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

The 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 prefers companies that exhibit the potential to achieve above average earnings growth over the long term.

In addition, the team also focuses on companies that are estimated to trade bel

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

The 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 prefers companies that exhibit the potential to achieve above average earnings growth over the long term.

In addition, the team also focuses on companies that are estimated to trade below their fair values.

Also, the team considers companies that are lagging in market price and underfollowed by investors.

The research process is driven by fundamental analysis of one stock at a time. In selecting securities for the portfolio, the research team evaluates companies on the basis of factors such as rate of earnings growth or earnings growth potential, valuation, management and balance sheet strength.

Other factors in consideration are free cash flow generation, effective capital allocations, and returns on invested capital.

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.

At times, the fund may emphasize investment in one or more particular issuers or business sectors that are believed to have favorable prospects.

Also, the fund may invest up to 30% of its net assets in stocks of foreign issuers.

The fund may invest in foreign markets that are considered to be emerging markets.

Additionally, the fund may invest in special situation companies facing near-term headwinds but with favorable prospects for recovery.

Special situations may include significant changes in a company’s allocation of its existing capital (companies undergoing turnarounds, spinoffs, mergers or acquisitions) or a restructuring of assets.

The fund may invest in registered investment companies (RICs), including shares of mutual funds and shares of exchange-traded funds.