Given the large small- and mid-cap stock universe and lack of analyst coverage, we believe a more selective approach may be a better choice than a broad-market exposure. We explore in this Q&A.
Small- and mid-cap (SMID-cap) stocks offer compelling return potential, but the lack of analyst coverage and research can lead to greater dispersion between a SMID-cap company’s stock price and fair value. Leveraging Morningstar’s equity research team, the VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat ETF (SMOT) provides focused exposure to SMID-cap stocks, targeting companies with long-term competitive advantages and attractive valuations. This blog is intended to address frequently asked questions about investing in SMID-cap stocks, Morningstar’s forward-looking research and SMOT.
Why should investors consider investing in SMID-cap stocks?
SMID caps have exhibited compelling characteristics relative to large-cap stocks in the past, but right now may be a particularly compelling time to focus on this asset class. Historically, SMID-cap stocks have provided greater return potential relative to large caps. Additionally, recent SMID-cap valuations have been at or near 20-year lows relative to large caps, making for an attractive entry point. The diversification of existing allocations may be another reason for consideration. SMID cap stocks offer differentiated sector exposures compared to many broad based large-cap indices. An allocation to SMID-cap stocks, which represent a sizable portion of the U.S. equity market but are often under allocated to, may result in better long-term performance potential and greater diversification, in our view.
What are the risks associated with smaller market cap companies?
Smaller companies are inherently subject to more risk than large cap companies, as they tend to have less diversified business models, limited access to capital and higher leverage, among other factors. These characteristics can lead to underperformance and higher volatility in periods of economic uncertainty and should be considered by investors. However, this elevated volatility can also create entry opportunities for investors to access the long-term growth potential of SMID-cap stocks. Additionally, less efficient information dissemination, as small- and mid-cap companies have considerably less analyst coverage and research than large-cap companies, can lead to additional risks.
What is the benefit of incorporating Morningstar’s equity research team?
SMOT seeks to track the Morningstar® US Small-Mid Cap Moat Focus IndexSM, which leverages Morningstar’s forward-looking, rigorous research process, driven by over 100 analysts globally. The Index applies much of the same core index methodology principles as Morningstar’s flagship Wide Moat Focus Index, but to a universe of small- and mid-cap companies. The Index targets SMID-cap companies with long-term competitive advantages, known as moats, and attractive valuations.
What kind of exposure does the Morningstar US Small-Mid Cap Moat Focus Index provide?
In terms of constituent count, the number of stocks included in the Index, historically, has averaged roughly 100. From a market-cap size category perspective, the Index tends to exhibit a bias toward mid-cap companies. Generally, mid-caps tend to receive more favorable moat ratings than small caps because they are often slightly more mature companies and more likely to have developed durable completive advantages. However, there are still many moat-rated small-cap companies, and exposure to these stocks has increased in periods of attractive relative valuations.
As for style exposure, the SMID Moat Index exhibits the same style agnostic exposure as Morningstar’s Wide Moat Focus Index. Its average exposure is generally a blend of value and growth; however, it can tilt more toward growth or value depending on valuation opportunities in the market.
The index methodology features minimal constraints, which has historically resulted in shifts of index sector exposure, as companies doing business in various segments of the market have become more or less attractively priced.
How can SMOT fit within a portfolio?
VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat ETF (SMOT) can be used as a long-term satellite position to U.S. core allocations, offering potential for greater long-term return. It can also be used as a vehicle to gain smaller-cap exposure for more short-term tactical allocations. Additionally, SMOT can add much desired diversification to a portfolio through its differentiated size and sector exposure versus large caps. SMOT can even be an option for those investors simply looking to reduce their exposure to the mega-cap concentration of broad market indices.
Regardless of the specific reason, investors seeking to make an allocation to SMID-cap companies should look for a strategy that does more than just provide broad-market exposure. We believe the focused approach of SMOT, that selectively identifies companies by considering competition and competitive advantages as well as valuations, may be a better choice.
Originally published by VanEck on October 13, 2022.
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Important Disclosures
Source for all data unless otherwise noted: Morningstar.
Morningstar US Small-Mid Cap Index consists of US stocks representing the bottom 27 percent capitalization of the investable universe.
Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus IndexSM is intended to track the overall performance of attractively priced companies with sustainable competitive advantages according to Morningstar’s equity research team.
This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities/financial instruments mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are valid as of the date of this communication and subject to change without notice. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck or its employees.
An investor cannot invest directly in an index. Returns reflect past performance and do not guarantee future results. Results reflect the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, if any. Certain indices may take into account withholding taxes. Index returns do not represent Fund returns. The Index does not charge management fees or brokerage expenses, nor does the Index lend securities, and no revenues from securities lending were added to the performance shown.
The Morningstar® US Small-Mid Cap Moat Focus IndexSM and Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus IndexSM were created and are maintained by Morningstar, Inc. Morningstar, Inc. does not sponsor, endorse, issue, sell, or promote the VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat ETF and bears no liability with respect to that ETF or any security. Morningstar® is a registered trademark of Morningstar, Inc. Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus IndexSM is a service mark of Morningstar, Inc.
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An investment in the VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat ETF may be subject to risks which include, among others, equity securities, small- and medium-capitalization companies, consumer discretionary sector, financials sector, health care sector, industrials sector, information technology sector, market, operational, index tracking, authorized participant concentration, new fund, absence of prior active market, trading issues, passive management, fund shares trading, premium/discount and liquidity of fund shares, non-diversified, and concentration risks, all of which may adversely affect the Fund. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be subject to elevated risks.
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