In a recent government meeting, a GARP (Growth at a Reasonable Price) investment manager outlined their dual-step investment strategy, emphasizing a quantitative model that ranks stocks based on 13 factors, followed by a fundamental analysis of the top 20% of those stocks. This method aims to identify companies with attractive valuations and strong earnings growth potential.

The manager reported that 2023 had been a strong year for their investments, although recent performance has been affected by significant market sell-offs in countries like Mexico and France, particularly following unfavorable election outcomes. Despite these challenges, the manager noted that their long-term performance remains ahead of benchmarks, with an annualized return of approximately 7% over a 15-year period.

Sector performance analysis revealed a positive allocation effect primarily driven by an overweight position in the information technology sector, particularly in semiconductors. However, stock selection was mixed, with notable successes in industrials, such as Hitachi, which is pivoting towards its green transformation segment. Conversely, the consumer discretionary sector faced setbacks, particularly with International Game Technology (IGT) and Perion, an Israeli advertising technology firm that issued a profit warning due to changes in its contract with Microsoft.

Country allocation also played a significant role in performance, with overexposure to France and Mexico leading to losses. The manager highlighted positive developments in Bermuda and the UK, where companies like Golar and Rolls Royce benefited from favorable market conditions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of navigating current market dynamics while maintaining a focus on value-driven investment strategies.