Ariel Investments, an investment management company, published its Q4 2025 investor letter “Ariel International Fund.” A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Ariel International Fund delivered a strong performance in 2025, gaining 31.48% over the year, slightly outperforming the MSCI EAFE index but lagging the MSCI ACWI ex-US benchmark, while rising 2.25% in the fourth quarter. The fund benefited from a constructive global backdrop marked by declining inflation, resilient earnings and improving conditions in Europe and Japan, although it lagged benchmarks during the quarter. During the quarter, the fund expanded its portfolio with multiple new positions in global banks, technology, industrial and consumer companies, while exiting several holdings for valuation reasons. Looking ahead, management sees greater opportunities in international equities driven by improving fundamentals, political support and broader market leadership beyond US mega-cap stocks, and remains focused on high-quality, undervalued companies with strong balance sheets and long-term growth potential. Also, check out the Fund’s top five holdings to learn your best picks in 2025.
In its Q4 2025 investor letter, Ariel International Fund highlighted stocks like Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS). Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) is a global financial services institution providing investment banking, retail banking and wealth management services in international markets. Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS)’s monthly performance was -0.27%, while its shares traded between $12.14 and $27.70 over the past 52 weeks. On April 2, 2026, Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) stock closed at approximately $21.80 per share, with a market capitalization of approximately $74.693 million.
Ariel International Fund stated the following regarding Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) in its Q4 2025 investor letter:
“Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) Stocks rose on the back of higher earnings, driven by strong investment banking and disciplined risk management. The bank is benefiting from improving market conditions, stable interest income and strategic flexibility through its US consumer business. Meanwhile, management is progressing as planned, with advances in corporate banking, consumer lending and investment banking. Efficiency gains and margin improvements are bolstering profitability, while a clear roadmap to shareholder returns underlines confidence in long-term value creation. With attractive growth prospects and a compelling valuation, we believe Barclays stands out as a well-positioned player in the sector.”
