‘Buybacks are more interesting than dividends’: Charlotte Cuthbertson of Migo Opportunities
Aug 13, 2024
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Charlotte Cuthbertson, a manager at Migo Opportunities Investment Trust, dives into the fascinating world of investment trusts. She discusses the hunt for valuation anomalies and why she finds share buybacks more appealing than dividends. The conversation covers the impact of rising interest rates on sectors like infrastructure and biotech, as well as innovative alternative investments like music royalties. Cuthbertson also highlights the importance of private equity trusts and the influence of activist investors in shaping trust strategies.
The volatility in the investment trust market has created unique opportunities in sectors like alternative income and private equity, allowing managers to target undervalued assets.
Charlotte emphasizes that share buybacks are more appealing than dividends as they can enhance valuation for discounted trusts, reflecting better capital allocation strategies.
Deep dives
Investment Trust Market Dynamics
The investment trust market has faced significant volatility over the past two years, presenting both challenges and unique opportunities for portfolio managers. Many trusts are currently trading at large discounts, prompting a strategic pivot towards sectors such as alternative income, which includes infrastructure and renewables. These sectors have seen a decline in demand due to rising interest rates, but the oversupply of certain trusts creates attractive buying conditions. By focusing on discounted investment vehicles, managers can build a diverse portfolio that capitalizes on market mispricing and investor sentiment shifts.
Identifying Opportunities in Biotech and Growth Private Equity
Biotech and growth private equity sectors have also been buying opportunities, as many trusts in these areas have been trading at significant discounts due to market anxiety. Despite perceptions of risk because of cash consumption and profitability challenges in a high-interest environment, a closer examination reveals that many underlying companies have matured beyond what the market acknowledges. Managers actively seek to identify these undervalued trusts, recognizing the potential for substantial returns when the market corrects its misconceptions. This approach involves understanding the sustained demand for innovation in healthcare and technology, which encourages investment in these sectors.
Navigating Geopolitical Risks and Investment Strategies
Geopolitical risks significantly influence investment strategies, particularly regarding emerging markets like Vietnam and Georgia, which can benefit from shifts in global trade dynamics. Vietnam, in particular, is poised to attract manufacturing displaced from China due to favorable trade relations with both the U.S. and China. Conversely, concerns over China's economic pressures lead to a more cautious approach to investments in that region. Managers look for areas where geopolitical shifts create opportunities, while maintaining a watchful eye on developments that may affect portfolio stability and growth.
Dave Baxter is joined by one of the managers of Migo Opportunities Investment Trust, an unusual fund which exploits valuation anomalies and discounts in other investment trusts.
Dave and Charlotte discuss where she looks for opportunities, interesting asset classes and the reason that share buybacks turn the trust’s head more than dividend increases. Listen to this and more.