Strategy. Strategic Focus The Fund invests primarily in foreign and domestic companies. Under normal market conditions, the Adviser invests the Funds assets primarily in equity securities (including common stock, preferred stock, and securities convertible into common stock) of companies with market capitalizations of less than $5 billion at the time of purchase. The Fund invests a significant portion of its total assets (at least 40% under normal market conditions) at the time of purchase in securities issued by companies that are economically tied to countries outside the United States, which includes emerging and frontier market economies. The Adviser considers a company to be economically tied to a country if at least one of the following attributes exists: the company (1) is … Show more… Strategic Focus The Fund invests primarily in foreign and domestic companies. Under normal market conditions, the Adviser invests the Funds assets primarily in equity securities (including common stock, preferred stock, and securities convertible into common stock) of companies with market capitalizations of less than $5 billion at the time of purchase. The Fund invests a significant portion of its total assets (at least 40% under normal market conditions) at the time of purchase in securities issued by companies that are economically tied to countries outside the United States, which includes emerging and frontier market economies. The Adviser considers a company to be economically tied to a country if at least one of the following attributes exists: the company (1) is organized in such country, (2) is headquartered in such country, (3) has its primary stock exchange listing in a market located in such country, or (4) during the companys most recent fiscal year, derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in such country or has at least 50% of its assets in such country. Analytical Approach The Adviser uses a process of quantitative screening of the financial trends and health of each company in its investment universe, followed by bottom up fundamental analysis to identify growth companies that it believes to be among the best-in-class in their global peer group. This fundamental analysis generally includes a comparative study of the company and its peers, including the companys financial performance, its management, its competitors, its industry, its competitive advantage, material sustainability factors, the geographic region(s) to which it is economically tied, and talking with the management team. In performing such analysis, the Adviser seeks to evaluate each companys long-term potential. The Adviser also travels on an as-needed basis to visit companies and expects to speak directly with senior management. The Adviser incorporates the results of this analysis into its overall decision-making but does not necessarily include or exclude a particular company solely based on the Advisers assessment of any single criterion. The Fund may also invest in growth companies that the Adviser believes have hit a temporary setback (for example, announced an unexpected expense or delayed contract, missed sales targets for the quarter, or experienced an unplanned management change, etc.), and therefore have a particularly appealing valuation relative to their long-term growth potential. The Fund may also invest in early-stage companies and Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). The Adviser invests in what it believes to be the most attractive investments available without regard to benchmark weightings in regions, countries, or industries. The Adviser may significantly shift Fund assets between asset classes, sectors and geographic regions based on where it believes the best long-term opportunities and valuations currently exist. The Fund may invest a significant percentage of its assets in a few sectors or regions. Show less