The fund seeks capital appreciation in the long term by investing in small-size companies in the United States.

The sub-adviser’s investment process starts with a list of companies in the benchmark index and the research team utilizes quantitative techniques and fundamental analysis to identify investment opportunities.

Next, the research team focuses on companies experiencing positive dynamic change.

The team believes companies undergoing positive dynamic change offer the best investment opportunities.

Additionally, the team utilizes fundamental analysis to uncover companies experiencing high unit volume growth and positive changes in product cycle and market dynamics.

The team also focuses on traditional growth companies experiencing rapidly growing demand or market dominance.

In addition, the research team emphasizes companies benefitting from new regulations, a new product innovation or new management.

In selecting securities for the portfolio, the research team focuses on companies that have sustainable earnings, reasonable valuations and a distinct competitive advantage.

Also, the team invests in Foundation growth stocks and Opportunity growth stocks.

Foundation growth stocks are companies led by experienced management teams, with innovative business models and the potential for high sales and earnings growth.

Opportunity growth stocks are companies whose earnings may be temporarily depressed, but demonstrating potential for reaccelerated earnings.

Then the manager constructs a portfolio of stocks from a list of companies favored by the research team and allocates capital based on its conviction level.

Generally, the portfolio holds approximately 50 holdings.

The fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of companies conducting business within a single sector, including the information technology, healthcare, and consumer discretionary sectors.

Additionally, the fund can invest in foreign securities, including emerging market securities.