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Baron Small Cap Strategy

S
Small-Cap Growth

Total Strategy Assets

$2.85 B

As of 06/30/2026

Inception date

12/31/1997

Performance

PerformanceAs of 06/30/2026

Portfolio or IndexQTDYTD1 Year3 Years5 Years10 YearsSince Inception 12/31/1997
Baron Small Cap Strategy (net)12.59%3.71%2.68%8.55%1.75%11.22%9.85%
Baron Small Cap Strategy (gross)12.87%4.23%3.71%9.64%2.78%12.34%11.10%
Russell 2000 Growth Index25.71%22.18%38.74%18.44%5.57%11.97%7.68%
Russell 3000 Index15.44%10.88%22.82%20.36%12.31%15.06%9.38%

Performance InformationAs of 06/30/2026

Performance statistics3 Years5 Years10 Years
Standard Deviation (%)18.3520.8320.74
Sharpe Ratio0.20-0.090.43
Alpha (%)-4.51-2.760.66
Beta0.750.860.89
R-Squared (%)76.3781.2684.62
Tracking Error (%)10.369.548.44
Information Ratio-0.96-0.40-0.09
Upside Capture (%)70.8582.7789.33
Downside Capture (%)89.0993.3787.56
Source: FactSet SPAR. Except for Standard Deviation and Sharpe Ratio, the performance based characteristics above were calculated relative to the Strategy's benchmark.

Portfolio Holdings & Characteristics

HoldingsAs of 08/31/2026

HoldingSector% of Net Assets
Vertiv Holdings Co
Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT) is a leader in the design, manufacturing, and servicing of critical digital infrastructure across multiple end markets. They specialize in electrical and thermal management equipment and services, with one of the broadest product portfolios in the data center infrastructure industry.
As a leader in critical infrastructure solutions for data centers, Vertiv is driving industry innovation and positioned to exceed end-market growth due to its broad offering across electrical and thermal management products—enabling integrated, modular solutions and industry-leading service capabilities that competitors are unable to match. We expect Vertiv to leverage its healthy contribution margins and strong execution to drive profit growth and robust free cash flow generation, which can be deployed toward share buybacks or M&A to create additional value over time.
Industrials6.1%
Guidewire Software, Inc.
Guidewire Software, Inc. (GWRE) is a leading provider of core systems software to the global property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry.
Guidewire is a best-in-class core system of record for P&C insurers, managing policies, claims, premiums, and payments across highly regulated workflows. We see a long runway as carriers modernize legacy systems, with the core opportunity approaching $20B of annual recurring revenue (ARR). AI should expand this opportunity through automation and intelligence layered on top of InsuranceSuite, while also improving internal productivity. With the cloud migration largely complete, we expect accelerating revenue, margin expansion, and improving free cash flow.
Information Technology5.4%
Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.
Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (KNSL) is a property and casualty (P&C) insurer focused exclusively on the excess and surplus lines (E&S) 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. The company's focus on the attractive E&S market, underwriting discipline, and efficient technology platform enable it 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.
Financials4.6%
Red Rock Resorts, Inc.
Red Rock Resorts, Inc. (RRR) owns and operates 20 local casinos in Las Vegas and is in the planning stages of developing and managing a tribal casino in California. The company also controls seven gaming-entitled sites consisting of almost 600 acres in Las Vegas and 30 acres in Reno.
Red Rock operates in the improving Las Vegas locals gaming market, which is now back to previous peak levels. We think the market is attractive, given favorable fundamentals including population growth 2.7 times the national average and $20 billion in projects either in the planning stages or under development. The market also offers the lowest tax rate in the U.S., with limitations on the development of new casinos in the region. Red Rock also has the option to develop or sell its owned acreage.
Consumer Discretionary4.2%
SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.
SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc. (SITE) is the largest wholesale distributor of landscape supplies in North America. Through its large branch network, the company offers a broad selection of products across irrigation, agronomics, hardscapes, and nursery to landscaping professionals.
SITE is more than three times the size of its nearest competitor yet holds only a low-teens share of a highly fragmented market. We see meaningful runway for accretive M&A, supported by an experienced management team with a strong track record. Internal initiatives—including branch improvements, private-label growth, and transportation management—should accelerate margin expansion toward the 13% mid-term target and drive upside.
Industrials3.5%
TransDigm Group Incorporated
TransDigm Group Incorporated (TDG) designs, manufactures, and supplies highly engineered aerospace components, systems, and subsystems used on nearly all commercial and military aircraft worldwide. Its products serve original equipment and aftermarket customers.
TransDigm’s highly engineered, proprietary components are designed into aircraft and subject to rigorous customer and regulatory certification, creating high switching costs. Once installed, many products generate higher-margin, more stable aftermarket revenue over aircraft lives of 25 to 30 years. This recurring cash flow supports acquisitions, special dividends, and share repurchases.
Industrials3.1%
The Baldwin Insurance Group, Inc.
The Baldwin Insurance Group, Inc. (BWIN) is an insurance brokerage firm that distributes commercial and personal lines insurance to over 3 million clients.
The Baldwin Insurance Group is gaining market share due to its entrepreneurial culture, unique client service offerings, and fast-growing distribution channels. The company is an active consolidator in the highly fragmented insurance brokerage industry. We expect margin expansion driven by the lapping of recent growth investments, increased operating leverage on corporate overhead, and contributions from high-margin acquisitions. Management targets double-digit organic growth and aims to nearly triple earnings over the next five years.
Financials2.9%
RadNet, Inc.
RadNet, Inc. (RDNT) is the leading U.S. provider of freestanding outpatient diagnostic imaging services and related IT solutions, as measured by location count and annual imaging revenue. It operates 366 centers across key states, including Arizona, California, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Texas.
RadNet’s growth is supported by an aging U.S. population, increased use of imaging in disease diagnosis and treatment, and the shift from inpatient imaging to lower-cost outpatient settings. The company builds leading positions in regional markets, using scale and relationships with payors, radiology groups, and referring physicians to drive operating efficiencies. Its multi-modality strategy diversifies revenue and reduces reimbursement risk, while AI capabilities enhance image interpretation, support earlier disease detection, and improve physician productivity.
Health Care2.9%
Cognex Corporation
Cognex Corporation (CGNX) provides machine vision systems, sensors, software, and barcode readers for factory and warehouse automation. Its products support inspection, identification, measurement, and quality control across industries including automotive, electronics, logistics, and life sciences.
Machine vision should benefit from rising automation, AI adoption, robotics, e-commerce fulfillment, and product traceability across manufacturing and logistics. Cognex’s leading market position, sustained R&D investment, deep engineering expertise, extensive patent portfolio, direct sales network, and global service capabilities create durable competitive advantages and support expansion into new applications and end markets.
Information Technology2.8%
Intapp, Inc.
Intapp, Inc. (INTA) provides cloud software for professional services industries like legal, private capital markets, accounting, consulting, and investment banking. Intapp uses AI to automate administrative workflows including deal origination, client onboarding, conflict clearance, and contract terms  
Intapp is a market leader in its key verticals: professional services and private equity software. These industries, which together spend $9 billion on application software a year, have been growing as more assets shift to private markets. Intapp has been serving the largest firms in the space for more than 20 years, has a specialized architecture designed to manage deal processes, and has been winning share from other vendors. The company has a long runway for growth with existing customers as it cross-sells new modules, increases cloud pricing, and expands its user base. 
Information Technology2.7%
Total
38.2%
Top Ten Holdings, Portfolio Holdings, and Sector Breakdown based on net assets. Positions smaller than 0.05% round to 0.0%. 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 06/30/2026

Top ContributorsAverage WeightContribution
Vertiv Holdings Co8.04%2.66%
Cognex Corporation3.21%1.44%
Legence Corp.2.00%1.24%
Hinge Health, Inc.1.37%1.19%
Red Rock Resorts, Inc.5.04%1.13%
Sources: Baron Capital and FactSet PA. Based on gross performance results of the representative account.

GICS Sector BreakdownAs of 08/31/2026

Sector

Industrials

29.5%

Information Technology

21.2%

Consumer Discretionary

14.9%

Health Care

11.9%

Financials

10.9%

Communication Services

6.4%

Cash and Cash Equivalents

1.7%

Materials

1.2%

Real Estate

1.1%

Consumer Staples

1.1%

Application Software9.4%
Industrial Machinery & Supplies & Components 6.6%
Movies & Entertainment6.4%
Aerospace & Defense6.3%
Electronic Equipment & Instruments6.1%
Electrical Components & Equipment6.1%
Casinos & Gaming5.5%
Health Care Services4.6%
Property & Casualty Insurance4.6%
IT Consulting & Other Services3.8%
Trading Companies & Distributors3.5%
Insurance Brokers2.9%
Human Resource & Employment Services2.6%
Managed Health Care2.5%
Education Services2.4%
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Application Software9.4%
Industrial Machinery & Supplies & Components 6.6%
Movies & Entertainment6.4%
Aerospace & Defense6.3%
Electronic Equipment & Instruments6.1%
Electrical Components & Equipment6.1%
Casinos & Gaming5.5%
Health Care Services4.6%
Property & Casualty Insurance4.6%
IT Consulting & Other Services3.8%
Trading Companies & Distributors3.5%
Insurance Brokers2.9%
Human Resource & Employment Services2.6%
Managed Health Care2.5%
Education Services2.4%
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Portfolio CharacteristicsAs of 06/30/2026

DescriptionBaron Small Cap StrategyRussell 2000 Growth Index
# of Issuers / % of Net Assets55/98.9%
Turnover (3 Year Average)10.27%
Active Share95.1%
Median Market Cap$6.17 billion$1.53 billion
Weighted Average Market Cap$19.44 billion$4.81 billion
EPS Growth (3-5 year forecast)17.5%15.2%
Price/Earnings Ratio (trailing 12-month)33.6x24.5x
Price/Book Ratio3.1x4.4x
Price/Sales Ratio (trailing 12-month)2.5x1.7x
Inception DateDecember 31, 1997
Total Strategy Assets$2.85 billion
Price/Book Ratio and Price/Sales Ratio are calculated using the Weighted Harmonic Average. Source: FactSet PA. Internal valuation metrics may differ.