Riverwater Partners, an investment management company, released its 'Small Cap Strategy' Q2 2026 investor letter. The letter can be downloaded here. The Small Cap Strategy underperformed the Russell 2000 in the second quarter as the benchmark experienced one of its strongest risk-on rallies in recent memory, although the strategy remained ahead year-to-date. The quarter was defined by accelerating AI investment, energy market disruptions, and renewed investor appetite for higher-beta stocks, creating headwinds for the firm's quality-focused approach and healthcare positioning. Despite this, stock selection contributed positively in energy, materials, and financials, while healthcare and consumer discretionary detracted due to the fund's disciplined avoidance of speculative businesses. Looking ahead, the firm remains cautiously optimistic, focusing on opportunities created by market dislocations, including AI infrastructure enablers, select consumer companies, healthcare innovators, and energy businesses trading below intrinsic value. The strategy continues to emphasize high-quality companies with strong management teams and attractive valuations, positioning the portfolio for a potential rotation away from speculative market leadership. In addition, please check the Strategy's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Riverwater Partners Small Cap Strategy highlighted Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE). Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE), a US-based education services company, detracted from performance this quarter. On August 31, 2026, Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) closed at $148.13 per share. Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) fell 1.77% over the past month, and its shares are down 27.09% over the past 52 weeks. Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) has a market capitalization of around $3.86 billion with a 52-week trading range between $134.27 - $223.04.
Riverwater Partners Small Cap Strategy stated the following regarding Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE), the education services provider, declined approximately 16% and was the portfolio's largest detractor. Our investment thesis remains intact; LOPE's steady, profitable, countercyclical enrollment business was simply left behind in a market that rewarded beta and speculation. Enrollment trends and cash generation remain consistent with our expectations, and we continue to hold the position."

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