First and foremost, we rely on the proprietary research of our team of in-house investment analysts. Our rigorous research process is also informed by, among other sources, financial and investment information databases, including: Selected institutional broker research reports Sanlam Group’s research team Bloomberg and other investment information systems.

Our South African investment committee meets once a week to debate and agree on an investment view, and construct model portfolios to guide our portfolio managers in constructing customised client portfolios. The decision-making process also includes: daily meetings, to ensure we understand up-to-the-minute information a daily snapshot of the markets in the last 24 hours a multi-factor equity valuation tool, covering more than 160 shares.

Our investment methodology marries a top-down and bottom-up approach in the construction of our portfolios. For us, top down means reviewing and assessing a portfolio’s asset allocation. The bottom up approach looks at stock selection.

When selecting equities we seek companies capable of delivering earnings and dividend growth at attractive valuations. Crucially, we want to make investments in companies in which we believe through an investment cycle and not speculate on short-term price movements. We prefer to invest in companies that have: a market price below intrinsic value a sound balance sheet a history of sound financial performance and sustainability strong cash flow a competitive advantage (moat) strong fundamentals