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.