Ivka Kalus-Bystricky

Baring North America's (BNA) investment approach focuses on identifying favorable earnings surprise and valuation characteristics through fundamental research. They seek companies and markets whose attractive growth prospects are not fully reflected in their prices. The firm's core equity portfolios are diversified large-cap portfolios that typically offer above market growth characteristics at or at a reasonable premium to market valuations. BNA's growth criteria embrace companies delivering growth in earnings per share in the top 60% of their universes. The firm's systematic equity investment process embraces hands-on fundamental stock research and analysis to generate proprietary earnings forecasts and relative valuation targets and quantitative analysis and screening to focus their research and generate buy and sell ideas. BNA's investment teams use a common framework and template for equity research, which focuses on growth, management, value creation and valuation criteria. Their regional equity teams are responsible for portfolio strategy and stock selection for specialist regional equity portfolios as well as the regional portion of their global and multi-asset mandates. The asset allocation team is responsible for regional/country strategy in their global and multi-asset portfolios and for sector policy at the global and multi-asset mandate level. The output of their fundamental and quantitative research is used to rank each stock and to shape buy and sell decisions. Teams review stocks continuously following company meetings and announcements. BNA's fixed-income processes are characterized by fundamental research and disciplined portfolio construction techniques. They also use technical analysis, particularly in currency allocation research. The firm's credit research leverages off the equity research capabilities of the firm. They invest in bonds issued by governments, agencies, corporates as well as emerging market sovereign, mortgages and asset-backed securities. BNA includes bonds across the rating spectrum from Aaa to Caa, according to the risk tolerance and guidelines of their clients.

Boston Advisors investment process utilizes proprietary metrics and quantitative and qualitative research from independent research providers. Their institutional investment process begins with an evaluation of the stock universe appropriate for the assignment through their proprietary stock selection engine. The stock selection process prioritizes stocks based on multi-factor statistical models to create data and liquidity screens. These factors are used conjunction with a custom risk model to quantify and manage exposures in the portfolio and portfolio construction rules to build mandate-specific portfolios, designed to target different style boxes, capitalization ranges and risk goals. For Private Account Group clients, Boston Advisors offers asset allocation and customized account solutions in addition to the Private Account Group product offerings. The process begins with a screening for good valuation and increasing business momentum across the universe of available companies to narrow down the list of potential investments. The firm then conducts a thorough review to understand the business fundamentals and dynamics of each company stock they plan to purchase. Boston Advisors will tailor services on the basis of specific client's needs and objectives and will accept restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities. The eligible stock universe for institutional and Private Account Group Clients include exchange listed securities, ETFs, over-the-counter securities, corporate debt securities, warrants, options, commercial paper, mutual funds, U.S. government securities, and municipal securities.

Independence follows a multi-dimensional investment process applying fundamental research and quantitative modeling to create return predictions. In fundamental research, analysts determine how economic and competitive forces are likely to shape the prospects for each of the companies in their investment universe. The analysts interview the management of these companies, as well as suppliers, customers, competitors and other industry experts. Quantitative research is then used to translate these fundamental insights into computer-based methods for stock selection. Independence's investment philosophy and process seeks to minimize style and sector biases.

Impax Asset Management offers a well-rounded suite of investment solutions spanning multiple asset classes, aiming to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns over the medium to long-term. The firm invests in companies and assets that they believe are well positioned to benefit from the transition to a more sustainable economy.

Provides asset management services

Functions as a College/University

SSgA FM utilizes several methods of investment analysis across a wide array of investment strategies when formulating investment advice or managing assets. The firm does not rely on one type of investment analysis over another and does not recommend one particular type of security. They seek to utilize the most prudent methods of investment analysis based upon certain characteristics of the investment strategy and the current market conditions, as applicable.

Functions as a College/University

Functions as a College/University