Updated May 29, 2023.

Leith Wheeler
US Dividend Fund

Objective

To provide investors with a source of monthly income in US dollars, with the potential for long-term growth through capital appreciation and growth in dividends by investing primarily in common shares, convertible debentures, and other equity-related securities of US issuers. The Fund is sub-advised by Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss of Dallas, Texas.

Investment Style

We utilize a value approach to stock selection, applying bottom-up, fundamental analysis to all investment decisions. We seek to invest in solid companies with stable earnings, a long-term business model, and a capable management team we can trust that can navigate variable market conditions. The U.S. Dividend Fund strategy is implemented by constructing a portfolio solely of dividend-paying stocks. Portfolios reflect all three value characteristics: price/earnings and price/book ratios below the market and a dividend yield above the market. In addition, the Fund requires that stocks purchased in the portfolio not only pay a dividend, but also that each stock has a consecutive 25-year history of paying cash dividends (with a 10% portfolio exception). As value investors, we tend to include companies in the portfolio when they are viewed as “out of favour” by the market and have declined in price. By purchasing these companies after a price decline, we are able to control downside risk in the portfolio while adding the potential for an attractive return.