Jupiter’s Asia Fund has added tech companies to its portfolio, bringing its total to 32%, according to Bloomberg. These companies include AI companies in Asia with strong dividend yields and significant worldwide tech responsibilities.
TakeAway Points:
- Asian AI stocks are a top choice for Jupiter’s Asia Fund because they provide appealing growth and dividends, with TSMC and Samsung leading the pack.
- The fund underscores the value of Asian tech’s net cash positions and dividend hikes with a record 32% tech exposure.
- Asia performs better than expected in dividend growth, demonstrating its strategic edge in the global tech industry with an increase of about 30%.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) investments, Asia’s tech sector emerges as a beacon of stability and growth, particularly for dividend-seeking investors.
Sam Konrad, co-manager of the Jupiter Asian Income strategy, brings a fresh perspective to the table, highlighting the unique value proposition of Asian tech companies. Unlike their US counterparts, these firms boast net cash balance sheets and a commitment to not only paying dividends but also increasing them as earnings grow. This approach positions them as attractive options for investors looking for both innovation and income.
Record Tech Holdings Indicate Trust
Konrad’s strategy has significantly increased its technology holdings to a record 32%, making it the top allocation within the portfolio. This move underscores a strong belief in the sector’s potential, with major players like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and Samsung Electronics Co. leading the charge. These companies, pivotal in the AI boom, offer a compelling mix of growth and value, especially when compared to their US peers.
Alluring Values in the AI Rally
Despite the global frenzy around AI stocks, Asian tech shares present remarkably attractive valuations.
“When we look at the valuations of the Asian tech stocks that we own and we compare them to US tech stocks or even to history, they are really attractive,” Konrad notes.
The $2 billion Jupiter Asian Income strategy outperformed 97% of its peers over the last five years, demonstrating the strategy’s remarkable performance. With TSMC trading at about 19 times estimated earnings and MediaTek Inc. boasting a dividend yield of 5.2% for the 2024 fiscal year, the value proposition is clear.
Asia’s Growth in Dividends Exceeds
The dividend growth potential in Asia further cements the region’s appeal to investors. With the Bloomberg Asia Pacific Semiconductors Index expected to see dividends rise nearly 30% over the next 12 months, Asia outpaces its global counterparts in rewarding shareholders. This growth is not just a testament to the companies’ financial health but also to their strategic positioning in the global tech ecosystem.
Global Technology Strategic Advantage
Konrad’s investment philosophy is rooted in backing “global leaders” that excel in technology and capabilities, often surpassing US firms. Asia’s tech landscape is rich with companies that, while they may not be household names, are integral to the operations of global tech giants.
“It doesn’t matter because whoever it is, they will need to have the semiconductors manufactured by the company that we own. They will need to have their AI data servers managed, manufactured by the company that we own in Asia,” Konrad explains.
This strategic advantage ensures that Asian tech firms are essential cogs in the global technology machine, regardless of which US tech giant leads the next wave of innovation.
