Navigating Global Small Caps in an AI-Transformative World | EP157

Portfolio Manager Karan Phadke discusses his views on the global markets and the performance of the global small-cap portfolio. He illustrates how businesses are adapting to and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting the difference between the value-added reseller and IT consultant business models. Two portfolio holdings, CBIZ and Convatec, are discussed to demonstrate the team's focus on well-run, resilient companies that are trading at reasonable valuations. Key points from this episode: The U.S. remains a strong outperformer, while Europe continues to see more sluggish growth. Current portfolio strengths include resilient U.S. companies, particularly in the professional employer organization (PEO) space with companies that provide outsourced HR functions. AI is impacting businesses in three main areas: hardware, software, and services. The team focuses on services, which is comprised of companies that help their clients acquire and integrate the hardware and software to use AI effectively. Regarding generative AI, there's still a very heavy lift involved at the onset to get the data clean and ready to use. When looking at the strategy from the top down, the team seeks out resilient businesses trading at reasonable valuations that are well-run with strong managers who are reinvesting capital intelligently. CBIZ exemplifies the strategy's focus on well-run companies with recurring business models while Convatec represents a business with solid management and long-term growth potential. Host: Andrew Johnson, CFA, Institutional Portfolio Manager Guest: Karan Phadke, CFA, Portfolio Manager For more details and full transcript visit: https://www.mawer.com/the-art-of-boring/podcast/navigating-global-small-caps-in-an-ai-transformative-world-ep157 This episode is available for download anywhere you get your podcasts. -- Founded in 1974, Mawer is a privately owned independent investment firm managing assets for institutional and individual investors. Mawer employs over 250 people in Canada, U.S., and Singapore. Visit Mawer at https://www.mawer.com.Follow us on social: Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/Mawer_Invest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mawer-investment-management/ 

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