From steam trains to AI vision: 150 years of investing

Short Briefings on Long Term Thinking - Baillie Gifford

To mark the pioneering Trust’s anniversary, James Dow delves into SAINTS’ origins and explains how he helped reinvigorate it for a new age.

Background:

The Scottish American Investment Company (SAINTS) made its debut in 1873, introducing the first trust to prevent shareholders from facing ruin if a business they backed failed. This groundbreaking approach instilled confidence, paving the way for the public to invest in a vital US railway among other enticing overseas opportunities.

Nearly 20 years ago, Baillie Gifford took over the Trust’s management. Joint manager James Dow helped revitalise SAINTS by focusing on exceptional income-driven global companies. As he tells podcast host Malcolm Borthwick, their activities range from making AI-enhanced factory cameras to creating some of the world’s most sought-after cosmetics.

Resources:

The Scottish American Investment Trust Company

Order a copy of the SAINTS: 150 Years book

SAINTS Manager Insights video, April 2023

The SAINTS approach webinar video, March 2023

Shoemaker by Reebok founder Joe Foster

My Years at Volkswagen by Carl Hahn

Baillie Gifford’s Trust magazine

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Companies mentioned include:

Analog Devices

Atlas Copco

Cognex

L'Oréal