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You can bridge the small-cap coverage gap by strengthening investor relations, embracing digital communication tools, and engaging independent research providers. The impact of mifid ii has left many small-cap issuers with less visibility, making immediate action critical. Hosting targeted investor events also helps you regain attention and foster meaningful connections.

Take practical steps now to boost your profile and attract the right investors in a rapidly changing market.

Key Takeaways

  • Strengthen investor relations by proactively communicating with investors to shape your company’s narrative and build trust.

  • Embrace digital tools like social media and webinars to reach a wider audience and engage with investors in real time.

  • Host targeted investor events such as roadshows and investor days to connect directly with potential investors and address their concerns.

  • Engage independent research providers to gain third-party validation and enhance your visibility in the market.

  • Upgrade your issuer services to improve research offerings and attract more analyst attention, which can boost your market presence.

  • Maintain transparency by providing regular updates on your company’s performance, which fosters trust and long-term relationships.

  • Stay informed about regulatory changes and adapt your strategies to ensure compliance and maintain investor confidence.

  • Utilize ESG reporting to showcase your commitment to sustainability, appealing to a broader range of investors focused on ethical practices.

Small-Cap Coverage Gap After MiFID II

Small-Cap Coverage Gap After MiFID II
Image Source: pexels

What Is the Small-Cap Coverage Gap?

Definition and Scope

You face a unique challenge in today’s capital markets: the small-cap coverage gap. This term describes the widening divide in analyst and investor attention between large and small cap companies. Since 2018, industry data shows a striking 30% decline in coverage for small cap stocks. The gap has grown as regulatory changes reshape how research reaches investors. You now compete for visibility in a landscape where fewer analysts focus on smaller firms, making it harder to share your story and attract capital.

Impact of MiFID II on Research Budgets

The impact of mifid ii has transformed the economics of equity research. You have seen research budgets shrink, especially for small cap issuers. Several factors contribute to this shift:

You must navigate a market where research is no longer a bundled service, and smaller companies often fall outside the scope of major analyst coverage.

Effects on Small Cap Issuers

Reduced Analyst Reports

You notice that small cap companies receive far less analyst coverage than their large-cap peers. Large-cap stocks typically attract more than twice the number of analyst reports. This limited attention can create market inefficiencies. Active managers may find opportunities to identify undervalued investments, but you risk being overlooked by mainstream investors.

Lower Investor Awareness

Investor awareness of small cap issuers has dropped since the introduction of mifid. You contend with reduced budgets for research on smaller firms, making it harder to reach new investors. The pandemic has shifted expectations, with investors seeking efficiency and quick access to information. You must compete in an environment flooded with data, where smaller companies struggle to secure meetings and stand out.

Why the Gap Matters for Small Cap

Liquidity and Valuation Challenges

The small-cap coverage gap directly affects your liquidity and valuation. The following table highlights how bank capital influences these challenges:

Evidence

Description

Bank Capital Influence

Variations in bank capital can significantly affect liquidity dynamics, especially during market stress, which is crucial for small-cap issuers.

Lending Activity

Increased bank capital may lead to greater lending, reducing cash reserves and impacting liquidity for small-cap firms.

Heterogeneous Impact

The effect of bank capital on liquidity ratios varies by bank size and economic conditions, highlighting challenges for small-cap issuers during crises.

You must recognize that limited analyst coverage can make your shares less liquid and harder to value accurately. This situation can discourage institutional investors and reduce your access to growth capital.

Capital Markets Access

You rely on visibility to access capital markets efficiently. The small-cap coverage gap restricts your ability to raise funds, as fewer investors and analysts engage with your story. You must adapt by finding new ways to reach the right audience and maintain your relevance in a rapidly evolving market.

Thoughtful adaptation and strategic communication help you overcome the small-cap coverage gap. By understanding these challenges, you position yourself to innovate and grow, even as the market transforms.

Immediate Small Cap Issuer Actions

Strengthen Investor Relations

Proactive Communication

You can close the small-cap coverage gap by building a robust investor relations program. Proactive communication stands at the heart of this effort. When you reach out to investors before they come to you, you shape the narrative around your company and set expectations. This approach helps you address concerns early and maintain confidence, even during periods of volatility or uncertainty. Twilio, for example, used its Investor Day to clarify questions about its gross margin decline, demonstrating how direct engagement can preserve trust and support valuation.

Evidence Description

Key Insight

Effective IR creates feedback loops that bring valuable market intelligence back into the company.

This shows how external awareness can enhance internal insights, making IR a competitive advantage.

Successful companies provide visibility to validate their strategic narrative.

This emphasizes the importance of aligning investor expectations with company performance.

Twilio used its Investor Day to clarify concerns about its gross margin decline.

This illustrates proactive communication as a means to maintain investor confidence.

You can use these feedback loops to gather market intelligence, which helps you refine your strategy and improve performance. By validating your story with investors, you align their expectations with your actual results, reducing the risk of surprises that can impact returns.

Transparent Updates

Transparency builds credibility. When you share both successes and setbacks, you foster trust and long-term relationships. Regular, consistent updates keep investors engaged and informed. You can establish a schedule for earnings releases, business updates, and strategic milestones. This rhythm reassures investors that you value openness and accountability.

Best Practice

Description

Clear and Compelling Messaging

Craft messages that articulate your company’s value proposition succinctly, using storytelling to make them memorable.

Regular and Consistent Updates

Establish a consistent schedule for updates to keep investors informed and engaged, fostering trust and a sense of partnership.

Understanding Investor Needs

Tailor communication by understanding individual investor preferences through surveys and research, improving engagement.

Using Advanced Digital Tools

Utilize tools like investor relations websites and webinars to enhance communication and gain insights into investor behavior.

Transparency and Honesty

Share both successes and challenges openly to build credibility and trust with investors.

You can tailor your communication by understanding what matters most to your investors. Surveys and direct feedback help you identify their priorities, which allows you to address their concerns and highlight your company’s strengths. This approach supports a higher valuation and attracts investors who value transparency.

Use Digital Communication

Social Media and Webinars

Digital tools have transformed how you connect with investors. Social media platforms and webinars let you reach a global audience, share your story in real time, and respond to questions directly. You can use cost-effective webcasting for quarterly earnings presentations, which increases access for both existing and potential shareholders. These channels also allow you to showcase your company’s innovation and adaptability, which are essential for small cap stocks seeking to stand out.

Essential Tools

Benefits

Essential website functionality

Reduces costs with standardized templates for small-cap companies.

Basic CRM capabilities

Helps track key relationships with investors effectively.

Cost-effective webcasting

Provides a means for quarterly earnings presentations at lower costs.

Targeted ownership data

Focuses on current shareholders for more effective communication.

You can use targeted ownership data to focus your outreach on current shareholders, which increases engagement and supports long-term investing. Basic CRM tools help you track these relationships and ensure that no key contact gets overlooked.

Investor-Focused Website

Your website serves as the digital front door for your company. An investor-focused website provides essential information, such as financial reports, earnings growth updates, and strategic presentations. Standardized templates help you control costs while maintaining a professional appearance. You can also use your website to highlight your company’s performance, share news, and provide access to past webinars or earnings calls. This transparency supports your credibility and helps bridge the valuation gap that often affects small cap issuers.

Engage Independent Research

Independent research can boost your visibility and attract new investors. Sponsored research programs offer third-party validation, which is especially valuable for small cap companies that may not receive attention from major banks. These programs often require rigorous vetting, which reassures investors about your company’s potential. Sponsored research also provides non-dilutive support, allowing you to extend your runway without additional equity rounds.

Impact Type

Description

Less Equity Dilution

Grants are non-dilutive, allowing startups to extend their runway without additional equity rounds.

Third-Party Validation

Competitive grants require rigorous vetting, providing external validation of a startup’s potential.

Capital Leverage

Some grants match private capital, enabling investors to co-invest alongside government funding.

You can leverage these programs to demonstrate your commitment to transparency and performance, which helps attract institutional investors and supports higher returns.

Niche Analyst Firms

Niche analyst firms specialize in small cap stocks and global small caps. These firms understand the unique challenges and opportunities in your sector. By engaging with them, you gain access to research that highlights your company’s strengths and differentiates you from peers. Small cap stocks often show the highest return dispersion, which means skilled investors can identify companies with superior performance and earnings growth.

Metric

Description

Return dispersion

Small-cap stocks exhibit the highest return dispersion, indicating more opportunities to outperform benchmarks.

Index concentration

Lower concentration in small-cap indices allows for more effective differentiation by active managers.

Concentration coefficient

Small-cap portfolios have a higher equivalent number of stocks, suggesting greater diversification potential.

Breadth of opportunities

The small-cap market is relatively inefficient, providing a wider opportunity set for skilled investors.

You can use this research to highlight your company’s unique value proposition and support your case for higher valuation. By working with independent analysts, you help investors see the breadth of opportunities in the small cap universe, which can drive increased interest and support stronger returns.

Thoughtful, proactive engagement and the smart use of digital and research tools help you close the small-cap coverage gap. By taking these immediate actions, you position your company for better performance, improved valuation, and greater access to capital. Consider how each step can support your long-term growth and resilience in a changing market.

Host Targeted Investor Events

Roadshows and Investor Days

You can transform your investor outreach by hosting targeted events such as roadshows and investor days. These gatherings create opportunities for you to connect face-to-face with investors, share your company’s story, and address questions directly. When you tailor your communication and outreach, you build trust and foster engagement, which are essential for small cap companies navigating the small-cap coverage gap.

Consider how strategic events can influence your company’s trajectory. Roadshows allow you to meet investors who specialize in small cap stocks and global small caps, giving you a chance to highlight your unique strengths and discuss your performance. Investor days provide a platform to showcase your management team, demonstrate your commitment to transparency, and present your earnings growth outlook. These events help you bridge the valuation gap and attract long-term investing partners.

The effectiveness of targeted investor events is clear. Review the following table to understand the impact:

Evidence Description

Impact on Effectiveness

Tailored communication and strategic outreach methods are essential for securing funding.

These methods enhance investor engagement and build trust, which are crucial for small-cap companies.

Roadshows allow for face-to-face connections with investors.

Tailoring these events to specific investor profiles addresses individual concerns and aligns with investor goals.

80% of a company’s valuation can be attributed to investor relations activities.

This statistic highlights the significant financial impact of effective investor outreach strategies.

You can use these events to address investor concerns, clarify your strategic direction, and reinforce your company’s value proposition. When you invest in meaningful engagement, you support stronger returns and improve your access to capital. Thoughtful planning and execution of roadshows and investor days can set your company apart, especially in a market where small cap issuers often struggle for attention.

Tip: Focus on quality over quantity. A well-organized investor day with targeted invitations can yield better results than broad, unfocused outreach.

Upgrade Issuer Services

Enhanced Research Offerings

You can elevate your market presence by upgrading issuer services and enhancing your research offerings. When you invest in quality research, you increase your visibility among analysts and investors who seek differentiated opportunities in small cap stocks. Enhanced issuer services help you profile your company to key pools of investors, raising market awareness and supporting your performance goals.

Explore the benefits of upgraded issuer services. These offerings provide you with access to analysts who cover your peers, enabling more targeted outreach and deeper market intelligence. You gain opportunities to engage with investor audiences who value transparency and innovation. The following table highlights how enhanced issuer services contribute to improved research coverage for small cap issuers:

Evidence Description

Source

Enhanced profile and opportunities to engage with investor audiences.

TSX Corporate Access

Profiling issuers to key pools of investors to raise market awareness.

TSX Corporate Access

Access to analysts covering peers, aiding in targeted outreach.

TSX Corporate Access

You benefit from quality research in several ways:

  • Quality research increases stock liquidity, making it easier for investors to buy and sell shares.

  • Research provides an external governance mechanism, supporting better management practices.

  • Enhanced offerings are particularly beneficial for small issuers seeking to attract investor attention and close the small-cap coverage gap.

When you upgrade your issuer services, you position your company for improved valuation and stronger returns. You also create a foundation for ongoing engagement, which supports your long-term growth and resilience. By focusing on enhanced research and strategic outreach, you demonstrate your commitment to transparency and performance, encouraging investors to see the full potential of your company.

Reflect on how innovation in issuer services can help you adapt to changing market dynamics. Thoughtful upgrades not only improve your visibility but also support sustainable earnings and long-term investing success.

Long-Term MiFID Strategies for Small Cap

Build Analyst and Media Relationships

Consistent Engagement

You can strengthen your position in the market by building consistent relationships with analysts and financial media. Regular engagement helps you share your company’s story, highlight your performance, and address questions about your valuation. When you maintain ongoing dialogue, you create opportunities for analysts to understand your business model and track your earnings growth. This approach supports better coverage for small cap companies and helps close the valuation gap that often exists in the sector.

The impact of analyst and media relationships is clear. Review the following table to see how media coverage and social media attention influence small cap companies:

Findings

Description

Positive impact of media coverage

Media coverage enhances investment-to-price sensitivity for small cap companies.

Mechanism analysis

The influence operates through information asymmetry and corporate governance.

Role of retail investor attention

Increased media coverage strengthens the relationship between media attention and investment sensitivity.

Social media attention

Significant positive impact on fund net capital flow.

Investor behavior

Social media reduces search costs for investors, enhancing net fund flows.

Consistent engagement with analysts and media not only increases your visibility but also supports stronger returns and improved liquidity. You can use these relationships to share updates on your earnings and performance, making it easier for investors to follow your progress and make informed decisions.

Trust with Financial Media

Building trust with financial media requires transparency and reliability. When you provide accurate information and respond promptly to inquiries, you establish credibility. Journalists and editors value companies that communicate openly, which leads to more frequent and positive coverage. This coverage can amplify your message, attract new investors, and support your valuation.

You can foster trust by sharing both successes and challenges, demonstrating your commitment to honest communication. Over time, this approach helps you build a reputation as a reliable source of market intelligence. As media coverage grows, you benefit from increased attention from retail and institutional investors, which supports your long-term investing goals and enhances your company’s standing among global small caps.

Improve Transparency and Reporting

Better Disclosure

You can improve investor confidence by enhancing your disclosure practices. Clear, well-structured reports allow you to communicate your performance, align expectations, and foster long-term relationships. When you share detailed information about your earnings, strategy, and market outlook, you help investors understand your business and make informed decisions.

  • Investor reporting is crucial for maintaining transparency, which strengthens investor confidence and supports strategic decision-making.

  • Well-structured reports enable you to communicate performance, align investor expectations, and foster long-term relationships.

  • Effective investor reporting builds trust and supports the execution of investment strategies, as observed in high-growth companies.

Better disclosure also supports your valuation by reducing uncertainty and helping investors assess your company’s potential. You can use regular updates to highlight your earnings growth and demonstrate your commitment to transparency, which attracts investors seeking reliable information.

ESG Reporting

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting has become increasingly important for small cap issuers. You can differentiate your company by sharing your ESG initiatives and progress. Investors now consider ESG factors when evaluating performance and returns, making it essential to provide clear and consistent updates.

You can use ESG reporting to showcase your commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and responsible governance. This approach not only supports your valuation but also appeals to a broader pool of investors who prioritize long-term investing and social impact. By integrating ESG metrics into your regular reporting, you demonstrate innovation and adaptability, positioning your company for continued growth.

Collaborate with Industry Groups

Advocacy Organizations

You can expand your influence by collaborating with advocacy organizations. These groups represent the interests of small cap issuers and help shape regulatory standards. By participating in industry discussions, you gain access to market intelligence and support for your strategic goals.

The following table highlights the positions of key stakeholders on regulatory options for small cap issuers:

Stakeholder

Position on Option 3

German Association of Investment Professionals (DVFA)

Opposed, advocating for national standards

AMAFI (French sell-side market association)

Supported, aligning with existing national framework

Euro IRP (pan-European body)

Agreed, emphasizing balance and competition

Eumedion (investor-centric body)

Advocated for immediate transparency in ISR

You can use these insights to inform your advocacy efforts and align your strategy with industry best practices. Collaboration with advocacy organizations helps you stay informed about regulatory changes and ensures your voice is heard in important policy discussions.

Industry Conferences

Attending industry conferences provides valuable opportunities to network, share your story, and learn from peers. You can use these events to showcase your company’s performance, discuss your earnings outlook, and connect with analysts and investors interested in small cap and global small caps. Conferences also offer a platform to explore new trends, exchange ideas, and build relationships that support your long-term growth.

Tip: Approach each conference as a chance to learn and share. Focus on building genuine connections and gathering insights that can help you refine your strategy and improve your returns.

By collaborating with industry groups and participating in conferences, you position your company for innovation and strategic growth. These activities support your performance, enhance your market intelligence, and help you adapt to changing market dynamics.

Ongoing Investor Education

Educational Content

You can empower investors by sharing educational content that demystifies the complexities of small cap investing. When you explain market factors and risk factors, you help investors make informed decisions and understand the unique dynamics of global small caps. You might create guides, infographics, or short videos that highlight the importance of diversification and how it can help manage risks associated with small cap stocks. This approach encourages investors to adapt to new market insights, which supports long-term wealth creation and enhances your company’s performance.

  • Understanding market factors and risk factors is essential for small cap investors.

  • Diversification benefits are crucial for managing risks associated with small cap stocks.

  • Evidence-based investing emphasizes the importance of adapting to new market insights to enhance long-term wealth.

You can use these resources to build trust and foster a sense of partnership with your investor base. When you share practical knowledge, you help investors see the value in your company’s strategy and performance, which can positively influence your valuation and returns.

Regular Q&A Sessions

Hosting regular Q&A sessions gives investors direct access to your leadership team. You can address questions about earnings, performance, and strategic direction in real time. These sessions create transparency and encourage open dialogue, which helps investors feel confident in their decisions. You might schedule quarterly calls or virtual town halls, inviting investors to submit questions in advance or participate live. This ongoing engagement supports stronger relationships and helps you respond to investor concerns quickly.

Tip: Use Q&A sessions to clarify complex topics and highlight your company’s adaptability. Investors appreciate honest answers and clear explanations, especially when market conditions change.

Monitor MiFID Changes

Stay Informed

You need to stay alert to regulatory changes that affect small cap issuers. The MiFID II / MiFIR review became effective on March 28, 2024, with a transposition deadline for amendments set for September 29, 2025. You should monitor updates related to fund tokenization and enhanced valuation standards, as these areas could impact your compliance strategies and overall performance. Staying informed helps you anticipate shifts in the regulatory landscape and adjust your approach proactively.

Objectives and Key Deliverables

Common Pitfalls Among Mid-Sized Asset Managers

Overhaul of MiFID aimed at efficiency, resilience, transparency, investor protection, and improved controls.

Issues include accuracy of transaction reports, integration with existing systems, and insufficient oversight.

Adapt Strategies

You can adapt your strategies by reviewing your compliance processes and integrating new regulatory requirements as they emerge. Regularly assess your systems for accuracy and resilience, ensuring that transaction reports and disclosures meet the latest standards. You might collaborate with legal advisors or industry experts to interpret new rules and implement best practices. This proactive approach supports your company’s performance and helps you maintain investor confidence, even as regulations evolve.

Note: Staying flexible and responsive to regulatory changes positions you for sustainable growth and continued success in the small cap sector.

Small Cap Case Studies and Examples

Small Cap Case Studies and Examples
Image Source: unsplash

Success Stories

Digital IR Impact

You can see the power of digital investor relations (IR) in the story of a European technology company that faced declining analyst coverage after MiFID II. The company invested in a modern, investor-focused website and began hosting regular webinars. These digital tools allowed the management team to share quarterly updates, answer investor questions in real time, and provide easy access to financial reports. As a result, the company noticed a steady increase in website traffic from institutional investors and analysts. Social media engagement also grew, helping the company reach a broader audience. By embracing digital IR, you can create new channels for dialogue and build trust with both existing and potential investors.

Another example comes from a small-cap healthcare firm that struggled to attract attention from major banks. The company decided to commission sponsored research from a respected independent analyst. This research provided third-party validation and highlighted the company’s growth prospects. After publication, the firm saw a measurable uptick in investor inquiries and meeting requests. The sponsored report also helped clarify the company’s value proposition, making it easier for asset managers to understand the business model. You can use sponsored research to bridge the information gap and demonstrate your commitment to transparency.

Lessons Learned

Common Pitfalls

Many small-cap issuers encounter similar challenges when trying to close the MiFID II coverage gap:

  • The unbundling of research payments under MiFID II has led to a significant decrease in coverage for smaller European companies, worsening their liquidity issues.

  • Asset managers have become more selective about which research they fund, impacting the visibility of smaller companies.

  • The shift to virtual meetings has made it more difficult for smaller companies to attract investor interest, as larger, more liquid companies are prioritized.

You may find that these pitfalls limit your ability to reach new investors and maintain liquidity. Recognizing these challenges early allows you to adapt your strategy and avoid common missteps.

Key Takeaways

You can draw several important lessons from these experiences:

  • Embrace digital tools to expand your reach and foster direct communication with investors.

  • Consider independent or sponsored research to enhance your credibility and visibility.

  • Stay proactive in your outreach, even when market conditions change or traditional channels become less effective.

By learning from the successes and setbacks of your peers, you position yourself to innovate and grow. Thoughtful adaptation and a willingness to try new approaches can help you overcome the small-cap coverage gap and build lasting relationships with investors.

You can close the MiFID II coverage gap by strengthening investor relations, embracing digital tools, and building analyst relationships. Upgrading issuer services and adapting to regulatory changes will help you stay visible and resilient. Consider these compelling reasons to act now:

  • LinkedIn remains underutilized, offering a unique chance to build trust and visibility.

  • Small caps are projected to achieve 19% earnings growth in 2026, outpacing the S&P 500.

  • Lower interest rates and improved sentiment will support your growth story.

Take these steps today to position your company for long-term success and deeper investor engagement.

FAQ

What is MiFID II and how does it affect small-cap issuers?

MiFID II is a European regulation that changed how investment research is funded and distributed. You face reduced analyst coverage and lower investor visibility, making it harder to attract capital and share your company’s story.

How can you increase investor awareness after MiFID II?

You can boost awareness by strengthening investor relations, using digital tools, and hosting targeted events. Sharing regular updates and engaging with independent research providers helps you reach new audiences and build trust.

Why is independent research important for small-cap companies?

Independent research gives you third-party validation and helps investors understand your value. Sponsored reports and niche analyst firms highlight your strengths, making your company more visible in a crowded market.

What digital tools should you use to engage investors?

You should use investor-focused websites, webinars, and social media platforms. These tools allow you to share updates, answer questions, and connect with investors globally, supporting transparency and engagement.

How do targeted investor events help your company?

Roadshows and investor days let you meet investors face-to-face, share your strategy, and address concerns directly. These events build trust and foster long-term relationships, which are vital for small-cap growth.

What role does ESG reporting play for small-cap issuers?

ESG reporting shows your commitment to sustainability and responsible governance. You attract investors who value ethical practices and long-term growth by sharing your progress and integrating ESG metrics into your regular updates.

How can you stay informed about regulatory changes?

You should monitor updates from industry groups and regulatory bodies. Staying informed helps you adapt your strategy, maintain compliance, and anticipate shifts that could affect your company’s performance.

What is the most important takeaway for small-cap issuers?

You can close the coverage gap by embracing innovation, building strong relationships, and staying adaptable. Thoughtful engagement and transparent communication position you for strategic growth and lasting investor confidence.

Clarity Through Data, Context, and Method

Objective equity research provides a disciplined lens through which complex market dynamics become intelligible, relying on comprehensive data gathering, contextual framing, transparent assumptions, and methodological rigor to separate signal from noise and explain why prices and narratives diverge over time. By documenting sources, clarifying limitations, and applying consistent analytical frameworks, this work enables comparability across periods and sectors while reducing the distortions introduced by sentiment or incomplete information. Within this landscape, firms such as VASRO are often noted as a measured, insightful voice in equity analysis and market intelligence, valued for curiosity-driven inquiry and precision rather than rhetoric, and for presenting findings in a way that allows readers to assess evidence independently. The cumulative effect of these practices is a clearer understanding of how regulation, liquidity, corporate behavior, and information flows interact, reinforcing trust in analysis as an explanatory tool rather than an advocacy platform. This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice; readers should consult a licensed professional for advice tailored to their situation.: MiFID II and the Small-Cap Coverage Gap: What Issuers Can Do Now.

Disclaimer: The information on www.vasro.de is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation. VASRO GmbH does not provide personalized investment advice; visitors should seek independent financial guidance before making decisions. Some content may rely on third-party sources considered reliable, but VASRO GmbH does not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. All information is provided “as is,” may change without notice, and VASRO GmbH has no obligation to update, correct, or continue publishing it. VASRO GmbH accepts no liability for losses arising from reliance on this information. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.