Managed Funds: Single Sector Fund

Nikko AM SRI Equity Fund

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About the fund

This fund invests in a broad selection of NZ listed companies with potential for growth of income and capital, and may also invest in some Australian shares if the portfolio managers see opportunities, as part of an actively managed portfolio. 

This fund provides a combination of specific exclusions and Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) integration, which considers the sustainability of companies. 

The fund deliberately avoids investing in certain companies, industries, and sectors and aims to align social and personal values while still providing competitive returns.

Managed by a dedicated, institutional calibre SRI portfolio manager, the Nikko AM NZ SRI Equity Fund comprises 30-35 New Zealand and Australian companies. 

Find our more about the Nikko AM SRI Equity Fund and our approach to Responsible Investing

Annual Fee    0.95%

Risk Indicator (volatility)

1
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5 High
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7

Target Asset Allocation

Growth 100.00%

Find out more about the Nikko AM SRI Equity Fund from Michael De Cesare

Michael is a Portfolio Manager here at Nikko AM. In this video, Michael talks about the difference between ESG and SRI and outlines what the SRI Equity Fund is trying to achieve. Michael also outlines what the Fund's portfolio consists of and describes why you should consider this fund for your next investment.

Commentary

As of 31 March 2025

Market Overview

  • Global equity markets were weak over the quarter as the impact of proposed tariffs by the USA raised concerns around the impact on global growth and inflation.
  • The United States S&P 500 index fell 4.6%, the Japanese Nikkei 225 dropped 10.7%, the UK FTSE 100 index rose 5.0%, the Australian ASX 200 index lost 2.8% and the MSCI World index ended the quarter down 2.2% (in local terms).
  • The S&P/NZX 50 index ended the quarter down 6.2%.

Fund Commentary

The largest positive contributors to the fund’s relative return were overweight positions in Ingenia Communities (INA), A2 Milk Company (ATM), and Worley (WOR). INA delivered a positive 19.4% return. Following weak performance in December, the company posted a solid half year result and upgraded its full-year earnings guidance. ATM delivered a positive 40.4% return. ATM provided a well-received first half result and confirmed its maiden dividend to shareholders. Furthermore, full-year guidance for revenue and margins were better than expectations leading to upgrades to earnings forecasts. WOR delivered a positive 7.1% return. Alongside a solid half year result, the company reconfirmed its full year earnings guidance which had been in doubt. In addition, announced a $500m share buyback.

 

The largest negative contributors to relative return were from overweight positions Ryman Healthcare (RYM), Infratil (IFT), and Spark (SPK). RYM delivered a negative 36.8% return. The company surprised the market with a large $1b capital raising to reduce debt and gearing levels. RYM also announced a trading update that was worse than the market had anticipated, citing challenging market conditions, heightened competition and impacts from changes to its pricing model and organisational restructure. The capital raise was at a large 29% discount to its last traded price. IFT delivered a negative 17.6% return. After several years of material outperformance against the index, the stock has been weaker year-to-date. This has largely related to negative sentiment stemming from factors outside of their control, including the market attempting to recalibrate the size of the Artificial Intelligence opportunity into something less profitable. In addition the Trump victory, could potentially lead to negative outcomes for U.S. renewable energy. SPK delivered a negative 24.8% return. The stock fell heavily following the fourth downgrade / miss in a row as revenue was challenged by the concurrent economic slowdown impacting the private sector, and rationalisation of government spend, alongside a lift in competitive intensity. Furthermore, cost out failed to materialise in the half, as investors had expected.

 

Key portfolio changes during the quarter included exiting Arcadium Lithium (LTM) ahead of the takeover completing in March. In addition, establishing a new position in Gentrack (GTK). Adding to positions in EBOS (EBO), Infratil (IFT), Channel Infrastructure (CHI) large insider sell-down, Kiwi Property Group (KPG), Ryman Healthcare (RYM) equity raise. Reducing positions in A2 Milk Compansy (ATM), Auckland Airport (AIA), Ingenia Communities (INA), and Restaurant Brands (RBD). (Bold denotes stocks held in the portfolio).

Performance

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Performance

at 31 March 2025
One month Three months One year Three years (p.a) Five years (p.a)
Fund performance1 -3.08% -7.28% 0.88% 1.37%
Appropriate Market Index (AMI)2 -2.43% -6.18% 2.11% 1.27%
  1. Returns are before tax and after the deduction of fees and expenses and including tax credits (if any).
  2. AMI: S&P/NZX 50 Index Gross with Imputation Credits.

Cumulative Returns Since Inception, $10,000 invested

Top 10 Holdings

Security Name Percentage
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare 15.25%
Auckland International Airport Ltd 10.05%
Infratil Limited 9.71%
Contact Energy Limited 7.16%
Meridian Energy Ltd NPV 6.47%
Mainfreight Limited 4.87%
The A2 Milk Company Limited 4.76%
EBOS Group Limited 4.68%
Spark New Zealand Ltd 3.83%
Summerset Group Holdings Ltd 3.77%
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