THE FUND

The objective of the fund is to generate the highest level of resturn, assuming above average risk levels during periods of favourable market conditions. During periods of uncertain market conditions, the fund seeks to preserve capital. The fund will attempt to realise this investment objective generally through investments in a varied portfolio of common US companies. The fund normally emphasises small and mid-cap stocks. In addition, the fund may invest in preferred stocks and derivative equities. Skylands Capital have managed similar strategy US Equity funds with a successful 27 year track record. 

The fund seeks to produce an attractive absolute and relative return over time by employing the following strategy:

• Investing primarily in U.S. common stocks

• Performing extensive due diligence on the majority of portfolio holdings, including on-site meetings with management.

• Evaluating companies based on growth prospects, valuation, sustainable competitive advantages, balance sheet strength and management assessment.

• Trading around core holdings by adjusting position size based on recent price fluctuations.

• Raising cash to protect capital when market conditions are unfavourable.

• Focusing the investments in liquid securities that have market quotes.

• Investing in fixed income securities from time to time.

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THE SUB-INVESTMENT MANAGER

Skylands Capital, LLC is a long/short equity investment firm specializing in U.S. equities. Skylands manages four long-biased long/short portfolios as well as long-only assets.

Skylands’ origins date to 1983, the year our oldest portfolio was launched within our predecessor firm, Strong Capital Management (“SCM”). Skylands’ owner and head portfolio manager, Charles ("Chip") Paquelet, began his career at SCM in 1989. While Chip was tasked with many roles at SCM, managing and growing the hedge fund business unit was his primary responsibility. In 2004, with the full endorsement of SCM, Chip led a management buyout of the hedge fund business unit into a newly created firm named Skylands Capital, LLC. Reflecting Skylands' emphasis on continuity, the majority of our team members today were formerly associates at SCM.

A number of Skylands’ associates have personal capital invested alongside our clients, ensuring our interests are aligned.

The firm is registered as an investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

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THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

Charles A. Paquelet, CFA, Portfolio Manager/Research Analyst

Prior to founding Skylands Capital, Chip was a principal at Strong Capital Management, Inc.which he joined in 1989. During his tenure at Strong, he served as portfolio manager of two private investment partnerships, an offshore hedge fund, four mutual funds and numerous separate accounts. Prior to joining Strong, Chip worked as a financial analyst for B.F. Goodrich & Company.
Chip earned his bachelor of science degree from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Business in 1987. He then entered Indiana University’s Master of Business Administration program which he completed in 1989 with a specialization in finance. Chip earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

 

A. Philip Gryglas, CFA, Portfolio Manager/Research Analyst

Prior to joining Skylands Capital, Phil worked as an equity research analyst at Strong Capital Management, Inc. which he joined in 2001.
Phil earned his bachelor of science degree in environmental engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1994. He served over five years on active duty as a Field Artillery officer in the United States Army before resigning his commission with the rank of Captain. Phil  received his Master of Business Administration degree with high honors from the University of Notre Dame in 2001. Phil earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.