What We're Reading ~ Hedge Fund Links 12/13/13

Hedge fund managers optimistic about markets but concerned about tapering [P&I]

John Burbank's investment alchemy [Institutional Investor]

Pennant Capital returns some money to investors [II Alpha]

LibreMax launching student loan fund [FINalternatives]

Hedge fund managers seek to set themselves apart through branding [P&I]

Odey short Manchester United [Dealbook]

Coatue invests $50 million in Snapchat [FINalternatives]

3 big hedge fund predictions for 2014 [CNBC]

Hedgies trail stocks by the widest margin since 2005 [Bloomberg]

The hedge fund problem - and the solution [Bloomberg]

Corvex Management Exercises Calls on Fidelity National Financial, Applauds Management's Moves

Keith Meister's hedge fund firm Corvex Management filed an amended 13D with the SEC regarding its activist position in Fidelity National Financial (FNF).  Per the filing, Corvex now owns 7.3% of the company with over 18.2 million shares.

They exercised calls on December 10th and acquired 15,451,900 shares in aggregate. 

The filing also indicates that Corvex continues to engage with management:

"The Reporting Persons applaud the Issuer’s decision to explore strategic alternatives with regards to its non-core assets in order to unlock value not reflected in the current share price.  In addition, the Reporting Persons are pleased with the Issuer’s decision to focus capital allocation going forward towards the new core business and away from non-core businesses.  The Reporting Persons look forward to a continued, constructive dialogue with the Board and Management of the Issuer."

You can view the details of Corvex's initial position here.

Trian Discloses Allegion Stake, Spin Off From Ingersoll-Rand

Nelson Peltz's activist investment firm Trian Fund has disclosed a new stake in Allegion (ALLE) via a 13G filed with the SEC.  Per the filing, Trian now owns 5.9% of the company with over 5.7 million shares.

Allegion is a spinoff of securities businesses from Ingersoll-Rand (IR) and shares started trading at the beginning of December.  Shareholders of IR stock received 1 ALLE share per every 3 IR shares owned.

As of November, Trian owned also over 18.7 million shares of IR.

For more on this investor, head to Nelson Peltz's presentation at Invest For Kids Chicago.

Pennant Capital Discloses BFC Financial Position

Alan Fournier's hedge fund firm Pennant Capital has filed a 13G with the SEC regarding shares of BFC Financial Corp (BFCF).  Per the filing, Pennant now owns 3.94% of the company with 2,985,600 shares. 

This is the first time they've disclosed a position in this security.  The filing was required due to portfolio activity on December 4th.

Pennant also recently has decided to return some investor capital.  They join the likes of Baupost Group and Appaloosa Management (where Fournier previously worked) in the ranks of hedge funds that have sent capital back to investors.

Per Google Finance, BFC Financial is "a holding company whose principal holdings include controlling interests in Bluegreen Corporation and BBX Capital Corporation. The Company’s objective is to create long-term value for its shareholders through profitable growth of its portfolio companies and appreciation in the value of its investments. The Company has invested in or acquired businesses in a variety of industries. BBX Capital Corporation is a diversified investment and asset management company. In April 2013, Bluegreen Corporation completes merger with subsidiary of the Company, Woodbridge Holdings, LLC (Woodbridge)."

You can see some of Pennant's other recent trades here.

Blue Ridge Capital Discloses Zulily Stake

John Griffin's hedge fund Blue Ridge Capital recently filed a 13G with the SEC and disclosed a new stake in Zulily (ZU).  Per the filing, Blue Ridge now owns 6.05% of the company with 799,811 shares.

The company recently completed its initial public offering (IPO) on November 14th.  It priced at $22 per share, above the expected range, and now trades around $38.

Per Google Finance, Zulily is "an e-commerce company. The Company, through its desktop and mobile Websites and mobile applications, which it refers to as its sites, helps its customers discover new and unique products. The Company provides moms with a selection of over 4,500 product styles offered on a typical day through various flash sales events, which are limited-time curated online sales of selected products launched each day on its sites. The Company offers merchandise primarily targeted at moms purchasing for their children, themselves and their homes. Its merchandise includes children’s apparel, women’s apparel, and other product categories, such as toys, infant gear, kitchen accessories and home decor The Company sources its merchandise from thousands of vendors, including emerging brands and smaller boutique vendors, as well as larger national brands.The Company offers merchandise primarily targeted at moms purchasing for their children, themselves and their homes."

We've posted additional recent portfolio activity from Blue Ridge here.

Lee Cooperman Shows Increased Atlas Resource Partners Stake

Lee Cooperman's investment firm Omega Advisors recently filed an amended 13G with the SEC regarding their position in Atlas Resource Partners (ARP).  Per the filing, Cooperman now owns 11.1% of the company with 6,753,919 shares.

This marks an increase of over 1.9 million shares since the end of the third quarter.  The filing was made due to portfolio activity on November 12th.

Per Google Finance, Atlas Resource Partners is "an independent developer and producer of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL), with operations in basins across the United States. The Company is a sponsor and manager of investment partnerships, in which it co-invests, to finance a portion of its natural gas and oil production activities."

You can view other activity from Cooperman here.