We seek to identify attractive LIC investments which meet one or more of our three criteria. Some LIC investments may satisfy more than one criteria.
We seek to invest a substantial portion of the Fund’s portfolio in Alpha Generators. These are LICs where we have a high degree of confidence in the underlying manager being able to outperform their relevant market benchmark (for example the ASX 200 Index), on a risk-adjusted basis over reasonable periods of time. Alpha Generators tend to be core, longer-term holdings in the portfolio.
We use a number of processes to identify Alpha Generators, including measuring historical performance, volatility and other quantitative and qualitative criteria.
Individual LICs often trade at prices significantly above or below their NTA. There are many factors that contribute to the level of discount/premium. Some of the main factors are; historical performance, dividend profile, market capitalisation, underlying asset type, portfolio concentration, market conditions, and marketing to investors. The discount capture strategy aims to purchase LICs when they are trading at a larger discount, or smaller premium than their assessed average, with the intent of selling the LIC when the discount reduces or premium increases.
Like other listed entities, LICs undertake corporate actions such as IPOs, capital raisings, and option-to-share conversions. The Fund aims to participate in these events where we believe we can generate attractive risk-adjusted short-term returns.