Vanguard Mid Cap ETF: Cheap Valuations And High Quality

Summary

• VO is an excellent way to gain entry to less widely-followed companies, with plenty of upside.
• Mid-caps have had some success, but trail their larger-cap comparison despite having a higher risk-return profile.
• A breakdown of the current holdings.
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In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. - Benjamin Franklin

The Vanguard Mid Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:VO), a fund that is focused on mid-cap US stocks, has not been loved in recent years. It has had an impressive Covid-recovery, finally turning positive for the year, but remains below all-time highs made in February. Of course, this is not new for mid-cap investors. In the last three years, despite overwhelmingly positive equity markets and a risk-on sentiment, mid-caps have outperformed large caps, as measured by the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). And by a significant amount, with a gain of 47.29% for the latter in the last 3 years to a gain of only 29.38% for the former.

Looking at the holdings of the ETF, the top 10 holdings account for only 8.1% of the portfolio, as much of the company-specific risk has been diversified away. Sector-wise, the holdings are balanced, with the top 3 sectors being Technology (21%) Financials (20.6%), and Industrials (15.3%). That gives a nice balance to the ETF in growth industries and value industries, which lets you hedge out the bet on which strategy will win out over the long term after more than a decade of growth stocks flourishing. Eventually, value investing can return, and you will have exposure to those types of companies with this holding.

Source: Vanguard

Thoughtful Selections

While the Covid crisis has many challenges for the mid-cap space, the portfolio has some excellent picks. For example, Lululemon Athletica Inc (LULU) is in a unique position, as their demand has likely increased with more consumers looking for comfort while working from home, a trend that the athleisurewear company has been excellent at capitalizing on. DexCom Inc. (DXCM) recently smashed earnings expectations in late July, with

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

This writing is for informational purposes only and Lead-Lag Publishing, LLC undertakes no obligation to update this article even if the opinions expressed change. It does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation regarding any securities transaction. It also does not offer to provide advisory or other services in any jurisdiction. The information contained in this writing should not be construed as financial or investment advice on any subject matter. Lead-Lag Publishing, LLC expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken based on any or all of the information on this writing.