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12/2024

5 Reasons for Impact Investing

Impact investing, i.e. sustainable and responsible investing, is a need for more and more investors. Rolf Helbling explains the five most important reasons why impact investing is extremely important and financially very worthwhile:

1. Double Bottom Line:

Impact investing aims to achieve positive social and environmental effects in addition to financial returns. Investments support projects or companies in areas such as energy saving, renewable energies, resource efficiency or healthcare.

2. Long-Term Financial Returns:

“Companies that pursue sustainable and responsible practices are often better positioned for long-term success. The investment focus on companies that essentially promote a more efficient use of resources forms the basis for an attractive return. Studies show that impact investments offer competitive financial returns by capitalising on long-term opportunities and mitigating risks arising from unsustainable business practices.

3. Risk Minimisation:

By integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions, potential risks can be better identified and minimised. Companies that operate sustainably are often less susceptible to regulatory changes and scandals.

4. Fulfilment of Personal Values:

Many investors want to invest their capital in line with their personal values. Impact investing enables investors to make a positive contribution to society and the environment with their capital and at the same time fulfil their own ethical expectations.

5. Market and Innovation Potential:

Impact plants support innovative companies and technologies that develop solutions for today’s biggest challenges. This can lead to the creation of new markets and business opportunities that drive long-term growth and positive change in the area of energy and resource efficiency.

 

“Impact investing gives investors the opportunity to play an important role in tackling global challenges while generating attractive financial returns.”

Rolf Helbling, Founder Carnot Capital & Portfolio Manager

 

Weitere Beiträge

Automotive Industry in Transition: Innovations Driving the Future of Mobility

Automotive Industry in Transition: Innovations Driving the Future of Mobility

Innvations in the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is currently undergoing major developments in numerous areas:

  • ‘Connected Cars’: The vehicle as a digital platform
  • Autonomous Driving: First robotaxis, then personal vehicles
  • Electromobility: On the rise, especially in China
  • Alternative Fuels: A complement to e-mobility

Mobility is fundamentally shifting toward connected and autonomous vehicles. These changes are not only revolutionizing transportation but also influencing urban design, the working environment, and quality of life.

Digitalization and Sensor Technology as Key Success Factors

At the core of innovation lies the combination of sensor technology and computing power (including AI). Data-driven services and connected mobility are becoming the norm. Technology providers that successfully integrate sensors and digital technologies hold a particularly strong market position.

Electromobility and, above all, the increasing autonomy of vehicles free up space for passengers to pursue various activities—entertainment, work, comfort, relaxation… This, in turn, drives additional demand for sensors and chips. Expected growth rates by 2030 vary by application, reaching over 22% in some cases.

Implications for Carnot Capital

Despite these developments and attractive valuations, we are maintaining a relatively low allocation in automotive suppliers. Our semiconductor and sensor technology positions in Melexis, LEM, Infineon, and Xfab account for around 10% of our portfolio. In addition, Ems-Chemie contributes as a manufacturer of high-performance polymers that make vehicles lighter and safer. With Sandvik, we also participate in the electrification of mining: electric loaders and transporters reduce the carbon footprint of metals while increasing productivity.

We will increase our automotive allocation once we gain confidence in rising car sales and see renewed momentum in electromobility, particularly in Western markets.

Rolf Helbling / Andres Gujan, February 5, 2025

Interview with Matthias Kubli – Portfolio manager and part of the management team

Interview with Matthias Kubli – Portfolio manager and part of the management team

Dear Matthias, what motivated you personally to become part of Carnot Capital – and what excites you about our focus on energy and resource efficiency?

I have known Carnot Capital for many years – I was part of the team from 2013 to 2015. The contact has never been broken off, and since 2021 I have also been privately involved as an investor in the Carnot Efficient Energy fund.
I am convinced by Carnot Capital’s clear guiding principle: technologies must make both economic and ecological sense. This interplay is central to me. At the same time, I am motivated by the goal of outperforming the market and achieving a measurable positive impact.

What specific experience from your career path do you bring to the table that is particularly valuable for our portfolios?
My investment universe has overlapped considerably with that of Carnot Capital in recent years – we have regularly exchanged views on companies and market trends. My in-depth understanding of industrial and technology companies is a clear value add. I also have the skill critically analyse new technologies and realistically assess their market potential – an essential skill in an environment that is focused on efficiency.

Was there a key moment that particularly shaped your interest in sustainable investments?

Throughout my travels to various regions of the world I have seen how differently resources are used. In Switzerland, we are already well positioned in terms of energy efficiency – globally, the situation is often quite different.
For sustainability to have a global impact, solutions must be affordable and scalable. Overly expensive technologies or purely theoretical approaches do not help. This pragmatic approach fits in very well with Carnot Capital’s philosophy.

Where do you see the greatest opportunities for Carnot Capital in the coming years – both at a portfolio and company level?

Carnot Capital has loyal clients and a strong position in the market for impact investments. Its long-standing specialisation in energy and resource efficiency is a competitive advantage that enables it to identify new trends at an early stage.
Many companies in our investing universe have experienced challenging phases in recent years. However, I am currently seeing a trend reversal in several sectors. This new phase of reorientation is an opportunity to make targeted investments in companies that are on the verge of a sustainable growth spurt – and thus generate additional returns for our investors.

How do you see the role of listed companies in the transformation towards an energy- and resource-efficient economy?
We are at a turning point: the time for declarations of intent is over – reality is catching up with us. Shortages, extreme weather, pollutants in food – all this shows how urgent change is. Listed companies play a central role: with their innovative power and financial strength, they can scale solutions and achieve real impact. For many, this transformation offers not only a responsibility, but also an enormous opportunity for growth.

What values are particularly important to you in management and collaboration – and how would you like to bring these to Carnot Capital?
In a small team like Carnot Capital, entrepreneurial thinking and pragmatic action are crucial. For me, a common goal is the central anchor. I attach great importance to discussing ideas openly – at all levels. If everyone can actively contribute, the company remains dynamic and continues to develop. This is precisely the kind of forward movement that I want to help shape at Carnot Capital.

Many thanks dear Matthias – we look forward to a sustainable future with you.