This analysis examines the Ave Maria Growth Fund's financial outcomes for the final quarter and the entirety of 2025. The fund's primary objective is to identify and invest in exceptional companies at favorable valuations, aiming for sustained long-term returns. During the fourth quarter of 2025, the fund experienced a marginal decline, contrasting with positive gains from broader market benchmarks. However, the annual performance demonstrated strength, largely attributed to robust contributions from specific industrial and technology sectors.
In the last three months of 2025, the Ave Maria Growth Fund recorded a total return of -0.19%. This performance lagged behind the S&P 500 Index, which posted a 2.66% return, and the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index, which saw a 1.39% gain. This indicates a period where the fund's concentrated holdings might have faced headwinds compared to a more diversified or market-capitalization-weighted portfolio.
Looking at the entire year leading up to December 31, 2025, the fund's positive trajectory was significantly influenced by the strong showings in the Industrial and Technology sectors. Key contributors from these sectors propelled the fund's overall annual returns, showcasing the effectiveness of its selection process within these areas. While specific examples are not provided in detail, the emphasis on these two sectors suggests a strategic focus that yielded considerable benefits over the year.
The investment philosophy of the Ave Maria Growth Fund centers on acquiring shares of high-quality companies when their prices are deemed attractive. This value-oriented approach, combined with a focus on growth, aims to generate substantial returns for investors over an extended period. The fund's commitment to this strategy underscores its belief in the fundamental strength and long-term potential of its chosen enterprises.
The report underscores that the fund's annual success was primarily underpinned by strong performances within the industrial and technology segments, despite a modest dip in the final quarter of the year. This suggests a targeted investment strategy that, over the longer term, has managed to outperform in key areas, aligning with its stated goal of achieving favorable returns through carefully selected companies.