Coronation Houseview Equity Strategy

THIS WAS A strong period for asset class returns, with the portfolio returning strong double-digit returns for the second quarter of the year (Q2-20). The portfolio has performed well against equity indices over meaningful, longer-term periods.

Following on from the record decline in equity markets during the first quarter of 2020, Q2-20 saw a rapid recovery. The MSCI All Country World Index recovered 19.2% in US dollars during the quarter, reflecting the huge injection of fiscal and monetary stimulus into the global economy. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index was up 18.1% in US dollars for the quarter, but still declined (-3.4%) over 12 months. We remain concerned about the ability of lower-income emerging markets to withstand the economic shock, given their limited ability to provide financial support to businesses and households.

Along with its global counterparts, the FTSE/JSE Capped Shareholder Weighted Index experienced a significant rebound during the quarter (+21.6%), but remains down (-10.7%) for the year to date. All sectors saw rising returns. Resources (+41.2%), with its high offshore exposure, outperformed indus­trials (+16.6), financials (+12.9%) and property (+20.4%).

PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY

The portfolio remains skewed to rand hedge stocks, which are attractive for stock-specific reasons and should also benefit from exposure to economies that are expected to rebound more rapidly. Early in the quarter, we added meaningfully to positions in Bidcorp (+33.3%) and Anheuser-Busch InBev (+9.1%), as both had sold off meaningfully. Buying was largely funded by a reduction in the size of Naspers and British American Tobacco Holdings, both of which have performed well and remain considerable holdings for the portfolio.

Bidcorp is a well-run food services business with a long-term growth opportunity. It has grown through international expansion but also in-country by expanding product ranges and getting closer to customers. Bidcorp’s invest­ments in local distribution centres and its focus on small, profitable customers enable it to distin­guish itself with high levels of service. While the Covid-19 pandemic has restricted out-of-home food consumption, we believe the long-term aspiration remains intact. This was evident in the rapid resumption that Bidcorp has witnessed in its Chinese operations. Bidcorp is expected to continue its growth trajectory and trades on 15 times earnings three years out.

In the case of Anheuser-Busch InBev, poor results, growing concerns around Covid-19-related weaker beer consumption and high debt levels saw the share sell off markedly towards the end of the first quarter. We were able to acquire shares at a price of less than 10 times our assessment of normal earnings. Subsequent clearance by Australia’s competition authority to dispose of an Australian subsidiary will assist in the de-gearing process. The stock is attractively priced for a global staples business, benefiting from the compelling economics of the brewing industry.

Domestic holdings remain concentrated in the higher-quality South African stocks such as the food retailers (Shoprite and Spar), whose more resilient business models are best placed to weather the very tough local macroeconomic environment. Having held up well during the first quarter’s sell-off, many of these underperformed during the second quarter, with the food and drug retail sector declining -2.0%.

We acknowledge that many of the more cyclical domestic businesses look cheap, but we are concerned that the long-term headwinds they face are considerable and strengthening. Weak revenue prospects due to an already weak economy are now expected to be compounded by rising retrenchments, which will ultimately feed through to consumer demand. An underweight in domestic stocks continued to benefit the portfolio.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE METALS ATTRACTIVE

Resources rebounded strongly during the quarter (+41.2%) as the demand outlook for commodities improved due to a resurgent Chinese economy and the easing of restrictions elsewhere. Covid-19- related supply disruptions also tightened markets. This benefited the portfolio’s increased exposure to resources, with sizeable positions in Anglo American (+31.9%) and the platinum shares.

Platinum miners rose as concerns over weak auto­motive demand subsided and major markets reaffirmed their commitment to a reduction in emissions. The portfolio remains invested in Impala Platinum (+53.2%) and Northam Platinum (+67.4%).

The gold price continued its upwards trajectory (+12.9% for Q2-20/+26.4% over 12 months), given investor concerns around building risks in the financial system and monetary debasement. While the portfolio benefits from some direct exposure to gold, we do not hold a position in the producers, whose capital intensity and high-cost mines have resulted in lacklustre returns to share­holders over time.

ANCHORED IN VALUATION

The market correction began at a point when investors were still being bombarded daily with negative news flow on the extent of the Covid-19 pandemic’s economic shockwave. The massive sell-off had created a value opportunity. We retain our commitment to look through the short-term noise and use valuation as our anchor point when investing, selecting assets where we believe the market is mispricing the long-term fundamentals.

Disclaimer

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