Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund and Quant Flexi Cap Fund represent two fundamentally different investment philosophies within India’s flexi cap mutual fund category. Parag Parikh follows a conservative, globally diversified approach with significant international holdings and debt allocation, whilst Quant Mutual Fund employs an aggressive multi-factor quantitative strategy with concentrated domestic equity exposure. This comprehensive comparison analyses returns, portfolio composition, expense ratios, and investment strategies to help investors choose between these contrasting flexi cap schemes.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap 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 | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| NAV (21 Nov 2025) | ₹86.44 | ₹99.76 |
| Fund Size (AUM) | ₹1,25,799.64 Cr | ₹6,889.95 Cr |
| Expense Ratio | 1.28% | 1.79% |
| Crisil Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars) | ⭐⭐ (2 Stars) |
| Risk Level | Very High | Very High |
| Portfolio Turnover | 39.00% | High |
| Number of Stocks | 90 | 37 |
| Fund House | PPFAS Mutual Fund | Quant Mutual Fund |
| Inception Date | 24-May-2013 | 20-Oct-2008 |
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund commands the largest asset base amongst all Indian flexi cap funds at ₹1,25,799.64 crore—over 18 times larger than Quant’s ₹6,889.95 crore. This massive difference in investor trust reflects the contrasting Crisil ratings—5 stars for Parag Parikh versus just 2 stars for Quant. Despite Quant’s longer operational history since 2008, Parag Parikh’s consistent philosophy and superior risk-adjusted returns have attracted significantly greater investor confidence.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund: One-year and short-term returns
Recent performance data reveals notable differences between these funds:
| Period | Parag Parikh Returns | Quant Flexi Cap Returns | Category Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | 0.43% | -0.55% | -0.22% |
| 1 Month | -0.46% | 0.36% | -0.26% |
| 3 Months | 2.12% | 4.71% | 1.88% |
| 6 Months | 4.94% | 3.40% | 5.23% |
| YTD | 6.74% | 3.54% | 3.36% |
| 1 Year | 9.58% | 7.01% | 6.78% |
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund has delivered superior one-year returns of 9.58% compared to Quant Flexi Cap Fund’s 7.01%. The year-to-date performance also favours Parag Parikh with 6.74% against Quant’s 3.54%. Both funds exceed the category average of 6.78%, though Parag Parikh’s outperformance is more convincing, validating its 5-star Crisil rating versus Quant’s below-average 2-star classification.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Long-term returns comparison
Long-term performance reveals interesting patterns across different market cycles:
| Period | Parag Parikh Annualised Returns | Quant Flexi Cap Annualised Returns | Category Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Years | 18.74% | 16.36% | 16.38% |
| 3 Years | 20.93% | 16.44% | 16.59% |
| 5 Years | 21.03% | 25.81% | 18.12% |
| 10 Years | 17.57% | 18.99% | 14.21% |
| Since Inception | 18.83% | 14.38% | 14.19% |
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund demonstrates superior performance over two and three-year periods with 18.74% and 20.93% annualised returns respectively, compared to Quant’s 16.36% and 16.44%. However, Quant Flexi Cap Fund outperforms over five-year (25.81% vs 21.03%) and ten-year horizons (18.99% vs 17.57%). This pattern suggests Quant’s quantitative strategy delivered exceptional results during the previous decade but has faced challenges in recent market conditions, whilst Parag Parikh’s balanced approach provides more consistent returns.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund: SIP returns analysis
Systematic Investment Plan returns reflect real wealth creation experience for retail investors:
| SIP Period | Parag Parikh Absolute Returns | Parag Parikh Annualised | Quant Absolute Returns | Quant Annualised |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year (₹12,000 invested) | 5.52% | 10.33% | 5.06% | 9.47% |
| 2 Years (₹24,000 invested) | 13.23% | 12.41% | 5.06% | 4.81% |
| 3 Years (₹36,000 invested) | 30.37% | 17.96% | 21.70% | 13.15% |
| 5 Years (₹60,000 invested) | 57.20% | 18.12% | 53.82% | 17.23% |
| 10 Years (₹1,20,000 invested) | 176.39% | 19.29% | 193.83% | 20.42% |
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund delivers superior SIP returns across one to five-year periods. The three-year SIP absolute returns stand at 30.37% for Parag Parikh versus 21.70% for Quant—a substantial difference for systematic investors. However, Quant Flexi Cap Fund shows remarkable 10-year SIP performance with 193.83% absolute returns and 20.42% annualised gains, surpassing Parag Parikh’s 176.39% and 19.29% respectively. This indicates Quant’s historical strength in long-term wealth creation despite recent underperformance.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Portfolio allocation strategy
Portfolio composition reveals fundamentally different investment philosophies:
| Asset Class | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Total Equity | 77.47% | 97.92% |
| Domestic Equity | 65.97% | 91.31% |
| Foreign Equity | 11.50% | 0.00% |
| F&O Holdings | 0.00% | 6.61% |
| Debt | 11.94% | 2.82% |
| Others | 10.59% | -0.74% |
| Large Cap | 49.80% | 44.96% |
| Mid Cap | 2.29% | 13.03% |
| Small Cap | 2.84% | 8.38% |
The allocation differences are striking. Parag Parikh maintains conservative 77.47% equity exposure compared to Quant’s aggressive 97.92%. Parag Parikh’s distinctive feature is its 11.50% foreign equity allocation and substantial 11.94% debt holdings, providing geographic diversification and downside protection unavailable in Quant’s portfolio. Quant’s 6.61% F&O exposure enables tactical market positioning, whilst its higher mid-cap (13.03%) and small-cap (8.38%) allocations create greater growth potential but with increased volatility.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund: Top 10 holdings comparison
Stock selection reflects each fund’s investment philosophy:
| Rank | Parag Parikh Holdings | Sector | % | Quant Flexi Cap Holdings | Sector | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HDFC Bank Ltd | Private Banking | 8.02% | Reliance Industries Ltd | Refineries | 10.38% |
| 2 | Power Grid Corporation | Power Transmission | 6.00% | Adani Power Ltd | Power Generation | 8.57% |
| 3 | Bajaj Holdings & Investment | Holding Company | 5.20% | Adani Enterprises Ltd | Trading | 6.52% |
| 4 | Coal India Ltd | Coal Mining | 5.01% | Motherson Sumi Systems | Auto Components | 6.28% |
| 5 | ITC Limited | Diversified FMCG | 4.64% | Aurobindo Pharma Ltd | Pharmaceuticals | 5.01% |
| 6 | ICICI Bank Ltd | Private Banking | 4.63% | Jio Financial Services | NBFC | 4.92% |
| 7 | Kotak Mahindra Bank | Private Banking | 4.04% | LIC of India | Life Insurance | 4.20% |
| 8 | Alphabet Inc | Technology (Foreign) | 3.75% | Britannia Industries | Packaged Foods | 3.65% |
| 9 | Maruti Suzuki India | Automobiles | 3.47% | Larsen & Toubro Ltd | Construction | 3.63% |
| 10 | Bharti Airtel Ltd | Telecom | 3.46% | Tata Power Co Ltd | Utilities | 3.45% |
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund demonstrates broader sector diversification with exposure to banking, power, FMCG, and uniquely, international technology through Alphabet Inc (Google’s parent company). Quant Flexi Cap Fund exhibits concentrated positions in Reliance Industries and Adani Group companies (Power and Enterprises), alongside pharmaceuticals and infrastructure. Quant’s high-conviction Adani exposure (~15% combined) reflects its momentum-driven quantitative approach, contrasting sharply with Parag Parikh’s more balanced, value-oriented holdings.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Expense ratio and cost comparison
Investment costs significantly impact long-term wealth creation:
| Cost Parameter | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.28% | 1.79% |
| Category Average | 1.89% | 1.89% |
| Cost Difference | Below Average | Below Average |
| Annual Cost on ₹10 Lakh | ₹12,800 | ₹17,900 |
| 10-Year Cost Impact on ₹10 Lakh | ₹1,28,000 | ₹1,79,000 |
| Cost Savings (Parag Parikh vs Quant) | ₹5,100/year | – |
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund offers notable cost advantage with 1.28% expense ratio compared to Quant’s 1.79%. Investors save approximately ₹5,100 annually per ₹10 lakh invested by choosing Parag Parikh. Over a 10-year investment horizon, this difference amounts to ₹51,000 in savings, which compounds further when considering opportunity costs. Both funds charge below category average, though Parag Parikh’s cost efficiency is superior.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund: Risk metrics and Crisil ratings
Risk assessment reveals significant differences in fund quality and consistency:
| Risk Parameter | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Risk-O-Meter | Very High Risk | Very High Risk |
| Crisil Rating | 5 Stars | 2 Stars |
| Rating Description | Very Good Performance | Below Average Performance |
| Portfolio Turnover | 39.00% | High |
| Number of Stocks | 90 | 37 |
| Foreign Exposure | 11.50% | None |
| Debt Allocation | 11.94% | 2.82% |
| F&O Exposure | None | 6.61% |
The three-star gap in Crisil ratings—5 stars for Parag Parikh versus 2 stars for Quant—represents one of the largest rating differentials in flexi cap comparisons. Parag Parikh’s diversified 90-stock portfolio with built-in stability mechanisms (11.94% debt, 11.50% foreign equity) contrasts sharply with Quant’s concentrated 37-stock, F&O-enhanced aggressive approach. The rating differential reflects recent performance divergence and risk-adjusted return variations.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: International diversification advantage
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund’s unique international exposure deserves detailed examination:
| International Investment Feature | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Equity Allocation | 11.50% | 0.00% |
| Primary International Holding | Alphabet Inc (3.75%) | None |
| Currency Diversification | USD Exposure | None |
| Global Technology Access | Google Parent Company | None |
| Geographic Diversification | India + Developed Markets | India Only |
| Currency Hedge Benefit | Rupee Depreciation Gains | None |
Parag Parikh’s 11.50% foreign equity allocation, including holdings in Alphabet Inc, provides Indian investors exposure to global technology innovation and developed market opportunities. During periods of rupee depreciation, foreign holdings potentially offer currency gains alongside capital appreciation. Quant’s purely domestic focus limits such diversification benefits but maintains concentrated India growth exposure.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Built-in stability mechanisms comparison
Understanding risk mitigation approaches helps assess downside protection:
| Stability Mechanism | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Debt Allocation | 11.94% | 2.82% |
| Cash/Others Allocation | 10.59% | -0.74% |
| Total Non-Equity Buffer | ~22.53% | ~2.08% |
| Stock Diversification | 90 Stocks | 37 Stocks |
| Geographic Diversification | Yes (International) | No |
| Sector Concentration | Low | High |
| Single Stock Max Weight | 8.02% (HDFC Bank) | 10.38% (Reliance) |
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund maintains approximately 22.53% in non-equity holdings (debt and others), providing substantial cushion during market corrections. Quant’s aggressive approach leaves minimal buffer at approximately 2.08%. Parag Parikh’s 90-stock diversification across domestic and international markets contrasts with Quant’s concentrated 37-stock domestic-only portfolio, offering significantly better risk distribution.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Sector allocation comparison
Sector distribution reveals contrasting investment convictions:
| Sector | Parag Parikh Weight | Quant Flexi Cap Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Private Banking | ~17% | – |
| Power/Utilities | ~6% | ~12% |
| Energy/Refineries | – | ~10% |
| Conglomerates (Adani Group) | – | ~15% |
| FMCG | ~5% | ~4% |
| Technology (Foreign) | ~4% | – |
| Holding Companies | ~5% | – |
| Pharmaceuticals | – | ~5% |
| Auto Components | – | ~6% |
| Telecom | ~3.5% | – |
| Life Insurance | – | ~4% |
Parag Parikh maintains diversified sector exposure across banking, power, FMCG, technology (including foreign), and holding companies. Quant demonstrates concentrated conviction in Adani Group (~15%), Reliance Industries (~10%), and power sector (~12%). This divergent positioning explains performance variations—Parag Parikh benefits from diversified sector stability whilst Quant’s returns depend heavily on energy and conglomerate stock performance.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Investment philosophy comparison
Understanding core investment philosophies helps investors align fund selection with their beliefs:
| Philosophy Aspect | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Approach | Value-Oriented Diversified | Multi-Factor Quantitative |
| Geographic Scope | Global (India + International) | Domestic Only |
| Primary Focus | Quality & Stability | Momentum & Value |
| Portfolio Style | Highly Diversified (90 stocks) | Concentrated (37 stocks) |
| Risk Management | Conservative (High Debt/Cash) | Aggressive (F&O Enhanced) |
| Sector Strategy | Balanced Diversification | Energy & Conglomerate Focus |
| Trading Frequency | Moderate (39% turnover) | High Turnover |
| Track Record | 12+ Years | 17+ Years |
Parag Parikh follows a globally diversified, value-oriented approach emphasising quality companies with built-in stability through debt and international holdings. Quant employs an aggressive quantitative multi-factor model with concentrated domestic positions and F&O exposure. Parag Parikh’s philosophy suits investors seeking consistent, lower-volatility returns, whilst Quant’s approach targets higher returns with significantly greater risk.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Adani Group exposure analysis
Quant’s significant Adani exposure warrants specific examination:
| Adani Exposure Metric | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Adani Power Ltd | 0% | 8.57% |
| Adani Enterprises Ltd | 0% | 6.52% |
| Total Adani Group Exposure | 0% | ~15.09% |
| Conglomerate Concentration Risk | None | High |
| Regulatory/Governance Risk | None | Elevated |
Quant Flexi Cap Fund maintains approximately 15% combined exposure to Adani Group companies, creating significant single-conglomerate concentration risk. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund has zero Adani exposure, preferring established blue-chip companies. This divergent positioning reflects contrasting risk appetites—Quant’s momentum-driven approach embraces high-growth conglomerates whilst Parag Parikh’s value philosophy favours proven, stable businesses.
Which flexi cap fund is suitable for different investor profiles
Selecting between these funds requires understanding personal investment preferences:
| Investor Profile | Recommended Fund | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative investors | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | 5-star rating, 22% non-equity buffer |
| International diversification seekers | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | 11.50% foreign equity including Alphabet |
| Aggressive growth seekers | Quant Flexi Cap Fund | Higher equity allocation (98%), F&O exposure |
| Cost-conscious investors | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Lower expense ratio (1.28% vs 1.79%) |
| Long-term SIP investors (10+ years) | Quant Flexi Cap Fund | Superior 10-year SIP returns (20.42%) |
| Risk-averse investors | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Diversified 90-stock portfolio, debt cushion |
| Energy/Infrastructure believers | Quant Flexi Cap Fund | Reliance, Adani, Power sector focus |
| Technology sector believers | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Alphabet Inc holding |
| First-time investors | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Established track record, 5-star rating |
| High-conviction investors | Quant Flexi Cap Fund | Concentrated 37-stock portfolio |
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Volatility and drawdown comparison
Understanding historical volatility helps set realistic expectations:
| Volatility Metric | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio Approach | Conservative Diversified | Aggressive Concentrated |
| Expected Volatility | Lower | Higher |
| Drawdown Protection | Better (Debt + International) | Limited |
| Recovery Potential | Steady | Variable |
| Suitable Holding Period | 5+ Years | 7-10+ Years |
| Investor Anxiety Level | Lower | Higher |
Parag Parikh’s conservative approach with 90 stocks, 12% debt, and international diversification typically results in lower volatility and better drawdown protection. Quant’s concentrated 37-stock portfolio with F&O exposure and significant conglomerate holdings creates higher volatility, requiring longer holding periods and greater investor patience during market corrections.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund and Quant Flexi Cap fund: Fund manager track record
Understanding fund management expertise provides additional investment context:
| Fund Management Aspect | Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund | Quant Flexi Cap Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Age | 12+ Years (Since May 2013) | 17+ Years (Since Oct 2008) |
| Fund House Philosophy | Value Investing | Quantitative Multi-Factor |
| Investment Consistency | High | Variable |
| Investor Trust (AUM) | ₹1,25,800 Cr | ₹6,890 Cr |
| AUM Ratio | 18x Larger | 1x |
| Category Rank by AUM | #1 | Lower Quartile |
Parag Parikh’s ₹1,25,800 crore AUM—the largest in the flexi cap category—reflects exceptional investor confidence built over 12 years of consistent performance. Quant’s ₹6,890 crore AUM, despite a longer 17-year history, suggests more variable investor sentiment. This 18x AUM differential demonstrates the market’s preference for Parag Parikh’s balanced, diversified approach over Quant’s aggressive quantitative strategy.
Final verdict: Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund vs Quant Flexi Cap fund
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund and Quant Flexi Cap Fund represent polar opposite investment philosophies within the flexi cap category. Parag Parikh’s 5-star Crisil rating, superior recent returns of 9.58% over one year, lower expense ratio of 1.28%, and conservative approach with 11.50% international diversification and 11.94% debt allocation make it suitable for investors seeking consistent, risk-adjusted returns with built-in stability mechanisms. The fund’s ₹1,25,800 crore AUM—the largest amongst flexi cap funds—demonstrates unparalleled investor trust.
Quant Flexi Cap Fund’s 2-star rating reflects recent underperformance, with one-year returns of 7.01% trailing Parag Parikh by 2.57 percentage points. However, its exceptional five-year returns of 25.81% and 10-year SIP performance of 20.42% demonstrate the quantitative strategy’s historical wealth creation potential. The fund’s concentrated 37-stock portfolio, ~15% Adani Group exposure, and 6.61% F&O allocation suit aggressive investors with high risk tolerance, extended investment horizons, and conviction in momentum-driven quantitative investing.
Investors prioritising consistency, diversification, international exposure, and proven risk-adjusted returns should favour Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund. Those with higher risk appetite, longer investment horizons, and belief in concentrated momentum strategies may consider Quant Flexi Cap Fund despite its recent challenges, recognising that its long-term historical performance has 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.