Smith stockpicks way to top-quartile status

Neptune UK Equity manager combines 15-year stockpicking experience with group's top-down process to achieve consistent outperformance

Since assuming control of the Neptune UK Equity fund in July 2006, Jeremy Smith’s stockpicking ability, combined with the firm’s sector screening approach, has helped the fund achieve top-quartile performance. Smith, who previously managed a number of funds at Schroders, is not the stereotypical Neptune manager. The boutique, led by Robin Geffen, traditionally prefers to hire graduates and promote from within. Over three years to 7 September, the vehicle sits 21 out of 279 funds in the IMA UK All Companies sector, climbing 4.7% against an average decline of 10%, according to Morningst...