On a position level, however, a chemical company was the Fund’s loss leader. Minerals Technologies (NYSE:MTX) provides minerals-based value-added products. Overall revenue growth has slowed in part due to tepid demand in steel and paper production— two of its key end markets. The decelerating pace of industrial growth in China also hurt during the second half of 2015 as that country has become a market of growing importance. Consistent with its history, management has maintained solid profit margins in the face of weaker sales. The company also authorized a share repurchase program in September, signaling a long-term confidence in the business which we share.
From Royce Funds' Small-Cap Leaders Fund 2015 annual shareholder letter.
