Our Fundamental, Bottom-up Investment Process

Advantus builds portfolios one security at a time using a fundamental, bottom-up approach that identifies relative value through research and analysis.

We select securities one bond at a time by:

• Finding "sweet spots" in the market
• Looking for bonds with a yield advantage
• Looking for bonds with opportunities for superior total returns

Our fundamental research and analysis is underscored by:

• Analysis of financial ratios, trends, products and management quality
• Utilizing relative industry comparisons
• Performing simulation and stress testing of individual portfolio holdings

We seek relative value by:

• Looking for the best bonds in the market based on value
• Asking if the price is right when compared to the risks
• Comparing to investments currently in the portfolio

Our objectives include:

• Focusing on investment grade securities across all sectors with enhanced returns
• Successfully managing assets under a multiple constraint system
• Seeking excess yield through structure, liquidity or credit trade-offs, rather than interest rate risk
• Building quality portfolios with cash consistency
• Actively managing and focusing on risk that can be underwritten