Portfolio manager comments — Q3 2025
The fund delivered strong performance in the third quarter, rising by approximately 6% in Norwegian kroner (NOK), supported by solid positive excess returns during the period. Year to date performance after fees now stands at around 20%.
Returns are also clearly ahead of main indices in neighboring regions as well as leading markets such as the United States, where we have likewise seen equity gains and a gradual increase in risk appetite over the quarter. The prevailing market narrative has been shaped by expectations of monetary policy easing combined with continued positive macroeconomic growth, a mix that traditionally favors equity markets.
In Norway, segments of the market have expanded due to strong operational developments and upward revisions to earnings per share (EPS), while other parts have been driven primarily by multiple expansion – in several cases well above historical averages. Toward the end of the quarter, the fund reduced holdings in stocks within the latter category, as well as in companies where momentum is beginning to reverse or where liquidity is low. Examples include Sparebanken Sør Norge and Sparebanken Nord Norge. Current portfolio management places strong emphasis on flexibility and agility to remain well positioned for potential major market shifts.
At the sector level, the seafood industry had the strongest quarter, with the fund’s largest holdings – Mowi and Salmar – both contributing positively in absolute and relative terms. The technology sector also performed well, with SoftwareOne and Nordic Semiconductor being particularly noteworthy contributors.