Government Bonds and High Yield Credit Compete for the Podium in a High Interest World

JCB Jamieson Coote Bonds

August 2024

Funds operated by this manager:

CC Jamieson Coote Bonds Active Bond Fund (Class A), CC Jamieson Coote Bonds Dynamic Alpha Fund, CC Jamieson Coote Bonds Global Bond Fund (Class A - Hedged)

Fast food profits Can the Commonwealth Bank of

Australia's share price rally continue into FY25?

Montgomery Investment Management

August 2024

Our domestic large-cap funds have maintained an underweight position in the banks, and even though the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) was, for a time, our largest position, being underweight in the sector has cost relative performance thanks to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia's share price rallying as much as 23 per cent year-to-date and 35 per cent last financial year. 

Our reasoning is relatively straightforward; first, with each bank's position in Australia's banking oligopoly relatively stable - thanks in part to customer inertia and living on an island, and with each one constantly eyeing the others, we find their market shares and relative operating performances rarely vary much in absolute or relative terms. Therefore, trying to pick the short-term outperformance consistently successfully of one bank over the others has often proven to be a fool's errand. 

Secondly, and importantly, we have not identified a "change" trigger among the banks that justifies significant share price outperformance. Therefore, we do not believe the banks' outperformance can be repeated in 2025. For the major banks, competition remains intense, especially for home loans, and underlying demand for home and business loans is subdued, reflecting moribund economic activity. 

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia's FY24 cash earnings were higher than consensus analyst expectations, and pre-provisioning operating profit (PPOP) was in line with consensus estimates, driven by higher than anticipated net interest margin (NIM - more on that in a moment). Overall, the result was broadly in line with modest loan growth, expense growth of three per cent, and below-average bad debt expenses. The final ordinary dividend per share was 250 cents, 10 cents higher than analyst expectations and it takes the full-year dividend to $4.65, which is 3.3 per cent up on the previous year. Notably, the dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) will be done with no discount and will be offset by an on-market buyback.  

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia's FY24 Common Equity Tier 1 capital (CET1) ratio, was 12.3 per cent and 19.1 per cent on an internationally comparable basis. CET1 is a capital measure that was introduced in 2014 as a protective precaution to head off another financial crisis. In the event of a crisis, equity is taken first from Tier 1, which includes liquid bank holdings such as cash and stock.  

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia's resilience in maintaining its net interest margin (NIM) was a notable highlight in today's results. However, there were some early warning signs, including a potential decline in asset quality, driven by expected pressures on real household disposable income, and a resurgence in mortgage competition. 

For what it's worth, your author believes we will sidestep a recession this year and the reported slump in consumption will stabilise.  

From a valuation perspective, it's interesting to observe that while the Commonwealth Bank of Australia estimates its market-implied cost of equity to be around 8 per cent (I note many share market investors are using lower rates to justify stock market valuations for much riskier companies). However, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia maintains an internal cost of capital hurdle at 10 per cent.  

Investors are using lower rates to justify investing in the Commonwealth Bank of Australia at current prices. By lowering the discount rate, we can dream up a valuation for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia that is close to the price, but the company's prospects aren't as bright as many other companies also listed on the ASX. We view the Commonwealth Bank of Australia's valuation as reasonable but not cheap. Additionally, the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is much higher than has been historically evident, even taking into account its status as the premier bank with the best economic business performance.  As an aside we think analysts fretting over substantially rising bad debts (credit losses) are misguided - there's plenty of room to cut rates quickly if animal spirits need to be stirred.

Author: Roger Montgomery

Funds operated by this manager:

Montgomery (Private) Fund, Montgomery Small Companies Fund, The Montgomery Fund

The Evolution and Benefits of Equity Income Funds in Australia's Growing Retirement Market

Merlon Capital Partners

August 2024

Australia's growing retirement-age population has seen an increase in demand for and the availability of equity income funds over the last few decades. Australia's unique dividend imputation system means investors can successfully derive meaningful income as well as capital growth from holding Australian equities. Equity income strategies regularly make up a large component of the equity allocation for income-focused clients who seek a more defensive asset mix.

Equity income funds have evolved significantly over time, beginning in the 1990s, with MLC and Colonial First State (now First Sentier Investors) launching equity income products. These initial products were not specifically focused on paying a regular, smoothed, tax-effective income but rather designed to grow capital before retirement to provide income once in retirement. The mid-2000s saw the equity income fund reimagined, designed specifically to meet retiree's key objectives - income generation, volatility management and capital growth over time. A number of managers developed products to meet these objectives at this time.

The wake of the GFC saw growing recognition of the importance of total return generation from income, limiting the need to sell down holdings during market downturns. As a result, the equity income space continued to grow and through the 2010s, various managers launched new income funds, often with full market exposure. Additionally, with the rising popularity in passive investing through the 2010s, income-focused ETFs also emerged from leading ETF providers with the goal of generating income that exceeds the dividend yield offered by the broader market. With an aging population, the addressable market for equity income funds is only growing. Whilst not all equity income funds remain in existence today, there are a variety to choose from with over 15 Australian fund managers offering a product in this space.

The need for regular income in retirement is well known and there are various ways to meet cashflow requirements. However, many of these tend to overlook the particularities of retirement. While fixed income products can help to meet an income objective, they fail to provide capital growth to protect against the impacts of inflation. A diminishing capital value on a real basis is inconsistent with the desire of many retirees for a growing capital base for both peace of mind and to leave an inheritance. Another option is to pursue an equity strategy centred solely on capital growth and simply selling down holdings when cashflow is required, rather than investing in income-generating investments. Yet, this ignores the fact that retirees are much more impacted by periods of drawdown than other investors, especially early in their retirement, amplified by their obligation to draw out from accounts when in pension phase. The GFC market crash and COVID-19 selloff in early 2020 demonstrated the serious consequences of needing to sell at an inopportune time and its long-term impact on total return. Skewing the components of equity total return to income removes the need to sell investments to raise cash when required. Proposed alternatives to equity income also ignore the value of franked dividends, which for retirees in pension phase present significantly more value than unfranked income or capital gains. Australian equity income strategies, when structured and executed appropriately, can provide strong total returns over time through attractive dividend yields and without sacrificing capital growth.

The Merlon Australian Share Income Fund was launched in 2005 and led the innovation of contemporary equity income funds. It was the first product of its kind, aiming to provide above-market income with franking, grow capital over time with lower risk than the market. The non-benchmark portfolio has a high active share, blending well with both passive and direct share portfolios which are typically overweight large cap stocks. The Fund delivers above market income, the majority from franked dividends, paid monthly and has demonstrated strong risk-adjusted returns over multiple time periods. The strategy features a risk reduction overlay to insulate the Fund during periods of drawdown whilst retaining 100% of the franked dividend income generated from the underlying portfolio.

Funds operated by this manager:

Merlon Australian Share Income Fund, Merlon Concentrated Australian Share Fund

Disclaimer
Equity Trustees Limited ("EQT") (ABN 46 004 031 298), AFSL 240975, is the Responsible Entity for the Insync Global Quality Fund and the Insync Global Capital Aware Fund. EQT is a subsidiary of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615), a publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT). This information has been prepared by Insync Funds Management Pty Ltd (ABN 29 125 092 677, AFSL 322891) ("Insync"), to provide you with general information only. In preparing this information, we did not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It is not intended to take the place of professional advice and you should not take action on specific issues in reliance on this information. Neither Insync, EQT nor any of its related parties, their employees or directors, provide and warranty of accuracy or reliability in relation to such information or accepts any liability to any person who relies on it. Past performance should not be taken as an indicator of future performance. You should obtain a copy of the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision about whether to invest in this product.

Emerging Middle Class Megatrend 

Insync Fund Managers

August 2024

The era of blindly betting on Western brands to tap into China's burgeoning consumer market is over. Once considered no-brainers, global titans like L'Oreal, Nike and Starbucks are finding their footing increasingly precarious. Despite the allure of its growing middle class the dynamics at play are more nuanced than ever. New generation of Chinese consumers are flexing their economic muscle. No longer in favour of the imported brands that once dominated their preferences they have rotated towards domestic brands that speak to their cultural identity and nationalist pride.

LVMH, a beacon of luxury with its Sephora chain, has had to slim down operations in China--a stark indicator of this shifting landscape. Domestic players, such as Anta Sports, are not only catching up but surpassing Western rivals like Adidas in market share. Meanwhile, coffee giant Starbucks, a symbol of Western lifestyle, is ceding ground to local competitors like Luckin Coffee, which captivates the market with aggressive pricing and expansive growth recently surpassing 20,000 stores. The same story echoes across most industries: global brands are no longer the default choice for Chinese consumers. Companies must now navigate a complex web of local preferences, cultural trends, and rising nationalism inside China. Simply assuming that Chinese spending power will translate to Western profits is dangerous. When investing in such global brands, understanding how these nuanced drivers impact stock values and acknowledging that what worked yesterday may not hold sway tomorrow, is now crucial.

Founded only in 2017, Luckin Coffee quickly challenged Starbucks in China with lower prices, discounts, and drinks tailored to Chinese tastes, like the coconut latte and collaborations with local brands. By aligning with the "Guochao" trend, Luckin appeals to younger, cost-conscious consumers and benefits from the preference for local brands. With 20,000 stores versus Starbucks' 7,000+, Luckin dominates China's coffee market. Meanwhile, Starbucks reported an 8% revenue decline in its most recent results.

Funds operated by this manager:

Insync Global Capital Aware Fund, Insync Global Quality Equity Fund

Disclaimer
Equity Trustees Limited ("EQT") (ABN 46 004 031 298), AFSL 240975, is the Responsible Entity for the Insync Global Quality Fund and the Insync Global Capital Aware Fund. EQT is a subsidiary of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615), a publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT). This information has been prepared by Insync Funds Management Pty Ltd (ABN 29 125 092 677, AFSL 322891) ("Insync"), to provide you with general information only. In preparing this information, we did not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It is not intended to take the place of professional advice and you should not take action on specific issues in reliance on this information. Neither Insync, EQT nor any of its related parties, their employees or directors, provide and warranty of accuracy or reliability in relation to such information or accepts any liability to any person who relies on it. Past performance should not be taken as an indicator of future performance. You should obtain a copy of the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision about whether to invest in this product.

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Chris Gosselin, CEO of Australian Fund Monitors, speaks to Nicholas Chaplin, Director and Portfolio Manager at Seed Funds Management. 

The Seed Funds Management Hybrid Income Fund   has a track record of 8 years and 10 months and has outperformed the Solactive Australian Hybrid Securities (Net) benchmark since inception in October 2015, providing investors with a return of 8.41% over the past 12 months and an annualised return of 6.4% since inception compared with the benchmark's return of 4.84% over the same period.

Funds operated by this manager: Seed Funds Management Hybrid Income Fund

Chris Gosselin, CEO of Australian Fund Monitors, speaks to Nichols Chaplin, Director and Portfolio Manager at Seed Funds Management. Topics covered include: interest rates and inflation; US markets; volatility in equity markets; and bonds and hybrids.

Funds operated by this manager: Seed Funds Management Hybrid Income Fund

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with David Franklyn, Executive Director & Head of Funds Management at Argonaut.

The Argonaut Natural Resources Fund has a track record of 4 years and 6 months. The fund has outperformed the S&P/ASX 300 Resources TR benchmark since inception in January 2020, providing investors with an annualised return of 27.27% compared with the benchmark's return of 8.73% over the same period.

Funds operated by this manager: Argonaut Natural Resources Fund, Argonaut Global Gold Fund

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with Richard Brennan, Strategy Ambassador at East Coast Capital Management.

The ECCM Systematic Trend Fund has a track record of 4 years and 4 months. The fund has outperformed the Barclay Hedge Global Macro benchmark since inception in January 2020, providing investors with an annualised return of 17.34% compared with the benchmark's return of 7.75% over the same period.

Funds operated by this manager: ECCM Systematic Trend Fund

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, interviews Dan Nicolaides on how Digital Asset Funds Management uses crypto market volatility for stable returns and risk management.

Innovations shaping the global healthcare universe

Magellan Asset Management

May 2024

The healthcare sector is in a state of constant evolution, and with the COVID-19 pandemic behind us and an upcoming US election, what impacts could we see in the sector? Investment Analyst, Wilson Nghe sheds light on the dynamics that could play out from the US elections, how the healthcare system has transformed since the pandemic and highlights the opportunities and challenges that investors need to watch out for.

Funds operated by this manager:

Magellan Global Fund (Hedged), Magellan Global Fund (Open Class Units) ASX:MGOC, Magellan High Conviction Fund, Magellan Infrastructure Fund, Magellan Infrastructure Fund (Unhedged), MFG Core Infrastructure Fund, Magellan Core ESG Fund

Important Information: 

This material has been delivered to you by Magellan Asset Management Limited ABN 31 120 593 946 AFS Licence No. 304 301 ('Magellan') and has been prepared for general information purposes only and must not be construed as investment advice or as an investment recommendation.  This material does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. This material does not constitute an offer or inducement to engage in an investment activity nor does it form part of any offer documentation, offer or invitation to purchase, sell or subscribe for interests in any type of investment product or service. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement ('PDS') and Target Market Determination ('TMD') and consider obtaining professional investment advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making a decision about whether to acquire, or continue to hold, the relevant financial product. A copy of the relevant PDS and TMD relating to a Magellan financial product may be obtained by calling +61 2 9235 4888 or by visiting www.magellangroup.com.au.

Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results and no person guarantees the future performance of any financial product or service, the amount or timing of any return from it, that asset allocations will be met, that it will be able to implement its investment strategy or that its investment objectives will be achieved. This material may contain 'forward-looking statements'. Actual events or results or the actual performance of a Magellan financial product or service may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements.

This material may include data, research and other information from third party sources. Magellan makes no guarantee that such information is accurate, complete or timely and does not provide any warranties regarding results obtained from its use. This information is subject to change at any time and no person has any responsibility to update any of the information provided in this material.  Statements contained in this material that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of Magellan. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. No representation or warranty is made with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained in this material. Magellan will not be responsible or liable for any losses arising from your use or reliance upon any part of the information contained in this material.

Any third party trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and Magellan claims no ownership in, nor any affiliation with, such trademarks.   Any third party trademarks that appear in this material are used for information purposes and only to identify the company names or brands of their respective owners. No affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement should be inferred from the use of these trademarks. This material and the information contained within it may not be reproduced, or disclosed, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Magellan.

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with Glen Finegan, Lead Portfolio Manager at Skerryvore Asset Management. In this wide ranging interview Glen explains the fund's Emerging Market strategy, and what drives a company's selection in the portfolio.

Magellan Global Quarterly Update - April 2024

Magellan Asset Management

April 2024

Nikki Thomas and Arvid Streimann discuss key themes impacting the markets and providing opportunities for investors. Arvid discusses his recent trip to Washington which provided valuable insights into the future growth of AI innovation and adoption. Nikki touches on her future trip to China and how understanding the interplay between China and other economies is essential for businesses operating within China or competing against it in various sectors.

Funds operated by this manager:

Magellan Global Fund (Hedged), Magellan Global Fund (Open Class Units) ASX:MGOC, Magellan High Conviction Fund, Magellan Infrastructure Fund, Magellan Infrastructure Fund (Unhedged), MFG Core Infrastructure Fund, Magellan Core ESG Fund

Important Information: 

This material has been delivered to you by Magellan Asset Management Limited ABN 31 120 593 946 AFS Licence No. 304 301 ('Magellan') and has been prepared for general information purposes only and must not be construed as investment advice or as an investment recommendation.  This material does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. This material does not constitute an offer or inducement to engage in an investment activity nor does it form part of any offer documentation, offer or invitation to purchase, sell or subscribe for interests in any type of investment product or service. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement ('PDS') and Target Market Determination ('TMD') and consider obtaining professional investment advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making a decision about whether to acquire, or continue to hold, the relevant financial product. A copy of the relevant PDS and TMD relating to a Magellan financial product may be obtained by calling +61 2 9235 4888 or by visiting www.magellangroup.com.au.

Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results and no person guarantees the future performance of any financial product or service, the amount or timing of any return from it, that asset allocations will be met, that it will be able to implement its investment strategy or that its investment objectives will be achieved. This material may contain 'forward-looking statements'. Actual events or results or the actual performance of a Magellan financial product or service may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements.

This material may include data, research and other information from third party sources. Magellan makes no guarantee that such information is accurate, complete or timely and does not provide any warranties regarding results obtained from its use. This information is subject to change at any time and no person has any responsibility to update any of the information provided in this material.  Statements contained in this material that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of Magellan. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. No representation or warranty is made with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained in this material. Magellan will not be responsible or liable for any losses arising from your use or reliance upon any part of the information contained in this material.

Any third party trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and Magellan claims no ownership in, nor any affiliation with, such trademarks.   Any third party trademarks that appear in this material are used for information purposes and only to identify the company names or brands of their respective owners. No affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement should be inferred from the use of these trademarks. This material and the information contained within it may not be reproduced, or disclosed, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Magellan.

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with Winston Sammut, Director Property at  Euree Asset Management.

Euree's funds cover multiple asset classes including Equities, Fixed Interest, Property, Commodities, and Alternate Assets. Euree's team has over 40 years of experience in the industry. 

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with Robert Gregory, Founder and Portfolio Manager at Glenmore Asset Management

The Glenmore Australian Equities Fund has a track record of 5 years and 6 months and has outperformed the ASX 200 Total Return benchmark since inception in June 2017, providing investors with an annualised return of 21.78% compared with the benchmark's return of 8.69% over the same period. 

Funds operated by this manager: Glenmore Australian Equities Fund