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Printed: 21 September 2026 4:21 AM

11 May 2016 - Bennelong Kardinia Absolute Return Fund

By: Australian Fund Monitors
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Report Date10 May 2016
ManagerKardinia Capital, A Bennelong boutique
Fund NameBennelong Kardinia Absolute Return Fund
StrategyEquity Long/Short
Latest Return DateApril 2016
Latest Return0.52%
Latest 6 Months-1.57%
Latest 12 Months0.77%
Latest 24 Months10.05%
Annualised Since Inception11.79%
Inception Date01 May 2006
FUM (millions)AU$277.56
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 0.52% in April, compared to the ASX 200 Total Return Index, which returned 3.37%. Since inception in May 2006, the Fund has an annualised performance of 11.79% p.a, compared to the Index's 4.51% p.a. The Fund has achieved this performance with lower volatility of 7.30% than that of the Index (14.25%), to give notable Sharpe and Sortino ratio of 1.02 (Index 0.10) and 1.87 (Index 0.04) respectively.

BHP Billiton, Pilbara Minerals, BWX, and Amcor were the largest positive contributors whilst Qantas, Share Price Index Futures contracts (hedging long positions), Mantra and Blackmores were the largest detractors. Net equity market exposure (including derivatives) was increased to 30.8% (43.7% long and 12.9% short).

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