imgbd Fund Focus: ICICI Prudential Balanced Fund

This balanced fund outperformed Nifty 100% of times

S. Naren, CIO, ICICI Prudential MF

10th June 2017

In a nutshell

On a 3 year rolling return basis, ICICI Prudential Balanced Fund outperformed Nifty 100% of the times since Apr 2012, and on 74% of these occasions, it returned over 12%. This, complemented with a Y-o-Y alpha generation record has made it an advisor favourite in recent years. Naren takes us through the current portfolio positioning and dividend strategy of a fund which he strongly believes is the right prescription in these times of elevated market valuations.

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WF: The fund has a strong track record of Y-o-Y alpha generation over the years, although the current year has started off on a relatively challenging note. How is the portfolio currently positioned?

Naren: Balanced Fund aims to predominately invest in blend of large and midcap stocks. From a portfolio positioning perspective, the fund continues to remain slightly overweight on power. IT, pharma and chemicals are some of the bottom up picks in the portfolio.

From a medium term perspective, we believe balanced fund continues to remain a suitable pick for an investor considering to invest, even in current market, given the availability of both debt and equity component.

Consistent Outperformance

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Data Source: MFI; Data in % CAGR terms; Returns are calculated for the period between Apr 1, 2012 to Apr 30, 2017. Past performance may or may not sustain in the future. It is necessary to consult tax/financial advisor before making investments in mutual funds. Information only for distributors and financial advisors of ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund.

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Data Source: MFI; Data in % CAGR terms; Returns are calculated for the period between Apr 1, 2012 to May 31, 2017. Past performance may or may not sustain in the future. It is necessary to consult tax/financial advisor before making investments in mutual funds. Information only for distributors and financial advisors of ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund

WF: How is the equity component managed in terms of style and market cap bias?

Naren: The allocation is decided on a tactical basis rather than any predefined ratio. Stock-picking is generally through a bottom-up approach, seeking to identify companies that have above-average profitability and are supported by sustainable competitive advantages. The fund also uses a "top-down" approach for risk control through sectoral diversification.

WF: Balanced funds have seen huge retail investor appetite as they are perceived as "safer" equity oriented options than diversified equity funds especially when valuations are rich but sentiment continues to be strong. Is there any change that you have made in fund management strategy to recognize influx of retail money with these perceptions?

Naren: One of the best ways of playing both equity and debt market is by investing lump sum in balanced funds as it provides one of the most stable ways of investing with an aim to create wealth. Also, the level of risk associated here is lower than diversified pure equity funds.

There has been no change in the strategy followed on account of increased inflows.

Investment journey thus far...

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Data Source: MFI; Data as of May 31, 2017. Returns in CAGR % terms. Past performance may or may not be sustained in future. It is necessary to consult tax/financial advisor before making investments in mutual funds. Information only for distributors and financial advisors of ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund.

Through SIPs

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Data Source: MFI; Data as of May 31, 2017. Returns in CAGR % terms. Past performance may or may not be sustained in future. It is necessary to consult tax/financial advisor before making investments in mutual funds. Information only for distributors and financial advisors of ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund.

WF: What latitude on asset allocation do you give yourself in this fund? Do you take cash calls when you believe market valuations are unsustainable? What are current cash levels and how has this moved in recent months?

Naren: ICICI Prudential Balanced Fund invests in both equity and debt asset classes. The equity levels are adjusted between 65-80% based on market valuations and the fixed income asset class is also managed dynamically. In terms of cash call, as on April 30, 2017, the cash level stands at 4.6% of the portfolio.

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Data as of May 31, 2017; RHS: Equity Level of ICICI Prudential Balanced Fund; LHS: S&P BSE Sensex Level. Information only for distributors and financial advisors of ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund. The asset allocation and investment strategy of the Scheme will be as per the Scheme Information Document

As on April 30, 2017, the fund's equity portfolio comprises majorly of large-cap stocks (76%) that are better placed when compared to small (2%) and midcaps (22%) in terms of valuations.

WF: Monthly/quarterly dividends from balanced funds have become a key selling proposition - regular income coupled with capital appreciation potential is an attractive combo. What is your dividend policy for this fund? How should we communicate the dividend proposition to ensure we don't mis-sell or mis-represent?

Naren: Along with growth option, the fund offers dividend across varying frequencies - monthly, half yearly and annual. The payment of dividend is subject to availability of distributable surplus and Trustee approval. This is one message which has to reach the investor such that they make an informed decision.

The dividend track record of the fund has been consistent as shown below…

Delivering Consistent Dividends

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Data Source: MFI, data as of June 05, 2017; Face Value: Rs. 10. After payment of dividend, NAV of dividend option under the Scheme has fallen to the extent of payout and statutory levy, if applicable. Past performance may or may not sustain in future

For someone planning to obtain monthly cash flow, one can opt for Monthly Dividend + Automatic Withdrawal Plan. By choosing this option, one can receive dividend declared by the fund every month. In a rare case, if the fund does not declare a dividend; one can withdraw 0.75% of net asset value under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.

WF: How should distributors position your Balanced Fund and your Balanced Advantage Fund and how do you recommend they determine suitability of each for investors?

Naren: By its construct, ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund is likely to perform well at a time when the markets are more volatile and is likely to deliver lower absolute return while Balanced Fund is likely to do better when the markets do well. The key difference between the two is in terms of the equity exposure taken. In ICICI Prudential Balanced Fund, the equity exposure is maintained between 65-80%, while in case of ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund, the equity levels can be between 30-80%.

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Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

The information contained in this communication is only for the reading/understanding of the registered Advisors/Distributors. All data/information used in the preparation of this communication is specific to a time and may or may not be relevant in future post issuance of this communication. ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited (the AMC) takes no responsibility of updating any data/information in this communication from time to time. The AMC (including its affiliates), ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund (the Fund), ICICI Prudential Trust Limited (the Trust) and any of its officers, directors, personnel and employees, shall not liable for any loss, damage of any nature, including but not limited to direct, indirect, punitive, special, exemplary, consequential, as also any loss of profit in any way arising from the use of this communication in any manner.

Nothing contained in this communication shall be construed to be an investment advice or an assurance of the benefits of investing in the any of the Schemes of the Fund. Recipient alone shall be fully responsible for any decision taken on the basis of this document.



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