Terry Smith: Il Warren Buffett Britannico
Biography
Terry Smith is the founder of Fundsmith and is often referred to as "Britain’s Warren Buffett." He is known for his straight-talking style, his hatred of high fees, and his consistent outperformance of the market through a simple, high-conviction strategy.
Investment Philosophy
Smith’s philosophy is three-pronged: "Buy good companies. Don’t overpay. Do nothing." He looks for companies with high returns on capital employed (ROCE), strong intangible assets (brands, patents), and resilient business models. He avoids banks, airlines, and heavy industry, preferring consumer staples, healthcare, and high-quality technology.
Current 13F Portfolio Update
The Fundsmith Equity Fund holds a concentrated portfolio of 20-30 stocks. Major positions include Microsoft, Novo Nordisk, L’Oreal, and Stryker. Smith is famous for his low portfolio turnover, often holding stocks for many years.
