Akre Focus ETF (AKRE)
AKRE: A Hold As Performance Surprises On The Upside, Yet Concerns Remain
I maintain the Hold rating on the Akre Focus ETF. AKRE has surprised on the upside since my May article, outperforming the S&P 500 against a rather challenging backdrop, chiefly thanks to its application software picks. AKRE's portfolio of 17 stocks has demonstrated slight improvements in terms of growth, GARP, and quality characteristics, which is encouraging but insufficient for a rating upgrade.
AKRE: Ultra-Concentrated Strategy Worth Following Despite Severe Underperformance
I initiate coverage of the Akre Focus ETF with a Hold rating. Since conversion into an ETF in October 2025, the ultra-concentrated AKRE has severely underperformed IVV and RSP amid the software rout. Its AUM has declined by about 41%. However, performance of its predecessor fund, which had the same investment philosophy, was quite robust, as illustrated by 10 full calendar years of outperformance vs. the S&P 500 since 2009.
Akre Focus ETF Q1 2026 Commentary
The Akre Focus ETF's first quarter 2026 performance was -19.40% compared with the S&P 500 Total Return of -4.33%, primarily driven by severe valuation multiple contraction. The gap between growth expectations and the Akre Focus ETF's valuation reached its widest point since September 2016, making valuation a potential tailwind for returns. Akre Capital sees large-language models and AI-based coding tools as important sources of value enhancement for high-quality incumbent software and information services businesses at a manageable cost.
Cross Staff Loads Up on 289,000 Shares of AKRE
Acquired 289,630 shares in AKRE with an estimated trade value of $18.97 million. Quarter-end position value increased by $18.97 million, reflecting both the new stake and price movement.
Ironwood Investment Counsel Bets $22.6 Million on Chuck Akre's Concentrated Growth Strategy
This asset manager targets quality U.S. equities with strong shareholder returns and reinvestment potential.
Mesirow Financial Investment Management Buys 2 Million Shares of Akre Focus ETF
Mesirow Financial Investment Management bought 2,012,662 shares of Akre Focus ETF (AKRE) in the fourth quarter. The firm's 13F disclosed a stake valued at $131.8 million at the end of the fourth quarter.
Lynx Investment Advisory Buy $5 Million of Akre Focus ETF
Lynx Investment Advisory bought 87,467 shares in the fourth quarter. The firm's 13F shows a stake valued at $5.7 million at the end of the quarter.
Urban Financial Buys $29 Million of Akre Focus ETF
Urban Financial Advisory bought 440,266 shares of Akre Focus ETF in the fourth quarter. The firm's 13F for the quarter showed the position valued at $28.8 million.
Affiance Financial Bets $43 Million on Chuck Akre's "Compounding Machines" ETF
Bought 656,658 shares in AKRE, estimated at $43.02 million based on quarterly average pricing. Quarter-end value of the new stake increased by $43.02 million, reflecting valuation change including price moves.
One Fund Just Bet $3 Million on an ETF Down 10% During a Bull Market
S.A. Mason disclosed a new stake in the Akre Focus ETF. The company acquired 45,209 shares with an estimated value of $2.96 million at quarter-end.
This $18 Million Bet Made One ETF 12% of a Portfolio Built for Compounders
Lighthouse Wealth Management opened a new stake of 277,954 shares in the AKRE Focus ETF. The quarter-end position value increased by $18.21 million, reflecting the initiation of the new position.
This Adviser Added a $7 Million Stake in an ETF Built on 3 Core Ideas
Oklahoma-based JBR Co Financial bought 108,793 shares of the Akre Focus ETF in the fourth quarter. The estimated transaction size was $7.13 million based on quarter-end pricing.
Canal Capital Management adds Akre Focus ETF
The manager bought over 175,000 shares. The position had an $11.5 million value at year end.
Why We Are Converting To An ETF
Akre Focus Fund is converting from a mutual fund to an ETF, becoming AKRE, effective October 27. Certain mutual fund operating and distribution costs are eliminated, which means we can reduce the expense ratio. The Fund's more than 16-year track record of compounding continues uninterrupted.