Markets Review

The U.S. equity market rebounded during the second quarter and reached new all-time highs, with the S&P 500 Index rising 15.20% during the period. Surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) processing power and expansive capital expenditure plans continued to support AI-related businesses, which drove a substantial portion of benchmark returns and contributed meaningfully to earnings growth. Fixed income markets also advanced, as the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index increased 0.67%.

On a sector basis, ten of the eleven sectors within the Russell 1000 Growth Index posted gains in the second quarter of 2026. The strongest-performing sectors were Information Technology and Industrials. The weakest sectors were Energy and Consumer Staples.

Market leadership remained narrow and increasingly tied to the AI infrastructure buildout. Significant investment in semiconductors, memory and data center infrastructure continued to benefit a concentrated group of companies. While these themes supported benchmark returns, they also contributed to significant dispersion beneath the surface, as many resilient, cash-generative businesses outside the AI infrastructure ecosystem did not participate to the same degree.

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, Bloomberg
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle Atlantic Large Cap Growth Composite returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

Geopolitics remained a key source of market uncertainty during the quarter. Peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran proved volatile, with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear commitments, asset sanctions and regional economic development as primary points of discussion. An interim understanding between the two countries helped establish a ceasefire framework and restore maritime shipping in the region. However, tensions remained elevated, as both sides accused the other of violations, contributing to renewed U.S. strikes on Iran.

Against this backdrop, oil prices were volatile and continued to put upward pressure on inflation. The Consumer Price Index rose 4.2% for the 12 months ended May, compared with 3.8% for the 12 months ended April. Despite elevated inflation, real GDP growth accelerated, the unemployment rate remained stable at 4.3%, and consumer confidence improved in June from May’s record low. Given these conditions, the Federal Reserve maintained the target range for the federal funds rate as the Committee continued to balance its dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability.

Performance and Attribution Summary

For the second quarter of 2026, Aristotle Atlantic’s Large Cap Growth Composite posted a total return of 19.28% gross of fees (19.12% net of fees), outperforming the 16.74% return of the Russell 1000 Growth Index.

Performance (%) QTDYTD1 Year3 Years5 YearsSince Inception*
Large Cap Growth Composite (gross)19.289.6921.7121.7411.3718.16
Large Cap Growth Composite (net)19.129.4021.0621.0910.8517.65
Russell 1000 Growth Index16.745.3317.7122.5813.7119.02
*The Large Cap Growth Composite has an inception date of November 1, 2016. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle Atlantic Large Cap Growth Equity Composite returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

Sources: FactSet
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Sector attribution shows how much of a portfolio’s overall return is directly attributable to stock selection and asset allocation decisions within the portfolio, highlighting which sectors contributed or detracted to the total return. Attribution includes the reinvestment of income. Attribution is presented gross of fees and does not include the deduction of all fees and expenses that a client or investor has paid or would have paid. Please refer to the gross and net composite returns included within to understand the overall impact of fees. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

During the second quarter, the portfolio’s outperformance relative to the Russell 1000 Growth Index was due to security selection, while allocation effects detracted. Security selection in Health Care and Information Technology contributed the most to relative performance. Conversely, security selection and an overweight in Consumer Staples detracted from relative performance.

Contributors and Detractors for 2Q 2026

Relative ContributorsRelative Detractors
KLA CorporationDarling Ingredients
Guardant HealthOracle
CrowdStrike HoldingsAmphenol
Adaptive BiotechnologiesO’Reilly Automotive
SnowflakeS&P Global

Relative contributors and detractors are based on attribution total effect and exclude benchmark securities not held in the portfolio.

Contributors

KLA Corporation

KLA Corporation contributed to performance in the second quarter, benefiting from the AI-driven WFE upcycle and reinforcing its position as the leading process control beneficiary of rising semiconductor manufacturing complexity. The company’s quarterly results highlighted the broad-based strength across process control, specialty process tools and advanced packaging tied to AI logic and high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Management raised its long-term outlook, underpinned by process control market share that has expanded to approximately 58%, over 4x its nearest competitor, as rising chip complexity (GAA, advanced nodes, HBM stacking) continues to lift process control intensity as a share of fab spend. This positioning was further validated in June, as Samsung and SK Hynix’s $515-$518 billion capacity expansion plan to double South Korean DRAM output drove strength in KLA’s shares, reinforcing the read-through from accelerating WFE spend (~$145B in 2026 toward ~$250B by 2028) directly into the company’s process control business.

Guardant Health

Guardant Health contributed to performance in the second quarter following a string of positive developments, as several catalysts played out during the quarter. These developments include FDA approval of an updated version of the Guardant360 liquid biopsy test, American Cancer Society inclusion of the company’s Shield test for colorectal cancer screening, and a report of stronger-than-expected first quarter earnings driven by volume growth and coverage expansion.

Detractors

Darling Ingredients

Darling Ingredients detracted from performance in the second quarter as the market digested outsized gains in Darling’s stock during the first quarter of 2026. In the second quarter, Darling announced better-than-expected earnings and raised full-year guidance. Several commodity-based indicators tied to Darling’s earnings drivers, including fat prices, renewable diesel margins and renewable identification numbers (RINs), remained supportive of the company’s earnings outlook for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.

Oracle

Oracle detracted from performance in the second quarter amid a broader reversal in software sentiment, as investors continued to question SaaS durability and pricing power in an AI-native world following the “SaaSpocalypse” scare earlier in the year. Investors also remain cautious about the company’s AI spending plans and negative FCF, with fourth quarter 2025 results highlighting a surge in capex to nearly $56 billion and negative FCF of $24 billion. We continue to maintain a positive view on the name due to the large AI contracted RPO, attractive growth of its multi-cloud database business, and the view that fiscal year 2027 will mark the peak in capex intensity and a trough in negative FCF.

Recent Portfolio Activity

The table below shows all buys and sells completed during the quarter, followed by a brief rationale.

BuysSells
AmphenolAmphenol
CoherentAntero Resources
ServiceNowHubSpot
Sandisk
Western Digital

Buys

Amphenol

Amphenol is one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of electrical, electronic and fiber optic connectors and interconnect systems; antennas; sensors and sensor-based products; and coaxial, high-speed and specialty cable. Based on recent reports of industry analysts, the company estimates that worldwide sales of interconnect and sensor-related products were approximately $250 billion in 2024, reflecting continued growth driven by data communications, electrification, and aerospace and defense demand. The company aligns its businesses into three reportable business segments: (i) Harsh Environment Solutions, (ii) Communications Solutions and (iii) Interconnect and Sensor Systems. The company sells products to customers in a diversified set of end markets.

Our view on Amphenol centers on its diversified exposure across automotive, aerospace, defense, information technology datacom, mobile networks, industrial and other end markets, which provides resilience while positioning the company to benefit from multiple long-term growth themes. The company is a consolidator in a fragmented interconnect market, supported by a global manufacturing footprint, disciplined acquisition strategy and a track record of integrating deals that expand capabilities in fiber optics, defense interconnects, cable solutions, active optics and building connectivity. Its decentralized operating model, cost discipline, strong incremental margins, high returns on invested capital and equity, and robust free cash flow can support profitability and earnings growth. We believe demand from AI data centers and cloud infrastructure is a major growth driver, with Amphenol now spanning the full data center signal path across copper, power, fiber and optics, while broader electrification, factory automation, Industrial Internet of Things adoption, defense modernization and aerospace electronics provide additional multi-year demand tailwinds. Together, these factors can create a resilient, high-quality growth profile supported by disciplined capital allocation and continued opportunities for organic and acquisition-driven expansion. Amphenol trades above its recent historical valuation range after re-rating on the strength of its AI and data center business, as well as strong execution. We view the premium as justified given the company’s long record of trading at a meaningfully higher earnings multiple than the broader market. The main drivers of future valuation will likely be the durability of AI and data center growth, the pace of recovery in industrial demand, and continued value creation from acquisitions.

Coherent

Coherent is a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops, manufactures and markets lasers, transceivers, and other optical and optoelectronic devices, modules, and systems, as well as engineered materials, for use in the communications, industrial, instrumentation and electronics markets. The company has broad technical expertise and a deep technology stack in areas of importance to its products. This includes materials growth and fabrication of specialty materials, semiconductor lasers and passive optics, including isolators, transceivers, transport equipment, higher-powered lasers for semiconductor capital equipment, display manufacturing, precision manufacturing and scientific research. Many of Coherent’s products include custom integrated software that it develops internally, leveraging the company’s deep domain expertise.

We believe Coherent offers a compelling long-term investment thesis as AI data centers shift from electrical copper connections to optical networking, creating a structural multi-year growth opportunity across scale-out, scale-up and data center interconnect applications. The company benefits from vertical integration across key photonic components, expanding indium phosphide manufacturing capacity, a geographically diversified and U.S.-centered supply chain, and a strategic partnership with NVIDIA that validates its position in co-packaged optics for next-generation data center architectures. In addition, Coherent has a large and expanding addressable market, a high-margin industrial business with recurring service and replacement revenue, and a portfolio streamlining program that reallocates investment toward higher-growth opportunities while using divestiture proceeds to reduce debt and support earnings growth.

Sandisk

We initiated Sandisk as a complementary picks-and-shovels investment opportunity tied to the AI memory bottleneck, with hard disk drives and flash memory now capacity-constrained inputs for AI data center expansion. These components are shifting away from commoditized consumer technology inputs, and we believe Sandisk can benefit from stronger pricing power, multi-year customer agreements, higher earnings and potential valuation multiple expansion.

Sandisk is a global developer and manufacturer of flash memory storage solutions headquartered in Milpitas, California, following its spinoff from Western Digital in February 2025. The company serves enterprise data centers, personal computers, smartphones and consumer devices through products including enterprise solid-state drives, client solid-state drives, embedded mobile storage, and branded removable and retail storage. Sandisk manufactures through its Flash Ventures joint venture with Kioxia, giving it access to advanced three-dimensional flash memory production at low-cost, capital-efficient economics, while retaining vertical integration in controller and firmware intellectual property, supported by a large patent portfolio. The company is increasingly focused on higher-value storage demand tied to AI data center growth.

We see Sandisk offering leveraged exposure to the AI-driven memory bottleneck, as flash memory and enterprise solid-state drives shift from commoditized components to strategically constrained inputs for data center growth. The investment case rests on stronger and more visible demand from hyperscale customers, improved industry supply discipline, multi-year customer agreements that provide floor-protected revenue, and a cleaner standalone structure following the separation from Western Digital. The company also benefits from its long-standing Flash Ventures partnership with Kioxia, which provides a cost and capital advantage, while new data center platform qualifications, high-bandwidth flash optionality and geopolitical support for trusted supply chains can create additional paths for earnings growth and valuation multiple expansion.

We believe Sandisk trades at a valuation that appears reasonable given improving earnings expectations, stronger AI memory demand and rising pricing power. We believe disciplined supply, contracted demand and a debt-free, cash-returning balance sheet should reduce earnings volatility and support a higher valuation over time.

ServiceNow

ServiceNow provides cloud-based software solutions that help enterprises worldwide define, structure, manage and automate services through its unified Now Platform, which serves as both the system of record and system of action for enterprise workflows across information technology operations, employee experience, customer operations and low-code development. The company’s revenue model is predominantly subscription-based, representing approximately 97% of total revenue, with subscriptions typically sold under multi-year contracts priced according to users, devices or capacity-based metrics. In fiscal year 2025, ServiceNow generated $13.3 billion in total revenue and $12.8 billion in subscription revenue, reflecting approximately 21% year-over-year growth. The platform supports approximately 100 billion workflows and trillions of transactions annually and serves many of the world’s largest enterprises across virtually every industry.

We think ServiceNow offers a compelling investment opportunity as the leading enterprise workflow automation platform, with deeply embedded, mission-critical software that creates high switching costs across information technology, human resources, customer service, security, risk, data analytics and AI orchestration. The company is positioned to benefit from AI rather than be disrupted by it, as its platform can serve as the governance and execution layer for enterprise agents, while products such as Now Assist, Artificial Intelligence Control Tower and Action Fabric expand usage-based monetization and cross-sell opportunities. Management is targeting more than $30 billion in subscription revenue by fiscal year 2030, supported by a large and expanding total addressable market, multiple growth vectors compounding at more than 25% annually, strong free cash flow generation, margin expansion, and a net cash balance sheet, potentially making ServiceNow one of the most durable and efficient large-scale software growth companies. The current valuation appears to overstate AI disruption risk and understate the durability of the company’s growth and cash generation.

Western Digital

We initiated Western Digital because we view the company as providing picks-and-shovels exposure to the AI memory bottleneck, with hard disk drives and NAND flash memory now serving as capacity-constrained inputs to AI data center buildout. These components are no longer commoditized inputs in consumer technology goods, and we see both Western Digital and Sandisk benefiting from stronger pricing power and multi-year customer agreements, resulting in upward earnings inflection and multiple expansion.

Western Digital is a pure-play developer and manufacturer of hard disk drives and data storage solutions focused on high-capacity storage for cloud and AI infrastructure. Following the February 2025 separation of its flash memory business into the independent company Sandisk, Western Digital has become one of the leading suppliers of nearline hard disk drives used by hyperscale cloud service providers to store large volumes of data economically. The company is vertically integrated across key components such as recording heads and magnetic media, operates a global manufacturing and testing footprint, and supports its product roadmap with advanced recording technologies and a large patent portfolio. With only three remaining global hard disk drive manufacturers and two scaled industry participants, Western Digital operates in a consolidated and supply-disciplined market that benefits from growing demand for AI data storage.

We believe Western Digital represents a compelling investment opportunity as hard disk drive demand shifts from a personal computer-driven cycle to a durable AI and cloud infrastructure growth story. The company benefits from a structurally improved industry with limited competition, disciplined capacity, multi-year customer agreements and rising pricing power as hyperscale customers prioritize secure storage supply for rapidly expanding data needs. This stronger market backdrop can translate into higher margins, improved earnings visibility, significant free cash flow generation and increased shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases. With limited capital investment requirements, a cleaner balance sheet and sustained demand for economical mass storage, we believe Western Digital is positioned to compound earnings and cash flow over multiple years.

Western Digital Corporation has earned a higher valuation because its business profile has shifted from a cyclical hardware supplier to a more disciplined, cash-generative infrastructure company with stronger demand visibility. Continued growth in data storage needs, improved pricing power, durable margins, modest reinvestment requirements and meaningful shareholder returns support further earnings and cash flow compounding over time.

Sells

Amphenol

During the quarter, we sold Amphenol to reposition the portfolio toward more direct exposure to the optical interconnect transition. The sale reflected an evolving view of AI data center architecture rather than a negative view of Amphenol’s overall business quality. As rack-level power and bandwidth density requirements increase, we believed data center architectures could shift increasingly toward optics, creating uncertainty around the durability and valuation of Amphenol’s copper-related data center growth. After reassessing the company’s optical positioning and concluding that it is not simply at risk of being displaced by optics, but is increasingly positioned to participate directly in that transition, we subsequently repurchased the company. The CommScope Connectivity and Cable Solutions acquisition, together with Amphenol’s active-optics capabilities through XGiga and Halo, broadened its offering across high-speed copper, power, passive fiber and active optics. That reassessment was particularly relevant within the Large Cap Growth portfolio, where the emphasis is on durable, high-quality compounders with multiple growth drivers. Re-establishing the position allowed us to maintain exposure to the optical transition while restoring ownership of a company with diversified end markets, attractive margins, accretive M&A optionality and robust free cash flow generation.

Antero Resources

We sold Antero Resources, using the proceeds to increase our sector weighting in Information Technology.

HubSpot

We sold HubSpot because its core value proposition—an easy-to-use, all-in-one go-to-market platform—is becoming increasingly replicable by AI-native agents that can autonomously manage prospecting, lead nurturing and pipeline workflows without the need for a dedicated SaaS layer. HubSpot’s SMB-heavy customer base is especially price-sensitive and more exposed to churn as lower-cost AI-native alternatives emerge, creating risk to both net revenue retention and new logo growth. With the stock still valued for durable double-digit growth, we view the risk/reward as skewed to the downside.

Outlook

The equity markets in the second quarter increased mid-teens on the strength in technology and related companies tied into the AI infrastructure spend. Interest rates rose slightly for the quarter, as inflation continues to run above the Federal Reserve’s target level. There was a sizable decline in energy-related equities on the pullback in energy commodity prices. We view equity valuations on forward earnings expectations as reasonable, as the growth in earnings has continued to surprise to the upside. The economic data points to a moderately growing economy with lingering inflation, putting the Federal Reserve on hold with a bias toward a rate increase in the latter half of the year. The conflicts in Iran and Ukraine will likely continue to drive uncertainty, especially in the energy commodity space. Our focus will continue to be at the company level, with an emphasis on seeking to invest in companies with secular tailwinds or strong product-driven cycles.

Disclosures

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aristotle Atlantic Partners, LLC (Aristotle Atlantic) and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee or indicator of future results. This material is not financial advice or an offer to purchase or sell any product. You should not assume that any of the securities transactions, sectors or holdings discussed in this report were or will be profitable, or that recommendations Aristotle Atlantic makes in the future will be profitable or equal the performance of the securities listed in this report. The portfolio characteristics shown relate to the Aristotle Atlantic Large Cap Growth strategy. Not every client’s account will have these characteristics. Aristotle Atlantic reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs. There is no assurance that any securities discussed herein will remain in an account’s portfolio at the time you receive this report or that securities sold have not been repurchased. The securities discussed may not represent an account’s entire portfolio and, in the aggregate, may represent only a small percentage of an account’s portfolio holdings. The performance attribution presented is of a representative account from Aristotle Atlantic’s Large Cap Growth Composite. The representative account is a discretionary client account which was chosen to most closely reflect the investment style of the strategy. The criteria used for representative account selection is based on the account’s period of time under management and its similarity of holdings in relation to the strategy. Recommendations made in the last 12 months are available upon request.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. Returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses.

All investments carry a certain degree of risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investments are also subject to political, market, currency and regulatory risks or economic developments. International investments involve special risks that may in particular cause a loss in principal, including currency fluctuation, lower liquidity, different accounting methods and economic and political systems, and higher transaction costs. These risks typically are greater in emerging markets. While Large-capitalization companies may have more stable prices than smaller, less established companies, they are still subject to equity securities risk. In addition, large-capitalization equity security prices may not rise as much as prices of equity securities of small-capitalization companies. Securities of small- and medium-sized companies tend to have a shorter history of operations and can be more volatile and less liquid. Value stocks can perform differently from the market as a whole and other types of stocks. The material is provided for informational and/or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as investment, legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Investors should consult their financial and tax adviser before making investments. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication, may be modified due to changes in the market or economic conditions, and may not necessarily come to pass. Information and data presented has been developed internally and/or obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Aristotle Atlantic does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of such information.

Aristotle Atlantic Partners, LLC is an independent registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Aristotle Atlantic, including our investment strategies, fees and objectives, can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. AAP-2607-8

Performance Disclosure



Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM

Past performance is not indicative of future results. Performance results for periods greater than one year have been annualized. Returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses.

Index Disclosure

The Russell 1000® Growth Index measures the performance of the large cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. This index has been selected as the benchmark and is used for comparison purposes only. The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of the large cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values. The Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the small cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index representing approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of that index. It includes approximately 2000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The S&P 500® Index is the Standard & Poor’s Composite Index of 500 stocks and is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average® is a price-weighted measure of 30 U.S. blue-chip companies. The Index covers all industries except transportation and utilities. The NASDAQ Composite Index measures all NASDAQ domestic and international based common type stocks listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market. The NASDAQ Composite includes over 3,000 companies, more than most other stock market indices. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of domestic investment grade bonds, including corporate, government and mortgage-backed securities. The WTI Crude Oil Index is a major trading classification of sweet light crude oil that serves as a major benchmark price for oil consumed in the United States. The 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill is a short-term debt obligation backed by the U.S. Treasury Department with a maturity of three months. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. While stock selection is not governed by quantitative rules, a stock typically is added only if the company has an excellent reputation, demonstrates sustained growth and is of interest to a large number of investors. The volatility (beta) of the Composite may be greater or less than its respective benchmarks. It is not possible to invest directly in these indices.

Markets Review

The U.S. equity market rebounded during the second quarter and reached new all-time highs, with the S&P 500 Index rising 15.20% during the period. Surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) processing power and expansive capital expenditure plans continued to support AI-related businesses, which drove a substantial portion of benchmark returns and contributed meaningfully to earnings growth. Fixed income markets also advanced, as the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index increased 0.67%.

On a sector basis, nine of the eleven sectors within the S&P 500 Index posted gains in the second quarter of 2026. The strongest-performing sectors were Information Technology and Industrials. The weakest sectors were Energy and Utilities.

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, Bloomberg
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle Atlantic Core Equity Composite returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

Market leadership remained narrow and increasingly tied to the AI infrastructure buildout. Significant investment in semiconductors, memory and data center infrastructure continued to benefit a concentrated group of companies. While these themes supported benchmark returns, they also contributed to significant dispersion beneath the surface, as many resilient, cash-generative businesses outside the AI infrastructure ecosystem did not participate to the same degree.

Geopolitics remained a key source of market uncertainty during the quarter. Peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran proved volatile, with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear commitments, asset sanctions and regional economic development as primary points of discussion. An interim understanding between the two countries helped establish a ceasefire framework and restore maritime shipping in the region. However, tensions remained elevated, as both sides accused the other of violations, contributing to renewed U.S. strikes on Iran.

Against this backdrop, oil prices were volatile and continued to put upward pressure on inflation. The Consumer Price Index rose 4.2% for the 12 months ended May, compared with 3.8% for the 12 months ended April. Despite elevated inflation, real GDP growth accelerated, the unemployment rate remained stable at 4.3%, and consumer confidence improved in June from May’s record low. Given these conditions, the Federal Reserve maintained the target range for the federal funds rate as the Committee continued to balance its dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability.

Performance and Attribution Summary

For the second quarter of 2026, Aristotle Atlantic’s Core Equity Composite posted a total return of 14.80% gross of fees (14.68% net of fees), underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which recorded a total return of 15.20%.

Performance (%)QTDYTD1 Year3 Years5 Years10 YearsSince Inception*
Core Equity Composite (gross)14.809.8521.7021.4012.4316.0614.95
Core Equity Composite (net)14.689.6221.1820.9011.9615.5914.43
S&P 500 Index15.2010.2122.3320.6113.4115.5114.27
*The Core Equity Composite has an inception date of August 1, 2013. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle Atlantic Core Equity Composite returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

Source: FactSet
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Sector attribution shows how much of a portfolio’s overall return is directly attributable to stock selection and asset allocation decisions within the portfolio, highlighting which sectors contributed or detracted to the total return. Attribution includes the reinvestment of income. Attribution is presented gross of fees and does not include the deduction of all fees and expenses that a client or investor has paid or would have paid. Please refer to the gross and net composite returns included within to understand the overall impact of fees. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

During the second quarter, the portfolio’s slight underperformance compared to the S&P 500 Index was due to allocation effects. Security selection in Information Technology and Financials detracted the most from relative performance. Conversely, security selection in Health Care and Communication Services contributed the most to relative performance.

Contributors and Detractors for 2Q 2026

Relative ContributorsRelative Detractors
Applied MaterialsMicron Technology
Guardant HealthIntercontinental Exchange
CrowdStrike HoldingsDarling Ingredients
Adaptive BiotechnologiesAntero Resources
Bio-TechneBaker Hughes

Relative contributors and detractors are based on attribution total effect and exclude benchmark securities not held in the portfolio.

Detractors

Micron Technology

Micron detracted from performance in the quarter due to the underweight position in the portfolio, as shares surged to record highs following the fiscal third quarter print on June 24, with results and guidance well above consensus on the back of the tightest DRAM shortage in roughly 15 years. The severe memory bottleneck, driven by HBM capacity being prioritized for AI accelerators at the expense of conventional DRAM and NAND supply, has pushed pricing sharply higher, with DRAM contract prices up an estimated 30%-40% sequentially and management signaling that tightness across HBM, DRAM and NAND should persist well beyond calendar 2026. Micron’s shift toward multi-year, pre-negotiated HBM supply agreements has also structurally lifted margins and reduced cyclicality, reinforcing the view among investors that memory has become a scarce, mission-critical AI infrastructure input rather than a traditional commodity business.

Intercontinental Exchange

Intercontinental Exchange detracted from performance in the second quarter following the CFTC’s approval of Bitcoin perpetual futures, which posed a competitive threat to traditional exchange operators and prompted a broad selloff across the group. Mixed segment trends added pressure, with energy, financials and cash equities volume below expectations alongside mortgage technology headwinds. Sentiment was further dampened by the perceived risk that gen AI could lower barriers to entry for competitors in fixed income data and mortgage technology, threatening the company’s proprietary data moats.

Contributors

Applied Materials

Applied Materials contributed to performance in the second quarter following strong quarterly results and significant customer announcements that reinforced the multi-year growth demand outlook from AI compute and infrastructure, particularly the memory upcycle leveraged to AI and high-bandwidth memory (HBM). The company’s end-market exposure remains well-positioned, with 80%+ of 2026 industry WFE growth expected from leading-edge foundry/logic, DRAM and advanced packaging, the three areas where Applied Materials is either leading or gaining share. In addition, management’s outlook reinforced that customers continue to prioritize rapid capacity expansion, which was further supported by Samsung and SK Hynix announcing in June a $515-$518 billion capacity expansion plan aimed at doubling South Korea’s DRAM output over the next five years. This capex announcement supports expectations for global WFE spend to grow from ~$145 billion in 2026 to ~$250 billion by 2028.

Guardant Health

Guardant Health contributed to performance in the second quarter following a string of positive developments, as several catalysts played out during the quarter. These developments include FDA approval of an updated version of the Guardant360 liquid biopsy test, American Cancer Society inclusion of the company’s Shield test for colorectal cancer screening, and a report of stronger-than-expected first quarter earnings driven by volume growth and coverage expansion.

Recent Portfolio Activity

The table below shows all buys and sells completed during the quarter, followed by a brief rationale.

BuysSells
Advanced Micro DevicesAmphenol
Exxon MobilBoston Scientific
Micron TechnologySynopsys

Buys

Advanced Micro Devices

Advanced Micro Devices is a high-performance and adaptive computing company that designs and delivers processors, accelerators, graphics products, adaptive computing platforms and software used across data centers, cloud computing, personal computers, gaming, embedded systems, edge computing and AI. Its portfolio includes central processing units, graphics processing units, accelerated processing units, data processing units, field programmable gate arrays, adaptive systems on chips, semi-custom systems on chips, smart network interface cards and related development tools, compilers, and drivers that help customers build customized computing solutions. The company operates through four segments: Data Center, which serves data centers and AI environments; Client, which provides desktop and notebook processors and chipsets; Gaming, which includes discrete graphics products and semi-custom solutions; and Embedded, which provides processors and adaptive computing products for embedded applications.

We initiated Advanced Micro Devices, as the company’s roadmap and rack-scale system capability now position it as a credible second source in data center central processing unit (CPU) and accelerated compute, a structural shift in markets that have historically operated as single-vendor franchises, with corresponding implications for pricing power and customer allocation. We believe the company is a compelling long-term investment because it is positioned at the center of several durable computing growth trends, including AI, cloud computing, data center expansion, edge computing, personal computers and gaming. Advanced Micro is benefiting from rising demand for high-performance processors, graphics processing units, AI accelerators and adaptive computing products, while management expects its data center opportunity to expand significantly through 2030 as AI workloads proliferate across cloud, enterprise and edge environments. Advanced Micro is also gaining share in server central processing units through its efficient EPYC processor lineup, building momentum in AI accelerators with its MI300 products and future MI400 and MI500 roadmap, and strengthening its software ecosystem through Radeon Open Compute. Combined with improving profitability targets, a resilient personal computer and gaming foundation, and continued market share gains against competitors, we think the company has a credible path to sustained revenue growth, margin expansion and earnings growth over the next several years. We believe a premium is justified, as the company is seeing a multi-year acceleration in revenue and earnings from AI hyperscalers and other areas of the AI infrastructure buildout.

Exxon Mobil

Exxon Mobil’s principal business involves exploration for, and production of, crude oil and natural gas; manufacture, trade, transport and sale of crude oil, natural gas, petroleum products, petrochemicals and a wide variety of specialty products; and pursuit of lower-emission and other new business opportunities, including carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and ammonia, lower-emission fuels, Proxxima resin systems, carbon materials, low-carbon data centers, and lithium.

Affiliates of Exxon Mobil conduct extensive research programs in support of these businesses. The energy and petrochemical industries are highly competitive, both within the industries and also with other industries in supplying the energy, fuel and chemical needs of industrial and individual consumers. Certain industry participants, including Exxon Mobil, are expanding the scope of investments in lower-emission energy and emission-reduction services and technologies.

We view Exxon Mobil as a compelling investment thesis built on its strong balance sheet, flexible capital program and advantaged growth portfolio. The company’s low net debt relative to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization can give it meaningful resilience through commodity cycles while supporting continued dividend growth, share repurchases and opportunistic acquisitions. Production growth in the Permian Basin and Guyana can provide attractive low-cost volume expansion, while its large refining footprint offers counter-cyclical earnings support when upstream conditions weaken. The integration of Pioneer Natural Resources is delivering stronger-than-expected synergies and improving corporate breakeven economics, reinforcing free cash flow generation and shareholder returns. In addition, Exxon Mobil’s Western Hemisphere production base reduces exposure to Middle Eastern transit risk, while longer-term investments in liquefied natural gas, carbon capture and lithium provide additional growth options beyond the current oil and gas cycle. We view the valuation as fair for a long-term investment based on our belief in a multi-year commodity upcycle combined with Exxon’s leading industry exposure to strategically advantaged oil and gas assets and the continued strong global demand growth for liquefied natural gas.

Micron Technology

Micron Technology is a leading global supplier of memory and storage products and the only U.S.-headquartered pure-play memory manufacturer, designing, manufacturing and selling dynamic random-access memory, NAND memory and nonvolatile read-only memory products under the Micron and Crucial brands. Its products are essential to modern electronic systems and increasingly central to AI infrastructure, where memory bandwidth and capacity are critical to computing performance. The company operates within a highly concentrated dynamic random-access memory market alongside Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, while also competing in a more fragmented but still concentrated NAND market. Most of Micron’s revenue comes from dynamic random-access memory, with the remainder from NAND products, and the company is rapidly expanding in HBM, a specialized stacked memory product used with AI graphics processing units and application-specific integrated circuits. Micron recently reorganized its reporting structure around four business units serving cloud memory, core data center, mobile and client, and automotive and embedded customers, reflecting its increasing alignment with data center and AI demand.

We initiated Micron Technology on the view that the memory industry has entered a structurally longer and stronger upcycle than the historical two- to three-year pattern, with signs pointing to a four- to five-year duration. Generative AI workloads consume memory at multiples of prior compute paradigms, and the rising trade ratio of HBM absorbs disproportionate wafer capacity even as hyperscaler long-term agreements impose unprecedented supply discipline on the industry. The combination—secular demand acceleration against structurally constrained supply—should keep the market in deficit through 2027 and supports our view of a memory super-cycle. We believe the company is positioned to benefit from a structurally stronger memory cycle driven by AI demand, constrained industry supply and rising pricing across dynamic random-access memory and NAND memory markets. Micron has rapidly gained share in HBM, a higher-margin product category that is increasingly essential for AI accelerators, and its output through 2026 is effectively sold out as demand from cloud computing and AI customers continues to expand. Beyond HBM, Micron is benefiting from growth in AI servers, enterprise solid-state drives, personal computers, smartphones, automotive systems and industrial applications, where memory content continues to rise. Improved industry supply discipline, long-term customer agreements and Micron’s position as the only U.S.-headquartered pure-play memory manufacturer further support the investment case, while domestic semiconductor funding and planned manufacturing expansion in Idaho and New York provide an additional strategic advantage. We believe the current upcycle and the inherent cyclicality of memory warrant a higher peak multiple and see the valuation on forward earnings as reasonable in absolute terms.

Sells

Amphenol

We sold Amphenol, a leading global provider of electrical, electronic and fiber optic connectors, interconnect systems, antennas, sensors, and specialty cable. While we continued to recognize the company’s high-quality operating model, diversified end-market exposure, strong free cash flow generation and disciplined acquisition strategy, our assessment of the company’s role within the broader Core portfolio changed, as the stock’s valuation increasingly reflected sustained AI data center growth. In particular, in a portfolio where we seek to balance quality, growth and valuation discipline, the combination of a premium valuation and greater uncertainty around the durability of copper-related data center growth reduced our confidence that the forward-looking return adequately compensated for the risk of valuation downside. As a result, we exited the position.

Boston Scientific

We sold Boston Scientific on concerns around continued pressure in its two growth engines: the Watchman device and Farapulse. Despite good data in the Champion trial, hesitation around the use of Watchman has resulted in declining growth rates. Changes to the modality of implantation are also pressuring Watchman growth. Farapulse, while a clear leader in pulse field ablation (PFA), is experiencing slower growth rates due to competitive entrants. While we are encouraged by management’s actions to address these issues, we believe it will take time to regain investor confidence in the name and restore the premium valuation that Boston Scientific once enjoyed.

Synopsys

We sold Synopsys and see its core electronic design automation (EDA) software business growth decelerating, with the business ex-Ansys growing only high single digits, and fiscal year 2026 remains a “transition year” that could slow into the low single digits. In addition, Chinese EDA/IP competition is pressuring the shares, and tightening export controls add demand risk. We are reallocating the capital to higher-conviction semiconductor exposure where we believe the revision cycle is inflecting upward.

Outlook

The equity markets in the second quarter increased mid-teens on the strength in technology and related companies tied into the AI infrastructure spend. Interest rates rose slightly for the quarter, as inflation continues to run above the Federal Reserve’s target level. There was a sizable decline in energy-related equities on the pullback in energy commodity prices. We believe equity valuations on forward earnings expectations are reasonable, as the growth in earnings has continued to surprise to the upside. The economic data points to a moderately growing economy with lingering inflation, putting the Federal Reserve on hold with a bias toward a rate increase in the latter half of the year. The conflicts in Iran and Ukraine will likely continue to drive uncertainty, especially in the energy commodity space. Our focus will continue to be at the company level, with an emphasis on seeking to invest in companies with secular tailwinds or strong product-driven cycles.

Disclosures

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aristotle Atlantic Partners, LLC (Aristotle Atlantic) and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee or indicator of future results. This material is not financial advice or an offer to purchase or sell any product. You should not assume that any of the securities transactions, sectors or holdings discussed in this report were or will be profitable, or that recommendations Aristotle Atlantic makes in the future will be profitable or equal the performance of the securities listed in this report. The portfolio characteristics shown relate to the Aristotle Atlantic Core Equity strategy. Not every client’s account will have these characteristics. Aristotle Atlantic reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs. There is no assurance that any securities discussed herein will remain in an account’s portfolio at the time you receive this report or that securities sold have not been repurchased. The securities discussed may not represent an account’s entire portfolio and, in the aggregate, may represent only a small percentage of an account’s portfolio holdings. The performance attribution presented is of a representative account from Aristotle Atlantic’s Core Equity Composite. The representative account is a discretionary client account which was chosen to most closely reflect the investment style of the strategy. The criteria used for representative account selection is based on the account’s period of time under management and its similarity of holdings in relation to the strategy. Recommendations made in the last 12 months are available upon request.

Returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses.

All investments carry a certain degree of risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investments are also subject to political, market, currency and regulatory risks or economic developments. International investments involve special risks that may in particular cause a loss in principal, including currency fluctuation, lower liquidity, different accounting methods and economic and political systems, and higher transaction costs. These risks typically are greater in emerging markets. While Large-capitalization companies may have more stable prices than smaller, less established companies, they are still subject to equity securities risk. In addition, large-capitalization equity security prices may not rise as much as prices of equity securities of small-capitalization companies. Securities of small- and medium-sized companies tend to have a shorter history of operations, be more volatile and less liquid. Value stocks can perform differently from the market as a whole and other types of stocks. The material is provided for informational and/or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as investment, legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Investors should consult their financial and tax adviser before making investments. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication, may be modified due to changes in the market or economic conditions, and may not necessarily come to pass. Information and data presented has been developed internally and/or obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Aristotle Atlantic does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of such information.

Aristotle Atlantic Partners, LLC is an independent registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Aristotle Atlantic, including our investment strategies, fees and objectives, can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. AAP-2607-9

Performance Disclosures


Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM

The Aristotle Core Equity Composite has an inception date of August 1, 2013 at a predecessor firm. During this time, Mr. Fitzpatrick had primary responsibility for managing the strategy. Performance starting November 1, 2016 was achieved at Aristotle Atlantic.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. Performance results for periods greater than one year have been annualized. Returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses.

Index Disclosures

The Russell 1000® Growth Index measures the performance of the large cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. This index has been selected as the benchmark and is used for comparison purposes only. The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of the large cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values. The S&P 500® Index is the Standard & Poor’s Composite Index of 500 stocks and is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average® is a price-weighted measure of 30 U.S. blue-chip companies. The Index covers all industries except transportation and utilities. The NASDAQ Composite Index measures all NASDAQ domestic and international based common type stocks listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market. The NASDAQ Composite includes over 3,000 companies, more than most other stock market indices. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of domestic investment grade bonds, including corporate, government and mortgage-backed securities. The WTI Crude Oil Index is a major trading classification of sweet light crude oil that serves as a major benchmark price for oil consumed in the United States. The Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the small cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index representing approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of that index. It includes approximately 2000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill is a short-term debt obligation backed by the U.S. Treasury Department with a maturity of three months. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. While stock selection is not governed by quantitative rules, a stock typically is added only if the company has an excellent reputation, demonstrates sustained growth and is of interest to a large number of investors. The volatility (beta) of the Composite may be greater or less than its respective benchmarks. It is not possible to invest directly in these indices.

ARISTOTLE CAPITAL BOSTON, LLC

Markets Review

U.S. small cap equities delivered a strong rebound during the second quarter of 2026, outperforming large cap stocks as investor sentiment improved amid resilient economic growth, easing geopolitical tensions, and broadening market participation. The Russell 2000 Index gained 21.49% during the quarter, marking its strongest quarterly return since 2020 and one of the best quarterly performances in its history. Healthy consumer spending, a stable labor market, and generally better than expected corporate earnings reinforced confidence in the economic outlook, while lower energy prices and reduced concerns surrounding Middle East tensions further supported expectations for moderating inflation and continued expansion. As optimism broadened beyond the largest technology companies, investors increasingly rotated into smaller companies poised to benefit from improving economic conditions, accelerating capital investment, and renewed capital markets activity.

Stylistically, growth stocks outperformed their value counterparts during the quarter, with the Russell 2000 Growth Index returning 25.71% versus 17.19% for the Russell 2000 Value Index. Performance was driven by AI-related beneficiaries, higher beta companies, and businesses with accelerating revenue growth. Technology was the standout sector, led by significant gains in semiconductors, semiconductor equipment, networking infrastructure, and other AI-enabling hardware, while Industrials benefited from strength in power infrastructure, electrical equipment, engineering, and manufacturing related businesses. Health Care also rebounded, led by biotechnology and life sciences. In contrast, Energy gave back a portion of its first quarter gains as oil prices declined, while traditionally defensive sectors, including Utilities, Consumer Staples, and Materials, lagged. More broadly, investors favored higher growth and economically sensitive companies over higher quality, dividend paying, and more defensive businesses, leaving slower growth retailers, banks, commercial services, and consumer staples among the quarter’s relative laggards. From a factor perspective, low leverage and low variability had strong payoffs, while low volatility and quality had negative payoffs.

At the sector level, almost all sectors paid off positively. The best performing sectors were Information Technology (+55.85%), Health Care (+24.54%), and Industrials (+24.02%) while the worst performing sectors were Energy (-10.06%), Utilities (+0.13%), and Materials (+2.58%).

 

Sources: CAPS Composite Hub, Russell Investments
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

Performance Review

For the second quarter of 2026, the Aristotle Small Cap Equity Composite posted a total return of 13.56% net of fees (13.75% gross of fees), underperforming the 21.49% total return of the Russell 2000 Index. Security selection detracted from performance, while allocation effect aided results. The largest detractors on a relative basis were security selection in the Information Technology (owning Everforth coupled with not owning Credo Technology or quantum computing stocks and non-earning SaaS companies) and Industrials sectors coupled with overweight allocations to Materials and Financials. This was partially offset by security selection and an underweight position in the Energy sector as well as positive security selection in Consumer Staples and an overweight position in Information Technology.

Relative ContributorsRelative Detractors
MACOM Technology SolutionsAlamos Gold
Mercury SystemsHuron Consulting Group
Benchmark ElectronicsCredo Technology (not owned in the portfolio)
Pursuit Attractions and HospitalityBloom Energy (not owned in the portfolio)
WillScot HoldingsEverforth

CONTRIBUTORS

MACOM Technology Solutions (MTSI), is a designer and manufacturer of high performance semiconductor products. The stock benefitted from strong earnings results and forward guidance featuring continued strong revenue and profitability, driven by accelerating demand across data‑center, industrial/defense, and telecom end markets. We maintain our position, as we believe the company’s meaningful exposure to growing demand from Data Center and 5G end market applications along with the integration of recent acquisitions and domestic manufacturing footprint should continue to drive shareholder value.

Mercury Systems (MRCY), is a developer of mission critical computing, signal processing, software, and secure electronics technologies used in aerospace and defense applications. The stock was rewarded for the company’s successful acceleration of deliveries on several high priority defense programs, alongside continued progress on its restructuring initiatives and cost reduction efforts. We maintain our position as we believe Mercury Systems is emerging from a multi-year operational reset, with improving execution, expanding margins, and lower leverage. In addition, we believe the stock is trading at attractive valuations relative to its normalized earnings power given the strong underlying demand across its aerospace and defense end markets, which should continue to create shareholder value over time.

DETRACTORS

Alamos Gold (AGI), a Canadian gold producer focused on developing and operating high quality mines in North America, detracted from performance following a reduction in 2026 production guidance driven by operational challenges at its Young-Davidson mine, including seismic activity, lower mining rates, and higher costs. Weaker gold prices during the quarter also weighed on the shares. We believe these headwinds are temporary and continue to view the company favorably given the successful ramp up of the Island Gold District, a robust project pipeline, and attractive long term production growth.

Huron Consulting Group (HURN), is a provider of technology, data, and analytics solutions to Healthcare, Education, and corporate clients. The stock reported strong results and handily beat analyst expectations. Despite that, shares sold off amid market sentiment around AI potentially cannibalizing their business model which we believe is overly pessimistic. We maintain a position, as we believe the company may continue to benefit from durable demand, expanding margins, and secular growth tied to digital and regulatory complexity in their end markets over the long term.

Recent Portfolio Activity

Buys/AcquisitionsSells/Liquidations
IPG PhotonicsAmericold Realty Trust
UMB FinancialByline Bancorp
Verra Mobility

BUYS/ACQUISITIONS

IPG Photonics (IPGP), is a global leader in high power fiber laser technology, providing mission critical laser systems used in industrial manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication, electric vehicle production, and medical applications. The company benefits from a vertically integrated business model, strong intellectual property, and technological leadership that support durable competitive advantages. The stock is well positioned to benefit from a recovery in manufacturing activity and secular growth trends including factory automation, reshoring, electrification, semiconductor investment, and advanced manufacturing, supporting improving earnings growth and long term shareholder value.

UMB Financial (UMBF), is a regional bank with a diversified business model spanning commercial banking, institutional asset servicing, private wealth management, healthcare payments, and specialty financial services. Unlike many regional banks, UMB generates a meaningful portion of its revenue from fee based businesses, providing a more stable earnings profile and reducing reliance on net interest income. The company has consistently demonstrated disciplined underwriting, strong credit quality, and a conservative balance sheet, positioning it to perform across economic cycles. We believe UMB is well positioned to benefit from improving loan growth, expanding fee income, and continued market share gains, while its strong capital position and attractive returns on equity support long term earnings growth and shareholder value.

SELLS/LIQUIDATIONS

Americold Realty Trust (COLD), is a real estate investment trust  focused on the ownership, operation, development, and acquisition of temperature controlled warehouses. The position was liquidated due to deteriorating fundamentals.

Byline Bancorp (BY), is a full service commercial bank offering a broad range of products and service to small and medium sized businesses, commercial real estate, and consumers. The position was sold as the stock appreciated and reached our valuation target, reducing the risk/reward opportunity. Proceeds were redeployed into what we view as more attractive investment opportunities.

Verra Mobility (VRRM), is a provider of automated enforcement, tolling, and parking technologies and solutions. We exited the position after the loss of a significant customer contract materially changed our investment thesis, reducing confidence in the company’s long term earnings and growth outlook. The proceeds were redeployed into higher conviction opportunities.

Outlook

We remain constructive on the long term outlook for U.S. small cap equities. Valuations continue to appear attractive, with the Russell 2000 trading near multi-decade lows relative to large caps, while earnings have begun to reaccelerate. Consensus estimates point to small cap earnings growth surpassing large cap growth by late 2026/early 2027. Incremental increase in M&A activity, improving domestic manufacturing trends supported by reshoring and infrastructure investment, and a more favorable regulatory and tariff backdrop should provide longer term tailwinds for the asset class. Near term, we remain cautious as geopolitical risks, including the Iran conflict and related inflationary spillovers, may contribute to elevated volatility. Separately, mid-term election uncertainty has historically been associated with increased market volatility but has often given way to more durable small cap recoveries following the election cycle.

Positioning

Our current positioning is a function of our bottom-up security selection process and our ability to identify what we view as attractive investment candidates, regardless of economic sector definitions. Overweight allocations in Information Technology and Materials are mostly a function of our underlying company specific views rather than any top-down predictions for each sector. Conversely, we continue to be underweight in Health Care as we do not hold Biotechnology companies as that industry has significant binary risk. We are also underweight in Real Estate, as the sector has elevated interest rate sensitivity, refinancing risk, and structural challenges in segments such as office and retail, combined with generally weaker balance sheets, leading us to seek what we consider to be more attractive reward to risk opportunities. Given our focus on long term business fundamentals, our patient investment approach and low portfolio turnover, the strategy’s positioning generally does not change significantly from quarter to quarter. However, we may take advantage of periods of volatility by adding selectively to certain companies when appropriate.

Disclosures

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aristotle Capital Boston, LLC (Aristotle Boston) and are subject to change without notice.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information provided in this report should not be considered financial advice or a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security. There is no assurance that any securities discussed herein will remain in an account’s portfolio at the time you receive this report or that securities sold have not been repurchased. The securities discussed may not represent an account’s entire portfolio and, in the aggregate, may represent only a small percentage of an account’s portfolio holdings. The performance attribution presented is of a representative account from Aristotle Boston’s Small Cap Equity Composite. The representative account is a discretionary client account which was chosen to most closely reflect the investment style of the strategy. The criteria used for representative account selection is based on the account’s period of time under management and its similarity of holdings in relation to the strategy. It should not be assumed that any of the securities transactions, holdings or sectors discussed were or will be profitable, or that the investment recommendations or decisions Aristotle Boston makes in the future will be profitable or equal the performance of the securities discussed herein. Aristotle Boston reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs. Recommendations made in the last 12 months are available upon request.

Returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses.

Effective January 1, 2022, the Aristotle Small Cap Equity Composite has been redefined to exclude accounts with meaningful industry-specific restrictions or substantial values-based screens hampering implementation of the small cap strategy.

All investments carry a certain degree of risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investments are also subject to political, market, currency and regulatory risks or economic developments. International investments involve special risks that may in particular cause a loss in principal, including currency fluctuation, lower liquidity, different accounting methods and economic and political systems, and higher transaction costs. These risks typically are greater in emerging markets. While Large-capitalization companies may have more stable prices than smaller, less established companies, they are still subject to equity securities risk. In addition, large-capitalization equity security prices may not rise as much as prices of equity securities of small-capitalization companies. Securities of small- and medium-sized companies tend to have a shorter history of operations, be more volatile and less liquid. Value stocks can perform differently from the market as a whole and other types of stocks. The material is provided for informational and/or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as investment, legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Investors should consult their financial and tax adviser before making investments. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication, may be modified due to changes in the market or economic conditions, and may not necessarily come to pass. Information and data presented has been developed internally and/or obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Aristotle Boston does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of such information.

Aristotle Capital Boston, LLC is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Aristotle Boston, including our investment strategies, fees and objectives, can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. ACB-2607-3

Performance Disclosures

Sources: CAPS Composite Hub, Russell Investments

Composite returns for periods ended June 30, 2026, are final.

*The Aristotle Small Cap Equity Composite has an inception date of November 1, 2006, at a predecessor firm. During this time, Jack McPherson and Dave Adams had primary responsibility for managing the strategy. Performance starting January 1, 2015, was achieved at Aristotle Boston.

**For the period November 2006 through December 2006.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. Performance results for periods greater than one year have been annualized.

Effective January 1, 2022, the Aristotle Small Cap Equity Composite has been redefined to exclude accounts with meaningful industry-specific restrictions or substantial values-based screens hampering implementation of the small cap strategy.

Returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses. Please see important disclosures enclosed within this document.

Index Disclosures

The Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the small cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. It includes approximately 2,000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market capitalization and current index membership. The Russell 2000 Growth® Index measures the performance of the small cap companies located in the United States that also exhibit a growth probability. The Russell 2000 Value® Index measures the performance of the small cap companies located in the United States that also exhibit a value probability. The volatility (beta) of the composite may be greater or less than the benchmarks. It is not possible to invest directly in these indices.

For more on Small Cap Equity, access the latest resources.

ARISTOTLE CAPITAL BOSTON, LLC

Markets Review

U.S. small/mid cap equities delivered a strong rebound during the second quarter of 2026, outperforming large cap stocks as investor sentiment improved amid resilient economic growth, easing geopolitical tensions, and broadening market participation. The Russell 2500 Index gained 20.26% during the quarter, marking its strongest quarterly return since 2020 and one of the best quarterly performances in its history. Healthy consumer spending, a stable labor market, and generally better than expected corporate earnings reinforced confidence in the economic outlook, while lower energy prices and reduced concerns surrounding Middle East tensions further supported expectations for moderating inflation and continued expansion. As optimism broadened beyond the largest technology companies, investors increasingly rotated into smaller companies poised to benefit from improving economic conditions, accelerating capital investment, and renewed capital markets activity.

Stylistically, growth stocks outperformed their value counterparts during the quarter, with the Russell 2500 Growth Index returning 24.02% compared to the 18.50% return of the Russell 2500 Value index. Performance was driven by AI-related beneficiaries, higher beta companies, and businesses with accelerating revenue growth. Technology was the standout sector, led by significant gains in semiconductors, semiconductor equipment, networking infrastructure, and other AI-enabling hardware, while Industrials benefited from strength in power infrastructure, electrical equipment, engineering, and manufacturing related businesses. Health Care also rebounded, led by biotechnology and life sciences. In contrast, Energy gave back a portion of its first quarter gains as oil prices declined, while traditionally defensive sectors, including Utilities, Consumer Staples, and Materials, lagged. More broadly, investors favored higher growth and economically sensitive companies over higher quality, dividend paying, and more defensive businesses, leaving slower growth retailers, banks, commercial services, and consumer staples among the quarter’s relative laggards. Factors that had the strongest payoffs were sentiment and efficiency, while factors such as low volatility, low variability, low leverage, and quality paid off negatively.

At the sector level, almost all sectors paid off positively. The best performing sectors were Information Technology (+65.79%), Health Care (+19.32%), and Industrials (+19.09%) while the worst performing sectors were Energy (-9.72%), Materials (+1.01%), and Utilities (+1.54%).

Sources: CAPS Composite Hub, Russell Investments
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

Performance Review

For the second quarter of 2026, the Aristotle Small/Mid Cap Equity Composite generated a total return of 9.91% net of fees (10.08% gross of fees), underperforming the 20.26% total return of the Russell 2500 Index. Security selection detracted from performance, while allocation effect aided results. The largest detractors to relative performance were security selection in Information Technology (owning Everforth coupled with not owning SanDisk or quantum computing stocks and non-earning SaaS companies) and Industrials coupled with overweight allocations to Materials and Energy. This was partially offset by security selection in the Utilities and Consumer Staples sectors coupled with underweight allocations to Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary.

Relative ContributorsRelative Detractors
MACOM Technology SolutionsSanDisk (not owned in the portfolio)
Mercury SystemsAlamos Gold
Insmed (not owned in the portfolio)Huron Consulting Group
KnowlesRange Resources
WillScot HoldingsPermian Resources

CONTRIBUTORS

MACOM Technology Solutions (MTSI), is a designer and manufacturer of high performance semiconductor products. The stock benefitted from strong earnings results and forward guidance featuring continued strong revenue and profitability, driven by accelerating demand across data‑center, industrial/defense, and telecom end markets. We maintain our position, as we believe the company’s meaningful exposure to growing demand from Data Center and 5G end market applications along with the integration of recent acquisitions and domestic manufacturing footprint should continue to drive shareholder value.

Mercury Systems (MRCY), is a developer of mission critical computing, signal processing, software, and secure electronics technologies used in aerospace and defense applications. The stock was rewarded for the company’s successful acceleration of deliveries on several high priority defense programs, alongside continued progress on its restructuring initiatives and cost reduction efforts. We maintain our position as we believe Mercury Systems is emerging from a multi-year operational reset, with improving execution, expanding margins, and lower leverage. In addition, we believe the stock is trading at attractive valuations relative to its normalized earnings power given the strong underlying demand across its aerospace and defense end markets, which should continue to create shareholder value over time.

DETRACTORS

SanDisk (SNDK), engages in the development, manufacture, and provision of storage devices and solutions based on NAND flash technology. Its products include solid state drives, memory cards, and USB flash drives. The stock rallied during the quarter and was up 229% on improving memory cycle sentiment and AI‑driven storage demand. The portfolio did not own the position which resulted in a drag on relative performance versus the benchmark.

Alamos Gold (AGI), a Canadian gold producer focused on developing and operating high quality mines in North America, detracted from performance following a reduction in 2026 production guidance driven by operational challenges at its Young-Davidson mine, including seismic activity, lower mining rates, and higher costs. Weaker gold prices during the quarter also weighed on the shares. We believe these headwinds are temporary and continue to view the company favorably given the successful ramp up of the Island Gold District, a robust project pipeline, and attractive long term production growth.

Recent Portfolio Activity

Buys/AcquisitionsSells/Liquidations
Jones Lang LaSalleAmericold Realty Trust
UMB FinancialVerra Mobility
WesBanco

BUYS/ACQUISITIONS

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), is a leading global commercial real estate services firm positioned to benefit from a recovery in leasing, capital markets, and investment activity as commercial real estate fundamentals improve. Its diversified business mix, growing recurring revenue streams, and global scale can provide resilient earnings and durable competitive advantages. We believe improving transaction volumes and continued growth in higher value advisory and outsourcing services will support long-term earnings growth and shareholder value.

UMB Financial (UMBF), is a regional bank with a diversified business model spanning commercial banking, institutional asset servicing, private wealth management, healthcare payments, and specialty financial services. Unlike many regional banks, UMB generates a meaningful portion of its revenue from fee based businesses, providing a more stable earnings profile and reducing reliance on net interest income. The company has consistently demonstrated disciplined underwriting, strong credit quality, and a conservative balance sheet, positioning it to perform across economic cycles. We believe UMB is well positioned to benefit from improving loan growth, expanding fee income, and continued market share gains, while its strong capital position and attractive returns on equity support long term earnings growth and shareholder value.

WesBanco (WSBC), is a regional bank with a diversified franchise spanning commercial banking, consumer banking, wealth management, and trust services. We believe the stock is trading at an attractive valuation as the market underappreciates the earnings potential created by the successful integration of Premier Financial, improving operating efficiency, expanding margins, strong capital levels, and robust loan growth.

SELLS/LIQUIDATIONS

Americold Realty Trust (COLD), is a real estate investment trust  focused on the ownership, operation, development, and acquisition of temperature controlled warehouses. The position was liquidated due to deteriorating fundamentals.

Verra Mobility (VRRM), is a provider of automated enforcement, tolling, and parking technologies and solutions. We exited the position after the loss of a significant customer contract materially changed our investment thesis, reducing confidence in the company’s long term earnings and growth outlook. The proceeds were redeployed into higher conviction opportunities.

Outlook

We remain constructive on the long-term outlook for the small/mid-cap segment of the U.S. market. Valuations continue to appear attractive, with the Russell 2500 Index trading near multi-decade lows relative to large caps, while earnings have begun to reaccelerate. Consensus estimates point to small cap earnings growth surpassing large cap growth by late 2026/early 2027. Incremental increase in M&A activity, improving domestic manufacturing trends supported by reshoring and infrastructure investment, and a more favorable regulatory and tariff backdrop should provide longer term tailwinds for the asset class. Near term, we remain cautious as geopolitical risks, including the Iran conflict and related inflationary spillovers, may contribute to elevated volatility. Separately, mid-term election uncertainty has historically been associated with increased market volatility but has often given way to more durable small cap recoveries following the election cycle.

Positioning

Our current positioning is a function of our bottom-up security selection process and our ability to identify what we view as attractive investment candidates, regardless of economic sector definitions. Overweights in Financials and Materials are mostly a function of our underlying company specific views rather than any top-down predictions for each sector. Conversely, we continue to be underweight in Consumer Discretionary, as we have been unable to identify what we consider to be compelling long-term opportunities that fit our discipline given the rising risk profiles of many retail businesses and a potential deceleration in goods spending following a period of strength. We are also underweight in Industrials as we have been unable to identify what we consider to be more compelling long-term opportunities that fit our discipline versus companies belonging to other sectors. Given our focus on long-term business fundamentals, our patient investment approach and low portfolio turnover, the strategy’s sector positioning generally does not change significantly from quarter to quarter. However, we may take advantage of periods of volatility by adding selectively to certain companies when appropriate.

Disclosures

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aristotle Capital Boston, LLC (Aristotle Boston) and are subject to change without notice.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information provided in this report should not be considered financial advice or a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security. There is no assurance that any securities discussed herein will remain in an account’s portfolio at the time you receive this report or that securities sold have not been repurchased. The securities discussed may not represent an account’s entire portfolio and, in the aggregate, may represent only a small percentage of an account’s portfolio holdings. The performance attribution presented is of a representative account from Aristotle Boston’s Small/Mid Cap Equity Composite. The representative account is a discretionary client account which was chosen to most closely reflect the investment style of the strategy. The criteria used for representative account selection is based on the account’s period of time under management and its similarity of holdings in relation to the strategy. It should not be assumed that any of the securities transactions, holdings or sectors discussed were or will be profitable, or that the investment recommendations or decisions Aristotle Boston makes in the future will be profitable or equal the performance of the securities discussed herein. Aristotle Boston reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs. Recommendations made in the last 12 months are available upon request.

Returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses.

As of December 31, 2014, there were no non-fee-paying accounts in the Composite.

All investments carry a certain degree of risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investments are also subject to political, market, currency and regulatory risks or economic developments. International investments involve special risks that may in particular cause a loss in principal, including currency fluctuation, lower liquidity, different accounting methods and economic and political systems, and higher transaction costs. These risks typically are greater in emerging markets. While Large-capitalization companies may have more stable prices than smaller, less established companies, they are still subject to equity securities risk. In addition, large-capitalization equity security prices may not rise as much as prices of equity securities of small-capitalization companies. Securities of small- and medium-sized companies tend to have a shorter history of operations, be more volatile and less liquid. Value stocks can perform differently from the market as a whole and other types of stocks. The material is provided for informational and/or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as investment, legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Investors should consult their financial and tax adviser before making investments. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication, may be modified due to changes in the market or economic conditions, and may not necessarily come to pass. Information and data presented has been developed internally and/or obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Aristotle Boston does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of such information.

Aristotle Capital Boston, LLC is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Aristotle Boston, including our investment strategies, fees and objectives, can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. ACB-2607-4

Performance Disclosures

Sources: CAPS Composite Hub, Russell Investments

Composite returns for periods ended June 30, 2026, are final.

*The Aristotle Small/Mid Cap Equity Composite has an inception date of January 1, 2008, at a predecessor firm. During this time, Jack McPherson and Dave Adams had primary responsibility for managing the strategy. Performance starting January 1, 2015, was achieved at Aristotle Boston.

As of December 31, 2014, there were no non-fee-paying accounts in the Composite. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Performance results for periods greater than one year have been annualized.

Returns are presented gross and net of investment advisory fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net returns are presented net of actual investment advisory fees and after the deduction of all trading expenses. Please see important disclosures enclosed within this document.

Index Disclosures

The Russell 2500® Index measures the performance of the small to mid cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2500 Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. It includes approximately 2500 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2500 Growth® Index measures the performance of the small/mid cap companies located in the United States that also exhibit a growth probability. The Russell 2500 Value® Index measures the performance of the small/mid cap companies located in the United States that also exhibit a value probability. The volatility (beta) of the composite may be greater or less than the benchmarks. It is not possible to invest directly in these indices.

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