How Perkins Investment Management Adjusted Their Portfolio in Q1 2017 to Gain More Value

Perkins Investment Management LLC is a well-known asset management company that specializes in managing portfolios and funds for institutions and high-net-worth individuals. The company recently released its 13F filing, which provides insights into its investment portfolio and changes made during the Q1 2017 period. In this article, we will dive into the Q4 2016 vs. Q1 2017 Holdings Comparison to highlight the changes Perkins Investment Management LLC made in their portfolio.

Starting with the top positions in the portfolio, Perkins Investment Management LLC decreased their holding in Western Digital Corp (WDC) by 18% during Q1 2017. In the same period, they increased their position in BWX Technologies Inc (BWXT) by almost 22%, which may indicate that the company believes in the long-term potential of the nuclear fuel and nuclear technology provider. Another notable change in the portfolio was the increase in holdings of Equinix Inc (EQC) by almost 32% in Q1 2017. Equinix is a provider of data center services and is likely part of the company's bet on the future of the internet and cloud storage.

Perkins Investment Management LLC also decreased its holding in Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. (SSD) by almost 15% in Q1 2017. Simpson Manufacturing is a California-based building and construction materials company. Meanwhile, the company increased its holding in Sally Beauty Holdings Inc (SBH) by over 81% in Q1 2017. Sally Beauty is a Texas-based retailer of professional beauty supplies. This change in investment highlights Perkins Investment Management's optimism about the retail sector's future despite the rising competition from e-commerce giants such as Amazon.

Moving on to the mid-level positions in the portfolio, Perkins Investment Management has added to its position in Valvoline Inc (VVV) by almost 28% in Q1 2017. Valvoline is a popular brand of automotive and industrial lubricants. The company also increased its position in Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) by over 18% during the same period, likely influenced by the company's defensive characteristics.

On the other hand, Perkins Investment Management has decreased its holding in Analog Devices Inc (ADI) by over 12% in Q1 2017. Analog Devices is a Massachusetts-based semiconductor manufacturer. Furthermore, the company decreased its holding in Flour Corp (FLR) to zero. Flour Corp is an engineering and construction company.

Finally, let's take a look at some of the small-cap positions in the portfolio. Perkins Investment Management LLC added to its holdings of Keane Group Inc (NEX) and Waste Connections Inc (WCN) by 100%. Keane Group is a provider of integrated well completion services, while Waste Connections is a waste management company.

In conclusion, Perkins Investment Management LLC has made several notable changes in its portfolio holdings during the Q1 2017 period. The company has increased its investment in some of the top-performing stocks, such as Equinix and Sally Beauty Holdings, while decreasing its exposure to the engineering and construction industry. These changes highlight the company's effort to maintain a well-diversified portfolio while betting on the long-term growth prospects of various industries.