Category Archives: Earnings

Capital Market Thoughts … Reminder from Lead Newsletter Article of Q1 2022 … “Anatomy of a Slowdown”

With the gyrations of the Capital Markets as of late making headlines, we wanted to re-review our review (purposely a lot of reviewing…haha… ok digressing) of our lead article in our most recent Newsletter (Q1 2022) The Anatomy of a slowdown!

Here is a link to the Newsletter and my video explaining the lead article at the very beginning of the Video!

Anatomy of a Slowdown – Re Review

After large infusions of stimulus during the virus and associated lock downs, it should not come as a surprise that there would be a slowdown both economically and on an individual spending level as the stimulus subsided….

Capital Markets have sniffed this out and are trying to figure out the next speed of economic growth…

While Capital Markets and participants do their thing …. we wanted to remind ourselves and readers of a few facts from the Newsletter:

Those 10 years or more from retirement, should embrace the eventual slowdown and market reactions. This is the time you really get to make great purchases and shine in the future, but it may not feel like it at the time, Enjoy and Embrace! 

Those in the 10-5 year range from retirement, recall we adjust our risk level down as we get closer to retirement. Yes, that means taxes and a slower ride, but a lot less bumpy and less stress. 

Those 5 years out or already retired, as a slowdown occurs, and values drop, our most important item is to rebalance from the safe things that have held up in value, to the more risky items that have dropped in value (agnostic sell high and buy low), and of course remind ourselves we came into this with a good allocation for each and every one of us and can easily navigate this. 

The most important items we want to convey are that near the very end of a recession/slowdown, the headlines are the worst, but the rewards are the greatest. 

The average length of a recession is about 9-12 months, much longer than the most recent 2020 recession (-36%), and the Interest Rate Temper Tantrum slowdown of late 2018 (-19.9%) or the low Volatility (VIX) shake out of early 2018 (-12%) all shown here in the chart below! 

Final Thoughts to Remember:

  1. Investing is risky, and one will almost certainly have a drop in value during a slowdown/recession  
  1. Invest rationally when the sun is shining AKA Don’t get over your ski’s by keeping your allocations (safe/risky, Fixed income/Equity) correct during good times, thereby making it through the inevitable bad times  
  1. Reallocation from winning to losing areas is the most important item to capture the best part of a slowdown/recession, the eventual recovery 
  1. Ignore the headlines and remember they will likely be the worst near the end *Purposely Bolded for extra reminder! 
  1. Avoid false prophets, there will always be someone who has made a negative correct call, but most of the time that is not that someone’s first call, and they likely will overstay their welcome, once again missing the best part of the slowdown/recession, the recovery 
  1. Stay positive, and know our job is to help talk and guide you through these situations, just like we are now, by reminding and reviewing during sun shining times 

Have a Great “Re-review of Anatomy of a Recession” Day!

John A. Kvale CFA, CFP

Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.

A Dallas Texas based fee only

Financial Planning Total Wealth

Management firm.

jkfinancialinc

street-cents

Market Valuation Update … How are we doing? Forward PE Ratio Review

As mentioned multiple times … with recent examples here and here by almost any metric Capital Market valuations have been and are stretched.

As a reminder this does not mean that markets have to come tumbling down to earth … just that heightened risks of sharper declines may be possible. Also as a reminder, just like our teenager with oversized clothes grows into them … as earnings increase faster than Capital Markets rise, valuations can come back in line! YAY

Updated Valuation Metric from our Friends at JPMorgan

And while still stretched take note of the very far right of the graph as it has smartly turned over as earnings outpaced Capital Market Growth



This is why the Graph is moving in a better direction – huge expected earnings in view….

Nice….

Still no time to swing for the fences, which we never do- but good progress…

Have a Great “Better Valuations” Day!

John A. Kvale CFA, CFP

Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.

A Dallas Texas based fee only

Financial Planning Total Wealth

Management firm.

jkfinancialinc

street-cents

FactSet Earnings Estimates and Ratio Review – Part II in Market Valuation Series

John Butters our friend at FactSet, (a treasure of information resource) released a 37 page report in timely fashion for our Valuation Series. We are especially fond of Butters who takes the time to personally email us the “ok” to reproduce portions of his report…thanks again John!

Recall our first in Valuation Series here, where we reviewed the Buffett back of the Napkin Valuation of GDP to S&P 500 Market Capitalization…. While maybe not flashing Bright Red, it was in never seen before high valuation territory…

FactSet Valuation Analysis

Here we are again showing a likely never before seen high chart value … Flashing bright Yellow or maybe Light Red. Way up high as printed is overvalued…

Unlike the prior charts, this one is GREAT going up…

This Chart is the Q1 2021 Earnings Expectations. In September of 2020 expectations were for a negative yes -13% year over year earnings… today barely positive, but positive!

Now here is the REAL GOOD news, Q 1 2020 was mostly unscathed by the lockdowns… meaning this is a very aggressive comparable to a more normal year, also meaning the following quarters will likely print huge positive growth numbers due to easier comparisons…

With a little luck, maybe we can grow into our larger than fitting/high valuation clothes over the year!

Lemonade out of Lemons … MAYBE, but bad things do not always have to happen…

Lots of risk, lot’s of things that could go bad, but again they do not HAVE to!

No time to swing for the fences — We NEVER do!

Have a Great “FactSet High Valuations but a Safe Way Out” Day!

John A. Kvale CFA, CFP

Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.

A Dallas Texas based fee only

Financial Planning Total Wealth

Management firm.

jkfinancialinc

street-cents

Earnings Estimates Coming Back … Slowly

Earnings are the ultimate driver of stock prices …

Managers work VERY hard to estimate what they will earn and carefully deliver that information to Wall Street – Carefully because a disappointment leads to loss of trust, embarrassment, and likely a slammed stock price – Think of it as blowing your budget in a public forum …

Estimates Return – SLOWLY

A short personal story – long time followers know copyright is very important, so when using others material, we always ask for permission if it is not clear we can reproduce the material – John Butters the continuous author of this report personally took the time to email me back, thank me for the request to use his material and said of course – making us even happier and more frequent users of his material…. ok, slight digression …

For the second quarter, 53 S&P 500 companies issued quarterly EPS guidance, which was the lowest number of S&P 500 companies issuing EPS guidance for a quarter since FactSet began tracking this metric in 2006.

From our dear Friend John Butters at FactSet:

Managers being conservative and protecting their names, pulled estimates … actually not surprising due to the circumstances….

Slowly they are getting confident enough to put estimates out there…. good progress as the look through continues!

Have a Great “Earnings are coming back” Day!

John A. Kvale CFA, CFP

Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.

A Dallas Texas based fee only

Financial Planning Total Wealth

Management firm.

jkfinancialinc

street-cents

Hold on … Here Come Important Valuation and Corporate Earnings Charts –

As promised, it’s always good to step back occasionally and make darn sure we are not all being Lemurs (most known for following each other without thought) and gathering together, just before we go over the cliff….

Ok, so you are about to receive a blast of charts… we will code this post Forecast so we can go back and look at the “Forecasts” later….

Is the Market (S&P 500) Expensive?

This is the trailing PE (Price Earnings Ratio) the most macro valuation measure used from our Friends at Factset !

Green dotted line represents, 5 year average, and the dark dotted line represents the 10 year average….

Answer – Not cheap, but MAYBE not as frothy as it may feel at times (present party included) – certainly have been MUCH more expensive in the past…

Remember, tariff progress may release some pent up/held on the sidelines demand!

11-9-19 Trailing 5 and 10 year Avg PE Versus Current PE

What Areas are PROJECTED to Grow in 2020

This is what analysts are PROJECTING/Forecasting (hence our coding for future review) for the year 2020!

Recent Losers are expected to be next years winners- i.e. Energy and Materials….

What happens if Tariff Agreements are not reached? Not being negative here but we must consider this could be better or worse!

11-9-19 Earnings Growth for 2020 by Sector - Forecast

Earnings Versus Market Price Movement

You hear us say all the time, Earnings are the ultimate driver of prices… and they are….

No one says this is easy…. Earnings have been flat, but markets up….

Theoretically this should not happen … UNLESS market participants expect future earnings growth as markets are forward looking.

Q 4 2019 EPS Growth Change Versus market Growth

How about the Consumer?

Recall the consumer drives over two thirds of the economy through spending in our consumer consumption economy….

A Happy Consumer = Spending Consumer

One of the many Consumer Sentiment Indicators… University of Michigan…

Steady as she goes!

9-2019 U of Michigan Sentiment 10 years

Ok … you get the point, not too bad!

We could find something really hot and really cold, but these are the biggies from a high level!

Of course we did not forget the inverted yield curve and it’s recession predictiveness … we spoke about it here, here, here and here…. more to come…

Have a Great “Lemur Checkup” Day!

John A. Kvale CFA, CFP

Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.
A Dallas Texas based fee only
Financial Planning Total Wealth
Management firm.
jkfinancialinc
street-cents

FOMC Meeting and Interest Rate Update from Last Week

Last week, here in our preview of the meeting post, we discussed what the Federal Open Market Committee would likely review via the fortunate lunch with local Dallas Federal Reserve Chair Robert Kaplan and even had direct audio from the event.

We know it’s summer and we know many of you may be taking much needed R and R, but the FOMC meeting last week was surprisingly important.

Bottom Line: No rate lowering but rhetoric that was taken by market participants as a lowering is in the cards sooner rather than later!

Important Update Meeting Review

Jerome Powell, FOMC Chair released his decision to NOT lower rates ….

our comments….

From information gathered via the audio and economic data points available at the time, we felt strongly that the FOMC would not LOWER rates, that’s in bold because until just recently, many thought future increases may be in the cards.

However … this statement, in the FOMC press release was deemed to mean rates will be lower at the next meeting, which put wind int he sails of Capital Markets …

“The Committee continues to view sustained expansion of economic activity, strong labor market conditions, and inflation near the Committee’s symmetric 2 percent objective as the most likely outcomes, but uncertainties about this outlook have increased. In light of these uncertainties and muted inflation pressures, the Committee will closely monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook and will act as appropriate to sustain the expansion, with a strong labor market and inflation near its symmetric 2 percent objective.”

Here is the joint estimate of FOMC members for  GDP (Gross Domestic Production-broadest estimate of US growth) for the remainder of the year … note an expectation of slightly slower growth for the remainder of the year and into 2020/21:

6-19-19 GDP Estimate FOMC

There is also a Dot Chart that shows where FOMC members expect rates to be over the same time period, but it was a mess and confusing…so we left it out!

Not playing Economist here, but there is a lot of room for lowering or NOT lowering as well… time will tell, but for now the general consensus for the next meeting which is at the end of July (30-31) is for a lowering of rates, at least by most Market Participants or those with a microphone  …. Call us skeptical of agreeing at this time….

Bottom Line: No rate lowering but rhetoric that was taken by market participants as a lowering is in the cards sooner rather than later!

There are some nice positives that come with these expectations… Mortgage Rates will likely continue to stay low and may even go lower!

Sorry if we got into the weeds, but we wanted to clarify the slightly blurry statement, reaction, and expectations!

Have a Great “FOMC Meeting Update” Day!

John A. Kvale CFA, CFP

Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.
A Dallas Texas based fee only
Financial Planning Total Wealth
Management firm.
jkfinancialinc
street-cents

Earnings Matter, ultimately the most, let’s take a peek at how they are doing

With earnings being the ultimate driver of Capital Markets it’s always good to stick our heads down into the weeds occasionally to see how corporate managers are navigating the waters.

Our favorite go-to source for this information is from our friends at Factset, a research arm that does terrific tracking …

Here are a few charts with our notes:

This following is an estimate of Earnings for the remainder of 2019 and for the year 2020 – notice expectations are positive year over year 2018 to 2019 but not much growth is expected from the analyst community – Tariff agreement would likely change this expectation quickly…

img_1243-e1557890593225.png

Next up, how the change in estimates has occurred in real time – take note of the drop near the end of the year 2018 – while it looks like a larger than normal drop, and we prefer it increasing, it is only about a 5% total expected drop but again still a year over year increase as seen from the prior chart.

img_1242-e1557890631119.png

Lastly, we had to throw one of our favorite charts in from our friends at JPMorgan – the lagging blue line, that actually looks out of place, is the current market expansion rate – note how slow this expansion (2007-current) has been. We find this very interesting as even the 2001 expansion was at a much faster pace than our current. Could we be entering an extended period of slower, but more stable growth? This would also speak to lessened concerns of inflation and lowered expectations moving forward…

img_1244.png

Overall, lets give corporate managers an A to almost A+, especially those dealing with overseas trading partners of any kind.

Have a Great “Update Earnings” Day!

John A. Kvale CFA, CFP

Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.
A Dallas Texas based fee only
Financial Planning Total Wealth
Management firm.
jkfinancialinc
street-cents

Q 1 2019 Newsletter Video Audio Podcast Review By John Kvale

Welcome to our Video and Audio Podcast Review of our Q 4 2018 Newsletter. For those on the road or just unable to grab the time to read, our podcast type review gives you the behind the scenes insight to our thoughts, observations and deep views of the entire Newsletter.

Click Here for direct link to an electronic version (an early peek-good ole fashion paper versions are on their way to you shortly) and here for our Newsletter page

Let’s get going!

 Q 1 2019 Newsletter 

And here is your review!

Capital Market Talk

The Grinch Came to Christmas

Just a few days into the final Quarter of 2018, market participants became grumpy and continued their coal ways all the way through the end of the year – a seasonally strong historic period of time.

In our main capital market article we discuss the reasons why – no one knows for certain, and discuss the speed of the decline along with what the future may hold..

Updated Personal Theft Story

After having three credit cards stolen which we spoke of here, an interview with a detective brought to light some amazing stories of theft

  1. Never give gift cards as a payment –
  2. Don’t fall for fake blackmail –
  3. Have a safe word for fake kidnappers or other similar scams

Meet Jennifer Hill “Jen” Our New Operations Manager

In a more in-depth article that expands on her background, Jennifer “Jen” Hill has our formal introduction along with several fun pictures including a Charlie’s Angels and a D Magazine Wealth Managers Picture from our honored award of D Magazine’s Best Wealth Managers.

We hope you enjoy … talk to you in the Spring!

John A. Kvale CFA, CFP

Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.
A Dallas Texas based fee only
Financial Planning Total Wealth
Management firm.
www.jkfinancialinc.com
www.street-cents.com

Third Quarter 2018 Cover Letter

The third quarter of 2018 is behind us and the original theme from the first month of the year seems still most appropriate, patience. After rocketing to an unsustainable trajectory in January, the excuse was an over use of a dangerous product, the reality looks to be, we just got too far ahead of ourselves and corrected harshly to a more reasonable trajectory.
It was the Best of Times, it was the Worst of Times
As we look forward, the best part of the year “historically” lies just in our view as we finish the year. Using history as our guide, oddly the first month of the coming quarter has been the most treacherous. Not the time to get to overzealous or glum!
Earnings Eventually Matter
In our Q4 2018 Capital Market Newsletter Article we discuss in detail the correlation of earnings and capital market movement. This obvious connection does not always hold true in the shorter term as aggressive emotions such as greed and fear overshoot constantly in both directions. Eventually the correlation re-connects and more normal heads prevail, making earnings growth and market growth work in tandem.
Interest Rates
The fear of, or at least watching for, an inverted yield curve has grown in popularity. We discussed this item last quarter in great detail. Oddly, when many are looking for an event, it loses it’s predictability. We are not ignoring, and will continue to monitor, but we are concerned at a possible loss of predictively with the crowds of followers swelling. Predictive or not, the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) has been slow and open to interest rate increases, so far, and capital markets, the economy and participants are very happy with the increases and have digested them nicely.
Bonds, most effected by interest rates, and one of the safest asset classes tend to feel the headwinds most of higher interest rates. Higher, and increasing rates are initially a headwind, but once the increases stabilize, they become a tailwind, and increased yields push more money into our pockets. This cycle is no different, other than the fact that interest rates we so unprecedented low to begin with, this temporary headwind seems stronger than in other cycles, but it is really not. Look for more details on this subject again in our coming Newsletter.
Have a good start to fall!

John A. Kvale CFA, CFP

Q 4 2018 Newsletter Video Audio Podcast Review By John Kvale

Welcome to our Video and Audio Podcast Review of our Q 4 2018 Newsletter. For those on the road or just unable to grab the time to read, our podcast type review gives you the behind the scenes insight to our thoughts, observations and deep views of the entire Newsletter.

Click Here for direct link to an electronic version (an early peek-good ole fashion paper versions are on their way to you shortly) and here for our Newsletter page

BREAK IN – Save the date for the Holiday Party

November 17th – Saturday before Thanksgiving – Dallas Athletic Club from 3-5 pm

DAC

Let’s get going!

Q 4 2018 Newsletter

And here is your review!

Capital Market Talk

Earnings and Markets Eventually Converge

In this hugely in depth article, first we discuss the effect of earnings eventually driving capital markets, but disconnects can occur. It can even be a good thing for Capital Markets to WAY underperform earnings, as they are this year because in brings valuations back in line.

Here is the key graph

7-13-18 EPS Growth and Mkt Growth 10 year avg

Higher Rates, a Short Term Headwind, Eventually a Tailwind

With sustained lower rates over the last decade, memories have faded on the tugging headwinds that higher rates have – IN THE SHORT TERM – on the mandatory safety asset class of bonds.

Higher rates are a great thing as Bonds/Fixed Income Assets have a place for almost all investors due to their safety and liquidity.

Once the headwinds subside our fixed income investments will have ridden the yield curve higher and begin paying more income in the form of yield – into our pockets – Finally!
bond index V Interest Rates

Too High of Rates Can Create Trouble

Too high of rates or an overshoot CAN create trouble … or a recession…

Our friends at JPMorgan – historically show that rate is about 5% – yea FIVE percent –

We disagree and think a lower level may now be this tipping point, due to the decade low interest rate level we have just experienced-

Current at two percent, we have a long way to go before getting too antsy
JPMorgan Rate Level for Slowdown

Inverted Yield Curve Update

So far to good- no inversion yet!
9-28-18 90 day to 10 year Inverted Curve status

Financial Planning

This series of articles came out of no where and in like domino fashion, once one was done the next took form and fell into place-

PLUP graph

App of the Quarter – Hardware

Our editor took the fancy picture out due to copyright fears, but our experience with the Firestick has been exceptional – Here are the highlights of our findings

  • Great Savings compared to just full service in many cases
  • Does not take as much internet speed as we thought
  • Bring your home on the road
  • Multiple devices used at once
  • Cuts back on duplicated services
  • Allows cherry picking services

Enjoy the fall –

See Ya next Year – Wow 2019 here we come!

John A. Kvale CFA, CFP

Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.
A Dallas Texas based fee only
Financial Planning Total Wealth
Management firm.
www.jkfinancialinc.com
www.street-cents.com