Scott Woods and David Dudding on sustainable competitive advantage and quality growth
World in Motion – Global equities blog

Scott Woods and David Dudding on sustainable competitive advantage and quality growth

Global equities portfolio managers David Dudding (Global Focus strategy) and Scott Woods (Global Smaller Companies Strategy) recently sat down with the Columbia Threadneedle Investments EMEA content team to discuss their investment processes, how they work, and their favourite foods, bands and sports teams.

Investing

The fund managers gave an overview of global equities investing, how they got into asset management, what their typical day looks like and, finally, some fun facts about themselves.

Scott Woods explains that his strategy is focused on smaller, niche companies, while David Dudding runs a concentrated portfolio of 40 quality growth companies that offer high returns on capital. Both cite the use of Porter’s Five Forces formula to judge the strength of a business versus competitors and they also agree that they want to know the businesses they own very well, to the point where company meetings are regular and often take place in company headquarters around the world.

Dudding speaks about financial companies and argues that, while it is unusual for a quality focused fund to choose financials, in India, private sector banks are becoming compelling investments. The Indian economy has grown significantly, and demographics are supportive. There are low levels of borrowing with a long runway for growth in the financial system. The government is encouraging people to set up bank accounts, and electronification means there’s no need for many branches.

Woods says there are lots of exciting tech businesses around with clear, sustainable advantages and cites the example of simulation software businesses.

Life

Elsewhere in the podcast, the portfolio managers reveal how they got into asset management: David via a business background in Hong Kong and a return trip to university; and Scott after a chemistry degree. But which one of them bought shares in a chocolate company aged 11?

So to a rapid-fire section of the podcast on personal likes/dislikes. But which manager places Paul Simon at the top of his favourite albums list; who likes the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; whose favourite food is squid sandwiches; and which man supports Crystal Palace?

Listen to the full conversation below

1 Janeiro 2020
Scott Woods and David Dudding
Scott Woods and David Dudding
Portfolio Managers
Share article
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on email
Janeiro 2020
Share article
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on email

For use by Professional and/or Qualified Investors only (not to be used with or passed on to retail clients). The value of investments and any income is not guaranteed and can go down as well as up and may be affected by exchange rate fluctuations. This means that an investor may not get back the amount invested. Your capital is at Risk. The mention of any specific shares or bonds should not be taken as a recommendation to deal.
This information is not investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Investors should consult with their own professional advisors for advice on any investment, legal, tax, or accounting issues relating an investment with Columbia Threadneedle Investments. The analysis included in this document have not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote its independence and have been produced by Columbia Threadneedle Investments for its own investment management activities, may have been acted upon prior to publication and is made available here incidentally. Any opinions expressed are made as at the date of publication but are subject to change without notice and should not be seen as investment advice. Information obtained from external sources is believed to be reliable but its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. This information includes forward looking statements, including projections of future economic and financial conditions. None of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, its directors, officers or employees make any representation, warranty, guaranty, or other assurance that any of these forward looking statements will prove to be accurate. (Include if use logos) All intellectual property rights in the brands and logos set out in this slide are reserved by respective owners.
Issued by Threadneedle Asset Management Limited. Registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 573204, Cannon Place, 78 Cannon Street, London EC4N 6AG, United Kingdom. Authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies. columbiathreadneedle.com

Related Blog Posts

22 Março 2024

Japan: we’re more convinced than ever

Investors are increasingly turning their attention to Japan. We spent two weeks there and met dozens of companies. But which businesses look best placed?
29 Fevereiro 2024

Unknown pleasures: A new era for equity investors #3

Portfolio positioning
28 Fevereiro 2024

Unknown pleasures: A new era for equity investors #2

The shape of the new economy – from inflation and growth to government debt and equity valuations.

Também poderá gostar de

Sobre nós

Milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo confiam na Columbia Threadneedle Investments para gerir o seu dinheiro. Acompanhamos investimentos para investidores individuais, consultores financeiros, gestores de património, bem como companhias de seguros, fundos de pensões e outras instituições.

Contactos

Para mais informações sobre a Columbia Threadneedle Investments ou os nossos produtos, entre em contacto connosco ou com o seu consultor.

Responsabilidade social corporativa

Milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo confiam na Columbia Threadneedle Investments para gerir o seu dinheiro. Acompanhamos investimentos para investidores individuais, consultores financeiros, gestores de património, bem como companhias de seguros, fundos de pensões e outras instituições.