Portfolio manager comments — Q4 2025
The fund delivered positive performance during the quarter, rising by 1% in SEK, although slightly below the benchmark index*.
Among the holdings that contributed most positively to fund performance were Alphabet, Eli Lilly, and BNP Paribas. Alphabet was the single largest contributor and performed strongly, driven by the company’s continued expansion within AI and several strategic initiatives. During the period, the company completed a major acquisition within renewable energy, strengthened its position in public sector AI solutions through an extensive collaboration with the US Department of Defense, and continued the development of its autonomous driving business, Waymo. Increased interest from long term institutional investors further supported market sentiment.
Eli Lilly also contributed strongly, benefiting from very strong operational performance, particularly within obesity and diabetes treatments. Successful late stage clinical trials for new drug candidates, combined with rapidly increasing sales of existing products, drove both revenue and earnings. During the quarter, Eli Lilly also reached a historic valuation level, further reinforcing the positive momentum in the share price.
The French bank BNP Paribas also rose and supported fund performance. The share price increase was underpinned by strategic asset disposals, improved capital allocation, and an announced share buyback program. The bank reported stable results and demonstrated resilience in a continued uncertain macroeconomic environment, supporting the share price.
On the negative side, fund performance was primarily impacted by Meta Platforms, NetEase, and Sony Group. Meta Platforms underperformed as the share was weighed down by regulatory uncertainty, particularly in Europe, while the company’s continued investments in AI and the metaverse contributed to increased uncertainty regarding cost developments. Signals of upcoming cost reductions within the metaverse business were interpreted by the market as a sign of continued uncertainty surrounding the segment.
NetEase had a negative impact despite reported revenue growth. Profitability developed weaker than expected due to higher marketing expenses, while earnings per share came in slightly below analyst estimates. Management changes contributed to a more cautious view of the company’s short term outlook.
Sony Group also underperformed despite raising its profit guidance for the fiscal year and continuing to invest in content and entertainment. Legal challenges in the US market, together with market skepticism regarding certain investments, contributed to the negative performance.
The fund is well positioned from a risk perspective, without major risk concentrations. There is an overweight to the semiconductor sector following the new holding in SK Hynix in Korea. In addition, exposure to the financial sector was increased in existing holdings such as S&P Global and Mastercard, as well as through a new holding in the Brazilian exchange operator B3.
* Solactive ISS ESG Global Markets Index NTR