Frederick L. Plautz

Thrivent utilizes certain general assumptions relating to the market and interest and other rates including, but not limited to, rates of investment performance, inflation rates and tax rates. The firm invests client assets in a variety of securities, including but not limited to, listed and unlisted stocks, ETF, ETNs, bonds, certain open-end mutual funds (load-waived and no-load), closed-end funds, certain options positions (excluding those that involve the use of margin), commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and municipal securities.

A team of portfolio managers, research analysts and traders is responsible for the management of each equity portfolio. They employ a bottom-up approach, using proprietary research to analyze and evaluate securities on a stock-by-stock basis. The research process begins with a diverse universe of companies. For each company in the universe, analysts develop earnings and revenue estimates. The analysts use those forecasts to calculate 13 value, growth and risk variables, which are used to rank each stock. Using the forecast and ranking information, the analysts then code the stocks on a 5-point scale - from 1, which is the most attractive to 5, which is the least attractive. The equity teams review the recommendations and create an overall assessment of the stock. The teams select stocks for the portfolios that are attractively priced with improving fundamentals. In choosing fixed income securities, BOIA seeks to avoid market timing and interest rate speculation in favor of strategies providing more consistent value over time. The teams construct the portfolios by using a process that combines specific security selection with macro bond market factors. The firm's fixed income teams actively manage all aspects of the fixed income market using risk-management techniques to minimize volatility and add value through yield curve, sector, issue and duration decisions.

FIMCO offers a broad range of investment strategies, from liquidity solutions to high active share global and regional equities to active credit and private markets. Each investment team works with Responsible Investing Office personnel as they look to incorporate proprietary ESG tools and insights from our in-house engagement and stewardship team, EOS at Federated Hermes.

Functions as a College/University