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Baron International Growth Fund

Symbol BINIXCUSIP: 06828M603
Symbol BINIXCUSIP: 06828M603
non
US
Non-U.S./Global

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$26.64

Daily Change $0.15 (0.57%)
As of 01/14/2025

Net Assets

$321.24 M

As of 12/31/2024

Morningstar Rating™

As of 12/31/2024

Morningstar Medalist Rating™

medal Logo

SILVER

Inception date

12/31/2008

Prices & Performance

PricesAs of 01/14/2025

NAVDaily Change ($)Daily Change (%)MTDQTDYTD
$26.64$0.150.57%-0.75%-0.75%-0.75%
NAV$26.64
Daily Change ($)$0.15
Daily Change (%)0.57%
MTD-0.75%
QTD-0.75%
YTD-0.75%

PerformanceAs of 12/31/2024

Portfolio or IndexQTD1YTD11 Year3 Years5 Years10 YearsSince Inception 12/31/2008
BINIX - Baron International Growth Fund - I-5.90%4.35%4.35%-6.54%3.26%5.85%8.65%
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index-7.60%5.53%5.53%0.82%4.10%4.80%6.67%
MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Growth Index-7.79%4.81%4.81%-2.93%3.47%5.39%7.32%

Performance InformationAs of 12/31/2024

Performance statistics3 Years5 Years10 Years
Standard Deviation (%)18.5119.4516.22
Sharpe Ratio-0.570.040.25
Alpha (%)-7.15-0.801.14
Beta1.101.071.01
R-Squared (%)93.5990.1987.56
Tracking Error (%)4.976.215.72
Information Ratio-1.48-0.140.18
Upside Capture (%)95.18106.12101.04
Downside Capture (%)128.90110.7095.87
Except for Standard Deviation and Sharpe Ratio, the performance based-characteristics above were calculated relative to the Baron International Growth Fund's(BINIX) benchmark (MSCI ACWI ex USA Index). Performance statistics for additional periods will be provided on request. Source FactSet: SPAR.

Risk & Return109/30/2014 - 09/30/2024

1 Source: FactSet SPAR.

Portfolio Holdings & Characteristics

HoldingsAs of 12/31/2024

HoldingSector% of Net Assets
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSM) is the world's largest independent semiconductor foundry, manufacturing chips on behalf of other companies.
TSMC is the dominant force in leading edge semiconductor foundry manufacturing, as it benefits from economies of scale and a superior cost structure. Its successful track record of deploying new technology faster than competitors enables it to maintain its market share and pricing power. We believe TSMC’s investments in advanced nodes will solidify its superior market positioning and profitability in the long run.
Information Technology3.6%
argenx SE
Argenx SE (ARGX) is a biotechnology company developing antibodies for the treatment of autoimmune disorders. The company is in the early years of the commercial launch of its drug Vyvgart, which promises to change the treatment paradigm for a host of autoantibody immune disorders.
Argenx's main product, efgartigimod, which treats a rare muscle weakness disorder, has potentially broad applicability in ameliorating overactive antibody-based diseases. Efgartigimod is a true "pipeline in a product," where the product itself is the platform, as it has the potential to be used against a diverse range of diseases – something that is rarely achieved in the biotechnology space. We expect the share price to increase as argenx proves its product’s effectiveness in multiple autoantibody disorders.
Health Care3.2%
Linde plc
Linde plc (LIN.GY) is the largest global independent industrial gas operator.
Industrial gas producers have strong pricing power due to the consolidated industry structure and high barriers to entry. We believe Linde is making a major contribution toward lowering greenhouse gas emissions and will benefit from a wave of hydrogen projects as well as carbon capture and sequestration projects, which should supplement double-digit earnings growth for the company’s base industrial gas business.
Materials2.9%
eDreams ODIGEO SA
eDreams ODIGEO SA (EDR.SM) is one of the largest online travel companies in the world and e-commerce businesses in Europe. The company serves customers across 44 markets under four leading brands – eDreams, GO Voyages, Opodo, and Travellink – as well as the metasearch engine Liligo.
eDreams is transforming from a transactional to a subscription-based business and has already reached 5.8 million subscribers, ahead of its original schedule. It is on pace to reach its target of 7.25 million Prime members by fiscal 2025, double our original forecast. eDreams should continue to grow through new customer acquisition and product offerings that could increase its value proposition to consumers, including through entering the fragmented European hotel market and offering more personalized and effective customer experiences with its use of AI.
Consumer Discretionary2.9%
Constellation Software Inc.
Constellation Software Inc. (CSU.CN) is a holding company that owns and operates a large number of small- and medium-sized software businesses. These businesses allow customers across a wide range of verticals to automate key activities with the goal of saving on labor costs.
Constellation has valuable experience to offer acquisition targets, primarily around building high-touch, low-cost modules and contract pricing. We view this experience as a durable competitive advantage while the company continues to acquire targets. With over 20,000 small owner-operated vertical market software businesses in the U.S. and Europe, Constellation's successful acquisition program and moat should remain intact, in our opinion. We believe management can meet its goal of compounding free cash flow per share at greater than 12% over time.
Information Technology2.7%
Arch Capital Group Ltd.
Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL) is a Bermuda-based insurance company providing property & casualty insurance, reinsurance, and mortgage insurance.
Arch is led by an experienced management team with a successful track record across insurance cycles. The company excels at underwriting specialized policies and can nimbly shift its business mix to target the most profitable lines as market conditions change. It operates in a large global market and is currently benefiting from favorable pricing trends across many of its product lines. In our view, management has demonstrated strong underwriting discipline and capital stewardship, allowing Arch to maintain industry-leading returns on equity with less volatility.
Financials2.4%
InPost S.A.
InPost S.A. (INPST.NA) is a logistics company operating a dominant network of automated parcel lockers in Poland, with 45% market share in e-commerce delivery. It has a nascent position in the UK and a leading position in France through a 2021 acquisition. It also operates in several satellite countries.
InPost is driving innovation in B2C last-mile delivery. The company benefits from shared infrastructure, accelerating returns to scale and density, secular e-commerce growth, and channel shift to lockers versus to-door delivery. It holds over 90% market share in automated parcel lockers in Poland, reaching 87% of urban area residents within a 7-minute walk. It is also well positioned for international expansion, leveraging cross-border opportunities and ESG advantages for merchants, customers, and regulators.
Industrials2.4%
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd. (009540.KS) is the holding company of Hyundai Heavy, the largest shipbuilder in the world, based on orderbook size, and the global leader in high-end vessels including liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered ships.
Korean shipbuilders have an oligopoly in LNG carrier shipbuilding, LNG dual-fueled containerships, and tankers. The tightening regulation on carbon emission, which will be fully adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by 2030, should drive higher demand for LNG dual-fueled ships as well as carbon-free ammonia-fueled ships. We expect a structural shortage of compliant ships to emerge as the IMO deadline nears, which should benefit Korea Shipbuilding given its leading position.
Industrials2.3%
Trent Limited
Backed by the Tata Group, Trent Limited (TRENT.IN) is a leading direct-to-consumer retailer in India that sells private label apparel through its retail chains. It reported $1 billion in revenue for fiscal 2024 and operates over 750 Westside and Zudio stores across 150 cities in India.
Trent is a differentiated apparel company focused on product quality, a pricing strategy without promotion, and supply chain management, which translates into quality like-for-like (LFL) growth. The company is expanding its Zudio value fashion retail chain, and we estimate that Zudio store count could reach more than 1,000 in the next five years. We believe double-digit LFL growth and store expansion could drive 25%-plus topline growth. Operating leverage and franchise growth should further aid margin expansion and drive 30%-plus EBITDA CAGR in the years ahead.
Consumer Discretionary2.0%
Wix.com Ltd.
Wix.com Ltd. (WIX) provides cloud-based software to help micro-businesses build and maintain their websites and operate their businesses. Wix has over 240 million registered users and over 6 million premium subscribers.
Wix is a leading do-it-yourself website-design platform, targeting a large market, as most businesses today require an online presence. We think Wix has strong competitive advantages, driven by product innovation, data-driven distribution, and its leading brand. Wix's technological edge, supported by over 2,000 R&D personnel, results in fast iteration with first-to-market features and vertical offerings. Wix's recent push into the do-it-for-me market with its Wix Studio product opens a large new market for the company.
Information Technology2.0%
Total
Total
26.3%
Top Ten Fund Holdings based on net assets. Portfolio holdings may change over time.
Portfolio holdings are subject to change. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.

Contributors / DetractorsQuarterly as of 12/31/2024

Top ContributorsAverage WeightContribution
eDreams ODIGEO SA2.30%0.48%
Wix.com Ltd.1.71%0.43%
argenx SE2.94%0.35%
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.0.99%0.35%
Kaynes Technology India Limited0.96%0.30%
Source: FactSet PA.

GICS Sector BreakdownAs of 12/31/2024

Sector

Industrials

17.5%

Information Technology

17.0%

Consumer Discretionary

12.7%

Financials

12.0%

Health Care

11.3%

Materials

9.8%

Consumer Staples

6.9%

Communication Services

5.5%

Cash & Cash Equivalents

3.6%

Energy

3.3%

Real Estate

0.4%

12/31/2024
Diversified Banks7.00%
Construction Machinery & Heavy Transportation Equipment 5.00%
Semiconductors4.40%
Biotechnology4.10%
Application Software4.00%
Life Sciences Tools & Services3.90%
Apparel Retail3.70%
Specialty Chemicals3.70%
Packaged Foods & Meats3.10%
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines2.90%
Industrial Gases2.90%
Broadline Retail 2.80%
Pharmaceuticals2.60%
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing2.50%
Air Freight & Logistics2.40%
01234567
Diversified Banks7.00%
Construction Machinery & Heavy Transportation Equipment 5.00%
Semiconductors4.40%
Biotechnology4.10%
Application Software4.00%
Life Sciences Tools & Services3.90%
Apparel Retail3.70%
Specialty Chemicals3.70%
Packaged Foods & Meats3.10%
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines2.90%
Industrial Gases2.90%
Broadline Retail 2.80%
Pharmaceuticals2.60%
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing2.50%
Air Freight & Logistics2.40%
01234567
Japan10.60%
India9.80%
China8.50%
Netherlands7.70%
United Kingdom7.70%
France7.40%
Korea5.90%
Israel5.10%
Canada4.60%
Spain4.50%
Taiwan4.20%
United States4.20%
Poland3.20%
Germany1.90%
Sweden1.90%
Australia1.40%
Brazil1.40%
Ireland1.30%
Switzerland1.20%
Denmark1.00%
Peru1.00%
Italy0.90%
Hong Kong0.90%
024681012
Japan10.60%
India9.80%
China8.50%
Netherlands7.70%
United Kingdom7.70%
France7.40%
Korea5.90%
Israel5.10%
Canada4.60%
Spain4.50%
Taiwan4.20%
United States4.20%
Poland3.20%
Germany1.90%
Sweden1.90%
Australia1.40%
Brazil1.40%
Ireland1.30%
Switzerland1.20%
Denmark1.00%
Peru1.00%
Italy0.90%
Hong Kong0.90%
024681012

Portfolio CharacteristicsAs of 12/31/2024

DescriptionBaron International Growth FundMSCI ACWI ex USA Index
Inception DateDecember 31, 2008
Net Assets$321.24 million
# of Issuers / % of Net Assets90 / 96.4%
Turnover (3 Year Average)34.72%
Active Share85.1%
Median Market Cap$20.70 billion$10.33 billion
Weighted Average Market Cap$97.37 billion$114.29 billion
Gross Expense Ratio0.98%
Net Expense Ratio0.95%
Current Expense Ratio Date12/31/2023
EPS Growth (3-5 year forecast)17.8%11.4%
Price/Earnings Ratio (trailing 12-month)20.615.4
Price/Book Ratio2.61.8
Price/Sales Ratio2.11.3
The Net Assets include all share classes combined.
Price/Book Ratio and Price/Sales Ratio are calculated using the Weighted Harmonic Average. Source: FactSet PA. Internal valuation metrics may differ.

Distributions

Record DateEx DatePayable DateIncomeReturn of CapitalShort-Term Capital GainLong-Term Capital GainTotalRe-Invest NAVCalendar-Year Return
12/16/202412/17/202412/18/2024$0.2452$0.0000$0.0000$0.0000$0.2452$27.29
09/23/202409/24/202409/25/2024$0.0307$0.0000$0.0000$0.0000$0.0307$28.31
12/06/202312/07/202312/08/2023$0.1497$0.0000$0.0000$0.0000$0.1497$24.847.60%
09/26/202209/27/202209/28/2022$0.0000$0.0000$0.0032$0.2951$0.2983$21.03-27.29%
11/22/202111/23/202111/24/2021$0.6784$0.0000$0.0000$1.1180$1.7964$33.559.88%
For estimated distributions, visit the Tax Center
Michael Kass, Vice President and Portfolio Manager
Investor Series

Baron International Growth Fund: Investing in the International Equity Markets

Learn more about the investment approach for Baron International Growth Fund.