SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 3
Download to read offline
March 2014 — ‘Over the Horizon’ Market Commentary by David Offer
Following a strong February, March was a subdued month for the Australian share market, with the All Ordinaries Index
down 12 points to close at 5,402. For the quarter, our market returned a modest 0.9% and, at the three quarter mark of the
financial year, is presently up 13.1%. Including dividends, our share market has returned 0.25% for March, 2.2% for the
March quarter and an impressive 17.5% for the financial year to date.
Despite headlines that relate to mass job layoffs, there are broader economic indicators that suggest Australia is doing a
reasonable job transitioning away from the mining boom. This is supported by last weeks’ stronger February employment
numbers that showed a falling unemployment rate from 6% to 5.8%.
While one month of falling data cannot be viewed as a trend, it does suggest some stabilisation in the unemployment
rate. The national result was more impressive when considering that WA’s unemployment rate spiked from 5.2% to 5.9% in
February. This could suggest that the Eastern States economies are broadly improving while the Western Australian
economy is struggling at the current time.
Supported by record low interest rates, the housing constructing industry is doing its share of the heavy lifting to lower the
national unemployment rate and reposition our economy away from the mining sector as evidenced by the following charts
published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for building approvals to February 2014.
Supported by property values rising by 13.2% since June 2012, which was when the current growth cycle commenced,
dwelling approvals are up 34.6% over the year. On average, across Australia, capital city property prices are now 4.8%
higher than their previous peak in October 2010.
As property prices have risen and home owners have felt wealthier, the benefits have fanned out further into the economy
as consumer confidence has gradually improved. A key beneficiary is the retail sector, with sales having now increased for
10 straight months, albeit off a very low base.
Also worth mentioning within our broader economic recovery is Australia’s long suffering tourism sector. Tourists to
Australia increased with the main growth segment being an influx of nearly three quarters of a million Chinese tourists, up
16.7% on the prior year.
With momentum building across the broader economy, the likelihood of further interest rate cuts is extremely low. To do so,
or even maintain rates at these levels for an extended period of time, runs the risk of creating a boom bust scenario in areas
such as Australia’s property market. While difficult to see from Western Australia, NSW’s property market is currently more
than a little warm.
That our economy is doing better than otherwise expected has resulted in the Australian Dollar proving to be stubbornly
resilient and, at the time of writing, is just shy of 94 cents. While we still expect our currency to fall against key currencies as
other countries raise internal interest rates from GFC emergency lows, this is taking longer than expected. For example, the
US Federal Reserve is indicating that interest rate rises may not commence in America until the second half of 2015, with a
current expectation of an interest rate rise of 1% in December 2015, up from the current interest rate level of 0.25%. The
extent of the current Central Bank emergency interest rate settings in the US, Euro area and Japan is starkly illustrated in
the following chart of 10 year central bank interest rate levels.
While the above economic news should be perceived as being good for the outlook for the Australian share market, we
suspect that the low interest rate settings applied last year have had a greater influence on maintaining a strong share
market. So despite this positive economic news and solid interim reporting season, the Australian share market has largely
flat-lined since last October. However, as mentioned last month, this positive news arguably increases the fair value of our
share market and we would become motivated buyers should our market pull back 5% to around 5,100.
Away from the top end of the market, there are some interesting company specific situations developing. Metcash and
Coca-Cola Amatil are two recognised names that have recently made disappointing company announcements that, post
large share price falls, have arguably moved their share prices into buying territory. While profits in both companies are
expected to fall between 10% and 15%, both companies have fallen by around a third in value over the last 12
months. Metcash is about to implement a transformational plan that appears relatively low risk and, if successful, should
return the company to profit growth in 2016. Coca-Cola Amatil, under new ex Graincorp CEO Alison Watkins, has
announced a strategic review to provide a framework to return the company to long term growth. Both companies should
still be able to continue to pay reasonable dividends going forward as they implement significant internal changes that will
hopefully reward patient long-term investors.
Myer Holdings has recently been sold down due to concerns the company would make a takeover offer for David
Jones. However, South African retailer Woolworths has acted first, making a $4 cash offer that values David Jones at
$2.15 billion. With Myer’s market value at $1.3 billion, any thoughts of Myer making a takeover offer should now be
dashed. At current prices, Myer is on an undemanding price earnings (PE) ratio of 11 times and grossed up historical
dividend yield of 11%. With the retail environment gradually improving, Myer should be able to at least modestly grow
profits going forward, so at current prices we believe the company represents an attractive 12 month trade. Should the
shares recover back to their average 12 month price of $2.65, coupled with dividends, this would represent at 30% return.
Transport companies are usually strong beneficiaries of an improving economy and Toll Holdings offers that
exposure. With an expected grossed up yield of 8.5%, investors can afford to be patient. Likewise, Asciano, with its
extensive rail and port assets should offer long-term share price appreciation and, as an infrastructure company, appears
more attractively priced than many of its peers.
While Southern Cross Media is a company that has some company specific issues at the current time due to a change in
presenters impacting its morning radio program ratings and affiliation with the struggling television network Ten, as a media
company, it is leveraged to a broader economic recovery. At current pricing, it is on an undemanding PE ratio of 10 times
and grossed up dividend yield of 9.5%.
Finally, to support the saying ‘every dog has its day’ and to offer hope to Alumina’s long suffering shareholders, there has
been recent commentary by Alcoa management suggesting that aluminium demand will exceed production this year, ending
an almost decade-long surplus driven by Chinese output that has saddled the industry with lower prices. The result has
been a recent recovery in the aluminium price and should this continue, will be very beneficial for Alumina as the company
stands to make a rapid recovery in profits and resume paying dividends.
While none of the above companies represent core portfolio holdings, the inclusion of some of the above shares within
portfolios could assist in generating increased portfolio yield and longer term capital appreciation that is ahead of the
broader market.
Should you wish to discuss any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We would welcome your call.
Sincerely
David Offer
AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE 259188
Director
HORIZON INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS PTY LTD
SUITE 1, POST OFFICE PLAZA, 153 VICTORIA STREET, BUNBURY WA 6230
T. 08 9791 9188 F. 08 9791 9187
E.david.offer@horizonis.com.au www.horizoninvestmentsolutions.com.au
Horizon Investment Solutions Pty Ltd, ACN 083 142 438, ABN 79 668 035 212, AFSL 405897
GENERAL ADVICE WARNING:
Please note that any advice provided in this newsletter is GENERAL advice only, as the information or advice given does not take into account your
particular objectives, financial situation or needs. Opinions, conclusions and other information expressed in this email are not given or endorsed by Horizon,
unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, before you act on any of the information provided in this newsletter, you must consider the appropriateness of the
information having regard to your particular objectives, financial situation and needs and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.
This newsletter is confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not view, disseminate, distribute or copy this document without our consent.
Horizon does not accept any liability in connection with any computer virus, data corruption, incompleteness, or unauthorised amendment of this
newsletter.

More Related Content

What's hot

Update October 2010
Update October 2010Update October 2010
Update October 2010
Martin Leduc
 
Telemus Capital's Spring Insights Q1 2013
Telemus Capital's Spring Insights Q1 2013Telemus Capital's Spring Insights Q1 2013
Telemus Capital's Spring Insights Q1 2013
telemuscapital
 
tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_clr_f12
tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_clr_f12tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_clr_f12
tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_clr_f12
Brock Gilbert
 
tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_swn_f12
tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_swn_f12tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_swn_f12
tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_swn_f12
Brock Gilbert
 
clear channel swap
clear channel swapclear channel swap
clear channel swap
Dylan Bateh
 
Putnam Fixed Income Outlook q313
Putnam Fixed Income Outlook q313Putnam Fixed Income Outlook q313
Putnam Fixed Income Outlook q313
Putnam Investments
 
RPM International Report
RPM International ReportRPM International Report
RPM International Report
Ryan Gersowsky
 

What's hot (18)

Update October 2010
Update October 2010Update October 2010
Update October 2010
 
Telemus Capital's Spring Insights Q1 2013
Telemus Capital's Spring Insights Q1 2013Telemus Capital's Spring Insights Q1 2013
Telemus Capital's Spring Insights Q1 2013
 
2013’s Top 10 Lessons for Investors from LPL Financial Research
2013’s Top 10 Lessons for Investors from LPL Financial Research2013’s Top 10 Lessons for Investors from LPL Financial Research
2013’s Top 10 Lessons for Investors from LPL Financial Research
 
LPL Market Insight 1Q14: Stocks Cool Off as U.S. Economy Weathers Deep Freeze
LPL Market Insight 1Q14: Stocks Cool Off as U.S. Economy Weathers Deep FreezeLPL Market Insight 1Q14: Stocks Cool Off as U.S. Economy Weathers Deep Freeze
LPL Market Insight 1Q14: Stocks Cool Off as U.S. Economy Weathers Deep Freeze
 
LBS Asset Allocation - March Update
LBS Asset Allocation - March UpdateLBS Asset Allocation - March Update
LBS Asset Allocation - March Update
 
tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_clr_f12
tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_clr_f12tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_clr_f12
tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_clr_f12
 
tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_swn_f12
tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_swn_f12tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_swn_f12
tippie.uiowa.edu_krause_fall2012_swn_f12
 
2017 Economic Outlook
2017 Economic Outlook2017 Economic Outlook
2017 Economic Outlook
 
clear channel swap
clear channel swapclear channel swap
clear channel swap
 
2011 LPL Outlook
2011 LPL Outlook2011 LPL Outlook
2011 LPL Outlook
 
LLG Market Outlook 2011
LLG Market Outlook 2011LLG Market Outlook 2011
LLG Market Outlook 2011
 
Putnam Perspectives: Equity Outlook Q3 2014
Putnam Perspectives: Equity Outlook Q3 2014Putnam Perspectives: Equity Outlook Q3 2014
Putnam Perspectives: Equity Outlook Q3 2014
 
xTAP QuarterlyLetter 201609
xTAP QuarterlyLetter 201609xTAP QuarterlyLetter 201609
xTAP QuarterlyLetter 201609
 
Current Thinking, Q1 2014
Current Thinking, Q1 2014Current Thinking, Q1 2014
Current Thinking, Q1 2014
 
Putnam Fixed Income Outlook q313
Putnam Fixed Income Outlook q313Putnam Fixed Income Outlook q313
Putnam Fixed Income Outlook q313
 
RPM International Report
RPM International ReportRPM International Report
RPM International Report
 
Putnam Perspectives: Capital Market Outlook Q1 2014
Putnam Perspectives: Capital Market Outlook Q1 2014Putnam Perspectives: Capital Market Outlook Q1 2014
Putnam Perspectives: Capital Market Outlook Q1 2014
 
Finlight Research - Market Perspectives - Mar 2015
Finlight Research - Market Perspectives - Mar 2015Finlight Research - Market Perspectives - Mar 2015
Finlight Research - Market Perspectives - Mar 2015
 

Similar to ‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – March 2014

Family Business Australia Economic Update 28 August 2015 FBA format
Family Business Australia Economic Update 28 August 2015 FBA formatFamily Business Australia Economic Update 28 August 2015 FBA format
Family Business Australia Economic Update 28 August 2015 FBA format
Darryl Gobbett
 
Quarterly newsletter january 2013
Quarterly newsletter   january 2013Quarterly newsletter   january 2013
Quarterly newsletter january 2013
KimGibson
 
Rotschild Asset Management 2010/3Q Market Review
Rotschild Asset Management 2010/3Q Market ReviewRotschild Asset Management 2010/3Q Market Review
Rotschild Asset Management 2010/3Q Market Review
Bogar Drabik
 
The Rally At Six Months - SEI Commentary
The Rally At Six Months - SEI CommentaryThe Rally At Six Months - SEI Commentary
The Rally At Six Months - SEI Commentary
Rlevinsohn
 
The Rally At Six Months
The Rally At Six MonthsThe Rally At Six Months
The Rally At Six Months
kvezino
 

Similar to ‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – March 2014 (20)

TAP QuarterlyLetter 201603
TAP QuarterlyLetter 201603TAP QuarterlyLetter 201603
TAP QuarterlyLetter 201603
 
‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – September 2014
‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – September 2014‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – September 2014
‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – September 2014
 
‘Over the Horizon’ Sharemarket Commentary – August 2013
‘Over the Horizon’ Sharemarket Commentary – August 2013‘Over the Horizon’ Sharemarket Commentary – August 2013
‘Over the Horizon’ Sharemarket Commentary – August 2013
 
‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – October 2014
‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – October 2014‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – October 2014
‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – October 2014
 
‘Over the Horizon’ sharemarket commentary – February 2014
‘Over the Horizon’ sharemarket commentary – February 2014‘Over the Horizon’ sharemarket commentary – February 2014
‘Over the Horizon’ sharemarket commentary – February 2014
 
LBS Asset Allocation August Update - July 28, 2017
LBS Asset Allocation August Update - July 28, 2017LBS Asset Allocation August Update - July 28, 2017
LBS Asset Allocation August Update - July 28, 2017
 
‘Over the Horizon’ sharemarket commentary – October 2013
‘Over the Horizon’ sharemarket commentary – October 2013‘Over the Horizon’ sharemarket commentary – October 2013
‘Over the Horizon’ sharemarket commentary – October 2013
 
2010 LPL Financial Outlook
2010 LPL Financial Outlook2010 LPL Financial Outlook
2010 LPL Financial Outlook
 
Family Business Australia Economic Update 28 August 2015 FBA format
Family Business Australia Economic Update 28 August 2015 FBA formatFamily Business Australia Economic Update 28 August 2015 FBA format
Family Business Australia Economic Update 28 August 2015 FBA format
 
‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – July 2014
‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – July 2014‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – July 2014
‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – July 2014
 
2016 ETF and investment outlook
2016 ETF and investment outlook2016 ETF and investment outlook
2016 ETF and investment outlook
 
q32015update
q32015updateq32015update
q32015update
 
Laurentian Bank Securities - Economic Research and Strategy
Laurentian Bank Securities - Economic Research and Strategy Laurentian Bank Securities - Economic Research and Strategy
Laurentian Bank Securities - Economic Research and Strategy
 
FNB
FNBFNB
FNB
 
Quarterly newsletter january 2013
Quarterly newsletter   january 2013Quarterly newsletter   january 2013
Quarterly newsletter january 2013
 
Rotschild Asset Management 2010/3Q Market Review
Rotschild Asset Management 2010/3Q Market ReviewRotschild Asset Management 2010/3Q Market Review
Rotschild Asset Management 2010/3Q Market Review
 
Q1 2016-credit third avenue
Q1 2016-credit third avenueQ1 2016-credit third avenue
Q1 2016-credit third avenue
 
Current Thinking, Q1 2015
Current Thinking, Q1 2015Current Thinking, Q1 2015
Current Thinking, Q1 2015
 
The Rally At Six Months - SEI Commentary
The Rally At Six Months - SEI CommentaryThe Rally At Six Months - SEI Commentary
The Rally At Six Months - SEI Commentary
 
The Rally At Six Months
The Rally At Six MonthsThe Rally At Six Months
The Rally At Six Months
 

Recently uploaded

一比一原版(Acadia毕业证书)加拿大阿卡迪亚大学毕业证学历认证可查认证
一比一原版(Acadia毕业证书)加拿大阿卡迪亚大学毕业证学历认证可查认证一比一原版(Acadia毕业证书)加拿大阿卡迪亚大学毕业证学历认证可查认证
一比一原版(Acadia毕业证书)加拿大阿卡迪亚大学毕业证学历认证可查认证
xzxvi5zp
 
Corporate Presentation Probe Canaccord Conference 2024.pdf
Corporate Presentation Probe Canaccord Conference 2024.pdfCorporate Presentation Probe Canaccord Conference 2024.pdf
Corporate Presentation Probe Canaccord Conference 2024.pdf
Probe Gold
 
Terna - 1Q 2024 Consolidated Results Presentation
Terna - 1Q 2024 Consolidated Results PresentationTerna - 1Q 2024 Consolidated Results Presentation
Terna - 1Q 2024 Consolidated Results Presentation
Terna SpA
 
一比一原版(EUR毕业证书)鹿特丹伊拉斯姆斯大学毕业证原件一模一样
一比一原版(EUR毕业证书)鹿特丹伊拉斯姆斯大学毕业证原件一模一样一比一原版(EUR毕业证书)鹿特丹伊拉斯姆斯大学毕业证原件一模一样
一比一原版(EUR毕业证书)鹿特丹伊拉斯姆斯大学毕业证原件一模一样
sovco
 
Jual obat aborsi Tawangmangu ( 085657271886 ) Cytote pil telat bulan penggugu...
Jual obat aborsi Tawangmangu ( 085657271886 ) Cytote pil telat bulan penggugu...Jual obat aborsi Tawangmangu ( 085657271886 ) Cytote pil telat bulan penggugu...
Jual obat aborsi Tawangmangu ( 085657271886 ) Cytote pil telat bulan penggugu...
Klinik kandungan
 

Recently uploaded (20)

一比一原版(Acadia毕业证书)加拿大阿卡迪亚大学毕业证学历认证可查认证
一比一原版(Acadia毕业证书)加拿大阿卡迪亚大学毕业证学历认证可查认证一比一原版(Acadia毕业证书)加拿大阿卡迪亚大学毕业证学历认证可查认证
一比一原版(Acadia毕业证书)加拿大阿卡迪亚大学毕业证学历认证可查认证
 
Corporate Presentation Probe Canaccord Conference 2024.pdf
Corporate Presentation Probe Canaccord Conference 2024.pdfCorporate Presentation Probe Canaccord Conference 2024.pdf
Corporate Presentation Probe Canaccord Conference 2024.pdf
 
Camil Institutional Presentation_Mai24.pdf
Camil Institutional Presentation_Mai24.pdfCamil Institutional Presentation_Mai24.pdf
Camil Institutional Presentation_Mai24.pdf
 
Teekay Corporation Q1-24 Earnings Results
Teekay Corporation Q1-24 Earnings ResultsTeekay Corporation Q1-24 Earnings Results
Teekay Corporation Q1-24 Earnings Results
 
ITAU EQUITY_STRATEGY_WARM_UP_20240505 DHG.pdf
ITAU EQUITY_STRATEGY_WARM_UP_20240505 DHG.pdfITAU EQUITY_STRATEGY_WARM_UP_20240505 DHG.pdf
ITAU EQUITY_STRATEGY_WARM_UP_20240505 DHG.pdf
 
AMG Quarterly Investor Presentation May 2024
AMG Quarterly Investor Presentation May 2024AMG Quarterly Investor Presentation May 2024
AMG Quarterly Investor Presentation May 2024
 
Terna - 1Q 2024 Consolidated Results Presentation
Terna - 1Q 2024 Consolidated Results PresentationTerna - 1Q 2024 Consolidated Results Presentation
Terna - 1Q 2024 Consolidated Results Presentation
 
一比一原版(EUR毕业证书)鹿特丹伊拉斯姆斯大学毕业证原件一模一样
一比一原版(EUR毕业证书)鹿特丹伊拉斯姆斯大学毕业证原件一模一样一比一原版(EUR毕业证书)鹿特丹伊拉斯姆斯大学毕业证原件一模一样
一比一原版(EUR毕业证书)鹿特丹伊拉斯姆斯大学毕业证原件一模一样
 
Dubai Call Girls/// Hot Afternoon O525547819 Call Girls In Dubai
Dubai Call Girls/// Hot Afternoon O525547819 Call Girls In DubaiDubai Call Girls/// Hot Afternoon O525547819 Call Girls In Dubai
Dubai Call Girls/// Hot Afternoon O525547819 Call Girls In Dubai
 
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd - Q1 2024 Results
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd - Q1 2024 ResultsOsisko Gold Royalties Ltd - Q1 2024 Results
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd - Q1 2024 Results
 
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd - Corporate Presentation, May 2024
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd - Corporate Presentation, May 2024Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd - Corporate Presentation, May 2024
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd - Corporate Presentation, May 2024
 
Jual obat aborsi Tawangmangu ( 085657271886 ) Cytote pil telat bulan penggugu...
Jual obat aborsi Tawangmangu ( 085657271886 ) Cytote pil telat bulan penggugu...Jual obat aborsi Tawangmangu ( 085657271886 ) Cytote pil telat bulan penggugu...
Jual obat aborsi Tawangmangu ( 085657271886 ) Cytote pil telat bulan penggugu...
 
Teck Supplemental Information, May 2, 2024
Teck Supplemental Information, May 2, 2024Teck Supplemental Information, May 2, 2024
Teck Supplemental Information, May 2, 2024
 
Camil Institutional Presentation_Mai24.pdf
Camil Institutional Presentation_Mai24.pdfCamil Institutional Presentation_Mai24.pdf
Camil Institutional Presentation_Mai24.pdf
 
countries with the highest gold reserves in 2024
countries with the highest gold reserves in 2024countries with the highest gold reserves in 2024
countries with the highest gold reserves in 2024
 
Gorakhpur Call Girls 8250092165 Low Price Escorts Service in Your Area
Gorakhpur Call Girls 8250092165 Low Price Escorts Service in Your AreaGorakhpur Call Girls 8250092165 Low Price Escorts Service in Your Area
Gorakhpur Call Girls 8250092165 Low Price Escorts Service in Your Area
 
Financial Results for the Fiscal Year Ended March 2024
Financial Results for the Fiscal Year Ended March 2024Financial Results for the Fiscal Year Ended March 2024
Financial Results for the Fiscal Year Ended March 2024
 
Western Copper and Gold - May 2024 Presentation
Western Copper and Gold - May 2024 PresentationWestern Copper and Gold - May 2024 Presentation
Western Copper and Gold - May 2024 Presentation
 
Premium Call Girls In Kapurthala} 9332606886❤️VVIP Sonya Call Girls
Premium Call Girls In Kapurthala} 9332606886❤️VVIP Sonya Call GirlsPremium Call Girls In Kapurthala} 9332606886❤️VVIP Sonya Call Girls
Premium Call Girls In Kapurthala} 9332606886❤️VVIP Sonya Call Girls
 
The Leonardo 1Q 2024 Results Presentation
The Leonardo 1Q 2024 Results PresentationThe Leonardo 1Q 2024 Results Presentation
The Leonardo 1Q 2024 Results Presentation
 

‘Over the Horizon’ share market commentary – March 2014

  • 1. March 2014 — ‘Over the Horizon’ Market Commentary by David Offer Following a strong February, March was a subdued month for the Australian share market, with the All Ordinaries Index down 12 points to close at 5,402. For the quarter, our market returned a modest 0.9% and, at the three quarter mark of the financial year, is presently up 13.1%. Including dividends, our share market has returned 0.25% for March, 2.2% for the March quarter and an impressive 17.5% for the financial year to date. Despite headlines that relate to mass job layoffs, there are broader economic indicators that suggest Australia is doing a reasonable job transitioning away from the mining boom. This is supported by last weeks’ stronger February employment numbers that showed a falling unemployment rate from 6% to 5.8%. While one month of falling data cannot be viewed as a trend, it does suggest some stabilisation in the unemployment rate. The national result was more impressive when considering that WA’s unemployment rate spiked from 5.2% to 5.9% in February. This could suggest that the Eastern States economies are broadly improving while the Western Australian economy is struggling at the current time. Supported by record low interest rates, the housing constructing industry is doing its share of the heavy lifting to lower the national unemployment rate and reposition our economy away from the mining sector as evidenced by the following charts published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for building approvals to February 2014. Supported by property values rising by 13.2% since June 2012, which was when the current growth cycle commenced, dwelling approvals are up 34.6% over the year. On average, across Australia, capital city property prices are now 4.8% higher than their previous peak in October 2010.
  • 2. As property prices have risen and home owners have felt wealthier, the benefits have fanned out further into the economy as consumer confidence has gradually improved. A key beneficiary is the retail sector, with sales having now increased for 10 straight months, albeit off a very low base. Also worth mentioning within our broader economic recovery is Australia’s long suffering tourism sector. Tourists to Australia increased with the main growth segment being an influx of nearly three quarters of a million Chinese tourists, up 16.7% on the prior year. With momentum building across the broader economy, the likelihood of further interest rate cuts is extremely low. To do so, or even maintain rates at these levels for an extended period of time, runs the risk of creating a boom bust scenario in areas such as Australia’s property market. While difficult to see from Western Australia, NSW’s property market is currently more than a little warm. That our economy is doing better than otherwise expected has resulted in the Australian Dollar proving to be stubbornly resilient and, at the time of writing, is just shy of 94 cents. While we still expect our currency to fall against key currencies as other countries raise internal interest rates from GFC emergency lows, this is taking longer than expected. For example, the US Federal Reserve is indicating that interest rate rises may not commence in America until the second half of 2015, with a current expectation of an interest rate rise of 1% in December 2015, up from the current interest rate level of 0.25%. The extent of the current Central Bank emergency interest rate settings in the US, Euro area and Japan is starkly illustrated in the following chart of 10 year central bank interest rate levels. While the above economic news should be perceived as being good for the outlook for the Australian share market, we suspect that the low interest rate settings applied last year have had a greater influence on maintaining a strong share market. So despite this positive economic news and solid interim reporting season, the Australian share market has largely flat-lined since last October. However, as mentioned last month, this positive news arguably increases the fair value of our share market and we would become motivated buyers should our market pull back 5% to around 5,100. Away from the top end of the market, there are some interesting company specific situations developing. Metcash and Coca-Cola Amatil are two recognised names that have recently made disappointing company announcements that, post large share price falls, have arguably moved their share prices into buying territory. While profits in both companies are expected to fall between 10% and 15%, both companies have fallen by around a third in value over the last 12 months. Metcash is about to implement a transformational plan that appears relatively low risk and, if successful, should return the company to profit growth in 2016. Coca-Cola Amatil, under new ex Graincorp CEO Alison Watkins, has announced a strategic review to provide a framework to return the company to long term growth. Both companies should still be able to continue to pay reasonable dividends going forward as they implement significant internal changes that will hopefully reward patient long-term investors.
  • 3. Myer Holdings has recently been sold down due to concerns the company would make a takeover offer for David Jones. However, South African retailer Woolworths has acted first, making a $4 cash offer that values David Jones at $2.15 billion. With Myer’s market value at $1.3 billion, any thoughts of Myer making a takeover offer should now be dashed. At current prices, Myer is on an undemanding price earnings (PE) ratio of 11 times and grossed up historical dividend yield of 11%. With the retail environment gradually improving, Myer should be able to at least modestly grow profits going forward, so at current prices we believe the company represents an attractive 12 month trade. Should the shares recover back to their average 12 month price of $2.65, coupled with dividends, this would represent at 30% return. Transport companies are usually strong beneficiaries of an improving economy and Toll Holdings offers that exposure. With an expected grossed up yield of 8.5%, investors can afford to be patient. Likewise, Asciano, with its extensive rail and port assets should offer long-term share price appreciation and, as an infrastructure company, appears more attractively priced than many of its peers. While Southern Cross Media is a company that has some company specific issues at the current time due to a change in presenters impacting its morning radio program ratings and affiliation with the struggling television network Ten, as a media company, it is leveraged to a broader economic recovery. At current pricing, it is on an undemanding PE ratio of 10 times and grossed up dividend yield of 9.5%. Finally, to support the saying ‘every dog has its day’ and to offer hope to Alumina’s long suffering shareholders, there has been recent commentary by Alcoa management suggesting that aluminium demand will exceed production this year, ending an almost decade-long surplus driven by Chinese output that has saddled the industry with lower prices. The result has been a recent recovery in the aluminium price and should this continue, will be very beneficial for Alumina as the company stands to make a rapid recovery in profits and resume paying dividends. While none of the above companies represent core portfolio holdings, the inclusion of some of the above shares within portfolios could assist in generating increased portfolio yield and longer term capital appreciation that is ahead of the broader market. Should you wish to discuss any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We would welcome your call. Sincerely David Offer AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE 259188 Director HORIZON INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS PTY LTD SUITE 1, POST OFFICE PLAZA, 153 VICTORIA STREET, BUNBURY WA 6230 T. 08 9791 9188 F. 08 9791 9187 E.david.offer@horizonis.com.au www.horizoninvestmentsolutions.com.au Horizon Investment Solutions Pty Ltd, ACN 083 142 438, ABN 79 668 035 212, AFSL 405897 GENERAL ADVICE WARNING: Please note that any advice provided in this newsletter is GENERAL advice only, as the information or advice given does not take into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs. Opinions, conclusions and other information expressed in this email are not given or endorsed by Horizon, unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, before you act on any of the information provided in this newsletter, you must consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your particular objectives, financial situation and needs and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. This newsletter is confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not view, disseminate, distribute or copy this document without our consent. Horizon does not accept any liability in connection with any computer virus, data corruption, incompleteness, or unauthorised amendment of this newsletter.