Group 1 - The article emphasizes the growing interest in small-cap value stocks as the market broadens beyond mega-cap tech stocks, which have dominated investment flows in recent years [2][21] - In Q4, the Russell 2000® Value Index returned 3.26%, outperforming the S&P 500's 2.66% gains, indicating a significant relative performance improvement for small stocks [3] - Small companies are projected to experience profit growth that will surpass large caps for the first time in 13 quarters, supported by favorable economic conditions such as lower interest rates and improved regulatory environments [4] Group 2 - Valuations of small stocks are becoming more attractive, with recent private acquisitions indicating increased investor interest; four holdings were taken private in the last quarter, raising the total to 14 for the year [5] - Despite the concentration of market capitalization, where just 10% of companies account for over 75% of the market, there is a belief that the small-cap rebound is still in its early stages [6] - The Heartland Value Fund gained 2.61% in Q4, slightly underperforming the Russell 2000® Value Index, but has outpaced it over longer time frames [9] Group 3 - Integer Holdings Corporation faced a significant stock decline of over 30% after lowering its growth outlook, but management remains optimistic about future growth and margin expansion [11] - Columbus McKinnon Corporation's stock dropped more than 40% following a $2.7 billion acquisition announcement, despite management's plans to improve growth and margin profiles post-acquisition [13][14] - Alexander & Baldwin's stock was down over 14% due to concerns about tourism, but the company was taken private at a 40% premium, indicating renewed investor interest in undervalued companies [20]

Heartland Advisors, an investment management company, released its “Heartland Value Fund” fourth-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Russell 2000® Value Index generated a return of 3.26% in the fourth quarter, outperforming 2.66% gains for the S&P 500. After the year-end surge, small stocks nearly caught up to large caps in 2025, their greatest performance since the pandemic. Due to an increase in the small-cap stock’s earnings, the investors are acknowledging thei ...