Overview
Inception
Date
12.31.2000
Account
Minimum
$100,000
Philosophy
Seek Long-Term Appreciation by Identifying Companies with:
- Above Average Earnings Growth
- Attractive Valuation
- Strong Balance Sheets
- Skilled Management
- Above Average Return on Capital
Process
- Internal Screens and External Sources Used to Identify Investment Candidates
- Team-Based Approach to Fundamental Research
- Valuation Assessed Relative to Historical Range, Industry Peers, Growth Rate, and the Market
Co-Portfolio Manager
Co-Portfolio Manager
Performance
| Term | QTR | YTD | 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | Since Inception1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Opportunities SMA (Gross) | -7.91 | -7.91 | 5.34 | 6.25 | 17.56 | 10.69 | 11.27 |
| Special Opportunities SMA (Net) | -8.61 | -8.61 | 2.28 | 3.16 | 14.17 | 7.48 | 8.05 |
| Russell 3000® | -4.72 | -4.72 | 7.22 | 8.22 | 18.18 | 11.80 | 8.23 |
1The composite inception date is 12.31.2000. The benchmark is the Russell 3000® 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.
Special Opportunities SMA
Materials
SMA
Insights
05.07.2025 • Charles Wittmann, CFA®
- We believe the inputs that create the ability for a company to pay dividends is of critical importance, especially if the economic environment becomes challenging. - Starting in the later part of 2024, aggregate Bloomberg estimated earnings for the S&P 500® Index began to moderate then decline. - While dividend payout ratios have improved, we would note that the rate of the market’s dividend growth has fallen almost 50%, to mid-single digits, since 2022. - We believe more tempered growth expectations and companies signaling greater caution by moderating their commitment to return cash to shareholders via dividends is our sign to remain vigilant on the fundamental sources that generate dividend growth.
04.03.2025 • Charles Wittmann, CFA®
- Economic sectors associated with value stocks, such as industrials and financials, have seen their quality measurements improve. - With slowing economic growth and persistent inflation leading to “stagflation” concerns, what type of equity investments tend to shine? - We show how quality companies that pay dividends and repurchase their shares have differentiated themselves in similar periods.
03.21.2025 • Andrew Richman, CTFA
Fed Lowers Growth Outlook But Raises Inflation Expectations
Andy Richman's update on the March Federal Open Market Committee meeting.
03.07.2025 • Charles Wittmann, CFA®
- For the past two years, investors have experienced a powerful price momentum-driven market. - Price momentum supported by earnings revisions typically have a tight relationship coming out of a recession, but 2024 was different. - We explore the recent inverse relationship between momentum and dividend payers over this month and the past year.
02.28.2025
Sterling Capital Equity Announcement
Today Sterling Capital Management LLC announced the firm has made the difficult decision to close the Mid Cap Fundamental Value investment strategy.
02.04.2025 • Charles Wittmann, CFA®
- This month, our discussions with clients involved their search for fast dividend growers in the value space. - We analyze the fastest dividend growers in the large cap value universe and ask if they are really growing their dividends or just reinstating them. - We note how we look for both dividend growth and differentiated securities that combine attractive elements of growth, yield, and risk-adjusted returns.
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