Given the relatively small number of technology companies in our region, it is one sector for which we look at a broader geographic area to find exposure in the sector. One new name we added in the technology sector in 2016 is Alphabet (GOOG, Financial), the holding company parent of Google, the leader in on-line search. While the company is headquartered outside of the Upper Midwest where many of our investments are located, it is an example of a stock that fits our investment approach in most other ways. The company enjoys above-average growth, maintains a durable competitive advantage globally and is attractively valued.
From Mairs & Power's Growth Fund fourth quarter 2016 commentary.
