SQM research has awarded Ausbil’s MicroCap Fund a 4 star “Superior” rating. The 4 star “Superior” rating indicates that the Fund is suitable for inclusion on most approved product lists, outperforms (or is likely to outperform) its peers and benchmark most of the time and has a management team of a very high calibre.
“The MicroCap team is highly qualified and competent, integrating well into the overall Ausbil team and investment framework. A strong and long running track record of high achievement in risk and return outcomes appears to be continuing in the early days of the new teams’ management.”
The Fund is a concentrated portfolio of 40 to 50 stocks and invests outside the Top 200 stocks listed on the ASX. Whereas the majority of the microcap funds bias the ex 300 space, the Ausbil Fund biases the ex-200 space given its superior liquidity and quality characteristics. The Fund is managed by Mason Willoughby-Thomas, Portfolio Manager and Arden Jennings, Co-Portfolio Manager.
To the end of April 2018, the Fund returned 25.6% per annum (net of fees) since inception in February 2010. During the last 12 months it returned 28.6% (net of fees) versus 25.0% for the benchmark, the S&P/ASX Emerging Companies Index. For the full performance of the Fund click here for the latest Performance Report.
“We have maintained a meaningful overweight to infrastructure and mining services companies. We’ve recently pared back exposure to metals and mining but retain a positive view on the battery storage thematic. We’re cautious about domestic consumer stocks,” commented Willoughby-Thomas.
Investors may access the Fund directly via the Product Disclosure Statement (minimum investment is $20,000) or via their preferred platforms.
“Mason and Arden continue to demonstrate their expertise in this part of the market and we’re delighted that consultants and platforms are acknowledging this,” said Mark Knight, Head of Distribution.
Ausbil – Putting our heads together on the MicroCap fund to unearth the unsung.
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About Ausbil
Ausbil Investment Management Limited is a leading Australian based Investment Manager. Established in April 1997, Ausbil’s core business is the management of Australian equities for major superannuation funds, institutional investors, master trust and retail clients. Ausbil is owned by its employees and New York Life Insurance Company. As at 30 April 2018, Ausbil manage over $11.2 billion in funds under management. The Ausbil MicroCap Fund is managed by Mason Willoughby-Thomas and Arden Jennings.
Disclaimer: Unless otherwise specified, any information contained in the publication is current as at the date of this release and is prepared by Ausbil Investment Management Limited (ABN 26 076 316 473 AFSL 229722) (Ausbil). Ausbil is the issuer of the Ausbil MicroCap Fund (ARSN 130 664 872) (Fund.) This release contains general information only and the information provided is factual and does not constitute financial product advice. It does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on it, you should seek independent financial and tax advice about the appropriateness to your objectives, financial situation and needs. The value of an investment and the income from it can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Unless otherwise stated, performance figures are calculated net of fees and assume distributions are reinvested. Due to rounding the figures in the holdings, breakdowns may not add up to 100%. No guarantee or warranty is made to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any statements, estimates, opinions or other information contained herein (any of which may change without notice) and should not be relied upon as a representation express or implied as to any future or current matter. You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement which is available at www.ausbil.com.au before acquiring or investing in the Fund.
The rating contained in this document is issued by SQM Research Pty Ltd ABN 93 122 592 036. SQM Research is an investment research firm that undertakes research on investment products exclusively for its wholesale clients, utilising a proprietary review and star rating system. The SQM Research star rating system is of a general nature and does not take into account the particular circumstances or needs of any specific person. The rating may be subject to change at any time. Only licensed financial advisers may use the SQM Research star rating system in determining whether an investment is appropriate to a person’s particular circumstances or needs. You should read the product disclosure statement and consult a licensed financial adviser before making an investment decision in relation to this investment product. SQM Research receives a fee from the Fund Manager for the research and rating of the managed investment scheme.
