ClearBridge Large Cap Value ESG Strategy Q2 2025 Commentary (undefined:SINAX)

Market Overview - U.S. equities rebounded in Q2 2025 after a correction in Q1, overcoming tariff and growth concerns, as well as geopolitical issues, leading to solid gains [2] - The recovery was characterized by a return to AI market leadership, with hyperscalers committing to high levels of AI-driven capital expenditures [2] - Semiconductor companies experienced benefits from strong earnings and renewed expectations for widespread AI adoption [2] Company Performance - Broadcom (AVGO) saw significant gains due to increased enthusiasm for AI buildouts and its custom-designed chips gaining traction as alternatives to Nvidia's GPUs [3] - Microchip Technology (MCHP) reported strong financial results, benefiting from a cyclical rebound and the return of its long-tenured CEO [4] - Meta Platforms (META) shares rose as the company continued to gain digital advertising market share, with AI enhancing engagement and monetization [5] Sector Analysis - The health care sector faced challenges, with UnitedHealth Group (UNH) underperforming due to higher utilization rates and executive changes, while Becton Dickinson (BDX) reported slower-than-expected sales growth [5] - McKesson (MCK) performed well, benefiting from strong fundamentals in U.S. pharma and specialty distribution [5] - In industrials, the portfolio was underweight in high-momentum stocks benefiting from AI demand, although Eaton (ETN) performed strongly [6] Portfolio Positioning - Minimal positioning changes occurred, with a focus on consumer staples; Procter & Gamble (PG) was added to the portfolio as a defensive measure amid inflation concerns [7] - The portfolio strategy emphasizes stock-level decisions over macroeconomic predictions, aiming for best-in-class franchises at attractive valuations [8] Market Outlook - The current market presents favorable opportunities for disciplined long-term stock pickers, particularly in value stocks, as valuation disparities between growth and value stocks have widened [9][12] - Historical trends suggest that value stocks tend to recover following significant underperformance compared to growth stocks [9] Portfolio Highlights - The ClearBridge Large Cap Value ESG Strategy modestly underperformed its benchmark, with positive contributions from IT and financials, while health care was a main detractor [13] - Stock selection negatively impacted performance, particularly in industrials and health care, while sector allocation was beneficial [14] - Key contributors included Broadcom, Microchip Technology, Eaton, JPMorgan Chase (JPM), and Meta Platforms, while Becton Dickinson and UnitedHealth Group were notable detractors [15]