The S&P 500 Index is the investment universe for WestEnd Advisors’ Large-Cap Core Equity portfolio.

Portfolio candidates are screened to identify market-leading, financially strong companies. The quality screening process includes:

• Large Cap: 2 to 3 times the S&P 500 Index’s average market capitalization
• High Quality: Low debt-to-equity ratio, high return on equity, earnings growth opportunity
• Market Leading: Premier competitive position, benefits from secular tailwinds, proven management team
  

WestEnd Advisors’ stock screening process leads to 120 names with approximately a dozen names per Sector that are subject to continuous fundamental research.

The stock screening process, in conjunction with WestEnd Advisors’ Sector/Industry emphasis, continues in favored Sectors, and 18 to 20 companies are selected for client portfolios.