News & Views

News & Views

A Value Investor's Reflections on a Unique Decade (Jan 2023)

As the firm approaches its 10-year anniversary, CIO Dave Iben reaffirms Kopernik’s unchanging philosophy and process and describes opportunities we are finding as we enter our second decade.

More

JIG'S UP (Sep 2022)

In his new commentary, Kopernik CIO Dave Iben discusses how, after a four-decade long period when central bankers were idolized, someone has pulled back the curtain and revealed that "the jig is up". Stocks and bonds appear to have entered a bear market, and the economy is stagnating. What is an investor to do in this new paradigm?

More

Changes in Latitude (Feb 2022)

Although our CIO’s commentary was planned to be published last week, in light of current world events, we elected to hold it back and to address more pressing matters first. We reiterate that our thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people during this troubling time. Like all of you, we continue to monitor events and hope for peace.

In this letter, we have the audacity to give a non-standard view of “Buffett” stocks. Fortuitously, Mr. Buffett issued his annual letter this weekend, lending credence to our belief that he may share the view that now is more of a time for investing in real assets than in the stocks of over-earning consumer brands. In his summary, Mr. Buffett writes about how Berkshire Hathaway was a struggling ‘value’ stock in 1965, having just cumulatively lost money over a nine-year period. Its stock had more than halved. This quintessential deep value stock was the only holding that Warren kept when he unwound his investment partnership in the late 1960s.

Buffett made a point to emphasize (headed ‘Surprise, surprise”) Berkshire’s “Four Giants”: a railroad (BNSF), an utility franchise (BHE), insurance businesses, and – yes – Apple. Three of the four are ‘value’ businesses, two of which are clearly endowed with significant Real Asset holdings. Interestingly, he starts his summary with the fact that Berkshire is the single largest owner/operator of infrastructure in the U.S. It is on their books for $158 BILLION. It was fun to see him end his summary with a reference to “Cousin Jimmy Buffett” who apparently will be selling “party” boats at the Berkshire annual meeting in late April. Apparently, a Berkshire subsidiary is building the boats that Jimmy designed, and Warren is buying one from him. We’ve read that they are long-time friends. Apparently 23andme recently disproved years of conjecture that the two are related.

We hope you enjoy the read.

More

Sedona (Sep 2021)

In his new commentary, Kopernik CIO Dave Iben summarizes many of his thoughts on the current inflationary environment and gives examples of how this has benefited value investors. They now figuratively have the wind at their backs.

More

29 Palms (Jul 2021)

In his newest commentary, Kopernik’s CIO Dave Iben draws inspiration from Robert Plant and the deserts of Morocco to discuss the Fed’s printing press, the Cantillon effect, and the value Kopernik is finding in scarce, undervalued, useful assets.

More

Pages

Kopernik Perspective: Mining (Sep 2020)

In this white paper, Kopernik’s Investment Research team analyzes the potential risks and upsides of investing in the mining space and describes how Kopernik values mining companies.

More

Kopernik Perspective: Uranium (Aug 2020 Update)

In this update of our 2017 white paper, analyst Steve Rosenthal discusses Kopernik’s perspective on uranium, its unique properties, and the global opportunities Kopernik is currently seeing in the industry.

More

Is This An Inflection Point For Passive Management? (Jul 2020)

In this June 2020 white paper, analyst Taylor McKenna explores the similarities and differences between active and passive management strategies. He argues that passive management strategies, such as ETFs and closet indexers, cannot replicate a more active approach. Using the metaphor of a thoughtful baseball manager, Taylor suggests that active management adds value to an investment strategy.

More

Kopernik Perspective: Gold (Jul 2020 Update)

In this update of our 2015 white paper, analyst and Director of Research Alissa Corcoran, CFA discusses Kopernik’s view on gold, its unique history, and the global opportunities Kopernik is finding in the industry.

More

The Subtle Art...(Sep 2019)

Mark McKinney, CFA, Kopernik Analyst and Portfolio Manager discusses the opportunities that volatility can offer and why Kopernik focuses on long-term performance. Mark uses the popular 2016 self-help book by Mark Manson to offer interesting insights and applicability in the investment world.

More

These Go To Eleven (Feb 2019)

Mark McKinney, CFA, Kopernik Analyst and Portfolio Manager discusses the current macro investing environment in Japan, the EU and the US, by drawing parallels to the classic movie quote "These go to eleven" and how that helps Kopernik and the opportunity set we could provide over time.

More

Pages

Event: The Antidote to Correlation Webinar - ESG

On March 30, 2021, Kopernik's President Neda Yarich hosted a discussion on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) with Chief Investment Officer and Lead Portfolio Manager David Iben and Director of Research/Analyst Alissa Corcoran. 

Presentation: Antidote to Correlation E.S.G. Webinar

Video Replay: Antidote to Correlation E.S.G. Webinar

More

Barron's Penta: Future Returns: Investing Beyond the S&P 500, featuring Kopernik CIO Dave Iben - March 30, 2021

Kopernik's CIO Dave Iben spoke with Barron's Penta for a column on why investors should consider opportunities outside the S&P 500, and why becoming an "international bargain hunter" is a great first step. Read the full story here.

More

Barrons Feature Story on Commodities with Kopernik CIO, David Iben - January 1, 2021

Kopernik Founder and CIO Dave Iben was included in a Barron's feature story, where he spoke with the publication about the buying opportunities he's currently finding in commodities like uranium, energy, and more. Read the full story here.

More

BNN Network - Commodities Primed for a Price Surge | Alissa Corcoran - February 4, 2021

Kopernik's Director of Research Alissa Corcoran went on BNN Bloomberg to discuss why commodities like uranium and gold have been underappreciated (partly due to momentum stocks), why the price of each will need to increase, and her key sector picks including Cameco and Centerra. Watch the full interview here.

More

Barron's "Top Income Investments of 2021" with Dave Iben - December 31, 2020

Kopernik Founder and CIO Dave Iben recently spoke with Barron's for the publication's "Top Income Investments of 2021" cover story, where he discussed where he's currently finding value opportunities overseas. Read the full story here.

More

Bloomberg Radio - Dave Iben On The Markets - December 28, 2020

In this interview with Bloomberg Radio’s Daybreak Asia, Kopernik CIO Dave Iben discusses the extremely bifurcated market and opportunities that we’re finding in gold producers and emerging market telecom companies. Listen to the full interview here.

More

Pages