Built to Last: Two Decades of Disciplined Growth Investing
Some investment philosophies are built for a market cycle. Others are built to outlast one.
For more than two decades, the Loomis Sayles Specialty Growth Strategies Team led by portfolio managers Mark Burns, CFA, and John Slavik, CFA, has quietly pursued the latter, following an approach less about chasing momentum and more about a simple, disciplined conviction: a low volatility approach to high growth investing.
It is a philosophy that can seem almost contrarian in a category often associated with outsized swings and bold bets. The team’s story began in 2005, when Mark and John assumed responsibility for the Small Cap Growth strategy. Together, they developed a philosophy built on a commitment to deep fundamental research. The team believes this discipline is particularly valuable in the small-,small/mid- and mid-cap universes, where companies often receive less Wall Street attention and market inefficiencies can persist longer than they do among large-cap stocks. The same investment process was later extended to the Small/Mid Cap Growth strategy in 2012 and the Mid Cap Growth strategy in 2020, creating three strategies guided by a single philosophy.
A philosophy, however, is only as enduring as the people who carry it forward. The team’s investment in talent development has helped create a strong succession pipeline and opportunities for growth. Nathaniel Roberts was promoted to portfolio manager on the Mid Cap Growth strategy in 2022, followed by Anand Vankawala in 2023. Today, the team includes ten investment professionals and has expanded thoughtfully over time, adding analysts and researchers to support its growing platform while maintaining continuity in its investment approach.
“We don’t change our stripes when market conditions or trends in the small/mid cap growth space change. We’ve refined our process over time, but the core discipline is the same investment philosophy that has guided Mark and me throughout our careers at Loomis Sayles.”
“We offer our clients a growth-investing approach with a long track record, tested through time and carried forward by a team built for the long term. That is something we feel very proud of when we reflect on our two-plus decades at this firm.”
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE
This marketing communication is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Investment decisions should consider the individual circumstances of the particular investor. Any opinions or forecasts contained herein, reflect the subjective judgments and assumptions of the authors only, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. Investment recommendations may be inconsistent with these opinions. There is no assurance that developments will transpire, as forecasted and actual results will be different. Information, including that obtained from outside sources, is believed to be correct, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy. This information is subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing contained herein constitutes investment, legal, tax or other advice nor is it to be relied on in making an investment or other decision.
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