Vestact

Daily Market Blog: Aspen still hot

07-MAR-14

"That is what Aspen has become, a massive business operating on all the continents, of course most companies do not have a business in Antarctica. What is interesting about the local business is that when the currency had weakened, Aspen maintained their ARV contract with government even though they were losing money, it is/was part of their social contract with the country. Feels not so great as a shareholder, but as Saad said in the interview, they will get it back in time, when/if the currency goes the other way, so it feels good as a shareholder in that a public company is committed to greater society. And that part ties into what we said about companies able to reach a size and scale (thanks to the free market system) in that they are in a position to operate a low margin business."

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What we do at Vestact

Vestact manages money for private clients, in Rands in Johannesburg and in US Dollars in New York. We offer individualised investment accounts, and a high level of personalised service. Through low fees and effective stock-picking, we have delivered industry-beating investment performance. For a longer description of how we go about the business of asset management at Vestact, click here.

To open an account, call us on 011 022 5440, or come in and visit us at our offices at 24 Crescent Drive, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

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Stocks which we currently recommend

African Bank is one of SA's largest consumer finance companies.

Amazon.com is the world's leading online retailer.

Apple is global leader in tablet and smartphone technology.

Aspen is a rising global star in generic pharmaceuticals.

BHP Billiton is the world's largest industrial commodity mining company.

Bidvest is a diversified services company, which may re-organise its portfolio.

Cashbuild is a supplier of basic building materials in peri-urban and rural areas.

Cisco designs, manufactures, and sells internet infrastructure.

City Lodge is a growing mid-priced hotel group in urban areas of SA.

Discovery is a healthcare services administrator and life insurer.

Famous Brands is SA's largest quick-service restaurant group.

General Electric is a diversified investment holding company.

Google is the world's biggest search engine and online advertising platform.

Johnson & Johnson is the largest consumer healthcare and pharma company.

L'Oreal is a world leader in the manufacturing and sale of beauty products.

MTN Group is an emerging markets mobile telecoms giant.

Massmart is a big-box discount retailer in Africa, now 51% owned by Wal-Mart.

McDonald's is a leader globally in the casual dining market.

Naspers is an in emerging markets company focussed on digital TV & Internet.

Nike is a global designer and retailer of sporting equipment.

Richemont is a luxury brands company expanding in Asia.

Sasol is a global player in chemicals and fuels technology.

Starbucks is a roaster, marketer and retailer of coffee.

Tiger Brands is a basic and branded food producer, expanding through Africa.

Visa is a global payments technology company.

Woolworths is SA's leading organic food retailer & clothing business.

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