Undervalued auto OEM and offshore energy with Matthew Fine, Portfolio Manager Third Avenue | S06 E41
Nov 11, 2024
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Matthew Fine, a seasoned portfolio manager at Third Avenue Value Fund, dives deep into value investing strategies honed since the dot-com bubble. He discusses navigating the complexities of changing markets, emphasizing financial stability and corporate governance. Fine elaborates on Third Avenue's contrarian approach, uncovering undervalued opportunities in the auto sector amidst shifting dynamics, especially with electric vehicles. The conversation also sheds light on the offshore energy market's current challenges, providing insights into future investment possibilities.
Matthew Fine emphasizes the enduring value of fundamental investing principles amid market fluctuations and technological distractions since the early 2000s.
The Third Avenue Value Fund's strategy highlights the importance of financial stability and quality assets, particularly in a rising interest rate environment.
Fine's focus on capital returns showcases a broader trend where companies prioritize shareholder value amidst economic uncertainties over mere reinvestment.
Deep dives
New Rewards Program at Baker's
Baker's has introduced a revamped rewards program allowing customers to decide how they want to redeem their points. Customers can now choose between saving on fuel, with potential discounts of up to $1 per gallon, or using their points towards their next purchase. Each shopping trip still accrues points, giving consumers flexibility in how they utilize their rewards. This update aims to enhance customer satisfaction by offering more personalized saving options.
Matthew Fine's Journey in Value Investing
Matthew Fine began his investment career in 2000 at Third Avenue Value Fund, directly amid the dot-com bubble. He reflects on the confusion and skepticism he faced at the time about value investing amidst the rise of technology stocks. Despite numerous high-flying companies that captured the attention of investors, Fine remained committed to fundamental investing principles. His perseverance paid off as he stayed at Third Avenue, experiencing the subsequent market shifts and learning invaluable lessons over the years.
Navigating Interest Rate Changes
Fine discussed how the Third Avenue Value Fund has historically operated in a declining interest rate environment. The firm’s investment philosophy, rooted in distressed debt expertise, emphasizes the importance of financial stability and strong balance sheets. As interest rates began to rise in recent years, the fund excelled relative to the broader market, demonstrating the value of conservative investing. Fine believes that their strategy could remain effective even in a rising interest rate landscape, provided they maintain a focus on solvency and quality assets.
Assessing Market Valuations and Spreads
The analysis of S&P 500 quartile spreads showed a concerning trend where the most expensive stocks became even pricier, while cheaper stocks continued to devalue. This disparity has implications for value managers, as diminishing opportunities for re-rating, combined with passive investment flows, have created challenges. Fine acknowledged the difficulties in active management, especially when valuations are not recognizing the potential of undervalued firms. The evolving dynamics of the market underline a significant divergence that value investors must navigate.
Insights on Capital Returns versus Reinvestment
Fine focuses on the significance of capital returns in his investment strategy, particularly as businesses grapple with the challenges of reinvestment. By investing in well-financed companies capable of returning capital to shareholders, he aims to leverage their financial strengths. Fine highlighted specific examples, such as Bank of Ireland, which performed despite adverse economic conditions by utilizing strong balance sheets. This approach reflects a broader trend where companies prioritize shareholder returns amid uncertainties instead of solely relying on growth through reinvestment.
Value: After Hours is a podcast about value investing, Fintwit, and all things finance and investment by investors Tobias Carlisle, and Jake Taylor. See our latest episodes at https://acquirersmultiple.com/podcast
We are live every Tuesday at 1.30pm E / 10.30am P.
About Jake
Jake's Twitter: https://twitter.com/farnamjake1
Jake's book: The Rebel Allocator https://amzn.to/2sgip3l
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Hi, I'm Tobias Carlisle. I launched The Acquirers Podcast to discuss the process of finding undervalued stocks, deep value investing, hedge funds, activism, buyouts, and special situations.
We uncover the tactics and strategies for finding good investments, managing risk, dealing with bad luck, and maximizing success.
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ABOUT TOBIAS CARLISLE
Tobias Carlisle is the founder of The Acquirer’s Multiple®, and Acquirers Funds®.
He is best known as the author of the #1 new release in Amazon’s Business and Finance The Acquirer’s Multiple: How the Billionaire Contrarians of Deep Value Beat the Market, the Amazon best-sellers Deep Value: Why Activists Investors and Other Contrarians Battle for Control of Losing Corporations (2014) (https://amzn.to/2VwvAGF), Quantitative Value: A Practitioner’s Guide to Automating Intelligent Investment and Eliminating Behavioral Errors (2012) (https://amzn.to/2SDDxrN), and Concentrated Investing: Strategies of the World’s Greatest Concentrated Value Investors (2016) (https://amzn.to/2SEEjVn). He has extensive experience in investment management, business valuation, public company corporate governance, and corporate law.
Prior to founding the forerunner to Acquirers Funds in 2010, Tobias was an analyst at an activist hedge fund, general counsel of a company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, and a corporate advisory lawyer. As a lawyer specializing in mergers and acquisitions he has advised on transactions across a variety of industries in the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, Singapore, Bermuda, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and Guam.
He is a graduate of the University of Queensland in Australia with degrees in Law (2001) and Business (Management) (1999).
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