Hidden Monopolies, Real Moats – featuring Mick Dillon episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 21, 2026 · 13 MIN

Hidden Monopolies, Real Moats – featuring Mick Dillon

from Thinking Aloud · host Brown Advisory

Hosted by Tim Hathaway, in this episode of Thinking Aloud, Portfolio Manager Mick Dillon reflects on the book Investing in Hidden Monopolies* that has recently influenced and expanded how he evaluates long-term investment opportunities, highlighting the role of customer outcomes in his investment philosophy for the Brown Advisory Global Leaders Strategy. Together, they explore how customer loyalty can help shape moats and barriers to entry, with Experian offering a compelling example of how this concept plays out in the portfolio. *Investing in Hidden Monopolies: Why Customer Loyalty Creates Superior Moats and How You Can Profit by Patrick J. Wierckx --- The views expressed are those of the author and Brown Advisory as of the date referenced and are subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions. These views are not intended to be and should not be relied upon as investment advice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance and you may not get back the amount invested. The information contained herein has been prepared from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed by us as to its timeliness or accuracy, and is not a complete summary or statement of all available data. This piece is for informational purposes only.The information provided in this material is not intended to be and should not be considered to be a recommendation or suggestion to engage in or refrain from a particular course of action or to make or hold a particular investment or pursue a particular investment strategy, including whether or not to buy, sell, or hold any of the securities mentioned. It should not be assumed that investments in such securities have been or will be profitable. To the extent specific securities are mentioned, they have been selected by the author on an objective basis to illustrate views expressed in the commentary and do not represent all of the securities purchased, sold or recommended for advisory clients. Sustainable investment considerations are one of multiple informational inputs into the investment process, alongside data on traditional financial factors, and so are not the sole driver of decision making. Sustainable investment analysis may not be performed for every holding in the fund. Sustainable investment considerations that are material will vary by investment style, sector/industry, market trends and client objectives. The Fund seeks to identify companies that it believes may be desirable based on our analysis of sustainable investment related risks and opportunities, but investors may differ in their views. As a result, the Fund may invest in companies that do not reflect the beliefs and values of any particular investor. The Fund may also invest in companies that would otherwise be excluded from other funds that focus on sustainable investment risks. Security selection will be impacted by the combined focus on sustainable investment research assessments and fundamental research assessments including the return forecasts. The Fund incorporates data from third parties in its research process but does not make investment decisions based on third-party data alone.

Hosted by Tim Hathaway, in this episode of Thinking Aloud, Portfolio Manager Mick Dillon reflects on the book Investing in Hidden Monopolies* that has recently influenced and expanded how he evaluates long-term investment opportunities, highlighting the role of customer outcomes in his investment philosophy for the Brown Advisory Global Leaders Strategy. Together, they explore how customer loyalty can help shape moats and barriers to entry, with Experian offering a compelling example of how this concept plays out in the portfolio. *Investing in Hidden Monopolies: Why Customer Loyalty Creates Superior Moats and How You Can Profit by Patrick J. Wierckx --- The views expressed are those of the author and Brown Advisory as of the date referenced and are subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions. These views are not intended to be and should not be relied upon as investment advice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance and you may not get back the amount invested. The information contained herein has been prepared from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed by us as to its timeliness or accuracy, and is not a complete summary or statement of all available data. This piece is for informational purposes only.The information provided in this material is not intended to be and should not be considered to be a recommendation or suggestion to engage in or refrain from a particular course of action or to make or hold a particular investment or pursue a particular investment strategy, including whether or not to buy, sell, or hold any of the securities mentioned. It should not be assumed that investments in such securities have been or will be profitable. To the extent specific securities are mentioned, they have been selected by the author on an objective basis to illustrate views expressed in the commentary and do not represent all of the securities purchased, sold or recommended for advisory clients. Sustainable investment considerations are one of multiple informational inputs into the investment process, alongside data on traditional financial factors, and so are not the sole driver of decision making. Sustainable investment analysis may not be performed for every holding in the fund. Sustainable investment considerations that are material will vary by investment style, sector/industry, market trends and client objectives. The Fund seeks to identify companies that it believes may be desirable based on our analysis of sustainable investment related risks and opportunities, but investors may differ in their views. As a result, the Fund may invest in companies that do not reflect the beliefs and values of any particular investor. The Fund may also invest in companies that would otherwise be excluded from other funds that focus on sustainable investment risks. Security selection will be impacted by the combined focus on sustainable investment research assessments and fundamental research assessments including the return forecasts. The Fund incorporates data from third parties in its research process but does not make investment decisions based on third-party data alone.

NOW PLAYING

Hidden Monopolies, Real Moats – featuring Mick Dillon

0:00 13:19

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Capital Ideas Podcast Capital Group Want to learn how professional investors do it? The Capital Ideas podcast brings you the latest investment thinking from Capital Group, one of the world's largest investment management organizations. Each week we'll get inside the minds of portfolio managers, analysts and economists to break down market trends, macroeconomic forces, investing approaches and lessons learned from personal experience. Take 30 minutes and tap into the intellectual capital of Capital Group. Capital Client Group, Inc.All Capital Group trademarks mentioned are owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc., an affiliated company or fund. All other company and product names mentioned are the property of their respective companies.For full disclosures go to capitalgroup.com/global-disclosures. The Driven To Draw Podcast: Self Improvement|Painting|Drawing|Visual Problem Solving|Unleashing the Creativity Within! Arvind Ramkrishna/Designer/Artist/Engineer The Driven to Draw Podcast will teach you how to solve problems visually, think outside the box, build your confidence, generate ideas, and innovate.You'll hear from top creative artists, designers, engineers, and photographers who share their techniques to create products, broaden their creative abilities, and share the benefits of thinking visually.No matter your background or area of expertise, Driven to Draw will be your constant motivator to help you become your best…and Unleash the Creative Within! Awaken With JP Sears Show JP Sears Comedian, Life Coach, and curious student of life, JP Sears shares connected conversations with high level, inspiring, authentic, wickedly fascinating guests. Just being himself on the show, JP combines the humor that’s garnered him over 300 million online video views with his insight from over 15 years of being a life coach. This injection of empowerment will help you overcome challenges, uplevel your thinking, find more passion and purpose, and leave you entertainedAF! Ask your doctor if this podcast is right for you. But first, ask your chiropractor if asking your doctor is right for you. Patti Talks Too Much Patti Hi. I'm Patti and it's been said - many times - that I talk too much. I'm a teacher, author, nature lover and for ten years I owned a coffeehouse cafe where my faith in the goodness of humans was restored every day. This podcast highlights the awesomeness of humanity - er...outside the warmongers, globalists, tyrants and politicians in general. You know, the rest of us weird, quirky and sometimes hilarious humans.We'll talk woo, probe mysteries and leave you thinking about something more interesting or entertaining or uplifting than your grocery list, or boss or that oil change your car needs. I talk too much because I can't help my Gemini moon and Leo Rising nature. I do a podcast because it's cheaper, funnier and more productive than therapy. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Thinking Aloud?

This episode is 13 minutes long.

When was this Thinking Aloud episode published?

This episode was published on April 21, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Hosted by Tim Hathaway, in this episode of Thinking Aloud, Portfolio Manager Mick Dillon reflects on the book Investing in Hidden Monopolies* that has recently influenced and expanded how he evaluates long-term investment opportunities, highlighting...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Thinking Aloud episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!