News & Views

News & Views

David (Dave) Iben CFA

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.

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Proud Mary (March 2023)

For his latest commentary, our CIO Dave Iben looks at the Fed's implicit loosening of monetary policy as a result of the liquidity provided in the wake of the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. He once again takes readers on a journey down the migratory flow of the Cantillon River in search of scarce, necessary assets that hold their value in inflationary times. Describing how the market’s approach to valuing hard assets is misguided, Dave lays out how the value of those assets increases with time and describes Kopernik’s approach to valuing these scarce, necessary resources.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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Kopernik Perspective: Currency (Aug 2016)

Alissa Corcoran, CFA, Kopernik Analyst, discusses Kopernik's view on currency risk and why the Firm doesn't hedge foreign currency exposure.

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That Word. I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means. (May 2018)

Mark McKinney, CFA, Kopernik Analyst and Portfolio Manager discusses a wide array of topics including risk, earnings, tech privacy, and Blockchain.

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Kopernik Perspective: Is Coal Dead? (Feb 2016)

Stephen Rosenthal, CFA, Kopernik Analyst, discusses the global demand for energy and how coal will continue to be a viable option to meet the energy needs of a growing population.

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Kopernik Perspective: Gold (Apr 2015)

Alissa Corcoran, CFA, Kopernik Analyst, discusses Kopernik's view on gold, its unique history, and the global opportunities Kopernik is finding in the industry.

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It’s Like Déjà Vu All Over Again (Jan 2018)

Mark McKinney, CFA, Kopernik Analyst and Portfolio Manager discusses the valuation changes of the worlds stock markets, the current tech stock heavy environment, and a look at Blockchain mania.

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I Don't Get It (Aug 2017)

Mark McKinney, CFA, Kopernik Analyst and Portfolio Manager, discusses central banking, quantitative easing, debt yields, ETF manias & cryptocurrencies and the effect they have on the current investing environment.

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Bloor Street Capital Nuclear & Uranium Conference - Featuring Alissa Corcoran - March 3, 2023

Deputy CIO Alissa Corcoran spoke at the Bloor Street Capital Nuclear & Uranium Conference, where she discussed opportunities in global markets and how Kopernik approaches investing in uranium. Watch Alissa’s full interview here, beginning at 1:19:07.

 

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Kopernik in Conversation with Value Investor Insight - February 28, 2023

Today's market environment is leading to extreme discounts in select assets, presenting an increasingly interesting set of opportunities. Kopernik CIO Dave Iben and Deputy CIO Alissa Corcoran recently sat down with Value Investor Insight to discuss where these opportunities are and how Kopernik’s philosophy and investment process are poised to capitalize on them. Dave and Alissa explore several themes including:

1. The importance of scarce, necessary assets in the commodities space
2. Specific opportunities in emerging markets, agriculture, and gold miners

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BNN Bloomberg TV - Featuring Alissa Corcoran - February 7, 2023

Kopernik Deputy CIO Alissa Corcoran appeared on BNN Bloomberg TV to discuss the advantages of investing in gold, how she’s evaluating unique value investment opportunities, and the impact of Newmont’s bid for Newcrest. You can watch Alissa’s interview here.

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In it to Win it Podcast - Featuring Alissa Corcoran - February 16, 2023

Deputy CIO Alissa Corcoran sat down with Steve Barton, host of the In It to Win It podcast, to discuss value investing, inflation, emerging markets abroad and analyze the trends in commodities such as gold, platinum and uranium. Listen to Alissa’s full interview here.

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Bloomberg TV - Featuring Alissa Corcoran - January 11, 2023

Kopernik Deputy CIO Alissa Corcoran appeared on Bloomberg TV to discuss commodities—specifically the supply of real assets like copper, the advantages of investing in gold, and the favorable gains Kopernik has seen in the energy sector. Alissa’s full interview with Bloomberg can be found here starting at 26:33.

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CFA Society of Dallas-Fort Worth | Charterholder Chatter interview with Dave Iben - November 3, 2022

Kopernik CIO Dave Iben recently sat down with Paul Olschwanger of Wendell Rhoads Consulting for an episode of Charterholder Chatter, sponsored by the CFA Society of Dallas-Fort Worth. Dave spoke to Paul about the progression of his investment career, what’s to come for the future of value investing, and why to Kopernik, volatility is opportunity.

You can listen to Dave’s full discussion on the CFA Society Dallas/Fort Worth Charterholder Chatter website or by clicking play in the player below.

 

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