Jane O'Keeffe

Simms Capital Management (SCM) is a growth manager that invests in high quality growth stocks with sustainable earnings growth. The firm looks for companies with relatively high returns on equity and high earnings growth rates, rather than companies or industries with predominantly cyclical characteristics. SCM only invests in companies with expected positive earnings. SCM's global proprietary stock selection uses quantitative screens to identify companies that fit their growth criteria and strategy. The firm applies a bottom-up stock selection process that first identifies companies based on quantitative measures and fundamentals, without regard to global borders and currencies. SCM's proprietary three-step investment process is a series of eleven valuation disciplines and screens that rank securities from a database of 6,600 global equity securities. The modeling process uses quantitative factors such as a dividend discount model, earnings momentum, liquidity and the demand and supply of shares. The ranking procedure produces an overall score for each security and a list of 130 or more most attractive securities. Fundamental analysis is then applied to the most attractive securities to create the portfolio. Each component of the selection process is assigned a decile ranking and is combined in the quantitative screening model to create an overall score for each security. This weekly process produces the universe of the 130 or more most attractive securities. After the universe is identified, SCM applies rigorous fundamental analysis. Though not limited to any particular sector or market-cap, the firm tends to invest in the stocks of large-cap companies in the electronic technology, technology services and finance sectors. SCM maintains a medium turnover rate.

Dinsmore Capital Management Co. specializes in investments in convertible securities. The firm's investment objectives include appreciation of capital, a superior rate of current income and reduced volatility by using securities with an equity orientation. Long-term growth and lower risk are the primary focus of their decision-making. Decisions are driven by a bottom-up approach. Dinsmore Capital's in-house analysis seeks to identify companies with attractive convertible securities. Their investment universe is divided by industry among their investment professionals. They employ investment seminars and field trips for primary research. Publications, broker research, on-line information, telephone interviews and conferences enhance their research capabilities. Dinsmore Capital reviews their holdings in a weekly meeting so that all professionals are current on each holding and its objectives.

Gabelli Funds' approach to security analysis includes among other things fundamental research, industry research, personal visits with management and company published data. They also use data published in the financial media. Their portfolio managers may also make use of third party sell-side brokerage research.

FTI’s core investment strategy is based on the endowment model, which structures fully diversified portfolios that focus on strong and sustainable risk-adjusted returns over a long-term investment horizon. The firm considers two broad factors to create an investment strategy and portfolio: client-specific investment objectives and overall market research. They implement asset allocation strategies with the use of a mix of alpha and beta instruments, such as long and short structures (i.e., hedge funds), active long-only managers, and passive investment vehicles.

Acts as Closed-End Investment Fund/Investment Trust

Acts as Closed-End Investment Fund/Investment Trust

Functions as a College/University