Investment objective & strategy
As of April 30, 2025 · prospectusObjective. The investment objective of the Baird Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund (the Fund) is to provide long-term growth of capital.
Strategy. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in the equity securities of U.S. and foreign small- and mid-capitalization companies, principally common stocks and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) that are traded on major U.S. exchanges. Although the Fund principally invests in U.S. companies, the Fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in equity securities (consisting of common stocks, ordinary shares and ADRs) of foreign companies. The Fund defines small- and mid-capitalization companies as those companies with a market capitalization within the range of companies in the Russell 2500 Growth Index at the time of investment. When analyzing equity securities to be purchased by the Fund, the Advisor emphasizes … The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in the equity securities of U.S. and foreign small- and mid-capitalization companies, principally common stocks and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) that are traded on major U.S. exchanges. Although the Fund principally invests in U.S. companies, the Fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in equity securities (consisting of common stocks, ordinary shares and ADRs) of foreign companies. The Fund defines small- and mid-capitalization companies as those companies with a market capitalization within the range of companies in the Russell 2500 Growth Index at the time of investment. When analyzing equity securities to be purchased by the Fund, the Advisor emphasizes a companys growth prospects. The Funds investments are selected using a variety of both quantitative techniques and fundamental research in seeking to maximize the Funds expected return while controlling risk. The Fund seeks a portfolio comprised of companies which reflect PRIME growth factors. These factors are analyzed as part of the Advisors investment process and are represented in the following ways: Durable P rofitability. Companies with advantaged competitive positions have greater potential to generate attractive and increasing margins, and high returns. Sustainable R evenue Growth. Solid barriers to entry, favorable pricing power and an effective strategy can support top-line prospects, and superior earnings growth. Favorable I ndustry dynamics. The Advisor leverages their intellectual capital by identifying favorable end market demand, making investment across sectors. Strong M anagement. A critical element of a high-quality company. The Advisor seeks governance practices promoting integrity, accountability, and shareholder alignment. Growth, profitability, and balance sheet strength provide insight into effective management. Market E xpectations. Important in assessing risk/return opportunities and portfolio capital allocation. Strengthening fundamental trends can expand valuation potential. The Advisor believes an analysis of these PRIME factors yields insights into the competitive strength of a business model. The Advisor applies the following strategies when purchasing securities for the Funds portfolio: Typically holding the securities of fewer than 70 companies with exposure to approximately 20 industries. Seeking securities whose growth prospects, in the Advisors opinion, are not reflected in their current stock prices. Limiting the size of any one new position. No security will represent more than 5% of the Funds total assets at the time of purchase. The Advisor may sell a security when the price meets or exceeds the Advisors targeted valuation or price range for the security, when a significant change occurs that adversely affects the Advisors premise or reasons for investing in the security or when the company experiences a fundamental deterioration in its business, financial condition or results, or growth prospects.
Top holdings
As of March 31, 2026 · N-PORT| Security | Ticker | Value | % of fund |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIRST AMERICAN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FUND - CLASS U | FGUXX | $3.20M | 4.17% |
| CURTISS WRIGHT CORPORATION | — | $2.59M | 3.37% |
| NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES INC | — | $2.26M | 2.94% |
| VITA COCO CO INC/THE | — | $2.08M | 2.71% |
| CAVA GROUP INC | — | $1.90M | 2.47% |
| UL SOLUTIONS INC CL A | — | $1.71M | 2.22% |
| BWX TECHNOLOGIES INC | — | $1.70M | 2.21% |
| COMFORT SYSTEMS USA INC | — | $1.69M | 2.20% |
| DUTCH BROS INC-A | — | $1.67M | 2.17% |
| INSULET CORP | — | $1.62M | 2.11% |
Portfolio moves
Dec 31, 2025 → Mar 31, 2026How many positions this fund opened, exited, grew, trimmed, or left unchanged between its two most recent N-PORT snapshots — net changes between point-in-time reports, not a trade log.
Similar funds
Funds whose portfolios most overlap this one, by weight| Fund | Overlap | Net exp. |
|---|---|---|
| Baird Mid Cap Growth Fund · BMDIX, BMDSX | 40% | 0.81% |
| ClearBridge Variable Small Cap Growth Portfolio · QLMSIX, QLMSTX | 24% | 0.80% |
| ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Fund · SASMX, SCSMX, LMPSX, LMPOX, SBPYX, LMPMX, LMOIX | 23% | 0.79% |
Advisers
| Firm | Role |
|---|---|
| Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated | Adviser |
Footnotes
- Expense ratio as of April 30, 2025, from the fund's prospectus.
- Net assets and holdings count as of March 31, 2026, from the fund's N-PORT filing.
- Total return for calendar year 2025, before tax and after fund expenses. Computed by compounding the twelve monthly total returns the fund reported in its SEC N-PORT filings for 2025 (the latest prospectus does not yet chart this year).
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