, litigation and other non-permanent items. While RBS was the quarter’s largest detractor, we expect a significant improvement in profitability and free cash flow in the quarters ahead.
From David Herro (Trades, Portfolio)'s Oakmark International Fund third quarter 2016 commentary.
