Core Insights - The article discusses the investment philosophy and historical performance of Baillie Gifford, a century-old investment firm that has achieved remarkable returns through its long-term global growth strategy [4][5][9]. Company History - Baillie Gifford was founded in 1908 as a law firm and transitioned into investment management after recognizing an opportunity in the rubber market during an economic downturn [6][7]. - The firm has evolved significantly over the past century, adapting to various economic cycles and crises, including the Great Depression and the 2008 financial crisis [4][8]. Investment Philosophy - The firm's core investment strategy, termed "long-term global growth strategy," has yielded impressive returns, with its flagship product, the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust (SMT), achieving a total return of 13.64 times over nearly 20 years, compared to 3.85 times for the S&P 500 [5][9]. - Baillie Gifford emphasizes a long-term perspective, believing that a company's competitive advantages take at least five years to manifest, and thus focuses on investments that can maximize returns through compounding over time [10][12]. Research and Evaluation Framework - The firm employs a unique evaluation framework known as the "Ten Questions," which assesses companies based on their potential for growth, competitive advantages, and cultural fit, rather than solely on traditional financial metrics [14][15]. - Baillie Gifford prioritizes qualitative assessments, seeking to understand how companies can achieve high returns over a five to ten-year horizon [12][14]. Academic Collaboration - The firm collaborates closely with academic institutions to gain insights into long-term industry trends, which informs its investment decisions and helps it navigate market volatility [18][20]. - Key theories from scholars, such as the concept of "increasing returns" and the characteristics of "extreme winners," guide Baillie Gifford's investment strategy, focusing on companies that can achieve significant market advantages [19][20]. Evolution and Adaptation - Over its history, Baillie Gifford has continuously evolved its investment approach, moving from a global perspective to a focus on U.S. equities in the mid-20th century, and now emphasizing a long-term growth strategy in the 21st century [21].