Aristotle Capital Boston, LLC, an investment advisor, released its "Small Cap Equity Fund" Q2 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Fund returned 13.69% in the second quarter of 2026, trailing the Russell 2000 Index's 21.49% gain as security selection in information technology and industrials weighed on performance despite positive allocation effects. Top contributors included MACOM Technology Solutions and Mercury Systems, which benefited from strong demand in semiconductor, aerospace, and defense markets, while Alamos Gold and Huron Consulting Group detracted due to operational challenges, weaker gold prices, and investor concerns surrounding artificial intelligence disruption. During the quarter, the fund initiated positions in IPG Photonics and UMB Financial, citing opportunities tied to advanced manufacturing, automation, reshoring trends, and diversified financial services, while exiting Americold Realty Trust, Byline Bancorp, and Verra Mobility. Looking ahead, management remains constructive on U.S. small-cap equities, noting that valuations remain attractive relative to large caps and that earnings growth is expected to accelerate into late 2026 and 2027. Factors such as increased merger and acquisition activity, improving domestic manufacturing due to reshoring and infrastructure investments, and a favorable regulatory environment are expected to support this ******* et class in the long term. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Aristotle Small Cap Equity Fund highlighted stocks like Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM). Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) provides smart mobility technology and transportation solutions for commercial fleets, government programs, and parking management. The one-month return of Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) was 19.62% while its shares traded between $3.4000 and $25.56500 over the last 52 weeks. On August 19, 2026, Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) stock closed at approximately $4.500 per share, with a market capitalization of about $709.74 million.
Aristotle Small Cap Equity Fund stated the following regarding Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) is a provider of automated enforcement, tolling and parking technologies and solutions. We exited the position after the loss of a significant customer contract materially changed our investment thesis, reducing confidence in the company's long-term earnings and growth outlook. The proceeds were redeployed into higher-conviction opportunities.

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