Portfolio manager comments — Q4 2025
The fund delivered positive performance during the final quarter of the year, rising by 5.65% in SEK, although returns were lower than the benchmark index*. The primary drivers of relative performance were the two profit warnings from Truecaller and Surgical Science, whose shares fell by 53% and 63%, respectively. Excluding these events, the fund’s return would have exceeded the index.
The largest positive contributions came from Volvo Cars, which performed very strongly following a quarterly report in which profitability clearly exceeded market expectations. Consumer‑related companies such as Rusta, RVRC, and Synsam also contributed significantly to performance. A stronger consumer and a weaker US dollar support continued earnings growth for these companies. EQT also contributed positively, and we view the company as an attractive alternative to the banking sector.
During the year, the fund maintained a deliberate exposure to mid‑cap companies, which has acted as a headwind as this segment has underperformed the largest companies. This was also the case during the fourth quarter. However, we believe that a combination of stronger earnings growth and attractive valuations supports improved performance ahead, particularly relative to the banking and industrial sectors.
Regarding portfolio changes, the fund participated in the initial public offering of Verisure during the period. Other investments included Epiroc, SSAB, Instalco, and Traton, all of which are expected to benefit from an improving economic environment in Europe.
Among the most notable divestments were SKF, Ericsson, Sandvik, and Autoliv, where strong share price performance has limited future potential. For risk‑management purposes, the fund also invested in Nordea and reduced holdings in H&M, Volvo Cars, and EQT.
* SIX Sweden SRI Index GI