Thought Capital

Webinar: Fireside Chat with Dan Davidowitz

Quarter-end update discussing factors that impacted the Focus Growth Portfolio & what long-term opportunities may lie ahead.

In this webinar replay, Polen Focus Growth Portfolio Manager Dan Davidowitz covers the factors that impacted the Focus Growth Portfolio in the third quarter of 2024. He shares thoughts on top portfolio contributors and detractors, geopolitical issues, and why the team is optimistic. 

Read the full Focus Growth Commentary 

Webinar Chapters

  • 0:36 - Q3 Performance and Macro Economic Factors 
  • 12:40 - Update on Cloud Infrastructure Positions
  • 17:10 - Outlook on United Health
  • 20:00 - Impact of Semiconductor Industry on Market Performance
  • 25:05 - The Artificial Intelligence Race 
  • 28:08 - Opportunities we see for AirBnB
  • 33:03 - Our Perspective on Competitive Businesses Outside of GenAI Space
  • 38:32 - Evolution of Uber 
  • 42:24 - Observations on IT Spending (Outside of GenAI)
  • 47:48 - Recently Exited Positions in the Portfolio
  • 51:30 - Final Thoughts on Portfolio Performance

Based on comments from Accenture, we are seeing an acceleration in the precursors for Generative AI, including data organization and migration to prepare this data to be added to large language models. That work will start to pull in demand for other things.

Focus Growth Portfolio Manager
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Dan_Davidowitz

Important Notice & Disclaimer

This video has been prepared by Polen Capital without taking into account individual objectives, financial situations or needs. As such, this video is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied on as, legal, tax, business, investment, accounting, or any other advice. Recipients of this video should seek their own independent financial advice. Investing involves inherent risks, and any particular investment is not suitable for all investors; there is always a risk of losing part or all of your invested capital.

No statement herein should be interpreted as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security (including, but not limited to, any investment vehicle or separate account managed by Polen Capital). This video is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. 

Unless otherwise stated in this video, the statements herein are made as of October 2024, and the delivery of this video at any time thereafter will not create any implication that the statements are made as of any subsequent date. Certain information contained herein is derived from third parties beyond Polen Capital's control or verification and involves significant elements of subjective judgment and analysis. While efforts have been made to ensure the quality and reliability of the information herein, there may be limitations, inaccuracies, or new developments that could impact the accuracy of such information. Therefore, this video is not guaranteed to be accurate or timely and does not claim to be complete. Polen Capital reserves the right to supplement or amend this content at any time but has no obligation to provide the recipient with any supplemental, amended, replacement or additional information.

Any statements made by Polen Capital regarding future events or expectations are forward-looking statements and are based on current assumptions and expectations. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied.

There is no assurance that any securities discussed herein are currently held in a Polen Capital portfolio nor that they are representative of the entire portfolio in which they are or were held. It should not be assumed that any transactions related to the securities discussed herein were (or will prove to be) profitable or that any future transactions will equal the investment performance of the securities discussed herein. 

Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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The volatility and other material characteristics of the indices referenced may be materially different from the performance achieved by an individual investor. In addition, an investor’s holdings may be materially different from those within the index. Indices are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. 

The Russell 1000® Growth Index is a market capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes Russell 1000® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The index is maintained by the FTSE Russell, a subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange Group. 

Portfolio characteristics are as of September 30, 2024. There can be no guarantee that the portfolio will exhibit identical or similar characteristics to those described at any future time of investment. Investments are subject to risks, including the possibility that the value of any investment (or income derived thereof) can increase, decrease, or in some cases, be entirely lost and investors may not get back the amount originally invested. The views and strategies described may not be suitable for all clients. 

Holdings are subject to change. The top holdings, as well as other data, are as of the period indicated and should not be considered a recommendation to purchase, hold, or sell any particular security. There is no assurance that any of the securities noted will remain in a portfolio at the time you view this presentation. It should not be assumed that any of the holdings discussed were or will prove to be profitable or that the investment recommendations or decisions we make in the future will be profitable. A list of all securities held in this portfolio in the prior year is available upon request.

Definitions: 
Multiple compression: Occurs when a company's financial multiple decreases, often representing a change in investor expectations.  
Tailwind: Factors or event that help increase growth or cause positive effects on profits and revenue.