Intesa Sanpaolo (MIL:ISP), an Italian retail and commercial bank, was the top contributor to performance over the past 12 months, returning 50%. Intesa's share price has rebounded as fears over Italy's banking system and government have subsided. We have always believed these fears were overblown and that Italy was in much better long-term fiscal health than many of its periphery countries. The new CEO has committed to return EUR 10 billion to shareholders via dividends over the next four years. This constitutes a cumulative payout ratio in excess of 70%. Even with this return of capital to shareholders, Intesa should be over-capitalized compared with Basel III requirements, leaving the door open for additional capital returns. Additionally, management plans to increase investments in fee-based businesses, including asset management and insurance, and to exit non-core businesses and investments. We believe management has a solid plan for the future and believe the investment will continue to provide value for our shareholders.From David Herro (Trades, Portfolio)'s Oakmark International Fund Third Quarter 2014 Letter.Also check out: David Herro Undervalued Stocks David Herro Top Growth Companies David Herro High Yield stocks, and Stocks that David Herro keeps buying
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