Investor Summary
Fund Strategy
FUND PERFORMANCE AS OF 31st March 2026
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.11% | 0.95% | 0.95% |
| ANNUALIZED SINCE INCEPTION | QUARTERLY | YTD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.11% | 0.95% | 0.95% |
The RS Large Cap Value strategy returned 0.95% net in Q1 2026, underperforming the Russell 1000 Value Index return of 2.10%. The quarter began optimistically with expectations of Fed rate cuts and AI adoption, but market leadership shifted decisively away from mega-cap growth toward value-oriented segments. Geopolitical tensions from Iran military actions in late February created volatility, with energy price concerns threatening to reignite inflation and constrain Fed policy. Energy emerged as the standout sector with 38.12% returns, while previous leaders like technology and communications services lagged. Value stocks significantly outperformed growth, with Russell 3000 Value returning 2.2% versus -9.5% for growth. The team's energy holdings including Exxon Mobil and Valero Energy were top contributors, while technology selections including Salesforce and software names detracted. Looking ahead, the team expects continued volatility from Middle East uncertainty but remains positioned in quality businesses with improving ROIC and strong balance sheets, prepared to capitalize on market dislocations.
The RS Value Team seeks to invest in quality companies with strong management teams that are attractively valued, focusing on businesses with improving return on invested capital (ROIC) and trading at discounts to intrinsic value.
The team expects periods of heightened volatility to continue in coming quarters due to Middle East conflict uncertainty. They believe risk management and downside protection will be more important than ever for remainder of 2026, while maintaining readiness to capitalize on market dislocations.
| Date | Letter | Tickers | Keywords | Pitches | Quick Takes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 22 2026 | 2026 Q1 | FDX, MAT | AI, energy, Geopolitical, large cap, Logistics, ROIC, value |
FDX MAT |
RS Large Cap Value underperformed in Q1 2026 as geopolitical tensions shifted market leadership from growth to value. Energy holdings drove outperformance while technology selections detracted. The team maintains focus on quality businesses with improving ROIC, positioned defensively for continued volatility while ready to capitalize on market dislocations. |
| Feb 12 2026 | 2025 Q4 | C, CHKP, ETN, GOOGL, KEY, MDLZ, PNC, REGN, SEE, TEVA, ZBRA | AI, Data centers, financials, Grid Upgrade, healthcare, large cap, ROIC, value |
SEE ETN |
RS Large Cap Value outperformed in Q4 with 5.77% net returns, benefiting from value's outperformance versus growth and strong healthcare/financial selections. The team sees attractive opportunities in value stocks being ignored amid AI-driven market concentration, focusing on quality companies with improving ROIC trading at discounts to intrinsic value. |
| Oct 20 2025 | 2025 Q3 | ABBV, C, CI, CPAY, CRM, GOOGL, KDP, LKQ, TEVA, VLO | Fed, large cap, rates, Refiners, ROIC, small cap, tariffs, value |
VLO LKQ VLO LKQ |
RS Large Cap Value underperformed in Q3 with 4.47% net returns versus 5.33% for the Russell 1000 Value Index. The Fed's rate cut and administration's economic policies create mixed signals. Small-cap value shows promise with 12.6% quarterly returns. The team maintains focus on quality companies with improving ROIC trading at discounts to intrinsic value. |
| Jul 27 2025 | 2025 Q2 | APH, C, CACI, CPAY, EG, ETN, FFH.TO, LKQ, ST, UNH, XOM | defense, large cap, Quality, ROIC, tariffs, technology, Trade Policy, value |
CACI CPAY |
RS Large Cap Value returned 3.55% net in Q2, slightly trailing its benchmark amid tariff-driven volatility. The ROIC-focused strategy targets quality companies at discounts to intrinsic value, with defense contractor CACI and payments processor Corpay as key holdings. The team anticipates higher inflation and rates ahead but sees opportunities in reduced regulation and M&A activity. |
| Mar 31 2025 | 2025 Q1 | ABBV, CBOE, CI, CRM, EXC, GOOGL, RRX, TEVA, XOM, ZBRA | large cap, Pharmaceuticals, ROIC, tariffs, value, volatility |
ABBV ZBRA |
RS Large Cap Value outperformed during Q1's volatile market, returning 1.57% versus the benchmark's -2.14% decline. The team capitalizes on tariff-driven uncertainty and market dislocations to find quality companies with improving ROIC trading at discounts. AbbVie's strong performance and obesity drug deal exemplify their approach. Value strategies appear well-positioned as growth valuations normalize. |
| Jun 30 2024 | 2024 Q2 | APH, CI, CPAY, CRM, GOOGL, GS, LKQ, PCAR, TEVA, TKO, VST | financials, healthcare, large cap, ROIC, value |
TEVA CPAY |
RS Large Cap Value outperformed by 300+ basis points in Q2 despite value's continued underperformance versus growth. Strong stock selection in Financials and Healthcare drove results. The team remains focused on quality companies with improving ROIC trading at deep discounts, believing value investing is positioned for outperformance after years of growth stock dominance. |
| QUARTER | THEMES | TAGS |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Q1 |
ValueValue stocks significantly outperformed growth during Q1 2026 market turmoil, with Russell 3000 Value returning 2.2% versus -9.5% for growth. The team continues to focus on value-oriented segments believing they offer better risk-adjusted returns in uncertain environments. |
Value Growth Outperformance Risk-adjusted Multiples |
EnergyEnergy emerged as the leading sector with 38.12% returns during Q1 amid Middle East conflict and oil price volatility. The team holds energy positions including Exxon Mobil and Valero Energy which were top contributors to performance. |
Energy Oil Geopolitical Volatility Outperformance | |
AIAI adoption expectations initially boosted market sentiment but later caused multiple compression among software stocks. The team notes AI might boost individual company earnings but potentially at the expense of overall employment and questions which sectors might be next to be disrupted. |
AI Software Disruption Employment Valuation | |
LogisticsFedEx represents a key logistics holding where the company's strategic shift to focus on ROIC has driven outperformance. The upcoming freight business spin-off should allow both segments to optimize their paths toward higher returns. |
Logistics ROIC Spin-off Optimization Returns | |
| 2025 Q4 |
Industrial GasesSOL Group operates dual-engine industrial gas franchise serving 50k customers across 32 countries plus homecare health business. Manager views gases as expensive to transport creating local oligopolies with high barriers to entry through infrastructure networks built over decades. |
Industrial Gases Infrastructure Oligopoly Barriers Distribution |
HealthcareVivisol homecare business serves 750k patients as largest home respiratory care provider in Italy, Belgium, Netherlands. Growth driven by aging demographics and healthcare systems moving chronic care from hospitals to homes with government reimbursement. |
Homecare Demographics Respiratory Reimbursement Chronic Care | |
AIManager maintains cautious stance on AI impact, preferring businesses with high barriers to entry unlikely to see unit economics negatively affected by AI. Appetite for exceptionally resilient business models has grown since AI boom. |
Artificial Intelligence Disruption Barriers Resilience Software | |
| 2025 Q3 |
ValueThe team continues to believe that actively managed, value-oriented approaches should be well positioned going forward. They focus on companies with improving ROIC trading at discounts to intrinsic value. Small-cap value stocks showed impressive performance with a 12.6% return in Q3, representing an area where they see intriguing potential and attractive risk-reward tradeoff. |
ROIC Intrinsic Value Small Cap Risk-Adjusted Returns Discount |
RatesThe Federal Reserve finally cut the federal funds rate by 25 basis points in September, responding to declining job creation and rising unemployment. The rate cut helped fuel technology and communication services sectors and rekindled interest in small-cap stocks. Current conditions suggest a more inflationary and higher interest rate environment than the past decade. |
Fed Rate Cuts Unemployment Inflation Monetary Policy | |
Trade PolicyThe new administration's focus on economic renaissance includes strategic tariffs targeting U.S. trade deficits, which triggered volatility in global markets. The Liberation Day tariff announcement roiled markets earlier, though there remains no absolute clarity on trade policy. Incremental tariffs on auto parts are expected to add to collision repair costs. |
Tariffs Trade Deficits Economic Renaissance Volatility Auto Parts | |
RefinersValero Energy Corporation operates 15 petroleum refineries and focuses on optimizing return on invested capital. The company has structural advantages through U.S. natural gas allowing lower cost base relative to many global refiners. Recent industry consolidation and closure of high-cost U.S. refineries have resulted in additional economic value accruing to Valero. |
Natural Gas Cost Advantage Industry Consolidation Free Cash Flow Refining | |
| 2025 Q2 |
Trade PolicyThe quarter was dominated by tariff-induced volatility, with markets initially selling off on Liberation Day tariff announcements before recovering on perceived softening of the administration's trade policy stance. The administration's protectionist policies have introduced significant uncertainty, overshadowing economic renaissance goals and impacting global currencies and markets. |
Tariffs Protectionism Trade Policy Volatility |
ValueThe RS Value Team focuses on ROIC-driven investing, seeking companies trading at discounts to intrinsic value with improving returns on invested capital. Value-oriented equities participated in the second-quarter rally with far less volatility than growth stocks, though large-cap value lagged growth during the period. |
ROIC Intrinsic Value Discount Value Investing Returns | |
DefenseCACI International, which derives 74% of revenues from the U.S. Department of Defense and 21% from federal civilian institutions including intelligence agencies, benefits from bipartisan support for defense and security initiatives. The company is positioned as an important part of mission-critical efforts with growing future opportunities. |
Defense Spending Government Security Intelligence Contracts | |
| 2025 Q1 |
ValueThe team continues to focus on value-oriented strategies, believing they are well-positioned in the current environment of elevated volatility. They seek companies with improving ROIC trading at deep discounts to intrinsic value, emphasizing that value stocks outperformed growth during the quarter's market decline. |
ROIC Intrinsic Value Discount Fundamentals Cash Flows |
VolatilityThe quarter was characterized by significant market volatility driven by uncertainty around tariffs, economic growth, and monetary policy. The team views volatility as an opportunity for patient, long-term investors to find compelling opportunities during times of market tumult. |
Market Volatility Uncertainty Risk-off Patient Capital | |
Trade PolicyTariff uncertainty was a major market driver, with questions about whether they are negotiating tools or will slow global trade and act as GDP headwinds. The team notes tariffs could impact inflation and corporate profits, creating both risks and opportunities. |
Tariffs Trade Inflation GDP Corporate Profits | |
| 2024 Q2 |
ValueThe team focuses on investing in companies trading at deep discounts to intrinsic value with improving ROIC. They believe value-oriented approaches should be well positioned following years of low interest rates driving growth stock valuations higher. |
ROIC Discount Intrinsic Undervalued Fundamentals |
PharmaceuticalsTEVA Pharmaceutical outperformed due to positive clinical data, successful product launches, and stabilizing generic pricing. The company showed promising sales from newer products and received approvals for biosimilar versions. |
Generics Biosimilars Clinical Pricing Innovation |
| Date | Pitch Type | Author | Ticker | Company | Industry | Sub Industry | Bull / Bear | Exchange | Keywords | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 22, 2026 | Fund Letters | RS Large Cap Val Strategy | MAT | Mattel, Inc. | Leisure | Leisure Products | Bull | NASDAQ | Brand Licensing, Digital gaming, entertainment, Intellectual Property, ROIC, strategic investment, Toy Manufacturer | Login |
| Apr 22, 2026 | Fund Letters | RS Large Cap Val Strategy | FDX | FedEx Corporation | Integrated Freight & Logistics | Air Freight & Logistics | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | cost savings, Logistics, margin expansion, ROIC, share repurchases, spin-off, Transportation | Login |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Fund Letters | Robert J. Harris | ETN | Eaton Corporation plc | Industrials | Electrical Components & Equipment | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | AI, datacenters, Electrification, Grid, Margins, ROIC | Login |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Fund Letters | Robert J. Harris | SEE | Sealed Air Corporation | Materials | Packaging & Containers | Bull | New York Stock Exchange | cashflow, Margins, Packaging, ROIC, takeover, turnaround | Login |
| Oct 20, 2025 | Fund Letters | Robert J. Harris | VLO | Valero Energy Corporation | Energy | Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing | Bull | NYSE | cashflow, Cost advantage, Decarbonization, Diesel, energy, FCF, Margins, refining, shareholder returns, valuation | Login |
| Oct 20, 2025 | Fund Letters | Robert J. Harris | VLO | Valero Energy Corporation | Energy | Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing | Bull | NYSE | cashflow, Cost advantage, Decarbonization, Diesel, energy, FCF, Margins, refining, shareholder returns, valuation | Login |
| Oct 20, 2025 | Fund Letters | Robert J. Harris | LKQ | LKQ Corporation | Consumer Discretionary | Auto Parts & Equipment | Bear | NASDAQ | Auto parts, Cost control, Cyclicality, exit, inflation, Margins, Reallocation, Repair, tariffs, Volumes | Login |
| Oct 20, 2025 | Fund Letters | Robert J. Harris | LKQ | LKQ Corporation | Consumer Discretionary | Auto Parts & Equipment | Bear | NASDAQ | Auto parts, Cost control, Cyclicality, exit, inflation, Margins, Reallocation, Repair, tariffs, Volumes | Login |
| Jun 30, 2025 | Fund Letters | RS Large Cap Val Strategy | CACI | CACI International Inc. | Information Technology | IT Consulting & Other Services | Bull | NYSE | Bipartisan Support, Defense, Federal Government, Government Contractor, IT services, Mission-Critical, value creation | Login |
| Jun 30, 2025 | Fund Letters | RS Large Cap Val Strategy | CPAY | Corpay Inc. | Information Technology | Data Processing & Outsourced Services | Bull | NYSE | Acquisitions, B2B payments, Cross-Border, Fleet Payments, founder-led, Management alignment, ROIC Improvement, value creation | Login |
| Mar 31, 2025 | Fund Letters | RS Large Cap Val Strategy | ZBRA | Zebra Technologies Corporation | Information Technology | Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals | Bull | NASDAQ | Asset tracking, Automation, consumer spending, Cyclical, Distribution, efficiency, Hardware, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, Software, tariffs | Login |
| Mar 31, 2025 | Fund Letters | RS Large Cap Val Strategy | ABBV | AbbVie Inc. | Health Care | Pharmaceuticals | Bull | NYSE | Biotech, defensive, high-margin, Immunology, licensing deal, Neuroscience, Obesity, Patent cliff, pharmaceuticals, pipeline | Login |
| Jun 30, 2024 | Fund Letters | RS Large Cap Val Strategy | TEVA | Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. | Health Care | Pharmaceuticals | Bull | NYSE | Biosimilars, Clinical trials, Generic Drugs, Leverage reduction, pharmaceuticals, Specialty medicines, turnaround, Value | Login |
| Jun 30, 2024 | Fund Letters | RS Large Cap Val Strategy | CPAY | Corpay Inc. | Information Technology | Data Processing & Outsourced Services | Bull | NYSE | Acquisitions, capital allocation, cash flow generation, Corporate-payments, Fleet Management, founder-led, Payments, ROIC | Login |
| TICKER | COMMENTARY |
|---|---|
| FDX | FedEx Corporation is a globally recognized brand operating a logistics network that delivers packages and freight to individuals and businesses worldwide. We originally initiated a position in FedEx as the company shifted its compensation metrics to focus more heavily on Return on Invested Capital (ROIC). This strategic pivot signaled the potential for improved returns driven by expanded margins and lower capital intensity. Recently, the company's successful execution of this strategy has contributed to the stock's outperformance. Additionally, FedEx is approaching the completion of the spin-off of its freight trucking business, a move that will allow both the Express Delivery and Freight segments to optimize their respective paths toward higher ROIC. We continue to hold FedEx, as we believe internal cost savings and disciplined pricing will drive further margin expansion. We expect incremental free cash flow to continue accruing to shareholders through ongoing share repurchases. |
| MAT | Shares of Mattel, the world's second-largest toy manufacturer, underperformed this quarter following management's strategic decision to significantly increase spending in 2026. This investment will temporarily depress margins and bottom-line profitability. While the scale of this spending surprised many investors, our discussions with management have convinced us that this is the correct long-term decision for the business. Our thesis is predicated on Mattel's ability to effectively monetize its expansive intellectual property through growth beyond the traditional toy market—specifically in digital gaming, entertainment, and brand licensing. These revenue streams are significantly more profitable than traditional toy sales and are expected to drive Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) higher. The increased spending in 2026 is directly tied to accelerating top-line growth within these high-margin categories. We believe these investments will bear fruit in 2027 and beyond, and we maintain our position. |
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