Dipan Mehta, Director at Elixir Equities, consistently asserts that maintaining cash is a strategic move. Historically, during corrections in past bull markets, he often lacked the cash to invest. This time, he intends to adopt a different approach. According to Mehta, holding 10-15% cash is not a significant drawback when managing investments. He feels confident investing in reliable blue-chip stocks while retaining some cash for strategic opportunities as they arise.
In a previous discussion, it was mentioned that Mehta was holding 10-15% cash. When asked if he still holds this cash or if liquidity has tempted him to invest, Mehta confirmed that he is still holding cash. Remarkably, despite this cash reserve, the aggregate return of his portfolio continues to outperform the benchmark, possibly due to effective stock selection and sector rotation. This performance provides a sense of assurance, as holding cash without lagging behind the index reduces the pressure to fully invest, avoiding mistakes linked to overvalued stock purchases.
Mehta emphasizes the strategic importance of this cash reserve. By maintaining it, he feels prepared for potential corrections, a lesson learned from past market movements. He continues to hold 10-15% cash, finding comfort in balancing investments in quality blue-chip stocks with cash reserves for strategic investments.
Regarding his top holdings, Mehta disclosed consistent investment in companies like Bajaj Finance and Tata Elxsi, despite their recent underperformance. Other successful investments include Inox Wind and Zomato, among several well-performing midcap stocks. Dixon Technologies and Amber Industries have also delivered significant returns, contributing to the portfolio’s overall performance through strategic investments over the past few years.
Mehta spoke positively about the travel and tourism sector, amid rising trends in corporate and spiritual travel. He highlighted IndiGo as a top pick, praising its strategic direction, overseas expansion, and cost-management focus. Additionally, he favors hotel companies like Indian Hotels, appreciating their asset-light models and expansion plans.
When discussing the EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) space, Mehta acknowledged the strong growth but pointed out margin concerns and client concentration risks. Despite Dixon’s acceptable performance, other EMS players reported disappointing quarterly numbers. Consequently, he hesitates to invest new funds in this sector, preferring to wait for a sharper correction and improved earnings, which could align with more favorable valuation multiples.
In conclusion, Mehta’s strategy includes a blend of holding cash and investing in high-quality stocks, remaining adaptable to market conditions while strategically positioning for future opportunities.