Essential to attaining superior investment results is steadfast adherence to a disciplined investment philosophy. At Oarsman Capital, our approach to managing client assets is founded on sound underlying principles:
Portfolio Balance
Every major asset class (e.g., stocks, bonds, real estate) offers powerful return potential. We do not attempt to outguess the market, but rather position each portfolio to benefit from performance boosting trends as they occur. For equity portfolios, in addition to a diversified mix of high-quality domestic companies, we add other equity classes such as international, small cap and emerging market stocks. These complementary other asset classes enhance performance potential and, because they do not move in lockstep with the core portion of the portfolio, also help control overall portfolio volatility (risk).
Risk Control
We believe firmly that controlling investment risk is essential to achieving superior long-term results for our clients. Less volatile investment results also facilitate planning in portfolios that support living expenses or have unpredictable cash flows. Prudent diversification and commitment to high-quality securities are integral to our risk-controlling approach.
While portfolio balance (a hallmark of Oarsman Capital) is a fundamental method for controlling risk, Oarsman takes risk control further by focusing on high-quality security selection. The historical record is clear: investments in securities of high fundamental quality have resulted in the highly desirable combination of preserving capital in challenging investment environments while providing substantial appreciation in more supportive periods.
Stocks
At Oarsman Capital, our definition of a high-quality company is one that is capable of generating consistent earnings and dividend growth. High-Quality companies have excellent management, proprietary products, solid balance sheets, strong return-on-equity, and more often than not, strong international presence.
Bonds
We consider fixed-income securities to be the anchor of the portfolio, providing a predictable income stream and acting as a cushion against volatility. Our bond portfolios hold average ratings of AA or better, and are typically of intermediate maturity (less than 10 years).
Disclaimer
The foregoing has been prepared solely for informational purposes and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any particular trading strategy.