Portfolio manager comments — Q4 2025
The fund underperformed its benchmark index* during the final quarter of the year, while still delivering a positive absolute return. Initially, market developments were dominated by AI related investments, but partway through the quarter a clear rotation away from technology and AI took place, contributing to a broader market recovery.
This was driven by increased concerns regarding companies’ ability to translate substantial AI investments into profitable growth, as well as signs of margin pressure during the reporting season for AI related products. Focus therefore shifted toward more cyclical and defensive sectors such as financials, industrials, energy, materials, and healthcare.
Healthcare stocks, which had been under pressure for much of 2025, recovered during the fourth quarter. This followed positive developments regarding pricing and tariffs in the US, as Pfizer reached an agreement with the US administration, as well as generally strong quarterly reports. The fund’s holdings in Eli Lilly and AstraZeneca were therefore among the strongest contributors during the period.
The largest positive contribution to fund performance came from TSMC, which continued to demonstrate its market leading position within semiconductor manufacturing. Despite increased uncertainty within the AI segment, the company reported strong order intake and solid financial resilience. BBVA was the second largest contributor after its long running attempted acquisition of Sabadell ultimately failed, leading to a renewed focus on shareholder value through record dividends and share buybacks.
Enviri also performed very strongly following the announcement that Veolia will acquire the company’s Clean Earth business in order to strengthen its market position in the US, making the holding one of the strongest contributors of the period.
The largest negative impact came from Itron and Microsoft, following the rotation away from technology and AI related investments. Grand Canyon Education, Iron Mountain, and Landis+Gyr also delivered weaker performance during the period.
During the quarter, new companies were added to the portfolio, including Banco Galicia, Kinaxis, Hyundai, IBM, Elia System Operator, and Delta Electronics. At the same time, Hologic was divested following a take private transaction by Blackstone and TPG, as well as holdings in EDPR, Carrier, and Darling Ingredients.
* Solactive ISS ESG Global Markets Index NTR