A 1000% winner in 3 years, what’s driving Powell Industries’ surge

How does a "boring" electrical engineering firm from Texas become one of the best-performing stocks on the NASDAQ? In this episode, we sit down with Tobias Bucks from Ausbil to dissect Powell Industries (NASDAQ: POWL). While the stock's recent vertical climb has caught the market's attention, the reality is that Powell is an overnight success story 79 years in the making. Beyond the stock pitch, Tobias opens up his investment playbook, sharing how his background in anthropology shapes the way he asks questions, uncovers "unrecognised growth," and identifies workplace cultures that the market has failed to imagine. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The art of the question Tobias explains why "markets are efficient but have no imagination." We start with his unique process for analysing companies, a process Tobias and his co-portfolio manager Simon Wood have honed over decades. – A question about questions: How an academic background in human behavior helps in vetting management culture and asking better questions. – The filter: The specific set of questions Tobias and his team use to find "unrecognised growth." – Beyond the spreadsheet: Why the most important data points often aren't found in a terminal, but in the gap between a company's narrative and its execution. Powell Industries: The 79-Year evolution We trace the history of Powell, founded in 1947, and how its deeply-ingrained culture survived decades of family leadership to meet the modern moment. – The Product: From custom switchgear to complex integrated power solutions. – The Pivot: How their customer base shifted from a heavy reliance on the Texas oil and gas cycle to becoming a mission-critical provider for data centers and the electrical grid. – The Order Book: Why customers are now "falling over themselves" for Powell’s products and what that means for future earnings. The investment case: Growth the market missed Tobias walks us through the lifecycle of the investment: – The Ideation: When did Powell first hit the Ausbil radar, and what were the "must-answer" questions before building a position? – Testing the Narrative: Is Powell just an "AI spend" beneficiary, or is this a structural shift in global infrastructure? – Managing Risk: Discussing the cyclical nature of their industry and how to know when it’s time to exit. – The "Watchlist" Strategy: Under what conditions would Tobias sell out and then re-enter a position? Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Investors podcast) Show partner resources ETF investor? Go beyond ordinary with Global X: View all funds Visit TermPlus to learn more Rask Resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Drew Meredith are back for 2 Sense. Invest with Owen: https://bit.ly/R-invest Rask financial planning: https://bit.ly/R-plan TOPICS COVERED: – Buying falling stocks vs chasing winners – Designing the perfect ASX ETF – Xero’s AI deal with Anthropic and what it means – CSL, inflation risks, and market concentration concerns Listener Questions Answered 🧾 Investment bonds for kids (The Frugal Farmer) 🏠 SMSF + property advice (Deer in the Headlights) 💰 LICs vs ETFs (AFICionado) Resources for This Episode Learn more about portfolio strategy & investing: – https://www.rask.com.au/rask-invest – https://www.rask.com.au/education – https://www.rask.com.au/investing-guides ~~ Rask Resources ~~ Explore all Rask services – https://bit.ly/R-services Get Financial Planning – https://bit.ly/R-plan Start investing with Rask – https://bit.ly/R-invest Access Show Notes – https://bit.ly/R-notes Ask a question – just select the Investors Podcast – https://bit.ly/R-quest Follow us on social media: – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for your situation before acting on it. If you’re unsure, consult a licensed financial planner. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial adviser, or tax professional. You can access The Rask Group’s Financial Services Guide (FSG) here: https://www.rask.com.au/fsg #Investing #Finance #AustralianInvestorsPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Owen Rask and Billy Leung from Global X throw down the challenge to build two themed $100,000 ETF portfolios — one focused on AI infrastructure and the other on value investing — discussing long-term strategy, mistakes, lessons and the future of markets. In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, your hosts discuss:– The one investment Billy held the longest (and what it taught him)– The most expensive mistake we’ve made as investors– Two $100,000 themed ETF portfolios with a 5-year total return goal– AI infrastructure vs value investing — which wins? If you love learning about ETFs, long-term strategy and portfolio construction, subscribe to the Australian Investors Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Investors podcast) Show partner resources ETF investor? Go beyond ordinary with Global X: View all funds Visit TermPlus to learn more Rask Resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s 2 Sense episode, Owen and Mitchell lean into the chaos of the current market. From the geopolitical ripples of the Iran conflict to the surprisingly high cost of plastic piping, they trace the butterfly effect of oil through the ASX. Plus, Owen returns from Vietnam with some eerie travel tales, and the team checks in on the ever-evolving saga of Richard White and WiseTech. Topics covered – The Global Oil Squeeze: With the war in Iran showing no signs of de-escalating, they unpack the unintended consequences. It is not just at the bowser — they look at Reece Ltd (ASX: REH) and how the rising cost of oil-derived materials is forcing a price hike on PVC piping. – EV smugness: While the rest of the country groans at $2.50+ fuel prices, Owen takes a literal victory lap in his Tesla. – SpaceX IPO and to the moon: A rare glimmer of optimism. They discuss what SpaceX actually does, how it makes money, and why its listing could provide investors with the world’s most unique monopoly. – The Falling Knife ETF: The crusade continues. They are still trying to get Drew’s Falling Knife ETF into production, and Marc Jocum from Global X takes them through what needs to happen to get it made. – WiseTech and the $40 floor: Richard White is back in the headlines. With WiseTech (ASX: WTC) shares dipping below the $40 mark, they ask the hard question: will shareholders remain loyal to the founder now that the capital gains have evaporated? – Postcards from Vietnam: Owen shares his recent trip to Vietnam and his observations of the ghost resorts. – Listener questions: Keep them coming! Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Investors podcast) Show partner resources ETF investor? Go beyond ordinary with Global X: View all funds Visit TermPlus to learn more Rask Resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The market is obsessed with AI as the sole driver of energy demand, but the "Saaspocalypse" of February taught us that picking AI winners is a volatile game. In this episode, Mark Jones from Resolution Capital explains why the real opportunity lies in the "picks and shovels" that power the modern world: Electricity Utilities. We dive into why Resolution Capital has doubled down on utilities (60% of the portfolio), the reality of the US re-shoring trend, and why this is a multi-decade structural shift that remains underappreciated by the broader market. In this episode, we discuss: - Defining a great investment: What separates a "good" asset from a truly "great" infrastructure investment in the current macro environment? - Post-Saaspocalypse lessons: How the February crash in AI-adjacent software reshaped the way Resolution Capital views "AI beneficiaries." - The utility overweight: Why electricity utilities are now more than double the size of the next largest position in the fund. - The energy thesis (beyond AI): AI consumes a massive amount of power, but is that the only reason to own these stocks? We look at the intersection of decarbonisation and digitisation. - The "Re-Shoring" factor: How much of the US energy demand relies on the return of manufacturing, and would a change in the White House administration kill this trend? - Spotting the obvious: When an investment theme looks "too easy," the returns are usually gone. Mark explains what the market is still missing about the demand side. - Managing risk: From regulatory hurdles to the "build-out" risk—can we actually build too much infrastructure? - The Australian angle: Does Mark hold any local names in that 60% power allocation? - Stock in focus: A deep dive into a "great utility" currently held in the portfolio and why it fits the Resolution Capital framework. Resources for this episode Resolution Capital Website Resolution Capital Infrastructure Fund Ask a question (select the Investors podcast) Show partner resources ETF investor? Go beyond ordinary with Global X: View all funds Visit TermPlus to learn more Rask Resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, with Owen on holiday in Vietnam, Mitchell Sneddon joins Drew Meredith to discuss: – US–Iran conflict and what it means for oil prices, inflation and markets – L1 Capital’s new gold listed investment company – Hansen Corporation in the news and a look at the billing software providers prospects – What has had a worse effect on markets to date, the Iran war or the SaaSpocalypse? – How is Mitchell almost last in the Stock Genius game? Drew reviews his portfolio or AD8, TAH, EDV, DTEC and more. – Would you invest in defence stocks? We look at the inflows for the major defence ETFs: DTEC, ARMR and DFND – Are you keen to invest in Drew’s falling knife ETF? Expressions of interest open now! If you love learning about investing, markets and portfolio strategy, subscribe to the Australian Investors Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Resources for this episode Mitchell’s episode with Navigator Global Investments Mitchell’s episode with Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ask a question (select the Investors podcast) ETF investor? Go beyond ordinary with Global X: View all funds Visit TermPlus to learn more Rask Resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Private credit is growing rapidly in Australia. Understanding how managers actually operate may matter more than the yield itself. In this episode of the Australian Investors Podcast, Mitchell sits down with Nicole Kidd, CEO of Corval Avenue, to unpack how investors should evaluate real estate private credit managers. As private credit continues to attract capital with double-digit yields, Nicole explains why the manager is effectively part of the asset — and how weak governance, conflicted incentives, or poor reporting can turn an attractive investment into a multi-year workout. The conversation provides a practical framework investors can use to separate disciplined credit operators from opportunistic deal shops. Together they discuss - The idea that in private credit the manager is part of the asset, with vastly different outcomes possible on identical deals - Weak credit governance as the first major red flag and the role of independent credit committees in serious firms - Short track records and perfect returns as potential signs of cherry-picked performance or untested managers - Misaligned incentives and fee structures that quietly shift returns away from investors - Conflicts across the capital stack when managers operate as lenders, brokers or equity participants - Transparent reporting and honest default disclosure as signals of a disciplined credit operation - Green flags of strong managers, including co-investment, institutional processes and operational depth Resources for this episode Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Drew Meredith discuss: – Why Drew invested in a Melbourne bar – Rising distrust in superannuation – Div 296 and SMSF strategy questions – Retirement bucket strategies and FIRE investing If you love learning about retirement planning and investing strategy, subscribe to the Australian Investors Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Why Drew invested in a bar - Beneath Driver Lane Drew explains: – When the opportunity emerged (2018) – The due diligence process – Why having the operator with skin in the game mattered – Surviving COVID – Lessons from inflation and margin pressure – Expansion to Baby Driver Big takeaway: Keep costs low. Avoid debt. Align incentives. Bootstrapping works. Super distrust: what’s going on? A recent survey showed: – 58% of pre-retirees plan to withdraw super in lump sum – One third considering high-risk assets (including crypto) We discuss why disengagement with super leads to poor decisions and why understanding the structure matters more than fear. Listener Question: $4m SMSF and Div 296 A listener who achieved FIRE at 39 asks: – Should they sell down to avoid Div 296 impacts? – Should growth sit outside super and income inside? We explain: – What Div 296 actually does – Why average tax rate matters – Why panic selling rarely helps Bucket Strategy Explained Yoda Best asks about bucket strategies. We break down: 1. Short-term cash bucket (2 years expenses) 2. Medium-term income assets 3. Long-term growth bucket Purpose: Reduce emotional decision-making in retirement. Hypotheticals – If franking credits were abolished overnight – If passive investing was banned – If you could have lunch with any investor (living or dead) Plus: Japanese ETF discussion and CGT property rules. Topics Covered – Private business investing lessons – Super strategy and Div 296 – Retirement income planning – Behavioural investing mistakes Resources for This Episode Super resources: Super Checker Tool Div 296 Webinar Ask a question (select the Investors podcast) Visit TermPlus to learn more Rask Resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Booking Holdings Ltd deep dive, we sit down with Alan Pullen from Magellan Investment Partners to analyse the evolution of a travel giant. From its origins as Priceline.com during the dot-com era to its transformative acquisition of Booking.com, we explore how the company’s shift from an agency model to a merchant model has reshaped its financial profile. We break down the "Connected Trip" strategy and examine how the integration of brands like Agoda and OpenTable creates a powerful network effect that continues to dominate the fragmented European and global hotel markets. As investors look for long-term value, this analysis scrutinises the Booking Holdings moat in the face of rising competition. We address the critical question: Is Google or AI a legitimate threat to their market share, or will these technologies serve as enhancers for their data-driven ecosystem? Whether you are looking at management alignment, loyalty program efficacy, or the investment case for BKNG stock, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the risks and opportunities within the current economic environment. Alan Pullen is the co-portfolio manager for the Magellan Global Opportunities Fund (ASX:OPPT). Talking Points: - William Shatner’s regret: Being paid in Priceline stock - What hotel reservations used to look like and what happened to Wotif? - The start of Booking Holdings’ life as Priceline in 1997 - Priceline lists on the Nasdaq in 1999, just before the dot-com crash - How did Priceline fare during the dot-com crash? - Surviving the crash and acquiring a small Dutch business called Booking.com - Booking.com’s original agency business model vs. the merchant model - How the agency model accelerated Booking’s success and disrupted incumbents - Booking’s network effect and the fragmented European hotel market - How has Booking.com competed in markets outside of Europe? - Booking’s acquisition of brands like Agoda and OpenTable - Booking’s business model today: The merchant model overtakes the agency model - Does Booking benefit from the "float" provided by the merchant model? - Understanding the “Connected Trip” and why the app is vital to Booking Holdings - OpenTable and Booking’s move into "Experiences" - The power of Booking Holdings’ data - How important is the Booking Holdings loyalty programme? - What is Booking Holdings’ moat? - What do hotels pay to Booking? - Booking Holdings’ competitors and business risks - Is Google a threat to Booking Holdings? - Is AI a threat or an enhancer for Booking Holdings? - Management quality: Are incentives aligned with shareholders? - Macro risks: How exposed is Booking Holdings to economic volatility? - The investment case for Booking Holdings - Key questions investors should ask when reading Booking Holdings reports - How important is US growth for Booking Holdings? - When is the right time to buy Booking Holdings? Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Investors podcast) Visit TermPlus to learn more OPPT ~~ Rask Resources ~~ Explore all Rask services – https://bit.ly/R-services Get Financial Planning – https://bit.ly/R-plan Start investing with Rask – https://bit.ly/R-invest Access Show Notes – https://bit.ly/R-notes Ask a question – just select the Investors Podcast – https://bit.ly/R-quest Follow us on social media: – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for your situation before acting on it. If you’re unsure, consult a licensed financial planner. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial adviser, or tax professional. You can access The Rask Group’s Financial Services Guide (FSG) here: https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Drew Meredith discuss: – US–Iran conflict and what it means for oil prices, inflation and markets – Magellan’s merger with Barrenjoey and what it means for investors – Netflix stepping away from the Warner Bros deal – Reporting season highlights: Block, Woolworths, Apple, NAB and more If you love learning about investing, markets and portfolio strategy, subscribe to the Australian Investors Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Investors podcast) Visit TermPlus to learn more Rask Resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices