Investment objective & strategy
As of April 24, 2025 · prospectusObjective. The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Strategy. Main investments. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in undervalued common stocks of small and mid-size US companies. The fund defines small companies as those that are similar in market capitalization to those in the Russell 2000 Value Index. While the market capitalization of the Russell 2000 Value Index changes throughout the year, as of February 28, 2025, the market capitalization range of the Russell 2000 Value Index was between $13.27 million and $13.635 billion. Under normal circumstances, the Russell 2000 Value Index is reconstituted annually every June. The fund defines mid-size companies as those that are similar in market capitalization to those in the … Main investments. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in undervalued common stocks of small and mid-size US companies. The fund defines small companies as those that are similar in market capitalization to those in the Russell 2000 Value Index. While the market capitalization of the Russell 2000 Value Index changes throughout the year, as of February 28, 2025, the market capitalization range of the Russell 2000 Value Index was between $13.27 million and $13.635 billion. Under normal circumstances, the Russell 2000 Value Index is reconstituted annually every June. The fund defines mid-size companies as those that are similar in market capitalization to those in the Russell Midcap Value Index. While the market capitalization range of the Russell Midcap Value Index changes throughout the year, as of February 28, 2025, the market capitalization range of the Russell Midcap Value Index was between $917.87 million and $85.983 billion. Under normal circumstances, the Russell Midcap Value Index is reconstituted annually every June. The fund intends to invest primarily in companies whose market capitalizations fall within the normal range of each index at the time of investment. Due to regulatory changes, effective June 11, 2026, the fund will replace the 80% investment policy and related disclosures set forth in this prospectus. Specifically, effective June 11, 2026, under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in common stocks of small and mid-size US value companies. For purposes of the 80% investment policy, value companies and small and mid-sized companies are those companies included in the Russell 2500 Value Index. While the market capitalization range of the Russell 2500 Value Index changes throughout the year, as of February 28, 2025, the market capitalization range of the Russell 2500 Value Index was between $4.08 million and $47.585 billion. Derivative instruments that provide exposure to the investments above or exposure to one or more market risk factors associated with such investments are included in the funds 80% investment policy, consistent with the funds investment policies and limitations with respect to investments in derivatives. While the fund invests mainly in US stocks, it could invest up to 20% of net assets in foreign securities. The funds equity investments are mainly common stocks but may also include other types of equities such as preferred or convertible stocks. The fund may also invest in initial public offerings and real estate investment trusts (REITs). Management process. In choosing stocks, portfolio management uses proprietary quantitative models to identify and acquire holdings for the fund. The quantitative models are research based and seek to identify primarily fundamental factors, including valuation, momentum, profitability, earnings and sales growth, which have been effective sources of return historically. These are dynamic models with different factor weights for different industry groupings. The funds portfolio is constructed based on this quantitative process that strives to maximize returns while maintaining a risk profile similar to the funds benchmark index. Portfolio management may sell a security when its quantitative model indicates that other investments are more attractive, when the company no longer meets performance or risk expectations, or to maintain portfolio characteristics similar to the funds benchmark. All investment decisions are made within risk parameters set by portfolio management. The factors considered and models used by portfolio management may be adjusted from time to time and may favor different types of securities from different industries and companies at different times. Portfolio management generally considers environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors that it believes to be financially material. Because small cap companies tend to be relatively early on in their operating histories, external rating companies may be unable to find ESG data for such companies. Derivatives. The fund may invest in derivatives, which are financial instruments whose performance is derived, at least in part, from the performance of an underlying asset, security or index. In particular, portfolio management may use put options for hedging and volatility management purposes. The fund may also use other types of derivatives (i) for hedging purposes; (ii) for risk management; (iii) for non-hedging purposes to seek to enhance potential gains; or (iv) as a substitute for direct investment in a particular asset class or to keep cash on hand to meet shareholder redemptions. Securities lending. The fund may lend securities (up to one-third of total assets) to approved institutions, such as registered broker-dealers, pooled investment vehicles, banks and other financial institutions. In connection with such loans, the fund receives liquid collateral in an amount that is based on the type and value of the securities being lent, with riskier securities generally requiring higher levels of collateral.
Top holdings
As of March 31, 2026 · N-PORT| Security | Ticker | Value | % of fund |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWS GOVERNMENT & AGENCY SECURITIES PORTFOLIO DWS GOVERNMENT CASH INSTITUTIONAL SHARES | DBBXX | $2.90M | 3.49% |
| CIENA CORP | — | $2.05M | 2.47% |
| REVOLUTION MEDICINES INC | — | $1.94M | 2.34% |
| HUNTINGTON INGALLS INDUSTRIES INC | — | $1.75M | 2.10% |
| ENERSYS INC | — | $1.61M | 1.94% |
| UMB FINANCIAL CORP | — | $1.58M | 1.90% |
| FIRST BANCORP PUERTO RICO | — | $1.54M | 1.85% |
| API GROUP CORP | — | $1.50M | 1.81% |
| HANCOCK WHITNEY CORP | — | $1.46M | 1.75% |
| JAZZ PHARMA PLC | — | $1.45M | 1.74% |
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. |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon Small/Mid Cap Core Equity ETF | 18% | 0.75% |
| Horizon Multi-Factor Small/Mid Cap Fund · HSMIX, HSMNX, HSMBX | 15% | 0.97% |
| First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund · FNK | 15% | 0.74% |
Advisers
| Firm | Role |
|---|---|
| DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. | Adviser |
Footnotes
- Net assets and holdings count as of March 31, 2026, from the fund's N-PORT filing.
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