Portfolio manager comments — Q1 2025
Fund performance was negative in Q1 2025 due to challenges for some of the fund’s holdings. However, the banking and manufacturing sectors contributed positively during the period.
The holding in DNB contributed positively after a strong result in Q4, with stable growth and a higher than expected net interest income. SEB also had a positive impact due to a continued strong net interest income. The holdings in Volvo, Kone, Hexagon and Sandvik also contributed after strong quarterly reports.
Fund returns were primarily weighed down by the holdings in Novo Nordisk and Netcompany. Novo Nordisk was negatively affected by disappointing results from a Phase 3 study on Cagrisema and a weaker trend in prescriptions in the US. However, the fund had a slight underweight in Novo Nordisk relative to the benchmark index. Netcompany was negatively affected by a quarterly report that was below expectations. Concerns about US tariffs also negatively affected the holdings in Embla, Autoliv and Beijer Ref.
The fund added a new holding in Nokia which holds a leading position within network equipment with an increased focus on niches with growth and higher margin profiles. The company has a high rate of innovation and benefits from investments for faster and more secure data transmission. The holding in Epiroc and Novo Nordisk was also increased after weak share price performance. The holding in Kone was decreased, while Vaisala was sold in its entirety after strong share price performance.
We continued to focus on investee companies that have sustainable business models and competitive offers with sustainable growth.