In our most recent commentary, we pay homage to the 1960’s by contrasting our current environment to that of a mere half-century ago; it was a period when Wall Street saw only good things while Main Street saw turmoil and change. We view 2019 as arguably a supercharged version of the late 1960’s, which can serve as a guide and an excellent source of instruction on how to successfully navigate the current investment environment.
The most recent commentary contrast the renaissance period to the contemporary era. A half-millennium ago, mankind's search for truth began to breakdown the stifling barriers to thought and liberty. In the contemporary world where truth and liberty have conceptually become easy, they are being sacrificed. While this is a gross generalization, excellent opportunities have been opened up for those willing to use common sense, dig for the truth, and act upon their conviction. At Kopernik, we continue conducting in-depth due diligence, thoughtfully appraising value, maintaining patience and self-control, and staying disciplined in our process.
We discuss the current investment environment by drawing parallels to the Portuguese myth based on the belief that King Sebastian will return to save Portugal. This seemingly captures the way most people feel about value investing by sneering at unpopular, but value-laden, tangible assets. We believe that what others condescendingly snub as “cigar butts” may turn out to be, figuratively, valuable ‘Cubans’, wrapper intact.
We discuss the dangers and opportunities created investors allow independent thought and judgment to be subordinated by the dominant theories of the day; to prescriptive economic theories; to formulaic investment models; and especially to price insensitive investment approaches. Why Kopernik prefers independent thought to dependency and judgement to data. We discuss why the future looks bright for active investing, for value investing, and for idiosyncratic investing.
Using the aforementioned song as an analogy for the current investment market, we discuss the how the markets look like a runaway train, the perils that presents for investors, but more importantly, the potential safety and money-making opportunities available to those who are willing to jump off the momentum express train.
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.
Stephen Rosenthal, CFA, Kopernik Analyst, discusses Kopernik's view on Uranium.
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.
Alissa Corcoran, CFA, Kopernik Analyst, discusses Kopernik's view on currency risk and why the Firm doesn't hedge foreign currency exposure.
In honor of our 10-year anniversary, Kopernik was profiled in a story by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Our Founder and CIO Dave Iben and President Neda Yarich discussed Kopernik’s success, growth, and why it has always paid to be a contrarian investor.
Read the full story here (requires subscription).
CIO Dave Iben and Deputy CIO Alissa Corcoran sat down with editor Kathryn M. Welling of Welling on Wall Street for a profile on Kopernik. Read the full interview for more insight into the investment opportunities we’re finding in emerging markets and why we continue to enjoy being contrarian, patient investors.
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.
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
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.
