Alternative strategies

Carmignac Portfolio Merger Arbitrage Plus

Luxembourg SICAV sub-fundGlobal marketArticle 8
Share Class

LU2601234169

An active absolute return strategy focusing on merger arbitrage opportunities
  • An active merger arbitrage strategy that aims to provide positive absolute returns, with limited correlation to equity markets.
  • An alternative strategy with a socially responsible investment approach, focusing on officially announced M&A deals in the developed markets.
Risk Indicator
3/7
Recommended Minimum Investment Horizon
3 years
Cumulative Performance since launch
+ 6.9 %
0.0 %
0.0 %
0.0 %
+ 3.8 %
From 14/04/2023
To 31/10/2024
Calendar Year Performance 2023
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
+ 3.8 %
Net Asset Value
106.89 £
Asset Under Management
147 M €
Market
Global market
SFDR - Fund Classification

Article

8
Data as of:  31 Oct 2024.
​Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Performances are net of fees (excluding possible entrance fees charged by the distributor). The return may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations, for the shares which are not currency-hedged.

Carmignac Portfolio Merger Arbitrage Plus fund performance

Take a look at the Fund's performance supported by our Fund managers’ market commentary and strategy insight.

Our monthly comments

Data as of:  30 Sep 2024.
Fund management team

Market environment

  • After a few months of relative calm, September was marked by a return to volatility in merger arbitrage spreads.

  • The US administration's delays in the acquisition of United State Steel by Nippon Steels led to sharp swings in the US steelmaker's shares: down 23% at the start of the month, followed by a rebound of almost 20% at the end of September!

  • As usual in the wake of such an event, there was a move to reduce the risk in portfolios, which led to a widening of certain merger arbitrage spreads. The HFRX Merger Arbitrage index fell by 0.55% over the month.

  • In addition, a number of deals came to an end, leading to a tightening of spreads: These include Network International, Resurs Holding, Silk Road Medical, Walkme and Copperleaf Technologies.

  • There was also good news for two deals that were in2nd Request: SouthWestern Energy and Hess obtained FTC approval.

  • 1 deal failure to mention: in the US real estate sector, McGrath RentCorp and WillScot Holdings mutually terminated their merger plans.

  • As usual in the run-up to the US elections, the flow of new deals seems to be slowing, with only 22 announced this month (vs. 26 the previous month) for a total of $78bn.

  • This slowdown is noticeable in the US, but M&A activity remains buoyant in Europe and Asia, with annual volume growth of 13% and 75% respectively.

  • The return of private equity funds seems to be confirmed: financial operators now account for more than a third of acquirers.

Performance commentary

  • We were not invested in United State Steel, which meant that we were relatively unaffected by the renewed volatility seen in September.

  • The fund posted a positive performance over the month

  • Main positive contributors to performance were: Capri, Silk Road Medical and Resurs Holding

  • Main negative contributors to performance were: Hess, Shinko Electric Industries and Albertsons

Outlook strategy

  • The fund's investment rate was 143%, up on the previous month.
  • With 55 positions in the portfolio, diversification remains satisfactory.
  • 2024 should see a recovery in the M&A cycle, driven in particular by falling interest rates, the energy transition affecting many sectors of the economy, the return of private equity funds and changes to stock market regulations in Japan.
  • The risk premium of the Merger Arbitrage strategy currently offers investors returns that are still attractive, especially in an environment where deal failure rates remain low.

Performance Overview

Data as of:  31 Oct 2024.
​Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Performances are net of fees (excluding possible entrance fees charged by the distributor). Morningstar Rating™ :  © Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein: is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; may not be copied or distributed; and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information.
Source: Carmignac at 05/11/2024

Carmignac Portfolio Merger Arbitrage Plus Portfolio overview

Below is an overview of the composition of the portfolio.

Geographical Breakdown

Data as of:  30 Sep 2024.
North America65.2 %
Europe ex-EUR21.0 %
Europe EUR16.6 %
Others10.0 %
Total % of alternative112.7 %
North America65.2 %
usUSA
53.8 %
caCanada
11.4 %

Key figures

Below are the key figures for the Fund, which will give you a clearer idea of the Fund's management and equity positioning.

Exposure Data

Data as of:  30 Sep 2024.
Equity Investment Weight81.0 %
Net Equity Exposure112.7 %
Number of Equity Issuers35
Active Share50.0 %

The strategy in a nutshell

Discover the Fund’s main features and benefits through the words of the Fund Managers.
Fund Management Team
The advantage of Merger Arbitrage strategy is that it carries virtually no market risk. The only associated risk is that of a deal failure. That is why our approach is very cautious on two levels: we’re very selective in choosing the deals and we aim to maintain a highly diversified portfolio.
View Fund's characteristics
Reference to certain securities and financial instruments is for illustrative purposes to highlight stocks that are or have been included in the portfolios of funds in the Carmignac range. This is not intended to promote direct investment in those instruments, nor does it constitute investment advice. The Management Company is not subject to prohibition on trading in these instruments prior to issuing any communication. The portfolios of Carmignac funds may change without previous notice.
The reference to a ranking or prize, is no guarantee of the future results of the UCIS or the manager.
Carmignac Portfolio is a sub-fund of Carmignac Portfolio SICAV, an investment company under Luxembourg law, conforming to the UCITS Directive.
The information presented above is not contractually binding and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Performances are net of fees (excluding possible entrance fees charged by the distributor), where applicable. Investors may lose some or all of their capital, as the capital in the UCI is not guaranteed. Access to the products and services presented herein may be restricted for some individuals or countries. Taxation depends on the situation of the individual. The risks, fees and recommended investment period for the UCI presented are detailed in the KIDs (key information documents) and prospectuses available on this website. The KID must be made available to the subscriber prior to purchase.). The reference to a ranking or prize, is no guarantee of the future results of the UCITS or the manager.

Related articles

Alternative Strategy18 March 2024English

Our Merger Arbitrage strategies win ‘Best new launch’ award

1 minute(s) read
Find out more