Portfolio manager comments — Q4 2025
The fund delivered positive performance during the fourth quarter, rising by just over 3% in SEK, which was slightly weaker than the benchmark index*. The main reason was negative allocation effects between sectors, while stock selection contributed positively to results.
The fund was overweight the financial sector, which performed positively during the period, although returns were somewhat weaker than the broader market. Within healthcare, strong selection of individual companies contributed positively to fund performance.
Among the holdings that contributed most positively to fund performance were Capgemini, Rentokil, and Inditex. Capgemini performed strongly after the company raised its guidance for full year revenue growth and reported better than expected results for the third quarter. Strategic acquisitions within cloud and automation services strengthened the company’s long term growth profile and contributed to improved market sentiment.
Rentokil reported strong performance in North America, where both revenue and organic growth exceeded expectations. This was followed by positive analyst revisions, supporting the share price. Inditex also performed very well following a strong quarterly report, with both sales growth and operating profit exceeding market expectations.
On the negative side, fund performance was primarily impacted by Beazley, Air Liquide, and Legrand. Beazley came under pressure after third quarter premium income fell short of expectations, particularly within cyber insurance. The market also reacted to signals of deteriorating profitability in the US cyber insurance market.
Air Liquide underperformed after reporting slightly weaker than expected revenue growth, particularly within its Gas & Services business. At the same time, the company carried out a large bond issuance related to an ongoing acquisition, increasing focus on leverage and investment risks. Legrand also performed weakly after organic sales growth in the third quarter came in below expectations, despite continued strong demand for data center related products.
The fund is well positioned from a risk perspective, without significant risk concentrations. New holdings include UBS and Unilever, which contribute to a balanced risk profile. UBS benefits from improved capital requirements and strong growth in Asia, while Unilever, with significant exposure to emerging markets, is expected to strengthen its growth profile following completed divestments.
* Solactive ISS ESG Screened Europe Index NTR