Earnings Momentum

The Earnings Momentum strategy is appropriate for those investors that have a long-term time horizon and are willing to accept a high degree of volatility. We strive to reach our goal by investing in those stocks that exhibit earnings growth above the industry average. The portfolio consists of up to 25 equities meet specific criteria which Capstone Investment Financial Group, LLC believes are indicators of future value. These include earnings growth, earnings estimate revisions, and other factors. We will “hedge” or reduce market exposure when the reward presented by the market is unfavorable based on the risk seen in the valuation and the economic growth in the economy. This does not mean the potential for loss is limited, merely that Capstone Investment Financial Group, LLC attempts to mitigate potential losses through risk management.

Objective

The goal of the Earnings Momentum strategy is to achieve long-term growth. Capstone Investment strives to reach this goal by investing in specific stocks that exhibit earnings growth above the industry average.

Investor Profile

The Earnings Momentum strategy is appropriate for investors who have a long-term time horizon and are willing to accept a high degree of volatility. The strategy is always fully invested. By accepting a higher degree of volatility, we expect to achieve returns greater than the market (S&P 500).

Fund Strategy

The portfolio is generally re-balanced once a year by choosing 25 stocks that meet four criteria. The criteria are expected to reflect current and future earnings growth that is not emulated in the current stock price. While Capstone strives to hold all stocks for at least 12 months to minimize short-term tax consequences, this is not always in the best interest of our investors. Therefore, the investment decision is based on a monthly review of the portfolio unless global and/or portfolio specific events require a more frequent review.

Capstone will “hedge” or reduce market exposure when the reward presented by the market is unfavorable based on the risk seen in the valuation and the economic growth in the economy. Valuations based on price-to-earnings and/or present value of cash flow, are combined with our risk/reward matrix to drive decisions on reducing market risk. Specific strategies for hedging the market include purchasing exchange traded funds that increase (decrease) in value when the underlying index (S&P 500, NASDAQ 100 or Russell 2000) declines (increases) in value. Capstone may also choose to use leveraged inverse funds with the objective being to move in the opposite direction of the market by twice the amount of the market. We will limit the use of these funds to 50% of the account value at the time of investment.

Selection Process

Investments are selected if they meet the following four criteria:

  • Historic Earnings Growth: Earnings growth over the previous three to five years that is above the industry average.
  • Positive Earnings Surprise: Companies recent earnings results exceed analyst earnings expectations.
  • Earnings Estimate Revisions: Analysts raise future earnings estimates above current consensus estimates.
  • Relative Strength: Compares the investment’s 6- and 12-month returns relative to all the other investment options available to us. This indicates that others agree with our valuation analysis and is our way of avoiding value traps – investments that look compelling on valuation, but lack investment appeal and are more likely to decline in value.

 

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