Earnings outlook: A growing economy drives multi-year earnings rerates

Massive stimulus and monetary support since the pandemic has seen the Australian economy rebound from the two-quarter technical recession (with pandemic growth of -2.4% in 2020) towards a consensus growth outlook for 2021 of 4.5%, and an Ausbil forecast of 4.9%.
Company reporting in February 2021 confirmed the house view that earnings would rebound on the back of the extensive stimulus put in place in 2020, as illustrated in Chart 1.

Chart 1: The 2021 earnings outlook reversal

Source: Ausbil, FactSet

With vaccines and the easing of lockdowns, the path for a return to more normalised earnings was apparent, though at that time Ausbil was well ahead of consensus on FY21 earnings growth by some 5+%, a significant amount.

We still think that the market is under-estimating the rebound in earnings that will occur in the prevailing economic conditions, with low rates, and world economic growth a strong tailwind. Key sectors where we see earnings surprise are banks and resources.

VIEW ALL

View all

Banks, which offer exposure to a recovering economy, already battered by Hayne, were sold down on fears that the COVID recession would impact their lending books. Banks provisioned majorly for the potential for credit loss, and APRA curtailed their dividends.

It is now evident that the bad and doubtful debt experience was nowhere near predictions, and that the banks had over-provisioned for losses. With the resurging economy, an unwind of this over-provisioning is expected to drive a rerating of bank earnings.

Two fundamental themes in global resources investing are driving metals and mining. The first is the super-cycle demand for Australia’s bulk commodities including iron ore, from China, and a growing world economy, which is expected to drive earnings in companies like BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals.

The second is the ‘boom’ in renewable energy and electric vehicles, driving secular demand for bulk, base and battery materials (copper, lithium, cobalt, zinc, manganese and rare earths). ‘Electrification’ is forecast to drive earnings for decades, benefitting companies like Galaxy, Orocobre and IGO (in lithium), OZ Minerals (in copper) and Lynas Rare Earths.

In the expansion phase of 2004-2007, consensus significantly and consistently undershot actual EPS growth. We are at the start of a similar expansion today. Since the GFC, aggregate earnings have moved sideways, driven by P/E expansion rather than earnings expansion. Ausbil’s outlook is for the return of strong multi-year earnings growth over the next 2-3 years.

History shows that while markets are volatile, comparing market and EPS levels over time shows that the market tends to rise when earnings are in a rising pattern, or conversely, the market is unlikely to fall significantly when it is in an earnings upgrade cycle.

Rather than worry about inflation, which we do not see as a sustained threat for some years, investors should instead be looking to capture this multi-year earnings growth while it is on offer, preferably in the best quality companies they can find.

DISCLAIMER
Important Information: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Kuwait, Netherlands, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, USA, United Kingdom.
General
Research provided to a client may vary depending upon various factors such as a client’s individual preferences as to the frequency and manner of receiving communications, a client’s risk profile and investment focus and perspective (e.g., market wide, sector specific, long-term, short-term, etc.), the size and legal and regulatory constraints.
This information is for distribution only as may be permitted by law. It is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of, or located, in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject Ausbil to any registration or licensing requirement within such jurisdiction.
This information is a general communication and is educational in nature; it is not an advertisement nor is it a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments or to participate in any particular trading strategy. Nothing in this document constitutes a representation that any investment strategy or recommendation is suitable or appropriate to an investor’s individual circumstances or otherwise constitutes a personal recommendation. By providing this document, none of Ausbil or its representatives has any responsibility or authority to provide or have provided investment advice in a fiduciary capacity or otherwise. Investments involve risks, and investors should exercise prudence and their own judgment in making their investment decisions. None of Ausbil or its representatives is suggesting that the recipient or any other person take a specific course of action or any action at all. By receiving this document, the recipient acknowledges and agrees with the intended purpose described above and further disclaims any expectation or belief that the information constitutes investment advice to the recipient or otherwise purports to meet the investment objectives of the recipient. The financial instruments described in the document may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.
The value of any investment or income may go down as well as up, and investors may not get back the full (or any) amount invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Neither Ausbil nor any of its directors, employees or agents accepts any liability for any loss (including investment loss) or damage arising out of the use of all or any of the Information.
Prior to making any investment or financial decisions, any recipient of this document or the information should take steps to understand the risk and return of the investment and seek individualised advice from his or her personal financial, legal, tax and other professional advisors that takes into account all the particular facts and circumstances of his or her investment objectives.
Any prices stated in this document are for information purposes only and do not represent valuations for individual securities or other financial instruments. There is no representation that any transaction can or could have been effected at those prices, and any prices do not necessarily reflect Ausbil’s internal books and records or theoretical model-based valuations and may be based on certain assumptions. Different assumptions by Ausbil or any other source may yield substantially different results.
No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is provided in relation to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained in any materials to which this document relates (the “Information”), except with respect to Information concerning Ausbil. The Information is not intended to be a complete statement or summary of the securities, markets or developments referred to in the document. Ausbil does not undertake to update or keep current the Information. Any opinions expressed in this document may change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by other business areas or groups, personnel or other representative of Ausbil. Any statements contained in this Report attributed to a third party represent Ausbil’s interpretation of the data,
Information and/or opinions provided by that third party either publicly or through a subscription service, and such use and interpretation have not been reviewed by the third party. In no circumstances may this document or any of the Information (including any forecast, value, index or other calculated amount (“Values”)) be used for any of the following purposes:
(i) valuation or accounting purposes;
(ii) to determine the amounts due or payable, the price or the value of any financial instrument or financial contract; or
(iii) to measure the performance of any financial instrument including, without limitation, for the purpose of tracking the return or performance of any Values or of defining the asset allocation of portfolio or of computing performance fees.
By receiving this document and the Information you will be deemed to represent and warrant to Ausbil that you will not use this document or any of the Information for any of the above purposes or otherwise rely upon this document or any of the Information. Except as otherwise specified herein, these materials are distributed by Ausbil, to persons who are eligible counterparties or professional clients and are only available to such persons. The Information does not apply to, and should not be relied upon by, retail clients.
The information contained in this document is given by Ausbil Investment Management Limited (ABN 2676316473) (AFSL 229722) (Ausbil) and has been prepared for informational and discussion purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to purchase any security or financial product or service. Any such offer or solicitation shall be made only pursuant to an Australian Product Disclosure Statement or other offer document (collectively Offer Document) relating to an Ausbil financial product or service. A copy of the relevant Offer Document may be obtained by calling Ausbil on +612 9259 0200 or by visiting www.ausbil.com.au. You should consider the Offer Documents in deciding whether to acquire, or continue to hold, any financial product. This document is for general use only and does not take into account your personal investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Ausbil strongly recommends that you consider the appropriateness of the information and obtain independent financial, legal and taxation advice before deciding whether to invest in an Ausbil financial product or service. The information provided by Ausbil has been done so in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be accurate at the time of completion. While every care has been taken in preparing this information. Ausbil make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this video, except as required by law, or takes any responsibility for any loss or damage suffered as a result or any omission, inadequacy or inaccuracy. Changes in circumstances after the date of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. Ausbil accepts no responsibility for investment decisions or any other actions taken by any person on the basis of the information included. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Ausbil does not guarantee the performance of any strategy or fund or the securities of any other entity, the repayment of capital or any particular rate of return. The performance of any strategy or fund depends on the performance of its underlying investments which can fall as well as rise and can result in both capital gains and losses.
Canada This document does not pertain to the offering of any securities. This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or a public offering of the securities described in Canada. No securities commission or similar authority in Canada has reviewed or in any way passed upon this document or the merits of the securities, and any representation to the contrary is an offence.
Sweden The information contained in the document is given by Ausbil and has been prepared for information and discussion purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to purchase any security or financial product or service. It is provided to you as an institutional investor as that term is understood under Swedish law. By reading this document, you agree to be bound by these limitations, terms and conditions set out in the paragraphs above.
United Arab Emirates & Kuwait This information relates to a Fund which is not subject to any form of regulation or approval by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”). The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any Prospectus or other documents in connection with this Fund. Accordingly, the DFSA has not approved this or any other associated documents nor taken any steps to verify the information set out in this Prospectus, and has no responsibility for it. The Units to which this Report relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers should conduct their own due diligence on the Units If you do not understand the contents of this document you should consult an authorized financial adviser. This information does not constitute or form part of any offer to issue or sell, or any solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or purchase, any securities or investment products in Kuwait, UAE (including the Dubai International Financial Centre) and accordingly should not be construed as such. Furthermore, this information is being made available on the basis that the recipient acknowledges and understands that the entities and securities to which it may relate have not been approved, licensed by or registered with the UAE Central Bank, the UAE Securities & Commodities Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority or any other relevant licensing authority or governmental agency in the UAE. The content of this Report has not been approved by or filed with the CBK, UAE Central Bank, the UAE Securities & Commodities Authority or Dubai Financial Services Authority.
United Kingdom This information may be issued in the United Kingdom to, and/or is directed at, only persons to or at whom it may lawfully be issued, or directed under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended) including persons who are authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“FSMA”), certain persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, high net worth companies, high net worth unincorporated associations or partnerships, or trustees of high value trusts. The services described in it are only available to such persons in the United Kingdom and this document must not be relied or acted upon by any other persons in the United Kingdom. By reading this document, you agree to be bound by these limitations, terms and conditions set out in the paragraphs above.
Australia The information contained in this Report has been prepared for general use only and does not take into account your personal investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Ausbil is the issuer of the Ausbil Australian Active Equity Fund (ARSN 089 996 127), Ausbil Australian Geared Equity Fund (ARSN 124 196 407), Ausbil Australian Emerging Leaders Fund (ARSN 089 995 442), Ausbil MicroCap Fund (ARSN 130 664 872), Ausbil Australian SmallCap Fund (ARSN 630 022 909), Ausbil Balanced Fund (ARSN 089 996 949), Ausbil Active Dividend Income Fund (ARSN 621 670 120), Ausbil Australian Concentrated Fund (ARSN 622 627 696), Ausbil Active Sustainable Equity Fund (ARSN 623 141 784), Ausbil Global SmallCap Fund (ARSN 623 619 625), Candriam Sustainable Global Equity Fund (ARSN 111 733 898), Ausbil 130/30 Focus Fund (ARSN 124 196 621), Ausbil Global Essential Infrastructure Fund (ARSN 628 816 151), Ausbil Global Resources Fund (ARSN 623 619 590) and MacKay Shields Unconstrained Bond Fund (ARSN 611 482 243) (collectively known as ‘the Funds’).The information provided is factual only and does not constitute financial product advice. It does not take account of your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you make any decision about whether to invest in a financial product, you should obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement of the financial product.

The information provided by Ausbil Investment Management Limited (ABN 26 076 316 473 AFSL 229722) has been done so in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be accurate at the time of compilation. Changes in circumstances, including unlawful interference and unauthorised tampering, after the date of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. Ausbil Investment Management Limited accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracy or for investment decisions or any other actions taken by any person on the basis of the information included. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Ausbil Investment Management Limited does not guarantee the performance of the Funds, the repayment of capital or any particular rate of return. The performance of any unit trust depends on the performance of its underlying investment which can fall as well as rise and can result in both capital losses and gains. Consequently, due to market influences, no assurance can be given that all stated objectives will be achieved.

United States
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS SPECULATIVE AND INCLUDES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK, INCLUDING THE RISK OF A TOTAL LOSS OF CAPITAL. INTERESTS IN THE FUND WILL BE ILLIQUID AND SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THEY MAY BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH INVESTMENT FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME. A PRIVATE OFFERING OF INTERESTS IN THE FUND WILL ONLY BE MADE PURSUANT TO THE FUND’S PRODUCT DISCLOSURE STATEMENT (THE “PDS”), AND RELATED DOCUMENTATION FOR THE FUND, WHICH WILL BE FURNISHED TO QUALIFIED INVESTORS ON A CONFIDENTIAL BASIS AT THEIR REQUEST FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH OFFERING, WHO SHOULD CAREFULLY REVIEW SUCH DOCUMENTS PRIOR TO MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION. ANY INVESTMENT DECISION WITH RESPECT TO SUCH INTERESTS MUST BE BASED SOLELY ON THE DEFINITIVE AND FINAL VERSIONS OF SUCH DOCUMENTS.

The information contained herein will be superseded by, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the PDS, which contains additional information about the investment objective, terms and conditions of an investment in the Fund and also contains tax information, information regarding conflicts of interest and risk disclosures that are important to any investment decision regarding the Fund. No person has been authorized to make any statement concerning the Fund other than as set forth in the PDS and any such statements, if made, may not be relied upon.

The information contained in this Report must be kept strictly confidential and may not be reproduced (in whole or in part) or redistributed in any format without the express written approval of AUSBIL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED (together with its affiliates, the “Firm”). Neither the Firm nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein and nothing contained herein should be relied upon as a promise or representation as to past of future performance of the Fund or any other entity. Except where otherwise indicated herein, the information provided in this Report is based on matters as they exist as of the date of the document and not as of any future date, and will not be updated or otherwise revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available, or circumstances existing or changes occurring after the date hereof.

This Report has not been approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), or any other regulatory authority or securities commission in the United States or elsewhere and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy, any securities. This Report is not to be relied upon as investment, legal, tax, or financial advice. Any investor must consult with his or her independent professional advisors as to the investment, legal, tax, financial or other matters relevant to the suitability of an investment in the interests of the Fund. The reader is urged to read the sections in the PDS addressing risk factors, conflicts of interest and other relevant investment considerations.