David Iben is the Lead Portfolio Manager of the Kopernik Global All-Cap and Global Unconstrained strategies, and the Co-Portfolio Manager of the Kopernik International and Global Long-Term Opportunities strategies. He is the Chief Investment Officer, Managing Member, Founder, and Chairman of the Board of Governors of Kopernik Global Investors.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stephen Rosenthal, CFA, Kopernik Analyst, discusses Kopernik's view on Uranium.
Mark McKinney, CFA, Kopernik Analyst and Portfolio Manager discusses the biggest threats and dangers that investors don't see, not because they're secret or invisible, but because we are willfully blind. Topics include: the U.S. Stock Market, Non-GAAP Earnings, The Buyback Boom, Growth vs Value, Volatility, Emerging Markets, and Russia
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kopernik CIO Dave Iben spoke with the team at Bloor Street Capital to provide a rundown of Kopernik’s investment philosophy and explain why 25% of our assets are currently invested in gold and silver equities. Watch the two part series to learn more about how Kopernik values investment opportunities in the mining space.
