The fund Lannebo Småbolag Select decreased 1.8 percent in October, which was better than the fund's benchmark index, which decreased 4.7 percent. Since the beginning of the year, the fund has returned 14.6 percent and is thus better than the index, which has increased 10.3 percent. This is stated in a monthly report from the management duo consisting of Per Trygg and Hjalmar Ek.

Initially, the managers write that the majority of the fund's companies have reported quarterly results, and despite the weak economy, the companies have shown profit growth. Demand in construction is said to remain weak but stable.

The managers point out that many companies now predict a recovery in 2025 instead of the second half of 2024. The recovery has thus been pushed back a quarter or two.

Lagercrantz, Momentum Group and OEM International are highlighted as companies with strong quarterly reports.

"Lagercrantz showed good resilience with sales growth of 16 percent, of which one percent was organic," the managers write.

Industrial group Momentum Group increased sales by 20 percent, of which 3 percent was organic growth. At the same time, operating profit increased by 27%, showing strong operational leverage, according to the managers.

OEM International reported a 5 percent organic increase in order intake and a 6 percent increase in operating profit, despite a challenging market.

Lindab was instead a negative contributor. Lindab's sales rose 3 percent but fell 4 percent organically, and operating profit fell 13 percent.

"The company continues to be affected by a weak construction market, especially in the Profile Systems division, which has also been weighed down by a weak willingness to invest in Eastern Europe," the managers write.

The fund's largest holdings at the end of the month were OEM International, Addtech and Lagercrantz Group, with portfolio weights of 8.2, 7.3 and 7.1 percent respectively.

Meanwhile, the largest sectors were industrials, technology and real estate, with weights of 45.1, 16.9 and 13.4 percent respectively.

Lannebo Småbolag Select, %October, 2024
Fund MM, change in percent-1,8
Index MM, change in percent-4,7
Fund this year, percentage change 14,6
Index this year, percentage change 10,3