2023 marked a year of both challenges and opportunities for the Australian private credit market. On the one hand, the tighter credit conditions in the first half of the year saw decreased activity in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), project finance and real estate development financing. On the other, the latter part of the year boasted a more stable interest rate and inflation outlook, as well as improved credit margins, supporting more resilient private credit portfolios. 

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by Dean Curnow Posted in Market commentary.

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In this week’s video insight, I delve into the highlights of the February reporting season and its unexpected outcomes, a key period for those of us monitoring the Australian equity market. Despite a challenging economic backdrop, a noteworthy number of companies have outperformed expectations, bolstering my optimistic view on the potential of quality, innovative companies. As the season concludes, I offer my insights on the unexpected turns and the bright prospects for equity investors, reaffirming my bullish stance for the future.  Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Editor's Pick, Market commentary, Video Insights.

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Recently, Wilsons Advisory released a report outlining their case for small caps. At the risk of repeating what we have already said over the last twelve or so months, investors keen to allocate capital to an opportunity to potentially boost returns, will be interested in the small cap bull case from a third party. Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Financial Services.

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Last year, investors who held a non-consensus bullish stance on equities saw their optimism rewarded as the market trended up through 2023. As we pivot into 2024, the outlook might appear to be more complex, but in reality, the preconditions remain the same: disinflation accompanied by positive economic growth. Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Global markets, Market commentary.

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After highlighting the Vaughan Bowen and Michael Simmons lead Uniti Corporation and the several bolt on acquisitions from early-2019 (and then seeing the takeover from Morrison & Co at $4.50 per share a few years later), it appears the team at Aussie Broadband (ASX:ABB), led by Phil Britt, are following a similar run sheet by taking market share from the incumbents via organic growth and roll-up acquisitions.  Continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Companies, Stocks We Like.

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I joined Livewire to discuss the turbulent past six months faced by Qantas Airways (ASX:QAN), marked by controversies and a decline in consumer trust. Despite seemingly positive financial results, I share my concerns, casting doubt on the airline’s future profitability. I stress emphasis on the need for fleet upgrades and recommend reconsidering Qantas stock, citing its failure to keep pace with competitors. Read now: Qantas hits turbulence with “accounting and strategic trickery” and an ageing fleet

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Market commentary, On the Internet.

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As we sift through the results from our companies over the first reporting season of the year, we watch with great interest as the market is reminded that company fundamental results still matter. We have seen macroeconomic speculation influencing market returns and share prices significantly over the last 18 months, rather than, in some cases, consideration for the fundamental changes occurring within some companies at a base level.   Continue…

by Michael Gollagher Posted in Companies, Editor's Pick, Stocks We Like.

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In this weeks video insight, David takes us through Altium Limited’s (ASX:ALU) 25-year listed history, marked by a recent bid from Renesas Electronics Corporation valuing it at AU$9.1 billion. From highs of $6.70 per share in 2000 to a record low of $0.09 per share in 2011, Altium has experienced significant fluctuations. However, since fiscal 2012, there has been a turnaround with notable revenue growth and improved earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) forecasts.   Continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Companies, Stocks We Like, Video Insights.

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