First Rate

Manager Analysis Agent

Richard A. Freeman

2009-06-30 to Present CAGR : 1.42% (for the initial period under consideration) Standard Deviation : 20.92%

Analysis:
Richard A. Freeman has been with the fund since 1999 and his leadership through the years has provided continuity and stability.

The initial CAGR of 1.42% and higher standard deviation reflects the market conditions at the time, particularly during the post-financial crisis period. As the longest-serving manager, Freeman has laid the groundwork for the fund's strategy and long-term vision.

Evan Bouman

Joined in 2008, with active data from 2021-01-31 to 2021-02-28 CAGR : 8.87% Standard Deviation : 18.86%

Analysis:
After Evan Bouman joined the team, there was a notable improvement in performance, with a higher CAGR of 8.87%.

The slightly lower standard deviation indicates that Bouman’s influence helped refine the fund’s strategy, enhancing returns while managing risk more effectively. His contribution has built upon the foundation set by Freeman, adding value through potentially more aggressive growth strategies or more adept market navigation.

Aram E. Green

Joined in 2021, with active data from 2024-01-31 to 2024-02-29 CAGR : 7.54% Standard Deviation : 18.72%

Analysis:
Aram E. Green’s entry further diversified the management team’s expertise, particularly with his strong track record in mid-cap funds.

While the CAGR under his tenure (7.54%) is slightly lower compared to Bouman’s, the continued decrease in standard deviation to 18.72% suggests a strong focus on optimizing the risk-return profile of the fund. Green’s influence likely complements the strategies of Freeman and Bouman, resulting in a more balanced approach.

Combined Managerial Impact

Collaborative Management: The overlap of Richard A. Freeman, Evan Bouman, and Aram E. Green ensures that the fund benefits from a blend of experience, growth-oriented strategies, and risk management techniques. The collective management approach appears to have strengthened the fund's performance over time.

Performance Trends: The improvement in CAGR following Bouman’s and Green’s additions indicates that their strategies have contributed positively to the fund's growth, building on Freeman's long-standing approach.

Risk Management: The consistent reduction in standard deviation over time, even as new managers were added, suggests a concerted effort by the entire team to manage volatility while pursuing higher returns. This collaborative effort has likely made the fund more resilient to market fluctuations.

Conclusion:
The addition of Evan Bouman and Aram E. Green to the management team has enhanced the fund’s performance and risk management, building on the solid foundation laid by Richard A. Freeman. The current structure, where all three managers work together, appears to provide a balanced and effective strategy that leverages their collective strengths to deliver consistent growth while managing risk effectively.

Market Conditions Analysis Agent