However, the firm has undergone a period of more portfolio manager turnover than its peers. Turnover in the portfolio-management ranks can happen for a number of reasons, including mergers and liquidations, portfolio managers moving into other roles, or portfolio managers leaving the firm. In some cases, such change may not signal a serious or immediate problem at the firm, but can still be disruptive for investors, hinder the effectiveness of a firm’s investment processes, or suggest a weaker investment culture. Applied Finance has showcased a durable product shelf. This is demonstrated by the firm's five-year success ratio of 100%, meaning that 100% of its products have both survived and beaten their respective category median. A high success ratio indicates good performance and provides insight into a firm’s discipline around investment strategy and product development. The firm charges fees on its open-end and exchange-traded funds that are on par with category peers. On average, fees on its funds are within the middle quintile, giving it neither an advantage nor disadvantage compared with the competition.
Applied Finance earns an Above Average Parent Pillar rating because of its ability to stand out in an increasingly competitive field.