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Carmignac Portfolio Grandchildren: Letter from the Fund Managers

Author(s)
Mark DENHAM,Obe EJIKEME
Published on
April 23, 2024
Read time
3 minute(s) read
+15.46%
Performance of the Fund in the 1st quarter 2024 vs +11.33% for its reference indicator1 (A EUR Share class).
+23.04%
Performance of the Fund in 2023 vs +19.60% for its reference indicator1.
+14.47%
Annualised Performance of the Fund since launch2 vs +13.83% for its reference indicator1.

To begin the year, Carmignac Portfolio Grandchildren posted a performance of +15.46%, outperforming its reference indicator (+11.33%).

Market environment

The beginning of the year was marked by both resilient economic data in the United States and stickier inflation, which led central banks and the markets to expect fewer interest rate cuts in 2024 than at the start of the year. Equity markets welcomed this better-than-expected macroeconomic backdrop, leading the S&P 500 to post its best start to a year since 2019. While equity investors remained focused on the artificial intelligence (AI) theme throughout the first part of the quarter, the bullish momentum then spread to the rest of the equity market, with a broadening of the contributors to performance and the participation of cyclical sectors.

How did we fare in this context?

This sectoral mix was initially supportive for our fund but created a small headwind in March. Nonetheless, the fund had a strong quarter, thanks to our investments in the Technology and Healthcare sectors.

Within the Technology sector, stocks related to AI performed well. Nvidia, in particular, rose by an impressive 88%. This was driven by the growth in data center spending towards GPUs which was reflected in strong Q4 results report beating and raising expectations. We still like Nvidia, but have trimmed our position after a strong year-to-date performance. Other AI-related stocks like ASML and AMD have also been following this trend, but to a lesser extent. Additionally, high-quality technology companies such as Oracle and SAP posted solid results that rewarded investors.

In the Healthcare sector, Novo Nordisk was the top contributor, rising 27%. This was due to strong sales and profits driven by the demand for their GLP-1 drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. We expect profits to grow by around 30% this year and maintain Novo Nordisk as our largest holding. Eli Lilly also benefited from strong demand for their obesity product Zepbound. However, due to recent outperformance and relatively high valuation, we have significantly reduced our holding into the name. Lonza's performance (+46%) is also noteworthy. The company responded positively to strong financial results and mid-term guidance. The company also acquired a large Roche manufacturing facility enabling them to satisfy strong growth prospects in biologics manufacturing and upgraded mid-term growth to 12-15%.

While it was a strong quarter overall, our consumer names, particularly Puma, lagged behind. Puma's stock fell by 25% and was the biggest stock headwind for us. The company provided a cautious outlook for 2024, citing cautious consumer activity and a challenging economic backdrop. We are concerned about Puma's reliance on the wholesale distribution channel, especially considering the increasing competition from Adidas in that space. Therefore, we sold our entire holding.

Outlook

Our macro overlay framework is pointing to a defensive posture towards equity markets. We believe that the downside risk is greater than the upside potential, as the market has already priced in positive earnings expectations. If these expectations are not met, we may see market declines. Additionally, the recent increase in yields is not supportive, although we expect rates to decrease again in the medium term as economic growth slows and inflation subsides.

Therefore, we believe that high-quality companies with strong sales and profit visibility may outperform the market in this environment. Specifically, we continue to favour the technology and healthcare sectors, as well as defensive stocks in the consumption sector. As mentioned above, we sold Puma and added one stock: Hermès. The luxury goods sector has faced challenges recently, with companies like LVMH expected to experience a normalization of sales growth after a strong period from 2019 to 2023. This negative trend has been highlighted by profit warnings from Burberry and Gucci. Fortunately, we had no exposure to this trend until recently. In January, we saw a decline in Hermès, which we perceived as an opportunity to invest in a company renowned for its desirable and exclusive products, thus possessing significant pricing influence. The company's full-year results confirmed this profile, with double-digit growth and guidance for further price increases. We forecast a 13% sales growth in 2024. Adding Hermes was an exception, as we made few major changes to the portfolio in 2023 or this year so far, after adding several high-quality names during the volatility caused by rising rates in 2022.

Source: Carmignac, Bloomberg, data as of 31/03/2024. Performance of the A EUR Acc share class ISIN code: LU1966631001. Risk Scale from the KID (Key Information Document). Risk 1 does not mean a risk-free investment. This indicator may change over time.
1Reference indicator: MSCI WORLD (USD, net dividends reinvested). 231/05/2019. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. They are net of fees (excluding any entry fees applied by the distributor).
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. The return may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations, for the shares which are not currency-hedged. Performances are net of fees (excluding possible entrance fees charged by the distributor).

Carmignac Portfolio Grandchildren

An intergenerational Fund focused on quality, sustainable companies
Discover the fund page

Carmignac Portfolio Grandchildren A EUR Acc

ISIN: LU1966631001
Recommended minimum investment horizon
5 years
Risk indicator*
4/7
SFDR - Fund Classification**
Article 9

*Risk Scale from the KID (Key Information Document). Risk 1 does not mean a risk-free investment. This indicator may change over time. **Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) 2019/2088. The SFDR classification of the Funds may change over time.

Main risks of the fund

Equity: The Fund may be affected by stock price variations, the scale of which is dependent on external factors, stock trading volumes or market capitalization.
Currency: Currency risk is linked to exposure to a currency other than the Fund’s valuation currency, either through direct investment or the use of forward financial instruments.
Discretionary Management: Anticipations of financial market changes made by the Management Company have a direct effect on the Fund's performance, which depends on the stocks selected.
The Fund presents a risk of loss of capital. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus to view the exhaustive list of risks.

Fees

ISIN: LU1966631001
Entry costs
4.00% of the amount you pay in when entering this investment. This is the most you will be charged. Carmignac Gestion doesn't charge any entry fee. The person selling you the product will inform you of the actual charge.
Exit costs
We do not charge an exit fee for this product.
Management fees and other administrative or operating costs
1.71% of the value of your investment per year. This estimate is based on actual costs over the past year.
Performance fees
20.00% when the share class overperforms the Reference indicator during the performance period. It will be payable also in case the share class has overperformed the reference indicator but had a negative performance. Underperformance is clawed back for 5 years. The actual amount will vary depending on how well your investment performs. The aggregated cost estimation above includes the average over the last 5 years, or since the product creation if it is less than 5 years.
Transaction Cost
0.30% of the value of your investment per year. This is an estimate of the costs incurred when we buy and sell the investments underlying the product. The actual amount varies depending on the quantity we buy and sell.

Performance

ISIN: LU1966631001
Carmignac Portfolio Grandchildren+9.1−5.1+21.9+23.0−24.2+28.4+20.3+15.5
Reference Indicator+16.7+6.8+26.6+19.6−12.8+31.1+6.3+15.5
Carmignac Portfolio Grandchildren+11.1%+3.8%+10.5%
Reference Indicator+20.1%+11.3%+14.0%

Source: Carmignac at Oct 30, 2026.
Date of 1st NAV : 31/05/2019.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Performances are net of fees (excluding possible entrance fees charged by the distributor). The Fund presents a risk of loss of capital.
The return may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations, for the shares which are not currency-hedged.

Reference Indicator: MSCI World NR index

Share

Marketing communication. Please refer to the KID/KIID, prospectus of the fund before making any final investment decisions. This document is intended for professional clients.

This material may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior authorisation from the Management Company. This material does not constitute a subscription offer, nor does it constitute investment advice. This material is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice. This material has been provided to you for informational purposes only and may not be relied upon by you in evaluating the merits of investing in any securities or interests referred to herein or for any other purposes. The information contained in this material may be partial information and may be modified without prior notice. They are expressed as of the date of writing and are derived from proprietary and non-proprietary sources deemed by Carmignac to be reliable, are not necessarily all-inclusive and are not guaranteed as to accuracy. As such, no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given and no responsibility arising in any other way for errors and omissions (including responsibility to any person by reason of negligence) is accepted by Carmignac, its officers, employees or agents.

Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Performances are net of fees (excluding possible entrance fees charged by the distributor). The return may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations, for the shares which are not currency-hedged.

Reference to certain securities and financial instruments is for illustrative purposes to highlight stocks that are or have been included in the portfolios of funds in the Carmignac range. This is not intended to promote direct investment in those instruments, nor does it constitute investment advice. The Management Company is not subject to prohibition on trading in these instruments prior to issuing any communication. The portfolios of Carmignac funds may change without previous notice. The reference to a ranking or prize, is no guarantee of the future results of the UCIS or the manager.

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Access to the Funds may be subject to restrictions regarding certain persons or countries. This material is not directed to any person in any jurisdiction where (by reason of that person’s nationality, residence or otherwise) the material or availability of this material is prohibited. Persons in respect of whom such prohibitions apply must not access this material. Taxation depends on the situation of the individual. The Funds are not registered for retail distribution in Asia, in Japan, in North America, nor are they registered in South America. Carmignac Funds are registered in Singapore as restricted foreign scheme (for professional clients only). The Funds have not been registered under the US Securities Act of 1933. The Funds may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, for the benefit or on behalf of a «U.S. person», according to the definition of the US Regulation S and FATCA.
The risks, fees and ongoing charges are described in the KID (Key Information Document). The KID must be made available to the subscriber prior to subscription. The subscriber must read the KID. Investors may lose some or all their capital, as the capital in the funds are not guaranteed. The Funds present a risk of loss of capital.

The Funds’ prospectus, KIDs, NAVs and annual reports are available at www.carmignac.com/en, or upon request to the Management Carmignac Portfolio refers to the sub-funds of Carmignac Portfolio SICAV, an investment company under Luxembourg law, conforming to the UCITS Directive. The French investment funds (fonds communs de placement or FCP) are common funds in contractual form conforming to the UCITS or AIFM Directive under French law.

  • In the United Kingdom: the Funds’ respective prospectuses, KIIDs and annual reports are available at www.carmignac.com/en-gb, or upon request to the Management Company, or for the French Funds, at the offices of the acilities Agent, Carmignac UK Ltd, 2 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AF. This document was prepared by Carmignac Gestion, Carmignac Gestion Luxembourg or Carmignac UK Ltd. FP Carmignac ICVC (the “Company”) is an Investment Company with variable capital incorporated in England and Wales under registered number 839620 and is authorised by the FCA with effect from 4 April 2019 and launched on 15 May 2019. FundRock Partners Limited is the Authorised Corporate Director (the “ACD”) of the Company and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Registered Office: Hamilton Centre, Rodney Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3BY, UK; Registered in England and Wales with number 4162989. Carmignac Gestion Luxembourg SA has been appointed as the Investment Manager and distributor in respect of the Company. Carmignac UK Ltd (Registered in England and Wales with number 14162894) has been appointed as a sub-Investment Manager of the Company and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with FRN:984288.

  • In Switzerland: the prospectus, KIDs and annual report are available at www.carmignac.com/en-ch, or through our representative in Switzerland, CACEIS (Switzerland), S.A., Route de Signy 35, CH-1260 Nyon. The paying agent is CACEIS Bank, Montrouge, Nyon Branch / Switzerland, Route de Signy 35, 1260 Nyon.

  • In Belgium: This document is intended for professional clients. This content has not been validated by FSMA. The decision to invest in the promoted fund should take into account all its characteristics or objectives as described in its prospectus. This communication is published by Carmignac Gestion S.A., a portfolio management company approved by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) in France, and its Luxembourg subsidiary Carmignac Gestion Luxembourg, S.A., an investment fund management company approved by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF). “Carmignac” is a registered trademark. “Investing in your Interest” is a slogan associated with the Carmignac trademark. This document does not constitute advice on any investment or arbitrage of transferable securities or any other asset management or investment product or service. The information and opinions contained in this document do not take into account investors’ specific individual circumstances and must never be interpreted as legal, tax or investment advice. The information contained in this document may be partial and could be changed without notice. This document may not be reproduced in whole or in part without prior authorisation. The risks and fees are described in the KID (Key Information Document). The prospectus, KID, the net asset-values and the latest (semi-) annual management report may be obtained, free of charge, in French or in Dutch, from the management company (tel. +352 46 70 60 1) or by consulting its website or www.fundinfo.com. These materials may also be obtained from Caceis Belgium S.A., the financial service provider in Belgium, at the following address: avenue du port, 86c b320, B-1000 Brussels. The Fund (fonds commun de placement or FCP) is a common fund in contractual form conforming to the UCITS Directive under French law. Access to the Fund may be subject to restrictions regarding certain persons or countries. The Funds are not registered for retail distribution in Asia, in Japan, in North America, nor are they registered in South America. Carmignac Funds are registered in Singapore as restricted foreign scheme (for professional clients only). The Funds have not been registered under the US Securities Act of 1933. The Funds may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, for the benefit or on behalf of a «U.S. person», according to the definition of the US Regulation S and FATCA. In case of subscription to a fund subject to Article 19bis of the Belgian Income Tax Code (CIR92), the investor will have to pay, upon redemption of his or her shares, a withholding tax of 30% on the income (in the form of interest, or capital gains or losses) derived from the return on assets invested in debt claims. Distributions are subject to withholding tax of 30% without income distinction. In case of subscription in a French investment fund (fonds commun de placement or FCP), you must declare on tax form, each year, the share of the dividends (and interest, if applicable) received by the Fund. Any complaint may be referred to complaints@carmignac.com or CARMIGNAC GESTION - Compliance and Internal Controls - 24 place Vendôme Paris France or on the website www.ombudsfin.be.

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For Carmignac Portfolio Long-Short European Equities: Carmignac Gestion Luxembourg SA in its capacity as the Management Company for Carmignac Portfolio, has delegated the investment management of this Sub-Fund to White Creek Capital LLP (Registered in England and Wales with number OCC447169) from 2nd May 2024. White Creek Capital LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with FRN : 998349.

Carmignac Private Evergreen refers to the Private Evergreen sub-fund of the SICAV Carmignac S.A. SICAV – PART II UCI, registered with the Luxembourg RCS under number B285278.