Can Kopernik Global Investors’ Top Energy Stock Picks Help It Bag Profits?

Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) is the second-largest energy investment of Kopernik Global Investors, with the fund holding 9.28 million shares valued at $45.67 million. The investment manager boosted his position in the energy company by 101% during the first quarter. However, the investment hasn’t paid off very well thus far, as the shares of Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) have dropped 68.23% year-to-date. It is among one of the biggest private-sector coal producers in the world, but the company is struggling to keep up with the competition. In a recent announcement, Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) announced the immediate shutdown of its Evansville office, which has 70 employees. The company is following a company-wide cost-cutting program under which it is likely to save up to $45 million per year. The layoffs would include 250 corporate and regional office job cuts along with the closure of two offices. The other office to shut down under this plan is in Gillette, Wyoming, and this program will be complete by the end of this month. Dimitry Balyasny’s Balyasny Asset Management and Ken Griffin‘s Citadel Investment Group are among the other major investment firms holding stakes in Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU).

Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd. (NYSE:TNP) is another energy stock bet of Iben, who owns 1.46 million shares of the company valued at $11.93 million. The transportation service provider for crude and petroleum products has had an excellent year, with 42.24% growth in its share price in 2015. Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd. (NYSE:TNP) operates a fleet of 47 crude oil and petroleum product tankers. The oil transporter reported an increase of 156% in its net income to $37.3 million in the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the prior year period. Its shares have an average rating of “Buy” from 14 different analysts, with a 12-month price target of $11.04, which represents an upside of 12% from its current trading price. Brian Taylor of Pine River Capital Management, and Centerbridge Partners are among the primary stockholders of the company.

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