MAGELLAN - In The Know

In this episode, Magellan’s investment team looks at three interconnected investment sectors that continue to offer growth opportunities and compounding, dependable returns. The team explains how to still pick consumer-sector winners even in times of uncertainty. They explore why semiconductors are driving future innovation, being essential components powering a vast array of electronic devices we use daily. They also delve into the US energy landscape and how it is being reshaped by the growing influence of AI, data centres, and the return of manufacturing.

Infrastructure investments can provide good long-term, compounding returns, but the utilities sector — particularly electricity — is promising potentially dramatic new growth. Artificial intelligence and its need for huge, energy-intensive data centres are driving this demand. But are the promises real? Brian Van Abel, who is the CFO of one of America’s most significant energy companies, Xcel Energy, discusses the evolving new landscape with Magellan Portfolio Manager, Jowell Amores. As well as the potential for new income, they discuss increasing risks, like wildfires and how the company plans to keep its legendary below-average power bills competitive by embracing alternative energy. This Podcast is CPD Accredited for Financial Advisers: Access CPD Quiz here: https://www.magellangroup.com.au/insights/podcast-cpd-quiz-xcel-energy-a-bright-spark-to-power-growth/

The United States has spoken. President Trump will return to the White House in the new year. But how can we cut through the noise to reveal the investment, economic and geopolitical ramifications? Magellan’s Head of Global Equities and Portfolio Manager, Arvid Streimann, has over 25 years’ experience of following markets and politics, and over this time has built up a network of trusted contacts, he can offer a measured, independent view of the situation, including his expectations on Donald Trump’s policy initiatives and decision making. He’s joined by Investment Director Elisa Di Marco for an exploration of the implications of a Republican clean sweep, including the impact on standards of living and consumer sentiment, as well as the potential for deregulation, and President Trump’s promise to adopt protectionist policies in an effort to develop self-sufficiency. They share insights into geopolitical dynamics, including U.S.-China relations, Iran and Ukraine, and discuss the risks and opportunities for investors.

Geopolitical shocks can happen abruptly and when they do, the disruption to trade and global economies can be profound. In this episode of ‘Magellan In the Know’ we turn to one of Magellan’s trusted geopolitics advisers to survey the situations in the world’s trouble spots, and give sound, sometimes surprising, assessments of what to expect, and where and when to expect it. An observer with extraordinary expertise in the field, Former Acting CIA Director Michael Morell, speaks with Magellan Head of Global Equities and Portfolio Manager, Arvid Streimann surveying possible scenarios in the Middle East, Ukraine, and, closer to home, the South China Sea. It’s a frank and fascinating assessment of where disruptions may happen, the impact for investors and, among other things, what the consequences will be if Donald Trump regains the White House in November.

We are in the midst of a highly complex consumer environment, with the market bracing for losses due to spending that’s been suppressed by inflation and interest rates. But there are still shining lights and wealth to be created in the right places. In this episode of “Magellan in the Know,” Emma Henderson, acting head of Magellan’s Consumer Franchises and Healthcare team, is joined by Investment Analysts, Tracey Wahlberg and Lucina Martin, for a discussion into the complexities of the current consumer landscape. They share key factors influencing market caution, the impact of inflation on consumer behaviour, and the investment opportunities emerging amidst these challenges. From the resilience of retail giants like Costco and Amazon to the challenges for iconic brands like Nike and Estee Lauder, the team provide valuable insights for investors navigating a volatile market.

The long term regular and reliable returns from the infrastructure sector present an overwhelming opportunity. Infrastructure investing may initially seem intimidating to investors due to the substantial capital expenditures that companies require upfront. However, the long term regular and reliable returns from the infrastructure sector have the potential to grow your wealth over time with a high degree of confidence. In this episode, Magellan’s Head of Infrastructure, Gerald Stack, and Portfolio Managers Ben McVicar and Ofer Karliner discuss what they look for in attractive assets and their experiences over a combined 60 years of investing in these essential services.

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.

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.