Nick Train (Lindsell Train) - The Patient Optimist
Apr 4, 2022
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Nick Train, co-founder of Lindsell Train, discusses his investment approach and the power of optimism. He emphasizes the value of being patient and investing in exceptional companies. Topics include the benefits of being a boutique, the importance of support from like-minded individuals, and the rewards for corporate success in the 21st century. Train also discusses the value of technology businesses, the enduring nature of digital brands, and the growth, risks, and opportunities among staples companies like Unilever.
Having a patient and long-term approach to investing is crucial for success.
Investing in exceptional brand-oriented companies can provide enduring value and sustainable growth.
Deep dives
Nick Train's Career Journey
Nick Train discusses how he began his career in investment after being inspired by a charismatic and talented man he met during an interview. He highlights the importance of having an interest in history and a curiosity about a wide range of things in the investment industry. Despite starting with naivety, Train emphasizes the value of a patient and long-term approach to investing.
Working for Richard Thornton and GT Management
Train reflects on his experience working for Richard Thornton at GT Management. He describes Thornton as demanding and with a mercurial intellectual nature. Train appreciates the eclectic investment culture at GT, which allowed young people like him to experiment with different investment approaches and learn from other investors' successes.
The Power of Patience and Optimism in Investing
Train believes that being patient is crucial in investing, particularly in running winners and allowing underperforming investments to potentially improve over time. He credits optimism as a fundamental attitude that has guided his investment philosophy and decision-making. Train is inspired by successful investors like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, who have embraced optimism and believe in the potential for positive outcomes in the future.
Investment Strategy and the Importance of Brand Concentration
Train discusses his investment approach, which focuses on owning a concentrated number of exceptional businesses for the long term. He believes in the enduring value of brand-oriented companies and highlights the success of semi-eternal brands like Cadbury's Dairy Milk and Heineken. While acknowledging the potential rewards of technology and digital businesses, Train emphasizes the importance of diversification and investing in businesses with sustainable growth.
Nick Train founded Lindsell Train, alongside Michael Lindsell, in 2000 and has generated outstanding returns by investing in a concentrated portfolio of exceptional companies. In a rich and varied discussion, Nick talks about the power of optimism, the rewards of being patient, and the value of semi-eternal brands in a rapidly changing world.
Show notes: [1:13] Nick talks about how he got into the investment profession [3:48] GT Management [6:18] Learning from Warren Buffett and Alex Dundas [9:17] Investing in consumer brands [11:02] The power of being an optimist [14:49] Avoiding losing strategies [16:15] The benefits of being a boutique [17:59] The importance of having the support of like-minded people [19:06] The power of patience [21:42] Being a hoarder of valuable things [24:20] Hanging on to losers as well as winners [25:52] Investors’ perception of management is influenced by share prices [28:04] Investing in outstanding businesses when they are cheap [29:15] The rewards for corporate success are structurally higher in the 21st century [31:31] Investing in technology proxies [34:23] Digital permits higher cash flow returns on capital [36:24] The value of semi-eternal brands in a rapidly changing world [38:57] Owning defensive and diversified staples companies [41:37] Unilever’s adaptability [42:44] Do yoga
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