Investing in exceptional growth companies
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The Motley Fool Interviews Tom Slater, Head of U.S. Equities at Baillie Gifford
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-22 13:56
Core Insights - The discussion emphasizes the importance of identifying exceptional growth companies and holding them for long periods to maximize returns, as a small number of big winners drive the majority of portfolio performance [2][5][7]. Investment Philosophy - The investment approach focuses on long-term growth, innovation, and transformation technologies, aiming to find companies that can grow significantly over time [4][5]. - The strategy involves thinking critically about potential upside rather than focusing on risks, which is contrary to the common skepticism in the industry [5][6]. Holding Strategy - The average holding period for investments is around ten years, which allows for a different distribution of returns, highlighting the significance of a few exceptional companies [7]. - Investors are encouraged to resist the temptation to sell successful holdings for risk control, as this can undermine the potential for compounding returns [7][9]. Emotional Management - Managing emotions and expectations is crucial in investing, especially during periods of volatility. Transparency with investors about the nature of long-term investing helps mitigate concerns during downturns [11][12]. Company Characteristics - Key characteristics of companies that are likely to succeed include a strong organizational culture, long-term vision, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions [12][15]. - Founder-led companies often exhibit a sustainable edge due to their long-term focus and moral authority to drive change [15]. Allocation Strategy - The allocation strategy is not based on sectors or regions but rather on identifying the greatest opportunities, allowing for significant investments in companies like Tencent, Baidu, and Alibaba [19]. - The focus is on probability-adjusted upside rather than adhering to traditional index-based allocations [19][20]. Future Opportunities - E-commerce remains a significant area of investment, particularly in emerging markets where companies are expanding into financial services, presenting undervalued growth potential [22].