Robert Walton Simmons

Provides investment services

A team of portfolio managers oversees each product. The large-cap growth portfolio is constructed relative to the Russell 1000 Growth index. The goal for the large cap value portfolio is to outperform the Russell 1000 Value index. Stocks meeting their minimum capitalization and liquidity requirements are screened based on a proprietary methodology. Once this focus list is determined, they conduct in-house fundamental research to narrow the list to buy candidates. Stocks are selected based on either a low p/e ratio relative to projected earnings growth or on a discount to intrinsic asset value. Ark's small/mid-cap value philosophy reflects a belief that incremental returns can be achieved within the small/mid-cap universe by combining a quantitative approach with traditional fundamental analysis. Using a proprietary six factor model, the universe is further refined using a combination of historical and current data. For their Specialty Growth portfolio, Ark invests in companies along a broad range of market capitalizations that provide significant growth opportunities due to secular or cyclical changes. Their goal is to achieve substantial returns versus the market over a full market cycle through a concentrated portfolio of stocks. This process is driven by research-intensive fundamental stock selection, focused on developing themes and selecting stocks within them. Ark generally sells companies that become less attractive than other securities due to deteriorating current fundamentals or declining earnings expectations. In managing fixed-income portfolios, Ark's investment decisions integrate the expertise of a team of fixed-income specialists. The investment process begins with a top-down approach focusing on the current environment, the economy, and interest rate outlook. Their duration strategy is designed to be risk averse; they do not use market timing. A key determinant in maximizing total return for a given level of risk is proper positioning of a portfolio along the yield curve. Their positioning is based on the current shape and anticipated changes in the yield curve, and an analysis of the spot and forward yield curves. Quantitatively, they review spread relationships among the various sectors, conduct break-even analysis and project total rates of return for various scenarios. The qualitative analysis involves the evaluation of technical factors influencing the market, such as trends, imbalances and seasonal patterns.

AIG Global Investment Corp. invests globally in the public equity and fixed-income markets. They also invest in real estate and private equity. The firm's equity investment approach typically focuses on the growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap and large-cap companies. Their fixed-income investments typically include investment grade bonds, government securities, municipal bonds, corporate bonds and security-backed fixed-income securities. The firm employs a combination of top-down fundamental research and quantitative analysis to select sectors and a security selection bottom-up process. AIGG's real estate investment approach utilizes an opportunistic, value-oriented strategy. In general, AIGG tends to invest globally in the stocks of mid-cap and large-cap companies in the finance, electronic technology, energy minerals, health technology and consumer non-durables sectors. The firm maintains a medium turnover rate. AIGG's equity investment process begins with a quantitative screening of the investment universe. They categorize each stock in the universe into the following broad growth categories: exceptional growth, established stable growth, cyclical growth and mature companies. After categorizing each stock, they conduct bottom-up fundamental analysis to rank and select securities. Their fundamental analysis for all categories is based on relative valuations and fundamental progression, which may differ based on the stage of a company's lifecycle. Investment ideas are generated from internal research analysis, extensive company visits and analysis of outside research. Local portfolio managers and analysts are responsible for ranking stocks and portfolio construction. AIGG's researchers utilize an Intranet-based knowledge-sharing tool that enables them to disseminate detailed research to all equity investment professionals involved in the decision-making process. Regional/sector analysts apply specific buy and sell criteria to companies within each of the four growth categories, adapting the analytical approach and the valuation metrics to the varying growth dynamics for each group of companies. Overall, AIGG's global equity team focuses on the potential of delivering growth in earnings per share. They analyze factors that contribute to the sustainability of growth, such as barriers to entry and profitability. In the search for these characteristics, they research companies growing through innovative products and services, as well as companies growing by gaining in relevance in mature markets. AIGG's global fixed-income team believes that the most efficient (risk-adjusted) method to add value to a global fixed-income portfolio is through duration management and country allocation while maintaining currency exposure relative to the benchmark close to neutral. They apply quantitative techniques to establish duration positions and country weights, which can be adjusted using qualitative inputs. Quantitative analysis focuses on capturing market trends to generate excess returns. AIGG uses a portfolio construction process with automatic monthly rebalancing of portfolios. The analytical and quantitative formulation of market views are kept separate from portfolio construction. Once the views have been established, model portfolios are automatically created. Actual portfolios are mapped as close as possible to the appropriate model portfolio.

Functions as a College/University

Functions as a College/University

Valara Capital Management (VCM) specializes in managing US equity portfolios using value-oriented investment style. The firm employs a a rigorous and well defined investment discipline that focuses on a variety of fundamentally based factors, VCM constructs investment portfolios through the selection of significantly undervalued securities. The firm’s investment philosophy is built on the idea that mispricing will occur regularly in the equity markets for many reasons, and that by employing a consistently disciplined approach they can achieve returns in excess of the market over a full market cycle.