CREDIT RISK
DEFAULT RISK
We view risk as the possibility of permanent capital loss. We look for competitively entrenched, well-managed, publicly traded businesses selling at discounted prices to help drive our goal of generating superior long-term absolute returns and minimizing the risk of permanent capital loss. Risk Management Process
br> Risk Management ProcessStep 1
Security Selection
Managing against capital loss is deeply embedded in our investment approach, beginning with our bottom-up investment criteria.
* High quality, financially sound, competitively advantaged Businesses
* Capable, shareholder-oriented People
* Discounted Price trading at 60% or less of intrinsic value
Step 2
Portfolio Construction
Portfolio construction is 100% bottom-up and benchmark agnostic, with strict portfolio guidelines.
* 18-22 best ideas
* 5% target position; ~7.5-10% max
* 15% max industry target
* ~10-15% max company ownership
* Hold cash when securities do not qualify
Step 3
Ongoing Monitoring
We actively monitor our portfolios to manage risk at both the individual stock and portfolio level.
* Add/trim positions to improve margin of safety
* Continually update appraisal values and business cases
* Devil’s advocate case review if price declines over 18 months
* Ensure compliance with portfolio limits and guidelines
INTEREST RATE RISK
Occurs as interest rate changes occur. The yield offered on bonds is based upon a collaboration of all associated risks evaluated, coupled with a market determined spread over a similarly traded riskless transaction (historically measured versus a similar maturity Treasury bond). As interest rates fluctuate, the yield on most bonds will be adjusted accordingly. Generally, as interest rates rise, the price of a bond will fall and conversely, as interest rates fall, the price of a bond will rise.
REINVESTMENT RISK
Timing of reinvestment of returning interest or principal can cause an investor’s return to fluctuate. In a falling interest rate environment, an investor will likely benefit from higher coupons and longer maturities as this prevents the need to reinvest into a lower, less favorable interest rate environment. If interest rates are rising, higher coupon and/or short maturities allow an investor to take advantage of rate increases and put their money to work at improving interest rates.