Billionaire Mason Hawkins’ Top Finance Stocks Are Loews Corporation (L), Aon plc (AON), And Everest Re Group Ltd. (RE)

Let’s now turn our attention to Aon plc (NYSE:AON), a global provider of risk management, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services. Southeastern Asset Management reported a stake of 11.01 million shares in the company in its most recent quarterly filing, which marks a lift of 3.54 million shares over the quarter. Aon, the insurance broker headquartered in London, recently hired Joe Surette to lead the company’s Boston office. Surette had served as senior vice president and area executive for New England at Zurich Financial Services prior to embarking on this new journey. Aon is one of the largest insurance agencies in Massachusetts, however, its annual premium-dollar volume has not changed by much over the last few years, remaining flat at $520 million. In the meantime, Aon’s competitors in the state have expanded their businesses lately, so it should be expected that the insurance broker’s new leader in Boston will inject more dynamism so as to counter the competition. Aon’s shares haven’t delivered a great performance this year, gaining slightly over 1% year-to-date. Robert Rodriguez and Steven Romick’s First Pacific Advisors LLC is one of the top shareholders in Aon plc (NYSE:AON) within our database, with 7.15 million shares.

Southeastern Asset Management sold roughly 4.63% of its stake in Everest Re Group Ltd. (NYSE:RE), ending the quarter with 3.17 million shares valued at $577.49 million. Everest Re Group, which provides reinsurance and insurance products, recently announced two leadership appointments, which are believed to be aimed at assisting the expansion of its Everest National platform. Connie Germano has been appointed as the leader of the U.S. Insurance Specialty Casualty Operation, and will be responsible for the formation and development of the Everest National’s primary casualty, umbrella & excess, and environmental units. Meanwhile, Tom Morelli has been appointed leader of the company’s Energy Casualty group, which represents a new initiative for Everest. Just a little while ago, Everest reported its second quarter financial results, posting net income of $209.1 million or $4.68 per diluted share, compared to $290.2 million or $6.26 per share reported a year ago. Cliff Asness’ AQR Capital Management is one of the hedge funds within our database that is bullish on Everest Re Group Ltd. (NYSE:RE), owning 635,051 shares.

Disclosure: None