RV Capital's First-Half 2024 Letter to Co-Investors
Oct 1, 2024
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Norman Rentrop, a revered mentor in the investment sector, joins the discussion to illuminate his insights on strategic investments. They delve into the impressive NAV growth of the Business Owner Fund and the significance of a new KVG. A fascinating new investment in International Petroleum is unveiled, alongside three bold ventures in China. The conversation shifts to the complexities of ESG investing, critiquing its discrepancies between theory and practice while proposing a more pragmatic governance approach.
Rob's personal journey highlights the critical role of mentorship in developing a successful investment philosophy, particularly through Norman Rentrop's guidance during challenging market conditions.
The recent investment in International Petroleum reflects a strategic shift towards sectors with strong management potential, underscoring the complexity and trade-offs involved in ESG investing.
Deep dives
Fund Performance and Management Changes
As of June 30, 2024, the net asset value (NAV) of the Business Owner Fund stood at €979.45, reflecting a significant increase of 28.9% for the year and 887.1% since its inception in 2008. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate of 15.6%. Recent administrative changes include the planned transfer of management to Axion, a Luxembourg-based investment manager, following the closure of the investment-axing Zelschaft for Langfrostige. Despite these changes, it is expected that investors will see no significant differences in fund operation, costs, or tax consequences, ensuring a smooth transition for current stakeholders.
A Personal Journey in Investment
The narrative emphasizes a personal journey that began when the speaker founded RV Capital in 2006 after being inspired by Warren Buffett at a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting. Lack of experience and the challenges of starting a fund were countered by the invaluable support from Norman Rentrop, whose interventions were crucial in establishing the Business Owner Fund during the financial crisis that followed its launch. The story highlights how mentorship and lessons learned in character assessment of investment managers shaped the speaker's investment philosophy. This journey underscores the importance of trust and integrity in investment management, with Rentrop's guidance proving to be instrumental throughout.
Investment in the Oil and Gas Sector
A recent investment in International Petroleum Company (IPCO) marked a departure into the oil and gas sector, a move driven by its favorable valuations and solid management. IPCO, producing approximately 46,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, has shown impressive growth since its inception, significantly increasing both its reserves and share price. The company's strategic acquisitions during periods of market downturns catalyzed its development, positioning it well for future growth. This investment reflects a broader strategy focused on companies with strong management cultures and operational expertise, despite common hesitations regarding the cyclical nature of the oil industry.
Perspectives on ESG Investing
Concerns regarding climate change prompted a discussion on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, where a distinction is made between ESG principles in theory versus practice. The critique focuses on the limitations of current ESG frameworks and emphasizes the importance of understanding trade-offs in investment decisions, particularly in sectors like oil and gas. It acknowledges the ethical implications of energy production and stresses that transitioning to sustainable choices will require continued investment in traditional sectors. Ultimately, the speaker advocates for a more nuanced approach to ESG that recognizes the complexities and interdependencies of modern economic systems while fostering genuine innovation.