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Acorn Capital Investment Fund Limited (ACQ)

Acorn Capital Investment Fund Limited (ACQ) is an ASX-listed investment company (LIC) managed by specialist microcap investor Acorn Capital. The fund provides investors with access to a diversified portfolio of emerging Australian micro and small-cap companies, including both listed and unlisted entities. Its investment strategy focuses on identifying early-stage, high-growth potential businesses across various sectors.

Market Cap

A$89M

Shares on Issue

N/A

Company WebsiteAI coverage updated hourlyData from ASX filings

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AI Analysis

As a Listed Investment Company (LIC), ACQ's performance is primarily measured by the growth in its Net Tangible Assets (NTA) per share. The company's share price frequently trades at a discount to its stated NTA, a common feature for smaller LICs. Recent performance is intrinsically linked to the volatile Australian microcap market, which has faced headwinds from rising interest rates and shifting investor sentiment, likely impacting the valuation of both its listed and unlisted holdings. Key metrics for investors to monitor are the monthly NTA announcements, the size of the NTA discount, and the performance of its top portfolio holdings.

ACQ's growth outlook is dependent on the stock-picking ability of its manager, Acorn Capital, to identify and nurture successful early-stage companies. Future catalysts include the successful IPO or trade sale of its unlisted investments, which can crystallise significant value and boost NTA. The fund's strategic direction is to remain focused on its niche of microcap investing, leveraging its expertise to find opportunities often overlooked by larger funds. The speculative nature of its investments means the potential for high returns is matched by significant risk, particularly if market conditions for small companies remain challenging.

Bull Case

  • Provides unique, professionally managed exposure to a diversified portfolio of hard-to-access Australian microcap and unlisted companies.
  • Potential for significant NTA uplift from the successful exit of unlisted investments through IPOs or trade sales.
  • The share price trading at a persistent discount to NTA offers a potential valuation re-rate if the gap narrows or through on-market buybacks.

Bear Case

  • High exposure to the inherently volatile and often illiquid microcap sector, leading to significant NTA fluctuations.
  • The discount to NTA may persist or widen, causing shareholder returns to underperform the fund's underlying portfolio performance.
  • Underperformance of key holdings or poor investment selection by the manager could lead to permanent capital loss.

Recent Announcements

Net Tangible Asset Backing

13 Jan 2026General

FAQs

What does ACQ do?

Acorn Capital Investment Fund Limited (ACQ) is a Listed Investment Company (LIC) that invests in a portfolio of emerging Australian companies. It focuses on microcaps, which are typically companies with a market capitalisation under A$250 million, and includes both listed and unlisted entities.

Is ACQ a good investment?

ACQ may suit investors seeking long-term growth and diversified exposure to the high-risk, high-reward Australian microcap sector. Its value depends on the manager's ability to pick successful companies. Key risks include the volatility of its assets and the potential for its share price to trade at a persistent discount to its Net Tangible Assets (NTA).

What drives ACQ's share price?

ACQ's share price is primarily driven by the performance of its investment portfolio (reflected in its NTA) and the prevailing discount or premium to that NTA. Key catalysts include strong performance from its top holdings, successful IPOs of its unlisted investments, changes in its dividend policy, and general market sentiment towards small and microcap stocks.

Key Metrics

Share PriceA$0.99
1Y Performance34.5%
Market CapA$89M
Shares on IssueN/A
SectorOther
IPO Date01/05/2014

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