QSV Equity Investors
Overview
QSV Equity Investors is an employee-owned asset management firm that invests alongside its clients in high-conviction portfolios of quality small and mid-cap companies. The firm manages portfolios of publicly traded companies for individuals, family offices, and institutions. Based in Naperville, Illinois, QSV was founded in 2016 by Jeff Kautz and Randy Hughes, investment professionals who previously held senior roles at Janus Henderson subsidiary Perkins Investment Management and have invested together for 25 years. The firm's investment strategy focuses on identifying and investing in high-quality small and mid-cap companies that can deliver high returns on invested capital sustained through durable competitive advantages. QSV employs a research and screening process that includes quantitative analysis, valuation screening, and qualitative analysis to select companies with strong fundamentals and reasonable valuations. The firm aims to outperform its benchmark with less risk over a full market cycle by investing in quality businesses while maintaining a focus on value. In March 2023, QSV rebranded from Ballast Equity Management to QSV Equity Investors to better reflect its focus on quality, stability, and value. The rebranding also aimed to differentiate the firm from competitors with similar names. In January 2025, QSV was acquired by Hunter Capital Management, reuniting the founding team members of Perkins Investment Management. Despite the acquisition, QSV's investment philosophy and process remain unchanged, continuing to deliver a smoother ride for clients through good and bad markets.
Investment Focus
- High-quality small and mid-cap companies with durable competitive advantages
- Reasonable valuations
- Strong fundamentals
Portfolio Companies
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Unlock full contacts →Frequently asked questions about QSV Equity Investors
What sectors does QSV Equity Investors invest in?
QSV Equity Investors invests in Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Energy, Consumer Goods and Industrials, and is based in Illinois, United States. QSV Equity Investors is listed as a private investment firm in the ConnectSafely investor database.
Which regions does QSV Equity Investors invest in?
QSV Equity Investors invests across United States.
What companies has QSV Equity Investors invested in?
QSV Equity Investors's portfolio includes State Bank of India, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited, HDFC Bank Limited, Tata Consultancy Services Limited, Infosys Limited, ICICI Bank Ltd, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited.
Last updated · Source: ConnectSafely investor database


