AXA IM Renames Equity Income Fund to Reflect Wider Investment Universe
AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) today announces the AXA Framlington Blue Chip Equity Income Fund has been renamed the AXA Framlington UK Equity Income Fund to better reflect its new investment objectives and its ability to invest in small and mid cap companies.
Effective as of 4 September, the renamed AXA Framlington UK Equity Income Fund, will continue to aim to produce higher than average long-term growth of income and capital, but also target a yield of distributable income in excess of 100% of the FTSE All Share on a rolling three-year basis, and in excess of 90% on an annual basis, maintaining its classification within the Investment Association’s UK Equity Income sector.
In addition to the new name, the fund’s objectives and investment universe will also change, significantly expanding the available number of stocks the fund can invest in. The fund will continue to target companies with high sustainable barriers to entry within their industry.
Simon Young, manager of AXA Framlington UK Equity Income Fund, said: “Investing in companies that can thrive whatever the circumstances remains the fund’s key focus. We seek to invest in companies with high barriers to entry which insulates them from competition and allow them to navigate challenging economic circumstances. We believe these companies, allied to sound balance sheets and good cashflows will be able to grow their dividends ahead of inflation over the longer term.”
The strategy incorporates four distinct themes – companies that are the lowest cost providers in their industry, companies that have high levels of intellectual property such as patents, companies that have high levels of repeat sales, and companies with excellent distribution networks.
The fund has enjoyed strong performance under manager Simon Young since he joined AXA IM in September last year. As at 30 August the fund has returned 13.43% year-to-date; 13.80% and 23.85% over 3 and 5 years respectively.1
Commenting on the announcement Rob Bailey, Head of UK Wholesale Distribution, said: “The UK is a key market for AXA Investment Managers and we are committed to growing and developing our UK Equities arm. The renaming of the fund to the AXA Framlington UK Equity Income fund allows Simon and the team greater flexibility to invest in the best equity income opportunities available across the full spectrum of UK listed companies. Performance has been strong since Simon’s appointment and we continue to see a positive outlook for UK equities.”
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