Portfolio manager comments — Q3 2024
Fund performance was positive and the fund rose just over 2% in SEK during Q3. The strongest contributors to fund returns in the period were Assa Abloy and Essity. Assa Abloy posted strength in the wake of a more positive sentiment related to the construction sector following the rate cuts that were recently announced and Essity contributed positively after the company reported strong results with higher than expected margins. Nibe was also a positive contributor after indications of an end- market that was not as weak. Hexagon, which reported a weaker than expected result due to exposure to the automotive sector, had a negative impact on returns. Autoliv also posted weakness on the back of the same theme and has also had to struggle with its product mix. Novo Nordisk also had a negative impact as the company’s report for Q2 was weaker than expected when the company’s newly launched obesity drug, Wegovy, did not show the rapid growth expected by the market. Supply constraints remain a challenge for Novo Nordisk, although manufacturing capacity is being gradually increased.
During the quarter the fund increased the holdings in Thule, Sampo, Volvo AB and in banks. The fund also sold the holding in Lifco due to a high valuation, together with cyclical exposure. We also decreased the holding in Autoliv as a result of the current uncertainty prevailing within the automotive industry. In the upcoming reporting period we will continue to focus on investee companies that have sustainable business models and competitive offers with sustainable growth even in a weaker economy.