(All MSCI index returns are shown net and in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.)

Markets Review

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, Bloomberg
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle Global 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 model fees. Net returns are calculated by subtracting a model fee of 0.50% on an annual basis or 0.04167% on a monthly basis. Aristotle Capital Composite returns are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

Global equity markets rallied, with the MSCI ACWI Index advancing 11.53% in the second quarter. Concurrently, global fixed income gained ground, as the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index rose 4.52%. Value stocks significantly lagged growth stocks over the quarter, with the MSCI ACWI Value Index underperfoming the MSCI ACWI Growth Index by 11.42%.

Asia/Pacific ex-Japan and Emerging Markets were the strongest regions, while Europe and Japan, though posting double-digit returns, increased the least. On a sector basis, nine out of the eleven sectors within the MSCI ACWI Index finished higher, with Information Technology, Communication Services and Industrials rising the most. Meanwhile, Energy and Health Care finished with negative returns.

Trade policy remained a focal point. In early April, President Trump introduced a universal 10% import tariff, as well as reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, as part of “Liberation Day.”  Roughly a week later, and to encourage the start of negotiations, a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs was enacted for almost all countries. Later in the quarter, the U.S. and U.K. finalized the Economic Prosperity Deal, which included expanding American access to British markets and lowering tariffs on the first 100,000 of U.K. autos entering the U.S. each year. Meanwhile, negotiations continued with the EU, Japan, Canada and India. After escalating, trade tensions with China eased somewhat; however, considerable tariffs and other trade policy disputes remain for both countries as negotiations continue.

While the full impact of trade policy changes is still uncertain, major economies—including the U.S., U.K., eurozone and Japan—experienced downward revisions to 2025 GDP growth projections. Additionally, inflation trends were notably mixed during the quarter. In the U.S., changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained stable at approximately 2.4% year-over-year, while annual inflation in the eurozone fell below the European Central Bank’s 2% target. In contrast, the U.K. saw its CPI rise 3.4% year-over-year, with policymakers warning that ongoing geopolitical tensions may continue to drive inflation higher by disrupting oil prices and global supply chains. Japan also experienced elevated inflation, with core CPI rising 3.7% year-over-year—its fastest pace since January of 2023.

Amid a backdrop of macroeconomic uncertainty and mixed economic data, central bank policy decisions generally aligned with expectations. Monetary authorities in the U.S. and Japan held their key interest rates steady, while their counterparts in the U.K. and eurozone implemented rate cuts.

In geopolitics, tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply during the quarter, with Israel and Iran engaging in direct missile exchanges—their most overt confrontation in decades. A succession of precision strikes on key Iranian figures and military sites, as well as U.S. airstrikes on nuclear infrastructure, further fueled fears of a broader regional conflict. However, after 12 days of war, a ceasefire was reached late in the quarter, easing immediate tensions but leaving uncertainty over its durability. In Europe, Russian forces entered eastern Ukraine in the Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time in three years. While the two sides engaged in a second round of negotiations and completed prisoner exchanges, prospects of a material advancement toward a ceasefire remain unclear. Despite the heightened geopolitical events, Brent crude oil fell 9.5% during the quarter.

Performance and Attribution Summary

For the second quarter of 2025, Aristotle Capital’s Global Equity Composite posted a total return of 9.58% gross of fees (9.45% net of fees), underperforming the MSCI ACWI Index, which returned 11.53%, and the MSCI World Index, which returned 11.47%. Please refer to the table below for detailed performance.

Performance (%) 2Q25YTD1 Year3 Years5 Years10 Years Since Inception*
Global Equity Composite (gross)9.5810.809.0413.2211.7810.129.98
Global Equity Composite (net)9.4510.538.5012.6711.239.589.44
MSCI ACWI Index (net)11.5310.0616.1717.3513.6610.009.62
MSCI World Index (net)11.479.4816.2618.3114.5510.6610.49
*The inception date for the Global Equity Composite is November 1, 2010. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle Global Equity Composite returns are presented gross and net of model 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 model fees. Net returns are calculated by subtracting a model fee of .50% on an annual basis or .04167% on a monthly basis, which includes trading costs and the reinvestment of all income. Aristotle Capital Composite returns are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. 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. Attirbution 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.

From a sector perspective, the portfolio’s underperformance relative to the MSCI ACWI Index can be attributed to allocation effects, while security selection had a slightly positive overall impact. An underweight in Information Technology and security selection in Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology detracted the most from the portfolio’s relative performance. Conversely, security selection in Energy and Financials and an overweight in Industrials contributed to relative return.

Regionally, both security selection and allocation effects were responsible for the portfolio’s underperformance relative to the MSCI ACWI Index. Security selection in Europe and Japan detracted the most from relative performance, while security selection in North America and an overweight in Japan contributed.

Contributors and Detractors for 2Q 2025

Relative ContributorsRelative Detractors
CamecoAmgen
Microchip TechnologyLennar
NemetschekJazz Pharmaceuticals
Erste Group BankAlcon
Pan Pacific InternationalTotalEnergies

Amgen, the biopharmaceutical company, was the largest detractor for the quarter. While the company’s branded drugs continued to advance (a previously identified catalyst), with cholesterol medicine Repatha, osteoporosis treatment Evenity and bone-strengthening drug Prolia all growing sales in the double digits, concerns surrounding potential tariff impacts, tax reform and pressure on drug prices weighed on shares. We believe it is too early to assess the full impact of these macro uncertainties and are confident in Amgen’s demonstrated ability to adapt through evolving policy and pricing dynamics. The company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to domestic manufacturing and innovation through its upcoming $2 billion expansions in Ohio and North Carolina, building on more than $5 billion in U.S. operational investments since 2017. Furthermore, Amgen continued to advance its robust pipeline, as its 1L bemarituzumab (bema) phase 3 trial for gastric cancer met its primary endpoint, and MariTide, the company’s weight-loss drug, demonstrated strong efficacy in phase 1 and 2 trials. MariTide, which could offer more convenient monthly dosing compared to daily or weekly regimens, showed promising early results, though tolerability will be an important focus heading into phase 3. Management noted that modified dose ramp-up strategies may help mitigate these effects. Despite near-term pressures, we remain encouraged by Amgen’s continued market share gains across key therapies and the potential to enhance the company’s competitiveness and resilience in a dynamic healthcare landscape.

Alcon, a global leader in eye care, was one of the largest detractors during the quarter. Aside from its earnings report, there was little material news, and we did not view anything in the report as affecting the company’s long-term fundamentals. While quarterly updates can influence sentiment, our focus remains on the strength and quality of the business. Alcon operates in a resilient, oligopolistic industry with high barriers to entry and recurring revenue streams tied to its large installed base of cataract surgery systems. It also continues to innovate across product categories, including its premium intraocular lens portfolio (e.g., PanOptix, Vivity), ultra-premium daily contact lenses (e.g., Dailies Total1) and over-the-counter products, such as Systane for dry eyes. Since its spinoff from Novartis in 2019, the company has also demonstrated greater agility in R&D, commercial execution and capital allocation—catalysts we previously identified. More broadly, we believe Alcon’s ability to strengthen its partnerships with eye care professionals and broaden access to underutilized premium technologies makes the company uniquely positioned to benefit from an aging population, increased access to eye care in emerging markets, and rising awareness and diagnosis of chronic dry eye conditions.

Cameco, one of the world’s largest uranium producers, was the biggest contributor during the quarter. The company continued to demonstrate the hallmarks of a high-quality business: a long-duration contract portfolio, disciplined capital allocation and resilience in the face of operational disruption. Despite a nearly 30% decline in uranium spot prices year-over-year, Cameco reported higher average realized prices under its contracted sales—underscoring its pricing power and long-term customer relationships. The company maintained stable operations despite a temporary production pause at the Inkai joint venture and wildfires in northern Saskatchewan. Meanwhile, management continued to deepen its exposure to the nuclear fuel cycle through its Westinghouse unit, which expands its reach into reactor services and fuels. With rising global interest in nuclear energy for energy security and decarbonization, Cameco’s strong balance sheet, vertically integrated platform and ability to flex production volume (thereby controlling costs) remain important catalysts in our eyes.

Microchip Technology, the microcontroller (MCU) and analog semiconductor producer, was a top contributor for the quarter. After several quarters of underperformance driven by prolonged customer destocking, the company’s fundamentals began to improve meaningfully, as returning CEO Steve Sanghi’s turnaround plan is underway. Bookings showed signs of stabilization, supported by more balanced inventories across customers and distribution channels, as well as indications of recovering end-market demand. Operational execution also improved under the renewed leadership, with early benefits emerging from cost-saving initiatives—such as the closure of its Arizona wafer fabrication facility—and tighter inventory management. Microchip’s long-standing customer relationships and commitment to extended product lifecycles continue to support recurring revenue and reduce design-in risk. Combined with its consistent record of strong FREE cash flow generation and shareholder returns, this disciplined approach reinforces our conviction in the company’s ability to manage through industry cycles. Longer term, we believe Microchip remains well-positioned to gain share in 16- and 32-bit MCUs and areas including IoT, 5G infrastructure, autonomous vehicles and data centers.

Recent Portfolio Activity

BuysSells
Capital OnePayPal Holdings
UberRational

During the quarter, we sold our positions in PayPal Holdings and Rational and invested in Capital One and Uber.

We first invested in PayPal, the online and mobile e-commerce payments company, in the third quarter of 2015. Over the past decade, we have admired PayPal’s ability to expand its unique and hard-to-replicate dual-sided network, even amid intensifying competition. In 2023, Alex Chriss succeeded Dan Schulman as CEO and refocused the company on profitable growth by enhancing the checkout experience and deepening user engagement, rather than emphasizing top-line expansion. Partnerships with Apple, J.P. Morgan, Amazon and Shopify support this shift, embedding PayPal more deeply across digital commerce ecosystems. Mr. Chriss has also prioritized higher-margin branded checkout while phasing out select Braintree deals that were unprofitable or contributed little to earnings. Braintree primarily serves large enterprise clients—such as Uber, Airbnb and Live Nation—through unbranded, custom-priced processing agreements. While these actions have moderated near-term revenue growth, we view them as a more disciplined and sustainable approach to long-term value creation. That said, we remain concerned about PayPal’s continued investment in its “One Platform” strategy, which includes expanding into offline and omnichannel payments—a direction that has shown limited success to date. While we will continue monitoring Mr. Chriss’s progress and the broader payments landscape, we ultimately determined PayPal was the most suitable candidate for sale in order to fund what we believe is a more compelling investment opportunity.

We first invested in Rational, the German-based global leader in commercial kitchen equipment, in May 2021. The company holds a dominant position in combi-steamers—advanced appliances that integrate steam and convection cooking, allowing professional kitchens to improve consistency, expand menu flexibility, reduce energy use and optimize cooking time in a single unit. During our holding period, Rational made meaningful progress across several catalysts, including deeper penetration of combi-steamers and cooking centers into kitchens still reliant on traditional appliances. The company also expanded its geographic footprint, especially in North America and Asia, where demand for automated and energy-efficient cooking solutions continues to rise. While we continue to view Rational as a high-quality business with attractive long-term prospects, we grew incrementally more cautious about its evolving competitive position. Additionally, Rational’s expansion into adjacent product categories, while strategically logical, introduced added complexity and some potential for product overlap. Given these considerations, we decided Rational was the optimal candidate for sale to fund what we believe is a more compelling investment in Uber.

Capital One Financial Corporation

Founded in 1988 and headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One is one of the largest credit card issuers in the U.S. The company was spun out of Signet Financial in 1995 under the leadership of founder and current Chairman and CEO Richard Fairbank. Over the past three decades, Capital One has evolved from a monoline credit card lender into a diversified financial services firm offering a broad range of consumer and commercial banking products.

In 2025, Capital One completed its acquisition of Discover, becoming one of the only major U.S. banks to own and operate a credit card network. This should position the company to enhance its profitability by reducing its reliance on third-party networks (i.e., Visa and Mastercard) and reduce earnings volatility as fee-based revenue increases. The deal also advances Capital One’s efforts to attract high-spend, premium-tier customers. Products like Venture X—the firm’s premium travel rewards card—stand to benefit from the integration of Discover’s transaction data with Capital One’s advanced analytics capabilities. This combination enables more personalized offers, deeper customer engagement and targeted cross-selling across lending and deposit products, reinforcing a cycle of data-driven growth.

Some of the quality characteristics we have identified for Capital One include:

  • A leading card platform with national brand recognition and a diversified customer base across geographies and credit tiers;
  • Differentiated technology infrastructure: the only major U.S. bank operating fully in the public cloud, enabling real-time data processing, faster product iteration and cost efficiencies that are difficult for peers to replicate;
  • A history of prudent underwriting and a disciplined credit culture developed through multiple economic and credit cycles; and
  • Proven, long-tenured management team led by Richard Fairbank has demonstrated a long-term orientation and disciplined capital deployment across cycles.

We believe shares of Capital One are attractively valued relative to our estimates of normalized earnings power. In our view, the market underappreciates the long-term value creation potential of the Discover integration, including enhanced payment economics and greater strategic control. In addition, Capital One’s ongoing shift toward higher-credit-tier customers and fee-based revenue—combined with its technology-enabled cost advantages—supports margin expansion and more durable earnings. Strong FREE cash flow generation provides ample flexibility to reinvest in growth while continuing to return capital to shareholders through buybacks and dividends.

Catalysts we have identified for Capital One, which we believe will cause its stock price to appreciate over our three- to five-year investment horizon, include:

  • Successful integration of Discover’s network, enabling vertical payment processing and greater fee capture;
  • Continued shift in customer mix toward higher credit tiers, driving more stable earnings and increased fee-based revenue;
  • Utilization of cloud-based infrastructure and proprietary data to enhance underwriting, deliver personalized product offers and strengthen cross-sell opportunities across lending and deposits; and
  • Increased market share in cards, driven by brand strength, customer loyalty and expanded co-brand partnerships with leading merchants that enhance customer engagement and distribution.

Uber Technologies, Inc.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Uber is a global technology platform that facilitates the movement of people, goods and services across a wide range of markets. What began as a simple ride-hailing app has evolved into a multi-segment leader operating in more than 70 countries, connecting millions of consumers, drivers, couriers and merchants worldwide.

Uber’s operations are organized into three primary business segments: Mobility, which includes ridesharing, car rentals and other personal transportation services (~45% of revenue); Delivery, which spans food, grocery, convenience and retail delivery through the Uber Eats platform (~50%); and Freight, its digital brokerage and logistics arm (~5%). These segments are built on a shared platform supported by real-time matching technology, global app penetration, strong network effects and one of the most recognized consumer brands globally—reflected in the familiar phrase, “I’ll call an Uber.”

Some of the quality characteristics we have identified for Uber include:

  • Global scale and platform efficiency, underpinned by strong brand recognition and an asset-light, supply-led model that enables rapid expansion, high operating leverage and efficient capital deployment;
  • Integrated, cross-segment ecosystem, where offerings like Uber One memberships drive customer activity and loyalty (i.e., the majority of gross delivery bookings come from members); and
  • Market leadership across core categories, including approximately 70% market share in U.S. ridesharing, a strong #2 position in U.S. delivery, and leading positions in key international delivery markets, such as the U.K., France and Australia.

Uber has scaled to sustainably FREE cash flow with continued progress on margin expansion driven by scale and disciplined cost control. Based on our analysis, shares of the company currently trade at a greater than 10% normalized Cash Flow Return on Economic Value, reflecting what we believe is meaningful upside potential. Uber’s strong balance sheet—with approximately $7 billion in cash—also provides flexibility to reinvest in growth, pursue strategic initiatives or return capital to shareholders.

Catalysts we have identified for Uber, which we believe will cause its stock price to appreciate over our three- to five-year investment horizon, include:

  • Increased profitability and stronger FREE cash flow generation as enhanced cross-promotion between Mobility and Delivery deepens user engagement and significantly lowers customer acquisition costs;
  • Further partnerships—such as with taxi fleets, travel platforms and autonomous vehicle companies—should continue to expand Uber’s reach and reduce supply costs; and
  • Continued expansion in non-urban markets, with new features like Uber Reserve broadening addressable demand and improving service in suburban areas.

Conclusion

As the world continues to navigate shifting trade dynamics, complex monetary and fiscal policy decisions, and heightened geopolitical uncertainty, the broader implications for the global economy remain unclear. While we are mindful of these macroeconomic forces, we do not attempt to predict their timing or short-term market impact. Instead, we anchor our investment approach in what we believe to be more reliable and enduring: the fundamentals of individual businesses and their long-term potential. By concentrating on high-quality companies with management teams we consider proven, we aim to build portfolios capable of withstanding a wide range of economic environments and delivering attractive returns over full market cycles.

Disclosures

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aristotle Capital Management, LLC (Aristotle Capital) 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 buy 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 Capital 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 Global Equity strategy. Not every client’s account will have these characteristics. Aristotle Capital 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 Capital’s Global 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 model 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 model fees. Net returns are calculated by subtracting a model fee of .50% on an annual basis or .04167% on a monthly basis, which includes trading costs and the reinvestment of all income.

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 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 Capital does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of such information.

Aristotle Capital Management, 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 Capital, including our investment strategies, fees and objectives, can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. ACM-2506-125

Performance Disclosures

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, MSCI

Composite returns for all periods ended June 30, 2025 are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. MSCI ACWI (Net) was stated as the primary benchmark on June 1, 2024 and MSCI World (Net) became the secondary benchmark. The Aristotle Global Equity Composite has an inception date of November 1, 2010; however, the strategy initially began at Howard Gleicher’s predecessor firm in July 2007. A supplemental performance track record from January 1, 2008 through October 31, 2010 is provided on this page and complements the Global Equity Composite presentation that is located at the end of this presentation. The performance results were achieved while Mr. Gleicher managed the strategy at a prior firm. The returns are those of a publicly available mutual fund from the fund’s inception through Mr. Gleicher’s departure from the firm. During that time, Mr. Gleicher had primary responsibility for managing the fund.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information provided should not be considered financial advice or a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security or product. Performance results for periods greater than one year have been annualized. Composite and supplemental returns are presented gross and net of model 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 model fees. Net returns are calculated by subtracting a model fee of .50% on an annual basis or .04167% on a monthly basis, which includes trading costs and the reinvestment of all income.

Index Disclosures

MSCI ACWI (Net) was stated as the primary benchmark on June 1, 2024 and MSCI World (Net) became the secondary benchmark. The MSCI ACWI captures large and mid-cap representation across 23 developed markets and 24 emerging markets countries. With approximately 2,600 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. The MSCI ACWI Equal Weighted Index represents an alternative weighting scheme to its market cap weighted parent index, MSCI ACWI. The Index includes the same constituents as its parent (large and mid-cap securities from 23 developed markets and 24 emerging markets countries. However, at each quarterly rebalance date, all index constituents are weighted equally, effectively removing the influence of each constituent’s current price (high or low). Between rebalances, index constituent weightings will fluctuate due to price performance. The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets. The MSCI World Index consists of the following 23 developed market country indexes: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index consists of the following 24 emerging market country indexes: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. The MSCI ACWI Growth Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall growth style characteristics across 23 developed markets countries and 24 emerging markets countries. The MSCI ACWI Value Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across 23 developed markets countries and 24 emerging markets countries. The MSCI Europe Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 15 developed markets countries in Europe. With approximately 400 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization across the European developed markets equity universe. The MSCI Japan Index is designed to measure the performance of the large and mid-cap segments of the Japanese market. With approximately 200 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in Japan. 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 S&P 500 Equal Weight Index is designed to be the size-neutral version of the S&P 500. It includes the same constituents as the cap-weighted S&P 500, but each company in the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index is allocated the same weight at each quarterly rebalance. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index is a flagship measure of global investment grade debt from 27 local currency markets. This multi-currency benchmark includes Treasury, government-related, corporate and securitized fixed rate bonds from both developed and emerging markets issuers. The Brent Crude Oil Index is a major trading classification of sweet light crude oil that serves as a major benchmark price for purchases of oil worldwide. The U.S. Consumer Price Index 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. The U.K. Consumer Price Index is a measure of inflation that is calculated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It measures the change in the price of a basket of goods and services consumed by households in the U.K. The Japanese core Consumer Price Index measures changes in the prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services, excluding fresh food costs. The volatility (beta) of the Composite may be greater or less than the benchmarks. It is not possible to invest directly in these indexes.

Markets Review

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, Bloomberg
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle Value Equity WM Composite returns are presented pure gross and net of the maximum wrap fee and include the reinvestment of all income. Pure gross returns do not reflect the deduction of any trading costs or other fees and are supplemental to the net returns. Net returns are calculated by subtracting the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee, which includes trading costs and custodial fees, from the pure gross composite return. (From inception to 12/31/2015, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 3.00% on an annual basis, or 0.75% quarterly. From 1/1/2016 to 12/31/2023, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 2.00% on an annual basis, or 0.50% quarterly and 0.17% monthly from 1/1/2024 to present.) Aristotle Capital Composite returns are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

Despite some early volatility in the second quarter, the U.S. equity market rebounded with strength, with the S&P 500 Index rising 10.94% during the period. Bonds also delivered positive returns, as the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index rose 1.21%.

From a style perspective, the Russell 1000 Value Index underperformed its growth counterpart by 14.05%. On a sector basis, eight out of the eleven sectors within the Russell 1000 Value Index posted positive returns. The best-performing sectors were Information Technology, Industrials and Financials, while Health Care, Energy and Real Estate were the worst.

Trade policy remained a focal point. In early April, President Trump introduced a universal 10% import tariff, as well as reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, as part of “Liberation Day.”  Roughly a week later, and to encourage the start of negotiations, a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs was enacted for almost all countries. Later in the quarter, the U.S. and U.K. finalized the Economic Prosperity Deal, which included expanding American access to British markets and lowering tariffs on the first 100,000 of U.K. autos entering the U.S. each year. Meanwhile, negotiations continued with the EU, Japan, Canada and India. After escalating, trade tensions with China eased somewhat; however, considerable tariffs and other trade policy disputes remain for both countries as negotiations continue. Shortly after quarter end, Congress also passed the Trump administration’s sweeping fiscal legislation, which included major tax incentives, infrastructure funding and manufacturing subsidies. Concurrently, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) fell 10.7% in the first six months of the year—the fastest decline since 1973.

Economic data released during the quarter painted a mixed picture. U.S. real GDP for the first quarter contracted at an annual rate of 0.5%, primarily due to reduced government spending and a rise in imports. Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.4% year-over-year in May, and the unemployment rate remained close to 4%. Notably, a key gauge of consumer confidence rebounded in June, increasing for the first time in six months. However, given the ongoing uncertainty around the macroeconomic outlook, the Federal Reserve opted to hold its policy rate steady at a range of 4.25% to 4.50%, signaling a cautious, data-dependent stance.

Corporate fundamentals continued to serve as a relative bright spot, as S&P 500 companies reported 12.9% year-over-year earnings growth, with 78% of companies exceeding EPS expectations. Still, concerns around global trade and input costs were evident, with more than 425 companies referencing tariffs in earnings calls and nearly 12% issuing negative EPS guidance for the quarter ahead. Management teams broadly emphasized cost discipline and capital flexibility in the face of persistent macro headwinds.

In geopolitics, tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply during the quarter, with Israel and Iran engaging in direct missile exchanges—their most overt confrontation in decades. A succession of precision strikes on key Iranian figures and military sites, as well as U.S. airstrikes on nuclear infrastructure, further fueled fears of a broader regional conflict. However, after 12 days of war, a ceasefire was reached late in the quarter, easing immediate tensions but leaving uncertainty over its durability. In Europe, Russian forces entered eastern Ukraine in the Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time in three years. While the two sides engaged in a second round of negotiations and completed prisoner exchanges, prospects of a material advancement toward a ceasefire remain unclear. Despite the heightened geopolitical risks, WTI crude oil fell 8.9% during the quarter.

Performance and Attribution Summary

For the second quarter of 2025, Aristotle Capital’s Value Equity WM Composite posted a total return of 4.99% pure gross of fees (4.48% net of fees), outperforming the 3.78% return of the Russell 1000 Value Index and underperforming the 10.94% return of the S&P 500 Index. Please refer to the table for detailed performance.

Performance (%) 2Q25YTD1 Year3 Years5 Years10 Years
Value Equity WM Composite (pure gross)4.995.717.9212.3913.0511.39
Value Equity WM Composite (net)4.484.675.8110.1610.819.17
Russell 1000 Value Index3.786.0013.7012.7613.929.18
S&P 500 Index10.946.2015.1619.7116.6413.65
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle Value Equity WM Composite returns are presented pure gross and net of th maximum wrap fee and include the reinvestment of all income. Pure gross returns do not reflect the deduction of any trading costs or other fees and are supplemental to the net returns. Net returns are calculated by subtracting the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee, which includes trading costs and custodial fees, from the pure gross composite return. (From inception to 12/31/2015, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 3.00% on an annual basis, or 0.75% quarterly. From 1/1/2016 to 12/31/2023, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 2.00% on an annual basis, or 0.50% quarterly and 0.17% monthly from 1/1/2024 to present.) Aristotle Capital Composite returns
are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. 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.

The portfolio’s outperformance relative to the Russell 1000 Value Index in the second quarter can be attributed to allocation effects, while security selection had a slightly negative overall impact. An overweight in Information Technology, an underweight in Health Care and security selection in Materials contributed the most to relative performance. Conversely, security selection in Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples and an underweight in Industrials detracted. (Relative weights are the result of bottom-up security selection.)

Contributors and Detractors for 2Q 2025

Relative ContributorsRelative Detractors
MicrosoftCoterra Energy
Microchip TechnologyAmgen
Parker HannifinMerck
CortevaAlcon
Capital One FinancialAmerican Water Works

Microsoft, the global leader in software and enterprise services, was the top contributor for the quarter. The company delivered a strong quarterly update, with Azure revenue growing 35%—well ahead of expectations—driven by improved execution in core cloud services and sustained AI-related demand. Importantly, strength extended beyond AI, with renewed momentum in traditional enterprise cloud workloads, such as data platforms, infrastructure hosting and developer services. Profitability also impressed, with operating margins expanding to 46% supported by disciplined cost control. While near-term results were strong, our conviction remains grounded on Microsoft’s enduring advantages: dominant positions in mission-critical software, high recurring revenue driven by a deep subscriber base, and the ability to reinvest at scale. One example is GitHub Copilot—a generative AI tool that helps developers write, review and debug code—which now has over 15 million users and is seeing increasing enterprise adoption. With widespread use of offerings like Copilot, Teams and LinkedIn, and underpinned by robust FREE cash flow supporting continued innovation, we believe Microsoft remains exceptionally well-positioned to compound value across cloud, productivity and AI-enabled workflows over the long term.

Microchip Technology, the microcontroller (MCU) and analog semiconductor producer, was a top contributor for the quarter. After several quarters of underperformance driven by prolonged customer destocking, the company’s fundamentals began to improve meaningfully, as returning CEO Steve Sanghi’s turnaround plan is underway. Bookings showed signs of stabilization, supported by more balanced inventories across customers and distribution channels, as well as indications of recovering end-market demand. Operational execution also improved under the renewed leadership, with early benefits emerging from cost-saving initiatives—such as the closure of its Arizona wafer fabrication facility—and tighter inventory management. Microchip’s long-standing customer relationships and commitment to extended product lifecycles continue to support recurring revenue and reduce design-in risk. Combined with its consistent record of strong FREE cash flow generation and shareholder returns, this disciplined approach reinforces our conviction in the company’s ability to manage through industry cycles. Longer term, we believe Microchip remains well-positioned to gain share in 16- and 32-bit MCUs and areas including IoT, 5G infrastructure, autonomous vehicles and data centers.

Amgen, the biopharmaceutical company, was one of the largest detractors for the quarter. While the company’s branded drugs continued to advance (a previously identified catalyst), with cholesterol medicine Repatha, osteoporosis treatment Evenity and bone-strengthening drug Prolia all growing sales in the double digits, concerns surrounding potential tariff impacts, tax reform and pressure on drug prices weighed on shares. We believe it is too early to assess the full impact of these macro uncertainties and are confident in Amgen’s demonstrated ability to adapt through evolving policy and pricing dynamics. The company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to domestic manufacturing and innovation through its upcoming $2 billion expansions in Ohio and North Carolina, building on more than $5 billion in U.S. operational investments since 2017. Furthermore, Amgen continued to advance its robust pipeline, as its 1L bemarituzumab (bema) phase 3 trial for gastric cancer met its primary endpoint, and MariTide, the company’s weight-loss drug, demonstrated strong efficacy in phase 1 and 2 trials. MariTide, which could offer more convenient monthly dosing compared to daily or weekly regimens, showed promising early results, though tolerability will be an important focus heading into phase 3. Management noted that modified dose ramp-up strategies may help mitigate these effects. Despite near-term pressures, we remain encouraged by Amgen’s continued market share gains across key therapies and the potential to enhance the company’s competitiveness and resilience in a dynamic healthcare landscape.

Alcon, a global leader in eye care, was one of the largest detractors during the quarter. Aside from its earnings report, there was little material news, and we did not view anything in the report as affecting the company’s long-term fundamentals. While quarterly updates can influence sentiment, our focus remains on the strength and quality of the business. Alcon operates in a resilient, oligopolistic industry with high barriers to entry and recurring revenue streams tied to its large installed base of cataract surgery systems. It also continues to innovate across product categories, including its premium intraocular lens portfolio (e.g., PanOptix, Vivity), ultra-premium daily contact lenses (e.g., Dailies Total1) and over-the-counter products, such as Systane for dry eyes. Since its spinoff from Novartis in 2019, the company has also demonstrated greater agility in R&D, commercial execution and capital allocation—catalysts we previously identified. More broadly, we believe Alcon’s ability to strengthen its partnerships with eye care professionals and broaden access to underutilized premium technologies makes the company uniquely positioned to benefit from an aging population, increased access to eye care in emerging markets, and rising awareness and diagnosis of chronic dry eye conditions.

Recent Portfolio Activity

BuysSells
UberXylem

During the quarter, we sold our position in Xylem and invested in Uber.

We first invested in Xylem, the global water technology company, in the first quarter of 2020. During our holding period, the company made meaningful progress on its initiatives to improve profitability, driven in part by a strategic shift toward higher-margin software and services. In addition, the acquisition of Evoqua further strengthened its water treatment capabilities and broadened its exposure to resilient industrial end markets. Xylem also continued to expand its portfolio across utility and industrial customers, reinforcing its leadership in water-related technologies. In early 2024, the company underwent a leadership transition, with Matthew Pine stepping in as CEO and Bill Grogan as CFO. Pine, formerly COO, brought operational experience from Carrier Residential, while Grogan joined from IDEX, where he helped drive the successful adoption of the 80/20 operating model. Under their leadership, Xylem has begun refocusing its strategy from scaling an ESG-led vision to pursuing operational efficiency through 80/20 principles, a shift still in its early stages. While we continue to recognize Xylem’s potential and long-term catalysts, we chose to exit our position to fund what we believe is a more compelling opportunity in Uber.

Uber Technologies, Inc.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Uber is a global technology platform that facilitates the movement of people, goods and services across a wide range of markets. What began as a simple ride-hailing app has evolved into a multi-segment leader operating in more than 70 countries, connecting millions of consumers, drivers, couriers and merchants worldwide.

Uber’s operations are organized into three primary business segments: Mobility, which includes ridesharing, car rentals and other personal transportation services (~45% of revenue); Delivery, which spans food, grocery, convenience and retail delivery through the Uber Eats platform (~50%); and Freight, its digital brokerage and logistics arm (~5%). These segments are built on a shared platform supported by real-time matching technology, global app penetration, strong network effects and one of the most recognized consumer brands globally—reflected in the familiar phrase, “I’ll call an Uber.”

Some of the quality characteristics we have identified for Uber include:

  • Global scale and platform efficiency, underpinned by strong brand recognition and an asset-light, supply-led model that enables rapid expansion, high operating leverage and efficient capital deployment;  
  • Integrated, cross-segment ecosystem, where offerings like Uber One memberships drive customer activity and loyalty (i.e., the majority of gross delivery bookings come from members); and 
  • Market leadership across core categories, including approximately 70% market share in U.S. ridesharing, a strong #2 position in U.S. delivery, and leading positions in key international delivery markets, such as the U.K., France and Australia.  

Attractive Valuation

Uber has scaled to sustainably FREE cash flow with continued progress on margin expansion driven by scale and disciplined cost control. Based on our analysis, shares of the company currently trade at a greater than 10% normalized Cash Flow Return on Economic Value, reflecting what we believe is meaningful upside potential. Uber’s strong balance sheet—with approximately $7 billion in cash—also provides flexibility to reinvest in growth, pursue strategic initiatives or return capital to shareholders.

Compelling Catalysts   

Catalysts we have identified for Uber, which we believe will cause its stock price to appreciate over our three- to five-year investment horizon, include:

  • Increased profitability and stronger FREE cash flow generation as enhanced cross-promotion between Mobility and Delivery deepens user engagement and significantly lowers customer acquisition costs;
  • Further partnerships—such as with taxi fleets, travel platforms and autonomous vehicle companies—should continue to expand Uber’s reach and reduce supply costs; and
  • Continued expansion in non-urban markets, with new features like Uber Reserve broadening addressable demand and improving service in suburban areas. 

Conclusion

As the world continues to navigate shifting trade dynamics, complex monetary and fiscal policy decisions, and heightened geopolitical uncertainty, the broader implications for the global economy remain unclear. While we are mindful of these macroeconomic forces, we do not attempt to predict their timing or short-term market impact. Instead, we anchor our investment approach in what we believe to be more reliable and enduring: the fundamentals of individual businesses and their long-term potential. By concentrating on high-quality companies with management teams we consider proven, we aim to build portfolios capable of withstanding a wide range of economic environments and delivering attractive returns over full market cycles.

Disclosures

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aristotle Capital Management, LLC (Aristotle Capital) 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 Capital 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 Value Equity strategy. Not every client’s account will have these characteristics. Aristotle Capital 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 Capital’s Value Equity strategy. 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.

Composite returns are presented pure gross and net of the maximum wrap fee and include the reinvestment of all income. Pure gross returns do not reflect the deduction of any trading costs or other fees and are supplemental to the net returns. Net returns are calculated by subtracting the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee, which includes trading costs and custodial fees, from the pure gross composite return. (From inception to 12/31/2015, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 3.00% on an annual basis, or 0.75% quarterly. From 1/1/2016 to 12/31/2023, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 2.00% on an annual basis, or 0.50% quarterly and 0.17% monthly from 1/1/2024 to present.)

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 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 Capital does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of such information.

Aristotle Capital Management, 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 Capital, including our investment strategies, fees and objectives, can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. ACM-2507-45

Performance Disclosures

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, Russell Investments, Standard & Poor’s

Composite returns for all periods ended June 30, 2025 are preliminary pending final account reconciliation.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information provided should not be considered financial advice or a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security or product. Performance results for periods greater than one year have been annualized.

The Aristotle Value Equity WM Composite has an inception date of 10/1/1979. As of 1/1/2024, the composite was renamed from the Value Equity Wrap Composite and the inception date was updated to 1/1/2012. This update was implemented to align the start date of the composite track record with the start date of the current decision maker. Performance achieved by the firm prior to that date is available upon request.

Composite returns are presented pure gross and net of the maximum wrap fee and include the reinvestment of all income. Pure gross returns do not reflect the deduction of any trading costs or other fees and are supplemental to the net returns. Net returns are calculated by subtracting the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee, which includes trading costs and custodial fees, from the pure gross composite return. (From inception to 12/31/2015, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 3.00% on an annual basis, or 0.75% quarterly. From 1/1/2016 to 12/31/2023, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 2.00% on an annual basis, or 0.50% quarterly and 0.17% monthly from 1/1/2024 to present.)

Index Disclosures

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 Index 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 S&P 500 Equal Weight Index is designed to be the size-neutral version of the S&P 500. It includes the same constituents as the cap-weighted S&P 500, but each company in the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index is allocated the same weight at each quarterly rebalance. 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. 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 2,000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. 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 indexes. 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 U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) is a measure of the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the value of a basket of currencies of the majority of the United States’ most significant trading partners. The Consumer Price Index 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. 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

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, Bloomberg
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle Value 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 model fees. Net returns are calculated by subtracting a model fee of 0.50% on an annual basis or 0.04167% on a monthly basis, which includes trading costs and the reinvestment of all income. Aristotle Capital Composite returns are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

Despite some early volatility in the second quarter, the U.S. equity market rebounded with strength, with the S&P 500 Index rising 10.94% during the period. Bonds also delivered positive returns, as the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index rose 1.21%.

From a style perspective, the Russell 1000 Value Index underperformed its growth counterpart by 14.05%. On a sector basis, eight out of the eleven sectors within the Russell 1000 Value Index posted positive returns. The best-performing sectors were Information Technology, Industrials and Financials, while Health Care, Energy and Real Estate were the worst.

Trade policy remained a focal point. In early April, President Trump introduced a universal 10% import tariff, as well as reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, as part of “Liberation Day.”  Roughly a week later, and to encourage the start of negotiations, a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs was enacted for almost all countries. Later in the quarter, the U.S. and U.K. finalized the Economic Prosperity Deal, which included expanding American access to British markets and lowering tariffs on the first 100,000 of U.K. autos entering the U.S. each year. Meanwhile, negotiations continued with the EU, Japan, Canada and India. After escalating, trade tensions with China eased somewhat; however, considerable tariffs and other trade policy disputes remain for both countries as negotiations continue. Shortly after quarter end, Congress also passed the Trump administration’s sweeping fiscal legislation, which included major tax incentives, infrastructure funding and manufacturing subsidies. Concurrently, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) fell 10.7% in the first six months of the year—the fastest decline since 1973.

Economic data released during the quarter painted a mixed picture. U.S. real GDP for the first quarter contracted at an annual rate of 0.5%, primarily due to reduced government spending and a rise in imports. Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.4% year-over-year in May, and the unemployment rate remained close to 4%. Notably, a key gauge of consumer confidence rebounded in June, increasing for the first time in six months. However, given the ongoing uncertainty around the macroeconomic outlook, the Federal Reserve opted to hold its policy rate steady at a range of 4.25% to 4.50%, signaling a cautious, data-dependent stance.

Corporate fundamentals continued to serve as a relative bright spot, as S&P 500 companies reported 12.9% year-over-year earnings growth, with 78% of companies exceeding EPS expectations. Still, concerns around global trade and input costs were evident, with more than 425 companies referencing tariffs in earnings calls and nearly 12% issuing negative EPS guidance for the quarter ahead. Management teams broadly emphasized cost discipline and capital flexibility in the face of persistent macro headwinds.

In geopolitics, tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply during the quarter, with Israel and Iran engaging in direct missile exchanges—their most overt confrontation in decades. A succession of precision strikes on key Iranian figures and military sites, as well as U.S. airstrikes on nuclear infrastructure, further fueled fears of a broader regional conflict. However, after 12 days of war, a ceasefire was reached late in the quarter, easing immediate tensions but leaving uncertainty over its durability. In Europe, Russian forces entered eastern Ukraine in the Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time in three years. While the two sides engaged in a second round of negotiations and completed prisoner exchanges, prospects of a material advancement toward a ceasefire remain unclear. Despite the heightened geopolitical risks, WTI crude oil fell 8.9% during the quarter.

Performance and Attribution Summary

For the second quarter of 2025, Aristotle Capital’s Value Equity Composite posted a total return of 4.88% gross of fees (4.75% net of fees), outperforming the 3.78% return of the Russell 1000 Value Index and underperforming the 10.94% return of the S&P 500 Index. Please refer to the table for detailed performance.

Performance (%) 2Q25YTD1 Year3 Years5 Years10 Years
Value Equity Composite (gross)4.885.707.9313.1013.1611.49
Value Equity Composite (net)4.755.447.4012.5512.6110.94
Russell 1000 Value Index3.786.0013.7012.7613.929.18
S&P 500 Index10.946.2015.1619.7116.6413.65
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle Value Equity Composite returns are presented gross and net of model 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 model fees. Net returns are calculated by subtracting a model fee of .50% on an annual basis or .04167% on a monthly basis, which includes trading costs and the reinvestment of all income. Aristotle Capital Composite returns are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. 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.

The portfolio’s outperformance relative to the Russell 1000 Value Index in the second quarter can be attributed to allocation effects, while security selection had a slightly negative overall impact. An overweight in Information Technology, an underweight in Health Care and security selection in Materials contributed the most to relative performance. Conversely, security selection in Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples and an underweight in Industrials detracted. (Relative weights are the result of bottom-up security selection.)

Contributors and Detractors for 2Q 2025

Relative ContributorsRelative Detractors
MicrosoftCoterra Energy
Microchip TechnologyAmgen
Parker HannifinMerck
CortevaAlcon
Capital One FinancialAmerican Water Works

Microsoft, the global leader in software and enterprise services, was the top contributor for the quarter. The company delivered a strong quarterly update, with Azure revenue growing 35%—well ahead of expectations—driven by improved execution in core cloud services and sustained AI-related demand. Importantly, strength extended beyond AI, with renewed momentum in traditional enterprise cloud workloads, such as data platforms, infrastructure hosting and developer services. Profitability also impressed, with operating margins expanding to 46% supported by disciplined cost control. While near-term results were strong, our conviction remains grounded on Microsoft’s enduring advantages: dominant positions in mission-critical software, high recurring revenue driven by a deep subscriber base, and the ability to reinvest at scale. One example is GitHub Copilot—a generative AI tool that helps developers write, review and debug code—which now has over 15 million users and is seeing increasing enterprise adoption. With widespread use of offerings like Copilot, Teams and LinkedIn, and underpinned by robust FREE cash flow supporting continued innovation, we believe Microsoft remains exceptionally well-positioned to compound value across cloud, productivity and AI-enabled workflows over the long term.

Microchip Technology, the microcontroller (MCU) and analog semiconductor producer, was a top contributor for the quarter. After several quarters of underperformance driven by prolonged customer destocking, the company’s fundamentals began to improve meaningfully, as returning CEO Steve Sanghi’s turnaround plan is underway. Bookings showed signs of stabilization, supported by more balanced inventories across customers and distribution channels, as well as indications of recovering end-market demand. Operational execution also improved under the renewed leadership, with early benefits emerging from cost-saving initiatives—such as the closure of its Arizona wafer fabrication facility—and tighter inventory management. Microchip’s long-standing customer relationships and commitment to extended product lifecycles continue to support recurring revenue and reduce design-in risk. Combined with its consistent record of strong FREE cash flow generation and shareholder returns, this disciplined approach reinforces our conviction in the company’s ability to manage through industry cycles. Longer term, we believe Microchip remains well-positioned to gain share in 16- and 32-bit MCUs and areas including IoT, 5G infrastructure, autonomous vehicles and data centers.

Amgen, the biopharmaceutical company, was one of the largest detractors for the quarter. While the company’s branded drugs continued to advance (a previously identified catalyst), with cholesterol medicine Repatha, osteoporosis treatment Evenity and bone-strengthening drug Prolia all growing sales in the double digits, concerns surrounding potential tariff impacts, tax reform and pressure on drug prices weighed on shares. We believe it is too early to assess the full impact of these macro uncertainties and are confident in Amgen’s demonstrated ability to adapt through evolving policy and pricing dynamics. The company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to domestic manufacturing and innovation through its upcoming $2 billion expansions in Ohio and North Carolina, building on more than $5 billion in U.S. operational investments since 2017. Furthermore, Amgen continued to advance its robust pipeline, as its 1L bemarituzumab (bema) phase 3 trial for gastric cancer met its primary endpoint, and MariTide, the company’s weight-loss drug, demonstrated strong efficacy in phase 1 and 2 trials. MariTide, which could offer more convenient monthly dosing compared to daily or weekly regimens, showed promising early results, though tolerability will be an important focus heading into phase 3. Management noted that modified dose ramp-up strategies may help mitigate these effects. Despite near-term pressures, we remain encouraged by Amgen’s continued market share gains across key therapies and the potential to enhance the company’s competitiveness and resilience in a dynamic healthcare landscape.

Alcon, a global leader in eye care, was one of the largest detractors during the quarter. Aside from its earnings report, there was little material news, and we did not view anything in the report as affecting the company’s long-term fundamentals. While quarterly updates can influence sentiment, our focus remains on the strength and quality of the business. Alcon operates in a resilient, oligopolistic industry with high barriers to entry and recurring revenue streams tied to its large installed base of cataract surgery systems. It also continues to innovate across product categories, including its premium intraocular lens portfolio (e.g., PanOptix, Vivity), ultra-premium daily contact lenses (e.g., Dailies Total1) and over-the-counter products, such as Systane for dry eyes. Since its spinoff from Novartis in 2019, the company has also demonstrated greater agility in R&D, commercial execution and capital allocation—catalysts we previously identified. More broadly, we believe Alcon’s ability to strengthen its partnerships with eye care professionals and broaden access to underutilized premium technologies makes the company uniquely positioned to benefit from an aging population, increased access to eye care in emerging markets, and rising awareness and diagnosis of chronic dry eye conditions.

Recent Portfolio Activity

BuysSells
UberXylem

During the quarter, we sold our position in Xylem and invested in Uber.

We first invested in Xylem, the global water technology company, in the first quarter of 2020. During our holding period, the company made meaningful progress on its initiatives to improve profitability, driven in part by a strategic shift toward higher-margin software and services. In addition, the acquisition of Evoqua further strengthened its water treatment capabilities and broadened its exposure to resilient industrial end markets. Xylem also continued to expand its portfolio across utility and industrial customers, reinforcing its leadership in water-related technologies. In early 2024, the company underwent a leadership transition, with Matthew Pine stepping in as CEO and Bill Grogan as CFO. Pine, formerly COO, brought operational experience from Carrier Residential, while Grogan joined from IDEX, where he helped drive the successful adoption of the 80/20 operating model. Under their leadership, Xylem has begun refocusing its strategy from scaling an ESG-led vision to pursuing operational efficiency through 80/20 principles, a shift still in its early stages. While we continue to recognize Xylem’s potential and long-term catalysts, we chose to exit our position to fund what we believe is a more compelling opportunity in Uber.

Uber Technologies, Inc.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Uber is a global technology platform that facilitates the movement of people, goods and services across a wide range of markets. What began as a simple ride-hailing app has evolved into a multi-segment leader operating in more than 70 countries, connecting millions of consumers, drivers, couriers and merchants worldwide.

Uber’s operations are organized into three primary business segments: Mobility, which includes ridesharing, car rentals and other personal transportation services (~45% of revenue); Delivery, which spans food, grocery, convenience and retail delivery through the Uber Eats platform (~50%); and Freight, its digital brokerage and logistics arm (~5%). These segments are built on a shared platform supported by real-time matching technology, global app penetration, strong network effects and one of the most recognized consumer brands globally—reflected in the familiar phrase, “I’ll call an Uber.”

Some of the quality characteristics we have identified for Uber include:

  • Global scale and platform efficiency, underpinned by strong brand recognition and an asset-light, supply-led model that enables rapid expansion, high operating leverage and efficient capital deployment;
  • Integrated, cross-segment ecosystem, where offerings like Uber One memberships drive customer activity and loyalty (i.e., the majority of gross delivery bookings come from members); and
  • Market leadership across core categories, including approximately 70% market share in U.S. ridesharing, a strong #2 position in U.S. delivery, and leading positions in key international delivery markets, such as the U.K., France and Australia.

Attractive Valuation

Uber has scaled to sustainably FREE cash flow with continued progress on margin expansion driven by scale and disciplined cost control. Based on our analysis, shares of the company currently trade at a greater than 10% normalized Cash Flow Return on Economic Value, reflecting what we believe is meaningful upside potential. Uber’s strong balance sheet—with approximately $7 billion in cash—also provides flexibility to reinvest in growth, pursue strategic initiatives or return capital to shareholders.

Compelling Catalysts   

Catalysts we have identified for Uber, which we believe will cause its stock price to appreciate over our three- to five-year investment horizon, include:

  • Increased profitability and stronger FREE cash flow generation as enhanced cross-promotion between Mobility and Delivery deepens user engagement and significantly lowers customer acquisition costs;
  • Further partnerships—such as with taxi fleets, travel platforms and autonomous vehicle companies—should continue to expand Uber’s reach and reduce supply costs; and
  • Continued expansion in non-urban markets, with new features like Uber Reserve broadening addressable demand and improving service in suburban areas.

Conclusion

As the world continues to navigate shifting trade dynamics, complex monetary and fiscal policy decisions, and heightened geopolitical uncertainty, the broader implications for the global economy remain unclear. While we are mindful of these macroeconomic forces, we do not attempt to predict their timing or short-term market impact. Instead, we anchor our investment approach in what we believe to be more reliable and enduring: the fundamentals of individual businesses and their long-term potential. By concentrating on high-quality companies with management teams we consider proven, we aim to build portfolios capable of withstanding a wide range of economic environments and delivering attractive returns over full market cycles.

Disclosures

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aristotle Capital Management, LLC (Aristotle Capital) 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 Capital 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 Value Equity strategy. Not every client’s account will have these characteristics. Aristotle Capital 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 Capital’s Value 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 model 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 model fees. Net returns are calculated by subtracting a model fee of .50% on an annual basis or .04167% on a monthly basis, which includes trading costs and the reinvestment of all income.

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 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 Capital does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of such information.

Aristotle Capital Management, 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 Capital, including our investment strategies, fees and objectives, can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. ACM-2506-99

Performance Disclosures

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, Russell Investments, Standard & Poor’s

Composite returns for all periods ended June 30, 2025 are preliminary pending final account reconciliation.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information provided should not be considered financial advice or a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security or product. Performance results for periods greater than one year have been annualized. The Aristotle Value Equity strategy has an inception date of November 1, 2010; however, the strategy initially began at Mr. Gleicher’s predecessor firm in October 1997. A supplemental performance track record from January 1, 2001 through October 31, 2010 is provided above. The returns are based on two separate accounts and performance results are based on custodian data. During this time, Mr. Gleicher had primary responsibility for managing the two accounts, one account starting in November 2000 and the other in December 2000.

Composite and supplemental returns are presented gross and net of model 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 model fees. Net returns are calculated by subtracting a model fee of .50% on an annual basis or .04167% on a monthly basis, which includes trading costs and the reinvestment of all income.

Index Disclosures

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 Index 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 S&P 500 Equal Weight Index is designed to be the size-neutral version of the S&P 500. It includes the same constituents as the cap-weighted S&P 500, but each company in the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index is allocated the same weight at each quarterly rebalance. 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. 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 2,000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. 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 indexes. 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 U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) is a measure of the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the value of a basket of currencies of the majority of the United States’ most significant trading partners. The Consumer Price Index 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. 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.

(All MSCI index returns are shown net and in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.)

Markets Review

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, Bloomberg

Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle International 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 calculated by subtracting a model fee of 0.50% on an annual basis or 0.04167% on a monthly basis, which includes trading costs and the revinvestment of all income. Aristotle Capital Composite returns are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

Global equity markets rallied, with the MSCI ACWI Index advancing 11.53% in the second quarter. Global fixed income also performed well, as the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index returned 4.52%. Value stocks significantly lagged growth over the quarter, with the MSCI ACWI Value Index underperforming the MSCI ACWI Growth Index by 11.42%.

The MSCI EAFE Index rose 11.78% during the second quarter, while the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index climbed 12.03%. Within the MSCI EAFE Index, Europe & Middle East and Asia were the strongest performers, while the U.K. increased the least. On a sector basis, ten out of the eleven sectors within the MSCI EAFE Index posted positive returns, with Communication Services, Information Technology and Industrials generating the largest gains. Conversely, Energy was the only sector to finish in the red, and Health Care and Consumer Discretionary increased the least.

Trade policy remained a focal point. In early April, President Trump introduced a universal 10% import tariff, as well as reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, as part of “Liberation Day.”  Roughly a week later, and to encourage the start of negotiations, a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs was enacted for almost all countries. Later in the quarter, the U.S. and U.K. finalized the Economic Prosperity Deal, which included expanding American access to British markets and lowering tariffs on the first 100,000 of U.K. autos entering the U.S. each year. Meanwhile, negotiations continued with the EU, Japan, Canada and India. After escalating, trade tensions with China eased somewhat; however, considerable tariffs and other trade policy disputes remain for both countries as negotiations continue.

While the full impact of trade policy changes is still uncertain, major economies—including the U.S., U.K., eurozone and Japan— experienced downward revisions to 2025 GDP growth projections. Additionally, inflation trends were notably mixed during the quarter. In the U.S., changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained stable at approximately 2.4% year-over-year, while annual inflation in the eurozone fell below the European Central Bank’s 2% target. In contrast, the U.K. saw its CPI rise 3.4% year-over-year, with policymakers warning that ongoing geopolitical tensions may continue to drive inflation higher by disrupting oil prices and global supply chains. Japan also experienced elevated inflation, with core CPI rising 3.7% year-over-year—its fastest pace since January of 2023.

Amid a backdrop of macroeconomic uncertainty and mixed economic data, central bank policy decisions generally aligned with expectations. Monetary authorities in the U.S. and Japan held their key interest rates steady, while their counterparts in the U.K. and eurozone implemented rate cuts.

In geopolitics, tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply during the quarter, with Israel and Iran engaging in direct missile exchanges—their most overt confrontation in decades. A succession of precision strikes on key Iranian figures and military sites, as well as U.S. airstrikes on nuclear infrastructure, further fueled fears of a broader regional conflict. However, after 12 days of war, a ceasefire was reached late in the quarter, easing immediate tensions but leaving uncertainty over its durability. In Europe, Russian forces entered eastern Ukraine in the Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time in three years. While the two sides engaged in a second round of negotiations and completed prisoner exchanges, prospects of a material advancement toward a ceasefire remain unclear. Despite the heightened geopolitical events, Brent crude oil fell 9.5% during the quarter.

Performance and Attribution Summary

For the second quarter of 2025, Aristotle Capital’s International Equity Composite posted a total return of 10.86% gross of fees (10.73% net of fees), underperforming the MSCI EAFE Index, which returned 11.78%, and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index, which returned 12.03%. Please refer to the table below for detailed performance.

Performance (%) 2Q25YTD1 Year3 Years5 Years10 Years Since Inception*
International Equity Composite (gross)10.8614.8718.6214.9511.137.286.34
International Equity Composite (net)10.7314.5918.0414.3810.586.755.81
MSCI EAFE Index (net)11.7819.4517.7315.9711.166.513.79
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (net)12.0317.8917.7213.9910.136.123.43
*The inception date for the International Equity Composite is January 1, 2008. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle International Equity Composite returns are presented gross and net of model 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 model fees. Net returns are calculated by subtracting a model fee of .50% on an annual basis or .04167% on a monthly basis, which includes trading costs and the reinvestment of all income. Aristotle Capital Composite returns are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. 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.

From a sector perspective, the portfolio’s underperformance relative to the MSCI EAFE Index can be primarily attributed to allocation effects. While there were both positive and negative contributions from security selection across sectors, these impacts largely offset one another over the period. Security selection in Industrials, Information Technology and Health Care detracted the most from the portfolio’s relative performance. Conversely, security selection in Energy, Consumer Discretionary and Financials contributed to relative returns.

Regionally, security selection was responsible for the portfolio’s underperformance. Security selection in Europe & Middle East and Asia detracted the most from relative performance, while exposure to Canada and Emerging Markets contributed.

Contributors and Detractors for 2Q 2025

Relative ContributorsRelative Detractors
CamecoAccenture
NemetschekAlcon
Pan Pacific International Sony
Erste Group BankOtsuka Holdings
SafranLVMH

Alcon, a global leader in eye care, was one of the largest detractors during the quarter. Aside from its earnings report, there was little material news, and we did not view anything in the report as affecting the company’s long-term fundamentals. While quarterly updates can influence sentiment, our focus remains on the strength and quality of the business. Alcon operates in a resilient, oligopolistic industry with high barriers to entry and recurring revenue streams tied to its large installed base of cataract surgery systems. It also continues to innovate across product categories, including its premium intraocular lens portfolio (e.g., PanOptix, Vivity), ultra-premium daily contact lenses (e.g., Dailies Total1) and over-the-counter products, such as Systane for dry eyes. Since its spinoff from Novartis in 2019, the company has also demonstrated greater agility in R&D, commercial execution and capital allocation—catalysts we previously identified. More broadly, we believe Alcon’s ability to strengthen its partnerships with eye care professionals and broaden access to underutilized premium technologies makes the company uniquely positioned to benefit from an aging population, increased access to eye care in emerging markets, and rising awareness and diagnosis of chronic dry eye conditions.

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the global leader in luxury goods, was one of the largest detractors for the quarter. While the luxury goods industry is experiencing a cyclical slowdown, we believe LVMH’s fundamentals remain sound. The company continues to demonstrate long-term brand stewardship, integrating global maisons at scale while preserving their creative autonomy. Although Dior—responsible for 16% of group profits—underperformed in 2024 due to pricing fatigue and softer product innovation, LVMH responded decisively by naming Jonathan Anderson, the designer credited with revitalizing Loewe, as Dior’s new creative director. Despite mixed macro demand, other brands such as Sephora, Loewe and Tiffany reported strong growth, underscoring the breadth and durability of the group’s diversified portfolio. Operating margins declined modestly, as management chose to preserve brand equity and marketing investment rather than cut costs into weakness. FREE cash flow improved year-over-year, and the company ended 2024 with €10 billion in cash, highlighting its strong and flexible balance sheet. As Asian demand stabilizes and innovation pipelines refresh, we believe LVMH’s scale, vertical integration and revitalized creative leadership will drive its success in the long run.

Cameco, one of the world’s largest uranium producers, was the biggest contributor during the quarter. The company continued to demonstrate the hallmarks of a high-quality business: a long-duration contract portfolio, disciplined capital allocation and resilience in the face of operational disruption. Despite a nearly 30% decline in uranium spot prices year-over-year, Cameco reported higher average realized prices under its contracted sales—underscoring its pricing power and long-term customer relationships. The company maintained stable operations despite a temporary production pause at the Inkai joint venture and wildfires in northern Saskatchewan. Meanwhile, management continued to deepen its exposure to the nuclear fuel cycle through its Westinghouse unit, which expands its reach into reactor services and fuels. With rising global interest in nuclear energy for energy security and decarbonization, Cameco’s strong balance sheet, vertically integrated platform and ability to flex production volume (thereby controlling costs) remain important catalysts in our eyes.

Safran, the French aerospace propulsion and equipment manufacturer, was a top contributor during the quarter. The company continues to demonstrate high-quality characteristics—namely durable aftermarket revenue, strong pricing power and long-standing customer relationships across its propulsion, avionics and interiors franchises. Record 2024 results carried into 2025, supported by strong air traffic recovery, particularly in Asia, and increased aircraft utilization. As the dominant supplier of narrow-body aircraft engines (approximately 70% market share), Safran benefits from rising demand for required maintenance as airlines extend the lives of aging fleets. With roughly one-fifth of its revenues tied to defense, the company also stands to gain from rising European defense budgets, where policymakers are placing increased emphasis on sourcing from regional suppliers. We also continue to view the transition from the legacy CFM56 engine to the more fuel-efficient LEAP platform as a meaningful catalyst—especially given that a large portion of the installed LEAP fleet has yet to reach its first maintenance cycle, providing a long and visible runway (pardon the pun) of profit growth. Looking ahead, we believe Safran remains well-positioned to benefit from global fleet modernization and the industry’s pivot toward more efficient and sustainable aircraft platforms.

Recent Portfolio Activity

BuysSells
None None

Consistent with our long-term horizon and low turnover, there were no new purchases or sales completed during the quarter.

Conclusion

As the world continues to navigate shifting trade dynamics, complex monetary and fiscal policy decisions, and heightened geopolitical uncertainty, the broader implications for the global economy remain unclear. While we are mindful of these macroeconomic forces, we do not attempt to predict their timing or short-term market impact. Instead, we anchor our investment approach in what we believe to be more reliable and enduring: the fundamentals of individual businesses and their long-term potential. By concentrating on high-quality companies with management teams we consider proven, we aim to build portfolios capable of withstanding a wide range of economic environments and delivering attractive returns over full market cycles.

Disclosures

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aristotle Capital Management, LLC (Aristotle Capital) 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 buy 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 Capital 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 International Equity strategy. Not every client’s account will have these characteristics. Aristotle Capital 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 Capital’s International 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 model 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 model fees. Net returns are calculated by subtracting a model fee of .50% on an annual basis or .04167% on a monthly basis, which includes trading costs and the reinvestment of all income.

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. 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 Capital does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of such information.

Aristotle Capital Management, 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 Capital, including our investment strategies, fees and objectives, can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. ACM-2507-32

Performance Disclosures

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, MSCI

Composite returns for all periods ended June 30, 2025 are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. 

Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information provided should not be considered financial advice or a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security or product. Performance results for periods greater than one year have been annualized. Returns are presented gross and net of model 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 model fees. Net returns are calculated by subtracting a model fee of .50% on an annual basis or .04167% on a monthly basis, which includes trading costs and the reinvestment of all income.

Index Disclosures

The MSCI EAFE Index (Europe, Australasia, Far East) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Index consists of the following 21 developed market country indexes: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The MSCI ACWI captures large and mid-cap representation across 23 developed market countries and 24 emerging markets countries. With approximately 2,600 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. The MSCI ACWI Growth Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall growth style characteristics across 23 developed markets countries and 24 emerging markets countries. The MSCI ACWI Value Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across 23 developed markets countries and 24 emerging markets countries. The MSCI ACWI ex USA Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 developed markets countries (excluding the United States) and 24 emerging markets countries. With approximately 2,000 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the United States. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index consists of the following 24 emerging market country indexes: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. 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 Brent Crude Oil Index is a major trading classification of sweet light crude oil that serves as a major benchmark price for purchases of oil worldwide. The MSCI Japan Index is designed to measure the performance of the large and mid-cap segments of the Japanese market. With approximately 200 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in Japan. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index is a flagship measure of global investment grade debt from 27 local currency markets. This multi-currency benchmark includes treasury, government-related, corporate and securitized fixed-rate bonds from both developed and emerging markets issuers. The MSCI United Kingdom Index is designed to measure the performance of the large and mid-cap segments of the U.K. market. With nearly 100 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in the United Kingdom. The MSCI Europe Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 15 developed markets countries in Europe. With approximately 400 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization across the European developed markets equity universe. These indexes have been selected as the benchmarks and are used for comparison purposes only. The U.S. Consumer Price Index 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. The U.K. Consumer Price Index is a measure of inflation that is calculated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It measures the change in the price of a basket of goods and services consumed by households in the U.K. The Japanese core Consumer Price Index measures changes in the prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services, excluding fresh food costs. The volatility (beta) of the Composite may be greater or less than the respective benchmarks. It is not possible to invest directly in these indexes.

For more on International Equity, access the latest resources.

Air Date June 3, 2025

Aristotle Pacific’s Jeffrey Klingelhofer, CFA, was live on Yahoo Finance’s “Market Domination Overtime” with Julie Hyman and Josh Lipton. In this segment, he shared his perspective on the current state of the U.S. economy, addressed the noise around tariffs, and offered insights on interest rates in today’s dynamic market environment.

Jeff Klingelhofer
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager

Watch the full interview below (2:53-9:57 for full context).

Video property of Yahoo Finance


About Aristotle Pacific
Aristotle Pacific Capital is a Newport Beach, Calif.-based registered investment adviser that actively invests in credit securities on the basis of fundamental credit analysis with the objective of identifying and realizing relative value. The firm manages credit strategies across floating-rate loans, CLOs, multi-sector, high-yield, investment-grade, and short-duration bonds.

Learn More About Aristotle Pacific

For more Resources from Aristotle, contact us.

(All MSCI index returns are shown net and in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.)

Markets Review

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, Bloomberg
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle International Equity ADR WM Composite returns are presented pure gross and net of the maximum wrap fee and include the reinvestment of all income. Pure gross returns do not reflect the deduction of any trading costs or other fees and are supplemental to the net returns. Net returns are calculated by subtracting the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee, which includes trading costs and custodial fees, from the pure gross composite return. (From inception to 12/31/2015, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 3.00% on an annual basis, or 0.75% quarterly. From 1/1/2016 to 12/31/2023, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 2.00% on an annual basis, or 0.50% quarterly and 0.17% monthly from 1/1/2024 to present.) Aristotle Capital Composite returns are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

Global equity markets started the year on a modestly negative note, with the MSCI ACWI Index returning ‑1.32% for the first quarter. In contrast, global fixed income gained ground, as the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index rose 2.64%. Value stocks outpaced growth over the quarter, with the MSCI ACWI Value Index outperforming the MSCI ACWI Growth Index by 11.59%.

Outside the U.S., international equities made strong gains versus their American counterparts. The MSCI EAFE Index rose 6.86% during the first quarter, while the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index climbed 5.23%. Within the MSCI EAFE Index, Europe & Middle East and the U.K. were the strongest performers, while Asia increased the least. On a sector basis, nine out of the eleven sectors within the MSCI EAFE Index posted positive returns, with Energy, Financials and Utilities generating the largest gains. Conversely, Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary and Real Estate performed the worst.

Inflation trends remained broadly stable across developed markets. The U.S., U.K., and EU all reported annual inflation below 3%, giving central banks greater flexibility. The Federal Reserve held rates steady, while the European Central Bank and Bank of England continued to ease monetary policy in response to softer growth signals. In Asia, China’s economy recorded 5% GDP growth in 2024, showing tentative signs of recovery, while the Bank of Japan raised interest rates for the third time since ending its negative interest rate policy in March 2024 on expectations of sustained 2% inflation.

Trade policy re-emerged as a market concern during the quarter. In his first months back in office, President Trump announced a new wave of tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China, with additional warnings directed at the EU and other trading partners over what were termed “imbalanced trade arrangements.” The targeted industries—autos, steel and aluminum—reflected a focus on reshoring and industrial policy. While the long-term impact is still unfolding, the renewed trade uncertainty prompted central banks to lower growth forecasts and adopt a more cautious tone on future rate moves.

In Europe, Germany’s economy remained under pressure after contracting for a second consecutive year in 2024—the first two-year contraction since 2003. In response, Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz proposed sweeping fiscal reforms, including an overhaul of the constitutional debt brake, a €500 billion infrastructure fund and increased defense spending. While potentially supportive of medium-term growth, these initiatives have raised concerns around inflation and fiscal discipline, adding complexity to the European Central Bank’s policy path.

On the geopolitical front, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January unraveled by March amid disagreements over hostage releases. In Ukraine, a military stalemate in the east opened the door for ceasefire negotiations brokered by the U.S., with discussions reportedly tied to a potential minerals agreement to offset financial aid.

Finally, the artificial intelligence (AI) theme continued to influence market narratives. Chinese startup DeepSeek gained international attention after launching a low-cost rival to leading generative AI models from OpenAI, Anthropic and Google. The move not only intensified competition but raised new questions about the durability and configuration of global AI supply chains. Notably, DeepSeek’s approach—achieving comparable performance at a fraction of the cost—has challenged assumptions around the infrastructure demands of generative AI, potentially reducing the need for GPUs, energy-intensive data centers and the broader hardware stack the market had expected would underpin AI growth.

Performance and Attribution Summary

For the first quarter of 2025, Aristotle Capital’s International Equity ADR WM Composite posted a total return of 4.06% pure gross of fees (3.56% net of fees), underperforming the MSCI EAFE Index, which returned 6.86%, and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index, which returned 5.23%. Please refer to the table below for detailed performance.

Performance (%) 1Q251 Year3 Years5 Years10 Years Since Inception*
International Equity ADR WM Composite (pure gross)4.066.866.1713.066.737.83
International Equity ADR WM Composite (net)3.564.774.0510.824.615.48
MSCI EAFE Index (net)6.864.886.0511.775.406.97
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (net)5.236.094.4810.924.986.07
*The inception date for the International Equity ADR WM Composite is 7/1/2012. As of 1/1/2024, the composite was renamed from the International Equity ADR Wrap Composite.  Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle International Equity ADR WM Composite returns are presented pure gross and net of the maximum wrap fee and include the reinvestment of all income. Pure gross returns do not reflect the deduction of any trading costs or other fees and are supplemental to the net returns. Net returns are calculated by subtracting the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee, which includes trading costs and custodial fees, from the pure gross composite return. (From inception to 12/31/2015, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 3.00% on an annual basis, or 0.75% quarterly. From 1/1/2016 to 12/31/2023, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 2.00% on an annual basis, or 0.50% quarterly and 0.17% monthly from 1/1/2024 to present.) Aristotle Capital Composite returns are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. 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.

From a sector perspective, the portfolio’s underperformance relative to the MSCI EAFE Index can be attributed to both security selection and allocation effects. Security selection in Energy, Financials and Industrials detracted the most from the portfolio’s relative performance. Conversely, security selection in Health Care and Consumer Discretionary, as well as an underweight in Information Technology, contributed to relative returns.

Regionally, both allocation effects and security selection were responsible for the portfolio’s underperformance. Exposure to Canada and security selection in the U.K. detracted the most from relative performance, while security selection and an underweight in Asia contributed.

Contributors and Detractors for 1Q 2025

Relative ContributorsRelative Detractors
ING GroepCameco
SafranBrookfield
Munich ReinsuranceAccenture
SonyDiageo
RocheAshtead Group

Cameco, one of the world’s largest uranium producers, was a primary detractor during the quarter. Shares of the Canada-based company declined following President Trump’s 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports to the U.S., where Cameco is a major uranium supplier. However, we believe these tariff concerns are overstated given the inelastic nature of uranium demand and the lack of substitutes. Any incremental costs would be absorbed by utilities under existing contract structures. While the company’s stock price may have followed the decline in uranium spot prices during the period, Cameco’s business is largely insulated from short-term price swings due to its extensive use of long-term contracts rather than spot-market sales. Moreover, the company’s tier-one assets in politically stable jurisdictions, operational track record and ability to flex production—particularly at its MacArthur River and Key Lake mines—further strengthen its competitive advantage. We believe Cameco remains exceptionally well-positioned to benefit as governments around the world increasingly turn to nuclear power as a clean, secure and scalable source of energy.

Accenture, the global IT services and consulting firm, was one of the largest detractors during the period. The company reported revenue at the top end of its guided range, supported by solid booking, particularly in large-scale transformational projects from major corporate clients. Despite these results, shares declined as investor sentiment was impacted by continued client caution amid heightened global uncertainty, including concerns around tariffs and consumer sentiment, as well as the U.S. administration’s initiative to streamline federal operations, which could result in canceled or delayed government contracts. We believe Accenture is well-positioned to support the federal government’s efficiency goals through its expertise and proven track record in delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions. Accenture has also continued to see traction in emerging areas such as generative AI, securing $1.4 billion in new bookings and generating approximately $600 million in related revenue during the quarter. Short-term fluctuations in consulting demand are not unusual, and we remain confident that Accenture’s global scale and deep expertise make it well-positioned to continue to provide solutions and deepen its partnerships with many of the world’s largest companies as they continue to implement increasingly sophisticated technologies.

Munich Re, the world’s largest reinsurance company, was a leading contributor for the quarter. The company delivered strong results despite absorbing €1.2 billion in claims from January’s California wildfires, a testament to the reinsurer’s prudent risk management. Demonstrating confidence in its ongoing profitability and robust capital position, Munich Re also raised its dividend by more than 30% and announced an expanded €2 billion share buyback program. Favorable market pricing and disciplined underwriting have continued to support profitability, even amid elevated volatility in capital markets and global catastrophe losses. Additionally, Munich Re’s experienced leadership team has placed an unusual emphasis on innovation for a reinsurer of its size, investing meaningfully in R&D and technology. For example, the company has identified, launched or already implemented over 300 AI use cases that aim to increase efficiency and enhance its competitive edge. We expect these initiatives to further support Munich Re’s continued market share gains across specialty lines, including cybersecurity, and in rapidly growing Asian markets where insurance penetration remains relatively low.

Sony, the global leader in video games, image sensors, music and movies, was a top contributor for the period. The company delivered strong quarterly results, driven primarily by its gaming and music businesses, and announced a new executive leadership structure. In gaming, Sony reported a record-high 129 million monthly active users, a 20% year-over-year increase in PlayStation Plus revenue and an expanding user base, as 40% of new PS5 console buyers were new to the platform. The Music segment also continued to benefit from global streaming tailwinds, delivering double-digit profit growth. In a significant leadership transition, Sony announced that, effective April 1, 2025, Hiroki Totoki, currently COO and CFO, would succeed Kenichiro Yoshida as CEO. Our original investment in Sony was grounded in the strategic transformation led by Yoshida-san, where Totoki-san was an instrumental partner in driving Sony’s pivot away from commoditized businesses whilespearheading investments in content IP and semiconductors. Looking ahead, we continue to see opportunity for Sony to capitalize on its unique position as both a content creator and platform owner. The company’s ability to integrate gaming, music, anime and film and leverage IP across platforms (e.g., Crunchyroll and its recent partnership with Kadokawa) should position it well for long-term value creation.

Recent Portfolio Activity

BuysSells
Fast RetailingMagna International

During the quarter, we sold our position in Magna International and invested in Fast Retailing.

We first invested in Magna International, a Canada-based global auto parts, systems and assembly company, in the fourth quarter of 2019. The company, in our opinion, has a unique capability of supplying parts for an increasingly electrified and autonomous fleet of vehicles. This includes Magna’s specialty in lightweighting vehicles—a necessity for heavy electric cars—as well as its years of investment in self-driving technologies. In addition, with leading market share positions in many of its core markets and products, we believe Magna remains well-positioned to benefit as content-per-vehicle increases and automotive parts and systems become more complex. Though the company continues to meet our Quality and Valuation criteria, we have diminished confidence in its Catalysts. As such, we exited our position in Magna to fund the purchase of Fast Retailing, which we view as a more optimal investment. 

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Japan, Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel companies. Best known for its flagship brand UNIQLO, the company has over 3,500 stores worldwide, generating approximately 40% of sales in Japan, 20% in China and the remainder across the U.S., Europe and other Asian markets. UNIQLO (originally “Unique Clothing Warehouse”) accounts for roughly 85% of sales, with the remaining 15% coming from brands such as GU, Theory and others.

Fast Retailing is often grouped with “fast fashion” competitors such as Zara (owned by Inditex) and H&M. However, Fast Retailing’s strategy is fundamentally different. While fast fashion brands focus on rapidly turning over the latest trends—often at the expense of quality—Fast Retailing emphasizes timeless, high-quality apparel at accessible prices. Its LifeWear philosophy prioritizes functionality, comfort and durability, with innovations such as HeatTech for warmth and AIRism for breathability making its clothes essential wardrobe staples rather than disposable fashion. This focus on innovation, quality and affordability has helped Fast Retailing build a globally recognized brand with a history of profitable expansion in and outside Japan.

While this is our first time investing in Fast Retailing, we have followed the company for over a decade, having previously invested in Toray Industries, which produces many of the proprietary fabrics that underpin UNIQLO’s appeal. Given its long-term growth potential and operational strengths, we believe now is the right time to invest. 

Some of the quality characteristics we have identified for Fast Retailing include: 

  • Economies of scale achieved with a strategy that focuses on functionality, quality and value (rather than rapidly changing fashion trends) contribute to above peer profitability; 
  • Globally recognized brand with a history of profitable expansion within Japan and internationally; 
  • Technology-driven innovation in materials, inventory, logistics and supply chain management; and  
  • Long-tenured management team with unusually high insider ownership. 

Based on our estimates, shares of the company are attractively valued. We believe continued overseas expansion, as well as other catalysts (see below), will likely lead to higher normalized margins and FREE cash flow than currently appreciated by the market.

Catalysts we have identified for Fast Retailing, which we believe will cause its stock price to appreciate over our three- to five-year investment horizon, include: 

  • Continued overseas expansion should drive higher normalized revenue and profitability;  
  • Operational improvements in China, including better inventory management and an optimized store footprint, are expected to enhance margins; and 
  • Improved performance at GU brand in Asia, as well as expansion into the U.S.  

Conclusion

As we progress through the early stages of 2025, the convergence of persistent macroeconomic forces with the renewed presence of trade conflicts has added to the uncertainty facing equity markets. While there certainly was no shortage of headlines during the quarter, we believe trying to time the market or to predict the impact of these developments is a futile task. Instead, our focus remains on evaluating whether these events are truly analyzable, materially differentiated and meaningful to long-term investors—or simply noise that fuels short-term speculation.

At Aristotle Capital, we do not aim to capture short-term gains by “trading” portfolios based on the news of the day.  Rather, we remain committed to identifying companies we believe exhibit high-quality characteristics and the resilience to perform across full market cycles. In our experience, breaking news is often fleeting and not quite as impactful as many market participants believe it to be. On the contrary, during periods of economic uncertainty high-quality companies are oftentimes able to make decisions that result in market share gains, thus, potentially, increasing their longer-term intrinsic worth. As such, we will continue to study the microeconomic decisions of individual businesses rather than attempt to predict macroeconomic events or outcomes.

Disclosures

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aristotle Capital Management, LLC (Aristotle Capital) 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 buy 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 Capital 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 International Equity ADR strategy. Not every client’s account will have these characteristics. Aristotle Capital 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 Capital’s International Equity ADR strategy. 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.

Composite returns are presented pure gross and net of the maximum wrap fee and include the reinvestment of all income. Pure gross returns do not reflect the deduction of any trading costs or other fees and are supplemental to the net returns. Net returns are calculated by subtracting the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee, which includes trading costs and custodial fees, from the pure gross composite return. (From inception to 12/31/2015, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 3.00% on an annual basis, or 0.75% quarterly. From 1/1/2016 to 12/31/2023, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 2.00% on an annual basis, or 0.50% quarterly and 0.17% monthly from 1/1/2024 to present.)

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. 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 Capital does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of such information.

Aristotle Capital Management, 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 Capital, including our investment strategies, fees and objectives, can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. ACM-2504-128

Performance Disclosures

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, MSCI

Composite returns for all periods ended March 31, 2025 are preliminary pending final account reconciliation.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information provided should not be considered financial advice or a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security or product. Performance results for periods greater than one year have been annualized.

The Aristotle International Equity ADR WM Composite has an inception date of 7/1/2012. As of 1/1/2024, the composite was renamed from the International Equity ADR Wrap Composite.

Composite returns are presented pure gross and net of the maximum wrap fee and include the reinvestment of all income. Pure gross returns do not reflect the deduction of any trading costs or other fees and are supplemental to the net returns. Net returns are calculated by subtracting the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee, which includes trading costs and custodial fees, from the pure gross composite return. (From inception to 12/31/2015, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 3.00% on an annual basis, or 0.75% quarterly. From 1/1/2016 to 12/31/2023, the highest applicable wrap/SMA fee is 2.00% on an annual basis, or 0.50% quarterly and 0.17% monthly from 1/1/2024 to present.)

Index Disclosures

The MSCI EAFE Index (Europe, Australasia, Far East) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Index consists of the following 21 developed market country indexes: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The MSCI ACWI captures large and mid-cap representation across 23 developed market countries and 24 emerging markets countries. With approximately 2,600 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. The MSCI ACWI Growth Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall growth style characteristics across 23 developed markets countries and 24 emerging markets countries. The MSCI ACWI Value Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across 23 developed markets countries and 24 emerging markets countries. The MSCI ACWI ex USA Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 developed markets countries (excluding the United States) and 24 emerging markets countries. With approximately 2,000 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the United States. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index consists of the following 24 emerging market country indexes: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. 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 Brent Crude Oil Index is a major trading classification of sweet light crude oil that serves as a major benchmark price for purchases of oil worldwide. The MSCI Japan Index is designed to measure the performance of the large and mid-cap segments of the Japanese market. With approximately 200 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in Japan. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index is a flagship measure of global investment grade debt from 27 local currency markets. This multi-currency benchmark includes treasury, government-related, corporate and securitized fixed-rate bonds from both developed and emerging markets issuers. The MSCI United Kingdom Index is designed to measure the performance of the large and mid-cap segments of the U.K. market. With nearly 100 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in the United Kingdom. The MSCI Europe Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 15 developed markets countries in Europe. With approximately 400 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization across the European developed markets equity universe. These indexes have been selected as the benchmarks and are used for comparison purposes only. The volatility (beta) of the Composite may be greater or less than the respective benchmarks. It is not possible to invest directly in these indexes.

Related Resources

For more on International Equity, access the latest resources.

(All MSCI index returns are shown net and in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.)

Markets Review

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, Bloomberg
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle International Equity ADR 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. Aristotle Capital Composite returns are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

Global equity markets started the year on a modestly negative note, with the MSCI ACWI Index returning ‑1.32% for the first quarter. In contrast, global fixed income gained ground, as the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index rose 2.64%. Value stocks outpaced growth over the quarter, with the MSCI ACWI Value Index outperforming the MSCI ACWI Growth Index by 11.59%.

Outside the U.S., international equities made strong gains versus their American counterparts. The MSCI EAFE Index rose 6.86% during the first quarter, while the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index climbed 5.23%. Within the MSCI EAFE Index, Europe & Middle East and the U.K. were the strongest performers, while Asia increased the least. On a sector basis, nine out of the eleven sectors within the MSCI EAFE Index posted positive returns, with Energy, Financials and Utilities generating the largest gains. Conversely, Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary and Real Estate performed the worst.

Inflation trends remained broadly stable across developed markets. The U.S., U.K., and EU all reported annual inflation below 3%, giving central banks greater flexibility. The Federal Reserve held rates steady, while the European Central Bank and Bank of England continued to ease monetary policy in response to softer growth signals. In Asia, China’s economy recorded 5% GDP growth in 2024, showing tentative signs of recovery, while the Bank of Japan raised interest rates for the third time since ending its negative interest rate policy in March 2024 on expectations of sustained 2% inflation.

Trade policy re-emerged as a market concern during the quarter. In his first months back in office, President Trump announced a new wave of tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China, with additional warnings directed at the EU and other trading partners over what were termed “imbalanced trade arrangements.” The targeted industries—autos, steel and aluminum—reflected a focus on reshoring and industrial policy. While the long-term impact is still unfolding, the renewed trade uncertainty prompted central banks to lower growth forecasts and adopt a more cautious tone on future rate moves.

In Europe, Germany’s economy remained under pressure after contracting for a second consecutive year in 2024—the first two-year contraction since 2003. In response, Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz proposed sweeping fiscal reforms, including an overhaul of the constitutional debt brake, a €500 billion infrastructure fund and increased defense spending. While potentially supportive of medium-term growth, these initiatives have raised concerns around inflation and fiscal discipline, adding complexity to the European Central Bank’s policy path.

On the geopolitical front, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January unraveled by March amid disagreements over hostage releases. In Ukraine, a military stalemate in the east opened the door for ceasefire negotiations brokered by the U.S., with discussions reportedly tied to a potential minerals agreement to offset financial aid.

Finally, the artificial intelligence (AI) theme continued to influence market narratives. Chinese startup DeepSeek gained international attention after launching a low-cost rival to leading generative AI models from OpenAI, Anthropic and Google. The move not only intensified competition but raised new questions about the durability and configuration of global AI supply chains. Notably, DeepSeek’s approach—achieving comparable performance at a fraction of the cost—has challenged assumptions around the infrastructure demands of generative AI, potentially reducing the need for GPUs, energy-intensive data centers and the broader hardware stack the market had expected would underpin AI growth.

Performance and Attribution Summary

For the first quarter of 2025, Aristotle Capital’s International Equity ADR Composite posted a total return of 4.05% gross of fees (3.91% net of fees), underperforming the MSCI EAFE Index, which returned 6.86%, and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index, which returned 5.23%. Please refer to the table below for detailed performance.

Performance (%) 1Q251 Year3 Years5 Years10 Years Since Inception*
International Equity ADR Composite (gross)4.057.656.4613.286.736.50
International Equity ADR Composite (net)3.917.125.9112.726.225.99
MSCI EAFE Index (net)6.864.886.0511.775.405.66
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (net)5.236.094.4810.924.985.01
*The inception date for the International Equity ADR Composite is June 1, 2013. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Aristotle International Equity ADR 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. Aristotle Capital Composite returns are preliminary pending final account reconciliation. Please see important disclosures at the end of this document.

Source: FactSet
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Attribution results are based on sector returns which are gross of investment advisory fees. Attribution is based on performance that is gross of investment advisory fees and includes the reinvestment of income.

From a sector perspective, the portfolio’s underperformance relative to the MSCI EAFE Index can be attributed to both security selection and allocation effects. Security selection in Energy, Financials and Industrials detracted the most from the portfolio’s relative performance. Conversely, security selection in Health Care and Consumer Discretionary, as well as an underweight in Information Technology, contributed to relative returns.

Regionally, both allocation effects and security selection were responsible for the portfolio’s underperformance. Exposure to Canada and security selection in the U.K. detracted the most from relative performance, while security selection and an underweight in Asia contributed.

Contributors and Detractors for 1Q 2025

Relative ContributorsRelative Detractors
ING GroepCameco
SafranBrookfield
Munich ReinsuranceAccenture
SonyDiageo
RocheAshtead Group

Cameco, one of the world’s largest uranium producers, was a primary detractor during the quarter. Shares of the Canada-based company declined following President Trump’s 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports to the U.S., where Cameco is a major uranium supplier. However, we believe these tariff concerns are overstated given the inelastic nature of uranium demand and the lack of substitutes. Any incremental costs would be absorbed by utilities under existing contract structures. While the company’s stock price may have followed the decline in uranium spot prices during the period, Cameco’s business is largely insulated from short-term price swings due to its extensive use of long-term contracts rather than spot-market sales. Moreover, the company’s tier-one assets in politically stable jurisdictions, operational track record and ability to flex production—particularly at its MacArthur River and Key Lake mines—further strengthen its competitive advantage. We believe Cameco remains exceptionally well-positioned to benefit as governments around the world increasingly turn to nuclear power as a clean, secure and scalable source of energy.

Accenture, the global IT services and consulting firm, was one of the largest detractors during the period. The company reported revenue at the top end of its guided range, supported by solid booking, particularly in large-scale transformational projects from major corporate clients. Despite these results, shares declined as investor sentiment was impacted by continued client caution amid heightened global uncertainty, including concerns around tariffs and consumer sentiment, as well as the U.S. administration’s initiative to streamline federal operations, which could result in canceled or delayed government contracts. We believe Accenture is well-positioned to support the federal government’s efficiency goals through its expertise and proven track record in delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions. Accenture has also continued to see traction in emerging areas such as generative AI, securing $1.4 billion in new bookings and generating approximately $600 million in related revenue during the quarter. Short-term fluctuations in consulting demand are not unusual, and we remain confident that Accenture’s global scale and deep expertise make it well-positioned to continue to provide solutions and deepen its partnerships with many of the world’s largest companies as they continue to implement increasingly sophisticated technologies.

Munich Re, the world’s largest reinsurance company, was a leading contributor for the quarter. The company delivered strong results despite absorbing €1.2 billion in claims from January’s California wildfires, a testament to the reinsurer’s prudent risk management. Demonstrating confidence in its ongoing profitability and robust capital position, Munich Re also raised its dividend by more than 30% and announced an expanded €2 billion share buyback program. Favorable market pricing and disciplined underwriting have continued to support profitability, even amid elevated volatility in capital markets and global catastrophe losses. Additionally, Munich Re’s experienced leadership team has placed an unusual emphasis on innovation for a reinsurer of its size, investing meaningfully in R&D and technology. For example, the company has identified, launched or already implemented over 300 AI use cases that aim to increase efficiency and enhance its competitive edge. We expect these initiatives to further support Munich Re’s continued market share gains across specialty lines, including cybersecurity, and in rapidly growing Asian markets where insurance penetration remains relatively low.

Sony, the global leader in video games, image sensors, music and movies, was a top contributor for the period. The company delivered strong quarterly results, driven primarily by its gaming and music businesses, and announced a new executive leadership structure. In gaming, Sony reported a record-high 129 million monthly active users, a 20% year-over-year increase in PlayStation Plus revenue and an expanding user base, as 40% of new PS5 console buyers were new to the platform. The Music segment also continued to benefit from global streaming tailwinds, delivering double-digit profit growth. In a significant leadership transition, Sony announced that, effective April 1, 2025, Hiroki Totoki, currently COO and CFO, would succeed Kenichiro Yoshida as CEO. Our original investment in Sony was grounded in the strategic transformation led by Yoshida-san, where Totoki-san was an instrumental partner in driving Sony’s pivot away from commoditized businesses whilespearheading investments in content IP and semiconductors. Looking ahead, we continue to see opportunity for Sony to capitalize on its unique position as both a content creator and platform owner. The company’s ability to integrate gaming, music, anime and film and leverage IP across platforms (e.g., Crunchyroll and its recent partnership with Kadokawa) should position it well for long-term value creation.

Recent Portfolio Activity

BuysSells
Fast RetailingMagna International

During the quarter, we sold our position in Magna International and invested in Fast Retailing.

We first invested in Magna International, a Canada-based global auto parts, systems and assembly company, in the fourth quarter of 2019. The company, in our opinion, has a unique capability of supplying parts for an increasingly electrified and autonomous fleet of vehicles. This includes Magna’s specialty in lightweighting vehicles—a necessity for heavy electric cars—as well as its years of investment in self-driving technologies. In addition, with leading market share positions in many of its core markets and products, we believe Magna remains well-positioned to benefit as content-per-vehicle increases and automotive parts and systems become more complex. Though the company continues to meet our Quality and Valuation criteria, we have diminished confidence in its Catalysts. As such, we exited our position in Magna to fund the purchase of Fast Retailing, which we view as a more optimal investment. 

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Japan, Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel companies. Best known for its flagship brand UNIQLO, the company has over 3,500 stores worldwide, generating approximately 40% of sales in Japan, 20% in China and the remainder across the U.S., Europe and other Asian markets. UNIQLO (originally “Unique Clothing Warehouse”) accounts for roughly 85% of sales, with the remaining 15% coming from brands such as GU, Theory and others.

Fast Retailing is often grouped with “fast fashion” competitors such as Zara (owned by Inditex) and H&M. However, Fast Retailing’s strategy is fundamentally different. While fast fashion brands focus on rapidly turning over the latest trends—often at the expense of quality—Fast Retailing emphasizes timeless, high-quality apparel at accessible prices. Its LifeWear philosophy prioritizes functionality, comfort and durability, with innovations such as HeatTech for warmth and AIRism for breathability making its clothes essential wardrobe staples rather than disposable fashion. This focus on innovation, quality and affordability has helped Fast Retailing build a globally recognized brand with a history of profitable expansion in and outside Japan.

While this is our first time investing in Fast Retailing, we have followed the company for over a decade, having previously invested in Toray Industries, which produces many of the proprietary fabrics that underpin UNIQLO’s appeal. Given its long-term growth potential and operational strengths, we believe now is the right time to invest. 

Some of the quality characteristics we have identified for Fast Retailing include: 

  • Economies of scale achieved with a strategy that focuses on functionality, quality and value (rather than rapidly changing fashion trends) contribute to above peer profitability; 
  • Globally recognized brand with a history of profitable expansion within Japan and internationally; 
  • Technology-driven innovation in materials, inventory, logistics and supply chain management; and 
  • Long-tenured management team with unusually high insider ownership. 

Based on our estimates, shares of the company are attractively valued. We believe continued overseas expansion, as well as other catalysts (see below), will likely lead to higher normalized margins and FREE cash flow than currently appreciated by the market.

Catalysts we have identified for Fast Retailing, which we believe will cause its stock price to appreciate over our three- to five-year investment horizon, include: 

  • Continued overseas expansion should drive higher normalized revenue and profitability; 
  • Operational improvements in China, including better inventory management and an optimized store footprint, are expected to enhance margins; and 
  • Improved performance at GU brand in Asia, as well as expansion into the U.S. 

Conclusion

As we progress through the early stages of 2025, the convergence of persistent macroeconomic forces with the renewed presence of trade conflicts has added to the uncertainty facing equity markets. While there certainly was no shortage of headlines during the quarter, we believe trying to time the market or to predict the impact of these developments is a futile task. Instead, our focus remains on evaluating whether these events are truly analyzable, materially differentiated and meaningful to long-term investors—or simply noise that fuels short-term speculation.

At Aristotle Capital, we do not aim to capture short-term gains by “trading” portfolios based on the news of the day.  Rather, we remain committed to identifying companies we believe exhibit high-quality characteristics and the resilience to perform across full market cycles. In our experience, breaking news is often fleeting and not quite as impactful as many market participants believe it to be. On the contrary, during periods of economic uncertainty high-quality companies are oftentimes able to make decisions that result in market share gains, thus, potentially, increasing their longer-term intrinsic worth. As such, we will continue to study the microeconomic decisions of individual businesses rather than attempt to predict macroeconomic events or outcomes.

Disclosures

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aristotle Capital Management, LLC (Aristotle Capital) 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 buy 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 Capital 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 International Equity ADR strategy. Not every client’s account will have these characteristics. Aristotle Capital 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 Capital’s International Equity ADR 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. 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 Capital does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of such information.

Aristotle Capital Management, 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 Capital, including our investment strategies, fees and objectives, can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. ACM-2504-102

Performance Disclosures

Sources: CAPS CompositeHubTM, MSCI

Composite returns for all periods ended March 31, 2025 are preliminary pending final account reconciliation.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information provided should not be considered financial advice or a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security or product. 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 MSCI EAFE Index (Europe, Australasia, Far East) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Index consists of the following 21 developed market country indexes: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The MSCI ACWI captures large and mid-cap representation across 23 developed market countries and 24 emerging markets countries. With approximately 2,600 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. The MSCI ACWI Growth Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall growth style characteristics across 23 developed markets countries and 24 emerging markets countries. The MSCI ACWI Value Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across 23 developed markets countries and 24 emerging markets countries. The MSCI ACWI ex USA Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 developed markets countries (excluding the United States) and 24 emerging markets countries. With approximately 2,000 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the United States. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index consists of the following 24 emerging market country indexes: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. 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 Brent Crude Oil Index is a major trading classification of sweet light crude oil that serves as a major benchmark price for purchases of oil worldwide. The MSCI Japan Index is designed to measure the performance of the large and mid-cap segments of the Japanese market. With approximately 200 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in Japan. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index is a flagship measure of global investment grade debt from 27 local currency markets. This multi-currency benchmark includes treasury, government-related, corporate and securitized fixed-rate bonds from both developed and emerging markets issuers. The MSCI United Kingdom Index is designed to measure the performance of the large and mid-cap segments of the U.K. market. With nearly 100 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in the United Kingdom. The MSCI Europe Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 15 developed markets countries in Europe. With approximately 400 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization across the European developed markets equity universe. These indexes have been selected as the benchmarks and are used for comparison purposes only. The volatility (beta) of the Composite may be greater or less than the respective benchmarks. It is not possible to invest directly in these indexes.

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