Orbis Finance: A Global Value Investing Firm
Orbis Investment Management, often referred to as Orbis Finance, is a global, privately-owned investment management firm focusing on long-term, value-oriented investing. Founded in 1989 by Allan Gray, Orbis has built a reputation for its contrarian approach and commitment to client alignment.
Core Philosophy: Long-Term Value Investing
At the heart of Orbis’ investment strategy is a deep belief in the principles of value investing. This entails identifying companies whose stock prices are trading significantly below their intrinsic value. They conduct extensive fundamental research to understand a company’s business model, competitive advantages, and financial health. By focusing on undervalued opportunities, Orbis aims to generate superior long-term returns for its clients.
Global Reach and Diverse Strategies
Orbis operates globally, with investment teams located in various regions around the world. This global presence allows them to identify investment opportunities across different markets and industries. They offer a range of investment strategies, including global equity, regional equity, and fixed income portfolios. Each strategy is managed by a dedicated team of investment professionals.
Distinctive Features: Capacity Discipline and Variable Fees
Two key aspects differentiate Orbis from many other asset managers. Firstly, they prioritize capacity discipline. This means they are willing to close their funds to new investors when they believe that further growth would compromise their ability to deliver strong returns. This focus on maintaining optimal fund size is a testament to their commitment to existing clients.
Secondly, Orbis employs a variable fee structure in some of its strategies. Under this arrangement, their fees are directly linked to their investment performance. If they underperform their benchmark, they charge lower fees, and if they outperform, they earn higher fees. This aligns their interests directly with those of their clients and incentivizes them to deliver strong investment results.
Research-Driven Approach
Orbis places a strong emphasis on internal, bottom-up research. Their analysts conduct thorough due diligence on companies, meeting with management teams, analyzing financial statements, and evaluating industry trends. This in-depth research allows them to develop a comprehensive understanding of the companies they invest in. They aim to identify discrepancies between market perception and fundamental value.
Client-Centric Approach
Orbis fosters long-term relationships with its clients, which include institutions, financial advisors, and individual investors. They are committed to providing transparent and insightful communication about their investment strategies and performance. Their client-centric approach is reflected in their commitment to aligning their interests with those of their clients through their performance-based fee structure.
In Conclusion
Orbis Finance stands out in the investment management landscape due to its unwavering commitment to value investing, global reach, capacity discipline, and variable fee structure. Their rigorous research-driven approach and focus on long-term performance have earned them a strong reputation among investors seeking consistent returns and a truly aligned investment partner.