About ESPAX
Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund Class A is a U.S. equity mutual fund designed to pursue long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in small-capitalization companies. The fund targets firms with market capitalizations that fall within the range of the Russell 2000® Index, seeking stocks that management believes offer the potential for above-average growth with below-average risk. Using a disciplined, valuation-driven process, the fund emphasizes investments in companies with strong asset bases, resilient balance sheets, and the ability to generate sustainable free cash flow, helping to provide some insulation from the volatility characteristic of small-cap stocks.
Diversification is achieved through a broad portfolio—typically holding around 120 to 130 positions—across various sectors such as industrials, financial services, basic materials, and consumer goods. Key holdings often include firms like Innospec, Mueller Industries, and Franklin Electric. The fund is recognized for its focus on companies that may be undervalued or temporarily out of favor, and for maintaining a relatively low portfolio turnover, which can help manage trading costs. Since its inception in 1993, the fund has established itself as a significant player within the small-cap value space, offering investors targeted exposure to the dynamic segment of U.S. small-cap equities.
Fund Family Allspring Global Investments
Category Small Value
Performance Rating Below Average
Risk Rating Below Average
Stock Exchange NASDAQ
Ticker Symbol ESPAX
Share Class Class A
Index Russell 2000 Value TR
ESPAX had a total return of 12.55% in the past year, including dividends. Since the fund's
inception, the average annual return has been 8.74%.
