In this episode of AUM, host Ryan Henderson sits down with Todd Ahlsten, Chief Investment Officer of Parnassus Investments. Todd shares his journey from a 22-year-old intern to leading a firm managing $46 billion in assets, reflecting on key experiences that shaped his investment philosophy.
The conversation delves into the dynamics of the semiconductor industry, the importance of wide business moats and durable competitive advantages, and the evolving relevance of companies like John Deere and Waste Management.
Todd also offers insights into the impact of AI on various sectors and highlights the critical traits for successful long-term investing.
02:13 Todd's Early Interest in Investing
04:35 Joining Parnassus Investments
05:38 Skills and Evolution in Investing
08:32 Navigating Market Noise
12:40 The Parnassus Investment Process
16:42 Idea Generation and Stock Selection
20:34 Traits of Innovative Companies
27:13 Management Traits and Avoiding Complacency
29:17 Deep Dive: John Deere
29:25 Agriculture Industry Overview
29:53 Deere's Cyclical Recovery and Secular Rerate
31:46 Technological Advancements in Agriculture
33:14 Investment Strategies During Economic Cycles
36:45 Waste Management's Competitive Edge
39:46 AI and Semiconductor Investment Trends
48:20 Evolution of Investment Strategies
53:18 Advice for Aspiring Investors
Learn more about Parnassus Investments: https://www.parnassus.com/
