Connect with us

News

A bird in hand is worth two in the bush

Published

on

0227101_M_O_Connor_1000x600.jpg

By Michael O’Connor

Inflation was already at its highest level in four decades before war broke out between two countries that are vital to the global supply chain.

This unrest has undoubtedly impacted any transient outlook for inflation over the short term, putting further pressure on the Fed to take immediate action to tackle inflation.

As hopes for a ceasefire fade and a war of attrition unfolds, these inflationary pressures look set to remain, increasing the likelihood of a policy misstep by the Fed.

While the probability of a recession has increased over Q1, the strength of the US household balance sheet and company profit margins make it difficult to be ultra-bearish.

If we do experience an economic contraction, it will occur in the face of the strongest job markets on record, the highest corporate earnings since the 1950s and the most robust consumer balance sheet in history.

Labour Market Strength

Despite the surge in unemployment following the pandemic, we are now essentially back to pre-pandemic unemployment levels.

More importantly, the pre-pandemic high for job openings in the US was 7.5 million. We're now sitting at more than 11 million job openings in the US.

US Unemployment Rate

US household net worth is now more than six times annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP), driven predominantly by rising asset prices, increased savings rates, federal support and wage growth. This household wealth can drive consumer demand and company profits into the future.

Corporate Earnings

S&P 500 earnings per share jumped 35% in 2021, making it the most profitable year for American corporations since 1950.

In every quarter of 2021, US corporations' overall profit margin remained above 13%; a level reached during only one previous quarter in the past 70 years.

While ultra-forgiving 2020 comparison stats lend themselves well to record-breaking year-over-year stats in 2021, the point remains - US companies boast resilient profit margins supported by a robust US consumer.

Where to Invest

Volatility is likely to remain as we enter into Q1 earnings season.

Netflix has already shown how unforgiving the market can be. Two disappointing earnings reports have resulted in two consecutive 20% declines as this previous market darling becomes the poster child of growth stock volatility.

Similar growth names are likely to come under continued pressure over the short term as interest rates rise, so don't attempt to catch the falling knife just yet.

'A bird in hand is worth two in the bush' explains the waning allure of growth stocks quite nicely. Simply put, as inflation eats into the value of money, investors look to companies with cash flow heavy balance sheets already in place instead of those promising these cash flows in the future.

Again, short-term equity exposure should be aimed toward companies that can pass on rising prices to consumers without disrupting their net margins. This trend has played out across higher inflationary periods in the past, namely the 1940s and the 1970s.

The Final Word

The market will remain choppy as investors digest the Russia/Ukraine war, high inflation, and a hawkish Fed but economic growth and earnings trends remain healthy. And if inflation can moderate over the year, assisted by higher base rates, it may allow the Fed to take its foot off the gas.

For the full market outlook, visit theislandinvestor.com.

Advertisement

News

Paralympic legend Jason Smyth visits St Brendan’s

Published

on

By

Paralympic legend Jason Smyth visits St Brendan’s


World renowned Paralympian and world record holder Jason Smyth paid a visit to St Brendan’s College on Wednesday afternoon as part of a high profile visit to Killarney.


The six time Paralympic gold medallist spoke to second year students from St Brendan’s College, alongside students from neighbouring schools St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School and Killarney Community College.
The interactive talk and interview took place ahead of World Sight Day, with the legendary sprinter sharing his personal journey with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that left him legally blind at eight years old.
The Derry native, who holds the world record as the fastest Paralympian on earth over 100 metres, offered inspiring insights into overcoming physical adversity and achieving success at the highest level of world sport.
The school visit formed the opening leg of his Killarney schedule before he took centre stage later on Wednesday evening at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa.
Smyth headlined An Evening with Paralympian Jason Smyth, an event organised by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce as part of its winter schedule, sponsored by AIB.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Deerpark Retail Park placed on market for fifteen million euro

Published

on

By

Deerpark Retail Park in Killarney has officially been placed on the market with a guide price in excess of 15.4 million euro, excluding VAT.

International real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield has been appointed as the sole sales agent to handle the high-profile commercial property sale on behalf of its current owner, Investcorp.

Investcorp, a global investment management firm headquartered in Bahrain, had previously acquired the prominent shopping complex.


The sale represents one of the largest commercial property offerings to launch in County Kerry this year.

Located roughly 1.3 kilometres west of Killarney town centre, the scheme enjoys strong regional connectivity and sits adjacent to independently owned operations including a Tesco Extra store, a Tesco petrol filling station, JYSK, and Aldi.


Constructed in 2006, the development extends across approximately 10,482 square metres, or 112,835 square feet.

The scheme comprises a mix of modern retail warehouse units and a complementary neighbourhood centre, offering 13 individual units in total with Part Open and Part Bulky Use planning permission.

The units range in size from 94.6 square metres up to 1,994.9 square metres. Visitors have access to approximately 248 customer parking spaces across the commercial grounds.

The park is currently 100 per cent occupied by a strong line-up of established national and international brands.

Key retail tenants include Marks & Spencer, Boots, DID Electrical, Maxi Zoo, and Mountain Warehouse.

The neighbourhood centre element accommodates service and convenience operators such as Costa Coffee, Card Factory, and Salon B.

The first-floor accommodation is fully let to Peak Performance Academy, which provides additional rental diversification.

Additionally, the scheme benefits from an agreement with Tesla to operate eight electric vehicle charging bays within the customer car park.


Commercial figures show that the property generates a total current rental income of 1,326,458 euro per annum, with a weighted average unexpired lease term of 4.45 years to break options and 6.46 years to lease expiry.

Cushman & Wakefield noted that the quoted guide price of 15.4 million euro reflects a net initial yield of 7.83 per cent, assuming standard purchaser costs of 9.96 per cent.

The selling agents highlighted that the fully occupied asset offers investors an attractive income profile alongside scope for additional income generation through parking commercialisation.

Attachments

Continue Reading