What Are Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Companies?
Mid-cap investment options generally have a market capitalization of $2 – $10 billion and include companies such as Alaska Airlines, Autozone, Domino’s Pizza, Hershey’s and Under Armour. Small-cap companies generally have market capitalization below $2 billion and include companies such as Dave and Buster’s Entertainment, La-Z-Boy, Fitbit and Wintrust Financial Corporation. Fund managers look for small- and mid-cap companies that are poised for dramatic growth. Zoom Video Communications is an excellent example of a small-cap company that quickly grew to large-cap status.
What Role Do Small- and Mid-Cap Funds Play in Your Portfolio?
Small- and mid-cap funds play an important role in diversifying your portfolio. Over the long-term, these funds tend to generate larger returns than large-cap funds though they also experience greater volatility during declining markets.
Viewing model asset allocation portfolios demonstrates the importance of small- and mid-cap investments for conservative investors as well as more aggressive investors. The model portfolios suggest that even conservative investors in their 30s and 40s should have 15%-22% of their portfolio committed to small- and mid-cap investments. For aggressive investors, the range is 24%-25%.
This article compares the five small- and mid-cap investment options the JRB offers. We review:
- The goals and objectives of each fund
- The investment tyle of each fund (growth, value or blend)
- The management strategy of each fund (active or passive)
- The total 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year returns for each fund
T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Value I Fund (TRMIX)
The T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Value I Fund, an actively managed investment option, invests primarily in U.S. mid-sized companies that appear to be undervalued. In practice, this means that 80% of the Fund’s assets are invested in companies included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index or the Russell Midcap Value Index. Management looks for companies that (potentially) have attractive profits and/or cash flow, a sound balance sheet, capable management, management or employee stock ownership and/or a low stock price relative to earnings or net assets.
The Russell Midcap Value Index is the benchmark for the fund.
View JRB Investment Returns Sheet
T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Value I Fund Fact Sheet
T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Value I Fund Prospectus
Fidelity Low-Priced Stock Commingled Pl A
The Fidelity Low-Priced Stock Commingled Pl, (CIT) seeks capital appreciation and is actively managed. It normally invests at least 80% of its assets in both growth and value stocks whose share price is at or below $35 per share or whose earnings equal or surpass the median earnings of other companies in the Russell 2000 Index. Focusing on low-priced stocks often leads to investments in small- and medium-sized companies. The Fund invests in both U.S. and foreign stocks.
The Russell 2000 Index serves as the benchmark for the Fund.
View JRB Investment Returns Sheet
Fidelity Low-Priced Stock Commingled Pl A Fact Sheet
Loomis Sayles Small-Cap Value N Fund (LSCNX)
As an actively managed, small-cap, value fund, this Loomis Sayles fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in companies making up the Russell 2000 Index. Managers look for smaller companies that have suffered significant business problems but are believed to have favorable prospects for recovery as well as companies that are not yet well-known but are considered to have favorable prospects and attractive valuation. Up to 20% of assets may be invested in foreign companies.
The Russell 2000 Index is the benchmark for the Loomis Sayles Small Cap Value N Fund.
View JRB Investment Returns Sheet
Loomis Sayles Small-Cap Value N Fund Fact Sheet
Loomis Sayles Small-Cap Value N Fund Prospectus
Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund (FSMAX)
A passively managed, index fund, the Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund seeks returns that approximate the total return of small- to mid-cap U.S. stocks. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in companies included in the Dow Jones U.S. Completion Total Stock Market Index. This index represents the performance of small- to mid-cap U.S. companies.
The benchmark for the Fund is the Dow Jones U.S. Completion Total Stock Market Index.
View JRB Investment Returns Sheet
Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund Fact Sheet
Fidelity Extended Market Index Fund Prospectus
Conclusion
While small- and mid-cap investments play a role in any retirement portfolio, they are especially important for those younger than 50-years-old. Most younger savers need the higher returns these investments have historically offered to meet their financial goals. At the same time, the longer time frame provides the opportunity to recover from short-term volatility.
It is also solid practice for a retirement investor to diversify their holdings within this important asset class. The JRB offers an excellent range of high-quality, small- and mid-cap mutual funds and collective investment trusts to meet your savings needs. Please contact us at 888-JRB-FREE (572-3733) or send us an email to discuss your asset allocation or any other investment question you have.
December 2025