April 2016
April 2016 Star Entertainment Group (ASX:SGR) was a strong contributor to the Ralton Australian Shares portfolio during the March quarter, adding value in a volatile market. Half-year profit results were solid on most metrics and importantly, the outlook continues to appear supportive. SGR will be a beneficiary of the ongoing influx of tourists from Asia,…
April 2016
April 2016 Amcor Limited (ASX:AMC) finished the March quarter higher after a strong profit result for the half year, a result that highlighted the strength of AMC’s global packaging offer and the customer and regional diversity it brings. In particular, AMC reported solid volume demand in Europe and strong demand for drinks volume in the…
April 2016
The Australian share market had a volatile start to 2016, with the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index falling through January to February and recovering some gains at quarter end. March saw the Index finish the quarter at -2.64%, with A-REITs (property) the strongest sector. From our vantage, the market’s concerns and therein volatility for the quarter,…
March 2016
March 2016 Reporting season for corporates was a key driver of stock movements for February. Brambles Limited’s (ASX:BXB) global transport business produced a solid profit result for the first half of its financial year, together with an increase to profit guidance for the full year. Noteworthy features were solid margin results for the core CHEP…
March 2016
March 2016 For some time, Ralton has been concerned about distortions in the way corporates elect to invest capital. Specifically, we would highlight the rise in dividend payout ratios from the listed market and how these have been maintained at historical highs. So, what have been the drivers? Shareholders who are increasingly hungry for yield and boards…
March 2016
The Australian market had a difficult month during February, with the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index falling 1.72%. Falls in the Financials and Consumer Staples sectors were offset by large gains in the Materials sector. Locally, the market was focused on reporting season – a key driver of stock movements during the month – with most…
February 2016
February 2016 The Chinese Year of the Monkey has started in a tumultuous way for investors in a range of asset classes. Australian equities have been dragged along in the wake of a number of major macro headwinds starting with tightening US dollar financial conditions, a sharp drop in the oil price and concerns about…
February 2016
The Chinese Year of the Monkey has started in a tumultuous way for investors in a range of asset classes. Australian equities have been dragged along in the wake of a number of major macro headwinds starting with tightening US dollar financial conditions, a sharp drop in the oil price and concerns about the outlook…
January 2016
January 2016 With a now $AUD50bn market cap, CSL has grown strongly over many years, benefiting from ongoing demand growth for its mainstay plasma products. At the same time, CSL has invested heavily in research and development (R&D), for both its mainstay blood plasma products, but also ‘specialty’ products for niche diseases, flu vaccines and…
January 2016
The December quarter was a positive one for the Australian share market, rounding out a mixed year for the index. The S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index (including dividend) returned 2.8% for calendar year 2015, with each of the Ralton portfolios achieving a higher return for the period. Financial markets were focussed on the US Federal Reserve…