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Axis Pure Contra

AUM (2198 cr) | Inc Date (27-Nov-2020)

Scheme Rating

IME Scheme Rating

3 of 5 stars

We typically do not recommend Thematic funds to investors, since it requires getting in and out of the theme at the right time. Typically a strong contra approach (investing in themes when they are out of favour, and getting out when they are popular) leads to better performance, but this is very hard to actually implement in practice given strong behavioural instincts against such an approach (investors often end up entering themes post a run-up, which can often be the worst time to invest). In our view, thematic funds are primarily suitable for more astute investors who have a deep underlying understanding of the investment merits of the theme.

IME Strategy Rating

3 of 5 stars

Axis Securities Contra portfolio aims to invest via a contra strategy. The aim is to invest in stocks that are either available at a deep discount or have fallen prey to events that would have a temporary impact on earnings. Axis Securities Contra was launched only in 2020 and is yet to mature in terms of longer-term performance.

AMC Rating

3 of 5 stars

AMC: Axis AMC PMS (click link for detailed AMC review)

Axis AMC PMS faces common issues found in large MF-driven PMS firms, such as PMS being treated as an add-on instead of a separate business unit, high turnover in the investment team, lack of commitment from the CIO, and vague investment philosophies. While the AMC’s distribution abilities can aid in scaling the PMS and provide research access, it is often not as strong as founder-driven PMS firms with a dedicated CIO.

PMS Scheme Ratings are driven by IME’s Proprietary Scheme Rating Methodology, which takes into account our ratings of the Scheme’s investment strategy, its maturity, the investment team, and our separate rating on the AMC that runs this particular scheme. Our views on each of these individual criteria are available via the IME RMS – which you can view by reaching out to one of our relationship managers (using either the live chat or book appointment feature on this site).

Investment Strategy

Axis Pure Contra Strategy aims to exploit market inefficiencies by investing in stocks that are undervalued or have experienced significant declines due to temporary, unexpected events. The strategy focuses on three primary investment styles

  • Value Investing: Identifying and investing in companies trading below their intrinsic value.
  • Momentum-Alpha: Targeting stocks with strong momentum and alpha generation potential.
  • Special Situations: Capitalizing on unique opportunities arising from corporate actions or market anomalies.

Investment Approach

Contrarian Strategy: The portfolio is designed to capitalize on investment ideas that are either available at attractive valuations or have witnessed significant declines owing to unexpected events that would have only a temporary impact on their earnings. 

Trailing Performance

1yr 3yr 5yr Since Inception
Axis Pure Contra 8.2 21.2 24.3
S&P BSE 500 4.8 12.3 18.5
Alpha over Broad Mkt BM 3.4 8.9 5.8
S&P BSE 500 4.8 12.3
Alpha over Category BM 3.4 8.9

Performance as of: 31-Mar-25 | Inception Date: 27-Nov-20

Fund Managers

Hitesh Zaveri | 4-star rated FM

Head – Listed Equity Alternatives | 25 yrs Experience | 3 yrs at current firm

Past Experience: Plutus Capital, OSF Capital, Birla AMC, Enam AMC

Hitesh Zaveri joined Axis AMC in 2022 as SVP & Head – Listed Equity Alternatives. He is responsible for managing the Axis PMS portfolios along with relevant CAT-3 AIF strategies. Hitesh has over 25 years of experience in portfolio management, investment banking and equity research. Prior to joining Axis AMC, he served as Head of Investments in the PMS business at Aditya Birla Mutual Fund. He has pursued his MBA from Mumbai University, and has also completed a few programs from the Harvard Business School and from The Wharton School.

Fee Structure

Fee Structure Fee
Fixed Fee Structure 2.5
Variable Fee Structures
Exit Fees 1yr (3%), 2yr (2%), 3yr (1%)

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