Overview
Inception
Date
12.31.2015
Account
Minimum
$100,000
Philosophy
Seeks Positions Featuring Attractive and Sustainable Multi-Year Return Profiles Underpinned by Businesses Perceived to Possess:
- Attractive Valuation
- Superior Financial Returns and Visible Reinvestment Opportunities
- Talented Management
Process
- Qualitative and Quantitative Screens Identify Opportunities
- Emphasis on Proprietary Primary Research and Due Diligence
- Candidates and Holdings Continuously Vetted by Investment Team to Optimize Risk/Reward
Co-Portfolio Manager
Co-Portfolio Manager
Performance
| Term | QTR | YTD | 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | Since Inception1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Equity SMA (Gross) | 3.02 | 9.46 | 13.94 | 21.54 | 7.51 | 14.93 |
| Focus Equity SMA (Net) | 2.26 | 7.07 | 10.65 | 18.04 | 4.39 | 11.61 |
| Russell 1000® Growth | 10.51 | 17.24 | 25.53 | 31.61 | 17.58 | 18.50 |
1The composite inception date is 12.31.2015. The benchmark is the Russell 1000® Growth Index. The net of fee performance reflects the deduction of the maximum SMA bundled fee of 3.00% annually for all periods presented. Performance is preliminary and is annualized for periods longer than one year. Net of fees performance returns are presented net of the SMA bundled fee, which includes all charges for trading costs, advisory services, portfolio management, custody and other administrative fees. “Pure” Gross of fees performance returns do not reflect the deduction of any fees including trading costs: a client’s return will be reduced by the management fees and other expenses it may incur. Investment management fees are described in SCM's Form ADV 2A. Performance reflects the reinvestment of interest income and dividends and realized capital gains. The performance presented represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Performance is compared to an index: however, the volatility of an index varies greatly and investments cannot be made directly in an index. Market conditions vary from year to year and can result in a decline in market value due to material market or economic conditions. Sources: Morningstar Direct; Sterling Capital Management Analytics. Please refer to the GIPS Composite Report in the factsheet linked below for additional disclosures.
Focus Equity SMA
Materials
SMA
Insights
01.13.2026 • Charles Wittmann, CFA®
- Stocks with quality characteristics experienced a challenging 2025. - We put quality stock performance in perspective relative to other styles and historically. - We also discuss reasons why quality tends to perform differently from risk (beta).
12.11.2025 • Charles Wittmann, CFA®
- This year has been witnessed the biggest run for momentum stocks in the past seventy years. - Within momentum stocks this year what has been working? We discuss these dynamics. - This unique environment has offered opportunities to find value in companies with high returns on equity, stable earnings growth and low debt levels.
12.09.2025
Gregory Zage, CFA®, Justin Nicholson
The Sterling Capital VAULT: Passive Investing is NOT Static Investing
Gregory Zage and Justin Nicholson discuss the risks of passive investing.
12.09.2025 • James Kerin, CFA®
The Sterling Capital VAULT: Return of the Term Premium
James Kerin's update on term premium in 2025.
11.11.2025 • Charles Wittmann, CFA®
- We discuss a few examples of investments that experienced a period of relatively flat absolute performance despite creating value over a longer period of time. - We discuss what contributed to these periods and how these investments unlocked future price appreciation. - There are similar examples in the current market where we are seeking to identify opportunities.
10.30.2025 • Andrew Richman, CTFA
Fed Cuts Rates Again, But Additional Cuts Are Not Guaranteed
Andy Richman's update following the October Federal Open Market Committee meeting.
Contact
Learn more about Sterling Capital solutions and services.
