Chart Update – XJO

The ASX200 finished the week up 0.1%. The materials sector was up 2.7% and the the worst performer was the Property Trusts sector, down 4.9% with Stockland down 5%.

The chart below shows a further “lower high” pattern in the index. Thursday’s top at 5820 is now the third counter trend rally that has failed, since the minor downtrend started on the 1st of May, after topping at 5956.

We view 5850 as a key market level and as long as the index trades below this level, caution for downside range extension is advised.

Chart – XJO

Insurance Australia

IAG expects to see elevated reserve releases in FY17 of ~5% of NEP, and has
upgraded insurance margin guidance to 13.5-15.5%.

We think IAG is now expensive for a general insurer, trading on 18x  FY18 earnings.

Given the current tailwinds, any pullback in price will be moderate and at $6.50 the stock is well supported by a 5% dividend yield.

IAG remains an attractive buy-write.

IAG

 

Tabcorp – 2019 Earnings Outlook

There are encouraging trends in the core Tabcorp wagering business and the pending merger with Tatts remains an attractive investment case.

Following the Tatts merger, we look at the earnings profile of Tabcorp in 2019 and assess the forward yield and EPS growth.

We estimate Tabcorp could see EPS increase by 15% by FY19, helping to underpin a forward yield of 6%.

Chart – TAH

 

 

RIO – $3bn Share Buy-Back

RIO has confirmed that Yancoal remains the preferred bidder of Coal & Allied post a revised and improved offer from Yancoal yesterday.

We expect material free cash-flow (FCF) to be passed through to shareholders despite iron ore falling from its February peak.  In FY18, RIO could return up to $3billion  through share buy-backs.

We remain cautious on the outlook for spot iron ore prices. However, the low levels of debt, low cost of production and aggressive capital management undertaking by RIO will help to provide share price support.

FMG, RIO & BHP will likely see a minor rally from the current oversold conditions,  before turning lower.

Chart – RIO

Take Profit – Ramsey Healthcare

After buying Ramsey Healthcare on the recent pullback to $68.50, we now look to take profit at today’s price levels.

Within the healthcare space, we continue to like SHL, RMD, CSL and Ramsey Healthcare. Although, they’re starting to look a little expensive from a PE perspective.

Trimming profits with a view to buying back in on a pullback makes sense, or selling tight covered call options at current price levels.

Chart – RHCASX:RHC

 

Algo Buy Signal – Origin

Our Algo Engine has flagged a second buy signal within the uptrend on Origin that started back in January 2016.

The first “buy on the dip” signal occurred  in March 2017 at $6.25 and now a new Algo Engine buy signal has been triggered at $6.90.

WPL, OSH and ORG are all likely to find support and trade higher from the current price levels.

Chart – ORG

 

 

Chart Watch – Goldman Sachs

We’re watching the rebound in US financials as a leading indicator for momentum in the Australian banking shares.

The chart below of Goldman Sachs shows the minor bounce that’s recently taken place. However, it looks like selling pressure is now building and the short term momentum indicators have turned lower.

Unless, Goldman Sachs can trade back up through the $230 resistance, it looks like the rebound higher, could now be completed.

Chart – Goldman Sachs

 

QBE – $1billion Share Buy-Back

On account of heightened claims activity in QBE’s Emerging Markets (EM) division, QBE has downgraded its FY17 guidance.

However, we remain optimistic regarding the QBE turn-around and feel the cycle is bottoming for QBE and the outlook is encouraging.

With the stock trading 10x forward earnings and 6% yield, along with a 3-year A$1bn buy back, which was announced in February, QBE is worth adding to your watchlist.

QBE is likely to commence their share buy-back program by late August 2017 and buying ahead of this time should be rewarded with higher prices into 2018.

Chart – QBE