28 February 2023
Commentaire de gestion Amplegest MidCaps - FC - February 2023
After its January rally driven by the prospects of monetary easing, a lower risk of recession and the reopening of China, the market continued its rise in February. Investors were more focused on good corporate publications than on inflation figures, which are still not coming down, leaving the risk of a more restrictive monetary policy looming.Buoyed by good publications (notably Sopra Steria, ALD and Barco), Amplegest MidCaps outperformed its benchmark index in February (+1.64% vs. +1.28%).Sopra Steria published a very good report (+23% for the month) with organic growth of +8% in Q4-22 when the market was expecting +6%. Margins and cash generation are also above expectations. The group's 2023 targets are conservative even though management sees no sign of a slowdown in demand. We expect these to be raised as the year progresses and therefore maintain our position. ALD (+9%) continues to surprise the market positively thanks to the good performance of used car prices. Management expects these to remain at high levels in 2023. After having benefited from an imbalance between supply and demand, used car prices are now driven by higher new car prices (product mix + inflation). The merger with LeasePlan is still on track with a strongly strengthened European leadership position, significant synergies and improved liquidity of the share. Zalando (-12%) is losing a good part of its January advance without any particular news. The group nevertheless announced at the end of February that it would reduce its workforce. This decision is part of a desire to favor profitability over growth. GTT (-3%) disappointed the market in the short term by revealing its objectives for 2023. The cessation of its activities in Russia will have a greater impact than expected. On the other hand, in the longer term, the environment is still buoyant with a tightening of regulations that will force the group's customers to renew their fleets more quickly. GTT has a rare visibility with an order book that extends to 2026.