SUMMARY
The fund rose 2.8% in December, outperforming the Small Industrials by 1.9% and outperforming the Small Ordinaries by 1.3%. Over the full 2021 calendar year, the Fund was up 36.9%, outperforming the Small Industrials Index by 23.2% and outperforming the Small Ordinaries Index by 20.0%.
COMMENTARY
Global markets finished 2021 strongly suggesting investors are not overly concerned by the global rise in COVID cases as new details emerged that the Omicron variant is less harmful to health than previous variants. COVID treatment pills approved by the FDA for both Pfizer and Merck also assisted with the positive sentiment. Whilst global supply chains continue to remain constrained, due to the pandemic, there is evidence to support the view that these are beginning to free up slowly leading to improved global supply. Inflation remains a key focus for markets but there are some early signs it may be moderating with recent US PMI data indicators being encouraging. Nevertheless, a sustained escalation in inflation probably presents the greatest threat to market returns for 2022.
The broader Australian market rose 2.7%, with miners (+7.2%) being particularly strong following a 19% rise in the Iron Ore price as China shifted to an easing bias and the oil price rising 14% in recognition that economic activity remains strong despite the worsening COVID situation. Technology stocks were generally the worst performers with a 5.2% fall as bellwether Afterpay declined 24% over the month.
Over what has proven to be a very strong year for the Fund we were pleased to report the following positive contributors for the month of December:
Australian Clinical Labs (+46%) benefited from both the high demand for PCR tests that their labs are processing and the completion of NSW and QLD pathology acquisitions. Johns Lyng Group (+23%) announced their entry into the US market with the acquisition of Reconstruction Experts. AUB Group (+13%) rose following the company increasing their profit guidance for the 2022 financial year due to buoyant conditions in the insurance broking space. EBOS Group (+11%) rallied after announcing the highly accretive acquisition of medical device distributor Lifehealthcare. Charter Hall Group (+8%) rose in response to increasing fund flows into their various property funds management vehicles.
Our worst contributors were:
Aussie Broadband (-9%) weakened after rising by a similar amount in November. City Chic (-8%) was sold down due to short-term nervousness around the company’s ability to source inventory due to ongoing supply chain disruptions. Megaport (-13%) and EML Payments (-10%) both drifted lower along with many technology stocks (note that both of these stocks are very small positions in the Fund). Hansen Technologies (-4%) gave back some of its strong gains from the year with a small fall but still managed to rise a pleasing 43% over the year.
During these continuing uncertain and volatile times, we are reminded of the importance of keeping a clear head so as not to be caught out by the latest investment craze circling the market. Disciplined investing is not about buying high-flying technology stocks that are yet to turn a profit or speculating on cryptocurrencies and commodity prices. The proven approach to investing is to raise your eyes and invest for the long term by appraising companies with proven business models that generate strong cash flows, only then can a company’s prospects be truly understood and attempted to be valued.
We look forward to the upcoming February reporting season for another opportunity to meet management and discuss their approaches in dealing with both the shorter-term influences of the pandemic and growth prospects beyond the pandemic.
Stay safe and we wish you and your family a happy and prosperous 2022.