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| Quarter | Letter Date | Fund Name | QTD | YTD | Tickers | Themes | Quick Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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"Lagging the Russell 2500 Value Index but beating the Russell 2000 Value Index, as its long-term, patient approach capitalizes on deeply discounted small-cap valuations."
During the second quarter of 2025, the Ariel Fund delivered a performance of +6.96%, slightly trailing its benchmark, the Russell 2500 Value Index, which gained +7.29%, but outperforming the Russell 2000 Value Index's return of +4.97%. The quarter began with extreme volatility following a 'Liberation Day' tariff announcement that temporarily pushed markets downward, but equities recovered sharply due to artificial intelligence enthusiasm, positive economic data, and robust corporate earnings. The fund's performance was bolstered by several key holdings, including Sphere Entertainment Co. (SPHR), which saw strong earnings on resilient consumer demand, and Adtalem Global Education (ATGE), which raised its guidance due to accelerating enrollment. Additionally, Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS) advanced amid merger rumors and solid earnings. Conversely, performance was dragged down by Core Laboratories (CLB), J.M. Smucker Co. (SJM), and Leslie's Inc. (LESL). During the quarter, the fund initiated no new positions and fully exited Interpublic Group of Companies (IPG), Masco Corporation (MAS), and Kennametal, Inc. (KMT). Looking ahead, Ariel's management remains constructive, viewing underlying U.S. growth as healthy and highlighting that small-cap stocks are trading at their largest discount to large-caps since the dot-com era, suggesting a significant potential upside once market performance broadens.
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