Investment Process – the Nippon Way

In the previous editions of the Nippon Way, we explained to you the importance of having Sector Limits, Active Share thresholds and Style Diversification in portfolio construction to possibly achieve relatively consistent returns. In this edition, we are highlighting the process of assigning Risk Rating to stocks and using that to mitigate portfolio risks.

Part 4: Investment Process Risk Rating of Securities

While potential of generating returns is an important dimension while considering a stock to be part of a portfolio, equally, if not more important, would be the risks associated with the stock. Risk is generally measured using post-facto quantitative parameters like the volatility of the stock (usually standard deviation of returns), Beta (relative volatility when compared to benchmark), Value at Risk (VaR), etc. These are useful measures that are based on the past performance of the stock. However, they may not completely capture the inherent risks, which may transpire in the future.

At Nippon India Mutual Fund, in addition to being aware of ex-post (past) risks through quantitative numbers, we also qualitatively assess ex-ante (future / potential) risks. The Research Team internally rates all the stocks under our coverage on a Scale of A to D, by considering Business Risks and Management Quality. For Business Risk, amongst other parameters, normalized RoE (Return on Equity), stability of Earnings, Terminal Growth Rate, etc are assessed. Similarly, for Management Risk, various aspects such as the Corporate Governance framework followed by the company, Related Party transactions, treatment of subsidiary companies, Disclosure Policy, etc are evaluated to assign Rating.

Stocks rated A (low risk) would mean that the underlying business is robust, and the quality of company management is superior. Companies based on our assessment, which are relatively high on risks, by considering both Business and Management Quality, will be assigned a lower rating. The Fund Casing framework that has been defined for funds would not permit investing into such stocks, beyond a very small limit, to mitigate portfolio risk.

THE NIPPON WAY

At Nippon India Mutual Fund, we are conscious of portfolio risks, and endeavor to mitigate them. By placing limits at the portfolio construction stage based on Risk Rating and continuous monitoring through our Investment Committee and PDCA (acronym for Plan, Do, Check and Act – a formal review mechanism to evaluate the portfolios in detail) meetings, we keep the Risks at check.

Endeavor to generate returns within a risk-mitigated framework, the Nippon Way!

Disclaimer: The information herein above is meant only for general reading purposes and the views being expressed only constitute opinions and therefore cannot be considered as guidelines, recommendations or as a professional guide for the readers. The document has been prepared on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other sources believed to be reliable. The sponsor, the Investment Manager, the Trustee or any of their directors, employees, associates or representatives (“entities & their associates”) do not assume any responsibility for, or warrant the accuracy, completeness, adequacy and reliability of such information. Recipients of this information are advised to rely on their own analysis, interpretations & investigations. Readers are also advised to seek independent professional advice in order to arrive at an informed investment decision. Entities & their associates including persons involved in the preparation or issuance of this material shall not be liable in any way for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive or exemplary damages, including on account of lost profits arising from the information contained in this material. Recipient alone shall be fully responsible for any decision taken on the basis of this document.