Polar Capital Technology – The AI’s have it

Polar Capital Technology’s (PCT’s) manager Ben Rogoff’s conviction levels on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) have risen, reflecting the all-encompassing possibilities of the technology. His bullishness is displayed in the make-up of PCT’s portfolio, which is weighted almost 80% towards stocks that he believes are AI beneficiaries or enablers. The potential for huge productivity gains – which could boost global GDP by 7%, according to Goldman Sachs – and few barriers to mass adoptio

Polar Capital Technology – The AI’s have it

Polar Capital Technology’s (PCT’s) manager Ben Rogoff’s conviction levels on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) have risen, reflecting the all-encompassing possibilities of the technology. His bullishness is displayed in the make-up of PCT’s portfolio, which is weighted almost 80% towards stocks that he believes are AI beneficiaries or enablers. The potential for huge productivity gains – which could boost global GDP by 7%, according to Goldman Sachs – and seemingly few barriers to ma

Polar Capital Technology – Me, myself and AI

An inflection point in artificial intelligence (AI) is close to being reached as major improvements in output and rapid adoption make the likelihood that it will become a general purpose technology (like the computer and internet before it) and impact on all parts of everyday life an inevitability. Polar Capital Technology’s (PCT’s) manager, Ben Rogoff, has a steadfast conviction in the all-encompassing potential of AI and has been positioning the portfolio towards AI winners, with the majority

Polar Capital Technology – Me, myself and AI

The manager of Polar Capital Technology’s (PCT), Ben Rogoff, believes that we are close to an inflection point in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as major improvements in output and rapid adoption make it more likely that it will become a general purpose technology (like the computer and internet before it), with the potential to impact on all parts of everyday life. Ben has a steadfast conviction in the all-encompassing potential of AI and has been positioning the portfolio towards what

Economic and Political Monthly Roundup January 2023

A collation of recent insights on markets and economies taken from the comments made by chairs and investment managers of investment companies – have a read and make your own minds up. Please remember that nothing in this note is designed to encourage you to buy or sell any of the companies mentioned.

Economic and Political Monthly Roundup January 2023

A collation of recent insights on markets and economies taken from the comments made by chairs and investment managers of investment companies – have a read and make your own minds up. Please remember that nothing in this note is designed to encourage you to buy or sell any of the companies mentioned.

Global Macro Commentary & Investment Companies Roundup January 2023

• Performance: Atrato Onsite Roof soars as investors look on the bright side. • Premiums and discounts: Investors deserting Pollen Street following dividend cut. • Money in and out: Funds struggle to attract new funding.

Global Macro Commentary & Investment Companies Roundup January 2023

• Performance: Atrato Onsite Roof soars as investors look on the bright side. • Premiums and discounts: Investors deserting Pollen Street following dividend cut. • Money in and out: Funds struggle to attract new funding.

Polar Capital Technology – Jockeying for position

Weakened risk appetite among investors as macroeconomic headwinds persist are likely factors in the woes of the technology sector. As investors appeared to retreat to the sector titans (stocks such as Microsoft and Apple), Polar Capital Technology’s (PCT’s) underweight position in these companies has seen it underperform its benchmark over the 12 months to the end of November, while its exposure to ‘next-generation’ software companies has also been a source of underperformance versus legacy stoc

Polar Capital Technology - Jockeying for position

Weakened risk appetite among investors as macroeconomic headwinds persist has seen the technology sector suffer. As investors retreated to the sector titans (stocks such as Microsoft and Apple), Polar Capital Technology’s (PCT’s) underweight position in these companies has seen it underperform its benchmark over the 12 months to the end of November, while its exposure to ‘next-generation’ software companies has also been a source of underperformance versus legacy stocks as IT budgets are disprop

Polar Capital Technology - Eyes on the prize

Heightened downside risk and disappointing earnings updates have seen the technology sector give back some of its considerable long-term outperformance of the wider market. As investors retreated to the sector titans (stocks such as Microsoft and Apple), Polar Capital Technology’s (PCT’s) underweight position in these companies has seen it underperform its benchmark over the 12 months to the end of April. PCT’s manager, Ben Rogoff, is undeterred by this, stating that technology stocks are in a b

Exciting times

In the short term, the technology sector has given back some of its considerable long-term outperformance of the wider market. Ben Rogoff, manager of Polar Capital Technology Trust (PCT), is unfazed by this. The pandemic has accelerated many societal shifts that Ben believes will be permanent. Areas such as e-commerce, cloud computing, video conferencing, digital entertainment and telemedicine have benefitted. At the same time, advances in sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs) and artificial i

Exciting times

In the short term, the technology sector has given back some of its considerable long-term outperformance of the wider market. Ben Rogoff, manager of Polar Capital Technology Trust (PCT), is unfazed by this. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated many societal shifts that Ben believes will be permanent. Areas such as ecommerce, cloud computing, video conferencing, digital entertainment and telemedicine have benefitted. At the same time, advances in sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs) and arti

Morning Note – 22 April 2024

Benefits of scale set to materialise

Frenkel Topping - Resilient with strong growth potential

FY 2023 was a challenging year for Frenkel with higher interest rates encouraging clients to place money into lower margin money market funds. Despite this, sales grew +32% (supported by recurring revenue +9% and +51% in non-recurring), EBIT margins remained strong at 22% and adj. EPS grew +17% (taking into account the higher number of shares). FY 2024 has seen a solid start to transactional business and there is a strong pipeline of new FUM opportunities both of which support further growth. Wi

Bluefield Solar Income Fund – Fundamentals shine despite discount

The manger comments that, in common with the other trusts in the renewable energy sector, the last six months have continued what has been a challenging period for the Bluefield Solar Income Fund (BSIF). It adds that the trust’s ongoing fundamental performance has failed to reverse a steady slide in its share price which began back in May 2023. Despite this, it says the company has continued to deliver solid NAV growth and market-leading shareholder distributions thanks to a range of contractual

LSL Property Services (LSL LN) - Transformation & market recovery

2023 results are, as indicated in its February pre-close update, “slightly ahead of market expectations”. Current trading continues to improve, with 1Q24 underlying operating profit up yoy, “reflecting the benefits of the Group’s transformation programme completed in 2023 as well as improving market conditions.” With net cash of £35m at end 2023, the Board approved 7.4p final DPS and £7m buy back.

S&U - PBT ahead, encouraging volume trends

S&U reported FY24 PBT of £33.6m, down from £41.4m in FY23 on higher funding and regulatory costs and higher impairments in Advantage in H2. PBT was 2% ahead of our forecast as stronger revenues – up 12% to £115.4m – and better costs offset higher-than-expected impairments. Net receivables grew to a record at both Advantage and Aspen and management noted particular strength in Q4 and a good trading environment in the current year. Having absorbed a significant rise in funding cost as well as addi

Hardman & Co Insight: 2023 was an annus horribilis for Quoted UK Infrastructure and Renewable Energy

The focus of Hardman & Co Research is on the nine quoted Infrastructure Investment Companies (IICs) and on the 22 Renewable Energy Infrastructure Funds (REIFs): the stocks analysed are all members of the Association of Investment Companies (AIC). We are updating our publication of January 2023, assessing both the lacklustre share price performances during 2023 and the key issues, including interest rates, inflation and power prices. As a 31-strong group, its combined market capitalisation is no

Foresight Solar Fund - Termination of coverage

Edison Investment Research is terminating coverage on ABC Arbitrage (ABCA), paragon (PGN), Foresight Solar Fund (FSFL), Kendrion (KENDR), Lithium Power International (LPI), Triple Point Energy Transition (TENT), 4iG (4IG), e-therapeutics (ETX), Pharnext (ALPHA) and Shield Therapeutics (STX). Please note you should no longer rely on any previous research or estimates for this company. All forecasts should now be considered redundant. Previously published reports can still be accessed via our web

LIBERUM: PensionBee: Strong start to the new financial year

International Public Partnerships - Consistently and responsibly delivering

International Public Partnerships’ (INPP’s) FY23 results show that it continues to deliver consistent and predictable returns for investors, while delivering environmental and social benefits for the individuals and communities that are served by its assets. Despite this strong performance and a substantial need for private infrastructure funding, the macroeconomic environment has weighed on INPP’s share price, in common with the wider sector. Regardless, attractive returns are available from th

LIBERUM: NewRiver: Q4 trading update: Continued operational momentum

Regional REIT - Performing as expected ahead of refinancing

In a challenging market, Regional REIT’s (RGL’s) FY23 operational and financial performance was robust, in line with expectations and previous guidance. Investor focus remains on the company’s loan to value (LTV) reduction and bond refinancing plans, explored in detail in our previous note and RGL will provide an update on this in due course.

Witan

Business as usual for WTAN’s executive team, while the board reviews investment management arrangements…

LIBERUM: PayPoint: On track for £100m of EBITDA in FY 26

LIBERUM: Speedy Hire: Weakness in FY 24 but recovery in FY 25