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Small Cap/SMID – Diversified Small Cap Core

Description

Objective

A diversified portfolio of small cap stocks, focused on identifying high-quality companies that are demonstrating improving fundamentals. The strategy’s goal is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns versus the Russell 2000 over a full market cycle.

Investment Merits

1.   Exposure to the attractive returns of the small cap asset class while minimizing the risk

Small cap stocks have a history of outperformance, but come with higher risk. DSCC aims to mitigate that risk through diversification and our stock selection process.

2. Rules-based fundamental approach adds discipline and avoids behavioral biases

Many small cap stocks trade on stories in the short run, but in the long run fundamentals win out. The DSCC strategy is rules-based to focus on what matters in small caps.

3. Focus on companies that are demonstrating improving fundamentals and financial flexibility

Small cap stocks can grow quickly, but face greater cyclical risks. DSCC is designed to identify companies with strong fundamental performance and robust defensive characteristics.

4. Core approach has performed well in a range of market environments

DSCC has historically performed well in both growth and value environments, and has provided downside protection during weaker periods for small cap stocks.

Video Introduction

Diversified Small Cap Core Strategy

Performance

Cornerstone
Gross Returns
Cornerstone
Net Returns
Russell 2000
QTD -4.10% -4.17% -5.13%
1 Year 16.22% 15.91% 8.93%
3 Year 16.76% 16.46% 7.17%
5 Year 7.80% 7.49% 2.40%
7 Year 12.04% 11.69% 6.63%
10 Year 11.22% 10.86% 6.65%
Since Inception* 13.53% 13.16% 8.88%

Annual compounding rates of return ending 9/30/2023
*Composite inception date is 6/30/2012

Cornerstone
Gross Returns
Cornerstone
Net Returns
Russell 2000  Composite
3yr St Dev
Russell 2000 
3yr St Dev
Composite assets $millions Accounts at period end Percent of firm assets Firm assets $millions Gross Composite dispersion % of bundled fees
2022 -18.41% -18.62% -20.44% 26% 26% 44.32 5 or fewer 2.601% 1,703.9 N.A.* 0.0
2021 44.80% 44.44% 14.82% 23% 23% 56.67 5 or fewer 2.933% 1,932.1 N.A.* 0.0
2020 22.37% 22.05% 19.96% 25% 25% 48.53 5 or fewer 2.650% 1,831.3 N.A.* 0.0
2019 18.75% 18.33% 25.52% 16% 16% 5.15 5 or fewer 0.224% 2,300.8 N.A.* 0.0
2018 -5.78% -6.12% -11.01% 16% 16% 4.40 5 or fewer 0.203% 2,169.9 N.A.* 0.0
2017 17.63% 17.21% 14.65% 13% 14% 4.67 5 or fewer 0.190% 2,458.6 N.A.* 0.0
2016 23.38% 22.94% 21.31% 15% 16% 2.56 5 or fewer 0.098% 2,609.7 N.A.* 0.0
2015 -1.17% -1.52% -4.41% 13% 14% 0.28 5 or fewer 0.008% 3,480.2 N.A.* 0.0
2014 4.25% 3.87% 4.89% N.R. N.R. 0.28 5 or fewer 0.003% 9,154.3 N.A.* 0.0
2013 48.81% 48.31% 38.82% N.R. N.R. 0.46 5 or fewer 0.006% 8,210.6 N.A.* 0.0
2012* 8.39% 8.21% 7.20% N.R. N.R. 0.31 5 or fewer 0.005% 5,725.4 N.A.* 0.0

*Composite inception date is 6/30/2012
N.R. – Not Required

Characteristics

September 30, 2023

The end result of the investment process is a portfolio comprised of companies with solid growth prospects trading at compelling valuation levels.

Characteristics DSCC Russell 2000
5 Yr Hst. EPS Growth(Ex-Zeros) 6.7% 19.3%
LT Est. EPS Growth—Wtd Avg 12.8% 9.5%
Price/Earnings (NTM)—Wtd HAvg 11.8x 13.3x
Price/Cash Flow—Wtd Avg 7.4x 6.7x
Net Debt to EBITDA (LTM)—Wtd Avg 0.3x 1.6x
Dividend Yield—Wtd Avg 1.5% 1.6%
Market Cap—Wtd Avg 1.9B 2.8B
Market Cap—Median 1.6B 0.8B

Sector Weights

September 30, 2023

Sector weights can be materially different from the benchmark as a result of our bottom-up investment process

Disclaimer

Diversified Small Cap contains fully discretionary accounts that are comprised of around 230-250 securities that typically have capitalizations between $250M and $3B. For comparison purposes the composite is measured against the Russell 2000 Index.  Cornerstone Investment Partners is an independent, employee owned investment advisory firm.  Results are based on fully discretionary accounts under management, including those accounts no longer with the firm. Past performance is not indicative of future results. N.A.-Information is not statistically meaningful due to an insufficient number of portfolios in the composite for an entire year. The U.S. Dollar is the currency used to express performance. Returns are presented gross and net of management fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Net of fee performance was calculated using actual management fees, a model fee based on the standard investment advisory schedule was applied to non-fee paying accounts. The Diversified Small Cap Core composite incepted and created on June 30, 2012. The annual composite dispersion is an asset-weighted standard deviation calculated for the accounts in the composite the entire year. Cornerstone Investment Partners claims compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®) and has prepared and presented this report in compliance with the GIPS standards. Cornerstone Investment Partners has been independently verified for the periods September 30, 2001 thru December 31, 2022. The verification and performance examination reports are available upon request.  A firm that claims compliance with the GIPS standards must establish policies and procedures for complying with all the applicable requirements of the GIPS standards.  Verification provides assurance on whether the firm’s policies and procedures related to composite and pooled fund maintenance, as well as the calculation, presentation, and distribution of performance, have been designed in compliance with the GIPS standards and have been implemented on a firm-wide basis.  Verification does not provide assurance on the accuracy of any specific performance report.  The firm maintains a complete list and description of composites. Policies for valuing investments, calculating performance, and preparing GIPS Reports are available upon request. Benchmark returns are not covered by the report of independent verifiers.  To receive a list of composite descriptions and/or additional information, contact Cornerstone Investment Partners at 3438 Peachtree Rd, NE; Suite 900; Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-751-3850 or marketing@cornerstone-ip.com. The general fee schedule for accounts is as follows: 1.00% on the first $10,000,000; 0.75% on the next $40,000,000 and 0.50% on the balance. Actual investment advisory fees incurred by clients may vary.  GIPS® is a registered trademark of CFA Institute.  CFA Institute does not endorse or promote this organization, nor does it warrant the accuracy or quality of the content contained herein. Due to the marketing rule that went into effect on 11/4/22, the net returns were updated to comply with this regulation.  Additional information is available upon request.