Investor Summary
Fund Strategy
FUND PERFORMANCE AS OF 30th June 2026
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 8.3% | 16% | 15.9% |
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 8.3% | 16% | 15.9% |
Mawer delivered solid absolute returns in Q2 2026 but mixed benchmark performance as AI infrastructure demand drove exceptional gains in semiconductor, memory, and data center companies across Asia and North America. Hyperscaler capex commitments remained strong with real capital spending and substantial profit inflections. The manager participated selectively in this trend through holdings including Taiwan Semiconductor, Samsung, SK Hynix, Amphenol, and Texas Instruments, but actively managed position sizes by trimming after strong performance and harvesting gains to maintain valuation discipline. Energy and gold holdings detracted as Iran conflict dynamics shifted and commodities pulled back from highs, though the manager maintains longer-term rationale for real assets as geopolitical hedge. The hot IPO market including SpaceX represents growing speculative enthusiasm warranting attention. Central banks navigated complicated quarter with Fed shifting hawkish on persistent inflation. Manager used narrow market leadership to reinforce diversification principles, trimming positions where prices moved ahead of fundamentals and reallocating to areas with more balanced prospective returns. Portfolio remains designed to perform across multiple scenarios with room for genuine stars but anchored by businesses with durable advantages and sustainable cash flows.
Mawer maintains a diversified, quality-oriented portfolio designed to generate sustainable returns across market cycles by balancing selective exposure to AI infrastructure winners with businesses offering durable competitive advantages, sound balance sheets, and reasonable valuations, while actively managing position sizes and maintaining heightened diversification given elevated market concentration and geopolitical risk.
Manager expects market leadership to eventually broaden beyond current AI concentration, maintaining diversified portfolio designed to perform across multiple scenarios rather than chasing narrow winners. Portfolio balances genuine stars in AI infrastructure with businesses offering durable advantages, sound balance sheets, and sustainable cash flows across full cycle. Valuation discipline and diversification principles remain paramount given contested global order and elevated concentration risk. Fixed income held as stabilizer for volatility rather than return driver. Team approach emphasizes both offense and defense across full investment season.
| Date | Letter | Tickers | Keywords | Pitches | Quick Takes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 11 2026 | 2026 Q2 | 000660 KS, 005930 KS, 034730.KS, 2308.TW, AAON, AEM.TO, APH, CNQ.TO, FNV.TO, FTT.TO, KLAC, ONEX.TO, RY.TO, SHOP.TO, SU.TO, TD.TO, TIH.TO, TSM, TXN, VRT | AI, Asia, Canada, diversification, Geopolitical Risk, inflation, semiconductors, valuation | - | Mawer captured strong AI infrastructure gains through selective semiconductor and data center exposure but actively trimmed winners to maintain valuation discipline and diversification. Energy and gold holdings detracted on geopolitical shifts. Manager views hot IPO market and persistent inflation as emerging risks. Portfolio balances AI participation with quality businesses offering durable advantages across sectors and geographies, designed for full-cycle performance rather than chasing concentrated leadership. |
| Apr 13 2026 | 2026 Q1 | 0700.HK, AD.PA, AON, APH, BAM, BHP.AX, BNZL.L, BWXT, CACI, DB1.DE, EQNR, HDB, MSFT, NOC, SHOP.TO, SII.TO, SKE.TO | AI, defense, diversification, energy, Geopolitical, inflation, Quality | - | Mawer's quality approach underperformed momentum-driven markets in Q1 2026 as Middle East conflict boosted energy while AI fears pressured technology broadly. Manager positioned for geopolitical risk through energy and defense exposure while distinguishing genuinely disrupted businesses from those with durable competitive moats. Broader diversification and agility emphasized given less reliable global assumptions. |
| Jan 13 2026 | 2025 Q4 | 000660.KS, 0700.HK, AJG, APH, ATR, BA.L, BNS.TO, COR, CSU.TO, DHR, FTT.TO, GOOGL, MFC.TO, MMC, MSFT, PNG.V, RY.TO, TD.TO, TOI.TO, WAT | AI, defense, equities, global, gold, Quality, semiconductors, Valuations | - | Mawer's quality-focused approach underperformed in Q4's risk-on environment despite strong Canadian financials and AI beneficiaries like Alphabet and Amphenol. The firm reduced equity exposure due to valuation concerns while narrowing gold underweight. With AI bubble risks rising and policy dependency increasing, the manager emphasizes quality companies with sustainable cash flows and disciplined capital allocation as cycles mature. |
| Oct 9 2025 | 2025 Q3 | 0700.HK, AJG, APH, ASML, ATR, BDX, BMO.TO, BNS.TO, BWXT, DB1.DE, FNV.TO, GOOGL, LSEG.L, MLM, MMC, MSFT, RELX.L, RY.TO, SHOP.TO, TD.TO, TME, TSM, VRSK, WAT, WKL.AS | AI, Banking, Canada, gold, rates, semiconductors, technology | - | Mawer maintains disciplined fundamental approach amid AI-driven market rally, underperforming in Q3 due to narrow thematic leadership. Concerns about potential AI bubble and market concentration drive cautious positioning. Portfolio adjustments toward neutrality with modest fixed income increases and emerging markets exposure. Focus remains on sustainable competitive advantages and cash flow generation over momentum chasing. |
| Jul 8 2025 | 2025 Q2 | 267270.KS, BA.L, BDX, FTT.TO, PNG.V, RHM.DE, TVK.TO, UNH | Canada, defense, diversification, Geopolitical, infrastructure, Trade Policy | - | Mawer delivered mixed performance in a volatile quarter dominated by trade tensions and geopolitical risks. Defense contractors drove international equity outperformance while U.S. healthcare holdings declined significantly. The firm reduced U.S. exposure and increased geographic diversification. With tariff uncertainty and fiscal challenges ahead, the strategy emphasizes quality, adaptability, and preparation for multiple scenarios over prediction. |
| Apr 9 2025 | 2025 Q1 | AAPL, AJG, ALA.TO, AON, ASM, BA.L, BN.TO, BNS.TO, DB1.DE, GIB.A.TO, HO.PA, ICE, IFC.TO, LDO.MI, MMC, NVDA, RHM.DE, RY.TO, TD.TO, TSLA, TSM, X.TO | AI, defense, Europe, Geopolitical, gold, tariffs, Trade Policy | - | Strong Q1 performance driven by European defense stocks and exchange businesses, while avoiding overvalued tech names. Defense spending surge and geopolitical tensions created opportunities in Rheinmetall, Thales, and BAE. Trade tensions and AI sustainability concerns weigh on semiconductors. Manager maintains disciplined focus on quality businesses with competitive advantages amid heightened global uncertainty. |
| Jan 14 2025 | 2024 Q4 | AAPL, AHT.L, AON, APH, ASM.AS, ASML, AVGO, BAM, CME, CPG.L, CTS.TO, IAG.TO, META, NFLX, NVDA, TSLA, TSM, TVK.TO, V, WKL.AS | AI, financials, global, long-term, Quality, semiconductors, value | - | Mawer's quality-focused approach faced headwinds in Q4 as markets favored high-flying tech stocks over their disciplined value strategy. Financial holdings delivered strong performance while AI and semiconductor positions showed mixed results. Despite near-term challenges from geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainties, Mawer maintains conviction in their long-term quality philosophy, seeing opportunities beyond market speculation. |
| Oct 8 2024 | 2024 Q3 | 3064.T, 6532.T, 9433.T, AON, ASM, ASML, BMW.DE, BNZL.L, CIGI.TO, CME, CPG.L, DG, EL, GRT.UN.TO, IAG.TO, ICE, MC.PA, NKE, NVO, ZZZ.TO | AI, China, consumer, international, Japan, rates, real estate | - | Mawer's international equity fund benefited from the shift to interest rate sensitive sectors as central banks began cutting rates, with real estate and Japanese holdings leading performance. AI-related names lagged on valuation concerns while consumer stocks faced ongoing pressure. The manager added Chinese exposure on stimulus hopes while maintaining focus on quality businesses with sustainable competitive advantages. |
| Jul 9 2024 | 2024 Q2 | AI.PA, ASML, DOL.TO, EDEN.PA, GOOGL, IPS.PA, MC.PA, MSFT, NKE, NVDA, PET.TO, RELX, TSM, VRSK, WKL, ZZZ.TO | AI, consumer, global, semiconductors, technology, valuation | - | Mawer's International Equity Fund underperformed in Q2 as AI-driven market leadership favored semiconductor and data companies while consumer weakness hurt retail holdings. The firm warns of over-exuberance in AI valuations and concerns about deglobalization trends potentially lowering future equity returns, but maintains conviction in their disciplined quality-focused approach despite near-term benchmark underperformance. |
| Apr 26 2024 | 2024 Q1 | AMZN, ASMIY, ASML, BA.L, BWXT, CTS.TO, ESL.TO, GOOGL, MSFT, RHM.DE, SCT.L, SFTC.TO, TEP.PA, TSM | AI, defense, Equity, global, semiconductors, technology | - | Mawer benefited from AI and semiconductor momentum through TSMC, ASML, and technology resellers, plus continued defense spending gains. Missing NVIDIA and Meta hurt relative performance while AI disruption impacted contact center holdings. The firm trimmed equity exposure as markets climbed, maintaining focus on resilient portfolios despite acknowledging vulnerability to policy or economic changes. |
| Jan 16 2024 | 2023 Q4 | AJG, AMZN, AON, BMO, BN, CIGI, CNQ, DLG.MI, EQNR, JPM, MMC, MSFT, RY, SHBA.ST, SU, TSM | banks, energy, Equity, global, rates, real estate, technology | - | Mawer's global equity funds delivered solid Q4 returns driven by technology and financial holdings, though energy lagged on falling oil prices. The manager trimmed equity exposure in favor of bonds, concerned about delayed monetary policy effects despite market optimism about rate cuts and soft landing scenarios. |
| Oct 17 2023 | 2023 Q3 | ASML, CCA.TO, CME, CNQ.TO, DG, EQNR, KSPI.L, MC.PA, NVO, SHEL, SU.TO, T.TO, TSM, TXN, VZ | energy, global, healthcare, inflation, rates, semiconductors | - | Mawer delivered mixed Q3 results amid rate uncertainty, with energy holdings outperforming on higher oil prices while semiconductors faced demand headwinds. The firm maintains defensive positioning with overweight cash, focusing on resilient businesses with competitive advantages. Key concerns include stretched valuations and global growth vulnerabilities, emphasizing selectivity in a challenging environment. |
| Jul 18 2023 | 2023 Q2 | AMZN, BIO, CPG.L, DGX.PA, GOOGL, MSFT, TEP.PA, WAT | AI, Balanced, Canada, global, inflation, Recession, technology | - | Mawer underperformed AI-driven markets despite holding Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet due to underweight positioning. Mixed individual stock performance with Compass Group strong but life sciences holdings weak. Trimmed equities twice, adding bonds and cash for resilience. Cautious on recession risks from inverted yield curves and commercial real estate stress from remote work trends. |
| Apr 14 2023 | 2023 Q1 | AMZN, BA.L, FBK.MI, GOOGL, HO.PA, MC.PA, MSFT, REL.L, RHM.DE, SHB-A.ST, TD.TO, WKL.AS | Banking, Bonds, Canada, defense, Europe, global, technology | - | Mawer delivered solid Q1 returns led by technology and defense holdings while banking positions lagged amid sector stress. The firm maintains its non-predictive investment approach, emphasizing resilient positioning over forecasting given Federal Reserve uncertainty and potential credit tightening. Focus remains on well-managed companies with competitive advantages through disciplined diversification. |
| Oct 10 2022 | 2022 Q3 | - | - | - |
| QUARTER | THEMES | TAGS |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Q2 |
AIAI infrastructure demand drove exceptional returns across semiconductor, memory, and data center hardware companies. Hyperscaler capex commitments remain strong with real capital spending and substantial profit inflections. Manager holds positions across the AI supply chain but actively manages position sizes as valuations rise, trimming after strong performance while maintaining selective exposure. |
Semiconductors Data Centers Memory Hyperscalers Infrastructure |
Semiconductor CycleAdvanced logic and high bandwidth memory demand surged this quarter, benefiting TSMC, Samsung, SK Hynix, and their supply chains. Manager added selectively early in the cycle then moderated position sizes as share prices rose. Harvested gains in SK Hynix, Kioxia, Kokusai Electric, and King Slide after exceptional performance, reallocating to entrenched Taiwan server supply chain specialists. |
Memory Logic Foundries Supply Chain Taiwan | |
DiversificationManager used narrow market leadership to reinforce diversification principles, trimming positions where prices moved ahead of fundamentals and reallocating to areas with more balanced prospective returns. Heightened diversification warranted by contested global order and concentration risk. Portfolio designed to perform across multiple scenarios rather than betting on single theme continuation. |
Risk Management Valuation Portfolio Construction Balance | |
ValuationManager applied strict valuation discipline throughout the quarter, exiting or trimming positions where share prices reached all-time highs or moved well ahead of fundamentals. Trimmed Amphenol, Interactive Brokers, TD Bank, and Royal Bank after strong performance. Exited Kone after leveraged acquisition altered risk profile and valuation became demanding. Reallocated to names offering better margin of safety. |
Discipline Margin of Safety Risk-Reward Profit Taking | |
GoldGold-related holdings including Agnico Eagle, Franco-Nevada, OR Royalties, Sprott, and Skeena experienced weak near-term performance as gold pulled back from prior highs following late-quarter Middle East peace framework. Manager maintains longer-term rationale for owning gold and gold royalties as hedge against de-dollarization, fiscal indiscipline, and persistent geopolitical risk despite recent price weakness. |
Gold Miners Gold Royalties Hedge Geopolitical Risk | |
OilEnergy holdings including Canadian Natural Resources detracted as Iran conflict dynamics shifted. U.S.-Iran interim agreement in mid-June partially reopened Strait of Hormuz, pushing crude prices sharply lower. Relief proved temporary as renewed military strikes reignited conflict and oil prices moved back higher. Full return to pre-war production levels may be further out depending on escalation trajectory. |
Crude Iran Geopolitical Risk Supply | |
InflationCanadian inflation accelerated more than expected this quarter, driven by rising gasoline prices as Iran conflict filtered through energy costs. Bank of Canada held rates steady, viewing this as supply-driven shock rather than demand-driven inflation. Fed shifted to more hawkish tone with half of committee projecting at least one rate increase this year and inflation forecasts revised upward with uncomfortable persistence into 2027. |
Central Banks Energy Prices Rates Monetary Policy | |
Risk AppetiteIPO market came alive in a way that warrants attention, with SpaceX completing largest U.S. IPO in history in June and other large IPOs planned. Manager notes hot IPO market is not proof of bubble on its own but represents one more data point in broader mosaic of speculative enthusiasm that merits continued attention and caution. |
IPOs Speculation Market Conditions Bubble Risk | |
| 2025 Q4 |
Live SportsMario Gabelli emphasizes live entertainment and sports as major investment themes, citing massive viewership numbers and global interest. He recommends multiple sports-related investments including Atlanta Braves Holdings, Madison Square Garden Sports, Manchester United, and Rogers Communications for their sports assets. |
Sports Entertainment Media Broadcasting Teams |
MediaGabelli discusses media companies including Fox and Versant Media Group as attractive investments. He highlights Fox's sports broadcasting rights and strong buyback program, while noting Versant's spin-off opportunity and strong cash generation potential. |
Broadcasting Television Content Networks Streaming | |
Natural GasNational Fuel Gas is recommended based on its strategic gas reserves in the Appalachian Basin and regulated utility business. Gabelli notes that natural gas provides 40% of U.S. electric power and sees the company's private market value as 50% higher than current price. |
Utilities Energy Infrastructure Pipelines Distribution | |
AIGabelli acknowledges AI's transformative impact but warns of potential disappointment for investors. He compares the AI boom to historical technological revolutions with speculative solutions, noting the risk of a 'Deep Seek' moment that could rattle markets including the Magnificent 7. |
Technology Innovation Disruption Semiconductors Software | |
GoldGold is discussed as a store of value amid monetary uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. Gabelli notes his gold expert's fund was up 167% last year and explains central bank and institutional demand for gold as an alternative to dollars and crypto. |
Precious Metals Store of Value Monetary Policy Inflation Currency | |
| 2025 Q3 |
AIAI-related stocks have dominated market returns since ChatGPT's launch in November 2022, accounting for a lion's share of S&P 500 returns, earnings growth, and capital spending. Corporate spending on data center infrastructure and semiconductors is projected to be several trillion dollars over the next three years. AI companies are making enormous investment deals with each other, staying largely within the established AI ecosystem. |
Data Centers Semiconductors Cloud Technology |
GoldGold producers sparkled during the quarter, riding a powerful bullion rally driven by geopolitical uncertainty, continued central bank buying, and the prospect of further Federal Reserve rate cuts. The generational rise in gold is occurring alongside tightening credit spreads and record-high equity markets. Franco-Nevada delivered strong results due to rising spot gold prices. |
Gold Miners Gold Royalties Commodities Central Banks | |
RatesCentral banks globally responded to weaker labour markets and restrained inflation with cautious steps toward monetary easing. The Federal Reserve delivered its first rate cut of the year in September, with markets betting on more to come. The Bank of Canada trimmed its overnight rate to 2.5% and signaled a data-dependent approach. |
Central Banks Monetary Policy Interest Rates Inflation | |
SemiconductorsTSMC and semiconductor equipment companies such as ASML performed well given the AI backdrop. Estimates for corporate spending on data center infrastructure and semiconductors are projected to be several trillion dollars over the next three years. The semiconductor cycle is being driven by unprecedented AI-related capital expenditure. |
Semi Equipment Foundries Data Centers AI | |
| 2025 Q2 |
Defense SpendingDefense contractors benefited significantly from heightened geopolitical risks and rising defense spending. Rheinmetall surged over 40% in the quarter, BAE appreciated considerably, and South Korea-based LIG Nex1 saw substantial share price gains due to its strength in precision-guided missile systems. |
Defense Geopolitical Military Contractors Missiles |
Trade PolicyTrade tensions and tariff uncertainty dominated market sentiment throughout the quarter. The upcoming expiration of tariff reprieve remains a key concern, though the administration has signaled flexibility and potential for further extensions to avoid immediate market disruption. |
Tariffs Trade Policy Protectionism Negotiations | |
Infrastructure SpendingCanada's post-election policy pivot focused on reindustrialization and resource sector support, highlighted by Bill C-5 passage and infrastructure investment initiatives. This created opportunities in infrastructure, energy, and defense sectors while raising questions about fiscal sustainability. |
Infrastructure Reindustrialization Resources Investment Fiscal | |
| 2025 Q1 |
Defense SpendingDefense-related holdings delivered stellar returns with Rheinmetall more than doubling during the quarter, while Thales, BAE, and Leonardo also experienced strong performance. A rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape and rising defense spending in Europe have significantly increased demand expectations. All four companies benefit from the critical importance of their products and decades of consolidation and underinvestment in areas where they hold key competitive advantages. |
Defense Geopolitical Europe Consolidation Infrastructure |
Trade PolicyEscalating tariff threats and trade tensions cloud the economic outlook globally while intensifying inflationary pressures. The dramatic escalation in trade barriers creates challenges for central banks and businesses alike. Canada faces particular challenges from U.S. tariffs and political uncertainty, with business confidence dampened as trade tensions dominate political discourse. |
Tariffs Trade Tensions Inflation Canada Political | |
GoldThe spot price of gold continued to rise throughout the quarter driven by increasing demand for the precious metal and limited supply growth. The rise in gold was driven by global economic uncertainty, increased central bank demand for diversification away from U.S. dollar holdings, and limited supply growth. One of the biggest factors that detracted from relative performance in Canada was a lack of exposure to gold mining stocks. |
Gold Price Central Banks Dollar Uncertainty Mining | |
AIChina's near-term growth has been buoyed by advancements in artificial intelligence, such as contributions from DeepSeek, a new Chinese AI Large Language Model. However, semiconductor holdings suffered in part due to concerns about the sustainability of AI growth and how tariffs may disrupt the global supply chain. |
China DeepSeek Semiconductors Supply Chain Growth | |
| 2024 Q4 |
AIMawer believes they are in the earlier stages of AI deployment and therefore long-term winners and losers are too difficult to predict. They maintain diversified exposure toward companies that benefit from AI use cases as well as those focused on building AI infrastructure. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. performed well on strong AI-driven demand and advanced chip technologies, while Amphenol continued its positive trajectory with AI-related products driving significant growth. |
Semiconductors Infrastructure Deployment Chips Growth |
SemiconductorsThe semiconductor sector showed mixed performance with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. performing well on strong AI-driven demand and advanced chip technologies. However, companies that supply critical tools for semiconductor manufacturing, ASML and ASM International, declined due to concerns over U.S. export restrictions, geopolitical tensions, and weakened demand in specific segments. |
Manufacturing Equipment Geopolitical Export Demand | |
FinancialsMany financial companies performed well this quarter, benefiting from steepening of the yield curve and general optimism in the outlook for capital markets. Brookfield Asset Management delivered solid fee-related earnings across multiple segments with improved outlook for asset sales. Canadian life and health insurance company iA Financial exceeded earnings expectations, while Aon reported robust results and Visa continued strong performance. |
Yield Curve Capital Markets Insurance Asset Management Payments | |
QualityMawer emphasizes their quality style approach to investing, noting that while it may seem out of favor in markets driven by speculative enthusiasm, they remain steadfast in their belief that disciplined adherence to their philosophy yields attractive long-term results. Their investment approach focuses on ignoring fads, staying grounded, and focusing on sustainable wealth-creation rather than getting swept up in market frothiness. |
Discipline Long-term Sustainable Philosophy Valuation | |
| 2024 Q3 |
RatesCentral banks began cutting interest rates with the Fed making its first cut in September, joining the Bank of Canada and others. Interest rate sensitive sectors like real estate, utilities, and financials performed well as rates declined. The easing cycle provided relief for households and businesses struggling with higher rates. |
Interest Rates Fed Central Banks Rate Cuts Easing |
AIAI-related companies underperformed in Q3 as investors questioned higher valuations and the market became less certain about AI prospects. The manager believes AI is a real trend but notes the initial hype stage may have outrun reality in the short term, leading to corrections. |
Artificial Intelligence Technology Valuations Semiconductors Innovation | |
Commercial Real EstateReal estate holdings like Colliers International Group and Granite REIT performed strongly due to improved industry outlook and lower interest rates. The sector benefited from the broader interest rate sensitive rally during the quarter. |
REITs Real Estate Interest Rates Property Commercial | |
ChinaChinese stimulus announcements late in the quarter provided a rally for companies with China exposure. The manager added to Tencent and Tencent Music, viewing the stimulus as a signal of more market-friendly policies, despite longer-term economic and consumer concerns. |
Stimulus Beijing Chinese Economy Policy Consumer | |
| 2024 Q2 |
AIAI-related companies drove market strength in Q2, with semiconductor holdings like TSMC, ASM International, and ASML benefiting from technological advantages and high barriers to entry. Companies with access to large amounts of proprietary data including Verisk Analytics, RELX, and Wolters Kluwer also performed well. However, Mawer warns of potential over-exuberance in AI valuations and notes the mismatch between timing of investment and returns may create future opportunities. |
Semiconductors Data Technology Valuations Investment |
Trade DownConsumer weakness from eroding purchasing power due to high inflation impacted spending patterns. Sleep Country Canada and Pet Valu faced headwinds from concerns about consumer demand strength. However, consumers trading down benefited Dollarama, which had another strong quarter as their product assortment and price points continue to drive a differentiated value proposition. |
Consumer Inflation Spending Value Retail | |
| 2024 Q1 |
AITechnology companies positioned to benefit from artificial intelligence and semiconductor demand performed strongly. TSMC, ASML, and ASM International benefited from explosive growth in demand expectations for the semiconductor industry. Value-added resellers are positioned to benefit from exploration and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies by their customers. |
Semiconductors Technology Growth Demand |
SemiconductorsSemiconductor manufacturers and equipment suppliers were among the strongest performers. TSMC, ASML, and ASM International all possess robust competitive advantages tied to technological know-how, reputation, high barriers to entry, and significant market shares. ASML is the only company capable of making EUV lithography machines used in production of the most advanced chips. |
Manufacturing Equipment Barriers Technology Competitive | |
Defense SpendingDefense-oriented companies including Rheinmetall, BAE Systems, and BWX Technologies moved higher on continued geopolitical concerns and higher defense spending. This momentum continued from stronger performance in 2023. |
Geopolitical Spending Military Equipment | |
| 2023 Q4 |
TechnologyTechnology companies including Amazon.com, Microsoft, and semiconductor company TSMC moved higher on the prospect of falling discount rates and continued fundamental execution. These growth-oriented technology focused stocks were among the greatest beneficiaries of lower discount rates during the quarter. |
Cloud Semiconductors E-commerce Software Growth |
BanksMany bank holdings performed well including JP Morgan Chase, Svenska Handelsbanken, Bank of Montreal, and Royal Bank of Canada. Despite positive performance, the manager continues to monitor the industry closely as high rates can hurt loan demand and increase funding costs, while provisions for loan losses remain a concern. |
Regional Banks Money Center Banks Credit Stress Rates | |
Commercial Real EstateReal estate-related holdings including commercial real estate broker Colliers International Group and asset manager Brookfield Corporation performed strongly as bond yields fell and market expectations for a soft landing increased. |
Real Estate Services Asset Managers Rates | |
EnergyEnergy producers lagged as oil prices fell during the quarter including holdings in Equinor, Suncor Energy, and Canadian Natural Resources. The energy sector was held back by falling energy prices despite broad-based equity strength. |
Oil Exploration & Production Integrated Oil & Gas Commodities | |
| 2023 Q3 |
OilEnergy companies positioned to benefit from higher oil prices performed strongly during the quarter. Canadian Natural Resources, Suncor Energy, Equinor, and Shell were among the stronger performing holdings as oil prices moved higher. |
Energy Oil Prices Upstream Integrated Oil |
SemiconductorsMost companies tied to the semiconductor industry were impacted by demand concerns during the quarter. Holdings in TSMC, Texas Instruments, and ASML Holding faced headwinds from both demand concerns and ongoing geopolitical risks affecting the industry. |
Chip Demand Geopolitical Risk Foundries Equipment | |
GLP1Novo Nordisk had a strong quarter as its blockbuster obesity treatment was shown to result in markedly lower risk of cardiovascular events. The initial investment thesis was predicated on what a strong culture and focused R&D approach might deliver with respect to innovation in diabetes-adjacent areas such as obesity. |
Obesity Diabetes Cardiovascular Innovation | |
| 2023 Q2 |
AIAI advancements are driving market performance for technology companies, with Microsoft, NVIDIA, and others benefiting. However, the full impact remains uncertain and creates both opportunities and risks for different businesses. Management teams that can leverage AI effectively will outperform weaker competitors. |
Technology Microsoft NVIDIA Disruption Management |
Commercial Real EstateCommercial real estate faces high vacancies and uncertain outlook due to work-from-home trends. This segment represents a notable area of concern that could experience stress. |
Real Estate Vacancies Work From Home | |
| 2023 Q1 |
Defense SpendingDefense companies performed well in the quarter reflecting expectations for structurally higher defense spending by NATO countries. Holdings in defense companies such as Rheinmetall, Thales, and BAE Systems had strong returns. |
Defense NATO Military Aerospace Security |
Credit StressBanking industry faced challenges from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse. The possibility of further instability remains, although swift intervention seemed to restore confidence and prevent contagion across the broader banking industry. |
Banking Credit Financial Stability Contagion |
| Date | Pitch Type | Author | Ticker | Company | Industry | Sub Industry | Bull / Bear | Exchange | Keywords | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Elevator Pitches found | ||||||||||
| TICKER | COMMENTARY |
|---|---|
| TSM | In emerging markets and international equity, companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Kioxia, King Slide Works, Delta Electronics, and holding company SK Square were among the strongest contributors as demand for advanced logic, high bandwidth memory, and data center hardware surged. |
| 005930.KS | In emerging markets and international equity, companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Kioxia, King Slide Works, Delta Electronics, and holding company SK Square were among the strongest contributors as demand for advanced logic, high bandwidth memory, and data center hardware surged. |
| 000660.KS | In emerging markets and international equity, companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Kioxia, King Slide Works, Delta Electronics, and holding company SK Square were among the strongest contributors as demand for advanced logic, high bandwidth memory, and data center hardware surged. Within international equity, we harvested gains in SK Hynix, Kioxia, Kokusai Electric, and King Slide after a period of exceptional performance, reallocating part of the proceeds into entrenched specialists in Taiwan's server supply chain. In the U.S. we applied similar discipline by trimming Amphenol after a period of strong AI related performance and reducing Interactive Brokers Group in U.S. mid cap once its share price reached all time highs and valuation offered less margin of safety, even though the business continued to execute well. Within Canada, strong performance from banks created an opportunity to crystallize gains and reallocate, leading us to trim TD Bank and Royal Bank of Canada, and redeploy capital to names such as Onex and Intact Financial, as well as diversified financials and infrastructure businesses that offer different risk exposures. This quarter, many decisions involved trimming or exiting positions where share prices had moved well ahead of fundamentals and reallocating to areas where prospective returns are more balanced. In international equity, we exited Kone after its leveraged acquisition of German rival TKE altered the risk profile of the investment, judging that the higher financial risk and more demanding valuation no longer fit the portfolio's balance of risk and reward. We reduced SK Hynix on strength following extraordinary gains, locking in profits and managing position size. |
| 034730.KS | In emerging markets and international equity, companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Kioxia, King Slide Works, Delta Electronics, and holding company SK Square were among the strongest contributors as demand for advanced logic, high bandwidth memory, and data center hardware surged. |
| 2308.TW | In emerging markets and international equity, companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Kioxia, King Slide Works, Delta Electronics, and holding company SK Square were among the strongest contributors as demand for advanced logic, high bandwidth memory, and data center hardware surged. |
| APH | In U.S. equity and U.S. mid cap equity, businesses including Amphenol, Texas Instruments, KLA, AAON, Vertiv, and Sandisk participated in the same trend, reflecting their roles in connectors, semiconductors, power systems, industrial equipment, and storage; here, too, we added selectively and then moderated position sizes as enthusiasm and share prices rose. In the U.S. we applied similar discipline by trimming Amphenol after a period of strong AI related performance and reducing Interactive Brokers Group in U.S. mid cap once its share price reached all time highs and valuation offered less margin of safety, even though the business continued to execute well. |
| TXN | In U.S. equity and U.S. mid cap equity, businesses including Amphenol, Texas Instruments, KLA, AAON, Vertiv, and Sandisk participated in the same trend, reflecting their roles in connectors, semiconductors, power systems, industrial equipment, and storage; here, too, we added selectively and then moderated position sizes as enthusiasm and share prices rose. |
| KLAC | In U.S. equity and U.S. mid cap equity, businesses including Amphenol, Texas Instruments, KLA, AAON, Vertiv, and Sandisk participated in the same trend, reflecting their roles in connectors, semiconductors, power systems, industrial equipment, and storage; here, too, we added selectively and then moderated position sizes as enthusiasm and share prices rose. |
| AAON | In U.S. equity and U.S. mid cap equity, businesses including Amphenol, Texas Instruments, KLA, AAON, Vertiv, and Sandisk participated in the same trend, reflecting their roles in connectors, semiconductors, power systems, industrial equipment, and storage; here, too, we added selectively and then moderated position sizes as enthusiasm and share prices rose. |
| VRT | In U.S. equity and U.S. mid cap equity, businesses including Amphenol, Texas Instruments, KLA, AAON, Vertiv, and Sandisk participated in the same trend, reflecting their roles in connectors, semiconductors, power systems, industrial equipment, and storage; here, too, we added selectively and then moderated position sizes as enthusiasm and share prices rose. |
| FTT.TO | In Canada, financials were a major source of absolute return, with banks and insurers among the top contributors, while equipment dealers Finning and Toromont benefited from data center related demand. |
| TIH.TO | In Canada, financials were a major source of absolute return, with banks and insurers among the top contributors, while equipment dealers Finning and Toromont benefited from data center related demand. |
| CNQ.TO | Offsetting these strengths, holdings in energy and materials, including Canadian Natural Resources, Suncor, Agnico Eagle Mines, and Franco-Nevada detracted as a late quarter peace framework in the Middle East helped cool commodity prices and gold retraced from record highs. Near term performance in gold related holdings such as Agnico Eagle, Franco Nevada, OR Royalties, Sprott, and Skeena, and energy producer Canadian Natural Resources was weak as commodity prices and gold pulled back from prior highs; these moves did not materially alter our longer term rationale for owning real assets as a hedge against de dollarization, fiscal indiscipline, and persistent geopolitical risk. |
| SU.TO | Offsetting these strengths, holdings in energy and materials, including Canadian Natural Resources, Suncor, Agnico Eagle Mines, and Franco-Nevada detracted as a late quarter peace framework in the Middle East helped cool commodity prices and gold retraced from record highs. |
| AEM.TO | Offsetting these strengths, holdings in energy and materials, including Canadian Natural Resources, Suncor, Agnico Eagle Mines, and Franco-Nevada detracted as a late quarter peace framework in the Middle East helped cool commodity prices and gold retraced from record highs. Near term performance in gold related holdings such as Agnico Eagle, Franco Nevada, OR Royalties, Sprott, and Skeena, and energy producer Canadian Natural Resources was weak as commodity prices and gold pulled back from prior highs; these moves did not materially alter our longer term rationale for owning real assets as a hedge against de dollarization, fiscal indiscipline, and persistent geopolitical risk. |
| FNV.TO | Offsetting these strengths, holdings in energy and materials, including Canadian Natural Resources, Suncor, Agnico Eagle Mines, and Franco-Nevada detracted as a late quarter peace framework in the Middle East helped cool commodity prices and gold retraced from record highs. Near term performance in gold related holdings such as Agnico Eagle, Franco Nevada, OR Royalties, Sprott, and Skeena, and energy producer Canadian Natural Resources was weak as commodity prices and gold pulled back from prior highs; these moves did not materially alter our longer term rationale for owning real assets as a hedge against de dollarization, fiscal indiscipline, and persistent geopolitical risk. |
| SHOP.TO | In Canada, Shopify was also viewed as potential AI casualty by the market, we added to our positions on weakness after strong earnings and a positive growth outlook as AI is helping with onboarding and improving customer service. |
| TD.TO | Within Canada, strong performance from banks created an opportunity to crystallize gains and reallocate, leading us to trim TD Bank and Royal Bank of Canada, and redeploy capital to names such as Onex and Intact Financial, as well as diversified financials and infrastructure businesses that offer different risk exposures. |
| RY.TO | Within Canada, strong performance from banks created an opportunity to crystallize gains and reallocate, leading us to trim TD Bank and Royal Bank of Canada, and redeploy capital to names such as Onex and Intact Financial, as well as diversified financials and infrastructure businesses that offer different risk exposures. |
| ONEX.TO | Within Canada, strong performance from banks created an opportunity to crystallize gains and reallocate, leading us to trim TD Bank and Royal Bank of Canada, and redeploy capital to names such as Onex and Intact Financial, as well as diversified financials and infrastructure businesses that offer different risk exposures. |
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