Money Maze Podcast 171: From Triumph to Trauma: The Dramatic Investment Arc of Neil Woodford, Founder of Woodford Investment Management
Apr 10, 2025
Neil Woodford, a renowned British fund manager often dubbed 'Britain’s Warren Buffett', shares his rollercoaster investment journey. He discusses his triumphs during his years at Invesco Perpetual and the lessons learned from managing £15bn. Delving into the pivotal moments that led to his fund's suspension, he reflects on the pitfalls of shifting to illiquid assets. Woodford also tackles the complexities of regulatory pressures and the innovative yet challenging landscape for UK small to mid-sized companies, while remaining optimistic about future investment opportunities.
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Resisting the Tech Bubble
- Neil Woodford resisted pressure to invest in the tech bubble, even when his fund underperformed.
- This contrarian approach ultimately proved successful when the bubble burst in 2000.
Avoiding the 2008 Crisis
- Woodford's value-driven approach led him to avoid bank stocks before the 2008 financial crisis.
- He recognized the growing risks in bank balance sheets and esoteric financial instruments.
Influencing Corporate Decisions
- Woodford held significant stakes in companies like AstraZeneca and British Aerospace, influencing corporate decisions.
- He opposed the merger of British Aerospace with EADS, believing it undervalued the company.