HEAD-TO-HEAD: MFS versus Morgan Stanley

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Manager review

MFS and Morgan Stanley are known for their team-focused approach to fund management, according to McDermott.

Jeffrey Constantino has been the lead manager of the MFS Meridian US Concentrated Growth Fund since 2007, and he joined the firm in 2000. Joseph Skorski, who has worked for MFS since 2007, became co-portfolio manager in July last year.

The fund benefits from strong resources, with lead manager Constantino having access to the support of more than 100 analysts.

Morningstar reports that MFS has 25 US and 36 non-US equity analysts who divide responsibilities across eight global sectors. In addition, the firm’s 44 credit analysts provide insights across the capital structure, and a nine-member quantitative research team provides risk-management support.

Turning to the Morgan Stanley fund, lead manager Dennis Lynch joined the firm in 1997 and is the head of the New York based US Growth team. He is also lead portfolio manager for the mid-, large- and multi-cap growth strategies, and co-manager of the small cap growth strategy, according to McDermott.

He is supported by several deputy managers on the $12.75bn US Advantage Fund, including Alexander Norton and Armistead Nash. The team is stable, and hasn’t suffered significant departures for several years.

Lynch has led Morgan Stanley’s “Counterpoint Global” team for 21 years, and is a former US Morningstar fund manager of the year.

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