18.2.4 Equity Funds

18.2.4 Equity Funds

What Are Equity Funds?

The Canadian Investment Funds Standards Committee (CIFSC) divides equity funds into as many as 24 different subcategories, including the following types:

• Canadian, U.S., and global equity
• Canadian dividend
• Canadian and U.S. small- and mid-cap equity
• International, European, and emerging markets equity
• Asia Pacific equity
• Greater China equity
• Health care, precious metal, natural resources, and real estate equity

Funds in the equity category must invest at least 90% of their non-cash assets in equity securities.

Investment Objectives of Equity Funds

The main investment objective of equity funds is long-term capital growth. Fund managers primarily invest in the common shares of publicly traded companies. Occasionally, they might purchase short-term notes or other fixed-income securities for liquidity and income. However, the bulk of the portfolio remains focused on common shares to achieve capital gains.

Given that common share prices are more volatile compared to other types of securities, equity funds experience significant price fluctuations, which contributes to their higher level of risk.

Risk and Growth Potential

Equity funds vary widely in terms of risk and growth potential:

1. Low-Risk Equity Funds: Broadly diversified holdings with blue-chip, income-yielding common shares, generally classified as conservative.
2. Moderate-Risk Equity Funds: Slightly aggressive, investing in emerging growth companies aiming for above-average capital growth.
3. High-Risk Equity Funds: Highly speculative, often targeting specific market sectors (health care, biotechnology) or geographical locations (China, Latin America).

Tax Implications

The tax treatment for equity funds mirrors that of any fund holding equity securities. Distributions are typically in the form of capital gains and dividends, which are taxed accordingly.

Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Equity Funds

Some Canadian equity funds focus on companies with market capitalization below the largest hundred Canadian companies. These small- to mid-cap Canadian equity funds offer potential for higher growth compared to larger, more established entities.

Key Considerations:

• Higher Growth Potential: Smaller companies often reinvest profits into expansion, hence the potential for high capital gains.
• Higher Volatility: Along with potential gains comes greater price volatility.
• Distributions: Usually in the form of capital gains, as many young companies do not pay dividends.

Dividend Funds

Canadian dividend funds provide tax-advantaged income while offering some potential for capital appreciation. These funds invest in both preferred and high-quality common shares known for consistent dividend payments. Here are a few points:

• Dividend Tax Credit: Income from these funds benefits from a tax advantage, receiving the dividend tax credit.
• Capital Gains: While income is derived mainly from dividends, there might also be potential for capital gains.
• Risk Factors: Subject to both interest rate risk and market risk, they are deemed riskier than bond funds but less risky than pure equity funds.

Key Takeaways

• Investment Focus: Equity funds aim for long-term capital growth, primarily through common shares of publicly traded companies.
• Risk Profiles: Vary widely, with options available from conservative to highly speculative.
• Taxation: Distributions often come in the form of capital gains and dividends, commonly subjected to dividend tax credits.
• Subcategories: Including small-cap, mid-cap, and dividend funds, each with unique characteristics, growth potential, and risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the primary goals of equity funds?

A1: The main investment objective is long-term capital growth, achieved by investing in common shares of publicly traded companies.

Q2: Why are equity funds considered riskier than other fund types?

A2: The inherent volatility of common share prices results in significant price fluctuations, making equity funds riskier.

Q3: How do dividend funds differ from general equity funds?

A3: Dividend funds invest in preferred and high-quality common shares known for consistent dividends, offering tax advantages through the dividend tax credit.

Glossary

• Capital Gains: The profit realized from the sale of securities or assets.
• Dividend: A portion of a company’s earnings distributed to shareholders.
• Market Capitalization: The total market value of a company’s outstanding shares.
• Volatility: The degree of variation in the price of a financial instrument over time.
• Blue-Chip: Companies known for their reliable performance and strong financial health.