William Blair & Company enjoys a decades-long reputation for providing in-depth investment analysis on quality growth companies within five industry sectors. Our approach differs from that of most other firms in that no attempt is made to provide research on all or most of the companies within a given industry. Instead, the role of the analyst at William Blair & Company is to select and follow only those companies that have above-average growth prospects and above-average quality--the thesis being that investing in these companies will generate above-average returns over the long term.

We use a number of factors in selecting a coverage universe of high-quality companies with good growth prospects. Among them are the company's product line, level of service and, most important, the company's management. In terms of growth, analysts look for companies that can sustain annual earnings gains of 15% or more over the long term. The research universe is almost evenly divided among micro-cap, small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap stocks. In addition, the universe is well diversified geographically, with the companies based throughout the United States.

We sponsor an annual Growth Stock Conference in Chicago, with presentations by senior management representatives from approximately 200 companies. The conference is distinguished in the industry by the broad spectrum of industries represented, from technology to health care to consumer, and features companies of all sizes, from micro-cap to mega-cap.