Bellevue Asset Management AG
Bellevue Asset Management AG: If not now, when? Investing in entrepreneurs for stability and growth
Bellevue Asset Management AG
/ Key word(s): Market Report
Market commentary of May 6, 2022 If not now, when? Investing in entrepreneurs for stability and growth Uncertainty on financial markets is currently high and investors are increasingly looking for help in navigating today’s markets. Owner-managed companies represent a viable alternative in this environment of heightened volatility and patchy visibility. These mostly small and mid-sized companies are more agile than large companies and they boast numerous other advantages as well. These range from high levels of continuity and sound long-term business strategies to low levels of debt, if any, strong pricing power, often thanks to a niche market focus, and reliable returns. Advantages that pay off two-fold in uncertain and turbulent times. Financial analysts have some catching-up to do A lack of transparency is something that has long been held against owner-managed companies. Such criticism is no longer warranted. For about five years now, entrepreneur companies, those with a shareholder who has a controlling or dominating interest in the company, have become increasingly transparent. ESG (environmental, social and governance) is here to stay in the investment world. Modern corporate governance policies are now also the rule rather than the exception in the entrepreneur space. What hasn’t changed are the traditional strengths these companies offer – their long-term horizons, with a generational (and not quarterly) perspective, management continuity, a strong commitment to capital preservation, and above-average returns on equity, which translate into above-average returns for all shareholders. These companies are naturally disinclined to take on debt. That is paying off in the current environment of rising interest rates. Entrepreneurs have invested their own money in the companies they own and run, which is why they are distinguished by strict financial controls, for example, low levels of debt, if any at all, a cost-conscious culture, good profit margins, and ample resources for innovation. There’s always a Plan B Some dark clouds have gathered over the economy. Germany, a country highly reliant on Russian oil and gas, is in a particularly uncomfortable position. We do not expect a recession, but a sudden ban on imports of Russian fossil fuels could trigger one. The European Union, and especially Germany, are unlikely to risk such radical action in view of the consequences this would have on their own industrial sectors and their own citizens. Energy transition winners An acceleration of the clean energy transition will benefit numerous companies. Renewable energy and sustainability go hand in hand. Therefore companies that are proactively pursuing a long-term ESG strategy are attractive for investors. Stora Enso is a prime example here. This Finnish company is the second-largest private forest owner in the world. It is swiftly evolving from a paper producer to a specialist for packaging, biomaterials and wood-based products. Fiber-based materials can be renewed and recycled. Today it is already possible to build high-rise buildings with more than 30 floors using wood instead of steel and concrete. Travel and leisure is another topic that offers investor opportunities. After two years of the pandemic, consumers are eager to ramp up their social lives and start traveling again. This has brightened the outlook for companies in the consumer goods, leisure and travel sectors that are fairly well-protected against inflation. Examples here include the wine and spirits producer Pernod Ricard, the Norwegian salmon farming company Bakkafrost and, in Switzerland, the watchmaker Swatch Group, Zurich Airport, and Last Minute, a still small online player offering individual travel arrangements. Strong players about to get stronger Higher interest rates will not be negative for every company either. Financial services providers and insurance companies will actually benefit from higher interest rates. Diversification, also with respect to investment styles, is critical when markets are volatile and uncertainty is high. As growth rates subside, strong players are likely to squeeze out weak ones and become even stronger in the process. In such a scenario, with geopolitical turmoil as well as opportunities driven by structural change, owner-managed businesses are holding the right cards.
Bellevue – Excellence in Specialty Investments Bellevue is a specialized asset manager listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange with core competencies covering healthcare strategies, entrepreneur strategies, alternative and traditional investment strategies. Established in 1993, Bellevue, a House of Investment Ideas staffed by 100 professionals, generates attractive investment returns and creates value added for clients and shareholders alike. Bellevue managed assets of CHF 12.8 bn as at December 31, 2021. Disclaimer: This document is neither directed to, nor intended for distribution or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of any locality, state, country or jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation. The information and data presented in this document are not to be considered as an offer to buy or sell or an invitation to subscribe any securities or financial instruments. The information, opinions and estimates contained in this document reflect a judgment at the original date of release and are subject to change without notice. Liability for the accuracy or completeness of all information in this document is expressly disclaimed. This information does not take into account the specific or future investment objectives, the financial or tax situation or the particular needs of any specific recipient This document does not constitute independent investment research. Interested investors should always seek professional advice before making an investment decision. The information in this document is provided without any guarantees or warranties, for information purposes only, and is intended only for the personal use of the recipient. Every investment involves some risk, especially with regard to of fluctuations in value and return. Investments in foreign currency involve the additional risk that a foreign currency might lose value against an investor’s reference currency. This document does not reflect all possible risk factors associated with an investment in the aforementioned securities or financial instruments. Historical performance data and financial market scenarios are no guarantee or indicator of current and future performance. The performance data are calculated without taking account of commissions and costs that result from subscriptions and redemptions. Commissions and costs adversely affect performance. Financial transactions should only be carried out after thorough study of the current prospectus and are only valid on the basis of/or/and are subject to the terms given in the most recently published prospectus and annual or semi-annual report. Bellevue Funds (Lux) SICAV is admitted for public distribution in Switzerland. Representative in Switzerland: Waystone Fund Services (Switzerland) SA, Avenue Villamont 17, CH-1005 Lausanne. Paying Agent in Switzerland: DZ PRIVATBANK (Schweiz) AG, Münsterhof 12, P.O. Box, CH-8022 Zurich. Bellevue Funds (Lux) SICAV is admitted for public distribution in Austria. Paying and information agent: ERSTE BANK der oesterreichischen Sparkassen AG, Am Belvedere 1, A-1100 Vienna. The Bellevue Funds (Lux) SICAV is admitted for public distribution in Germany. Paying and information agent: ACOLIN Europe GmbH, Reichenaustrasse 11a-c, D-78467 Constance. Bellevue Funds (Lux) SICAV is registered in the CNMV registry of foreign collective investment schemes distributed in Spain, under registration number 938. Representative: atl Capital, Calle de Montalbán 9, ES-28014 Madrid. Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document (“KIID”), the articles of association as well as the annual and semi-annual reports of the Bellevue Funds under Luxembourg law are available free of charge from the above mentioned representative, paying, facilities and information agents as well as from Bellevue Asset Management AG, Seestrasse 16, CH-8700 Kusnacht. With respect to fund units distributed in or from Switzerland, the place of performance and jurisdiction is established at the registered office of the representative.
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