CAMCI Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Mutual Fund?

  A Mutual Fund is an investment company that pools the funds of many investors or shareholders. Professional fund managers purchase prime securities which usually require a large amount of funds to acquire. Investment returns are passed back to the investors reflected in the Net Asset Value Per Share of the Mutual Fund.

• What is NAVPS?

  The Net Asset Value Per Share (NAVPS) is a Mutual Fund’s price per share. Buying and selling Mutual Fund shares are done based on the NAVPS. If you see a NAVPS at P1.00, then you can expect to buy or sell 100 shares for P100. The NAVPS is calculated at the end of each day by dividing the Mutual Fund company’s net assets by the number of its outstanding shares.

• What are the benefits of investing in a Mutual Fund?

  Especially for low to average income people, investing in Mutual Funds is a convenient and affordable way of gaining access to investments that would otherwise be available only to wealthy individuals or large institutions. These investments are selected by experienced professionals who devote themselves to tracking the markets, analyzing investments, and implementing an investment strategy which one may have no expertise or time to do so. Aside from this, Investing in Mutual Funds offers:

  1. Diversification – Diversification reduces risks by spreading out your investment throughout a variety of securities. When one security goes down, the other securities are not affected.
  2. Professional Management – Seasoned portfolio managers administer and diversify Mutual Fund investments over many different stocks or bonds that may not be available or affordable to investors.
  3. Low Investment Amounts – Only P1,000.00 is needed to open an account and P500.00 for additional investments. These amounts are low enough for marginal investors to get started with Mutual Funds.
  4. Liquidity – Mutual Fund shares can easily be redeemed at any time, based on the current NAVPS plus any redemption fees.

• How much will be earned from investing in Mutual Funds?

  The return on a Mutual Fund investment is based on the performance of the fund. Mutual Fund yields can neither be fixed nor guaranteed. However, since a Mutual Fund is a diversified investment by nature, the risks are spread and have more chance of growth in returns particularly in the medium and long term.

• Who regulates the Mutual Fund Industry?

  The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates the mutual fund industry.

• Are Mutual Fund Returns Guaranteed?

  As per SEC guidelines, Mutual Fund returns cannot be guaranteed. Mutual Funds qualify as securities and not deposits. And like any other investments, Mutual Funds have certain amounts of risks like market volatility in the case of equity investments, and interest changes in the case of bond funds. But again, in the medium to long run there is always growth in Mutual Funds due to their wide and varied portfolio, upon which fund managers and the funds themselves operate under strict securities regulations.

• What are Cocolife Asset Management’s Mutual Funds?

  Cocolife Asset Management Co. Inc. (CAMCI) is the Principal Distributor and the Investment Company Manager of the following Mutual Funds:

  1. United Fund Inc. – A diversified portfolio of Blue Chip and Growth Stocks listed in the PSE.
  2. Cocolife Fixed Income Fund Inc. – A diversified portfolio of corporate bonds, government securities and other fixed income securities that generate regular interest income.
  3. Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. – A diversified portfolio of US Dollar denominated fixed-income and equity investments.

• When is the best time to invest?

  The best time to invest is when you have the money to invest. Remember that time and not timing is the key to successful mutual fund investing. As an investor, your concern should be to have as much time as possible to stay invested. Take the long-term view.

• How does one choose the funds to invest in?

  Select investments based on one’s personal circumstances, financial goals, and risk tolerance. Match the fund based on compatible investment style and objective.

• Is investing in Mutual Funds a one-time payment?

  One can invest in Mutual Funds through a one-time investment payment, but investing regularly can be a better way to build up a significant amount through the cost averaging strategy.

• Investment

  1. How much is the initial amount to open an investment?

     You can now open an account in United Fund, Inc. and Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. for as low as 1,000 Pesos. To invest in Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc., the minimum amount is 1,000 US Dollars.

  2. How much is the additional investment?

     For as low as 500 Pesos, you can add to your investments in United Fund, Inc., and Cocolife Fixed Income Fund. For Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc., the minimum additional investment is 500 US Dollars.

  3. What are the charges for Mutual Fund investments?

     A sales load or entry fee will be charged on initial and subsequent investments made by an investor. The fee will be applied to the NAVPS or the selling price for the day. The applicable sales load rate shall not exceed three percent (3%) of NAVPS. Documentary Stamp Taxes (DST) shall be applied upon each investment transaction computed at P2.00 for every P200 of Shares at Par Value.

  4. What proofs of investment or documents will be received for Cocolife Mutual Funds investment?

     A password-protected official receipt and investment confirmation will be sent to the investor’s official email address within the next two days from the date of investment.

  5. Can one switch to another Mutual Fund anytime and will there be charges for switching?

     Yes, one can switch to another fund of the same denomination anytime. The first switch shall be free of charge. However, Documentary Stamp Taxes will be collected for each switch.

  6. How much is the maintaining balance for Mutual Funds?

     100 shares are needed to maintain an account. Anything lower will impose a full redemption transaction.

  7. What are the requirements when investing in CAMCI’s Mutual Funds?

     The investor must provide the following:

     1. Filled Up Forms (*Upon Initial Investment Only)
        • Account Opening Form *
        • Signature Cards *
        • Purchase Form
        • Investment Trust Agreement Form (For In-Trust-For/Minor Accounts) *
     2. Provide Identification (Upon Initial Investment Only)
        • Photocopy of 2 Government Issued IDs
        • Photocopy of Birth Certificate (For In-Trust-For / Minor Accounts)
     3. Invest Funds
        • Check in Favor of Mutual Fund: UFI, CFIFI, C$FBI, or
        • E-mail of Scanned Validated Deposit Slip, or
        • E-mail of Bank Transfer Transaction Information

• Monitoring

  1. How does an investor monitor the Value of Investments and track the Fund’s Performance?

     A Statement of Account (SOA) shall be sent to the investor every quarter as required by the SEC. An investor can check the SOA anytime by registering and logging into the Cocolife Asset Management Investors’ SOA Portal on its website (https://cocolifeasset.com.ph). All investors will receive a daily SMS indicating the NAVPS for the day. Investors may also call the Investor Relations Office (IRO) of Cocolife Asset Management at (02)88101888, during business hours.

  2. Why are there no daily NAVPS SMS being sent?

     If unable to receive the daily NAVPS and alerts from CAMCI, Call the CAMCI IRO at (02)88101888 or report this to the assigned Investment Specialist.

  3. How will the investor get the Investor Portal Temporary Password?

     An SMS notification will be received by the investor containing a temporary portal password. Call CAMCI IRO at (02)88101888 or email cocolifefunds@cocolife.com for further inquiries.

  4. How many days will investments take to be reflected in the Statement of Account?

     Updated investment balances may be viewed 2 days after the date of investment.

• Redemption

  1. What are the charges to my redemptions?

     Shares held for less than 180 days will be subject to a redemption fee not to exceed 1%, deducted from the NAVPS for the day.

  2. How many days will it take proceeds to be available after submitting the accomplished redemption form?

     Proceeds will be deposited to the investor’s bank account between 3 to 5 working days from the date of receipt of the fully accomplished redemption form.

  3. Can Mutual Investments be redeemed anytime?

     Yes. Investors have immediate access to their money by redeeming or selling shares at the fund’s Net Asset Value Per Share, determined at the end of each trading day.

  4. What is required to redeem Mutual Fund shares?

     An accomplished and duly signed Redemption Form is required to redeem shares.

• Who can use GCash to invest in CAMCI Mutual Funds?

All existing investors as well as new investors with GCash accounts can invest via GCash.

• How do I use GCash to invest?

For All Investors

Step 1: Login to GCash, Click Bills tab then Payment Solutions tab.

Step 2: Select your Mutual Fund you want to invest in: United Fund Inc., (UFI) or Cocolife Fixed Income Fund Inc. (CFIFI)

Step 3: Enter your Transaction Information

• • • Amount to Invest
    • 8-Digit Account ID (Example: 00012345) For New Investors: Enter “00000000”
    • Account Name
    • Contact Details (Mobile Number and Email)

Step 4: Download GCash Payment Receipt and send to cocolifefunds@cocolife.com

For New Investors

Step 5: Download and Fill Out Forms

• • • Account Opening Form
    • Signature Card for Individual Investor
    • Purchase Form

Step 6: Scan 2 Valid IDs and Send with Forms via Email to cocolifefunds@cocolife.com

For detailed step by step, please read our article on GCash.

• If I forget to download the GCash Payment Receipt what can I send as proof of payment?

A screenshot of the Transaction Details from your Transaction History may be taken and sent as an alternative proof of transfer.

• What valid IDs can I submit?

You can use any 2 government issued IDs such as Driver’s License, Passport, Philhealth ID, Postal ID, Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID, SSS Card, etc.

• How much can you invest using GCash?

The minimum initial investment for new accounts is P1,000.

The minimum amount for succeeding investment transactions is P500.

The maximum amount per investment transaction is P100,000.

Note: Standard GCash guidelines on account profile limits will apply.

• How much is the Convenience Fee?

Currently there is a P10 Convenience Fee per transaction to be shouldered by the Investor. Other fund transfer fees directly or indirectly related to the investor’s GCash/ Bank transfers shall also be borne by the same.

• When can I invest?

You can invest anytime and anywhere using GCash. The Net Asset Value Per Share (NAVPS) shall be based on the time and date of your GCash bills payment transaction. Standard 12 noon cut-off guidelines shall apply.

• When do I receive an Official Receipt (OR) for my investment?

The Official Receipt for your investment will be prepared and sent to you after all transaction information, account opening requirements, and fund remittance have been verified and confirmed by CAMCI.

• What should I do in case of GCash transaction issues?

Open your GCash application and click the HELP tab to access the GCash Help Center.

• Who can I contact for assistance and further inquiries regarding my investments?

Please contact the CAMCI Investor Relation Office (IRO) at (02)88-101-888, email cocolifefunds@cocolife.com, or message CAMCI Official Facebook page.

• How can investors update their account information?

  The regular updating of investor information is highly recommended. Contact the assigned Investment Specialist or call the CAMCI IRO for assistance on account information updating. Fill-out the Client Update Form which is available at www.cocolifeasset.com/downloadable-forms.

• Who is entitled to claim investment proceeds in case of death of an investor?

  The proceeds will go to the investor’s compulsory heir under the rules on succession.

• Who will handle the account when the current Investment Specialist resigns?

  Investment accounts will be endorsed to another Investment Specialist to ensure the continuous and smooth flow of transactions.

• Can Mutual Fund investments be used as show money for applying for a VISA?

  Yes, just submit an accomplished request for Certificate of Investment.

• Can the investor account name be changed? If so, what are the requirements?

  Advise the assigned Investment Solicitor of the account of the request and submit an accomplished Amendment Form, Account Opening Form, Signature Card, and Photocopy of 2 Government Issued IDs.

• Is there a monthly or annual dividend in Mutual Fund investments?

  Dividends, if any, and the direct issuance thereof to investors are dependent on the declaration and directive of the Mutual Fund’s Board of Directors.

• Can investors refer accounts to CAMCI?

  Please talk to the assigned Investment Specialist or contact CAMCI Sales at camci.sales@cocolife.com.