Interview (1011)
Federated International Small Company Fund
It probably comes as a surprise to many Americans, but the U.S. accounts for only 45% of the world market capitalization. More importantly, it presents investment opportunities that cannot be found domestically. Leonardo Vila, portfolio manager of the Federated International Small Company Fund, would dig through the entire supply chain to
Fort Pitt Capital Total Return Fund
At Fort Pitt Capital Total Return Fund, manager Charles Smith looks for companies that have both a history of profitability and reasonable share prices. He looks for stocks that can deliver total returns that outpace inflation. Mr. Smith is a contrarian. He recognizes the risk in being different, but he
Quaker Biotech Pharma-Healthcare Fund
Scientific breakthroughs in healthcare may spark enthusiasm among investors, but it is estimated that only one out of 5,000 drug candidates actually makes it to the market. That's why investing in biotech requires specialization, in-depth fundamental research, and understanding the complicated drug development process, according to Stephan Patten, co-manager of
Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund
Small-cap growth investing poses specific challenges to investors, such as higher volatility, lower liquidity, and less readily available information. Ken Korngiebel, the manager of Columbia Small Cap Growth Fund I, believes that the crucial factors for success include a longer-term horizon, a research team with diversified perspectives, valuation of both upside
Allegiant Large Cap Value Fund
For Michael J. Chren, team leader for the Allegiant Asset Management Large Cap Value equity styles, value investing is a superior strategy because though markets tend to be efficient over the long term, it is critical to take advantage of short term pricing inefficiencies. His strategy does just that. Value
Seeking long-term capital appreciation through investments in mid-sized growth companies is part of the philosophy of the Mosaic Mid-Cap Fund. Richard Eisinger, co-manager of the fund, believes that businesses with sustainable competitive advantages and predictable cash flow prove to be less risky in the long run. The fund prides itself on
AIP Alpha Hedged Strategies Fund
A pioneer in the area, Alpha Hedged Strategies (ALPHX) defies easy comparisons. The fund employs real hedge fund managers with various strategies to create a risk-return profile suitable for mass affluent mutual fund investors. Through tight control over sub- managers and compliance with mutual fund requirements, Alpha eliminates many of the
Texas Capital Value & Growth Fund
Texas Capital Value & Growth can easily turn from a micro-cap growth fund to a blue-chip value fund within a year. The manager Eric Barden believes that life is too short to fight the market, so he’d rather evaluate the relevance of 50 strategies to the current environment. In essence, the
When looking for growth, the Jordan Opportunity Fund explores macro trends and dislocations in the fundamental supply-demand story that go unrecognized by the market. It focuses on four to six investment themes where the firm builds analysis advantage. A crucial part of Jordan's strategy is avoiding high-multiple stocks and the risks
The Phoenix Small-Cap Growth Fund digs into the small-cap universe in search of the next Wal-Mart. The fund uses a fundamental process and clearly defined criteria, looking for companies with high EPS growth foreseeable for the next five years, high return on invested capital (ROIC), and sustainability. Portfolio managers Yossi
