HALO (heavy assets, low obsolescence) stocks have come into focus in markets in the New Year. In recent weeks, investors have pushed into defensive and asset-heavy sectors, as concerns about the impact of AI on some business models have led a rotation into infrastructure, along with energy and materials.
Such companies are attractive to investors when uncertainty ratchets higher. Businesses with real assets have less scope for disruption and, typically, dependable demand drivers. Infrastructure is a particularly clear example, such as with integrated power companies continuing to serve customers through their generation, transmission and distribution assets or water companies providing drinking water to households and other end users.
Importantly, we see the HALO effect for infrastructure businesses as having staying power beyond any sector rotation in the near term. At their core, these are not cyclical businesses. Communications infrastructure is one such sector we like that exemplifies this outlook. These companies own tower infrastructure and lease space on their towers to mobile network operators. Growing data demand requires more equipment; and while adding more equipment on a tower incurs only a minimal incremental cost, it can provide a meaningful uplift to returns for that tower. Importantly, tower revenues are also mostly long-term, contracted and predictable in nature.
These companies have a solid, sustainable outlook for revenue growth, reflecting the insatiable demand for mobile data everywhere (estimated at 12-13% CAGR in Western Europe and the US through 20311 ). While we anticipate further consolidation from telcos (particularly in Europe), strong contracts, the potential for government-mandated investment, and improving return economics for the remaining telco players (which should allow them to invest in their networks) mean the tower companies should be able to continue to generate solid cash flow and returns to investors. Examples of companies we invest in include US tower companies American Tower and Crown Castle and European communications infrastructure company Cellnex.
There are risks to our outlook, including a major step-change in technology. However, we see communications infrastructure as a true HALO sector. Mobile data seems certainly low obsolescence in the world of social media, apps, maps and mobile entertainment we live in today.
1 Ericsson
By Magellan Global Listed Infrastructure Investment Team
Important Information: This material has been delivered to you by Magellan Asset Management Limited ABN 31 120 593 946 AFS Licence No. 304 301 trading as Magellan Investment Partners (‘Magellan Investment Partners’) and has been prepared for general information purposes only and must not be construed as investment advice or as an investment recommendation. This material does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. This material does not constitute an offer or inducement to engage in an investment activity nor does it form part of any offer documentation, offer or invitation to purchase, sell or subscribe for interests in any type of investment product or service. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (‘PDS’) and Target Market Determination (‘TMD’) and consider obtaining professional investment advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making a decision about whether to acquire, or continue to hold, the relevant financial product. A copy of the relevant PDS and TMD relating to a Magellan Investment Partners financial product may be obtained by calling +61 2 9235 4888 or by visiting www.magellaninvestmentpartners.com
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results and no person guarantees the future performance of any financial product or service, the amount or timing of any return from it, that asset allocations will be met, that it will be able to implement its investment strategy or that its investment objectives will be achieved. This material may contain ‘forward-looking statements’. Actual events or results or the actual performance of a Magellan Investment Partners financial product or service may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements.
This material may include data, research and other information from third party sources. No guarantee is made that such information is accurate, complete or timely and no warranty is given regarding results obtained from its use. This information is subject to change at any time and no person has any responsibility to update any of the information provided in this material. Statements contained in this material that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of Magellan Investment Partners or the third party responsible for making those statements (as relevant). Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. No representation or warranty is made with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained in this material. Magellan Investment Partners will not be responsible or liable for any losses arising from your use or reliance upon any part of the information contained in this material.
Any third-party trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and Magellan Investment Partners claims no ownership in, nor any affiliation with, such trademarks. Any third-party trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners, are used for information purposes and only to identify the company names or brands of their respective owners, and no affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement should be inferred from such use. This material and the information contained within it may not be reproduced, or disclosed, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Magellan Investment Partners. (080825-#W17)
Insights direct to your inbox
Make sense of the global investment landscape with timely updates, articles and videos from our investment experts.
Thank you for signing up to receive our Insights updates
By clicking “I Agree” you represent that you are a ‘wholesale client’ under section 761G of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the “Act”). Further, you represent that you will not directly or indirectly disseminate information contained on this website to a ‘retail client’ within the meaning of section 761G of the Act.
This website contains general information only and does not take into account any person’s investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Nothing contained in the website constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments.
Important Legal Information: The information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended to constitute:
any offer for sale or subscription of securities to the public in New Zealand in terms of the Securities Act 1978 of New Zealand (the 1978 Act) (or any statutory modification or re-enactment of, or statutory substitution for, the 1978 Act). Accordingly, no prospectus or investment statement for the purposes of the 1978 Act has been produced in respect of the information contained in the website and the information does not contain all the information typically included in a registered prospectus or an investment statement under the 1978 Act; or
the provision of "financial advice" under the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (the 2008 Act) (or any statutory modification or re-enactment of, or statutory substitution for, the 1978 Act).
By clicking "I agree," you agree that you have read the terms detailed below and confirm that:
1) you:
(i) are an "habitual investor" for the purposes of section 3(2)(a)(ii) of the 1978 Act. "Habitual investors" are persons whose principal business is the investment of money or who, in the course of and for the purposes of their business, habitually invest money; or
(ii) otherwise fall within one of the other categories set out in section 3(2)(a) of the 1978 Act, meaning that you are not a member of the public for the purposes of the 1978 Act; or
(iii) you are acting for a person described in (i) or (ii); and
2) you are a "wholesale client" for the purposes of the 2008 Act.
The information contained in the Institutional section of this website is intended only for institutions that are both (i) habitual investors or otherwise fall within one of the other categories set out in section 3(2)(a) of the 1978 Act and (ii) "wholesale clients" under the 2008 Act. Such persons shall be referred to as "institutional investors" herein. Persons who are not institutional investors should not review the information contained in the website. This website is supplied on the condition that it is not passed on to any person who is not an institutional investor.
Nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal, business, tax or any other type of advice. The information on this website does not take into account the particular financial and investment objectives, circumstances and needs of any person. Information on the website is not intended for investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.You are solely responsible for evaluating the risks and merits regarding the use of the website and any services provided within. Nothing contained in that website constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am an Institutional Investor and that I wish to proceed.
Information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended for institutional investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorised.
The information is intended for institutional investors and consultants to institutional investors and is published for informational purposes only. The information is directed at informing persons falling within one or more of the following categories:
1) A government, local authority, or public authority;
2) A bank or insurance company;
3) A pension fund or charity;
4) An individual who is a "qualified client" under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and has experience in investment, financial and business matters to evaluate the risks of investing in securities;
5) Persons whose ordinary activities involve or are reasonably expect to involve them, as principal or as agent, in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments for the purpose of a business carried on by them;
6) Persons whose ordinary business involves the giving of advice, which may lead to another person acquiring or disposing of an investment or refraining from so doing.
Persons who do not fall into one of the above categories should not review the information contained in this site.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am an investment professional as that term is defined in the Handbook of the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") or that I am acting for an investment professional.
Information contained on the Institutional section of this website is not intended for investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution of the information or purchase is not authorized or permitted.
The information is exclusively intended for, and directed at, investment professionals and advisers to investment professionals. Any products and investment services that are referenced on this website are only available to, or will only be engaged in with, investment professionals. Investment professionals will usually fall within one or more of the following categories (terms used have the same meaning as in the FCA handbook):
1) An authorised person;
2) An exempt person;
3) A government, local authority (constituted in any jurisdiction) or an international organisation;
4) Any person whose ordinary activities involve him in carrying on an investment activity;
5) A person who is acting in their capacity as a director, officer or employee of the above.
Persons who do not fall into one of the above categories, or who do not otherwise constitute investment professionals, should not read or rely on the information contained on this website.
The information provided on this website is for information purposes only and nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal, business, tax or any other type of advice.
Any performance data shown represents past performance. Past Performance should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future performance, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding future performance. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the risks associated with investments generally and the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
Magellan Investment Partners (UK) Limited (FRN: 1037936) is an appointed representative of Sentinel Regulatory Services Ltd (FRN: 1007093) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am an "Accredited Investor" and that I wish to proceed.
Information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended for accredited investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
The information is intended for accredited investors and consultants to accredited investors, and is published for informational purposes only.
The term "Accredited Investor" is a defined term under the Canadian Securities Regulation and includes Institutional Investors, such as banks, insurance companies, trust and loan companies, and pension plans. It also includes individuals provided they meet certain net worth or income thresholds. For more information, refer to National Instrument 45-106 of the Canadian Securities Administrators or consult your legal adviser.
Persons who do not fall into the definition above should not review the information contained in the site.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am an "Institutional Investor" and that I wish to proceed.
Information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended for institutional investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
The information is exclusively intended for, and directed at eligible counterparties or professional clients as defined under the German Securities Trading Act. For more information, consult your legal adviser.
Nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal, business, tax or any other type of advice. The information on this website does not take into account the particular financial and investment objectives, circumstances and needs of any person. Information on the website is not intended for investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
You are solely responsible for evaluating the risks and merits regarding the use of the website and any services provided within. Nothing contained in that website constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am an "Institutional Investor" and that I wish to proceed.
Information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended for institutional investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
The information is intended for institutional investors and consultants to institutional investors, and is published for informational purposes only. The information is directed at non-retail clients falling within one or more of the following categories:
1) A government, local authority or public authority;
2) A bank or insurance company;
3) A pension fund or charity;
4) An individual who provides one or more investment services on a professional basis;
5) Persons whose ordinary activities involve or are reasonably expect to involve them, as principal or as agent, in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments for the purposes of a business carried on by them;
6) Persons whose ordinary business involves the giving of advice, which may lead to another person acquiring or disposing of an investment or refraining from so doing.
Persons who do not fall into one of the above categories should not review the information contained in the site.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am an "Institutional Investor" and that I wish to proceed.
Information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended for institutional investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
The information is exclusively intended for, and directed at institutional investors, accredited investors and expert investors as defined under the Securities and Futures Act (Singapore) (“SFA”) For more information, refer to the SFA or consult your legal adviser.
Nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal, business, tax or any other type of advice. The information on this website does not take into account the particular financial and investment objectives, circumstances and needs of any person. Information on the website is not intended for investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
You are solely responsible for evaluating the risks and merits regarding the use of the website and any services provided within. Nothing contained in that website constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am a "professional investor" as defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance of Hong Kong (the “Ordinance”) and any rules made under the Ordinance, and that I wish to proceed.
Information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended for institutional investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
The information is exclusively intended for, and directed at, professional investors as defined under the Ordinance and any rules made under the Ordinance or as otherwise may be permitted by the Ordinance. For more information, refer to the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong or consult your legal adviser.
Nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal, business, tax or any other type of advice. The information on this website does not take into account the particular financial and investment objectives, circumstances and needs of any person. Information on the website is not intended for investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
You are solely responsible for evaluating the risks and merits regarding the use of the website and any services provided within. Nothing contained in that website constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments.
Thank you for your interest. We are committed to expanding our institutional website to meet the needs of our global investor base. We do not, however, have content approved for your location at this time. For additional information please emailinstitutional@magellanfinancialgroup.com.
Important Information
This document does not constitute an offer of units in a Magellan Fund in any jurisdiction other than Australia or New Zealand (or in jurisdictions where it is lawful to make such an offer). Applications for units in a Magellan Fund from residents outside of Australia and New Zealand may not be accepted.
By clicking on the "I Confirm" button below you are confirming that you are a resident of Australia or New Zealand (or that you are acting on behalf of a person who is a resident in one of those jurisdictions).
