The Fund returned -3.3%* in sterling terms in October. The MSCI Europe ex-UK Index comparator benchmark returned -3.0% and the average return made by funds in the IA Europe ex-UK sector, also a comparator benchmark, was -3.4%.
Most markets fell in October as investors grappled with ongoing inflationary pressures and adjusted to the possibility that interest rates may remain high for some time, while the unfolding crisis in the Middle East has also added a degree of geopolitical uncertainty. In Europe, the European Central Bank left its deposit rate unchanged at 4%, altering its path after ten consecutive rate hikes, though the bank did not rule out further tightening.
Sector returns were broadly negative for the period, with the exception of utilities (+0.9%) and information technology (+0.0%). The weakest sectors in the European market were healthcare (-5.0%), consumer discretionary (-4.8%) and industrials (-4.4%).
Danish jewellery manufacturer and retailer Pandora (+9.5%) rose after a positive update at its capital markets day, where the company announced new financial targets which were well received by the market. Pandora announced an EBIT margin target of 26-27% by 2026, an increase from c.25% in 2023. Furthermore, the company expects revenue to reach DKK 34-36 billion in 2026, up DKK 7-9 billion from the expectation of around DKK 27 billion for 2023.
In addition, Pandora noted the successful implementation of its Phoenix strategy which was launched in 2021 to focus on growth opportunities in brand, design, personalisation and markets, while also announcing it intends to scale up investments to accelerate revenue growth.
Novo Nordisk (+5.5%), the Danish pharmaceutical group performed positively on the announcement of the decision to stop its semaglutide kidney drug trial due to its results meeting a pre-specified efficacy criteria. Other encouraging news included the announcement of an upgrade to both sales and operating profit for 2023. Following the strength of Wegovy and Ozempic volumes, the company raised sales growth expectations from 27-33% to 32-38%, while operating profit expectations rose to 40-46% from 31-37%.
Despite announcing a 13.8% year-on-year increase in third quarter revenue, French carmaker Renault (-14.6%) reported a decline in sales volumes for the period versus the first half of the year, citing that dealers were opting for lower inventories. However, Renault confirmed its full-year targets, with the company expecting an operating margin of between 7-8%.
French biopharmaceutical company Ipsen (-9.6%) fell following the release of earnings for the first nine months of the year. While the company confirmed its guidance for the full-year, analysts were disappointed by the 0.3% sales decline in the third quarter, with the company’s Decapeptyl sales impacted by its exposure to China.
Bank of Ireland (-8.7%) was among the detractors despite raising its net interest income guidance for the year, with the second half of the year expected to be 5% higher than the first, reflecting higher rates as well as strong business momentum.
Positive contributors to performance included:
Pandora (+9.5%), Novo Nordisk (+5.5%), Dassault Aviation (+5.5%)
Negative contributors to performance included:
Renault (-14.6%), Ipsen (-9.6%) and Bank of Ireland (-8.7%).
Discrete years' performance (%) to previous quarter-end**:
|
|
Sep-23 |
Sep-22 |
Sep-21 |
Sep-20 |
Sep-19 |
|
Liontrust European Dynamic I Inc |
26.8% |
-8.7% |
42.8% |
3.5% |
-3.0% |
|
MSCI Europe ex UK |
19.0% |
-12.8% |
20.9% |
-0.5% |
5.8% |
|
IA Europe Excluding UK |
18.7% |
-16.1% |
22.4% |
3.1% |
2.2% |
|
Quartile |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
*Source: Financial Express, as at 31.10.23, total return (net of fees and income reinvested), bid-to-bid, institutional class. Non fund-related return data sourced from Bloomberg.
**Source: Financial Express, as at 30.09.23, total return (net of fees and income reinvested), bid-to-bid, primary class.
KEY RISKS
Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of an investment and the income generated from it can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed. You may get back less than you originally invested.
The issue of units/shares in Liontrust Funds may be subject to an initial charge, which will have an impact on the realisable value of the investment, particularly in the short term. Investments should always be considered as long term.
Overseas investments may carry a higher currency risk. They are valued by reference to their local currency which may move up or down when compared to the currency of the Fund.
This Fund may have a concentrated portfolio, i.e. hold a limited number of investments. If one of these investments falls in value this can have a greater impact on the Fund's value than if it held a larger number of investments. The Fund may encounter liquidity constraints from time to time. The spread between the price you buy and sell shares will reflect the less liquid nature of the underlying holdings. Outside of normal conditions, the Fund may hold higher levels of cash which may be deposited with several credit counterparties (e.g. International banks). A credit risk arises should one or more of these counterparties be unable to return the deposited cash. Counterparty Risk: any derivative contract, including FX hedging, may be at risk if the counterparty fails.
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