Investment trusts

About this investment trust

Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.

The Company aims to provide capital growth, primarily through investment in a focused portfolio constructed from a combination of the securities of large, mid and small capitalisation European companies, together with some investment in the developing markets of Europe.

Why choose it?

Europe is a rich source of innovation and dynamic capitalism. Active management can uncover its most exciting companies. The Trust invests in global brand leaders, plus smaller companies focused on niche, high growth areas. The Trust looks for high quality, well-capitalised companies with strong management teams that can create real value for shareholders over time. 

Suited to…

This Trust is designed for investors looking to invest in a selection of Europe’s highest quality, fastest-growing companies, irrespective of their size and geography. They must be willing to take on some additional risk to grow their capital over the long term.

Citywire: As at 16 November 2021.
Investment Week: As at 18 November 2021.
Kepler Rating: As at 1 January 2022.

What are the risks?

• Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
• Overseas investment will be affected by movements in currency exchange rates.
• Emerging market investments are usually associated with higher investment risk than developed market investments. Therefore the value of these investments may be unpredictable and subject to greater variation.
• Investment strategies, such as borrowing, used by the Trust can result in even larger losses suffered when the value of the underlying investments fall.
• The Trust’s investments may have low liquidity which often causes the value of these investments to be less predictable. In extreme cases, the Trust may not be able to realise the investment at the latest market price or at a price considered fair.

Useful information

Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.

Fees & Charges

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The Board’s approach to ESG

Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.

The Board believes that responsible investment and sustainability are integral to the longer-term delivery of the Company’s success. The Board works closely with the Investment Manager to regularly review the Company’s performance, investment strategy and underlying policies to ensure that the Company’s investment objective continues to be met in an effective, responsible and sustainable way in the interests of shareholders and future investors.

Sustainable investing: BlackRock’s approach

Sustainability is BlackRock’s standard for investing, based on the investment conviction that integrating sustainability can help investors build more resilient portfolios and achieve better long term, risk-adjusted returns. BlackRock believes that climate change is a defining factor in companies’ long-term prospects and that it will have a significant and lasting impact on economic growth and prosperity. BlackRock believes that climate risk equates to investment risk and this will drive a profound reassessment of risk and asset values as investors seek to react to the impact of climate policy changes. This in turn is likely to drive a significant reallocation of capital away from traditional carbon intensive industries over the next decade.

ESG: integration into BlackRock’s investment management process

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing is often used interchangeably with the term “sustainable investing.” BlackRock has identified sustainable investing as being the overall framework and ESG as a data toolkit for identifying and informing our solutions. BlackRock has defined ESG Integration as the practice of incorporating material ESG information and consideration of sustainability risks into investment decisions in order to enhance risk-adjusted returns. BlackRock recognises the relevance of material ESG information across all asset classes and styles of portfolio management. ESG information and sustainability risks are included as a consideration in investment research, portfolio construction, portfolio review and investment stewardship processes. The Investment Manager considers ESG insights and data, including sustainability risks, within the total set of information in its research process and makes a determination as to the materiality of such information in its investment process. ESG insights are not the sole consideration when making investment decisions. The Investment Manager’s evaluation of ESG data may be subjective and could change over time in light of emerging sustainability risks or changing market conditions. This approach is consistent with the Investment Manager’s regulatory duty to manage the Company in accordance with its investment objective and policy and in the best interests of the Company’s investors. The Investment Manager’s Risk and Quantitative Analysis group will review portfolios to ensure that sustainability risks are considered regularly alongside traditional financial risks, that investment decisions are taken in light of relevant sustainability risks and that decisions exposing portfolios to sustainability risks are deliberate, and the risks diversified and scaled according to the investment objectives of the Company.

BlackRock’s approach to ESG integration is to broaden the total amount of information the Investment Manager considers with the aim of improving investment analysis and understanding the likely impact of sustainability risks on the Company’s investments. The Investment Manager assesses a variety of economic and financial indicators, which may include ESG data and insights, to make investment decisions appropriate for the Company objectives. This can include relevant third-party insights or data, internal research or engagement commentary and input from BlackRock Investment Stewardship.

ESG integration does not change the Company’s investment objective or constrain the Investment Manager’s investable universe and does not mean that an ESG investment strategy or exclusionary screens has been or will be adopted by the Company. Similarly, ESG integration does not determine the extent to which the Company may be impacted by sustainability risks.

Investment stewardship

BlackRock undertakes investment stewardship engagements and proxy voting with the goal of protecting and enhancing the long-term value of clients’ investments for relevant asset classes. In our experience, sustainable financial performance and value creation are enhanced by sound governance practices, including risk management oversight, board accountability and compliance with regulations. We focus on board composition, effectiveness and accountability as a top priority. In our experience, high standards of corporate governance are the foundations of board leadership and oversight. We engage to better understand how boards assess their effectiveness and performance, as well as their position on director responsibilities and commitments, turnover and succession planning, crisis management and diversity. For further details regarding BlackRock’s work on investment stewardship please refer to the website here.

Fund manager commentary

31 March 2024

Comments from the portfolio managers

Please note that the commentary below includes historic information in respect of performance data in respect of portfolio investments, index performance data and the Company’s NAV performance.

The figures shown relate to past performance. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of current or future results.

During the month, the Company’s net asset value rose by 2.2% and the share price was up by 1.4%. For reference, the FTSE World Europe ex UK Index increased by 3.7% during the period.

Europe ex UK markets were up during March, finishing an exceptionally strong quarter for European equities. Following two months of strong performance of growth assets, value sectors led strong market returns during March. Lower quality cyclicals such as financials and energy delivered impressive performance, while real estate and utilities also rebounded post a tougher period. Technology and the consumer sectors underperformed in the rising market. Stock specific news flow was slightly lighter during the month as the earnings season largely came to an end. Macroeconomic data remained robust. Eurozone and US inflation data continued to head towards central bank targets, whilst economic activity continued to improve.

The Company underperformed its reference index during the month, driven by both sector allocation and stock selection. In sector terms, the Company’s lower weight to the financial sector was negative for returns as particularly the banking sector delivered strong performance during the month. The Company’s higher allocation to technology was the largest detractor from returns as the sector saw somewhat of a reversal after very strong performance in January and February. The portfolio benefited from lower weights in consumer staples and telecommunications.

The technology sector was the largest detractor from relative returns. The sector gave back some of its very strong performance in previous months. Additionally, BE Semiconductor (Besi) was hit by negative newsflow, which led to shares falling close to 15%. Press reports during the month suggested that the adoption of Besi’s hybrid bonding offering may be slower than some had hoped for, specifically in the high bandwidth memory applications. While the short-term uptake of this new technology may be delayed for a short period, we think it is likely that hybrid bonding will play a significant role in high bandwidth memory production in future years and so our medium-term view on the stock is unchanged.

Exposure to the consumer discretionary sector was also negative as particularly the luxury industry was dragged down by Kering’s (not held in the Company) profit warning. Whilst not owning Kering was positive, shares in LVMH stumbled in sympathy despite no fundamental newsflow.

A mixed contribution came from the banking sector during the month. The sector was up on a mix of generally better economic activity, rate expectations holding up better than some had feared and support from share buybacks. Allied Irish Banks was the top contributor during March after reporting strong 2023 results with good revenue visibility. However, not owning BBVA, BNP Paribas and Banco Santander detracted from relative returns.

A number of shares from the industrials sector performed well – for example, IMCD rose on signs that destocking in some end markets is coming to an end. The company reported FY 2023 results in line with expectations, while 2024 consensus estimates seem to be in a good place compared to the updates provided by management.

Positioning within health care continues to be additive with a positive effect from owning Novo Nordisk and Lonza, while avoiding more defensive assets such as Roche and Novartis that continue to lag the market gains. The investment case for Novo Nordisk continues to tick along nicely with news in March supportive of a growing total addressable market for their GLP-1 treatments. The US approved Wegovy for cardiovascular risk reduction in people with obesity, and in doing so, opened the door for Medicare coverage. Late in the month, we saw the first US insurers agree to begin paying for Wegovy through Medicare.

Outlook

We remain fairly constructive on European equities as the set-up should be positive: inflation is on a downwards trajectory and the economy appears relatively robust, Eurozone inflation figures have fallen and, whilst there may be volatility in month-to-month data, the economy can handle these levels of inflation. This also means that we have come to, or are close to, peak rates and at some point, it is fair to assume interest rates will come down. We have already started to see a positive impact on falling mortgage rates in many European countries.

The corporate sector in Europe is healthy. There is limited corporate debt, margins are strong, there is no need for major layoffs and the end of the destocking across most industries is in sight. This in turn is good news for the consumer: a supply chain and energy crisis that is largely done, combined with high employment numbers and falling inflation suggest that the cost-of-living crisis has cooled off. This puts the region in a much better position compared to one year ago.

Nevertheless, the asset class has been under-owned ever since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. As always in Europe, it is key to remain selective. Assessing the economy from the bottom-up can uncover areas for greater optimism than traditional economic indicators may suggest. Our regular contact with management teams helps us understand whether the direction of earnings and cashflows on a medium to long-term view for the companies in our portfolio remain on track.

Long-term structural trends and large amounts of fiscal spending via the Recovery fund, Green Deal and the REPowerEU plan in Europe can also drive demand for years to come, for example in areas such as infrastructure, automation, innovation in medicines, the shift to electric vehicles, digitisation or decarbonisation. Valuations are attractive versus history and especially versus US equities. Overall, evidence of a resilient consumer, healthy corporate sector and decent outlooks underpinned by green stimulus, give us confidence that many of the companies in our portfolio can continue to weather the storm.

Unless otherwise stated all data is sourced from BlackRock as of 31 March 2024.

Any opinions or forecasts represent an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. 

This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research, investment advice or a recommendation.

Risk: Reference to the names of each company in this communication is merely for explaining the investment strategy, and should not be construed as investment advice or investment recommendation of those companies.

Portfolio manager biography

Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.

Stefan Gries is co-manager of BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc. He is head of the European Equity team within the Fundamental Equity division of BlackRock’s Portfolio Management Group. He is co-manager on the European Absolute return (long/short) portfolios, as well as on Pan European and Europe ex UK long-only portfolios. Prior to joining BlackRock in 2008, Stefan spent two years at Scottish Widows Investment Partnership where he completed a two-year graduate programme. Since joining BlackRock, he has worked both as a portfolio manager and as an analyst covering, at various times, energy, pharmaceuticals and insurance on behalf of the European Equity team. He earned an MA in economics and Spanish from the University of St. Andrews in 2005.

Alexandra Dangoor is co-manager of BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc. Alexandra also has research responsibilities within the team’s financials research pod focused on the European banks and insurers. Alexandra joined the BlackRock Fundamental European Equity Team in 2019 after two years on BlackRock’s graduate rotation programme, where she was an analyst in the Natural Resources and European Equity teams. Alexandra earned a BSc degree in Mathematics and Economics at Bristol University, graduating in 2015, and an MSc in Investment and Wealth Management at Imperial College Business School, graduating in 2016. 

Board of directors

All the Directors are non-executive and independent of the Investment Manager. The Board as a whole constitutes the Audit and Management Engagement Committee.

Eric Sanderson (appointed April 2013) (Chairman) is a chartered accountant and a banker and was chief executive of British Linen Bank from 1989 to 1997 and a member of the management board of Bank of Scotland in his role as head of group treasury operations from 1997 to 1999. He was formerly chairman of MyTravel Group PLC, MWB Group Holdings, Dunedin Fund Managers Limited and Schroder UK Mid Cap Fund plc. He is presently chairman of JPMorgan Emerging Europe, Middle East & Africa Securities Limited.

Peter Baxter (appointed April 2015) has over 30 years’ experience in the investment management industry. He is an executive director of Snowball Impact Management Ltd, a social impact investment organisation, a non-executive director of Civitas Social Housing plc, and a trustee of Trust for London, and was a member of the Financial Reporting Council’s Conduct Committee. Previously he was chief executive of Old Mutual Asset Managers (UK) Ltd and worked for Schroders and Hill Samuel in a variety of investment roles.

Paola Subacchi (appointed July 2017) (Senior Independent Director) is an economist, writer and commentator on the functioning and governance of the international financial and monetary system. She is Professor of International Economics and Chair of the Advisory Board, Global Policy Institute, Queen Mary University of London, visiting professor at the University of Bologna, non-executive director of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust PLC as well as Founder of Essential Economics Ltd. She writes regularly on Project Syndicate.

Ian Sayers (appointed February 2022) (Chairman of the Audit and Management Engagement Committee) is the former Chief Executive of the Association of Investment Companies (AIC), which he became in 2010 on his promotion from Deputy Director General. Prior to that, he was the AIC’s Technical Director, advising members on areas such as taxation, accounting, company law and regulation, as well as having a key role in its public affairs activity. He qualified as a chartered accountant and chartered tax advisor.

Sapna Shah (appointed 12 December 2023) has 20 years of investment banking experience advising UK companies, including listed REITs and investment companies, on IPOs, equity capital market transactions and mergers and acquisitions. She is a non-executive director of The Association of Investment Companies and a consultant at Panmure Gordon Limited. Prior to this she held senior investment banking roles at UBS AG, Oriel Securities (now Stifel Nicolaus Europe) and Cenkos Securities. She is currently a non-executive director of Supermarket Income REIT plc and BioPharma Credit PLC.