Here’s Why Clearbridge Small Cap Strategy Chose UMB Financial (UMBF)

Group 1 - ClearBridge Investments released its second-quarter 2025 investor letter for the ClearBridge Small Cap Strategy, highlighting volatility in small-cap stocks and a 10% rebound in the Russell 2000 Index after a decline [1] - The Russell 2000 Index returned 8.5% for the quarter, underperforming the Russell 1000 Index, which returned 11.1% [1] - The strategy underperformed its benchmark during this period, indicating challenges in the small-cap sector [1] Group 2 - UMB Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:UMBF) was highlighted as a key stock, with a one-month return of 3.85% and a 14.75% increase over the last 52 weeks, closing at $120.39 per share with a market capitalization of $9.141 billion [2] - ClearBridge Small Cap Strategy actively adjusted its financial sector positioning by exiting Home BancShares for a new position in UMB Financial Corporation, citing superior quality and diversification [3] - UMB Financial Corporation was held by 28 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the second quarter, an increase from 25 in the previous quarter, although it is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds [4]