Bell Australian Small Companies Fund (Class A)
The Bell Australian Small Companies Fund (Class A) offers a disciplined, bottom-up approach to investing in Australian small companies, targeting quality businesses trading at attractive valuations.
Small caps reward patient, research-driven investors and penalise those without a rigorous risk framework. With over 75 years of combined investment experience and a forensic approach to managing macro, factor and idiosyncratic risk, the strategy aims to deliver consistent alpha across market cycles.
A disciplined, bottom-up approach
The strategy invests primarily outside the S&P/ASX 100, focusing on high-quality companies trading below intrinsic value. Fundamental research drives stock selection, supported by quantitative tools for portfolio construction and risk management.
Quality focus
Investing in durable businesses with strong fundamentals.
Valuation discipline
Seeking opportunities below intrinsic value.
Quant support
Monitoring risk and factor exposures.
Institutional process
Disciplined and repeatable framework.
Fund Overview
17 June 2026
ARSN: 698679426 | APIR: PIM8252AU
To outperform the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Accumulation Index over the medium to long term after fees and expenses (but before taxes).
S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Accumulation Index
Australian and New Zealand smaller companies listed (or expected to be listed within 12 months) on an Australian or New Zealand securities exchange, and not included in the S&P/ASX 100 Index at time of initial investment. A portfolio of 30–70 securities.
At least 5–7 years
Initial investment: $20,000 minimum. Additional investments: $1,000 minimum.
Primarily AUD; unhedged international exposure up to 10%
Management fee: 1.10% p.a. of NAV.
Performance fee: 20% of outperformance of the Benchmark*
0.30% on entry and exit.
Switching your investment between unit classes of the Fund is available
Semi-annually, around June and December, subject to sufficient distributable income. Reinvested by default unless directed otherwise.
This product is intended for use as a minor or satellite component within a portfolio for a consumer who is seeking capital growth and has a very high risk and return profile for that portion of their investment portfolio. It is likely to be consistent with the financial situation and needs of a consumer with a 5-year minimum investment timeframe and who is unlikely to need to withdraw their money on less than one month's notice
All investments are subject to risk. The Fund PDS and AIB have documented a list of significant risks that may affect your investment in the Fund as well as general risks that apply to an investment in a managed investment scheme. The documented risks include equity, counterparty, regulatory and tax, liquidity and market risk It is not always possible to completely eliminate these risks, however it is possible to manage their impact on the Fund through prudent monitoring of the factors giving rise to these risks.*
The Trust Company (RE Services) Limited (ABN 45 003 278 831, AFSL 235150)
Bell Asset Management Limited (ABN 84 092 278 647, AFSL 231091)
Apex Fund Services Pty Limited (ABN 81 118 902 891)
Why Australian Small Companies
The Australian small caps universe is broad, diverse and less efficiently priced than large-cap markets. Many businesses are earlier in their lifecycle, with the potential to grow earnings over time as they scale, gain market share and improve returns on capital.
Lower levels of broker coverage and market attention can create opportunities for mispricing. For active investors with a disciplined process, this can provide a fertile environment for identifying quality companies before their long-term potential is fully reflected in market prices.
Inefficiency
Lower levels of research coverage can create pricing gaps for experienced active investors.
Growth
Many small companies are earlier in their lifecycle and have the potential to compound earnings over time.
Diversification
A broad opportunity set provides access to companies across industries, business models and growth profiles.
Active edge
Stock-specific dispersion can create opportunities for disciplined bottom-up investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question that you can’t find the answer to? Contact us.
The investment return objective of the Fund is to outperform the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Accumulation Index (Benchmark) over the medium to long term periods after fees and expenses (but before taxes).
The Fund primarily invests in a portfolio of actively managed Australian and New Zealand smaller companies that are listed or expected to be listed within 12 months.
Fund is denominated in Australian Dollars.
Distributions are normally made semi-annually around June and December
Unless otherwise determined by us, the minimum initial investment is $20,000.
Please note, the Bell Australian Small Companies Fund Class B is available for investments of $20m and above. Read the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination or contact us for more information.
Management fee: 1.10% p.a. of NAV
Performance fee: 20% of outperformance above the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Accumulation Index. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for further information.
The buy/sell spread is 0.30% upon entry and 0.30% upon exit.
The Buy/Sell Spread is an estimate of the transaction costs that are incurred in buying and selling the underlying assets of the Fund as a result of applications and withdrawals. The Buy Spread is added to the NAV price and is paid into the Fund as part of an application and the Sell Spread is deducted from the NAV price and is left in the Fund as part of a redemption.
Applications and withdrawals can be made on a daily basis with notice received by the Fund’s Administrator by 2pm Sydney time.
Unit prices are usually calculated each Business Day and are published on the website.
You can invest via the Product Disclosure Statement or your platform provider. Key documents and investor forms can be found here. If you have further questions, please contact our registry on 1300 133 451 or registry@apexgroup.com.
Statements are provided to you on an annual basis. Your statement will show the number of units you have and the current value of your investment.
Up-to-date unit balances are also available in several different ways depending on how you invested in the Fund.
Via a platform: You will be able to see your unit balance on your account summary page in your Platform account.
Units held directly: To access the online portal – click here. The portal gives you access to your unit balance and dollar value as well as copies of statements and other correspondence. If you require assistance to register for the investor portal, please call the client service team on 1300 133 451 or registry@apexgroup.com.
The Trust Company (RE Services) Limited (Trust Co) ABN 45 003 278 831, AFSL 235150 is the responsible entity and issuer of units for the Bell Australian Small Companies Fund (the Fund). Bell Asset Management Limited (BAM) ABN 84 092 278 647, AFSL 231091 is the investment manager for the Fund. This report has been prepared and issued by BAM for information purposes only and does not take into consideration the investment objectives, financial circumstances or needs of any particular recipient and it contains general information only. You should consider the product disclosure statement (PDS), prior to making any investment decisions. The PDS and target market determination (TMD) can be obtained for free by calling 1300 133 451 or visiting our website www.bellasset.com.au. If you require financial advice that takes into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs, you should consult your licensed or authorised financial adviser. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, completeness or reasonableness of any assumption contained in this report and none of Trust Co, BAM and its directors, employees or agents accepts any liability for any loss arising, including from negligence, from the use of this document. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of expected future performance. Total returns shown for the Fund have been calculated using exit prices after taking into account all ongoing fees and assuming reinvestment of distributions. No allowance has been made for taxation.
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