MAGELLAN - In The Know

Markets were taught a lesson in the turn-of-the-century’s dot-com bubble. Over excitement and massive investment in companies that hardly really existed, let alone made worthwhile returns, resulted in a traumatic correction. But is it happening again? With the high-profile technology companies — widely known as the ‘Magnificent Seven’ —providing huge returns in 2023, some observers fear a repeat of the tech wreck, but all is not what it seems. In this episode of ‘Magellan In the Know’, Key Account Manager Martin Van Eyk explores the landscape surrounding the Magnificent 7 with Portfolio Manager Alan Pullen. Together they discuss which companies will remain good long-term prospects because of strong fundamentals, and how new innovations like artificial intelligence can create change and growth. But they also look at which of the seven are best left alone.

For more than 14 years, Magellan has invested in Mastercard — one of the world’s largest global payment networks. In this episode of Magellan In the Know, Magellan’s Portfolio Manager of Core Global and Core ESG, Elisa Di Marco, is joined by Mastercard’s Head of Investor Relations, Devin Corr, for an exploration of Mastercard’s competitive advantages and innovations in payments. Devin explains how that by embracing diverse revenue streams across its network, many of which work quietly in the background, Mastercard has reached $9 trillion in global payments volume, and discusses how it intends to continue to grow in a world with ever-expanding use cases for financial transactions.

It’s a fascinating time in the semiconductor chip market. Thanks to the proliferation of devices, and even cars, that are heavily dependent on chip availability, and geopolitical trends that may impact supply, chips are under a global spotlight. In this episode of Magellan — In the Know, Head of Global Equities and Portfolio Manager Arvid Streimann discusses the semiconductor chip ecosystem with Investment Analysts Adrian Lu and Dom Facchin. They explore the critical role chips play as the building blocks of innovation, driving structural growth in areas like artificial intelligence, electrification, and cloud computing. They discuss the implications of chip manufacturing, and the strategic considerations guiding investment decisions.

Sound environmental, social, and governance principles (ESG) — are crucial for ongoing sustainability and risk management, as well as the growing need to meet community and environmental expectations. In this episode of Magellan in the Know, we relook at highlights from two companies with long and proud ESG credentials. Firstly, the Global Head of Public Affairs for Nestlé, Rob Cameron, describes how Nestlé is leading its supply chain to embrace regenerative agriculture, recycling, packaging innovation and human rights. Followed by Chris Cassell, the Vice President of Corporate Sustainability at Lowe’s Home Improvement — the massive US equivalent of Australia’s Bunnings — who talks about Lowe’s commitment to sustainability and why it makes good business sense — from its supply chains to its customers. Listen to the full episodes here: Cultivating change – Nestlé’s leading approach on sustainability and creating shared value. Building the future - drilling into sustainability at Lowe’s

In this special 15 minute episode of Magellan In The Know, Portfolio Manager Nikki Thomas is joined by Investment Analyst Wilson Nghe, providing an update on GLP-1 following our recent episode on the weight loss wonder drug. Recently returned from the US, Wilson spoke with commercial players and policy makers on how they will approach reimbursements, which could be one of the biggest drivers to accelerate demand. They also discuss the future of care delivery in the US healthcare system. Listen below to the full episode Ep. 40 The weight loss drug shaping-up as a gamechanger

In this episode of Magellan In The Know, we revisit highlights of two of the most impressive and important of our infrastructure investments: American Water Works, the largest publicly traded US water and waste water utility company, and North America’s premier energy infrastructure company, Sempra. Magellan Portfolio Manager Jowell Amores speaks with American Water’s President and CEO, Susan Hardwick, and Sempra Chairman and CEO Jeff Martin, in an insightful discussion about their strategies for providing attractive and consistent returns. Listen below to the full interviews with American Water’s President and CEO, Susan Hardwick and Sempra Chairman and CEO Jeff Martin Ep 32: American Water - a pipeline to dependable returns Ep 38: Energising the Future: Sempra’s Innovative Infrastructure Journey

The world is awash with news that a drug designed to treat type 2 diabetes has also been approved to help achieve weight loss. Glucagon-like peptide 1 — or GLP-1 — is considered by some as a wonder drug and a new weapon in the public health battle against obesity. But what are the wider implications for the investment world? In this episode of Magellan In The Know, Portfolio Manager Nikki Thomas is joined by three Magellan Investment Analysts: Emma Henderson, Wilson Nghe and Tracey Wahlberg. Together they discuss the investment landscape surrounding GLP-1, looking at the pitfalls and potential financial benefits for sectors from healthcare, food retailing and restaurants to fashion, exploring which parts of the consumption landscape could be winners or losers.

How should investors think about recent events in Israel, and what impact does this have on Ukraine and Taiwan? In this fascinating episode of Magellan In The Know, former Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Michael Morell talks about the potential impact on markets with Magellan Portfolio Manager and Head of Macro, Arvid Streimann. They also discuss how investment and national security professionals make decisions when facing uncertainty.

A country boy who studied at West Point to become a US Army helicopter pilot, Sempra chairman and CEO Jeff Martin now commands a Fortune 500 company with US$79 billion of energy infrastructure assets. By developing a hyper-aligned, high-performing culture to capitalise on some of the fastest growing economies, he has led Sempra to become North America’s premier energy infrastructure company. In this episode of Magellan in the Know, Portfolio Manager Jowell Amores discusses Jeff Martin’s personal journey it’s imprints on Sempra’s culture, and how he’s developed this major company into an investment with bond-like stability and tremendous compounding growth. Jeff Martin offers profound insights into why Sempra is not just an energy leader, but a smart investment choice.

It’s one of Magellan’s oldest and most dependable investments, and the extraordinarily diverse Nestlé company, with its enormous stakeholder base, has risen to the challenge of the new sustainability regime. In this episode, Magellan’s Portfolio Manager Elisa Di Marco, and Investment Analyst, Tracey Wahlberg discuss how environmental values are driving corporate culture with Rob Cameron, Nestlé’s Global Head of Public Affairs. They talk through the company’s net zero approach, and its commitment in leading its supply chain to embrace regenerative agriculture, recycling, packaging innovation and human rights. And Rob Cameron explains how these initiatives benefit shareholders, through growth opportunities and cost discipline.

It may be a disruptive success, but the on-demand video streaming sector has had its own challenges recently. In this episode, Magellan’s Portfolio Manager Arvid Streimann and Magellan Sector Head of Finance and Technology Ryan Joyce go behind the screens to take an in-depth look at the history and current state of streaming services, the importance of scale, Hollywood strikes, and regulation. They also reveal how one of the industry leaders, Netflix, has adapted its strategy and is likely to benefit from its recent crackdown on password sharing.

It’s the American version of Bunnings, but much bigger. Lowe’s isn’t only a good business investment, it’s a good business full stop, thanks to its proud and honourable commitment to sustainability - from its supply chains to its customers. In this episode, Magellan Investment Analyst Tracey Wahlberg and Magellan’s Head of ESG Amy Krizanovic, are joined by the Lowe’s Vice President of Corporate Sustainability, Chris Cassell, to discuss the company’s sustainability strategy and how it aligns with financial drivers. They delve into the firm’s materiality assessment, engagement with employees, progress in climate risk management, and net-zero goals, as well as achievements in emissions reduction and sustainable innovation.

The consumer cycle is turning, creating a challenging operating environment for retailers and a period of volatility for investors. In this episode, Hannah Dickinson, Sector Head of Franchises joins Magellan Portfolio Manager Jowell Amores to dissect the downfall of a company that was once a go-to retailer in the United States. They look at the case study of Bed Bath and Beyond, a US-based retailer that went from market juggernaut to bankruptcy as it struggled to maintain market share and adapt to changing consumer preferences. This story highlights the importance of strong management, sensible capital allocation and sustainable competitive advantages when considering the prospects of any retailer. It’s a salutary story of what not to do in the consumer space, which has important lessons for any investor.

As consumers contend with the cost of living, interest rates and the fallout from a pandemic and a war, it’s time to look at how Magellan is shoring-up its consumer investments by concentrating on pricing power, inflation protection and durable competitive advantage. In this episode, Magellan’s Head of Listed Funds, Jennifer Herbert is joined by Sector Head of Franchises & Healthcare Hannah Dickinson, and investment analysts Lucina Martin, and James Macdonald, for a broad exploration of the investment tactics used to identify the quality, compounding consumer-centred companies that will weather the wild economic storms.

Even during volatile times, one of Magellan’s portfolio holdings has generated outstanding returns, and continues to deliver. American Water Works, which is the largest publicly traded US water and wastewater utility company, has generated returns of 400 per cent over the past ten years, and continues to be one of Magellan’s most reliable assets. In this episode, Infrastructure Portfolio Manager Jowell Amores speaks with American Water’s President and CEO, Susan Hardwick, in an insightful discussion about how the company’s simple strategy is providing attractive and consistent returns.

A globally recognised cyber communications expert and former Chief Information Officer to the US president, Suzette Kent brings a world of experience to the realm of cyber and data security. In this episode of Magellan, In the Know, Magellan Head of Macro and Portfolio Manager Arvid Streimann speaks with Suzette Kent in a broad-ranging discussion about the new cyber security landscape. Are companies concentrating enough on internal security? Which sectors are most at risk? How do you tell if a prospective investment is cyber secure? All these questions and more are answered in this instructive and informative episode. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You should seek investment advice tailored to your circumstances before making any investment decision. Opinions stated are Ms. Kent’s own and not to be considered reflective of any of the organizations with whom she affiliated.

With one of the toughest of investment years - 2022 - now behind us, it’s time to look at the road ahead, its tailwinds and potential pitfalls. In this new year episode of Magellan in the Know, Head of Listed Funds Jennifer Herbert discusses the landscape in 2023 with Magellan’s Global Portfolio Managers Nikki Thomas and Arvid Streimann. With the abrupt rise in interest rates probably now behind us, and with a slowdown on the horizon, they outline Magellan’s investment philosophy of delivering an absolute return over time through thoughtful risk assessment and due diligence on the underlying value of companies. Europe and China may be in the process of emerging from darker times, but some fundamental risks are still apparent, so they say it’s a time to pay attention to sound investment frameworks and stick to them.

In this episode, Ofer Karliner, Infrastructure Portfolio Manager hosts a wide-ranging discussion with three of his colleagues about the travel sector and the associated investment opportunities. Ofer is joined by Ryan Joyce, Sector Head of Technology, Hannah Dickinson, Sector Head of Franchises, and Yathavan Suthaharan, Industrials Analyst. From airlines to accommodation, luxury retail to technology and manufacturing to aircraft maintenance, together they discuss the companies that might benefit from the re-opening up of the travel sector post covid and what risks and opportunities might lie ahead. There are also some fascinating revelations about the way the pandemic has forced these industries to evolve.

Some Asian markets fell right after Chinese President Xi Jinping cemented his position as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao. President Xi used the Chinese Communist Party’s National Party Congress, which is held every five years, to not only break the tradition of maximum ten-year terms in office, but he also removed supporters of his more open, market-oriented predecessors from the key policy making body. John Garnaut, founder of investment advisory firm Garnaut Global Joins Matt Pottinger, a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution, to discuss the implications of Xi's indefinite grip on power on the outlooks for businesses, the economy and international relations.

It’s a time of crisis, but, as Albert Einstein once said: “in the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity.” A negative supply shock in Europe has seen global energy prices soar and has forced governments to scramble for alternatives to safeguard their national security. According to Portfolio Manager David Costello and Magellan Head of Macro and Portfolio Manager Arvid Streimann, shifting attitudes are pushing the market toward alternative, renewable energy sources, resulting in the most influential investment thematic of the next 30 years. They say that, although some infrastructure legacy issues will be remain, this current energy crisis will actually result in a more secure, and electrified, future, and a gradual decrease in prices over time.