Stewart Investors Asia Pacific Leaders Sustainability B

Investment Process

Fund manager David Gait uses a fundamental, bottom-up investment approach, targeting companies deemed to have quality financials, management and/or franchise. In addition to this he analyses the sustainability of each business with a focus on those that are making positive social and economic contributions. The stock research is carried out by a well-resourced team based in Australia, Singapore, London, and Edinburgh. Investment ideas are primarily sourced from over 1300 company visits a year, industry contacts and third-party research. The investment horizon is generally medium to long term with Gait avoiding 'momentum' type stocks. Portfolio holdings typically have strong balance sheets, are cash generative, shareholder friendly and are able to grow their revenues and profits sustainably and predictably. The team uses its own proprietary research tools and prefers to meet the management of businesses before and when it invests. Decision-making takes into account factors such as quality of research, team decisions and views, and the manager's own knowledge of the companies. Final stock picks and portfolio construction are made by Gait. The final portfolio has around 40 holdings with its biggest sector exposure being to Information Technology, followed by Consumer Staples and Health Care. Its biggest geographical bias is to India.