Gator Small Cap Portfolio Starts the Year Off Strong

23
Mar/10
2

The Gator Small Cap Portfolio has had strong performance in the first 10 weeks of 2010. Through March 15th, the Gator Small Cap was up 9.3% after fees compared to 7.8% for the Russell 2000® Index. This continues the portfolio’s strong performance from 2009 when it was up 81.6% compared to 25.2% for the Russell 2000® Index.

We had several strong stocks in the portfolio to start the year. Tivo is up 63% year-to-date on the back of a favorable court ruling awarding the company monetary damages for continued infringement of its patents by a competitor. Brink’s Home Security is up 29% after a larger competitor agreed to acquire the company. Also, DineEquity, the franchisor for IHOP and Applebee’s, is up 46% so far in 2010 after reporting stronger earnings and a better than expected outlook for the rest of 2010.

The Gator Small Cap Portfolio holds a concentrated portfolio of 30 stocks of companies with market capitalizations under $3 billion at the time of purchase. We attempt to own smaller companies with strong franchises and business models with favorable economics. We want to hold onto the shares for multiple years to allow the management teams time to compound the strong economics of their businesses. During 2009, we had 30% turnover portfolio holdings.

We believe the Gator Small Cap Portfolio is a unique offering because it is a small cap portfolio offered in separately managed account form. In addition, the portfolio is concentrated which is unusual for a small cap portfolio. Lastly, our account minimum is $100,000, which makes the portfolio available to individuals with modest assets. Our clients may choose any broker or custodian to hold their account. If the client does not have an existing relationship, most of our clients take advantage of our relationship with Fidelity Investments.

Due to the Gator Small Cap Portfolio’s investments in small company stocks and the portfolio’s concentration of holdings, we expect the portfolio to have a much higher degree of volatility than the overall stock market. Please only invest money which you will not need for five or more years. Past performance is not indicative of future results.