Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Register

21 June 2025

Home / Noticeboard 2020

First Sentier Investors

  •   22 October 2020
  •      
  •   

First Sentier Investors’ Equity Income Fund receives Morningstar upgrade

Thursday, 22 October 2020: First Sentier Investors’ CFS Equity Income Fund Class A (the Fund) has received the Morningstar Analyst RatingTM of ‘Silver’ as of 6/10/20, it was announced today.

The Fund, which invests in Australian equities to deliver sustainable income to investors, received the rating upgrade after delivering consistent performance and above-index returns.

The Morningstar Global Fund Report research report stated: “First Sentier Equity Income offers investors soundly managed Australian equity exposure with consistent above-index income.” It also notes, “From its launch as a standalone strategy in March 2008 to the end of August 2020, FSI Equity Income has returned 5.97% per year, which is well ahead of the category average and marginally ahead of the index.”

The report noted the “collaborative approach and complementary skill set” of the team, whose three senior members are Rudi Minbatiwala, Jason Moodie and Marlon Chan.

First Sentier Investors’ Head of Equities Income, Rudi Minbatiwala, said, “We are pleased to be recognised for delivering consistent outcomes for investors over more than twelve years.

“The Fund’s investment strategy identifies stocks across the broader share market which are likely to outperform, and does not rely on high-dividend, low-growth stocks to generate income. The report noted that the Fund’s “total-return approach and non-reliance on traditional dividend payers has historically provided better downside protection.”

Mr Minbatiwala said, “We take a more holistic view of the investment options available to us, considering total returns and long term earnings growth, in addition to dividend income. This somewhat unconventional approach provides the flexibility to be invested in the right stocks, at the right time, at the right price during different market conditions.

“The strategy was first put to the test during the GFC and delivered the downside protection we expected. More recently, in the face of 2020’s dividend cuts and market volatility, our strategy provided a downside cushion and attractive levels of income. We know that both of these things are a priority for many investors in the current economic climate and are pleased to be able to provide this option.”

 

Firstlinks is sponsored by:
banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Australian house prices close in on world record

Sydney is set to become the world’s most expensive city for housing over the next 12 months, a new report shows. Our other major cities aren’t far behind unless there are major changes to improve housing affordability.

The case for the $3 million super tax

The Government's proposed tax has copped a lot of flack though I think it's a reasonable approach to improve the long-term sustainability of superannuation and the retirement income system. Here’s why.

The revolt against Baby Boomer wealth

The $3m super tax could be put down to the Government needing money and the wealthy being easy targets. It’s deeper than that though and this looks at the factors behind the policy and why more taxes on the wealthy are coming.

Meg on SMSFs: Withdrawing assets ahead of the $3m super tax

The super tax has caused an almighty scuffle, but for SMSFs impacted by the proposed tax, a big question remains: what should they do now? Here are ideas for those wanting to withdraw money from their SMSF.

Tariffs are a smokescreen to Trump's real endgame

Behind market volatility and tariff threats lies a deeper strategy. Trump’s real goal isn’t trade reform but managing America's massive debts, preserving bond market confidence, and preparing for potential QE.

The super tax and the defined benefits scandal

Australia's superannuation inequities date back to poor decisions made by Parliament two decades ago. If super for the wealthy needs resetting, so too does the defined benefits schemes for our public servants.

Latest Updates

Are franking credits hurting Australia’s economy?

Business investment and per capita GDP have languished over the past decade and the Labor Government is conducting inquiries to find out why. Franking credits should be part of the debate about our stalling economy.

Superannuation

7 examples of how the new super tax will be calculated

You've no doubt heard about Division 296. These case studies show what people at various levels above the $3 million threshold might need to pay the ATO, with examples ranging from under $500 to more than $35,000.

Have Apple and Google reached the beginning of the end?

It might be hard to imagine a world where Apple and Google aren’t dominant, but disruption often starts with tiny cracks. AI's emergence into the mainstream might have set the stage for a new generation of leaders.

Superannuation

Did retirees lose out when they accepted defined benefit schemes?

Defined benefit pensions were designed to offer security in retirement. But new tax policies and arbitrary limits now erode their value - especially for Australians who contributed their own savings to these plans.

Property

Why Australia's agricultural land boom has stalled

Farmland prices have flatlined, bringing one of the most dramatic rural property cycles in Australian history to an end. The market for agricultural land now seems to be entering a new and more nuanced phase.

Property

The retail property niche offering income and growth

Neighbourhood shopping centres have fought off one perceived threat after another. What's more, they continue to offer secure income from blue-chip firms and other tenants linked mostly to essential spending.

ASX plans to attract more IPOs don’t go far enough

High-profile Australian stock market listings, like Guzman Y Gomez's IPO in 2024, are rare. ASIC aims to streamline the IPO process to boost listings, but faces barriers like share structures and governance.

Sponsors

Alliances

Site Map

About Firstlinks

© 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.