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19 May 2021 - Performance Report: Bennelong Kardinia Absolute Return Fund

By: Australian Fund Monitors

Report Date19 May 2021
ManagerKardinia Capital, a Bennelong boutique
Fund NameBennelong Kardinia Absolute Return Fund
StrategyEquity Long/Short
Latest Return DateApril 2021
Latest Return3.26%
Latest 6 Months15.01%
Latest 12 Months14.05%
Latest 24 Months (pa)7.33%
Annualised Since Inception8.93%
Inception Date01 May 2006
FUM (millions)AU$41.84
Fund OverviewThe Fund consists of a concentrated long/short portfolio typically comprising 20 to 50 ASX300 listed stocks, generally with a long bias aligned to the overall market direction. On average since inception the Fund's exposure has averaged 40% net long. There is a slight bias to large cap stocks on the long side of the portfolio, although in a rising market the portfolio will tend to hold smaller caps, including resource stocks, more frequently. On the short side, the portfolio is particularly concentrated, with stock selection limited by both liquidity and the difficulty of borrowing stock in smaller cap companies. Short positions are only taken when there is a high conviction view on the specific stock. The Fund uses derivatives in a limited way, mainly selling short dated covered call options to generate additional income. These typically have less than 30 days to expiry, and are usually 5% to 10% out of the money. ASX SPI futures and index put options can be used to hedge the portfolio's overall net position.

The Fund's discretionary investment strategy commences with a macro view of the economy and direction to establish the portfolio's desired market exposure. Following this detailed sector and company research is gathered from knowledge of the individual stocks in the Fund's universe, with widespread use of broker research. Company visits, presentations and discussions with management at CEO and CFO level are used wherever possible to assess management quality across a range of criteria.

Detailed analysis of company valuations using financial statements and forecasts, particularly focusing on free cash flow, is conducted. Technical analysis is used to validate the Manager's fundamental research and valuations and to manage market timing.

A significant portion of the Fund's overall performance can be attributed to the attention and importance given to the macro economic outlook and the ability and willingness to adjust the Fund's market risk.
Manager CommentsThe Bennelong Kardinia Absolute Return Fund rose +3.26% in April, taking 12-month performance to +14.05%. Since inception in May 2006, the Fund has returned +8.93% p.a. with an annualised volatility of 7.62%. By contrast, the ASX200 Accumulation Index has returned +6.39% p.a. with an annualised volatility of 14.34% over the same period.

The Fund's capacity to protect investors' capital in falling and volatile markets is highlighted by the following statistics (since inception): Sortino ratio of 1.28 vs the Index's 0.29, maximum drawdown of -11.71% vs the Index's -47.19%, and down-capture ratio of 48.66%.

Top contributors in April included Cyprium Metals, NAB, Bluescope Steel, Graincorp and Pentanet. Key detractors included Zip Co, Fortescue, Proteomics, Nickel Mines and the Fund's Short Book.

Kardinia kept their net market exposure relatively steady at 68.4% (87.1% long and 18.7% short) with new positions including Cyprium and Webjet offset by reduced positions in some resource holdings and the sale of Independence Group. They maintain a bias towards stocks that benefit from a re-opening of economies scenario, with Banks, Resources and Technology the largest sector weights.
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