
Navigating the Market: A Quarterly Fund Review
Quarterly Performance Snapshot: Outperforming the Index
In the fourth quarter, the portfolio showcased a modest outperformance when benchmarked against the Russell Midcap\u00ae Value Index. This positive deviation reflects the effectiveness of our investment methodology, which has consistently been a focal point in our previous quarterly communications.
Key Drivers of Success: Spotlight on Top Contributors
A significant contributor to our strong performance in the consumer discretionary sector was Expedia, the prominent online travel agency. In the energy sector, NOV, a leading provider of oilfield equipment, technology, and expertise, played a crucial role. Meanwhile, in the financial sector, First Citizens, a distinguished North Carolina-based bank, emerged as a top performer.
Strategic New Additions: Expanding the Portfolio
Our most substantial new investment during this period was in Prosperity BancShares, a Houston-based institution recognized as the fifth-largest bank in Texas. Another noteworthy addition to our portfolio was Revvity, a life sciences and diagnostics firm that spun off from PerkinElmer in 2023. These strategic acquisitions underscore our commitment to identifying and investing in companies with strong growth potential across diverse industries.
