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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

 

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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.

Individual Stocks or Funds: Which is the Better Investment Strategy?

Individual Stocks or Funds: Which is the Better Investment Strategy?

In the world of financial investments, investors are often faced with the question of whether it is better to invest in individual shares or funds. Andres Gujan explains the role that factors such as diversification, risk/return ratio and personal preferences play in this decision.

Diversification and Risk: Individual shares are targeted investments in individual companies, which enables potentially higher returns. However, this is also associated with a higher risk, as the success of an individual share depends heavily on company-specific and market-related factors. Funds, on the other hand, spread the risk across a large number of shares or asset classes, which reduces the risk of loss. At Carnot Capital, we always keep an eye on these risk factors and periodically compare the portfolio with the ESG and impact values.

Risk-Return Profile: Individual shares can fluctuate strongly in the short term, but offer the opportunity for considerable gains in the long term. Funds offer a more stable performance over longer periods and are particularly suitable for investors who want to avoid large fluctuations in value.

Time and Costs: The selection and management of individual shares often required more time, knowledge and research. Professional fund managers, like us at Carnot Capital, deal with the portfolio on a daily basis, which reduces the effort for the investor.

Personal Preferences: The decision between individual shares and funds also depends on personal goals, risk tolerance and ethical considerations. Investors should design their investment strategy according to their individual situation and financial goals and draw on the expertise of specialised fund managers, especially for thematic investments.

“Overall, a balanced mix of individual shares and, for example, impact funds can be a sensible strategy to benefit from the advantages of both forms of investment, i.e. to achieve a good risk/return profile and make a sustainable contribution in the area of energy and resource efficiency. Andres Gujan, Founder Carnot Capital & Portfolio Manager