Additional shares of Vodafone (VOD, Financial) Common were purchased following the completion of the company's sale of its 45% stake in Verizon Wireless to Verizon. This transaction resulted in a significant distribution to shareholders consisting mostly of Verizon common stock and also of cash. Fund Management elected to sell the Verizon shares owing to concerns about slowing growth and increasing completion in the US along with the company's leveraged balance sheet. Vodafone has a very strong financial position and is well positioned to benefit from consolidation in the European telecommunication market and growth in emerging markets. Vodafone Common accounted for 2.5% of the Fund's net assets at quarter end.
From Third Avenue Management (Trades, Portfolio)'s second quarter 2014 shareholder letter.
