• The Portfolio returned 3.4% in May, while the benchmark returned 1.1%
• Global share markets weakened in May as macro-economic concerns outweighed investor enthusiasm for the opportunities emerging in AI
• Australian dollar weakness contributed to share market returns in AUD terms
Market Review
Global markets were slightly weaker in local currency terms in May. Macroeconomic worries during the month outweighed investor enthusiasm for companies exposed to generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) growth opportunities. The MSCI World Total Return Index AUD delivered 1.1% during the month.
Share prices of semiconductor companies soared 18% in May. This followed US-based chip developer NVIDIA announcing plans to dramatically increase production to meet surging demand for its advanced graphics processing unit (GPU) chips used to power AI applications.
In contrast, most other sectors weakened, with energy and materials sectors underperforming as commodity prices plummeted.
Declining manufacturing activity and service sector growth in China reversed the economic momentum seen since the COVID-19 lockdowns ended late last year. Concerns about economic deceleration also impacted European share markets, while the tech rally boosted US stocks and Japan edged higher despite rising inflation.
Portfolio Commentary
The Portfolio benefitted in May from its overweight exposure to information technology and communication services. These sectors outperformed the broader market as investors focussed on opportunities that AI is expected to deliver.
In addition, the Portfolio’s largest active weight is in health care where, as in the tech sectors, secular growth trends and innovation create opportunities but also attract competition. The Portfolio holds several biotech companies, a segment traditionally characterised by weak profitability. However, strong research and development by companies in the Portfolio has helped generate strong cash flows. This has been achieved by developing next-generation treatments that meaningfully improve the standard of patient care ahead of competitors. High levels of trust in established brands enables these first movers to capture new markets, delivering early commercial success. These factors contributed to the Portfolio’s health care positions outperforming during May.
US-based biopharmaceutical group Vertex Pharmaceutical’s new triple-combination therapy is extending its dominance in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. US pharmaceutical company AbbVie, a leader in arthritis treatment, known for its blockbuster Humira antibody, has also developed next-generation products Rinvoq and Skyrizi (which are also used to treat psoriasis).
The Portfolio’s information technology and communication services holdings outperformed due to strong exposure to the potential earnings growth which AI innovation is expected to deliver. US-based chip design software company Synopsys is expected to compound its strong earnings results with an acceleration in revenue growth. Shares of US-based semiconductor and infrastructure software developer Broadcom rose upon expectations of rapid demand growth for its customised AI chips.
The Portfolio’s consumer discretionary holdings underperformed as returns in the sector were dominated by auto stocks, especially Tesla, which were not held in the Portfolio.
Stock selection was strongest in the US. Streaming and production company Netflix outperformed after the company disclosed strong subscriber growth in its advertising-supported service. Google-owner Alphabet‘s share price increased after the company highlighted multiple AI initiatives at its developer conference on 10 May.
The Portfolio benefitted from its underweight positions in energy, materials, consumer staples and financials, which all underperformed during the month.
Additional Commentary
Last month we invited shareholders to engage with us and ask any questions in relation to the Portfolio, current economic environment, or any other items related to PIA. In this month’s newsletter, we have published a response to the commonly occurring themes, questions and comments from shareholders. We believe this information will be useful for all PIA shareholders and anyone considering investing in the company.
We would also like to thank all shareholders who took the time to respond to us, we very much appreciate it when shareholders take the time to engage.
Structured for Diversification, Income and Growth
Pengana International Equities Limited (ASX: PIA) is a listed investment company (LIC) which aims to provide shareholders with capital growth over the long term, as well as a reliable, fully franked dividend income, paid quarterly. A robust responsible investment framework provides an added layer of risk mitigation.
The LIC structure puts PIA in a very unique position to pay fully franked dividends through investing in a diversified portfolio of global companies that meet the investment manager’s high quality and durable growth criteria at reasonable prices.
Notably, PIA has sustained its quarterly dividend payments even in challenging periods, such as during the 2020 pandemic when many companies cut dividend payments.
Moreover, because PIA is subject to Australian tax, franking credits, which are particularly valuable to many income focused investors, are attached to its dividends.
PIA has paid consistent, quarterly, fully franked dividends, which have increased over time. The current cash yield is 5.5% or 7.3% when grossed up for franking credits.
The benefits and tailwinds of PIA’s LIC structures
Many income investors have effectively been forced to choose between appropriately diversifying their equity exposure and meeting their income requirements with potentially overvalued (and in some cases unsustainable) shareholdings in a concentrated portfolio of companies.
You can read more about the risks of an overconcentrated Australian income portfolio here or here.
We believe that our responsible approach to investing enhances long-term returns through better managing a range of risks that can impact investor returns. Companies that avoid polluting the environment, invest in their workforce, monitor their supply chains carefully, and are well-governed are likely to avoid holding stranded assets and will tend to outperform over the long term. However, at times the returns of such companies will deviate from the market index, e.g. fossil fuel stocks outperformed in 2022 when energy prices increased.
Last year’s investment returns were disappointing as the expectation of increasing interest rates resulted in lower share prices, with growth companies especially impacted. Quality companies that entered the downturn with valuations based on higher earnings multiples also underperformed. This was therefore an unfavorable environment for quality growth strategies such as PIA’s.
The global economy is now moving into a period in which interest rates are expected to reach a peak, but may well remain elevated for an extended period of time. This increases the likelihood of a slowdown in consumer spending as household budgets come under strain. In this environment, businesses that depend on consumer spending growth, or are sensitive to finance costs, may come under pressure.
PIA seeks to hold a portfolio of quality businesses that are able to grow earnings throughout the economic cycle, and can finance new investments in any credit environment. It focuses on business models aligned to long-term growth trends such as AI, automation, the aging population, and the expansion in global travel.
Over the calendar year to 31 May 2023, PIA’s portfolio has delivered a return of 13.97% (after fees and expenses) compared to its benchmark’s return of 13.72%.
Market Outlook
We believe that the Portfolio is positioned to perform well in the prevailing economic environment. The manager will continue to focus on companies able to grow earnings irrespective of the economic cycle and with strong balance sheets. We are confident this approach will deliver long-term outperformance to our shareholders as well as support our mandate to deliver stable, fully franked, dividend income payments.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
Pengana International Equities Limited (trading on the ASX as PIA) is the largest international ethical Listed Investment Company (“LIC”) on the ASX. PIA’s objective is to provide shareholders with capital growth as well as regular, reliable, and fully franked dividends.
The strategy aims to generate superior risk-adjusted returns, through investing in an actively managed portfolio of global companies that meet the investment team’s high-quality and durable growth criteria at reasonable prices. A robust ethical framework provides an added layer of risk mitigation.
These companies are identified through the conduct of fundamental research, with a long-term, global perspective, and must exhibit the following four key investment criteria: competitive advantages, quality management, financial strength, and sustainable growth potential.
1. As at the last day of last month prior to publishing of this report. Performance figures refer to the movement in net assets per share, reversing out the impact of option exercises and payments of dividends, before tax paid or accrued on realised and unrealised gains. Please refer to the PDS for information regarding risks. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance, the value of investments can go up and down.
2. Inception date of PIA: 19 March 2004, new investment team with new mandate adopted: 1 July 2017. Pengana International Equities Limited has been managed under the new investment mandate by the Pengana investment team since 1 July 2017. The performance since mandated in the table above refers to the movement in net assets per share since the new mandate adopted on 1 July 2017.
3. Annualised Standard Deviation since mandated
4. Relative to MSCI World
**As at the last day of last month prior to publishing of this report. The figures are unaudited.
*** Index/MSCI World refers to the MSCI World Total Return Index, Net Dividends Reinvested, in A$.
