ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund and Quant Flexi Cap Fund represent contrasting investment approaches within India’s flexi cap mutual fund category. ICICI Prudential follows a traditional fundamental research-driven strategy with strong automobile sector conviction, whilst Quant Mutual Fund employs a distinctive multi-factor quantitative model with significant exposure to energy and conglomerate stocks. This comprehensive comparison analyses returns, portfolio composition, expense ratios, and investment strategies to help investors understand the fundamental differences between these two popular flexi cap schemes.
ICICI Prudential Flexicap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Key metrics at a glance
Here is a detailed comparison of essential fund parameters as of November 2025:
| Parameter | ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| NAV (21 Nov 2025) | ₹20.89 | ₹99.76 |
| Fund Size (AUM) | ₹19,620.81 Cr | ₹6,889.95 Cr |
| Expense Ratio | 0.77% | 1.79% |
| Crisil Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars) | ⭐⭐ (2 Stars) |
| Risk Level | Very High | Very High |
| Portfolio Turnover | 25.00% | High |
| Number of Stocks | 71 | 37 |
| Fund House | ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund | Quant Mutual Fund |
| Inception Date | 17-Jul-2021 | 20-Oct-2008 |
ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund manages nearly three times the assets of Quant Flexi Cap Fund at ₹19,620.81 crore versus ₹6,889.95 crore. The stark difference in Crisil ratings—4 stars for ICICI Prudential versus 2 stars for Quant—reflects their divergent recent performance. ICICI Prudential’s remarkably low 0.77% expense ratio offers significant cost advantages compared to Quant’s 1.79%, making it one of the most cost-efficient flexi cap funds available.
ICICI Prudential Flexicap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund: One-year and short-term returns
Recent performance data reveals significant divergence between these funds:
| Period | ICICI Prudential Returns | Quant Flexi Cap Returns | Category Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | 0.48% | -0.55% | -0.22% |
| 1 Month | -0.67% | 0.36% | -0.26% |
| 3 Months | 4.45% | 4.71% | 1.88% |
| 6 Months | 10.06% | 3.40% | 5.23% |
| YTD | 9.83% | 3.54% | 3.36% |
| 1 Year | 12.74% | 7.01% | 6.78% |
ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund has substantially outperformed with 12.74% one-year returns against Quant Flexi Cap Fund’s 7.01%. The six-month performance gap is particularly pronounced—ICICI generating 10.06% compared to Quant’s modest 3.40%. Whilst both funds exceed the category average, ICICI’s near-double outperformance validates its superior 4-star Crisil rating against Quant’s below-average 2-star classification.
ICICI Prudential Flexicap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Long-term returns comparison
Long-term performance reveals interesting patterns across different market cycles:
| Period | ICICI Prudential Annualised Returns | Quant Flexi Cap Annualised Returns | Category Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Years | 21.05% | 16.36% | 16.38% |
| 3 Years | 20.71% | 16.44% | 16.59% |
| 5 Years | N/A | 25.81% | 18.12% |
| 10 Years | N/A | 18.99% | 14.21% |
| Since Inception | 18.45% | 14.38% | 14.19% |
ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund demonstrates superior recent performance with 21.05% two-year and 20.71% three-year annualised returns, significantly outpacing Quant’s 16.36% and 16.44% respectively. However, Quant Flexi Cap Fund’s extended track record reveals impressive long-term results—25.81% over five years and 18.99% over ten years, both substantially exceeding category averages. This suggests Quant’s quantitative strategy delivered exceptional results during the previous decade but has faced challenges in recent market conditions.
ICICI Prudential Flexicap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund: SIP returns analysis
Systematic Investment Plan returns reflect real wealth creation experience for retail investors:
| SIP Period | ICICI Absolute Returns | ICICI Annualised | Quant Absolute Returns | Quant Annualised |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year (₹12,000 invested) | 10.18% | 19.31% | 5.06% | 9.47% |
| 2 Years (₹24,000 invested) | 16.14% | 15.08% | 5.06% | 4.81% |
| 3 Years (₹36,000 invested) | 33.75% | 19.79% | 21.70% | 13.15% |
| 5 Years (₹60,000 invested) | N/A | N/A | 53.82% | 17.23% |
| 10 Years (₹1,20,000 invested) | N/A | N/A | 193.83% | 20.42% |
ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund delivers substantially superior SIP returns across comparable periods. The one-year SIP absolute returns stand at 10.18% for ICICI versus just 5.06% for Quant—a notable difference for systematic investors. Over three years, ICICI’s 33.75% absolute returns significantly outpace Quant’s 21.70%. However, Quant’s remarkable 10-year SIP performance of 193.83% absolute returns and 20.42% annualised gains demonstrates its long-term compounding potential for patient investors.
ICICI Prudential Flexicap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Portfolio allocation strategy
Portfolio composition reveals different investment philosophies:
| Asset Class | ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Total Equity | 96.39% | 97.92% |
| Equity Holdings | 96.39% | 91.31% |
| F&O Holdings | 0.00% | 6.61% |
| Debt | 0.28% | 2.82% |
| Others | 3.33% | -0.74% |
| Large Cap | 43.40% | 44.96% |
| Mid Cap | 13.73% | 13.03% |
| Small Cap | 6.58% | 8.38% |
| Other Equity | 32.68% | 31.56% |
Both funds maintain aggressive equity exposure—96.39% for ICICI Prudential and 97.92% for Quant. Large-cap and mid-cap allocations are remarkably similar at approximately 44% and 13% respectively. However, Quant’s 6.61% Futures & Options exposure distinguishes its quantitative trading approach, enabling tactical market positioning unavailable to traditional fundamental funds. ICICI Prudential’s more diversified 71-stock portfolio contrasts with Quant’s concentrated 37-stock holdings.
ICICI Prudential Flexicap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund: Top 10 holdings comparison
Stock selection philosophies differ significantly between these funds:
| Rank | ICICI Prudential Holdings | Sector | % | Quant Flexi Cap Holdings | Sector | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TVS Motor Company Ltd | 2/3 Wheelers | 9.47% | Reliance Industries Ltd | Refineries | 10.38% |
| 2 | Maruti Suzuki India Ltd | Automobiles | 7.92% | Adani Power Ltd | Power Generation | 8.57% |
| 3 | ICICI Bank Ltd | Private Banking | 6.80% | Adani Enterprises Ltd | Trading | 6.52% |
| 4 | HDFC Bank Ltd | Private Banking | 5.02% | Motherson Sumi Systems | Auto Components | 6.28% |
| 5 | Avenue Supermarts Ltd | Retail | 4.73% | Aurobindo Pharma Ltd | Pharmaceuticals | 5.01% |
| 6 | Infosys Ltd | IT Services | 3.40% | Jio Financial Services | NBFC | 4.92% |
| 7 | Ethos Ltd | Jewellery | 3.02% | LIC of India | Life Insurance | 4.20% |
| 8 | Larsen & Toubro Ltd | Construction | 2.62% | Britannia Industries | Packaged Foods | 3.65% |
| 9 | Axis Bank Ltd | Private Banking | 2.54% | Larsen & Toubro Ltd | Construction | 3.63% |
| 10 | Pi Industries Ltd | Agrochemicals | 2.49% | Tata Power Co Ltd | Utilities | 3.45% |
ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund demonstrates strong automobile sector conviction with TVS Motor and Maruti Suzuki as top holdings, complemented by banking and retail exposure. Quant Flexi Cap Fund exhibits a distinctly different philosophy—heavy concentration in Reliance Industries and Adani Group companies (Power and Enterprises), alongside pharmaceuticals and infrastructure. Quant’s high-conviction positions in Adani Power (8.57%) and Adani Enterprises (6.52%) reflect its momentum-driven quantitative approach targeting high-growth conglomerates.
ICICI Prudential Flexicap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Expense ratio and cost comparison
Investment costs significantly impact long-term wealth creation:
| Cost Parameter | ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.77% | 1.79% |
| Category Average | 1.89% | 1.89% |
| Cost Difference | Significantly Below Average | Below Average |
| Annual Cost on ₹10 Lakh | ₹7,700 | ₹17,900 |
| 10-Year Cost Impact on ₹10 Lakh | ₹77,000 | ₹1,79,000 |
| Cost Savings (ICICI vs Quant) | ₹10,200/year | – |
ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund offers extraordinary cost advantage with its 0.77% expense ratio—less than half of Quant’s 1.79%. For a ₹10 lakh investment, investors save approximately ₹10,200 annually by choosing ICICI Prudential. Over a 10-year investment horizon, this difference amounts to ₹1,02,000 in savings, significantly impacting net wealth creation. This cost differential is amongst the largest in flexi cap fund comparisons.
ICICI Prudential Flexicap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund: Risk metrics and Crisil ratings
Risk assessment reveals significant differences in fund quality and performance consistency:
| Risk Parameter | ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Risk-O-Meter | Very High Risk | Very High Risk |
| Crisil Rating | 4 Stars | 2 Stars |
| Rating Description | Above Average Performance | Below Average Performance |
| Previous Rating | 3 Stars (Upgraded) | Higher (Downgraded) |
| Portfolio Turnover | 25.00% | High |
| Number of Stocks | 71 | 37 |
| F&O Exposure | None | 6.61% |
| Concentration Risk | Moderate | High |
The two-star gap in Crisil ratings—4 stars for ICICI Prudential versus 2 stars for Quant—reflects substantial recent performance divergence. ICICI Prudential’s recent upgrade from 3 to 4 stars indicates improving trajectory, whilst Quant’s below-average rating signals challenges in current market conditions. Quant’s F&O exposure of 6.61% and concentrated 37-stock portfolio suggest higher risk-reward characteristics compared to ICICI Prudential’s diversified, conventional approach.
ICICI Prudential Flexicap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Sector allocation comparison
Sector distribution reveals contrasting investment convictions:
| Sector | ICICI Prudential Weight | Quant Flexi Cap Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Automobiles & Auto Components | ~17.4% | ~6.3% |
| Private Banking | ~14.4% | – |
| Energy/Refineries | – | ~10.4% |
| Power/Utilities | – | ~12.0% |
| Conglomerates (Adani Group) | – | ~15.1% |
| Pharmaceuticals | – | ~5.0% |
| Retail | ~4.7% | – |
| IT Services | ~3.4% | – |
| NBFC/Financial Services | – | ~4.9% |
| Construction | ~2.6% | ~3.6% |
ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund maintains pronounced automobile and banking sector focus, with approximately 17% in automobiles and 14% in private banking. Quant Flexi Cap Fund demonstrates contrasting conviction in energy, power, and conglomerate stocks—notably featuring significant Adani Group exposure (~15%) and Reliance Industries (~10%). This divergent sector positioning explains their performance variations during different market phases.
ICICI Prudential Flexicap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Investment philosophy comparison
Understanding core investment philosophies helps investors align fund selection with their beliefs:
| Philosophy Aspect | ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Approach | Fundamental Research | Multi-Factor Quantitative |
| Primary Focus | Quality Growth | Momentum & Value |
| Sector Strategy | Auto & Banking Focus | Energy & Conglomerates |
| Portfolio Style | Diversified (71 stocks) | Concentrated (37 stocks) |
| Risk Management | Conservative Allocation | Aggressive with F&O |
| Trading Frequency | Moderate Turnover (25%) | High Turnover |
| Track Record | 4+ Years | 17+ Years |
ICICI Prudential follows traditional fundamental research-driven stock selection emphasising quality growth companies in automobiles and banking. Quant Mutual Fund employs a quantitative multi-factor model incorporating momentum, value, and quality factors, resulting in concentrated positions and higher portfolio turnover. ICICI’s approach provides more predictable, stable returns, whilst Quant’s strategy offers potential for outperformance during favourable market cycles but with greater volatility.
ICICI Prudential Flexicap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Concentration risk analysis
Understanding portfolio concentration helps assess single-stock and sector risks:
| Concentration Metric | ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Total Stocks | 71 | 37 |
| Top 5 Holdings Weight | 34.94% | 37.76% |
| Top 10 Holdings Weight | 48.01% | 56.61% |
| Category Average Stocks | 63.19 | 63.19 |
| Single Stock Max Weight | 9.47% (TVS Motor) | 10.38% (Reliance) |
| Adani Group Exposure | 0% | ~15% |
Quant Flexi Cap Fund’s 37-stock portfolio is substantially more concentrated than ICICI Prudential’s 71 holdings. Quant’s top 10 holdings comprise 56.61% of the portfolio versus ICICI’s 48.01%, indicating higher single-stock risk. Notably, Quant’s ~15% combined exposure to Adani Group companies (Power and Enterprises) creates significant conglomerate-specific risk, whilst ICICI Prudential maintains no exposure to these stocks.
Which flexi cap fund is suitable for different investor profiles
Selecting between these funds requires understanding personal investment preferences:
| Investor Profile | Recommended Fund | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-conscious investors | ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund | Significantly lower expense ratio (0.77% vs 1.79%) |
| Conservative investors | ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund | 4-star rating, diversified 71-stock portfolio |
| Momentum believers | Quant Flexi Cap Fund | Quantitative multi-factor approach |
| Long-term SIP investors (10+ years) | Quant Flexi Cap Fund | Superior 10-year SIP returns (20.42%) |
| Automobile sector bulls | ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund | Heavy auto sector exposure (TVS, Maruti) |
| Energy/Infrastructure believers | Quant Flexi Cap Fund | Reliance, Adani, Power sector focus |
| Risk-averse investors | ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund | No F&O exposure, better Crisil rating |
| High-conviction investors | Quant Flexi Cap Fund | Concentrated 37-stock portfolio |
| Banking sector bulls | ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund | Significant private banking exposure |
ICICI Prudential Flexicap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Recent performance trajectory
Understanding recent trends helps investors assess current momentum:
| Performance Trajectory | ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Crisil Rating Trend | Upgraded (3→4 Stars) | Downgraded (2 Stars) |
| 1-Year Category Rank | 6/39 | 20/39 |
| YTD Performance vs Category | +6.47% above average | +0.18% above average |
| 6-Month Performance vs Category | +4.83% above average | -1.83% below average |
| Recent Momentum | Strong Positive | Weak/Negative |
ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund demonstrates strong positive momentum with recent Crisil upgrade and top-quartile category ranking. Quant Flexi Cap Fund’s trajectory shows weakening performance, with six-month returns falling below category average despite its historically strong long-term track record. This recent divergence reflects the contrasting fortunes of their respective sector bets.
Final verdict: ICICI Prudential Flexicap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund
ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund and Quant Flexi Cap Fund cater to distinctly different investor profiles and investment beliefs. ICICI Prudential’s 4-star Crisil rating, exceptional 0.77% expense ratio, superior one-year returns of 12.74%, and diversified 71-stock portfolio make it suitable for cost-conscious investors seeking stable, above-average performance. The fund’s recent rating upgrade and strong automobile/banking sector conviction position it well for continued outperformance.
Quant Flexi Cap Fund’s 2-star rating reflects recent underperformance, with one-year returns of 7.01% trailing ICICI Prudential by 5.73 percentage points. However, its exceptional 10-year track record with 18.99% annualised returns and 20.42% SIP returns demonstrates the quantitative strategy’s long-term potential. The fund suits aggressive investors comfortable with higher costs, concentrated positions, significant Adani Group exposure, and F&O trading who believe in momentum-driven quantitative investing.
Investors prioritising cost efficiency, diversification, and recent performance momentum should favour ICICI Prudential Flexicap Fund. Those with higher risk appetite, longer investment horizons, and conviction in energy/infrastructure sector leadership may consider Quant Flexi Cap Fund despite its recent challenges, recognising that its long-term performance has historically been compelling during favourable market cycles.
Disclaimer: Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Past performance does not guarantee future returns. Investors should consult financial advisors before making investment decisions.
