Investor Summary
Fund Strategy
FUND PERFORMANCE AS OF 31st December 2025
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 15.9% | 8.5% | 9.2% |
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.2% | 17.4% | 11.5% | -16.9% | 42.5% | 29.5% |
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 15.9% | 8.5% | 9.2% |
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.2% | 17.4% | 11.5% | -16.9% | 42.5% | 29.5% |
Merion Road Small Cap Fund returned 8.5% in Q4 2025, bringing full-year returns to 9.2% versus Russell 2000's 12.7%. Manager Aaron Sallen maintains disciplined approach with 16% cash and 48% average beta-adjusted net exposure. Key drivers included Butler National's aerospace recovery with EBITDA growing from $6.5m to $8.8m, successful Bel Fuse capital structure arbitrage reaching all-time highs, and profitable short position that fell 40% on earnings disappointment. New position in Ascent Industries represents specialty chemicals turnaround story with new management from Dow Chemical, pristine balance sheet after debt elimination, and significant operating leverage potential at 50% facility utilization. AI exposure remains at 22% through GOOG, MSFT, and AMZN, though manager feels underweight relative to Magnificent Seven's 34% S&P weighting. Merger arbitrage position in Janus Henderson closed at $49 after initial $46 proposal. Performance attribution shows risk-free rate contributed 4.0%, market exposure 4.2%, and stock selection 1.0% for the year.
Focus on undervalued small-cap opportunities with strong fundamentals, turnaround potential, and special situations while maintaining disciplined risk management through cash reserves and selective positioning
Manager expresses comfort with current positioning and does not manage to monthly or yearly performance, focusing on long-term outperformance while managing risks
| Date | Letter | Tickers | Keywords | Pitches | Quick Takes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 29 2026 | 2025 Q4 | ACNT, AMZN, BELFA, BUKS, GOOG, JHG, MSFT | aerospace, AI, arbitrage, Chemicals, Long/Short, small cap, value |
JHG BELFB ACNT |
Manager maintains 22% AI exposure through GOOG, MSFT, and AMZN, though feels this is large but remains underweight relative to the S&P 500 where Magnificent… |
| Oct 28 2025 | 2025 Q3 | AMWD, BELFA, VCTR | Corporate Governance, defense, Drones, Housing, M&A |
KTOS VCTR AMWD BELFA KTOS VCTR AMWD BELFA |
The fund gained on strong performance from defense contractor Kratos, benefiting from rising U.S. military drone demand and improved long-term visibility. Management added exposure to… |
| Jul 15 2025 | 2025 Q2 | - | Capital discipline, defense, efficiency, small caps, specialization | KTOS | The commentary emphasizes niche small-cap opportunities with exposure to defense, infrastructure, and asset-heavy businesses. Management highlights speed, cost efficiency, and specialized capabilities as competitive advantages.… |
| Apr 8 2025 | 2025 Q1 | BSET | - | - | - |
| Jan 31 2025 | 2024 Q4 | BELFA, CLH, GOOG, MCEM, UBAB, VCTR | - | - | - |
| Oct 29 2024 | 2024 Q3 | CURB, UBAB | - | - | - |
| Jul 14 2024 | 2024 Q2 | LAKE, MSA, NAPA, UBAB, VCTR | - | - | - |
| May 15 2024 | 2024 Q1 | BSET, CLH | - | - | - |
| Jan 22 2024 | 2023 Q4 | NAPA, SGA, SUM, UNTC | - | - | - |
| Oct 21 2023 | 2023 Q3 | DSGR, KLG | - | - | - |
| Jul 15 2023 | 2023 Q2 | DSGR, EDR, WWE | - | - | - |
| Apr 20 2023 | 2023 Q1 | RFIL, WCC | - | - | - |
| Jan 19 2023 | 2022 Q4 | CPRT, CRMT, FERG, GOOG, MHH, MWA, UBAB, WHG | - | - | - |
| Oct 10 2022 | 2022 Q3 | CRMT, FERG, GOOG, PTON, SIX | - | - | - |
| Jul 31 2022 | 2022 Q2 | - | - | - | - |
| Apr 30 2022 | 2022 Q1 | - | - | - | - |
| QUARTER | THEMES | TAGS |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Q4 |
AIAI has become a dominant theme across major equity indices, with Nvidia leading the S&P 500, ASML dominating MSCI EAFE, and TSMC leading emerging markets. The fund benefited from AI-related dynamics, particularly through Samsung's memory products experiencing substantial price increases due to DRAM shortages driven by AI demand. |
Semiconductors Memory DRAM Technology Nvidia |
SpaceSpace is becoming part of everyday life with satellites supporting internet, defense, navigation, and climate monitoring. SpaceX has led efforts to lower launch costs by 95%, making supply cheaper and expanding viable missions. |
Space Satellites Launch SpaceX Commercial Space | |
Specialty ChemicalsIMCD and Symrise were added as new positions in the specialty chemicals space. IMCD is a global leader in marketing and distribution of specialty chemicals with significant pricing power and demand inelasticity. Symrise leads in flavors, fragrances, and specialty ingredients with renewed focus on profitability and cash flow showing early signs of operational inflection. |
Distribution Flavors Fragrances Pricing Power Specialty Ingredients | |
| 2025 Q3 |
DefenseDefense positioning includes exposure to missiles, air defense and space through companies like Lockheed Martin, supported by large order backlogs providing strong long-term visibility amid heightened geopolitical tensions. |
Military Aerospace Geopolitical Security Infrastructure |
Housing |
||
| 2025 Q2 |
DefenseDefense positioning includes exposure to missiles, air defense and space through companies like Lockheed Martin, supported by large order backlogs providing strong long-term visibility amid heightened geopolitical tensions. |
Military Aerospace Geopolitical Security Infrastructure |
| Date | Pitch Type | Author | Ticker | Company | Industry | Sub Industry | Bull / Bear | Exchange | Keywords | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 29, 2026 | Fund Letters | Aaron Sallen | ACNT | Ascent Industries Co. | Materials | Specialty Chemicals | Bull | NASDAQ | deleveraging, Margins, operating leverage, specialty chemicals, turnaround | Login |
| Oct 28, 2025 | Fund Letters | Aaron Sallen | KTOS | Kratos Defense & Security Solutions | Industrials | Defense Technology | Bull | NASDAQ | Aerospace, Contracts, Defense, Drones, growth, Procurement, Production | Login |
| Oct 28, 2025 | Fund Letters | Aaron Sallen | VCTR | Victory Capital Holdings | Financials | Asset Management | Bull | NASDAQ | acquisition, asset management, buybacks, cashflow, Distribution, synergy, valuation | Login |
| Oct 28, 2025 | Fund Letters | Aaron Sallen | AMWD | American Woodmark | Consumer Discretionary | Building Products | Bull | NASDAQ | Housing, leadership, manufacturing, merger, synergies, tariffs, valuation | Login |
| Oct 28, 2025 | Fund Letters | Aaron Sallen | BELFA | BEL Fuse Inc. | Information Technology | Electronic Components | Bull | NASDAQ | arbitrage, electronics, Governance, management, merger, restructuring, valuation | Login |
| Oct 28, 2025 | Fund Letters | Aaron Sallen | KTOS | Kratos Defense & Security Solutions | Industrials | Defense Technology | Bull | NASDAQ | Aerospace, Contracts, Defense, Drones, growth, Procurement, Production | Login |
| Oct 28, 2025 | Fund Letters | Aaron Sallen | VCTR | Victory Capital Holdings | Financials | Asset Management | Bull | NASDAQ | acquisition, asset management, buybacks, cashflow, Distribution, synergy, valuation | Login |
| Oct 28, 2025 | Fund Letters | Aaron Sallen | AMWD | American Woodmark | Consumer Discretionary | Building Products | Bull | NASDAQ | Housing, leadership, manufacturing, merger, synergies, tariffs, valuation | Login |
| Oct 28, 2025 | Fund Letters | Aaron Sallen | BELFA | BEL Fuse Inc. | Information Technology | Electronic Components | Bull | NASDAQ | arbitrage, electronics, Governance, management, merger, restructuring, valuation | Login |
| Jul 15, 2025 | Fund Letters | Aaron Sallen | KTOS | Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. | Industrials | Aerospace & Defense | Bull | NASDAQ | Contracting, Defense, Drones, Hypersonics, innovation | Login |
| Jan 29, 2026 | Fund Letters | Aaron Sallen | JHG | Janus Henderson Group plc | Financials | Asset Management | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | asset management, Event-driven, IRR, Merger Arbitrage, Takeout | Login |
| Jan 29, 2026 | Fund Letters | Aaron Sallen | BELFB | Bel Fuse Inc. Class B | Information Technology | Electronic Components | Bull | NASDAQ | arbitrage, capital structure, Dual-Class, electronics, valuation | Login |
| TICKER | COMMENTARY |
|---|---|
| ACNT | During the quarter I built a position in Ascent Industries ("ACNT"). ACNT is a small specialty chemicals company that is transforming from an over-levered conglomerate into a pure-play with a pristine balance. In early 2024 the company revamped its management team with the election of a new CEO & CFO, two individuals who have leadership experience working at large cap chemical companies (Dow Chemical) and turnarounds (Clearon – operations improved and business sold). Since then, ACNT has sold off its tubular steel assets, thereby eliminating $70m of debt and leaving the company with almost $60m of cash. During this time management has been addressing the poor operating performance of its chemical assets. Their first focus was on stabilizing the current operations by raising price on money losing products and walking away from unprofitable business when necessary. From 2023 to the LTM period revenue shrank from $84m to $74m while gross profit improved from $6m to $17m. With that heavy lifting done, the company is turning to organic growth and M&A. Management has indicated that their facilities are currently running at just 50% utilization. In other words, they can bring the company to $150m in revenue with little capital investments. Operating leverage and a shift toward proprietary products should allow the company to grow its EBITDA margins from mid-single digits to >20%. In December, ACNT announced a new program win that is expected to generate more than $10m in annualized revenue at accretive margins. While the market is starting to give the company the benefit of some growth, significant upside remains if they hit their targets. |
| AMZN | We added to our holdings in Amazon.com Inc. |
| BELFA | Last letter I discussed the capital structure arbitrage whereby I bet on the discount of the A & B shares collapsing. In November both classes of equity sold off on their Q3 earnings release, a report that I actually viewed positively. I took that opportunity to cover our shorts thereby positioning us to make money based on both a) overall valuations recovering and b) the B discount shrinking. Since then, both classes of equity have reached all-time highs and the spread currently sits in the single digits. |
| BUKS | BUKS issued their Q2 report with EBITDA increasing from $6.5m to $8.8m. Importantly, aerospace revenue, margins, and backlog have all moved up meaningfully. The company, management, and board of directors continue to buy stock despite the higher share price. |
| GOOG | Alphabet's Q4 performance marks a significant triumph, characterized by a rare beat and raise narrative across all critical business segments. The company's recent earnings report was driven by a balanced contribution from its legacy Search and YouTube divisions, with Google Cloud emerging as the standout performer. Cloud's revenue growth reached an impressive 34%, and it boasts an extraordinary $155 billion backlog, a nearly double increase compared to the previous quarter. |
| JHG | During the quarter I acquired shares in Janus Henderson Group ("JHG") after they received a non-binding acquisition proposal by their largest shareholder to acquire the company at $46.00. With the stock trading below this initial salvo and at a relatively modest premium to its unaffected price, I viewed the risk / return profile to be attractive. I acquired shares over the next few weeks as the market continued to doubt the likelihood of an eventual transaction. A definitive agreement was reached at the end of December to sell the company at a price of $49.00 / share. I continue to own shares as the IRR to close remains attractive. |
| MSFT | OpenAI's well-documented 'circular' funding with its business partners (NVIDIA, Microsoft, among others) is additional cause for concern. |
| Ticker | Put/Call | Amount Bought | Shares Bought | % Change | Weight % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Recent Buys Data | |||||
| Ticker | Put/Call | Amount Sold | Shares Sold | % Change | Weight % | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Recent Sells Data | ||||||
| Industry | Prev Quarter % | Current Quarter % | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| No industry data available | |||