Highlights:
- SGA’s U.S. Large Cap Growth portfolio returned 9.4% (gross) and 9.2% (net) in Q3 2018 compared to 9.2% for its primary benchmark the Russell 1000 Growth Index, and 7.7% for the broad market S&P 500 Index
- Concern over escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China increased, but was overshadowed by strong U.S. economic data; international stocks and emerging markets in particular felt more pressure
- U.S. GDP growth in Q2 posted its strongest gain in years as benefits from recent tax cuts, regulatory reform and repatriation of overseas profits contributed to higher business and consumer confidence
- Larger-cap U.S. growth companies performed best along with those with higher betas; the return to business quality was mixed with high return on equity companies and those with earnings outperforming, but those with high debt also outperformed
- Technology, Health Care and Industrials performed best; after leading in Q2 the Energy sector trailed the index by a wide margin
- A new position was initiated in Abbott while positions in Starbucks and SAP were sold; positions in Ecolab, Estee Lauder, Praxair and Schlumberger were added to on weakness while positions in Autodesk and Ulta Beauty were trimmed on strength
- We continue to expect volatility to increase going forward which has historically provided a tailwind for our approach
The opinions expressed herein reflect the opinions of Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is no guarantee for future results. This information is supplemental and complements a full disclosure presentation that can be found with composite performance. The securities referenced in the article are not a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. This commentary is provided only for qualified and sophisticated institutional investors.
Results are presented gross and net of management fees and include the reinvestment of all income. The Net Returns are calculated based upon the highest published fees. The net performance has been reduced by the amount of the highest published fee that may be charged to SGA clients, 0.75%, employing the U.S. Large Cap Growth equity strategy during the period under consideration. Actual fees charged to clients may vary depending on, among other things, the applicable fees schedule and portfolio size. SGA’s fees are available upon request and also may be found in Part 2A of its Form ADV. The performance record presented for periods prior to July 1, 2003 occurred before to the inception of SGA and represents the portable performance record established by two of SGA’s founders (and investment committee members) Gordon Marchand and George Fraise while affiliated with a prior firm. Policies for valuing portfolios, calculating performance, and preparing compliant presentations are available upon request. Upon request, free of charge, SGA can provide a list of all portfolio holdings held in SGA’s U.S. Large Cap Growth portfolio for the past year. SGA’s earnings growth forecast data is based upon portfolio companies’ non-GAAP operating earnings.