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About

    Our Firm

    Founded in 1996, Hillsdale Investment Management is an independent, employee-controlled, and client-aligned investment boutique managing over $4 billion on behalf of a select group of sophisticated institutional and private wealth investors. We engage in disciplined active investment management, specializing in equities, alternatives, ESG, and customized mandates. We are committed to producing the highest quality equity investment strategies. Hillsdale is recognized for investment and service excellence – a reflection of its relentless pursuit of research and development and of the dedication of its employees.

    Facts at a Glance

    28
    Years in business
    180+
    Clients
    46+
    Staff
    23
    Postgraduate degrees
    19
    CFA Charterholders
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    Principles

    The lifeblood of Hillsdale’s investment culture is constant improvement – in our investment process and knowledge base. We value curiosity, humility and resilience, and we strive to build and maintain an open, collegial and dynamic environment where people are driven to discover new investment insights, challenge the obsoletes and, ultimately, make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

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    Values

    These core values are central to Hillsdale’s culture and success.

    Curiosity

    A penchant for seeking out new experience, original knowledge, candid feedback and an openness to learning and change.

    Engagement

    A knack for using interaction and logic to communicate a persuasive vision and to work with people.

    Humility

    The mature ability to maintain a balanced perspective and to rely on intrinsic self-worth. 

    Integrity

    Being conscious about ethical issues and having the courage to integrate multiple perspectives and approaches to take sound actions.  

    Motivation

    A fierce commitment to excel in the pursuit of big collective goals and a powerful ambition to leave one’s mark.

    Resilience

    The wherewithal to fight for difficult goals despite challenges, and to bounce back from adversity.

    History of Innovation

    1996

    Small Cap Equity: Hillsdale starts Canadian and US Small Cap Equity Strategies.

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    2000

    Long/Short Equity: Hillsdale launches Canadian and US Long/Short Equity Strategies, two of the earliest long/short equity strategies in Canada.

    2007

    130/30 Equity: Hillsdale adds Active Extension strategies.

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    2009

    Core Equity: Hillsdale introduces Canadian Core Equity Strategy.

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    2010

    Absolute Return Equity: Hillsdale develops Hedged Absolute Return Strategy.

    2011

    Minimum Risk Equity: Hillsdale adds Smart Beta Strategies.

    Return Premia: Hillsdale enters the return premia space with the introduction of the Canadian Value Momentum Quality Strategy.

    2012

    Return Premia: Hillsdale launches the Canadian Quality Income Equity Strategy.

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    2013

    Global Small Cap Equity: Hillsdale goes global with the launch of our Global, International and Global Ex US Small Cap Equity Strategies.

    2019

    Global Equity: Hillsdale expands global offerings to include Global Equity Strategy and Global Mega Cap Strategy. 

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    2020

    ESG Integration: Hillsdale launches bespoke Canadian Momentum ESG Strategy featuring best-in-class Corporate Governance and strict carbon budgeting.

    2021

    US Micro Cap: Hillsdale launches a US Micro Cap Equity Strategy.

    2023

    Extension: Hillsdale designs a core style Canadian Equity 130/30 Strategy.

    2024

    Canadian Mega Cap Equity: Hillsdale expands Canadian offerings to include a Canadian Mega Cap Equity Strategy.

    ESG Integration: Hillsdale's Global Equity Strategies integrate a standalone ESG stock selection strategy, one of 13 distinct stock selection strategies.

    Future

    What's Next: Hillsdale is committed to producing the highest quality investment strategies.

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    2019
    2020
    2021
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    2024
    Future

    If you want to go far,
    go with many.

    Christopher Guthrie, President & CEO

    People

    The process of building lasting excellence is long, labourious, and sometimes ambiguous. We believe that in this journey, it is more rewarding to work with those who understand what it takes and who appreciate that the whole can be stronger than the sum of its parts.

    Hillsdale attracts exceptional individuals who are keen to foster and advance our culture. We bring together a team of professionals with diverse, yet complementary, skillsets and backgrounds. They join us from top academic programs and leading industry firms. Many spend years building their success with Hillsdale, becoming our invaluable partners.

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    Ted Chen
    B.Sc.

    Co-Chief Investment Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager, Partner
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    Careers

    Hillsdale is constantly seeking exceptional people to join our team. We offer a unique and independent work environment with opportunity for advanced learning and growth. If our culture and values speak to you, we would like to hear from you.


     

    Meeting

    Advocacy


    The Hillsdale Investment Management - CFA Society Toronto Research Award

    At Hillsdale, we believe in seeking out different perspectives. We believe this is key to raising the quality of discussions, to innovating, and to adapting – all of which are vital to the long-term success of our industry, our firm and our relationships with investors.

    To this end, Hillsdale helped establish one of the most prestigious investment research awards in Canada: the Hillsdale Investment Management - CFA Society Toronto Research Award. The aim of the award is to advance the knowledge and understanding of the practice of investment management through the publication of high-quality, practitioner-relevant research.

    This $10,000 CAD Award is open to all those conducting research related to Canadian capital markets. Areas of research interest include all aspects of investment management, including portfolio management, asset valuation, risk management, ESG integration, compliance and performance evaluation. Investment fields include traditional and alternative investments, as well as all asset classes and investment vehicles such as fixed income, equities, and derivatives.

    Learn more about the award
     


    Canadian Coalition for Good Governance

    Hillsdale is an active member of CCGG. Representing the interests of institutional investors, CCGG promotes good governance practices in Canadian public companies and the improvement of the regulatory environment to best align the interests of boards and management with those of their shareholders, and to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the Canadian capital markets.

    Hillsdale engages annually with over 35 Canadian public companies at the board of directors level  in cooperation with the Canadian Coalition of Good Governance (CCGG).  In addition, Hillsdale engages directly with company management of its largest holdings in its Canadian Small and Micro Cap accounts  We continue to defend our clients against takeovers and buyouts at prices that do not represent Fair Value.

    Hillsdale is co-author of "The Directors' E+S Guidebook", which provides practical insights and recommendations for effective board oversight of Environmental and Social matters.  Hillsdale endorses the CCGG’s Stewardship Principles.

    Hillsdale has used Corporate Governance data in its security selection since 2012.

    Learn more about CCGG

    Principles for Responsible Investing

    “We are delighted to welcome Hillsdale Investment Management on board as a signatory” commented Fiona Reynolds, CEO of the PRI. “It is great to see their commitment to incorporating ESG and responsible investing practices, and we look forward to working together in future.” – Fiona Reynolds, Managing Director, PRI

    The PRI is the world’s leading proponent of responsible investment. Supported by the United Nations, it works to understand the investment implications of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and to support its international network of investor signatories in incorporating these factors into their investment and ownership decisions. Launched in New York in 2006, the PRI has grown to more than 3,600 signatories, managing over $103 trillion AUM. 

    Learn more about PRI

    CDP is a non-profit organization that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. Over 9,600 companies reported through CDP and over 590 investors with over US$110 trillion in assets requested companies disclose through CDP on climate change, water security and forests.

    Learn more about CDP

    ESG

    Hillsdale has practiced ESG integration and implementation since 2011. Factors from multiple ESG databases are considered and evaluated in our investment process on a strategy by strategy and client by client basis alongside all other potential alpha and risk signals. Our factor library contains over 2500 factors in 6 frequencies on 40,000 global stocks.

    Hillsdale’s ESG integration capabilities include screening, budgeting, tilting, best in class, thematic, engagement, and impact.

    Our commitment to ESG integration is evident in our membership and support of the Principles of Responsible Investing (PRI), the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance (CCGG), including the Directors E&S Guidebook and the CCGG's Stewardship Principles, and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

    Proxy Voting

    In 2023, Hillsdale voted 17,688 proxies for the companies in its pooled funds as well as on behalf of clients in their separate accounts. The “against” votes were cast to oppose unaligned compensation, to counter excessive dilution of shareholder interests, to challenge the lack of director independence and diversity, and to defend our investors’ rights to secure Fair Value in the event of takeovers and management buyouts.

    Hillsdale Proxy Voting Summary 2023

    Hillsdale Proxy Voting Summary 2022

    Hillsdale Proxy Voting Summary 2021

    Hillsdale Proxy Voting Summary 2020

    Hillsdale Proxy Voting Summary 2019

    Hillsdale Proxy Voting Summary 2018

    Hillsdale Proxy Voting Summary 2017

    Hillsdale Proxy Voting Summary 2016

    Hillsdale Proxy Voting Summary 2015

    Carbon Emissions

    Hillsdale has been measuring and monitoring Greenhouse Gas Emissions for our clients since 2019. Hillsdale’s factor library contains Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Intensity factors for companies around the world. These factors are assessed and evaluated alongside all other potential alpha and risk signals, providing another lens through which we assess stocks.

    We believe that understanding client climate and sustainability preferences is essential to ensuring an alignment between investor preferences and strategy implementation. Our institutional investment services team, working with the portfolio management team, meets with clients at least annually to understand how their preferences towards climate change have evolved. Each client account is reviewed at least annually to ensure that a client’s objectives, constraints and preferences are effectively reflected and implemented in their strategies.

    We measure and monitor the carbon footprint of all our strategies and can integrate custom parameters and budgets for our clients.

    Hillsdale Portfolios Scope 1+2 Carbon Emissions 2023

    Hillsdale Portfolios Scope 1+2 Carbon Emissions 2022

    Hillsdale Portfolios Scope 1+2 Carbon Emissions 2021

    Hillsdale Portfolios Scope 1+2 Carbon Emissions 2020

    Hillsdale Portfolios Scope 1+2 Carbon Emissions 2019

    Industry Associations

    Hillsdale is a member of the following industry associations:

    Alternative Investment Management Association
    AIMA promotes the best interests of the alternative investment industry in order to enhance the wider understanding of its function. AIMA is closely aligned with policy makers, legislators and regulatory authorities around the world, also collaborating with key governments and authorities on proposed legislation and consultation.


    Portfolio Managers Association of Canada 
    The Portfolio Management Association of Canada (PMAC) is a forum for Portfolio Management firms to share best practices and industry knowledge. PMAC was formerly known as the Investment Counsel Association of Canada (ICAC). The new name Portfolio Management Association of Canada was launched in 2010 to reflect growth, national membership and diversity of its membership managing private client, pension, foundations and other institutional client portfolios.
     


    Employees of Hillsdale are members of the following:

    CFA Society Toronto
    CFA Society Toronto is a not-for-profit organization affiliated with CFA Institute, the global body that administers the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) curriculum and sets voluntary, ethics-based performance-reporting standards for the investment industry. CFA Society Toronto is Canada’s largest Society of CFA Charterholders and is dedicated to supporting the professional and business development of over 10,000 members. They provide members with a local perspective on a global designation through the member services.
     


    Chicago Quantitative Alliance
    The primary goal of the group is to facilitate the interchange of ideas between leading quantitative professionals. The discussion is focused on practitioner issues and involves active participation by all members.
     

    Multi-Employer Benefit Plan Council of Canada
    MEBCO represents the interests of Canadian multi-employer pension and benefits plans with provincial and federal governments regarding proposed or existing legislation and policies affecting these plans.
     


    Q Group - The Institute for Quantitative Research in Finance
    Advancing the practice of global investment management by connecting investment professionals with rigorous research and ideas at the frontier of the industry. Through its seminars and programs, Q Group promotes excellence in research that demonstrates grounded logic and disciplined scientific methodology in finance, economics and those crossing disciplines. With an interest in research for applications, for 50 years Q Group has provided a forum for investment professionals to engage the academic community in a spirited dialogue.

    Knowledge Bank

    To continually inspire, refine and adapt our process and philosophy, we have always drawn on formative academic and applied research. Please see our Research section for articles which have contributed to our learning journey.

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    Community

    We aim to make a difference.
     

    This philosophy extends beyond our jobs and clients. Hillsdale is dedicated to enhancing the communities in which we work and live. Our firm supports a diverse group of high quality charities and organizations.

    The Hillsdale Workplace Giving Program matches employees’ charitable donations up to $500/year providing employees the opportunity to double their donation to their favourite charities. 

    We support

    • Against Malaria Foundation
    • AIM for SEVA
    • Alzheimer Society Canada
    • Alzheimer Society Peel
    • Anorexie et boulimie Québec
    • Art Gallery of Ontario
    • Baycrest Foundation
    • BayCrest Pro Am
    • Big Brothers Big Sisters Toronto
    • Brockville and District Hospital Foundation
    • Camp Misquah
    • Canada India Foundation
    • Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
    • Canadian Cancer Society
    • Canadian Circadians
    • Canadian Olympic Foundation
    • Cedar Park Hockey
    • Child Development Institute
    • Chinese Martyr's Catholic Parish
    • Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto
    • Covenant House Toronto
    • Doctors Without Borders
    • Down Syndrome Research Foundation
    • Eva's Initiatives for Homeless Youth
    • ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development
    • Ernestine’s Shelter for Women
    • Fred Victor
    • Habitat for Humanity Durham Inc.
    • Hatzoloh Toronto
    • Heart and Stroke Foundation
    • Help Us Help
    • Humber River Health Foundation
    • Junior Achievement of Central Ontario
    • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
    • Kids, Cops & Computers
    • La Foundation de L'hopital
    • Last Post Fund
    • Lay Up
    • Lions Gate Hospital Foundation
    • Loran Scholars Foundation
    • Mary's Meals
    • Mazol Shrine Hospital Transportation Fund
    • Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary
    • Movember Foundation
    • Myseum of Toronto
    • Nanny Angel Network
    • Oakville Hospital Foundation
    • Operation Smile
    • Portage
    • Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
    • Procyon Wildlife
    • Project Give Back
    • Prostate Cancer Canada
    • Providence Healthcare Foundation
    • Red Cross
    • Ride to Conquer Cancer
    • Right To Play
    • Save a Child’s Heart
    • Sharelife
    • SickKids Foundation
    • Sinai Health Foundation
    • St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church
    • The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
    • The Redwood
    • The Salvation Army
    • The Terry Fox Foundation
    • The Toronto Public Library
    • The War Amputations of Canada
    • Toronto Chinese Evangelical Ministerial Fellowship
    • Truth and Life Worship
    • UNICEF
    • United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto
    • United Way Centraide Canada
    • Vedanta Cultural Foundation Canada
    • Vijay Anand Foundation
    • Village Community Foundation
    • Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation
    • West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation
    • World Central Kitchen
    • World Vision Canada
    • Yachad - The National Jewish Council for Disabilities
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