Terry Smith discusses the power of compound interest and the value of reinvesting profits in businesses. He emphasizes the importance of return on capital employed, diversification with around 20 companies, and a patient, low turnover strategy. Smith also talks about analyzing original financial statements over adjusted numbers, maximizing returns, evaluating investments, and the importance of extensive learning before investing.
Equities can compound over time through reinvested earnings, offering potential returns higher than seeking new investments.
Balancing diversification and concentration with around 20 holdings, emphasizing low turnover rates, and evaluating free cash flow yield are key in Terry Smith's investment strategy.
Deep dives
The Power of Compound Interest in Equity Investing
Equities stand out as the unique asset class capable of compounding over time due to companies reinvesting a portion of their earnings. Terry Smith's successful investment strategy revolves around this compounding effect, aiming for company profits to grow consistently. By retaining earnings and reinvesting at high rates, companies can significantly boost the value of investments, offering potential returns higher than seeking new investments.
Building a Diverse but Concentrated Portfolio
Smith's strategy emphasizes a balance between diversification and concentration, suggesting that around 20 holdings are sufficient for robustness. Despite prevalent advice on diversification, research indicates that beyond a certain threshold, diversification adds limited benefit. Low turnover rates, around 5%, reflect Smith's patient approach, ensuring careful selection and prolonged ownership of companies, some surpassing a hundred years in age.
Evaluating Cash Flow Yield for Investment Selection
The emphasis on free cash flow yield becomes fundamental for assessing investment attractiveness. By dividing free cash flow by market value, Smith evaluates companies, comparing their yields to government bonds. Aiming for yields on high-quality companies that match or exceed government bond rates ensures potential long-term returns, especially when considering the organic growth potential of cash flows.
The Role of Study, Patience, and Long-term Thinking in Investing
Smith advocates for aspiring investors to dedicate significant time to study and learning before engaging in investment decisions. He stresses the importance of patience over quick gains, highlighting the significance of time in the market rather than timing the market. Encouraging a long-term perspective, Smith suggests reading essential investment literature, demonstrating how compound interest and patient investing can drive substantial returns over time.
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