Alwyn van der Merwe, director of investments at Sanlam Private Investments, looks at a four stocks he expects will offer the best value to investors in 2017.<\/p>\n
The analyst noted that the four stocks he picked at the end of last year all outperformed the market comfortably.<\/p>\n
Barloworld was the best performer with a total return over the year of 41.7%, followed by Sappi at 27%. Nedbank was up by 15%, and KAP by 8.5%.<\/p>\n
“Over the years we\u2019ve learnt that the one-year investment outcome of a limited list of shares can be very random, and I therefore pick shares using a combination of both valuation criteria and so-called momentum criteria \u2013 price momentum and earnings revision,” van der Merwe said.<\/p>\n
This methodology differs somewhat from the company’s normal stock-picking criteria where it selects shares for the long term.<\/p>\n
“Our share selection methodology therefore seems to be bearing fruit,” van der Merwe said.<\/p>\n
Here are the analyst’s four picks for 2017:<\/p>\n
Remgro<\/strong><\/p>\n The Stellenbosch-based investment group gives investors exposure to listed assets such as Mediclinic and the First Rand Group, but also to a number of quality unlisted shares, which currently comprise around 22% of the net asset value (NAV) of the group.<\/p>\n Historically, Remgro shares have tended to trade at an average discount to their NAV of 15%, and the current 18.25% discount to NAV is attractive compared to its own history.<\/p>\n Looking at the performance of the underlying shares, the Mediclinic share price had a torrid time over the past year as a result of one-off events, such as the Al Noor Hospitals Group transaction amounting to R788 million.<\/p>\n Buying Remgro shares today will therefore provide investors with exposure to Mediclinic at a markedly reduced price, a quality unlisted portfolio, and a premium bank First Rand \u2013 at an attractive discount, van der Merwe said.<\/p>\n Metair Investments<\/strong><\/p>\n The analyst noted that this share was down-rated significantly over the past two or three years, mainly as a result of a one-off retooling of Metair\u2019s South African manufacturing facility and struggling European operations largely on the back of deteriorating political relations between Turkey and Russia.<\/p>\n With these issues now in the past, \u2018normal\u2019 business conditions will restore Metair\u2019s margins. As a result the share should re-rate on the back of better expected performance that the market hasn\u2019t yet discounted, van der Merwe said.<\/p>\n “Based on our research, we\u2019ve estimated earnings per share of R1.50 for the 2016 financial year. For 2017, we forecast earnings per share of R2.44, which translates to growth of 62%. This puts the share on an 8 times forward earnings multiple, which is very cheap. If Metair\u2019s operational results do turn around as expected, this share will certainly reward investors.”<\/p>\n Hudaco Industries<\/strong><\/p>\n The analyst pointed out that this business has been under pressure for a number of years, resulting from the slump in industrial production and in the mining industry since 2008.<\/p>\n “Despite tough business conditions, Hudaco has remained a well-managed company,”\u00a0van der Merwe said. “The group has diversified its product range, making it less reliant on specific industries. Should we experience even a minimal recovery in the mining sector and industrial activity in South Africa, this share\u2019s performance is likely to beat market expectations.”<\/p>\n Hudaco is now trading at a forward earnings multiple of 8.7 times, which is a steep discount to the rest of the market. It is an unloved share in terms of its rating, which normally creates great opportunities for patient investors, van der Merwe said.<\/p>\n Barclays Africa Group (formerly ABSA Group)<\/strong><\/p>\n Like other banks, Barclays\/ABSA was under severe pressure until mid-2016 as a result of tough economic conditions.<\/p>\n “The market was also generally disappointed with management as the bank has lost prominent senior managers in recent years. The UK influence in the top structures was also concerning,”\u00a0van der Merwe said. The reduction of the Barclays shareholding in ABSA, and the resultant increase in local leadership, should lead to a narrowing of the discount at which the company is currently trading relative to other banks, the analyst added.<\/p>\n “I believe Barclays\/ABSA has managed the group\u2019s bad debts reasonably well, for which it hasn\u2019t received much credit. The share is trading at a forward earnings multiple of 8.3 times, which is a massive discount to the rest of the market. If the South African economy remains on its current modest recovery path, then this share is simply too cheap and should re-rate,” he said.<\/p>\n
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