Interview with Dirk Köster,
founder and fund manager of AHW Capital Management GmbH
founder and fund manager of AHW Capital Management GmbH
Krefeld, 12/13/2006
Mr. Köster, AHW Capital Management GmbH has changed from an asset manager to an investment fund provider. How did this development come about?
That's correct, we floated the AHW Funds in 2000 and now operate primarily as a fund provider. Quite simply, we were convinced of the dividend strategy concept, which had not yet been offered on the German market at that time. As one of first providers with such a product we met with a great deal of interest – today dividend funds are common and in the portfolios of many providers.
Then what is special about an investment fund that is managed based on the dividend strategy?
Such a fund is invested conservatively for the long-term – and it has a clear strategy that anyone can understand. Major companies, so-called blue chips, are selected; in Germany they are found in the DAX. There, we look for the ten companies with the highest dividends, because the dividend is not only a welcome "bit extra", but also an indicator of how good a company is doing. But of these ten, we only place half in the funds; specifically, the most favorably priced, that is, the ones with the lowest valuation. That means a long-term increase in value is certain to be expected.
Your motto is "The relaxed way to invest". Not a problem when prices are rising – but if they are not so good, then your investors do start to sweat. Don't they?
Whoever invests with AHW invests is not out a quick euro. A price downturn does not worry our investors because experience shows that over the long haul they still remain frontrunners. They have invested in sustainable global players and these equities gain in value long term. In addition, there is the dividend as a safety margin. No, our investors don't sweat.
What does your offer consist of?
We offer four products: ClassicPlus, MastersPlus, CollectPlus and VarioPlus. ClassicPlus and MastersPlus are designed for one-time investment and withdrawal plans, CollectPlus and VarioPlus are investment plans with a savings phase.
Who buys AHW Funds – are your products more suitable for larger investments or also for savers with smaller amounts to invest?
Our four products are designed for everyone: Starting with just 75.00 euros a month you can save a nest egg using AHW. For anyone wishing to invest sums of 30,000.00 euros or more, we recommend MastersPlus: Here, too, a monthly withdrawal amount can be stipulated, while the capital continues to grow. What our customers prize in particular is flexibility; they can access their money at all times.
What does your sales structure look like; do you want to grow further?
Certainly. We are primarily represented by brokerages and we also take care of our sales partners particularly well – with technical assistance, a premium program, and much more. The contact with them is good because we are personally accessible and understand the brokers; after all, we come from the brokerage business ourselves. Currently, we want to grow more primarily in western and southwestern Germany and are working on brokerage companies in this area that service our end customers.
Finally one question about your plans for the future; What is ahead for AHW?
Just like our customers' assets, we are growing continuously – and that's how it shall continue.
Mr. Köster, thank you for the interview.
Mr. Köster, AHW Capital Management GmbH has changed from an asset manager to an investment fund provider. How did this development come about?
That's correct, we floated the AHW Funds in 2000 and now operate primarily as a fund provider. Quite simply, we were convinced of the dividend strategy concept, which had not yet been offered on the German market at that time. As one of first providers with such a product we met with a great deal of interest – today dividend funds are common and in the portfolios of many providers.
Then what is special about an investment fund that is managed based on the dividend strategy?
Such a fund is invested conservatively for the long-term – and it has a clear strategy that anyone can understand. Major companies, so-called blue chips, are selected; in Germany they are found in the DAX. There, we look for the ten companies with the highest dividends, because the dividend is not only a welcome "bit extra", but also an indicator of how good a company is doing. But of these ten, we only place half in the funds; specifically, the most favorably priced, that is, the ones with the lowest valuation. That means a long-term increase in value is certain to be expected.
Your motto is "The relaxed way to invest". Not a problem when prices are rising – but if they are not so good, then your investors do start to sweat. Don't they?
Whoever invests with AHW invests is not out a quick euro. A price downturn does not worry our investors because experience shows that over the long haul they still remain frontrunners. They have invested in sustainable global players and these equities gain in value long term. In addition, there is the dividend as a safety margin. No, our investors don't sweat.
What does your offer consist of?
We offer four products: ClassicPlus, MastersPlus, CollectPlus and VarioPlus. ClassicPlus and MastersPlus are designed for one-time investment and withdrawal plans, CollectPlus and VarioPlus are investment plans with a savings phase.
Who buys AHW Funds – are your products more suitable for larger investments or also for savers with smaller amounts to invest?
Our four products are designed for everyone: Starting with just 75.00 euros a month you can save a nest egg using AHW. For anyone wishing to invest sums of 30,000.00 euros or more, we recommend MastersPlus: Here, too, a monthly withdrawal amount can be stipulated, while the capital continues to grow. What our customers prize in particular is flexibility; they can access their money at all times.
What does your sales structure look like; do you want to grow further?
Certainly. We are primarily represented by brokerages and we also take care of our sales partners particularly well – with technical assistance, a premium program, and much more. The contact with them is good because we are personally accessible and understand the brokers; after all, we come from the brokerage business ourselves. Currently, we want to grow more primarily in western and southwestern Germany and are working on brokerage companies in this area that service our end customers.
Finally one question about your plans for the future; What is ahead for AHW?
Just like our customers' assets, we are growing continuously – and that's how it shall continue.
Mr. Köster, thank you for the interview.