Core Insights - The Baron Real Estate Fund achieved a 10.25% increase in the third quarter, outperforming both the MSCI US REIT Index (4.49%) and the MSCI USA IMI Extended Real Estate Index (5.65%) [2] - The Fund's long-term performance remains strong, ranking in the top percentiles across various time frames according to Morningstar [3][5] - The Fund's cumulative return since inception (December 31, 2009) is 629%, significantly higher than the REIT Index (230%) and the MSCI Real Estate Index (432%) [7] Performance Metrics - The Fund's annualized performance as of September 30, 2025, shows: - QTD: Institutional Shares +10.25%, Retail Shares +10.20% - YTD: Institutional Shares +6.59%, Retail Shares +6.40% - 1 Year: Institutional Shares +3.42%, Retail Shares +3.15% - 3 Years: Institutional Shares +16.75%, Retail Shares +16.45% - 5 Years: Institutional Shares +9.27%, Retail Shares +8.99% - 10 Years: Institutional Shares +11.41%, Retail Shares +11.13% - 15 Years: Institutional Shares +13.30%, Retail Shares +13.02% - Since Inception: Institutional Shares +13.44%, Retail Shares +13.16% [6] Investment Themes - The Fund's key investment themes include: - REITs: 27.2% of net assets, with a focus on sectors with strong demand and limited new supply [24][27] - Non-REITs: 71.0% of net assets, including categories such as Building Products/Services (19.6%) and Real Estate Service Companies (14.8%) [24] - The Fund identifies compelling opportunities in sectors like residential-related real estate, travel-related real estate, and commercial real estate services [32][39][42] Market Outlook - The Fund remains optimistic about public real estate, citing improving business fundamentals and favorable demand conditions [10][20] - Positive comments from executives of leading real estate companies indicate a potential recovery in real estate values and fundamentals [11][12][13][14][15][16] - The current real estate landscape is characterized by limited new construction, solid balance sheets, and a favorable supply-demand dynamic [25][72] Top Contributors and Detractors - Top contributors to the Fund's performance in the recent quarter include: - Wynn Resorts, Limited: +1.20% - Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated: +0.96% - CRH public limited company: +0.95% [48] - Top detractors include: - American Tower Corporation: -0.46% - Airbnb, Inc.: -0.17% [57] Recent Activity - The Fund initiated positions in Iron Mountain Incorporated and AAON, Inc., citing attractive valuations and growth prospects [62][64] - The Fund exited its position in Independence Realty Trust, reallocating capital to companies with more favorable return prospects [70]