Michael Kops sits down with Portfolio Managers, Mike Warecki and Andy Fleming, to unpack the Value Plus Strategy’s Q4 results. They discuss renewed momentum in small-cap value, key stock contributors, and why the strategy’s lack of biotech exposure weighed on performance. The discussion closes with cautious optimism for 2026.
Disclosures:
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
The Small Cap Value Plus Strategy primarily invests in companies that have a market capitalization consistent with the capitalization range of the Russell 2000 Value Index, with a majority of its assets invested in companies that pay dividends. The Strategy intends to capture the long-term appreciation of small-caps, while minimizing the volatility of returns inherent in the small-cap market.
The Small Cap Value Plus Strategy invests in small companies selected on a value basis. Such securities generally are more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.
Value investments are subject to the risk that their intrinsic value may not be recognized by the broad market.
Heartland Advisors, Inc. (the "Firm") claims compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®). The Firm is a wholly owned subsidiary of Heartland Holdings, Inc., and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For a complete list and description of Heartland Advisors composites and/or a presentation that adheres to the GIPS® standards, contact the Institutional Sales Team at Heartland Advisors, Inc. at the address listed below.
Composite statistics and holdings are based on 12/31/2025 composite members’ account data as of 12/31/2025. Not all accounts in the strategy are included in the composite.
As of 12/31/2025, Heartland Advisors, Inc. on behalf of its clients held approximately 0.05%, 0.09%, and 0.04% of the total shares outstanding of Builders FirstSource (BLDR), Lamar Advertising Co. (Class A) (LAMR), and WESCO International, Inc. (WCC), respectively.
Performance information refers to preliminary Composite data. Final quarterly performance information can be found here: Small Cap Value Plus.
The future performance of any specific investment or strategy (including the investments discussed above) should not be assumed to be profitable or equal to past results. The performance of the holdings discussed above may have been the result of unique market circumstances that are no longer relevant. The holdings identified above do not represent all of the securities purchased, sold or recommended for the Advisor’s clients.
The statements and opinions expressed in the articles or appearances are those of the presenter. Any discussion of investments and investment strategies represents the presenters' views as of the date created and are subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Any forecasts may not prove to be true.
Economic predictions are based on estimates and are subject to change.
There is no guarantee that a particular investment strategy will be successful.
Sector and Industry classifications are sourced from GICS®. The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) is the exclusive intellectual property of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) and S&P Global Market Intelligence (“S&P”). Neither MSCI, S&P, their affiliates, nor any of their third party providers (“GICS Parties”) makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to GICS or the results to be obtained by the use thereof, and expressly disclaim all warranties, including warranties of accuracy, completeness, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The GICS Parties shall not have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of such damages.
Heartland Advisors defines market cap ranges by the following indices: micro-cap by the Russell Microcap®, small-cap by the Russell 2000®, mid-cap by the Russell Midcap®, large-cap by the Russell Top 200®.
Because of ongoing market volatility, performance may be subject to substantial short-term changes.
Dividends are not guaranteed and a company’s future ability to pay dividends may be limited. A company currently paying dividends may cease paying dividends at any time.
In certain cases, dividends and earnings are reinvested.
There is no assurance that dividend-paying stocks will mitigate volatility.
CFA® is a registered trademark owned by the CFA Institute.
Russell Investment Group is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indices. Russell® is a trademark of the Frank Russell Investment Group.
Statements regarding securities are not recommendations to buy or sell.
Portfolio holdings are subject to change. Current and future holdings are subject to risk.
Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal.
GIPS® is a registered trademark of CFA Institute. CFA Institute does not endorse or promote this organization, nor does it warrant the accuracy or quality of the content contained herein.
Separately managed accounts and related investment advisory services are provided by Heartland Advisors, Inc., a federally registered investment advisor. ALPS Distributors, Inc., is not affiliated with Heartland Advisors, Inc.
The above individuals are registered representatives of ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Heartland’s investing glossary provides definitions for several terms used on this page.