Cole Smead

Cole Smead, CFA, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Portfolio Manager at Smead Capital Management, Inc., based in Phoenix, AZ. In this role, he oversees all activities of the firm and is the final decision maker for international equity investment decisions, while also playing a significant part in managing US equity portfolios. Smead Capital Management is a value-driven investment boutique with approximately $6 billion in assets under management, focusing on long-term wealth building through concentrated, low-turnover equity strategies.

Cole’s investment expertise centers on value equities with specific sector emphasis on consumer discretionary, energy, financials, real estate, and healthcare. He is noted for his depth in energy investing and is recognized for seeking out undervalued companies—particularly in sectors with constrained supply, such as oil and gas. Smead’s funds typically hold 25–30 securities with heavy concentrations in the top ten holdings, reflecting a disciplined, high-conviction approach.

Before co-founding Smead Capital Management in 2007, Cole worked as a Financial Advisor at Wachovia Securities in Scottsdale, AZ. He holds a degree from Whitman College and is a member of the CFA Institute, underscoring his professional qualifications and dedication to the investment industry. Cole has contributed significantly to the field through thought leadership on inflation, value investing, and sector-specific strategies, particularly in the energy space.