Investor Summary
Fund Strategy
FUND PERFORMANCE AS OF 31st March 2026
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | -2% | -2% |
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | -2% | -2% |
Schafer Cullen's Small Cap Value strategy returned -2.0% net in Q1 2026, underperforming the Russell 2000 Value's 5.0% gain amid a volatile quarter shaped by geopolitical tensions and macro uncertainty. The Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure drove oil price spikes, while AI disintermediation concerns pressured software stocks. Rising rates continued weighing on rate-sensitive sectors including housing, real estate, and regional banks where the portfolio maintains exposure based on long-term recovery potential. Consumer Discretionary was the largest contributor led by Under Armour, Marriott Vacations, and Crocs, while Financials was the largest detractor due to mortgage-related holdings. The manager added Barrett Business Services, Belden, and Fortune Brands Innovations while selling Crocs, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, and Under Armour. Despite near-term headwinds favoring speculative segments, the team remains focused on quality businesses with strong balance sheets and attractive valuations, expecting fundamentals to reassert themselves as conditions normalize. The portfolio trades at 10.6x forward earnings versus 15.1x for the benchmark.
Focus on high-quality small-cap value businesses with strong balance sheets, sustainable earnings power, and attractive valuations, positioned to benefit as market conditions normalize and fundamentals reassert themselves despite near-term macro headwinds.
Outlook for small-cap equities remains constructive though near-term uncertainty has increased due to geopolitical tensions and elevated interest rates. Manager expects these dynamics to be cyclical rather than structural. Anticipates meaningful improvement in earnings growth over 2026 with small-cap companies positioned to benefit from operating leverage. Valuations continue to support the case for small-cap equities despite recent outperformance.
| Date | Letter | Tickers | Keywords | Pitches | Quick Takes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30 2026 | 2026 Q1 | AVNT, BBSI, BDC, CROX, DOUG, FBIN, GLDD, HIW, HUN, LDI, NMRK, PFSI, POR, TREE, UA, VAC | energy, Geopolitical, Quality, rates, real estate, small caps, value |
BBSI BDC FBIN |
Small-cap value manager underperformed in volatile Q1 2026 as geopolitical tensions and rate pressures weighed on quality-focused approach. Portfolio suffered in rate-sensitive financials and real estate while benefiting from consumer discretionary strength. Manager maintains conviction in high-quality businesses with strong balance sheets trading at attractive 10.6x forward P/E, expecting fundamentals to drive performance as conditions normalize. |
| Feb 17 2026 | 2025 Q4 | CTRA, CUZ, DOUG, EFSC, HIW, HP, JBSS, LDI, NMRK, POR, SSB, TREE | earnings, energy, financials, rates, small caps, Utilities, value | JBSS | Small-cap value manager underperformed in Q4 but sees compelling 2026 setup. Fed easing benefits rate-sensitive small caps while earnings growth expected to accelerate and exceed large caps. Small caps trade at 30% discount to large caps near historical lows. Portfolio valued at attractive 12.2x forward earnings creates favorable risk-reward for disciplined value investing. |
| Nov 8 2025 | 2025 Q3 | AVNT, CROX, ECVT, HUN, KWR, STR, UA, UIS, VAC | financials, Mortgage, rates, real estate, Regional Banks, small caps, value | - | Small-cap value delivered exceptional Q3 returns of 14.2% as Fed rate cuts and improving credit conditions drove broad-based outperformance. Mortgage financials and regional banks led gains while small caps trade at multi-decade discounts to large caps. Earnings projected to expand at twice the pace of large caps, positioning strategy for continued outperformance as market leadership broadens. |
| Aug 27 2025 | 2025 Q2 | AMZN, DENN, DOUG, GLDD, GOOGL, HIW, HP, META, MSFT, NMRK, NVDA, TEX, TREE | AI, Fed policy, real estate, small caps, tariffs, Trade Policy, value |
NMRK NMRK |
Small-cap value is emerging from an earnings recession with improving fundamentals and attractive valuations. Despite Q2 underperformance, favorable macro conditions including potential Fed cuts, dollar weakness, and normalized credit spreads position small caps for outperformance. The strategy's focus on quality names trading at 9.8x forward earnings versus 13.7x benchmark creates compelling opportunities as fundamentals reassert influence. |
| Mar 31 2025 | 2025 Q1 | CTRA, DOUG, GLDD, POR, TEX | AI, energy, real estate, small caps, tariffs, value | - | Small-cap value faces near-term headwinds from tariffs and economic uncertainty but presents compelling opportunity with relative valuations at multi-decade lows. Potential catalysts include Fed rate cuts, M&A activity, and historical post-bear rebounds. Trump's agenda could drive longer-term Growth-to-Value rotation. Focus on domestic exposure and strong balance sheets provides resilience. |
| QUARTER | THEMES | TAGS |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Q1 |
Small CapsSmall-cap equities experienced rotation with Russell 2000 up 0.9% for the quarter, outperforming large-cap indices. Small-cap value outperformed growth significantly with Russell 2000 Value advancing 5.0% versus -2.8% decline for growth. Valuations remain attractive on both absolute and relative basis with valuation discount to large-cap equities persisting near lower end of historical range. |
Small Caps Value Russell 2000 Valuations Rotation |
ValueSmall-cap value significantly outperformed growth with Russell 2000 Value advancing 5.0% compared to -2.8% decline for growth counterpart. Within small caps, value-oriented stocks continue to trade at meaningful discount to growth, reinforcing opportunity set for disciplined, fundamentally driven investors. Portfolio's P/E is 10.6x forward earnings versus 15.1x for Russell 2000 Value. |
Value Growth Discount Fundamentals P/E | |
QualityManager emphasizes higher-quality businesses with durable earnings and strong balance sheets, though this created relative headwind as more speculative and highly levered companies outperformed in certain periods. Remains focused on businesses with strong balance sheets, sustainable earnings power, and attractive valuations despite near-term challenges. |
Quality Balance Sheets Earnings Durable Sustainable | |
RatesRising interest rates and elevated borrowing costs continue to weigh on rate-sensitive sectors such as housing, real estate, and regional banks. Persistence of inflationary pressures has limited Federal Reserve's ability to ease policy as quickly as previously expected. Over time, as inflation moderates and geopolitical pressures stabilize, expects more favorable rate environment to emerge. |
Interest Rates Federal Reserve Inflation Rate-Sensitive Policy | |
Commercial Real EstateReal Estate detracted significantly from relative performance with losses led by Douglas Elliman, Highwoods Properties, and Newmark Group as commercial and general real estate activity remained subdued and financing conditions tightened. Sector continues to face headwinds from elevated rates and challenging financing environment. |
Commercial Real Estate Financing Subdued Activity Tightened | |
MortgageFinancials was largest detractor from relative performance driven by Pennymac Financial Services, LoanDepot, and LendingTree reflecting pressure in mortgage origination and financing activity amid higher rates. Mortgage-related companies continue to face headwinds from elevated rate environment. |
Mortgage Origination Financing Higher Rates Pressure | |
OilClosure of Strait of Hormuz passage for approximately 20% of global oil supply caused spike in oil prices, having major impact on global transportation, manufacturing, and other sectors. Strength in Energy sector driven by higher oil prices contributed meaningfully to index performance during the quarter. |
Oil Strait of Hormuz Energy Oil Prices Supply | |
AIInvestor concerns escalated regarding AI and disintermediation of software companies and several other industries. Software stocks sharply declined as investors worried that rapid advances in AI tools could fundamentally disrupt traditional software business models, rendering software tools obsolete or dramatically compressing margins. Concerns spread to potential disintermediation of other industries with doomsday scenarios pointing to dramatic job losses for white-collar workers. |
AI Disintermediation Software Disruption Job Losses | |
| 2025 Q4 |
Small CapsSmall-cap equities ended 2025 on a positive but volatile note with the Russell 2000 Value returning 3.3% for Q4 and 12.6% for the full year. The outlook for small-cap equities entering 2026 is increasingly constructive, particularly within value-oriented segments, supported by Federal Reserve monetary easing and improving earnings momentum. Consensus expectations point to meaningful acceleration in small-cap earnings in 2026 with growth projected in the low-to-mid teens. |
Russell 2000 Value Earnings Volatility |
ValueSmall-cap value stocks remain attractively positioned with the strategy's portfolio trading at 12.2x forward earnings versus 15.0x for the Russell 2000 Value. Growth stocks continue to trade at a meaningful premium to value across most valuation measures. Historically, periods of accelerating profits have favored value leadership, particularly within smaller-cap universes. |
Valuation Premium Leadership | |
RatesThe Federal Reserve's shift toward monetary easing represents an important inflection point for smaller companies, which tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates and credit conditions. Following a 25 basis point cut in September, the Federal Reserve cut rates twice in Q4 to the current range of 3.50% to 3.75%. Lower borrowing costs should support refinancing activity, capital investment, and margin recovery. |
Federal Reserve Monetary Policy Credit | |
EarningsConsensus expectations point to a meaningful acceleration in small-cap earnings in 2026, with growth projected in the low-to-mid teens and exceeding that of large-cap companies. This anticipated rebound reflects easier year-over-year comparisons, improving operating leverage, and broadening demand across cyclical and value-oriented sectors. Earnings growth is no longer narrowly concentrated in mega-cap AI-related companies but is beginning to broaden across the market. |
Growth Acceleration Operating Leverage | |
| 2025 Q3 |
Small CapsSmall-cap equities delivered exceptional performance with Russell 2000 gaining 12.4% and Russell 2000 Value advancing 12.6%, outpacing large caps. The rally was fueled by Fed rate cuts, economic resilience, and renewed risk appetite. Small caps entered the quarter trading at multi-decade lows relative to large caps, providing valuation support and asymmetrical upside as earnings recover. |
Value Rates Earnings Risk Appetite Momentum |
ValueCyclical and value-oriented sectors led performance during the quarter, driven by strength in Industrials, Financials, and Materials. The gap between growth and value remains near historical extremes, creating favorable conditions for value strategies as monetary policy normalizes. Small-cap value stocks marked one of the best quarterly performances in recent years. |
Small Caps Rates Momentum Quality Earnings | |
RatesThe Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point while signaling two more possible cuts by year-end. Lower interest rates, moderating inflation, and resilient consumer spending lifted sentiment. High-beta names, often unprofitable and most rate-sensitive, benefited from easing monetary policy and strong investor flows into economically sensitive segments. |
Inflation Risk Appetite Small Caps Value Liquidity | |
MortgageStrong stock selection within Financials made the sector the largest contributor to relative performance, with high-conviction positions in mortgage-related companies leading gains. LoanDepot gained 141.7%, LendingTree up 74.6%, and PennyMac Financial Services up 24.7%, supported by improving mortgage activity, stronger credit quality, and renewed investor optimism around housing-related financials. |
Regional Banks Consumer Finance Mortgage Finance Credit Cards Specialty Finance | |
Regional BanksAdditional strength came from regional banks including Ameris Bancopr, SouthState Bank and Enterprise Financial Services, which delivered steady loan growth and solid profitability amid easing rate expectations. Regional banks benefited from the broader rate-cutting cycle and improved credit conditions. |
Rates Mortgage Community Banks Credit Cards Specialty Finance | |
Commercial Real EstateStrong stock selection within Real Estate made the sector a meaningful contributor to relative performance. Douglas Elliman gained 23.3% and Newmark Group up 53.8%, supported by improved transaction activity, resilient leasing fundamentals, and continued investor confidence in well-capitalized property service firms. The sector reflected selective focus on companies with strong balance sheets and exposure to segments showing early signs of recovery. |
Property Management Real Estate Services Office REITs Industrial REITs Retail REITs | |
| 2025 Q2 |
Small CapsSmall caps are emerging from a prolonged earnings recession with improving fundamentals and attractive valuations. Credit spreads have normalized, volatility has fallen, and the yield curve has steepened - all historically favorable conditions for small-cap performance. The environment is becoming more favorable for active managers who focus on fundamentals as quality metrics like return on invested capital start to improve. |
Value Earnings Quality Fundamentals Valuations |
Commercial Real EstateReal Estate was the largest contributor to attribution with strong stock selection in companies like Douglas Elliman, Newmark Group, and Highwoods Properties. Newmark Group was added as a top-tier commercial real estate services firm that is gaining market share and shifting toward a more resilient, recurring revenue model despite muted industry volumes. |
REITs Property Management Capital Markets Recurring Revenue Market Share | |
AIRenewed optimism around the AI investment theme has driven markets higher, with the Magnificent 7 pushing valuations back to record highs. However, aggressive AI spending by hyperscalers has contributed to a notable slowdown in both free cash flow and earnings growth, raising questions about sustainability. The trillions being invested into agentic AI will eventually need to be monetized. |
Cloud Data Centers Semiconductors Earnings Valuations | |
ValueSmall-cap value continues to offer compelling opportunities with the strategy's portfolio trading at 9.8x forward earnings versus 13.7x for the Russell 2000 Value. While growth outperformed in the quarter's recovery phase, history suggests that as recoveries mature, quality and valuation reassert their influence - encouraging for long-term small-cap value investors. |
Valuations Quality Small Caps Fundamentals Earnings | |
Trade PolicyPresident Trump's April 2nd reciprocal tariffs were more sweeping than expected, causing the Russell 2000 to drop 9% over three trading days. The administration paused tariffs for 90 days on April 9th, and later announced a 90-day pause with China, reducing US tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% from 145%. Policy uncertainty weighed on sentiment but began to ease over the quarter. |
Tariffs China Policy Volatility Dollar | |
| 2025 Q1 |
ValueThe manager emphasizes a potential longer-term resurgence in Value stocks, driven by Trump's economic agenda that could shift market leadership from Growth to Value. Value outpaced Growth in Q1 with Russell 2000 Value (-7.7%) outperforming Russell 2000 Growth (-11.1%) by 3.4%. The significant valuation discount of Value stocks relative to the broader market serves as a catalyst for stronger relative performance. |
Value Growth Valuation Market Leadership Rotation |
Small CapsSmall caps faced significant challenges with the Russell 2000 down 9.5% in Q1, marking potential third consecutive year of negative earnings growth. However, the manager sees compelling opportunity with relative valuation of small caps to large caps at multi-decade low, about 30% below average. Historical small-cap rebounds post-bear markets average +23.7% over 6 months, providing meaningful upside optionality. |
Small Caps Russell 2000 Valuation Earnings Recovery | |
Trade PolicyTrump's tariff-centric agenda created significant market uncertainty, with numerous tariff proposals on Canada, Mexico, EU, China and other nations leading to threat of retaliatory tariffs. The manager believes companies with strong domestic supply chains and pricing power are best positioned to navigate tariff headwinds. The focus remains on domestic exposure and balance sheet strength for resilience. |
Tariffs Trade Domestic Supply Chain Policy | |
AIThe dominance of AI investment theme that propelled markets over past two years is increasingly coming under scrutiny. Concerns intensified with emergence of DeepSeek, sparking debate over whether large tech platform companies can maintain leadership or if competitive moats are at risk of erosion. Combined capital expenditures of top four hyperscalers have surged, contributing to notable slowdown in free cash flow and earnings growth. |
AI DeepSeek Tech Capital Expenditures Competition |
| Date | Pitch Type | Author | Ticker | Company | Industry | Sub Industry | Bull / Bear | Exchange | Keywords | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2026 | Fund Letters | Cullen Small Cap Value Equity | BBSI | Barrett Business Services Inc. | Staffing & Employment Services | Human Resource & Employment Services | Bull | NASDAQ | conservative balance sheet, Human Resources, operating leverage, Outsourcing, Payroll Services, Peo, small business | Login |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Fund Letters | Cullen Small Cap Value Equity | BDC | Belden Inc. | Communication Equipment | Electronic Components | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | connectivity solutions, data infrastructure, Industrial automation, margin expansion, Mission Critical Applications, Networking, portfolio transformation | Login |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Fund Letters | Cullen Small Cap Value Equity | FBIN | Fortune Brands Innovations | Building Products & Equipment | Building Products | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | asset-light model, brand portfolio, Building Products, Home Products, Housing recovery, Plumbing, Repair and Remodel | Login |
| Feb 17, 2026 | Fund Letters | James Cullen | JBSS | John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. | Consumer Staples | Packaged Foods & Meats | Bull | NASDAQ | Margins, Protein, Staples, valuation, vertical integration | Login |
| Aug 27, 2025 | Fund Letters | James Cullen | NMRK | Newmark Group, Inc. | Real Estate | Real Estate Services | Bull | NASDAQ | cashflow, Governance, Real Estate, recovery, services | Login |
| Jun 30, 2025 | Fund Letters | Cullen Small Cap Value Equity | NMRK | Newmark Group | Real Estate | Real Estate Management & Development | Bull | NASDAQ | commercial real estate, Free Cash Flow, market share gains, Mortgage servicing, property management, Real Estate Services, recurring revenue, share repurchases | Login |
| TICKER | COMMENTARY |
|---|---|
| UA | Under Armour (45.2%), reflecting strength in branded apparel and leisure demand. Under Armour (UA) was sold due to ongoing concerns around brand positioning, inconsistent execution, and limited visibility into a sustained recovery in margins and earnings. |
| VAC | Marriott Vacations (14.2%), reflecting strength in branded apparel and leisure demand. |
| CROX | Crocs Inc (13.3%), reflecting strength in branded apparel and leisure demand. Crocs Inc. (CROX) While the company continues to execute well operationally, the valuation became less compelling relative to other opportunities within the portfolio and its HeyDude brand continues to experience growth issues. |
| HUN | Gains were led by Huntsman Corp (34.1%) and Avient Corp (17.1%), supported by improving chemical demand and margin recovery. |
| AVNT | Gains were led by Huntsman Corp (34.1%) and Avient Corp (17.1%), supported by improving chemical demand and margin recovery. |
| POR | Portland General Electric (11.1%) was the primary driver, benefiting from stable demand and constructive rate dynamics. |
| PFSI | The decline was driven by Pennymac Financial Services (-33.5%), LoanDepot (-31.4%), and LendingTree Inc (-19.2%), reflecting pressure in mortgage origination and financing activity amid higher rates. |
| LDI | The decline was driven by Pennymac Financial Services (-33.5%), LoanDepot (-31.4%), and LendingTree Inc (-19.2%), reflecting pressure in mortgage origination and financing activity amid higher rates. |
| TREE | The decline was driven by Pennymac Financial Services (-33.5%), LoanDepot (-31.4%), and LendingTree Inc (-19.2%), reflecting pressure in mortgage origination and financing activity amid higher rates. |
| DOUG | Losses were led by Douglas Elliman (-30.8%), Highwoods Properties (-15.3%), and Newmark Group (-13.4%), as commercial and general real estate activity remained subdued and financing conditions tightened. |
| HIW | Losses were led by Douglas Elliman (-30.8%), Highwoods Properties (-15.3%), and Newmark Group (-13.4%), as commercial and general real estate activity remained subdued and financing conditions tightened. |
| NMRK | Losses were led by Douglas Elliman (-30.8%), Highwoods Properties (-15.3%), and Newmark Group (-13.4%), as commercial and general real estate activity remained subdued and financing conditions tightened. |
| BBSI | Barrett Business Services Inc. (BBSI) provides outsourced human resources, payroll, and professional employer organization (PEO) services to small and mid-sized businesses. The company operates a differentiated, decentralized model that emphasizes local client relationships and disciplined underwriting, which has historically resulted in strong client retention and attractive margins. BBSI generates consistent cash flow and maintains a conservative balance sheet, providing flexibility across economic cycles. As labor markets stabilize and small business formation and employment trends improve, we expect the company to benefit from operating leverage and continued expansion in its core markets. |
| BDC | Belden Inc. (BDC) is a global provider of networking, connectivity, and industrial automation solutions serving mission-critical applications across industrial, enterprise, and infrastructure end markets. The company has been actively transforming its portfolio toward higher-growth, higher-margin businesses through divestitures and targeted reinvestment. This shift, combined with ongoing cost optimization efforts, has driven meaningful improvements in profitability and returns on capital. We believe Belden is well positioned to benefit from secular tailwinds including industrial automation, data infrastructure investment, and increased demand for reliable connectivity, supporting continued earnings growth and margin expansion. |
| FBIN | Fortune Brands Innovations (FBIN) is a leading provider of home and security products, with a portfolio of well-established brands across plumbing, outdoor living, and security solutions. The company benefits from favorable long-term demand drivers tied to repair and remodel activity, new construction, and increasing consumer investment in the home. FBIN operates an asset-light model with strong margins, consistent free cash flow generation, and disciplined capital allocation. Following its recent strategic repositioning, the company is more focused and better aligned with its highest-return categories. We believe normalization in housing activity, combined with pricing power and operational efficiency initiatives, should drive margin expansion and earnings growth over time. |
| GLDD | Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. (GLDD) was sold following the announcement of its acquisition, as the share price converged toward the offer value. With limited remaining upside relative to the transaction price, we elected to redeploy capital into opportunities with more attractive risk-adjusted return profiles. |
| 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 | |||