Lazard’s fund gets ‘recommended’ rating from Zenith
Lazard Australian Diversified Income Fund, which invests in companies with a dividend yield above the cash rate and capital appreciation potential, has been granted a “recommended” rating by Zenith.
The research house recognised the fund for being “most appropriate for investors seeking income generation from an equity exposure with a relatively lower tolerance for risk”, as well as its “robust and in-depth” stock selection process employed by the team.
“Zenith has a high level of regard for Lazard’s Australian equity team, given its experienced investment professionals and robust investment process,” Zenith said in a report.
“In addition, Zenith believes the fund offers a relatively unique process which aims to balance the objectives of optimising income and capital growth, whilst emphasising capital protection.
“The fund offers investors a value-style, domestic equities portfolio, which is differentiated from other value funds by its focus on generating a higher tax-advantaged income yield.”
The fund, which was first launched in 2012, aimed to provide regular, tax-effective income by investing in Australian companies with sustainable dividends.
According to FE Analytics, the fund returned 9.45 per cent over the last three years which was much higher than the sector’s average which returned 4.63 per cent.
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