Investment objective & strategy
As of Sept. 26, 2025 · prospectusObjective. The Fund seeks to produce growth of capital by investing primarily in common stocks.
Strategy. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in common stocks of domestic small-cap companies. Generally, small-cap companies will include companies whose market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, are equal to or less than the market capitalization of the largest company in the Russell 2000 Index during the most recent 12-month period. As of July 31, 2025, the median stock by market capitalization in the Index was approximately $ 0.99 billion, and the largest stock was approximately $14.72 billion. The size of the companies in the Index changes with market conditions and the composition of the Index. The Subadviser looks for undervalued companies that it believes have the potential for above-average capital appreciation … Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in common stocks of domestic small-cap companies. Generally, small-cap companies will include companies whose market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, are equal to or less than the market capitalization of the largest company in the Russell 2000 Index during the most recent 12-month period. As of July 31, 2025, the median stock by market capitalization in the Index was approximately $ 0.99 billion, and the largest stock was approximately $14.72 billion. The size of the companies in the Index changes with market conditions and the composition of the Index. The Subadviser looks for undervalued companies that it believes have the potential for above-average capital appreciation with below-average risk. Rigorous fundamental research drives its search for companies with favorable reward-to-risk ratios and that possess a long-term competitive advantage provided by a durable asset base, strong balance sheets, and sustainable and superior cash flows. Typical investments include stocks of companies that are generally out of favor in the marketplace, or are undergoing reorganization or other corporate action that may create above-average price appreciation. The Subadviser regularly reviews the investments of the portfolio and may sell a portfolio holding when a stock nears its price target, downside risks increase considerably, the companys fundamentals have deteriorated, or the Subadviser identifies a more attractive investment opportunity. In order to generate additional income, the Fund may lend portfolio securities to broker-dealers and other financial institutions provided that the value of the loaned securities does not exceed 30% of the Funds total assets. These loans earn income for the Fund and are collateralized by cash and securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities. Investors will be given at least 60 days written notice in advance of any change to the Funds 80% investment policy set forth above.
Top holdings
As of Feb. 28, 2026 · N-PORT| Security | Ticker | Value | % of fund |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO. INC. | — | $5.83M | 3.33% |
| State Street Navigator Securities Lending Portfolio II | GVMXX | $5.77M | 3.30% |
| UMB FINANCIAL CORP | — | $5.51M | 3.15% |
| INNOSPEC INC | — | $5.48M | 3.13% |
| J & J SNACK FOOD | — | $4.88M | 2.79% |
| AVIENT CORP | — | $4.54M | 2.59% |
| ALAMO GROUP INC | — | $4.22M | 2.41% |
| STEWART INFO SVC | — | $4.01M | 2.29% |
| SOUTHSTATE BANK CORP | — | $3.94M | 2.25% |
| HANCOCK WHITNEY CORP | — | $3.88M | 2.21% |
Portfolio moves
Nov 30, 2025 → Feb 28, 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund · ESPAX, ESPCX, ESPIX, ESPNX, ESPRX | 89% | 0.82% |
| Brighthouse Small Cap Value Portfolio | 80% | 0.83% |
| Allspring Special Global Small Cap Fund · EKGAX, EKGCX, EKGYX, EKGIX | 20% | 1.10% |
Advisers
| Firm | Role |
|---|---|
| Allspring Global Investments, LLC | Sub-adviser |
| The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company | Adviser |
Footnotes
- Expense ratio as of September 26, 2025, from the fund's prospectus.
- Net assets and holdings count as of February 28, 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).
Machine-readable: JSON · Markdown. Programmatic access via the agent surface.