| Investment Objective: |
Under normal market conditions, the portfolio managers will invest at least 80% of the fund's net assets in small cap companies. The portfolio managers consider small cap companies to include those with market capitalizations no larger than that of the largest company in the Russell 2000 Value Index. The portfolio managers employ a bottom-up stock selection process utilizing proprietary fundamental research and systematic, risk-aware portfolio construction to invest primarily in small-cap U.S. companies that are higher quality businesses selling at a discount to fair value. In selecting stocks for the fund, the portfolio managers look for equity securities of smaller companies whose stock price may not reflect the company's value. The managers attempt to purchase the stocks of these undervalued companies and hold each stock until the price has increased to, or is higher than, a level the managers believe more accurately reflects the fair value of the company. The advisor applies systematic risk controls and portfolio construction techniques to generate trade recommendations, which the portfolio managers use in an effort to improve efficiency, capacity, and liquidity. |
