Zacks Investment Research seeks to leverage the expertise of thousands of Wall Street researchers, reasoning that its clients can gain a competitive edge by following analyst upgrades and downgrades. CZA aims to fully replicate the Zacks Mid Cap Core Index. However, I was surprised to find the Index does a poor job selecting stocks with strong earnings sentiment. My analysis revealed passive mid-cap funds like IWR, IJH, IMCB, and VO had stronger earnings momentum, and that CZA's constituents barely beat sales expectations last quarter.
| Name | Quantity | Cost | Value | Profit ($) | Gain (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TMB Timothy M. Bidwell Hazlett, BURT & WATSON Inc. | 3,435 | $324,002.75 | $422,436.3 | $98,433.55 | 30.38% |
| JD Jim Dushek HARBOUR INVESTMENTS Inc. | 254 | $23,827.74 | $31,216.6 | $7,388.86 | 31.01% |
Mark Fiskio Empirical Asset Management LLC | 15,254 | $1.68M | $1.89M | $212,637.53 | 12.65% |
Matthew Heller Willner & Heller LLC | 5,464 | $523,570.67 | $678,464.88 | $154,894.21 | 29.58% |
Joshua Stipcich Tidemark, LLC | 575 | $53,939.99 | $71,348.87 | $17,408.88 | 32.27% |
| ARCA Exchange | US Country |
The fund described operates as an investment vehicle, primarily aiming at replicating the performance of an underlying index composed of a diversified mix of mid-capitalization securities. This assortment of investments includes common stocks, MLPs (Master Limited Partnerships), ADRs (American Depositary Receipts), REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), and BDCs (Business Development Companies). The strategy of the fund is to invest a substantial portion of its assets, at least 90%, in the securities that make up the index along with ADRs that represent those securities. The index itself is curated by Zacks, a well-known investment research firm, selecting 100 distinct securities from a broader pool of mid-cap entities.
The core of the fund's investment strategy involves direct investment into a diverse selection of securities that constitute the underlying index. This includes an array of financial instruments chosen for their growth potential and ability to contribute to the index's overall performance.
As part of its international exposure, the fund invests in ADRs that represent the stocks of foreign companies forming part of the underlying index. ADRs are a convenient way to invest in non-U.S. companies, providing the fund access to global markets while trading in U.S. exchanges.
Investment in common stocks from mid-capitalization companies forms a significant part of the fund's portfolio. These stocks are selected for their potential to offer higher growth compared to larger caps, albeit with a higher risk profile.
MLPs are included in the fund's investment strategy for their income-generating potential. These partnerships, often in the energy sector, offer attractive yields and tax benefits, making them an appealing choice for the fund.
The inclusion of REITs within the fund's portfolio allows it to tap into the real estate market. REITs offer the benefits of real estate investment along with liquidity, as they are traded on major exchanges similar to stocks.
BDCs provide the fund with exposure to private equity and small/mid-sized businesses, often in the form of debt or equity investments. These companies can offer high dividend yields, contributing to the fund's income stream.