Seeking the Growth Potential and Stability of Large Caps

Voya Large-Cap Growth Fund Quarterly Commentary - 4Q25

Key Takeaways

Equity markets advanced in 4Q25, buoyed by moderating inflation and robust earnings. Technology remained dominant, fueled by accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, while industrials benefited from strong capital expenditure trends, although energy softened after ear

For the quarter, the Fund underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index), on a net asset value (NAV) basis.

Looking ahead, investors face geopolitical risks and policy uncertainty. Market leadership is widening beyond mega-cap growth, supported by AI-driven innovation and sustained corporate capital expenditure. Opportunities are emerging in defensives and rate-sensitive sectors, reinforcing the need for nimble positioning amid evolving macro conditions.

Actively managed large cap growth strategy that relies on fundamental research and analysis to identify companies exhibiting superior capital investment and core profitability with attractive risk-reward profiles.

Portfolio review

U.S. equity markets closed 4Q25 on a positive note, driven by moderating inflation and robust earnings. The S&P 500 Index advanced 2.66%, and the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 2.57%. The healthcare and communications services sectors led, while real estate and utilities sectors lagged. Large cap stocks beat small cap stocks, and value outperformed growth stocks.

The U.S. Federal Reserve supported markets in 4Q25 with two 25 basis point rate cuts. At its December meeting, the Fed signaled a balanced tone and improved growth and inflation outlook. At the same time, AI remained a dominant theme, with strong headlines around innovation and elevated capital investment by major technology firms. Increased spending on AI infrastructure and adoption trends reinforced optimism about its role as a key driver of future growth. 

For the quarter, the Fund underperformed the Index, on a NAV basis. Stock selection in consumer discretionary, industrials, and communication services detracted the most from performance. Conversely, positive stock selection primarily in consumer staples, financials, and real estate sectors contributed to performance. 

Key detractors from performance were Doximity, Inc., Roblox Corp., and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

An overweight position in Doximity, Inc. (DOCS) detracted from performance. The stock declined following a quarterly earnings report signaling cautious guidance and uncertainty after recent healthcare policy changes. 

An overweight position in Roblox Corp. (RBLX) detracted from performance. The stock declined following quarterly earnings, which signaled slower profit growth and uncertainty around future bookings. 

Our positioning in Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) detracted from performance. The stock declined as competitor pressure intensified following news that Meta may consider purchasing AI chips from Google. 

Key contributors to performance were Alphabet Inc., Micron Technology, Inc., and Eli Lilly & Co. 

An overweight position in the combined shares of Alphabet Inc. (GOOG/GOOGL) contributed to performance this quarter. The stock advanced throughout the quarter following robust earnings results, which highlighted accelerating demand for its cloud services and the Gemini AI model. 

A non-benchmark position in Micron Technology, Inc. (MU) contributed to performance, driven by strong 4Q25 earnings results. Both revenue and earnings per share (EPS) exceeded expectations, supported by robust 1Q26 guidance.

An overweight position in Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) contributed to performance. The company delivered a strong quarter driven by strong demand for LLY's  glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) drugs, Mountjaro and Zepbound.

Current strategy and outlook

The U.S. economy enters 2026 with a foundation of resilience. We expect moderate growth supported by consumer spending and productivity gains, helped by lower rates. the Fed's recent rate cut reflects heightened concern over labor market softening and confidence that tariff-driven inflation pressures will fade. 

While the outlook suggests a soft landing with moderate growth and gradual disinflation, caution is warranted as geopolitical risks and policy uncertainty persist. In addition, broadening of the narrow market leadership beyond mega- cap growth, underpinned by AI innovation and corporate investment should support market growth

Holdings detail

Companies mentioned in this report percentage of Strategy investments, as of 12/31/25: Alphabet Inc. 7.71%, Micron Technology, Inc. 0.73%, Eli Lilly & Co. 3.55%, Doximity, Inc. 0.61%, Roblox Corp. 0.51%, and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. 0.42%; 0% indicates that the security is no longer in the portfolio. Portfolio holdings are subject to daily change.

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The Russell 1000 Growth Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the 1000 largest companies in the Russell 3000 Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.Index returns do not reflect fees, brokerage commissions, taxes or other expenses of investing. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

All investing involves risks of fluctuating prices and the uncertainties of rates of return and yield inherent in investing. You could lose money on your investment and any of the following risks, among others, could affect investment performance. The following principal risks are presented in alphabetical order which does not imply order of importance or likelihood: Company; Currency; Derivative Instruments; Environmental, Social, and Governance (Equity); Foreign (Non-U.S.) Investments; Growth Investing; Investment Model; Issuer Non-Diversification; Liquidity; Market; Market Capitalization; Market Disruption and Geopolitical; Other Investment Companies; Real Estate Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts; Securities Lending. Investors should consult the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information for a more detailed discussion of the Fund’s risks.

The strategy is available as a mutual fund or variable portfolio. The mutual fund may be available to you as part of your employer sponsored retirement plan. There may be additional plan level fees resulting in personal performance that varies from stated performance. Please call your benefits office for more information.Variable annuities and group annuities are long-term investments designed for retirement purposes. If withdrawals are taken prior to age 59½, an IRS 10% premature distribution penalty tax may apply. Money taken from the annuity will be taxed as ordinary income in the year the money is distributed. An annuity does not provide any additional tax deferral benefit, as tax deferral is provided by the plan. Annuities may be subject to additional fees and expenses to which other tax-qualified funding vehicles may not be subject. However, an annuity does provide other features and benefits, such as lifetime income payments and death benefits, which may be valuable to you. All guarantees are based on the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company, who is solely responsible for all obligations under its policies. Insurance products, annuities and funding agreements issued by Voya Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company (“VRIAC”), One Orange Way, Windsor, CT 06095, which is solely responsible for meeting its obligations. Plan administrative services provided by VRIAC or Voya Institutional Plan Services, LLC (“VIPS”). Securities distributed by or offered through Voya Financial Partners, LLC (“VFP”) (member SIPC) or other broker-dealers with which it has a selling agreement. Only Voya Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company is admitted and can issue products in the state of New York.

This commentary has been prepared by Voya Investment Management for informational purposes. Nothing contained herein should be construed as (i) an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any security or (ii) a recommendation as to the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling any security. Any opinions expressed herein reflect our judgment and are subject to change. Certain of the statements contained herein are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to, without limitation, (1) general economic conditions, (2) performance of financial markets, (3) interest rate levels, (4) increasing levels of loan defaults (5) changes in laws and regulations and (6) changes in the policies of governments and/or regulatory authorities.

The opinions, views and information expressed in this commentary regarding holdings are subject to change without notice. The information provided regarding holdings is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Portfolio holdings are fluid and are subject to daily change based on market conditions and other factors. Past Performance does not guarantee future results  

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