Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund

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Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund

Image specific to each asset class and market style grouping.
Ticker
PNEAX
CUSIP
92837N105
POP
$ (as of )
Inception
10/31/2001
Total Assets by Class
$326,310,764.05 (as of 06/02/2023)
Total Assets by Fund
$632,319,133.46 (as of 06/02/2023)
Morningstar Category
Large Value

Portfolio Overview

Investment Overview

The Fund seeks capital growth and income by investing in large- to mid-capitalization companies at the intersection of value, quality, and shareholder yield. NFJ seeks to invest in companies diversified across industries with superior competitive positions and consistent financials, employing a time-tested process that capitalizes on low market expectations and strong prospects.

Management Team

Investment Partner

NFJ Investment Group, LLC

NFJ Investment Group (NFJ) is a global value equity manager with a rich heritage and deep roots in Dallas, Texas, dating to 1989. NFJ is unwavering in its commitment to investing at the intersection of value, quality, and shareholder yield, seeking to identify companies with low market expectations and the strongest prospects for returning capital to shareholders.


Learn more about NFJ Investment Group, LLC

Investment Professionals

McKinney, Burns

R. Burns McKinney, CFA

Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager/Analyst

Industry start date: 1996
Start date as fund Portfolio Manager: 2007

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Oliver, Thomas

Thomas Oliver, CFA, CPA

Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager/Analyst

Industry start date: 1995
Start date as fund Portfolio Manager: 2006

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Reed, Jeff

Jeff N. Reed, CFA

Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager/Analyst

Industry start date: 2004
Start date as fund Portfolio Manager: 2011

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Mowrey, John

John R. Mowrey, CFA

Executive Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager/Analyst

Industry start date: 2007
Start date as fund Portfolio Manager: 2015

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Key Features

Innovative Approach to Value

The investment team uses big data and data analytics to uncover differentiated insights into valuations quickly and efficiently

Focus on Fundamentals

A disciplined, fundamental research process helps identify companies with attractive quality characteristics, shareholder yield, and consistent financials

Decades of Value Investing Experience

NFJ's boutique structure and flat organization has fostered an entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative culture since 1989

Portfolio Characteristics

Characteristics4

(as of 03/31/2023)
Average Weighted Market Cap (billions) $169.93
Median Market Cap (billions) $54.46
Trailing P/E Ex-Negative Earnings 15.57
3-Year Earnings Growth Rate 13.98

Top Holdings (% Fund)

(as of 03/31/2023)
Security
Bank of America Corp
3.75
 3.75%
Stanley Black & Decker Inc
3.56
 3.56%
Zoetis Inc
3.51
 3.51%
Celanese Corp
3.28
 3.28%
Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc
3.08
 3.08%
Intuit Inc
3.04
 3.04%
Home Depot Inc/The
3.02
 3.02%
Verizon Communications Inc
2.56
 2.56%
Microsoft Corp
2.52
 2.52%
Teleflex Inc
2.40
 2.40%

Holdings are subject to change.

Sector Allocation (% Equity)

(as of 03/31/2023)
Financials
20.86
 20.86%
Information Technology
14.04
 14.04%
Industrials
13.72
 13.72%
Health Care
11.08
 11.08%
Real Estate
10.44
 10.44%
Consumer Discretionary
8.92
 8.92%
Materials
8.74
 8.74%
Communication Services
5.74
 5.74%
Energy
4.03
 4.03%
Consumer Staples
1.50
 1.50%
Utilities
0.93
 0.93%

Performance & Risk

Growth of $10,000 Investment

From to
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on for Class ddd shares including any applicable sales charges. Performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.

Performance

As of
As of

Performance data quoted represents past results. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

Sales Charge and Expenses

Risk Statistics3

(as of )
Fund Index
R2
Beta
Alpha
Std Dev

Risk Considerations

Market Volatility: The value of the securities in the portfolio may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Local, regional, or global events such as war, terrorism, pandemic, or recession could impact the portfolio, including hampering the ability of the portfolio's manager(s) to invest its assets as intended.
Issuer Risk: The portfolio will be affected by factors specific to the issuers of securities and other instruments in which the portfolio invests, including actual or perceived changes in the financial condition or business prospects of such issuers.
Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small, medium, or large-sized companies may enhance that risk.
Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the fund's prospectus.

Commentary

1Q23

Market Review

Investors embraced risk in the first quarter and propelled U.S. equities to extend their fourth quarter gains. This occurred despite the second and third largest bank failures on record and a Federal Reserve (Fed) committed to tightening monetary policy to combat lingering inflation. One of last year’s hardest-hit sectors, technology, staged a comeback as interest rates pulled back and the sector was perceived as a haven amidst the banking turmoil. Within the benchmark Russell 1000® Value Index, communication services and technology led with double-digit gains, followed by strength from the materials and consumer discretionary sectors. In contrast, the healthcare, financials, energy, and utilities sectors posted the weakest results.

Fund Performance

The Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund returned 2.83% (Class I) in the quarter, compared to the Russell 1000 Value Index, which returned 1.01%. Positive sector allocations drove outperformance results while stock selection was effectively net neutral. 

FedEx and Microsoft were the largest contributors to performance over the quarter.

  • Fiscal Q3 results for delivery company FedEx exceeded analysts’ estimates, driven in part by efforts to control costs, price hikes, and fuel surcharges to help offset a shipping slowdown. Management also raised its outlook and committed to additional cost-cutting initiatives.
  • Investors shifted into tech giants like Microsoft amid the quarter’s banking crisis, creating a haven-like environment within the technology sector. Quarterly results from Microsoft’s Azure cloud business were strong, and management announced an AI upgrade across its suite of office productivity programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
  • Zoetis, West Pharmaceutical Services, and KB Home were also among the largest contributors.

Medical Properties Trust and Bank of America were the largest detractors from performance in the quarter.

  • Q4 results for Medical Properties Trust were in line with expectations; however, guidance for 2023 normalized funds from operations (FFO) for the healthcare REIT was below consensus on underperformance from one of its tenants. We trimmed the position during the quarter.
  • Q4 revenue for Bank of America, the second largest bank in the U.S., beat estimates, driven in part by higher interest rates. Though the company has the highest quality loan book among its peers, even its shares were not immune to the sector’s broader downturn.
  • PNC Financial Services, Baxter International, and Alexandria Real Estate Equities were also among the largest detractors.

Portfolio Changes

In addition to the trade mentioned above, the investment team purchased PNC Financial Services, added to an existing position in Zoetis, and sold West Pharmaceutical Services during the quarter.

  • The team took advantage of an attractive entry point to initiate a position in PNC Financial Services, one of the country’s largest providers of diversified financial services. PNC boasts impressive scale and operating efficiency, especially after the BBVA acquisition, and given the company’s strong underwriting culture, lower net charge-offs versus peers.
  • Animal health-provider Zoetis reported solid Q4 revenue on strength of its parasiticides, dermatology and pain products and issued upbeat FY guidance. We added to the position during the quarter.
  • West Pharmaceutical Services delivered stronger-than-anticipated Q4 results and management raised FY2023 revenue guidance. The team exited the position after valuations rose to less favorable levels during the quarter.

Outlook

The U.S. economy continues to tiptoe to the edge of a recession, with the latest economic data showing signs of cracks in the labor market. That said, unemployment remains near historical lows, and consumers still have a solid cash cushion. The key focus for investors is the divergence between what the Fed says and what investors believe the Fed will ultimately do, and where rates finish the year.

Forecasts show the fed funds rate holding at around 5% through the end of 2023. However, the futures market has priced in capitulation, with the Fed cutting rates by at least 50 basis points this year. Should the futures market prove correct, such a reversal appears largely priced into markets. However, should Fed Chair Powell hold rates firm through year-end, stocks could react unfavorably, implying more downside than upside risk at present levels.

Currently, U.S. stocks are not particularly cheap, with the S&P 500® Index trading at more than 18 times forward earnings. However, consecutive years in the red are rare for U.S. equities, and while much of 2023’s gains may already be in the books, further gains could be augmented by attractive and growing dividend yields. We believe NFJ portfolios, which seek to invest in stocks with attractive dividends and dividend growth, are well positioned for this type of environment.

The commentary is the opinion of the subadviser. This material has been prepared using sources of information generally believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions represented are subject to change and should not be considered investment advice or an offer of securities.

Related Literature

Marketing Materials

Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund Fact Sheet - A
Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund Fact Sheet - INST
Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund Fact Sheet - R6
Virtus NFJ Mutual Fund Presentation
As Value Stages a Comeback, Emphasize Quality

Financial Materials

Virtus Investment Trust Statutory Prospectus
Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund Summary Prospectus
Virtus Investment Trust SAI
Virtus Investment Trust Annual Report
Virtus Investment Trust Semiannual Report

Holdings

Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund Monthly Holdings
Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund Top Holdings
Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund Holdings Fiscal Q1
Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund Holdings Fiscal Q3

Section 19(a) Notices

Section 19(a) Notice for Ex-Date December 22, 2022

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of any Virtus Mutual Fund before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contains this and other information about the fund. Please contact your financial representative, call 1-800-243-4361 to obtain a current prospectus and/or summary prospectus. You should read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Performance data quoted represents past results. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

Average annual total return is the annual compound return for the indicated period. It reflects the change in share price and the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains. NAV returns do not include the effect of any applicable sales charges. POP and w/CDSC returns include the effect of maximum applicable sales charges.

Returns for periods of less than one year are cumulative total returns.

1 Yields/Distributions: 30-day SEC Yield is a standardized yield calculated according to a formula set by the SEC, and is subject to change. 30-day SEC Yield (unsubsidized) is the 30-day SEC Yield without the effect of applicable expense waivers. Distribution Rate is calculated by (a) annualizing the latest income distribution for fixed income funds or funds less than 1 year old, or (b) summing all income distributions over the preceding 12 months for all other funds, and dividing by the NAV on the last business date of the period, unless otherwise indicated. The Distribution Rate may be comprised of ordinary income, net realized capital gains and returns of capital.

2 Distribution History: Distributions are represented on a cash basis and may be reclassified at year end for tax purposes. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. STCG: Short Term Capital Gain, LTCG: Long Term Capital Gain

3 Risk Statistics: R2 is a statistical measure that represents the percentage of a fund or security's movements that can be explained by movements in a benchmark index. Beta is a quantitative measure of the volatility of a given portfolio to the overall market. Alpha is a risk adjusted measure of an investment's excess return relative to a benchmark. A positive Alpha indicates that the investment produced a return greater than expected for the risk (as measured by Beta) taken. Standard Deviation measures variability of returns around the average return for an investment fund. Higher standard deviation suggests greater risk. Risk Statistics are calculated using 36 monthly returns.

4 Characteristics: For Equity Funds: Avg. Weighted Market Cap (bn): The sum of each security's weight within the fund (or index) multiplied by the security's market capitalization. Trailing P/E Ex-Negative Earnings: Per-share stock price divided by the latest 12-months Earnings per Share; Price/Cash Flow: Per-share stock price divided by the per-share operating cash flow; Price/Book: Per-share stock price divided by the latest 12-month per-share Book Value; 3-Year EPS Growth Rate: Average of earnings per share growth for latest 3-year period. The 3-Year EPS Growth Rate is not a forecast of the fund's performance.

4 Characteristics: For Fixed Income Funds: Effective Duration represents the interest rate sensitivity of a fixed income fund. For example, if a fund's effective duration is five years, a 1% increase in interest rates would result in a 5% decline in the fund's price. Similarly, a 1% decline in interest rates would result in a 5% gain in the fund's price.

Morningstar Disclosures:
The Morningstar Rating for funds, or "star rating", is calculated for managed products (including mutual funds, variable annuity and variable life subaccounts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, and separate accounts) with at least a three-year history. Exchange-traded funds and open-ended mutual funds are considered a single population for comparative purposes. It is calculated based on a Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measure that accounts for variation in a managed product's monthly excess performance, placing more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent performance. The top 10% of products in each product category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the next 22.5% receive 2 stars, and the bottom 10% receive 1 star. The Overall Morningstar Rating for a managed product is derived from a weighted average of the performance figures associated with its three-, five-, and 10-year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics. The weights are: 100% three-year rating for 36-59 months of total returns, 60% five-year rating/40% three-year rating for 60-119 months of total returns, and 50% 10-year rating/30% five-year rating/20% three-year rating for 120 or more months of total returns. While the 10-year overall star rating formula seems to give the most weight to the 10-year period, the most recent three-year period actually has the greatest impact because it is included in all three rating periods. Ratings do not take into account the effects of sales charges and loads.

© Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete, or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.