Early Stage Growth Fund
Early Stage Growth Fund
Quick Facts
| Investor | Institutional | |
| Ticker: | BUFOX | BUIOX |
| Daily Pricing: | ||
| As of 4/17/2024 | ||
| NAV: | $14.95 | $15.07 |
| $ Change: | $-0.14 | $-0.14 |
| % Change: |
-0.93% | -0.92% |
| YTD: |
-3.05% | -3.02% |
| Inception Date: | 5/21/2004 | 7/1/2019 |
| Expense Ratio: | 1.50% | 1.35% |
| Total Net Assets: | $78.20 Million (3/31/24) | |
| Morningstar Category: | Small Cap Growth | |
| Benchmark Index: | Russell 2000 Growth | |
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Related Material: Fund Fact Sheet Q1 2024 PM Commentary Q4 2023 |
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Recent Media Coverage
- Kiplinger Top-Performing Mutual Fund (10 Years) – August 18, 2021
- Kiplinger Top-Performing Mutual Fund (10 Years) – July 28, 2021
- Kiplinger Top-Performing Mutual Fund (10 Years) – June 17, 2021
- Kiplinger Top-Performing Mutual Fund (10 Years) – May 13, 2021
- Kiplinger Top-Performing Mutual Fund (10 Years) – April 22, 2021
- Kiplinger Top-Performing Mutual Fund (10 Years) – March 23, 2021
- Investor’s Business Daily 2021 Best Mutual Funds Award Winner – March 22, 2021
- Kiplinger Top-Performing Mutual Fund (10 Years) – January 19, 2021
Fund Objective & Investment Process
The investment objective of the Buffalo Early Stage Growth Fund is long-term growth of capital. The Fund invests primarily in equity securities, consisting of common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, warrants and rights, of companies that, at the time of purchase by the Fund, are defined as early stage growth companies. Early stage growth companies are defined by the Fund as companies that, at the time of purchase by the Fund, have market capitalizations below the median of the Russell 2000 Growth Index and are companies that are starting to develop a new product or service or have recently developed a new product or service.
The Fund managers seek to identify companies for the Fund’s portfolio that are expected to experience growth based on the identification of long-term, measurable secular trends, and which, as a result, may have potential revenue growth in excess of the gross domestic product growth rate. Companies are screened using in-depth, in-house research to identify premier early-stage growth companies which generally demonstrate:
- Strong management teams
- Little or no debt
- Potential for increasing free cash flow
- Scalable business models with a competitive advantage
- Potential for increasing margins
- Attractive risk/reward given the market framework
We believe investing in an actively-managed portfolio of premier, early-stage, growth companies could lead to growth of capital over time. We look for companies that could benefit from long-term industrial, technological, or general market trends, and are trading at what we view as attractive valuations.
Craig Richard, Portfolio Manager
Morningstar Rating
Overall Morningstar Rating™ of BUFOX based on risk-adjusted returns among 552 Small Growth funds as of 3/31/24.
Investment Style
Performance (%)
| As of 3/31/24 | 3 MO | YTD | 1 YR | 3 YR | 5 YR | 10 YR | 15 YR | Since Inception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUFFALO EARLY STAGE GROWTH FUND - Investor | 4.80 | 4.80 | 7.38 | -7.24 | 7.79 | 7.19 | 15.61 | 8.41 |
| BUFFALO EARLY STAGE GROWTH FUND - Institutional | 4.83 | 4.83 | 7.45 | -7.10 | 7.94 | 7.34 | 15.78 | 8.57 |
| Russell 2000 Growth Index | 7.58 | 7.58 | 20.35 | -2.68 | 7.38 | 7.89 | 13.39 | 8.84 |
| As of 3/31/24 | 3 MO | YTD | 1 YR | 3 YR | 5 YR | 10 YR | 15 YR | Since Inception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUFFALO EARLY STAGE GROWTH FUND - Investor | 4.80 | 4.80 | 7.38 | -7.24 | 7.79 | 7.19 | 15.61 | 8.41 |
| BUFFALO EARLY STAGE GROWTH FUND - Institutional | 4.83 | 4.83 | 7.45 | -7.10 | 7.94 | 7.34 | 15.78 | 8.57 |
| Russell 2000 Growth Index | 7.58 | 7.58 | 20.35 | -2.68 | 7.38 | 7.89 | 13.39 | 8.84 |
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUFFALO EARLY STAGE GROWTH FUND - Investor | 61.70 | -7.38 | -9.41 | 11.05 | 27.18 | -3.95 | 34.03 | 47.69 | 7.79 | -30.76 |
| BUFFALO EARLY STAGE GROWTH FUND - Institutional | 61.94 | -7.24 | -9.28 | 11.22 | 27.37 | -3.81 | 34.20 | 47.96 | 7.94 | -30.66 |
| Russell 2000 Growth Index | 43.30 | 5.60 | -1.38 | 11.32 | 22.17 | -9.31 | 28.48 | 34.63 | 2.83 | -26.36 |
| Morningstar U.S. Small Growth Index | 41.86 | 2.46 | -0.18 | 9.61 | 23.77 | -5.67 | 27.60 | 43.52 | -1.00 | -33.31 |
3 Year Risk Metrics
| BUFOX vs Russell 2000 Growth Index (As of 3/31/24) | |
|---|---|
| Upside Capture | 85.92 |
| Downside Capture | 103.45 |
| Alpha | -4.78 |
| Beta | 0.95 |
| Sharpe Ratio | -0.46 |
Hypothetical Growth of $10,000
This chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the Fund on the Inception Date. Assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. This chart does not imply future performance.
Portfolio
Portfolio Characteristics
| (As of 3/31/24) | |
|---|---|
| # of Holdings | 59 |
| Median Market Cap | $1.46 B |
| Weighted Average Market Cap | $3.04 B |
| 3-Yr Annualized Turnover Ratio | 21.95% |
| % of Holdings with Free Cash Flow | 72.88% |
| Active Share | 95.12% |
Top 10 Holdings
| Holding | Ticker | Sector | % of Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compass Diversified Holdings | CODI | Financials | 3.18 |
| Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd. | BWMN | Industrials | 3.17 |
| Hamilton Lane Incorporated Class A | HLNE | Financials | 3.11 |
| Transcat, Inc. | TRNS | Information Technology | 3.10 |
| Calix, Inc. | CALX | Information Technology | 2.95 |
| ICF International, Inc. | ICFI | Industrials | 2.86 |
| Varonis Systems, Inc. | VRNS | Information Technology | 2.75 |
| NV5 Global Inc | NVEE | Industrials | 2.56 |
| Cadre Holdings, Inc. | CDRE | Industrials | 2.54 |
| Federal Signal Corporation | FSS | Industrials | 2.52 |
| TOP 10 HOLDINGS TOTAL | 28.75% | ||
Sector Weighting
As of 3/31/24. Security weightings are subject to change and are not recommendations to buy or sell any securities. Sector Allocation may not equal 100% due to rounding.
Market Capitalization
As of 3/31/24. Market Cap percentages may not equal 100% due to rounding.
Management
Commentary
PERFORMANCE COMMENTARY
(As of 12/31/23) —
The Buffalo Early Stage Growth Fund generated a return of 9.75% for the quarter
compared to the Russell 2000 Growth Index return of 12.75% during the period.
For calendar year 2023, the fund returned 9.83%. Small caps trailed their large cap
counterparts significantly in 2023 with the Russell 1000 Growth (Large Cap) Index leading
the way up 42.68%, the Russell Midcap Growth Index advanced 25.87% and the Russell
2000 Growth (Small Cap) climbed 18.66%. Further on down the market cap spectrum, the
Russell Microcap Growth Index produced a return of 9.11% in 2023.
The fund is positioned at the smaller end of the small cap spectrum as measured by the
portfolio’s weighted average market cap. This presented a consistent headwind in 2023
given the underperformance of smaller companies in the index.
On a sector basis, the fund underperformed in both the Healthcare and Technology sectors
in the quarter. This was partially offset by outperformance in the fund’s Industrials holdings.
In terms of individual stock detractors in the quarter, Establishment Labs again
represented a material contributor to underperformance in the quarter. Establishment
Labs (ESTA) is a long-time holding of the fund that came under significant pressure
in the second half of calendar 2023. The company is an innovator in the Healthcare
sector, bringing innovation to the breast augmentation and reconstruction space that has not had material innovation for close to 20 years. The company is currently in 80
countries, establishing leading market shares of greater than 30%, and most importantly,
has a superior safety profile to legacy breast implant manufacturers. The incremental
pressure on the shares in the quarter was due to significant slowing of demand for breast
augmentation procedures in foreign geographies. Over half of all revenue comes from
distributors who serve plastic surgeon practices. As the consumer showed some signs of
weakness and economic conditions tightened, distributors put the brakes on orders and
started to draw down existing inventories versus continuing to replenish. Additionally, the
approval of the company’s breast implants into the Chinese market remained delayed. The
shares have rallied in early 2024 on the news of approval to enter the Chinese market and
indications that distributor inventory destocking is behind them. Additionally, investors are
refocused on the pending approval to enter the U.S. market which represents over half
the global opportunity.
Kinsale Capital Group was another large individual drag to performance during the
quarter. Kinsale is a specialty insurer focused solely on excess and surplus (E&S) lines.
Gross premiums written grew 34% in the third quarter, which disappointed investors
who had become accustomed to growth in the 40%s and 50%s. While the business will
inevitably show signs of cyclicality over time, we expect the company’s technology platform
and focus on E&S policies will allow them to continue to outperform in the segment. Kinsale enjoys a significant cost advantage over its peers which should allow it to continue
to capture market share. In the E&S space, Kinsale has a 1-2% market share and continues
to grow aggressively with the largest players in the space having 15% market share. There
remains plenty of runway to allow Kinsale to continue to grow at an attractive rate as
the E&S market continues to grow as a percentage of the overall property and casualty
insurance marketplace.
On the positive side, Shift4 Payments was a recent addition to the Fund in the fourth
quarter that performed well and was one of the top individual contributors. Shift4
is an integrated payments company with a legacy of providing payment solutions
to the hospitality sector (hotels/restaurants). They have expanded into professional
sports venues and are near agreements to launch ticketing solutions to go along with
concessions. Additionally, they are just beginning international expansion through a recent
acquisition. Along with delivering strong growth in the third quarter, the shares were
bolstered by potential takeout interest given what we felt was a disconnect between the
valuation and the results the company has been producing
OUTLOOK
(As of 12/31/23) —
While the employment environment remains strong, excess household savings
accumulated during the pandemic are closer to being exhausted. In the fourth quarter,
the Fed signaled a more dovish outlook and paused its aggressive interest rate hikes
that began in March of 2022. As a result, small cap stocks experienced a sharp rebound
intra fourth quarter with the Russell 2000 Growth Index rising approximately 25% from
late October through the calendar year end.
As the economy shows continuing signs of growth and the Fed moves to a position of
lowering interest rates and halts quantitative tightening, we are becoming increasingly
more positive on the outlook for small cap stocks. Valuation levels of small caps relative
to large caps remain at historically attractive levels. Additionally, the performance gap
between small cap stocks and large cap stocks remains wide relative to historical levels,
and we believe this performance gap will compress.
Our job remains to find and hold attractive small cap companies that have not been fully
appreciated by the market or are mispriced due to recent results or events. We believe
less investor interest in this segment of the market creates an opportunity for us to
uncover value over the long term.
The fund typically invests at the smaller end of the small cap growth spectrum and the
managers continue to seek companies with sustainable growth due to secular growth
trends or innovative, disruptive products. The Buffalo Early Stage Growth Fund is
focused primarily on identifying innovation within U.S. companies with primarily North
American revenue bases. With an active share of greater than 90%, a lower turnover
strategy with 50-70 holdings, the fund aims to continue to offer a distinct offering from
the Index and category peers.
The opinions expressed are those of the Portfolio Manager(s) and are subject to change, are not guaranteed and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Earnings growth is not representative of the fund’s future performance.
Literature
| Buffalo Early Stage Growth Documents | Last Updated |
|---|---|
| Fact Sheet | 3/31/24 |
| Quarterly Commentary | 12/31/23 |
| Full Fund Holdings | 6/30/23 |
| Prospectus | 7/28/23 |
| Statement of Additional Information | 7/28/23 |
| Annual Report | 3/31/23 |
| Semi-Annual Report | 9/30/22 |
| Tax Guide - 2023 | 1/8/24 |
Fundamental Approach
We get to know the companies we invest in and learn how they run their business.
Top-Down & Bottom-Up
We identify Top-Down broad, secular growth trends and search for companies from the Bottom-Up.
Proprietary Philosophy
We construct our portfolios based on our own proprietary investment strategy.
Disciplined Investing
Sticking to our disciplined investment strategy ensures we maintain a consistent, balanced approach.
The Morningstar Rating™ for funds, or "star rating", is calculated for managed products (including mutual funds, variable annuity and variable life subaccounts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, and separate accounts) with at least a three-year history. Exchange-traded funds and open-ended mutual funds are considered a single population for comparative purposes. It is calculated based on a Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measure that accounts for variation in a managed product's monthly excess performance, placing more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent performance. The top 10% of products in each product category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the next 22.5% receive 2 stars, and the bottom 10% receive 1 star. The Overall Morningstar Rating™ for a managed product is derived from a weighted average of the performance figures associated with its three-, five-, and 10-year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating™ metrics. The weights are: 100% three-year rating for 36-59 months of total returns, 60% five-year rating/40% three-year rating for 60-119 months of total returns, and 50% 10-year rating/30% five-year rating/20% three-year rating for 120 or more months of total returns. While the 10-year overall star rating formula seems to give the most weight to the 10-year period, the most recent three-year period actually has the greatest impact because it is included in all three rating periods.
The Buffalo Early Stage Growth Fund (BUFOX) received 2 stars among 552 for the three-year, 2 stars among 520 for the five-year, and 2 stars among 400 Small Growth funds for the ten-year period ending 3/31/24.
