Investor Summary
Fund Strategy
FUND PERFORMANCE AS OF 31st December 2025
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 5.9% | 2.3% | 31.5% |
| 2025 |
|---|
| 31.5% |
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 5.9% | 2.3% | 31.5% |
| 2025 |
|---|
| 31.5% |
Ariel International Fund delivered solid absolute returns in Q4 2025 with a +2.25% quarterly gain and +31.48% annual return, slightly trailing international benchmarks but demonstrating the benefits of disciplined active positioning. The fund's non-consensus approach targets undervalued, misunderstood franchises across international markets, with current overweights in Communication Services, Consumer Discretionary, Information Technology and Utilities. Key contributors included strong stock selection in Industrials and Financials, highlighted by Lasertec Corporation's semiconductor equipment strength and multiple banking positions benefiting from improving market conditions. The manager initiated eleven new positions while exiting eight on valuation, emphasizing companies positioned for structural growth opportunities including data center expansion, AI adoption, and banking sector consolidation. Looking ahead, policy alignment, currency dynamics and improving corporate fundamentals are creating compelling opportunities in international markets. The manager believes the greater risk lies in remaining underweight international equities rather than increasing exposure, as fundamentals and valuations realign overseas with attractive prospects relative to growth potential.
Ariel International Fund employs a non-consensus approach to identify undervalued, out-of-favor franchises that are misunderstood and mispriced, focusing on companies with robust balance sheets and durable earnings positioned to benefit from improving international market fundamentals.
As we move into 2026 and beyond, the investment landscape outside the U.S. is becoming increasingly compelling. Growth dynamics are shifting with a firmer economic backdrop fueling revenue expansion and unlocking operating leverage. The manager believes the greater risk today lies in remaining structurally underweight international equities rather than increasing exposure, with international portfolios offering attractive valuations relative to growth prospects.
| Date | Letter | Tickers | Keywords | Pitches | Quick Takes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 18 2026 | 2025 Q4 | 1024.HK, 3436.T, 4751.T, 6367.T, 6762.T, 6856.T, 6920.T, 7832.T, BARC.L, BIRG.L, BMPS.MI, BWG.VI, FME.DE, FORTUM.HE, LREN3.SA, SAN, WCH.DE | Banking, Europe, financials, international, Japan, semiconductors, technology, value |
6920 JP BARC LN BG AV 7832 JP FME GR 3436 JP SAN SM BIRG LN 4751 JP 6367 JP 6856 JP 1024 HK 6762 JP WCH GR |
The fund initiated multiple new banking positions including Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, Banco Santander, and Bank of Ireland, while existing holdings like Barclays… |
| Oct 15 2025 | 2025 Q3 | 009150 KS, 3436 JP, 425 HK, 6460 JP, 6981 JP, APTV, BGAOF, BT/A LN, FME GR, INF LN, PUB FP, SYNSY | Artificial Intelligence, Edge AI, Global Equities, International Rotation, semiconductors | - | The fund highlights AI adoption as a key growth driver across global technology supply chains, particularly through investments in semiconductor component manufacturers like SUMCO and… |
| Jul 17 2025 | 2025 Q2 | 000660 KS, 1590 TT, 2319 HK, 6361 JP, 6920 JP, BBVA SM, CHKP, JD, LTMC IM, SNY, TSCO LN | diversification, fundamentals, International Equities, Mean reversion, valuation gaps |
6920 JP CHKP |
The letter discusses international markets benefiting from valuation discounts relative to the U.S. Management emphasizes stock selection in developed and emerging markets with improving fundamentals.… |
| Mar 31 2025 | 2025 Q1 | 7832 JP, AQN, CHKP, ISP IM, NNMI IJ, OPA FP, PUB FP, TSCO LN, TSM | - | - | - |
| Dec 31 2024 | 2024 Q4 | 000660 KS, 6460 JP, BCS, BEZ LN, CDGE, EMAAR, FMS, JD, ORA FP, RED SM, SNY | - | - | - |
| Sep 30 2024 | 2024 Q3 | 005930 KS, 7270 JP, CHKP, JD, PUB FP, SNY, STLA, TSCO LN, VEA | - | - | - |
| Jul 31 2024 | 2024 Q2 | 7270 JP, BAWAY, CS FP, DTG, EMAAR UH, IFX GR, STLA, TNISY, TSM | - | - | - |
| Apr 15 2024 | 2024 Q1 | 7270 JP, 7832 JP, APTV, DTG, ELE SW, FMS, JD, SIE GR, STLA | - | - | - |
| Jan 31 2024 | 2023 Q4 | 4FN GR, AD NA, BC94 LN, BIDU, DB1 GR, DSN0 GR, FME GR, FUH0 GR, KB, ML SW, O2D GR, WIZZ LN | - | - | - |
| Mar 10 2023 | 2023 Q3 | AHOG GR, DLG LN, FUH GR, ML FP, O2D GR, RHO GR, VENLY | - | - | - |
| Jun 30 2023 | 2023 Q2 | DB1 GR | - | - | - |
| Mar 31 2023 | 2023 Q1 | - | - | - | - |
| May 3 2023 | 2022 Q4 | BBSEY, BOKF, CG, DLG LN, RHO GR, ZBRA | - | - | - |
| QUARTER | THEMES | TAGS |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Q4 |
AIAI has been integrated into RGA's research process through tools like NotebookLM, Gems in Gemini, and Claude Code. The firm views AI as a force multiplier for human judgment rather than a replacement, emphasizing the Kasparov Law principle. They believe the market narrative around AI displacement is swinging to unhelpful extremes, creating investment opportunities. |
Machine Learning Automation Software Productivity Innovation |
BankingEuropean banking sector produced strong outperformance led by Bank of Ireland, Lloyds Banking Group, and CaixaBank. Sector returns supported by interest rate stabilization and yield curve steepening. The market is transitioning toward improving organic loan growth after fifteen years of stagnant credit activity. |
Regional Banks Money Center Banks European Banks | |
Data CentersSupply constraints curtailing infrastructure buildout rate, but compute capacity is being used immediately upon coming online. This differs from dot-com bubble when dark fiber was installed ahead of need. Labor, power and land shortages creating bottlenecks. |
Supply Constraints Utilization Bottlenecks Infrastructure | |
SemiconductorsRGA initiated a position in Lattice Semiconductor, viewing it as an under-appreciated AI winner with immediate gains and longer-term optionality. Lattice's focus on efficiency and advantages in low-power, small footprint FPGAs position it favorably for AI servers, particularly as the only Post-Quantum Cryptography secure chips on the market. |
FPGAs Security Efficiency AI Infrastructure Programmable | |
| 2025 Q3 |
AIAI has been integrated into RGA's research process through tools like NotebookLM, Gems in Gemini, and Claude Code. The firm views AI as a force multiplier for human judgment rather than a replacement, emphasizing the Kasparov Law principle. They believe the market narrative around AI displacement is swinging to unhelpful extremes, creating investment opportunities. |
Machine Learning Automation Software Productivity Innovation |
SemiconductorsRGA initiated a position in Lattice Semiconductor, viewing it as an under-appreciated AI winner with immediate gains and longer-term optionality. Lattice's focus on efficiency and advantages in low-power, small footprint FPGAs position it favorably for AI servers, particularly as the only Post-Quantum Cryptography secure chips on the market. |
FPGAs Security Efficiency AI Infrastructure Programmable | |
| 2025 Q2 |
InternationalHigh-quality international businesses trade at fractions of US multiples, with the manager positioning clients to take advantage of this divergence. Despite US equity market dominating investor mindshare, the rest of the world returned 32.6% in dollar terms in 2025 versus SPY's 17.7%. |
Discount Opportunity Outperformance Quality Positioning |
| Date | Pitch Type | Author | Ticker | Company | Industry | Sub Industry | Bull / Bear | Exchange | Keywords | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | WCH GR | Wacker Chemie AG | Materials | Specialty Chemicals | Bull | Xetra | Construction Recovery, Energy costs, Polysilicon, specialty chemicals, trade policy | Login |
| Jul 17, 2025 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | 6920 JP | Lasertec Corporation | Information Technology | Semiconductor Equipment | Bull | NYSE | AI, CapEx, Equipment, Euv, Foundries, growth, Process, semiconductors | Login |
| Jul 17, 2025 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | CHKP | Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. | Information Technology | Systems Software | Bull | NASDAQ | buybacks, cloud, cybersecurity, growth, Margins, Platforms, Software, Subscriptions | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | 6920 JP | Lasertec Corporation | Information Technology | Semiconductor Equipment | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | Capital Spending, Euv, manufacturing, process control, semiconductors | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | BARC LN | Barclays plc | Financials | Diversified Banks | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | banking, capital returns, efficiency, Interest income, valuation | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | BG AV | BAWAG Group AG | Financials | Diversified Banks | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | asset quality, banking, capital returns, Cost efficiency, Free Cash Flow | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | 7832 JP | Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. | Communication Services | Entertainment | Bear | New York Stock Exchange | advertising, content investment, entertainment, Gaming, Margins | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | FME GR | Fresenius Medical Care AG | Health Care | Health Care Services | Bull | Xetra | cash flow, defensive, deleveraging, Healthcare services, turnaround | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | 3436 JP | SUMCO Corporation | Information Technology | Semiconductor Materials | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | Advanced Chips, Capacity, Cyclicality, Free Cash Flow, semiconductor materials | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | SAN SM | Banco Santander SA | Financials | Diversified Banks | Bull | Brasil Bolsa Balcão | capital returns, Diversified Banking, efficiency, Emerging markets, profitability | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | BIRG LN | Bank of Ireland Group plc | Financials | Diversified Banks | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | Capital strength, divestment, efficiency, Irish Banks, loan growth | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | 4751 JP | CyberAgent Inc. | Communication Services | Interactive Media | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | digital advertising, IP monetization, media, Profit Recovery, Streaming | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | 6367 JP | Daikin Industries Ltd. | Industrials | Building Products | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | aftermarket, energy efficiency, HVAC, industrial demand, Pricing power | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | 6856 JP | Horiba Ltd. | Information Technology | Scientific Instruments | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | diversification, Margin Improvement, Precision Instruments, semiconductors, technology | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | 1024 HK | Kuaishou Technology | Communication Services | Interactive Media | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | advertising, AI monetization, China Internet, e-commerce, social media | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Rupal J. Bhansali | 6762 JP | TDK Corporation | Information Technology | Electronic Components | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | Acquisitions, AI hardware, Batteries, Electronic Components, technology | Login |
| TICKER | COMMENTARY |
|---|---|
| 1024.HK | our Chinese e-commerce and internet stalwarts – Kuaishou saw their share prices soften as the market focused on more direct AI beneficiaries |
| 3436.T | Finally, SUMCO Corporation shares declined as management signaled a challenging near-term outlook despite reporting a smaller-than-expected loss. High inventory levels and rising costs are weighing on recovery, but we remain constructive on the long-term story. SUMCO is a leader in epitaxial wafers and advanced products critical for high-performance chips powering CPUs, GPUs and Edge AI. Tight supply-demand dynamics in these segments, capacity expansion initiatives and long-term agreements supporting pricing and volume reinforce our positive view. With strong free cash flow potential and limited supply of advanced wafers, we believe SUMCO is undervalued and positioned for upside as fundamentals improve. |
| 6367.T | We added to our positions in Daikin, a global leader in air conditioning systems, on valuation. |
| 6920.T | Top gainers among the Fund's holdings included Lasertec (+38% in U.S. dollar terms). During the quarter, we trimmed the Fund's holding in Lasertec on strength |
| 7832.T | Japanese video game publisher, Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc. underperformed this quarter as higher advertising spend for four new network titles and weaker-than-expected sales pressured results. Additionally, several home console launches carried significant upfront costs, further weighing on margins. While these investments hurt near-term profitability, we think they reflect a strategy to build future growth through an expanded content pipeline. |
| BARC.L | Our bank holdings have been outstanding performers throughout the year, and even at their current valuations, we believe they continue to look attractive. |
| BIRG.L | Bank of Ireland and Horiba rounded out the Fund's list of largest performance contributions for the quarter. As has been the case for much of 2025, the Fund's Western European holdings, such as Bank of Ireland, Buzzi Spa and BMW, each contributed to fourth quarter performance in a positive and significant way. In recent years, our two European bank holdings, Bank of Ireland and Deutsche Bank, have benefited from dramatically improved operating performance, which has led to a growing appreciation of their abilities to generate attractive returns on capital. The Fund materially reduced the weight of its holdings in Deutsche Bank and Bank of Ireland during the year. |
| BMPS.MI | We initiated a position in Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA (BMPS), a leading Italian banking group. Recent developments have strengthened its investment case, with management outlining a clear strategy that includes a progressive dividend policy, a well-defined integration plan following its acquisition of Mediobanca and a strong capital position. The acquisition of Mediobanca has transformed BMPS into Italy's third-largest banking group, expanding its reach beyond retail and SME banking into corporate and investment banking, wealth management and consumer credit. |
| BWG.VI | Additionally, bank holding company, BAWAG Group AG advanced in the quarter following strong results and management's reaffirmation around asset quality. With the integration of Knab and Barclays Consumer Bank Europe progressing smoothly, we believe the company is well-positioned to exceed its 2025 outlook. Moreover, we see consensus estimates for 2026 as conservative, underestimating BAWAG's growth potential, best-in-class cost efficiency and sector-leading capital returns that should materialize in the years ahead. Management remains steadfast in its commitment to free cash flow generation and capital return, reinforcing shareholder value through consistent dividends. |
| FME.DE | Fresenius Medical Care AG, the Germany-based global leader in kidney dialysis services and products, traded lower on mixed quarterly results. While the company delivered organic growth across all segments, earnings were impacted by continued restructuring and portfolio optimization costs. With profitability trending higher and strong cash generation supporting balance sheet deleveraging, we view Fresenius as attractively positioned from a risk/reward perspective. |
| SAN | We purchased Spain-based bank, Banco Santander, SA. We believe the company is well-positioned for meaningful efficiency gains and stronger profitability as it streamlines operations and reduces costs. Upcoming strategic updates are likely to set more ambitious return targets, which could shift market expectations. Easing monetary conditions in key markets like Brazil may further support margins and reduce credit risk. |
| Ticker | Put/Call | Amount Bought | Shares Bought | % Change | Weight % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Recent Buys Data | |||||
| Ticker | Put/Call | Amount Sold | Shares Sold | % Change | Weight % | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Recent Sells Data | ||||||
| Industry | Prev Quarter % | Current Quarter % | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| No industry data available | |||