Portfolio manager comments — Q3 2025
The quarter was marked by uncertainty surrounding the final U.S. tariffs and how the so called MFN principle (Most Favoured Nations – stipulating that prices in the U.S. must not exceed those in selected reference countries) will be applied. The fund gained approximately 3.9% in SEK, outperforming its benchmark, the Solactive ISS ESG Screened DM Health Care Index NTR, by nearly 2%.
At the very end of the quarter, the Trump administration reached an agreement with Pfizer, which is expected to serve as a potential blueprint for the entire pharmaceutical sector. This triggered a relief rally within the sector, which had previously underperformed both the global index and local indices such as the S&P 500.
The largest positive contributor to fund performance was UCB, which rose by 39% on the back of very strong sales for Bimzelx – the first drug launched on the company’s new platform, targeting psoriasis as its initial indication. The company also has a promising pipeline with several potential product launches ahead.
The fund’s holding in biotechnology company Merus, focused on oncology – particularly brain tumors and potentially colorectal cancer – also performed strongly. The company received a takeover bid from Genmab at a 41% premium. Genmab, itself a fund holding, rose concurrently, further boosting returns.
Alnylam, which specializes in cardiovascular diseases, contributed positively as well. The substantial position in Thermo Fisher performed strongly, driven by positive demand prospects for laboratory equipment and new outsourcing contracts from pharmaceutical companies.
On the negative side, UnitedHealth Group, active in health insurance and hospital services, detracted from performance. The stock remains volatile, and the fund has now fully exited its position.
We are now more constructive on the sector as agreements are reached between the U.S. administration and major pharmaceutical companies. This creates greater clarity regarding future regulatory frameworks and business conditions. In our view, the valuation discount the sector has held relative to the broader market may begin to normalize over the next six months.