A Systematic Approach to the US Small Cap Market

The US small cap market, often overlooked due to its size and lack of research coverage, may present significant opportunities for outsized growth. We believe these inefficiencies position for active managers to generate substantial returns. Our innovative solution is designed to navigate this complex landscape, uncover hidden gems, and deliver consistent alpha while managing risk.

Bridging Investment Strategies: Our Differentiated Approach

We believe that the choice between fundamental and quantitative investing is a false dichotomy. Our strategy bridges this gap, offering a style-agnostic solution that leverages fundamental analysis to identify market inefficiencies. This approach leads to unbiased, rational, and consistent decision-making based on sound economic principles. By combining actively managed quantitative skills and automated fundamental analysts, we identify mispriced companies that offer the potential for outsized growth and excess returns.

At Lazard Asset Management, our team has developed a unique framework comprising over two dozen diversified and uncorrelated concepts, known as Automated Fundamental Analysts. These analysts continuously re-evaluate the entire market universe to identify mispriced companies, enabling us to manage a diversified portfolio of approximately 400 names.

The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of its Parts

Our proprietary investment framework allocates a percentage of capital to each of the independent Automated Fundamental Analysts according to the number of ideas each Analyst generates. In diversifying across these uncorrelated sleeves, the portfolio has multiple fundamental sources of potential alpha and can achieve a higher cumulative outcome than if allocated to individually.

Bringing It All Together

With market conditions presenting attractive valuations for small cap stocks, we believe our systematic approach is well-positioned to deliver consistent alpha while deploying assets in an inherently volatile asset class.

Research & Insights

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Important Information
As of 13 March 2025

The performance quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. 

A quantitative investment strategy relies on quantitative models and quantitative filters, which, if incorrect, may adversely affect performance.

No risk management technique or process can guarantee return or eliminate risk in any market environment.

Equity securities will fluctuate in price; the value of your investment will thus fluctuate, and this may result in a loss. Small- and mid-capitalization stocks may be subject to higher degrees of risk, their earnings may be less predictable, their prices more volatile, and their liquidity less than that of large capitalization or more established companies’ securities.

The Russell 2000 Index is designed to represent the “small cap” market of US equity securities, composed of approximately 2,000 of the smallest securities in the Russell 3000 Index. (The Russell 3000 Index measures the performance of the 3,000 largest US companies, representing most of the investable US equity market.) The index is unmanaged and has no fees. One cannot invest directly in an index.

Certain information contained herein constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “intent,” “continue,” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements.

This document reflects the views of Lazard Asset Management LLC, Lazard Frères Gestion or its affiliates ("Lazard") based upon information believed to be reliable as of the publication date. There is no guarantee that any forecast or opinion will be realized. This document is provided by Lazard for informational purposes only. Nothing herein constitutes investment advice or a recommendation relating to any security, commodity, derivative, investment management service, or investment product. Investments in securities, derivatives, and commodities involve risk, will fluctuate in price, and may result in losses. Certain assets held in Lazard’s investment portfolios, in particular alternative investment portfolios, can involve high degrees of risk and volatility when compared to other assets. Similarly, certain assets held in Lazard’s investment portfolios may trade in less liquid or efficient markets, which can affect investment performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed herein are subject to change, and may differ from the views of other Lazard investment professionals. 

This document is intended only for persons residing in jurisdictions where its distribution or availability is consistent with local laws and Lazard’s local regulatory authorizations. Please visit www.lazardassetmanagement.com/global-disclosure for the specific Lazard entities that have issued this document and the scope of their authorized activities.

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