In my recent interview with Ausbiz, I gave an overview of the current earnings season, shedding light on how the uncertain economic environment has influenced company performances. Despite the unclear macroeconomic picture, there has been a notable trend of companies exceeding earnings expectations. A key concern emerging from these financial results is the impact of a persistently high-interest rate environment on various sectors. Specific companies like ARB (ASX:ARB) and Nick Scali (ASX:NCK) show promise, demonstrating that businesses with strong overseas growth opportunities can still thrive even in challenging economic conditions.

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by Roger Montgomery Posted in TV Appearances.

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Youth fashion retail Accent Group, (ASX:AX1) reported FY24 results that were aligned closely with the company’s 18 July trading update. Broadly speaking, the results demonstrated steady performance despite challenges.   Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies.

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Reggae legend Bob Marley might have been channelling the Bible when he wrote the lyrics for Zion Train and famously observed, “Don’t gain the world and lose your soul; wisdom is better than silver or gold”. 

Warren Buffett once famously noted, “We’ve never succeeded in making a good deal with a bad person.”  Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Economics.

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The Sahm Recession Indicator has signalled nine of the previous U.S. recessions over the past 65 years, and the move to 0.53 per cent in July 2024 is now pointing to the tenth. The indicator signals the start of a recession when the three-month moving average of the U.S. national unemployment rate (U-3) rises by 0.50 per cent or more relative to the minimum of the three-month average from the preceding 12 months.    Continue…

by David Buckland Posted in Economics.

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Back in February, Breville Group’s (ASX:BRG) HY24 results divided the investment community. Despite improved gross margins and efficient cost control measures, revenue fell slightly short of consensus expectations, prompting some analysts to suggest the company should have engaged in more promotional (read: discounting) activity to drive sales. Of course, strategically, this can weaken a brand and its long-term value.  Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Small Caps.

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As you know, four-wheel drive (4WD) aftermarket parts and accessories manufacturer, distributor and retailer ARB Corporation (ASX:ARB) is one of the highest A1-quality companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). As we have written here at the blog many times, I believe, over time, investors will transition from seeing it as being dominated by the cyclicality of its Australian business to a global, vertically integrated growth story with the U.S. ultimately generating vastly more revenue than its local operations.  Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Editor's Pick, Stocks We Like.

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Ten years ago, radiology software company Pro Medicus (ASX:PME) was trading at just 86 cents. Yesterday, with a share price of $149, investors have seen their money grow over 17,000 per cent in a decade.  

The company supplies software technology used by radiologists (who are extremely expensive for hospitals to employ) for medical diagnoses, which also renders them more efficient.  Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Editor's Pick.

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Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) healthcare leader CSL (ASX:CSL) posted a robust 11 per cent rise in sales from US$13.3 billion to US$14.8 billion, with CSL’s Behring segment, that markets products like immunoglobulin derived from blood plasma, contributing over 70 per cent of total sales. The company also reported a 21.8 per cent increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), a 24 per cent rise in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and a 15 per cent growth in net profit for 2024, after adjusting for currency fluctuations.  Continue…

by Roger Montgomery Posted in Companies, Stocks We Like.

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