The Fund initiated a new position in Apache Common (APA, Financial) during the quarter. Apache is a Houston based oil and gas exploration and production ("E&P") company. Apache Common seems to be very inexpensive—the shares were purchased at a slight discount to book value, 3.5x earnings before interest, taxes depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), 8x expected 2013 earnings and a 20% discount to our conservative estimate of net asset value ("NAV"). The management team, led by CEO Steve Farris, has an impressive long-term track record of growth, and several recent acquisitions,including assets opportunistically acquired from BP after the Macondo oil spill, provide the company with a wealth of development opportunities to drive future net asset value growth. Apache's financial position is strong as most of its debt is long term, low coupon(A-credit rating) and easily supported by cash flow (interest coverage totals about 24x).
From Third Avenue Management's semi-annual 2013 commentary.
From Third Avenue Management's semi-annual 2013 commentary.
