Wasatch Global Investors Announces the Addition of Mark Madsen and Karson Schrader
Wasatch Global Investors has recently announced the addition of two highly experienced professionals, Portfolio Manager Mark Madsen, CFA, and Senior Research Analyst Karson Schrader, to its esteemed investment team. Their expertise and leadership will be instrumental in driving the firm’s newly established Global Small Cap Value and International Small Cap Value strategies. These new strategies will further enhance Wasatch’s already strong reputation in the small-cap value investment space.
Mark Madsen and Karson Schrader bring with them an impressive track record of success. They previously held key positions at Grandeur Peak Global Advisors, where Mark served as the portfolio manager for the Grandeur Peak Global Contrarian Fund (GPGCX), and Karson was a lead analyst supporting the fund. Their deep understanding of the small-cap value segment, combined with their investment acumen, will provide Wasatch with a seamless transition into global and international small-cap value investing.
In an effort to ensure continuity for investors, Wasatch has carefully structured the new Global Small Cap Value strategy to closely mirror the portfolio Mark led during his tenure at Grandeur Peak. This strategic move will allow existing and new clients to benefit from the same principles and methodologies that Mark previously employed, while also leveraging the broader resources and expertise available at Wasatch. Importantly, this strategy is available immediately as a separate account, providing investors with direct access to the newly developed approach.
The addition of these new strategies significantly expands Wasatch’s already diverse portfolio of small-cap value offerings. The firm has long been recognized for its success in managing U.S.-focused small-cap and micro-cap value strategies, and the introduction of global and international small-cap value strategies represents a natural evolution in its investment philosophy. Wasatch’s existing small-cap value strategies are built upon a quality-value investment approach that aligns seamlessly with the methodologies and principles Mark and Karson have utilized throughout their careers. This consistency ensures that the integration of the new strategies will be smooth, reinforcing the firm’s established expertise in small-cap value investing.
Eric Bergeson, President of Wasatch Global Investors, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, “These new strategies complement our existing small- and micro-cap value strategies and are driven by a like-minded, quality-value approach. Our small- and micro-cap value strategies have a long history of generating alpha utilizing this approach, and we’re not surprised that Mark and Karson have had similar success with a shared philosophy.”
Wasatch has built a strong reputation over the years by staying committed to its disciplined, long-term investment approach. The firm’s ability to generate alpha in the small-cap and micro-cap value space has been a key factor in its sustained success. By bringing in highly skilled professionals like Mark and Karson, Wasatch aims to reinforce its commitment to providing top-tier investment strategies to its clients.
While Mark and Karson will have primary responsibility for the new Global Small Cap Value and International Small Cap Value strategies, they will also play an integral role within the broader Wasatch research team. Their extensive experience and knowledge will contribute to Wasatch’s existing international small-cap and global small-cap strategies. This collaborative approach is expected to enhance research capabilities across the firm, leading to better-informed investment decisions and stronger overall portfolio performance.
For Mark Madsen, the move to Wasatch represents a return to familiar territory. He began his investment career as a senior research analyst on Wasatch’s Small Cap Value strategy back in 2004. Having previously worked with many long-standing members of the investment team, Mark’s transition back to Wasatch is expected to be smooth and productive. His deep-rooted familiarity with the firm’s investment culture and philosophy will be invaluable as he takes on this new role.
Reflecting on the expansion and new team additions, Mike Yeates, CEO of Wasatch Global Investors, remarked, “We’re pleased to add Mark and Karson to the team and to add to our value lineup. Over the past 50 years, Wasatch has strived to provide clients with a comprehensive platform of quality-oriented offerings across the micro-, small-, and mid-cap spectrum, and we’re excited about this next step.”
Wasatch’s growth over the years has been fueled by its commitment to quality-oriented investing. The firm’s investment philosophy emphasizes rigorous fundamental research, a long-term perspective, and a disciplined approach to identifying undervalued companies with strong potential for growth. This philosophy has resonated well with investors, enabling Wasatch to build a loyal client base and consistently deliver strong investment performance.
With the launch of the Global Small Cap Value and International Small Cap Value strategies, Wasatch is positioning itself to capitalize on new opportunities in global and international markets. Small-cap value investing has historically been an area where active management can generate significant alpha, as these stocks tend to be underfollowed by analysts and often mispriced. By leveraging the expertise of Mark and Karson, Wasatch aims to uncover hidden opportunities in these markets, offering investors access to high-quality, undervalued companies with the potential for long-term appreciation.
Furthermore, Wasatch’s expansion into global and international small-cap value investing aligns with broader industry trends. Investors are increasingly looking beyond domestic markets to diversify their portfolios and tap into opportunities in emerging and international economies. With globalization reshaping the financial landscape, having a well-researched and actively managed approach to global small-cap value investing can provide investors with a significant competitive advantage.
The addition of Mark and Karson to the Wasatch team is not just about expanding strategies; it also reinforces the firm’s commitment to attracting and retaining top investment talent. Wasatch has a history of fostering a collaborative and research-driven culture, and bringing in seasoned professionals like Mark and Karson underscores its dedication to maintaining a high-caliber investment team. Their expertise and leadership will be invaluable in guiding the new strategies to success and further strengthening Wasatch’s reputation as a leader in small-cap value investing.
As Wasatch looks to the future, the firm remains focused on its core mission: delivering superior investment results through disciplined, high-quality investment strategies. By expanding its small-cap value offerings and integrating new talent, Wasatch is well-positioned to continue providing exceptional value to its investors. The launch of the Global Small Cap Value and International Small Cap Value strategies marks an exciting new chapter in the firm’s growth, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, research excellence, and long-term value creation.
In summary, the addition of Mark Madsen and Karson Schrader, along with the introduction of the new small-cap value strategies, represents a significant milestone for Wasatch Global Investors. Their expertise, combined with Wasatch’s established investment framework, will provide clients with new opportunities to capitalize on undervalued global and international small-cap stocks. With a strong commitment to quality-value investing, Wasatch continues to solidify its position as a premier investment firm dedicated to delivering superior returns to its clients.
