Timeless Thoughts on Life & Investing with Arnold Van Den Berg

Investing the Templeton Way

In an environment where the dollar's value is volatile and inflation is on the rise, investors face challenges but should stay vigilant in their search for opportunities. History has shown that equities remain a durable long-term strategy given their ability to grow their earnings and cash flows over time. Investors willing to search more broadly in the equity markets should not be surprised to discover compelling opportunities in these uncertain times, but they must be prepared to consider stocks that are temporarily unpopular. Join our conversation with Arnold Van Den Berg, a long-time investor with a proven, yet hard-earned skill to overcome adversity in both life and in the markets. During our discussion, Arnold shares his gripping life journey and experience as a Holocaust Survivor, as well as his later development as an investor. Along the way, he also shares with us his views on current investment opportunities, and his concerns regarding the market. Arnold began his career in investments in 1968 as the US stock market was experiencing its worst decline since the Great Depression. Arnold spent these difficult years studying Wall Street, the markets, and various investment philosophies and ultimately concluded that the managers who used a value-based investment strategy protected their customers' capital better and provided more consistent investment results than managers using other investment strategies. In September of 1974, Arnold started his own investment advisory business, Century Management, and uses a value investment approach. From humble beginnings, Arnold learned early on what it means to work hard, sacrifice, and help others. It is this spirit of service that has shaped the way he lives his life and runs his business.

[03:37] Arnold's background and his experience as a Holocaust Survivor

[25:06] Lessons from Arnold's father’s story on a death march on focus and thought control

[32:57] How Arnold transitioned to a career in investing and how he applied his skills

[58:16] Investment principles and how they apply to Arnold's strategy as an investor

[01:02:52] How Arnold is investing in natural gas and why it is a lucrative space for investor

[01:08:27] What is concerning Arnold today about the future of the US dollar

[01:15:11] Debt-equity and inflation rate compared to the 70s and Arnold's resource article

[01:17:50] Arnold’s recommendation on how investors can protect themselves from inflation

“When you focus the mind and control it, you can do many things that you never believed that you could, the mind creates its own energy by focusing.”- Arnold [27:43]

“The most important thing is not what you eat. It is not what you think. It is not what you do. It is what you believe; and what you believe focuses the subconscious mind and creates it.”- Arnold [30:04]

“If your principles are more important than your life, you sacrifice your life for your principles; if your life is more important than your principles, you sacrifice your principles. You have to develop a philosophy that you can live with that creates character and integrity so that no matter what you are faced with you are not going to sacrifice your principles.”- Arnold [45:31]

“The real inflation doesn't come from just printing money, it comes when the dollar collapses and you have to pay more for everything.” - Arnold [75:33]

“When the dollar is going down and you’ve got inflation, the way you invest is you buy assets, you don't buy equities.” - Arnold [78:09]

The information presented in this podcast or available on the website is not intended as and shall not be construed as financial advice. This podcast is produced for entertainment value. Investing is inherently risky. And I encourage you to seek financial advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.