Australian Investment Blog

Five stocks that we do not like at today's prices

Today, we see August come to an end and it's been a very quiet month from an index perspective, with a range only ~30% that of July's. All the action this month has been on the stock-specific level, with reporting season assisting some big moves in both directions.

Below are a few that have caught our eye:

Winners - Perpetual (PPT) +8.2%, Woodside (WPL) +8.9%, Treasury Wine (TWE) +16.2%, Computershare (CPU) +11.3%, JB HiFi (JBH) +15.1% and Ansell (ANN) +16.9%

Losers - Medibank (MPL) -11%, Newcrest (NCM) -8.1%, Northern Star (NST) -21.4%, Realestate.com (REA) -9.9%, QBE Insurance (QBE) -10% and Vocus (VOC) -15.2%.

We have been talking the short- term positive equities story at Market Matters all year, with the ASX200 up 3.5% plus dividends since January 1st. We are relatively pleased to-date. However, being mildly bullish stocks for the next 6-months does not mean that we currently like all stocks / sectors. Today we have focused on 5 stocks we do not want to own today, but in some cases perhaps in the future.

ASX200 Monthly Chart



Newcrest Mining (NCM) $22.97

For the first time in seven years, gold has fallen in an August, around 3% with one US session left to trade. Even over the last 5-years when gold was in a bear market, the precious metal rallied in August. Simply, gold is losing momentum after the best first 6-months in almost 40 years.

The pending interest rate increases in the US is creating renewed strength for the $US and subsequently, suppressing the gold price. While we believe a large part of this should be built into the price, it feels highly likely to continue short-term.

Local gold stocks have been hit by some meaningful profit taking of late with NCM falling 15.5% and Regis Resources 12%.

We remain a buyer of NCM ~$21 but this is a further 8-9% lower.

Newcrest Mining (NCM) Monthly Chart



Telstra (TLS) $5.29

TLS is a great example of how both stocks and markets move in cycles. In early 2015, everybody was chasing yield with TLS along with the banks the prime candidate for retail investors. Here we are 18-months later, the ASX200 is 8% lower, but poor TLS is down a significant 21.4%. Markets look ahead and interest rates are primed to rise in the US and TLSascompany, shows little / no growth prospects, hence why own it?

Technically, TLS looks destined to break its $5 support area, with a target somewhere around $4.70. Its 5.86% fully franked dividend is not supporting the stock. However, down towards $4.70, TLS may outperform the market if we see a sizeable correction for stocks - this would be a fall of 11% from today's levels.

Telstra Monthly Chart



Westfield Corp. (WFD) $10.28

We have been bearish WFD since it hit $11 and so far this has proved accurate with the stock retreating 6.6% from its July highs.

We remain bearish WFD, targeting a further ~15% downside.

Westfield Corp. (WFD) Monthly Chart



Sydney Airports (SYD) $7.34

We have recently discussed our view that global interest rates have basically bottomed and are set to rise with the potential for a "bond bubble" to pop and rates spike. Central Bank’s biggest job of the next few years may not be creating growth, but letting the bond bubble down slowly.

We believe top performing stocks like SYD that have acted like a quasi-bond are set for a pullback, we are targeting the $6-6.50 region for SYD i.e. ~13%.

Sydney Airports (SYD) Monthly Chart



BHP Billiton (BHP) $21.11

This is more of wildcard entry to our 5 stocks, as we like BHP and believe the resources sector has the ability to rally for another ~6 months, led by BHP and RIO. However, BHP has now rallied over 50% since the panic lows last December and the risk / reward is far from compelling at today's prices.

BHP has been edging higher over recent months, with no decent momentum and noticeably it has bounced in a very similar manner to early 2014. We would be taking $$ on any long position and wait for further development.

BHP Billiton (BHP) Weekly Chart



Summary

Our simple view on the 5 stocks that we are currently negative:

1. Buy NCM ~$21, or 8-9% lower.
2. We will consider TLS in the $4.70 region if we are bearish the overall market, as it is likely to outperform during a significant correction.
3. We remain bearish WFD, targeting a further 15% downside.
4. SYD looks set for a 10-15% retracement.
5. BHP, the stock would be far more exciting under $18. Over $21, the risk / reward is not compelling.

Overnight Market Matters Wrap

• In the US the Dow once again closed less than one-half of a percent down. The Dow closed down just 49 points (-0.3%) to 18,454, whilst the S&P500 closed down just 4 points (-0.2%) to 2,176.
• All eyes, this time, are looking at the impending jobs report, due on Friday night our time. The consensus of analysts are expecting to see 180,000 jobs added on the report.
• Oil was weaker on the strength in the US$ and a continual concern of oversupply. Crude finished down 63c (-1.3%) to US$46.35/bbl. Analysts are expecting a build in stockpiles of 1.3 billion barrels for last week, a second week of rises.
• Gold also fell for mostly the same reasons, i.e. stronger US$, unemployment figures expected to be lower and sentiment for a rate rise soon. Gold finished down US$10.70 (-0.8%) to US$1,313.00/oz.
• Iron ore at least finished in the black, rising just 17c (+0.3%) to US$59.31/t. BHP is expected to open higher, after finishing an equivalent of 0.7% higher in the US, to $20.95 from Australia’s previous close.
• The ASX 200 is expected to open flat this morning around the 5,480 level as indicated by the September SPI Futures this morning.

All figures contained from sources believed to be accurate. Market Matters does not make any representation of warranty as to the accuracy of the figures and disclaims any liability resulting from any inaccuracy. Prices as at 31/08/2016. 9:00AM.

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