Investor Summary
Fund Strategy
FUND PERFORMANCE AS OF 31st March 2026
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 9.82% | -10.24% | -10.24% |
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 9.82% | -10.24% | -10.24% |
The Conestoga SMid Cap Composite returned -10.24% net in Q1 2026, underperforming the Russell 2500 Growth Index's -3.52% return. The quarter was marked by a growing disconnect between fundamental business performance and stock market outcomes, with many portfolio companies delivering solid operating results while facing valuation compression. Software was the primary headwind, detracting 232 basis points from relative performance as the sector experienced broad-based declines despite solid fundamentals. The manager selectively reduced software exposure while maintaining highest-conviction holdings. Positive contributors included aerospace and defense names like RBC Bearings, which benefited from robust demand and growing backlogs, and industrial companies with tangible near-term drivers. Basic Materials outperformed through holdings like Balchem Corp. The manager added UL Solutions and CACI International while selling Paylocity and SPS Commerce. Despite near-term challenges, the firm believes portfolio fundamentals remain intact and continues focusing on high-quality businesses positioned for long-term value creation.
Focus on high-quality businesses with durable growth characteristics, emphasizing companies with higher ROIC, strong balance sheets, and consistent free cash flow generation that can compound value over the long term.
Despite the recent period of underperformance, we believe the underlying fundamentals of our holdings remain intact, and we continue to focus on owning high-quality businesses with durable growth characteristics that we believe are well-positioned to compound value over the long term.
| Date | Letter | Tickers | Keywords | Pitches | Quick Takes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 21 2026 | 2026 Q1 | BCPC, CACI, CWST, PCTY, QTWO, RBC, RGEN, ROAD, SPSC, STVN, TYL, ULS, WSO | aerospace, energy, industrials, Quality, small cap, software, technology | - | Conestoga SMid Cap underperformed in Q1 2026 as software valuations compressed despite solid fundamentals. Aerospace and defense holdings like RBC Bearings drove positive performance through strong demand and growing backlogs. The manager reduced software exposure while adding quality names like UL Solutions. Portfolio fundamentals remain strong despite market disconnect between business performance and stock prices. |
| Jan 18 2026 | 2025 Q4 | AAON, AZTA, BCPC, BLFS, BMI, BSY, BWMN, COCO, CPRT, CSGP, CSW, CWAN, CWST, CYX, DGII, DSGX, ELVA, ESE, FSV, GNRC, GWRE, HEI.A, IDXX, IIIV, IRMD, IT, JKHY, KRMN, LMAT, MAMA, MEG, MLAB, MMSI, NGEN, NOVT, ODD, OLO, PHR, PL, PLMR, POOL, QTWO, RBC, RGEN, ROAD, ROL, ROP, SPSC, SSTI, STVN, TKNO, TREX, TRNS, TYL, UTI, VCEL, VEEV, VERX, VRSK, WCN, WLDN, WSO, WST | Biotechnology, defense, growth, industrials, Quality, small caps, technology |
RGEN RBC JKHY CSW CWAN FSV POOL TREX STVN ROAD AAON KRMN GNRC |
Conestoga's SMid Cap strategy underperformed in Q4 as biotech stocks surged while the firm maintained underweight positioning. Despite challenging 2025 performance, the outlook appears bright with Small Caps projected for 32% earnings growth in 2026 versus 13% for Large Caps, trading at attractive valuations, and benefiting from supportive policy tailwinds that could drive sustained outperformance. |
| Oct 13 2025 | 2025 Q3 | AAON, BCPC, CSWI, CWST, DSGX.TO, ESE, EXPO, FSV, HLIO, HLMN, MIR, MRCY, NOVT, QTWO, RBC, ROAD, SLP, SPSC, STVN, VERX | defense, growth, industrials, Quality, small caps, software, technology | - | Conestoga's high-quality small cap growth strategy faced significant headwinds in Q3 as extreme low-quality factor outperformance drove market leadership. Unprofitable and high-beta stocks dramatically outperformed, creating challenging conditions for the firm's disciplined approach focused on profitable companies. While frustrated with near-term performance, management remains confident that speculative rallies eventually give way to more durable fundamental drivers. |
| Jul 22 2025 | 2025 Q2 | AAON, AGYS, BFAM, CWAN, CWST, DGII, DSGX, ESE, EXPO, FSS, FSV, JBTM, MLAB, MMSI, NEOG, NOVT, RBC, ROAD, SLP, STVN | growth, industrials, infrastructure, Quality, small cap, tariffs, technology |
ROAD AXON GWRE RBC |
Conestoga's Small Cap Growth strategy underperformed in 2Q25 as high-quality, profitable companies lagged during a period of narrow leadership favoring unprofitable, high-beta stocks. Tariff policy volatility impacted several holdings, while infrastructure spending benefited Construction Partners. Management maintains conviction in their quality approach given attractive small cap valuations and emerging earnings growth. |
| May 1 2025 | 2025 Q1 | AAON, ALTR, AZTA, CWST, DSGX, ESE, GGG, HEI.A, JKHY, MMM, MMSI, NEOG, PAYX, PYCR, RBC, ROAD, SPSC, TRNS, VERX, WSO | industrials, Outperformance, Quality, SMID Cap, tariffs, technology | - | Conestoga's SMid Cap strategy significantly outperformed during Q1's market selloff, declining 5.73% versus benchmark's 10.80% drop. High-quality factor leadership drove outperformance as profitable companies with strong margins outpaced high-beta peers. Strong stock selection in Industrials and Technology, combined with domestic revenue exposure positioning for tariff environment, supported relative performance despite broad market weakness. |
| Dec 31 2024 | 2024 Q4 | AAPL, AMZN, EXPO, FOXF, GOOG, JBT, META, MSFT, MSTR, NVDA, PRO, ROAD, SITE, SLP, SMCI, SPSC, SSD, TRNS, TSLA, VCEL | AI, infrastructure, small cap, SMID Cap, software, valuation | - | Conestoga's SMid Cap strategy underperformed in Q4 due to AI-driven speculation favoring high-beta names the firm avoids. Despite challenges, the team maintains conviction in small cap positioning based on compelling valuation gaps versus large caps. Historical analysis shows 96% probability of small cap outperformance when current valuation disparities exist. |
| Oct 23 2024 | 2024 Q3 | ALTR, AXON, BFAM, CGNX, CWST, DSGX, EXPO, FIVN, FSV, GWRE, MSA, POOL, QTWO, ROAD, ROL, SITE, TREX, TYL, WSO, WST | growth, industrials, infrastructure, software, technology | - | Conestoga SMid Cap outperformed with 12.94% returns driven by strong software stock selection and infrastructure spending beneficiaries. Technology holdings like Guidewire and Tyler Technologies beat expectations on cloud transitions while Construction Partners gained from infrastructure demand. The strategy avoided Energy weakness and positioned for small-cap outperformance given attractive valuations versus large caps. |
| Jun 30 2024 | 2024 Q2 | CWST, DH, DSGX, EXPO, FICO, FSV, GWRE, HEI.A, POOL, RBC, RGEN, ROAD, ROL, SITE, SPXC, STVN, TREX, TYL, WSO | consumer discretionary, growth, healthcare, small caps, software, technology | - | Conestoga's SMid Cap strategy underperformed slightly in Q2 as Health Care and Consumer Discretionary holdings faced sector-specific headwinds while Technology software names outperformed. The manager remains confident in their high-quality portfolio positioning despite ongoing small cap underperformance versus large caps, adding infrastructure equipment exposure while exiting poorly executing healthcare software. |
| Apr 15 2024 | 2024 Q1 | AXON, BFAM, CWST, DSGX, EXPO, FIVN, FSV, MRCY, NEOG, NOVT, PYCR, QTWO, RGEN, ROAD, ROL, SPSC, TFX, TREX, WK, WSO | growth, industrials, infrastructure, mid cap, small cap, software, technology, Waste management | - | SMid Cap Composite underperformed due to missing AI beneficiaries Super Micro Computer and MicroStrategy. Software holdings struggled with elongating deal cycles and weak capital markets activity. Infrastructure plays like Construction Partners excelled from sustained IIJA demand. Waste management companies delivered consistent performance with strong pricing power. Portfolio actively managed with twelve additions and five trims. |
| Dec 31 2023 | 2023 Q4 | ALTR, CCCS, CWST, DSGX, EXPO, FICO, FSV, IT, JBT, MSA, MTN, PYCR, RBC, ROAD, ROL, SITE, SPSC, SSD, STVN, TREX, WSO, WST | growth, healthcare, industrials, Quality, small cap, technology | - | Conestoga SMid Cap outperformed in Q4 with 13.26% returns, driven by strong Technology sector selection and avoiding Energy weakness. Full-year performance of 26.61% significantly beat the benchmark. The strategy added two defensive positions while maintaining focus on quality companies with competitive advantages and sustainable earnings growth despite market valuation concerns. |
| Sep 30 2023 | 2023 Q3 | CSWI, CWAN, CWST, DSGX, EXPO, FICO, FSV, GGG, GWRE, MMSI, NOVT, OMCL, POOL, RGEN, ROAD, ROL, SPSC, WSO | growth, healthcare, infrastructure, Quality, small cap, technology |
CSWI OMCL AD8 AU|ARB AU|BAP AU|CAT AU|DHG AU|PME AU|PNI AU|RDX AU|TNE AU NSTG |
Conestoga's SMid Cap strategy slightly outperformed in Q3 despite market headwinds, driven by quality positioning in profitable, lower-debt companies. Infrastructure spending and software transitions provided key performance drivers while Chinese exposure created headwinds. The firm maintains conviction in an emerging small cap cycle supported by attractive relative valuations. |
| Jun 30 2023 | 2023 Q2 | AAPL, AXON, BFAM, CWAN, CWST, DSGX, EXPO, FICO, GGG, GWRE, MRCY, MSFT, PYCR, RBC, RGEN, ROL, SITE, SPSC, TREX, WSO | consumer discretionary, growth, industrials, SMID Cap, technology, Utilities | - | Conestoga's SMid Cap strategy outperformed in Q2 2023 with 8.52% returns, driven by strong stock selection in Consumer Discretionary and Utilities. E-commerce digitization benefited SPS Commerce while Casella Waste expanded through acquisitions. Technology faced freight market headwinds. Avoiding troubled Financials and Energy sectors while overweighting Industrials supported relative performance. |
| May 23 2023 | 2023 Q1 | ALTR, AXON, CWAN, CWST, DSGX, EVI, EXPO, FICO, FSV, JKHY, LSPD, NOVT, PLOW, RBC, RGEN, ROL, SPSC, TECH, WSO, WST | Banking, growth, healthcare, Quality, small cap, software, technology | - | Conestoga SMid Cap outperformed in Q1 2023 with 10.01% returns, benefiting from rotation into quality growth stocks after 2022's underperformance. Strong stock selection in Healthcare and Industrials, plus underweights to troubled Energy and Financials sectors drove results. Banking sector instability reinforces the firm's focus on companies with strong balance sheets and sustainable cash flows. |
| QUARTER | THEMES | TAGS |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Q1 |
SoftwareSoftware stocks experienced broad-based declines driven by valuation compression and reduced investor appetite for future-oriented earnings streams. More than 80% of software stocks in the Index underperformed despite solid operating results. The manager selectively reduced their overweight to software, trimming or eliminating positions where valuation support had weakened while maintaining exposure to highest-conviction holdings. |
SaaS Enterprise Software Valuation Growth Technology |
AerospaceAerospace and defense showed continued strength with robust demand and increasingly visible backlog growth. Companies benefited from mix shift toward higher-value programs supporting both growth and profitability. The sector demonstrated resilience with long-cycle exposure and consistent execution in an otherwise mixed industrial backdrop. |
Defense Aerospace Components Backlog Defense Spending | |
EnergyEnergy was the strongest performing sector in the quarter, driven by rising geopolitical tensions including escalation of conflict involving Iran, which contributed to higher oil prices. The manager's lack of exposure to the energy space detracted from relative performance as energy stocks delivered strong returns. |
Oil Geopolitical Energy Transition Commodities | |
AIAI-driven trends showed mixed impacts across the portfolio. While some companies like UL Solutions benefited from AI-driven demand for testing and certification services, software companies faced pressure from concerns about AI-driven disruption compressing traditional software moats and long-term growth expectations. |
AI Technology Disruption Infrastructure | |
QualityThe manager continues to focus on owning high-quality businesses with durable growth characteristics, emphasizing companies with higher ROIC, strong balance sheets, and consistent free cash flow. Profitability and quality factors held up relatively well during the quarter, with profitable companies generally outperforming unprofitable businesses. |
Quality ROIC Cash Flow Profitability | |
| 2025 Q4 |
Small CapsSmall Caps achieved nearly 9% earnings growth in 2025 and are projected to grow by an additional 32% in 2026, contrasting with 13% growth expected for Large Caps. Small Caps are trading at a nearly 25% discount to Large Caps. Given anticipated economic growth tailwinds from pro-growth and deregulatory government policies, there is a compelling case for Small Caps to outperform Large Caps for the first time since 2020. |
Small Caps Earnings Growth Valuation Discount |
QualityThe market experienced extreme leadership concentrated in historically narrow segments, with low-quality, high-beta, speculative stocks dominating returns. Historically, new Small Cap bull markets start with low-quality leadership in the first six months, followed by high-quality stocks gradually closing the gap and reclaiming leadership. From mid-October to year-end, profitable stocks outperformed unprofitable counterparts by over 5%. |
Quality Profitable Stocks Market Leadership | |
BiotechnologySmall Cap Biotech/Pharmaceutical stocks emerged as significant outperformers in the fourth quarter, representing 132% of the Russell 2000 Growth Index's total returns in Q4 alone, after comprising just 11% through the third quarter. The portfolio had minimal exposure to this sector, which created a headwind for relative performance. |
Biotechnology Pharmaceuticals Sector Rotation | |
Trade PolicyThe White House announced a comprehensive new tariff strategy in February, causing stock prices to plummet by over 20% in weeks. By early April, potential modifications to tariff policies that could mitigate their impact led to a dramatic turnaround, with the Russell 2000 Growth Index surging nearly 50% over the next six months. |
Tariffs Trade Policy Market Volatility | |
Credit StressConcerns about credit quality in the private credit and regional banking sectors emerged in the fourth quarter, underscored by the bankruptcy filing of auto parts supplier First Brands and allegations of fraud at subprime auto lender Tricolor. This led to a 10% correction in the Russell 2000 Growth Index from mid-October to mid-November. |
Credit Quality Regional Banking Private Credit | |
| 2025 Q3 |
Small CapsSmall cap stocks reached new all-time highs in Q3, with the Russell 2000 rising 12% and significantly outperforming the S&P 500. The rally has been characterized by historically narrow leadership, with the top 20 performing stocks representing 78% of the Russell 2000 Growth Index's gains year-to-date. This extreme concentration exceeds even the COVID rally period when the top 20 stocks made up just 39% of returns. |
Russell 2000 Outperformance Leadership Concentration |
QualityThe current market environment has been challenging for Conestoga's high-quality conservative growth approach, which focuses on profitable companies with sustainable earnings growth. Low-quality factor outperformance has been extreme, with unprofitable stocks outperforming profitable peers by over 1600 basis points in Q3. The firm's investment discipline actively steers away from high beta characteristics that have led the rally. |
Profitable Beta Discipline Conservative | |
DefenseMercury Systems benefited from optimism around defense spending, strong order momentum, and easing supply chain pressures that improved delivery and margins. Investor sentiment improved with expectations of accelerating growth in secure, mission-critical defense electronics, making it a top performer in the portfolio. |
Defense Spending Electronics Supply Chain | |
| 2025 Q2 |
Infrastructure SpendingFederal infrastructure investment is driving robust demand in road maintenance and construction markets. Construction Partners has been a leader in seven of the past nine quarters due to this infrastructure spending. The company reported solid fiscal 2Q results with organic revenue increases and record backlog figures. |
Infrastructure Construction Federal Roads Backlog |
Trade PolicyTariff policies created significant market volatility during the quarter, with Liberation Day announcements causing initial declines followed by sharp rebounds when implementation was delayed. Multiple portfolio companies including Merit Medical, Descartes Systems, and Hillman Solutions were impacted by tariff concerns affecting their Chinese operations and supply chains. |
Tariffs China Trade Liberation Day Supply Chain | |
QualityThe portfolio emphasizes profitable companies with conservative growth characteristics, which proved challenging during periods when unprofitable, high-beta stocks outperformed. Loss-making stocks in the Russell 2000 rose 13.1% while profitable companies rose only 6.8%, creating headwinds for the high-quality growth strategy. |
Profitable Conservative High Quality Beta Growth | |
| 2025 Q1 |
QualityThe portfolio benefited from high-quality factor leadership as profitable companies with strong ROIC and EBITDA margins declined less than high beta, non-earning counterparts during the market selloff. Conestoga's emphasis on higher-quality, conservative growth companies was a key contributor to outperformance. |
ROIC EBITDA Profitability Conservative Growth Downside Protection |
TariffsThe firm analyzed tariff exposure across portfolio companies and believes their domestic orientation positions them well. Small cap revenue is predominantly US-sourced (~75%) versus international (~25%), and companies are expected to benefit from reshoring trends while managing challenges through pricing power. |
Trade Policy Domestic Reshoring Supply Chain Pricing Power | |
IndustrialsStrong stock selection in Industrials with thirteen of nineteen positions adding value. Notable performers included HEICO Corp benefiting from aerospace demand and Watsco with strong e-commerce growth. The sector showed broad-based outperformance during the quarter. |
Aerospace HVAC Manufacturing Infrastructure Defense | |
| 2024 Q4 |
AIEnthusiasm for all things related to Artificial Intelligence created what the firm believes to be a more speculative investing environment, which proved challenging for Conestoga's investment strategies. The lack of exposure to computer hardware industry, which surged over 100% in the Russell 2000 Growth Index on enthusiasm surrounding demand for AI-related hardware, was a key source of underperformance. |
Artificial Intelligence Computer Hardware Speculation |
Small CapsConestoga believes small cap stocks are better positioned headed into 2025, an outlook they have maintained since early 2023. Large caps outperformance of small caps over the past 14 years has caused price-earnings ratios for large caps to rise well above those of small caps. A valuation gap as large as the one that existed in November 2024 has historically been followed by periods of small cap outperformance over the subsequent five years in 96% of all periods since 1968. |
Valuation Gap Outperformance Historical Patterns | |
Infrastructure SpendingConstruction Partners has been a leader in six of the past seven quarters, driven by robust demand in the road maintenance and infrastructure market, partially driven by the infrastructure investment made by the Federal government. The company made a platform acquisition in Texas that boosted revenue by $530 million at a margin of over 22%. |
Federal Investment Road Maintenance Construction | |
SoftwareThe firm emphasizes the software industry for its higher levels of profitability and recurring revenue. Several software positions including Q2 Holdings, Workiva, and Descartes Systems Group were among top performers, with companies showing strong subscription revenue growth and margin expansion. |
SaaS Recurring Revenue Subscription Growth | |
| 2024 Q3 |
Infrastructure SpendingThe infrastructure spending in the United States has benefited companies like Construction Partners in two ways: the level of demand and funding available, and supply tightness in hot mixed asphalt plants leading to better pricing and expanding margins. |
Infrastructure Construction Asphalt Pricing Margins |
SoftwareSoftware companies were key contributors with Guidewire, Q2 Holdings, and Tyler Technologies reporting better-than-expected results. These companies have become key suppliers to their respective industries and benefited from transitioning to cloud-based SaaS models. |
SaaS Cloud Digital Banking Insurance | |
CybersecurityFortinet reported significant beats on billings and accelerating bookings growth, indicating the firewall product cycle may have turned positive. The company maintains a healthy outlook for highly profitable growth. |
Firewalls Network Security Bookings Growth | |
| 2024 Q2 |
SoftwareSoftware industry holdings outperformed despite perceived shift in spending to AI-related hardware. Tyler Technologies reported strong results with recurring revenues now at 84% of revenue. Guidewire Software showed acceleration in subscription software growth to 35%. |
SaaS Enterprise Software Subscription Recurring Revenue Municipal Software |
HealthcareHealth Care sector faced challenges with Stevanato Group reducing guidance due to destocking in vials and delays from large customers. Repligen reported revenue beats but EBITDA misses as bioprocessing market slowly recovers. |
Biotechnology Life Science Tools Bioprocessing Drug Delivery | |
Home ImprovementConsumer discretionary names tied to residential repair and remodel spending faced headwinds. SiteOne Landscape Supply and Pool Corp both cited weaker discretionary spending in renovation and new construction segments. |
Building Materials Retail Home Improvement Residential Construction Landscaping | |
| 2024 Q1 |
Infrastructure SpendingThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is creating significant demand for construction, repair, and maintenance of America's surface infrastructure. Construction Partners has benefited with 13 consecutive quarters of backlog growth as strong demand offsets seasonal weakness. |
Infrastructure Construction IIJA Backlog Surface |
Waste ManagementWaste management companies performed well given the consistency of their business models, with favorable price vs. cost dynamics, improved labor, and solid volumes. Casella Waste Systems is uniquely positioned with excess landfill capacity in a capacity constrained region. |
Waste Landfill Pricing Volumes Northeast | |
SoftwareSoftware holdings faced challenges with elongating deal cycles and lack of capital markets activity. Companies like Paycor HCM, SPS Commerce, and Five9 underperformed as quarterly results and forward guidance lagged expectations, while Q2 Holdings delivered better-than-expected results. |
SaaS Deal Cycles Capital Markets Banking Software Contact Center | |
| 2023 Q4 |
Infrastructure SpendingThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is creating significant demand for maintenance and capacity increase related road projects, which benefits companies like Construction Partners in the Southeast United States. This has led to strong backlog growth for 12 consecutive quarters. |
Infrastructure Roads Construction Government |
QualityConestoga focuses on higher quality companies with durable competitive advantages, strong business models, and capable management teams. The portfolio faced stylistic headwinds when low-quality, unprofitable businesses outperformed during the quarter. |
Quality Competitive Advantages Business Models Profitability | |
Small CapsThe relative valuations of small caps to large caps continues to sit near multi-decade lows. Conestoga remains positive on long-term expectations for the relative performance of small caps over large caps, despite large cap outperformance in 2023. |
Small Cap Valuations Relative Performance Market Cap | |
| 2023 Q3 |
QualityConestoga emphasizes higher-quality companies with positive earnings, higher margins, higher returns on equity, and lower debt levels. This quality focus positioned their strategies for outperformance in an environment facing higher interest rates and potential recession. |
Profitability Margins Debt Returns |
Small CapsThe firm maintains expectations for a new small cap cycle after twelve years of underperformance relative to large caps. They note that small cap valuations relative to large caps have become more appealing despite recent underperformance. |
Valuation Cycle Outperformance | |
Infrastructure SpendingThe 2021 Federal infrastructure bill is driving increased project requests for proposals, helping companies like Construction Partners achieve record backlogs. This infrastructure spending theme is providing growth opportunities for portfolio companies. |
Federal Projects Backlog | |
| 2023 Q2 |
E-commerceSPS Commerce benefits from secular growth in the digitization of ecommerce and maintains a steady, durable business model that has remained resilient in a slower macroeconomic environment. The company highlights that historically they have only seen about a 1% drag on revenue growth from macro slowdowns. |
Supply Chain Digitization Software Resilience |
Waste ManagementCasella Waste Systems has positioned itself for long-term revenue and earnings growth through its competitive advantages in the Northeast U.S. The company raised additional capital through a secondary offering to support acquisitions in adjacent markets. |
Utilities Growth Acquisitions Regional | |
ConstructionTrex Company reported solid results with better margins and guidance above street expectations. The stock rallied given solid results, normalization of inventory in the channel, and introduction of several exciting new products in the composite decking market. |
Building Materials Residential Inventory Products | |
HVACWatsco is the nation's largest distributor of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment with 80% of revenue tied to the Sun Belt region. Coming off two years of strong volumes and record pricing, gross profit margin gains are proving durable. |
Distribution Sun Belt Pricing Margins | |
| 2023 Q1 |
QualityThe strategy benefited from a market rotation into quality-growth companies with higher multiples, particularly within software, which had underperformed cheaper stocks throughout much of 2022 because of the sharp rise in interest rates. Companies with stronger balance sheets, positive cash flows, and more sustainable growth rates may be preferred given banking sector pressures. |
Growth Software Balance Sheets Cash Flow Sustainable Growth |
Medical DevicesStrong performance from medical supplies industry holdings including West Pharmaceuticals, Stevanato Group, and Neogen Corp. West Pharmaceuticals was a major contributor after beating revenue expectations and putting to rest fears about COVID revenue declines hampering near-term results. |
Medical Supplies Packaging Drug Delivery COVID Recovery | |
TechnologyTechnology sector benefited from rotation back to growth stocks after underperforming in 2022. Software companies like Altair Engineering showed resilience to macroeconomic pressure with accelerating revenue growth. The overweight to Technology added over 100 basis points to relative performance. |
Software Growth Rotation AI Data Analytics Cloud Solutions |
| Date | Pitch Type | Author | Ticker | Company | Industry | Sub Industry | Bull / Bear | Exchange | Keywords | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | GNRC | Generac Holdings, Inc. | Industrials | Electrical Equipment | Bear | New York Stock Exchange | Cyclicality, Energyresilience, Housing, Margins, Powergeneration | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | RGEN | Repligen Corp. | Health Care | Life Sciences Tools & Services | Bull | NASDAQ | biologics, Bioprocessing, Consumables, Destocking, operating leverage | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | RBC | RBC Bearings, Inc. | Industrials | Aerospace & Defense | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | Aerospace, Defense, Freecashflow, Margins, operating leverage | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | JKHY | Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. | Information Technology | Application Software | Bull | NASDAQ | Corebanking, financial software, Modernization, Recurringrevenue, stability | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | CSW | CSW Industrials, Inc. | Industrials | Industrial Machinery | Bull | NASDAQ | Acquisitions, aftermarket, capital allocation, HVAC, Industrials | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | CWAN | Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. | Information Technology | Application Software | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | acquisition, analytics, recurring revenue, Software, switching costs | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | FSV | FirstService Corp. | Real Estate | Real Estate Services | Bear | NASDAQ | Margins, organic growth, Property-services, recurring revenue | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | POOL | Pool Corp. | Industrials | Trading Companies & Distributors | Bear | NASDAQ | cashflow, Discretionary, Distribution, housing cycle, Pricing pressure | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | TREX | Trex Co., Inc. | Industrials | Building Products | Bear | New York Stock Exchange | Building Products, Competition, Cyclicality, Housing, Margins | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | STVN | Stevanato Group SpA | Health Care | Health Care Supplies | Bear | New York Stock Exchange | execution risk, Glp1, Injectables, Margins, pharmaceuticals | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | ROAD | Construction Partners, Inc. | Industrials | Construction & Engineering | Bear | NASDAQ | backlog, Execution, infrastructure, Margins | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | AAON | AAON, Inc. | Industrials | Building Products | Bear | NASDAQ | datacenters, Executionrisk, HVAC, Industrials, Margins | Login |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | KRMN | Karman Holdings, Inc. | Industrials | Aerospace & Defense | Bull | - | Aerospace, Defense, growth, Ip, Solesource | Login |
| Jul 22, 2025 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | RBC | RBC Bearings, Inc. | Consumer Discretionary | Industrial Machinery | Bull | NYSE | Aerospace, Bearings, Industrial, Margins, Quality | Login |
| Jul 22, 2025 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | ROAD | Construction Partners, Inc. | Industrials | Construction & Engineering | Bull | NASDAQ | backlog, construction, Funding, infrastructure, Margins | Login |
| Jul 22, 2025 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | AXON | Axon Enterprise, Inc. | Industrials | Aerospace & Defense | Bull | NASDAQ | AI, Automation, growth, Publicsafety, Software | Login |
| Jul 22, 2025 | Fund Letters | Bob Mitchell | GWRE | Guidewire Software, Inc. | Information Technology | Systems Software | Bull | NYSE | Bookings, cloud, Insurance, Margins, SaaS | Login |
| Sep 30, 2023 | Fund Letters | Conestoga SMid Cap Composite | OMCL | Omnicell, Inc. | Health Care | Health Care Technology | Bear | NASDAQ | business transformation, Healthcare Technology, Hospital Spending, Medication Management, recurring revenue, Software Transition | Login |
| Sep 30, 2023 | Fund Letters | Conestoga SMid Cap Composite | AD8 AU|ARB AU|BAP AU|CAT AU|DHG AU|PME AU|PNI AU|RDX AU|TNE AU | Definitive Healthcare Corp. | Technology | Application Software | Bull | NASDAQ | Artificial Intelligence, Commercial Intelligence, Data Analytics, healthcare software, Healthcare Technology, SaaS | Login |
| Sep 30, 2023 | Fund Letters | Conestoga SMid Cap Composite | NSTG | Nanostring Technologies, Inc. | Health Care | Life Sciences Tools & Services | Bear | NASDAQ | convertible debt, Life Sciences Tools, Patent Litigation, profitability challenges, Single-Cell, Spatial Biology | Login |
| Sep 30, 2023 | Fund Letters | Conestoga SMid Cap Composite | CSWI | CSW Industries, Inc. | Industrials | Industrial Machinery | Bull | NASDAQ | defensive, Earnings Compounder, HVAC, Industrial, M&A, Maintenance, Niche markets, Repair | Login |
| TICKER | COMMENTARY |
|---|---|
| RBC | RBC produces highly engineered bearings and components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. Performance was driven by continued strength in aerospace and defense, where demand remains robust and increasingly visible through a growing backlog. The mix shift toward higher-value programs supported both growth and profitability, with aerospace and defense revenue increasing over 40% in the quarter. |
| BCPC | BCPC provides specialty ingredients and nutrition solutions across food, pharma, and animal health markets. The quarter highlighted the durability of the model, with steady growth across segments and continued alignment with better-for-you consumer trends. Earnings growth remained consistent, with net income increasing nearly 17%, reflecting both pricing and favorable mix. |
| WSO | WSO is a leading distributor of HVAC equipment and parts in North America. Shares outperformed despite a challenging demand environment, as investors focused on margin resilience, strong cash flow, and a more normal demand environment in 2026. The HVAC industry went through a significant refrigerant transition in 2025 which resulted in a destocking phenomenon in 2026. |
| ULS | ULS provides testing, inspection, certification, and software solutions across a wide range of industries. The stock moved higher as results demonstrated strong underlying growth and meaningful margin expansion. Revenue increased in the quarter, while adjusted EBITDA margins expanded 460 basis points, reflecting operating leverage and productivity improvements. |
| ROAD | ROAD is a vertically integrated infrastructure construction company focused on roadway projects across the Sunbelt. Shares outperformed following a strong start to fiscal 2026, driven by both robust organic growth and acquisition contributions. Revenue increased 44% year-over-year while adjusted EBITDA grew 63%, reflecting strong execution and operating leverage. |
| RGEN | RGEN develops bioprocessing technologies used in the production of biologic drugs. Despite a solid quarter, the stock underperformed as investors focused on a more measured outlook and lingering concerns around end-market demand. While the company delivered 14% organic growth, guidance for 2026 called for a more moderate growth range and incorporated headwinds in gene therapy. |
| CWST | CWST provides solid waste collection, recycling, and resource management services. The stock underperformed as investors are growing impatient with the company's margin trajectory. While Casella closed the year on a high note with 60 basis points of improvement in EBITDA margin, including 100 bps organic, the company guided to just 0-40 basis points in FY26. |
| QTWO | QTWO provides digital banking and fintech solutions to financial institutions. Despite solid execution, the stock lagged as investors focused on a deceleration in growth and a more moderate outlook. While profitability and margins improved meaningfully, revenue guidance of roughly 10% growth for 2026 suggested a more normalized growth trajectory. |
| TYL | TYL provides software solutions to state and local governments. Shares underperformed not because of a clear fundamental break, but due to a lack of incremental positive surprise in a higher-expectations environment. The earnings release itself contained limited new financial detail, reinforcing a perception of steady but unspectacular execution. |
| STVN | STVN provides drug containment and delivery solutions to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The stock struggled as investors weighed solid results against a mixed underlying business mix and moderating growth profile. While margins improved and high-value solutions continued to scale, overall revenue growth remained relatively modest at 5% in the quarter. |
| CACI | CACI provides information solutions and services to the U.S. government, primarily in defense and intelligence. The company continues to benefit from strong demand for mission-critical technology and services, supported by a robust backlog and favorable budget environment. |
| PCTY | PCTY provides cloud-based human capital management and payroll software. We sold the position as growth has moderated and competitive dynamics within the HCM space have intensified. While the company continues to generate solid results, we believe the risk-reward has become less attractive given a more mature growth profile and increasing competition. |
| SPSC | SPSC provides cloud-based supply chain management software that standardizes data exchange between retailers and suppliers. Despite a beat on Q4 2025 earnings, management issued a softer 2026 outlook, projecting revenue growth to decelerate to 7% – a notable step down from its historical mid-teens trajectory. |
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