Dearborn Partners Rising Dividend Fund Class A Shares (DRDAX)

Overview

The fund is focused on providing an investment opportunity that targets dividends as a key factor in its portfolio. It primarily concentrates on allocating at least 80% of its net assets towards equity securities of companies renowned for paying current dividends and showing the potential for regular dividend growth. This strategy is built on the fund's portfolio managers' belief in the sustainable and increasing dividend payments as a sign of companies' financial health and operational success. While the fund puts a significant emphasis on investments in U.S. companies' securities, it also opens the door to international markets by allowing for up to 20% of its net assets to be invested in securities of foreign issuers. This diversified approach aims at maximizing returns for investors by combining the stability of established, dividend-paying companies with the growth potential of select international markets.

Products and Services

• Equity Securities of Dividend-Paying U.S. Companies

  This core area of the fund's investment strategy involves buying shares in U.S. companies that not only pay dividends but are also assessed by the portfolio managers to have the ability to regularly increase their dividends. This focus on dividend growth, rather than merely current yield, is aimed at capturing the potential for both income and capital appreciation over time. The selection process leans heavily on the financial health and future outlook of these companies, ensuring that investments are made into businesses capable of sustaining and growing dividends.

• Equity Securities of Dividend-Paying Foreign Issuers

  Up to 20% of the fund's net assets may be allocated to equity securities of "foreign issuers," which refers to companies based outside of the U.S. that meet the fund's criteria of paying current dividends with the potential for growth. This segment of the fund's portfolio offers investors exposure to international markets, which can diversify risks and potentially enhance returns. Investments in foreign issuers are selected based on the same stringent criteria of dividend reliability and growth potential, adjusted for the intricacies and risks associated with international investing.