Market Brief: Bandhan Small Cap Fund Strategy The **Bandhan Small Cap Fund** continues to pursue a contrarian investment path, focusing on "beaten-down" sectors despite a cooling phase in the broader small-cap universe. As of **February 18, 2026**, the fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) stands at **46.12**, managing a significant asset base of **19,267 Crores**. While the Nifty Smallcap index has faced a **3%** decline year-to-date in **2026**, the fund remains a category leader with a **3-year CAGR of 30.18%** and a **5-year CAGR of 23.2%**. High-Conviction Tech Recovery The fund has aggressively increased its exposure to the Indian internet space, specifically targeting firms that faced heavy regulatory and valuation corrections in previous cycles. **Paytm (One 97 Communications)** and **Info Edge** are core components of this "value-hunting" strategy. Analysts note that approximately **61%** of market experts currently maintain a **Buy** rating on Paytm as it stabilizes. Info Edge, a leader in digital classifieds, remains a top holding as the fund manager bets on a long-term turnaround in recruitment and real estate tech. Sectoral Shifts: Real Estate & Textiles Portfolio allocation has shifted toward labor-intensive and infrastructure-linked sectors. The fund is currently **overweight on Financial Services (21.05%)** and **Real Estate (9.06%)**. * **Real Estate:** The **2026-27 Union Budget** increased infrastructure outlay to **12.2 lakh crore**, directly benefiting holdings like **Sobha Ltd** (3.64% of the portfolio) and **Prestige Estates**. * **Textiles:** The fund has been building positions in **Arvind Ltd** and **Nitin Spinners**. This sector is supported by a new **10,000 crore SME Growth Fund** aimed at scaling manufacturing exports. Resilience Amid Volatility The small-cap segment is currently in a "reset phase," with nearly **50% of stocks** in this category trading roughly **40% below** their all-time highs. This widespread correction has created an entry point for the fund’s "Growth at Reasonable Price" (GARP) framework. Despite a short-term dip of **1.89%** over the last year, the fund has maintained a **Sharpe ratio greater than 1**, indicating superior risk-adjusted returns compared to its peers. The current strategy prioritizes businesses with healthy cash flows and high scalability, avoiding overleveraged firms. Key Indicators * **Latest NAV (Regular):** 46.12 * **Fund AUM:** 19,267 Crores * **Expense Ratio:** 1.62% * **Top Sector:** Financial Services (21.05%) * **3-Year Annualized Return:** 30.18% The manager remains benchmark-agnostic, trimming holdings in metals and commodities while shifting capital into renewables and consumer discretionary themes to capture the next growth cycle.