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Baron Growth Fund

Symbol BGRIXCUSIP: 068278704
Symbol BGRIXCUSIP: 068278704
S
Small-Cap Growth

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$89.55

Daily Change -$0.06 (-0.07%)
As of 06/20/2025

Net Assets

$6.19 B

As of 03/31/2025

Morningstar Rating™

As of 05/31/2025

Morningstar Medalist Rating™

medal Logo

SILVER

Inception date

12/31/1994

Overview

Co-portfolio managers Ron Baron and Neal Rosenberg purchase small-sized U.S. growth companies and will hold them for the long term as long as they meet their investment criteria. They favor businesses with large addressable markets, asset-light business models, durable competitive advantages, and best-in-class management teams.
For the period ended 5/31/2025, the Baron Growth Fund received a 3-Star Overall Morningstar Rating™, 2-Star 3-Year Rating, 3-Star 5-Year Rating, and 3-Star 10-Year Rating. The Morningstar Ratings are based on the Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measures of 479, 479, 446, and 363 funds in the category, respectively. This Morningstar Rating is for the Institutional share class only; other classes may have different performance characteristics.
The Morningstar Rating™ for funds, or "star rating", is calculated for managed products (including mutual funds, variable annuity and variable life subaccounts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, and separate accounts) with at least a three-year history. Exchange-traded funds and open-ended mutual funds are considered a single population for comparative purposes. It is calculated based on a Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measure that accounts for variation in a managed product's monthly excess performance, placing more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent performance. The Morningstar Rating does not include any adjustment for sales loads. The top 10% of products in each product category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the next 22.5% receive 2 stars, and the bottom 10% receive 1 star. The Overall Morningstar Rating for a managed product is derived from a weighted average of the performance figures associated with its three-, five-, and 10-year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics. The weights are: 100% three-year rating for 36-59 months of total returns, 60% five-year rating/40% three-year rating for 60-119 months of total returns, and 50% 10-year rating/30% five-year rating/20% three-year rating for 120 or more months of total returns. While the 10-year overall star rating formula seems to give the most weight to the 10- year period, the most recent three-year period actually has the greatest impact because it is included in all three rating periods.
Morningstar classifies funds as being large-cap, mid-cap, or small-cap based on the market capitalization of the fund’s stock holdings; and as value, blend, or growth based on the value-growth orientation of the stock holdings. The nine possible combinations of these characteristics correspond to the nine squares of the Morningstar Style Box–size is displayed along the vertical axis and style is displayed along the horizontal axis. Please note that the style boxes indicate the Fund’s equity style, not necessarily its Morningstar Category.
The Morningstar Medalist Rating™ is the summary expression of Morningstar’s forward-looking analysis of investment strategies as offered via specific vehicles using a rating scale of Gold, Silver, Bronze, Neutral, and Negative. The Medalist Ratings indicate which investments Morningstar believes are likely to outperform a relevant index or peer group average on a risk-adjusted basis over time. Investment products are evaluated on three key pillars (People, Parent, and Process) which, when coupled with a fee assessment, forms the basis for Morningstar’s conviction in those products’ investment merits and determines the Medalist Rating they’re assigned. Pillar ratings take the form of Low, Below Average, Average, Above Average, and High. Pillars may be evaluated via an analyst’s qualitative assessment (either directly to a vehicle the analyst covers or indirectly when the pillar ratings of a covered vehicle are mapped to a related uncovered vehicle) or using algorithmic techniques. Vehicles are sorted by their expected performance into rating groups defined by their Morningstar Category and their active or passive status. When analysts directly cover a vehicle, they assign the three pillar ratings based on their qualitative assessment, subject to the oversight of the Analyst Rating Committee, and monitor and reevaluate them at least every 14 months. When the vehicles are covered either indirectly by analysts or by algorithm, the ratings are assigned monthly. For more detailed information about these ratings, including their methodology, please go to global.morningstar.com/managerdisclosures/.

The Morningstar Medalist Ratings are not statements of fact, nor are they credit or risk ratings. The Morningstar Medalist Rating (i) should not be used as the sole basis in evaluating an investment product, (ii) involves unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause expectations not to occur or to differ significantly from what was expected, (iii) are not guaranteed to be based on complete or accurate assumptions or models when determined algorithmically, (iv) involve the risk that the return target will not be met due to such things as unforeseen changes in management, technology, economic development, interest rate development, operating and/or material costs, competitive pressure, supervisory law, exchange rate, tax rates, exchange rate changes, and/or changes in political and social conditions, and (v) should not be considered an offer or solicitation to buy or sell the investment product. A change in the fundamental factors underlying the Morningstar Medalist Rating can mean that the rating is subsequently no longer accurate.


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Prices & Performance

PricesAs of 06/20/2025

NAVDaily Change ($)Daily Change (%)MTDQTDYTD
$89.55-$0.06-0.07%-1.77%-2.14%-6.30%
NAV$89.55
Daily Change ($)-$0.06
Daily Change (%)-0.07%
MTD-1.77%
QTD-2.14%
YTD-6.30%

PerformanceAs of 03/31/2025

Portfolio or IndexQTD1YTD11 Year3 Years5 Years10 YearsSince Inception 12/31/1994
BGRIX - Baron Growth Fund - I-4.25%-4.25%-4.70%1.16%13.04%9.30%12.33%
Russell 2000 Growth Index-11.12%-11.12%-4.86%0.78%10.78%6.14%7.43%
Russell 3000 Index-4.72%-4.72%7.22%8.22%18.18%11.80%10.54%

1 Not annualized.

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate; an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Fund’s transfer agency expenses may be reduced by expense offsets from an unaffiliated transfer agent, without which performance would have been lower. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

Performance for the Institutional Shares prior to May 29, 2009, is based on the performance of the Retail Shares, which have a distribution fee. The Institutional Shares do not have a distribution fee. If the annual returns prior to May 29, 2009, did not reflect this fee, the returns would be higher.

Performance InformationAs of 03/31/2025

Performance statistics3 Years5 Years10 YearsSince Inception
Standard Deviation (%)19.8120.5818.9918.13
Sharpe Ratio-0.160.500.390.55
Alpha (%)0.414.234.106.54
Beta0.750.790.810.72
R-Squared (%)81.5281.2083.4879.90
Tracking Error (%)10.4010.188.7010.36
Information Ratio0.040.220.360.47
Upside Capture (%)75.9685.1187.0883.95
Downside Capture (%)75.3573.0373.3264.40
Except for Standard Deviation and Sharpe Ratio, the performance based-characteristics above were calculated relative to the Baron Growth Fund's(BGRIX) benchmark (Russell 2000 Growth Index). Performance statistics for additional periods will be provided on request. Source FactSet: SPAR.

Risk & Return103/31/2020 - 03/31/2025

Chart

Scatter chart with 2 data series.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying Risk (%). Data ranges from 20.58 to 23.45.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying Return (%). Data ranges from 10.78 to 13.04.
End of interactive chart.

1 Source: FactSet SPAR.

Portfolio Holdings & Characteristics

HoldingsAs of 05/31/2025

HoldingSector% of Net Assets
Arch Capital Group Ltd.
Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL) is a Bermuda-based insurance company providing property & casualty insurance, reinsurance, and mortgage insurance.
Arch is led by an experienced management team with a successful track record across insurance cycles. The company excels at underwriting specialized policies and can nimbly shift its business mix to target the most profitable lines as market conditions change. It operates in a large global market and benefits from favorable pricing trends across many of its product lines. Management has demonstrated strong underwriting discipline and capital stewardship, allowing Arch to maintain industry-leading returns on equity with less volatility.
Financials13.5%
MSCI Inc.
MSCI Inc. (MSCI) provides investment decision support tools to global investment institutions.
We believe MSCI, the de facto standard for measuring global market performance, is positioned to benefit from the continuing development of emerging markets, passive investing, sustainability, and the growth of global financial assets. We believe the company's indexes remain the global standard for cross-border investing and will continue to be selected by institutions when issuing new mandates. Both the index and multi-asset portfolio and risk analytics products are mission critical and deeply embedded in client workflows.
Financials11.7%
Gartner, Inc.
Gartner, Inc. (IT) is the leading independent provider of research and advisory services for IT, HR, sales, finance, and marketing leaders.
Gartner has a vast addressable market, which management estimates exceeds $70 billion annually, implying a penetration rate of less than 3%. IT is rapidly changing and growing in strategic importance, leading users to turn to third-party providers for insight into trends. Gartner enjoys retention rates of more than 100%, driven by the low price of its research relative to value. We think consistent execution in Global Technology Sales and improvements in Global Business Sales will help accelerate Research growth into the low double digits.
Information Technology9.2%
FactSet Research Systems Inc.
FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS) provides financial information to the global investment community.
FactSet serves only a small part of the addressable market, which we estimate at over $20 billion annually. The company offers broader datasets and more advanced portfolio analytics than peers and has a highly regarded customer service model. FactSet has also been expanding into the fixed income and wealth management markets. Its products are sticky, leading to retention rates of over 95% and high visibility. It generates robust free cash flow, which it has returned to shareholders via share repurchases and dividends.
Financials7.4%
Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.
Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (KNSL) is a property and casualty (P&C) insurer focused exclusively on the excess and surplus (E&S) lines market, which includes risks that are unique or difficult to place in the standard insurance market.
We believe Kinsale is a well-run insurer that should grow earnings and book value per share much faster than its peers. Its focus on the attractive E&S market, underwriting discipline, and efficient technology platform enable Kinsale to rapidly grow premiums while delivering industry-leading underwriting margins. Management is highly regarded and has decades of experience in the E&S market. We believe Kinsale has a long runway for growth in an attractive segment of the P&C insurance market.
Financials7.3%
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (CHH) is one of the world's largest hotel franchisors, with brands in the economy, midscale, and upscale segments. Its contracts are long term, with many as long as 20 years. Its brands include Quality Inn, Comfort Inn, Cambria Suites, Ascend, Radisson, and Everhome.
Choice Hotels has a strong franchise business with recurring revenue. It has demonstrated consistent profitability across cycles by increasing room prices, improving occupancy and royalty rates, and driving new unit growth. It has a solid pipeline of new franchise contracts in revenue-intense segments and is actively expanding the number of upscale brands in its portfolio. Choice Hotels recently increased its buyback program to 14% of its outstanding shares.
Consumer Discretionary6.4%
CoStar Group, Inc.
CoStar Group, Inc. (CSGP) is the leading provider of information and marketing services to the commercial real estate industry.
CoStar has built a proprietary database through data collection over a 20-year period, creating high barriers to entry. We think CoStar's suite should grow at mid-teens rates, and we believe its Loopnet marketing platform can grow even faster. Its Apartments.com platform is the dominant multi-family internet listing service and should grow revenue by more than 20%. CoStar is starting to expand into residential, creating additional significant growth opportunities. Its balance sheet and cash generation create M&A optionality.
Real Estate5.8%
Primerica, Inc.
Primerica, Inc. (PRI) is a leading provider of term life insurance and investment products to middle income households in the U.S. and Canada.
As the responsibility for retirement savings increasingly shifts to individuals, Primerica serves a growing need for financial planning in the underserved middle income customer segment. Primerica has a variable-cost, multi-level distribution model that uniquely positions it to reach customers in a cost-efficient manner. The company is growing its sales force and increasing productivity, leading to higher sales and asset-based fees. Primerica generates significant excess capital, which is being returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
Financials5.7%
Vail Resorts, Inc.
Vail Resorts, Inc. (MTN) is the largest ski resort operator in North America. It owns 42 resorts in the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, and Australia, including Vail and Breckenridge in Colorado, Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, and Stowe in Vermont. Its RockResorts hotel brand offers luxury ski lodging properties.
Vail has been upgrading its resorts to offer new and higher-quality services and amenities and summer recreational activities, which should attract more visitors. Vail is focused on growing season pass sales and has been acquiring resorts and forming partnerships to enhance the attractiveness of its season pass. We think price increases for season passes should not impact retention rates. The company has a strong balance sheet and free cash flow profile that it is using for acquisitions, investments in its resorts, dividend increases, share buybacks, and debt reduction.
Consumer Discretionary5.4%
Morningstar, Inc.
Morningstar, Inc. (MORN) is a leading data provider for the investment community. Key products for public investors include Morningstar's investment database, intellectual property such as the Style Box, and category and fund ratings. Morningstar also owns PitchBook, a leading private market data provider.
Morningstar produces strong free cash flow margins and benefits from significant barriers to entry. The high fixed cost of gathering and analyzing financial information keeps many competitors out, and the company has developed an inexpensive and scalable distribution platform. In our view, the company can continue topline growth and increase margins toward peer levels, driving strong long-term earnings prospects. We think Morningstar is well positioned to benefit from continued investor demand for data in the years ahead.
Financials4.8%
Total
77.2%
Top Ten Fund Holdings based on net assets. Portfolio holdings may change over time.
Portfolio holdings are subject to change. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.

Contributors / DetractorsQuarterly as of 03/31/2025

Top ContributorsAverage WeightContribution
Arch Capital Group Ltd.12.06%0.59%
CoStar Group, Inc.5.49%0.53%
Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.6.20%0.35%
Primerica, Inc.5.47%0.27%
Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.3.74%0.26%
Source: FactSet PA.

GICS Sector BreakdownAs of 05/31/2025

Chart

Pie chart with 9 slices.
End of interactive chart.

Sector

Financials

55.0%

Consumer Discretionary

15.3%

Information Technology

12.4%

Real Estate

9.7%

Health Care

5.6%

Communication Services

2.5%

Materials

0.0%

Industrials

0.0%

Cash & Cash Equivalents

-0.6%

Sub-Industry

Financial Exchanges & Data23.90%
Property & Casualty Insurance20.80%
IT Consulting & Other Services9.20%
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines6.40%
Real Estate Services 5.80%
Life & Health Insurance5.70%
Leisure Facilities5.40%
Other Specialized REITs 3.90%
Application Software3.20%
Health Care Equipment3.00%
Asset Management & Custody Banks3.00%
Alternative Carriers2.50%
Life Sciences Tools & Services2.40%
Casinos & Gaming1.90%
Investment Banking & Brokerage1.70%
04812162024
Financial Exchanges & Data23.90%
Property & Casualty Insurance20.80%
IT Consulting & Other Services9.20%
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines6.40%
Real Estate Services 5.80%
Life & Health Insurance5.70%
Leisure Facilities5.40%
Other Specialized REITs 3.90%
Application Software3.20%
Health Care Equipment3.00%
Asset Management & Custody Banks3.00%
Alternative Carriers2.50%
Life Sciences Tools & Services2.40%
Casinos & Gaming1.90%
Investment Banking & Brokerage1.70%
04812162024

Portfolio CharacteristicsAs of 03/31/2025

DescriptionBaron Growth FundRussell 2000 Growth Index
Inception DateDecember 31, 1994
Net Assets$6.19 billion
# of Issuers / % of Net Assets29/100.7%
Turnover (3 Year Average)1.07%
Active Share99.2%
Median Market Cap$9.46 billion$1.00 billion
Weighted Average Market Cap$21.89 billion$4.13 billion
Expense Ratio1.08%
As of FYE Current Expense Ratio Date1/28/2025
EPS Growth (3-5 year forecast)13.6%14.5%
Price/Earnings Ratio (trailing 12-month)19.8x18.9x
Price/Book Ratio4.5x3.2x
Price/Sales Ratio4.4x1.6x
The Net Assets include all share classes combined.
Price/Book Ratio and Price/Sales Ratio are calculated using the Weighted Harmonic Average. Source: FactSet PA. Internal valuation metrics may differ.

Distributions

Record DateEx DatePayable DateIncomeReturn of CapitalShort-Term Capital GainLong-Term Capital GainTotalRe-Invest NAVCalendar-Year Return
12/16/202412/17/202412/18/2024$0.0000$0.0000$0.0000$10.7950$10.7950$97.435.02%
12/06/202312/07/202312/08/2023$0.0000$0.0000$0.0000$1.7037$1.7037$95.7014.97%
07/24/202307/25/202307/26/2023$0.0000$0.0000$0.0000$0.0074$0.0074$103.3414.97%
12/07/202212/08/202212/09/2022$0.0000$0.0000$0.0000$5.1188$5.1188$93.22-22.40%
11/22/202111/23/202111/24/2021$0.0000$0.0000$0.0000$8.9714$8.9714$119.5820.15%
For estimated distributions, visit the Tax Center
Neal Rosenberg, Vice President, Portfolio Manager
Fund Spotlight

Baron Growth Fund Outperforms Over the Long Term

For thirty years, Baron Growth Fund has remained laser-focused on investing in high-quality small-cap businesses with stable growth prospects, durable competitive advantages, and exceptional management teams. Portfolio manager Neal Rosenberg explains how this disciplined strategy has delivered strong results over the long term.

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