The Fund’s A3 share class returned -1.3%* in euro terms in April. This Fund’s target benchmark, the MSCI Europe Small Cap Index, returned -0.8%.
Shares in Europe fell in April as the prospect of interest cuts in the US weakened following higher-than-expected inflation readings. While cuts in the US appear to have been pushed back, economic data in the Eurozone was more encouraging and suggested that the ECB may continue on its plans to cut rates in June. In terms of sector performance, energy (+6.4%) and healthcare (+1.1%) led the way, while information technology (-5.5%), consumer discretionary (-4.6%) and industrials (-1.5%) were a drag on the MSCI Europe Index (in euro terms).
In a busy month of earnings releases for our portfolio, online gambling company Betsson (+14%) was among the Fund’s top performers after reporting encouraging Q1 results. The company commented that, “the first quarter of 2024 was characterised by a continued positive development with high customer activity, good growth and strengthened profitability”. This was reflected in revenue for the period increasing 12% to €248 million, while operating income was up 35% to €58 million.
Staying in the online betting space, Playtech (+15%), the supplier of gaming and sports betting software, also performed strongly after it announced the expansion of its iPoker network into the Czech Republic, in partnership with Fortuna Entertainment Group. Playtech stated that the launch of its fast-growing iPoker network represents “a significant milestone” as it introduces poker into the Fortuna Entertainment Group, a leading omni-channel betting and gaming operator in central and eastern Europe, for the first time.
Among the detractors was airline operator Norwegian Air Shuttle (-12%), with the company falling on the release of underwhelming results for Q1. The low-cost air carrier reported a net loss of NOK904 million as a weaker Norwegian krone negatively impacted results. Total revenue for Q1 rose to NOK6.1 billion as passenger numbers increased versus a year earlier – the company maintained its full-year guidance on these encouraging booking trends.
While net sales for Q1 increased by 33% to SEK 253 million, Swedish property portal Hemnet (-13%) fell after its EBITDA for the period was below average expectations. Despite this, Hemnet commented that it continues to see growing demand for its value-added services for property sellers and an increase in the number of listings.
Shares in British home furnishings retailers Dunelm (-10%) fell after reporting 3% growth in Q3 sales to £435m, below expectations. Dunelm describes the outlook for homewares and furniture markets as remaining challenging.
Positive contributors to performance included:
BPER Banca (+12%), Betsson (+14%), Playtech (+15%)
Negative contributors to performance included:
Norwegian Air Shuttle (-12%), Hemnet Group (-13%), Dunelm (-10%)
Discrete years' performance (%) to previous quarter-end**:
|
|
Mar-24 |
Mar-23 |
Mar-22 |
Mar-21 |
Mar-20 |
|
Liontrust GF European Smaller Companies A3 Acc EUR |
16.4% |
-2.6% |
7.9% |
70.2% |
-21.6% |
|
MSCI Europe Small Cap |
10.2% |
-9.1% |
1.9% |
61.2% |
-18.1% |
|
|
Mar-19 |
Mar-18 |
|
Liontrust GF European Smaller Companies A3 Acc EUR |
-2.3% |
1.2% |
|
MSCI Europe Small Cap |
-1.3% |
8.3% |
*Source: Financial Express, as at 30.04.24, total return (net of fees and income reinvested).
KEY RISKS
Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of an investment and the income generated from it can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed. You may get back less than you originally invested.
The issue of units/shares in Liontrust Funds may be subject to an initial charge, which will have an impact on the realisable value of the investment, particularly in the short term. Investments should always be considered as long term.
Overseas investments may carry a higher currency risk. They are valued by reference to their local currency which may move up or down when compared to the currency of the Fund. This Fund may have a concentrated portfolio, i.e. hold a limited number of investments. If one of these investments falls in value this can have a greater impact on the Fund's value than if it held a larger number of investments. As the Fund is primarily exposed to smaller companies there may be liquidity constraints from time to time, i.e. in certain circumstances, the fund may not be able to sell a position for full value or at all in the short term. This may affect performance and could cause the fund to defer or suspend redemptions of its shares. In addition the spread between the price you buy and sell units will reflect the less liquid nature of the underlying holdings. Outside of normal conditions, the Fund may hold higher levels of cash which may be deposited with several credit counterparties (e.g. international banks). A credit risk arises should one or more of these counterparties be unable to return the deposited cash. Counterparty Risk: any derivative contract, including FX hedging, may be at risk if the counterparty fails.
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This should not be construed as advice for investment in any product or security mentioned, an offer to buy or sell units/shares of Funds mentioned, or a solicitation to purchase securities in any company or investment product. Examples of stocks are provided for general information only to demonstrate our investment philosophy. The investment being promoted is for units in a fund, not directly in the underlying assets. It contains information and analysis that is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without notice. Whilst care has been taken in compiling the content of this document, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Liontrust as to its accuracy or completeness, including for external sources (which may have been used) which have not been verified. It should not be copied, forwarded, reproduced, divulged or otherwise distributed in any form whether by way of fax, email, oral or otherwise, in whole or in part without the express and prior written consent of Liontrust.
