
Commentary
iMGP SBH Focused Small Value Fourth Quarter 2022 Commentary
For the fourth quarter of 2022, the iMGP SBH Focused Small Value portfolio gained 14.20%, widely outperforming the 8.42% return for the Russell 2000 Value benchmark. MORE
Co-portfolio managers Mark Dickherber and Shaun Nicholson are small-cap investors who seek to identify companies that have the potential for significant improvement in return on invested capital (ROIC).
The idea being that as ROIC improves, each dollar invested in the business earns an incrementally higher return. Importantly, Dickherber and Nicholson disaggregate a company’s ROIC down to the business segment level to understand the drivers (and detractors) of a company’s profitability. Armed with segment-level return data they seek to identify companies with low embedded expectations that have company-specific returns-improving catalysts. (They do not buy stocks simply because they are cheap.)
Dickherber and Nicholson require that management is ROIC-focused, financially incentivized to improve returns through appropriate capital allocation, and able to articulate an appropriate returns-based strategy to improve profitability. They track management’s progress via quarterly financials and quarterly management contact. As management demonstrates a commitment and ability to appropriately improve returns, Dickherber and Nicholson will build the position.
The co-managers pride themselves on identifying the building blocks of improved (and diminishing) profitability before it is recognized by the market. As improved returns are reflected in the stock price, portfolio holdings are trimmed, and ultimately sold when they reach the team’s estimate of fair value.
Mark Dickherber is a Principal and the Senior Portfolio Manager of Segall Bryant & Hamill’s Small Cap Core and Small Cap Value portfolios and is also responsible for equity research in the Small Cap and Small/Mid Core equity portfolios. Mr. Dickherber is a specialist in the healthcare sector. Prior to joining SBH, Mr. Dickherber served as Director of Research for Kennedy Capital Management, where he had worked since 1996. Mr. Dickherber graduated magna cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a B.S. in Accounting. He served as Treasurer for the CFA Society of St. Louis from 2004-2006 and as a Director from 2006-2008. Mr. Dickherber has been in the investment industry since 1996 and has earned Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designations.
Shaun Nicholson is a Principal and Senior Portfolio Manager for Segall Bryant & Hamill’s Small Cap strategies. He is the lead Portfolio Manager for our Small Cap Value Concentrated strategy and the Co-Portfolio Manager for our Small Cap Value strategy. Nicholson is also responsible for research related to materials, autos/transports, industrials and regional banks within the respective portfolios. He joined SBH in 2011 after having spent more than six years at Kennedy Capital Management. Prior to Kennedy, Nicholson’s experience was as an Associate Portfolio Manager at U.S. Bancorp Asset Management and as a Financial Analyst at The Boeing Company. Nicholson earned a B.S. from Seton Hall University and earned an MBA from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He has been in the investment industry since 2002.
Segall Bryant & Hamill (SBH) is an independent investment firm based in Chicago, Illinois, with offices in Denver, Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Naples, Florida. Founded in 1994, SBH believes in a client-first approach while providing investment management of equity, fixed income, alternative, and asset allocation portfolios. Known for generating performance through proprietary investment research for clients across the country, our experienced team seeks the most attractive investments offered through our various strategies. Our portfolio managers work directly with clients to help maximize investment return while aligning with client goals and specific risk constraints. Our substantial employee ownership and partnership culture results in the continuity of our investment teams, long-term relationships, and the alignment of our interests with those of our clients. We foster an inclusive work environment, enabling us to attract and develop diverse thinkers and talent.
The value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the iMGP SBH Focused Small Value Fund compared with the Russell 2000 Value TR USD, Russell 2000 TR USD, and US Fund Small Value.
The hypothetical $10,000 investment at fund inception includes changes due to share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The chart does not imply future performance. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur fees, expenses or taxes, and cannot be invested in directly.
Performance quoted does not include a deduction for taxes that a shareholder would pay on the redemption of fund shares.
Select the set of performance tables to view.
Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Investment performance reflects fee waivers in effect. In the absence of such waivers, total return would be reduced. Short term performance is not a good indication of the fund’s future performance and should not be the sole basis for investing in the fund. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur fees, and cannot be invested in directly. Returns less than one year are not annualized.
The gross and net expense ratios can be found in the most recent Summary Prospectus (4/30/2021). There are contractual fee waivers in effect through 4/30/2022. While the fund is no-load, management and other expenses still apply.
Fund holdings and/or sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
For the fourth quarter of 2022, the iMGP SBH Focused Small Value portfolio gained 14.20%, widely outperforming the 8.42% return for the Russell 2000 Value benchmark. MORE
For the third quarter, the iMGP SBH Focused Small Value portfolio underperformed its Russell 2000 Value benchmark, declining 5.45% compared to a 4.61% loss for the index. MORE
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The fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The statutory and summary prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company, and it may be viewed here or by calling 1-800-960-0188. Read it carefully before investing. Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investing in small companies subjects investors to additional risks, including security price volatility and less liquidity than investing in larger companies. Though not an international fund, the fund may invest in foreign securities. Investing in foreign securities exposes investors to economic, political and market risks and fluctuations in foreign currencies. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Index performance is not illustrative of fund performance. An investment cannot be made directly in an index. This fund is new and performance information is not available. Once performance is available, it may be obtained by calling 1-800-960-0188 or by visiting www.partnerselectfunds.com. Index Definitions | Industry Terms and Definitions The iMGP Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.