CEO INSIGHTS – Week Ending 27 September 2019 By NAOS Asset Management

Financial Markets & Lending

“Changing interest rate expectations drove volatility and volume, particularly in the second half of the year, and we’ve seen these strong trading volumes continue into FY20.” Dominic Stevens, CEO, ASX Ltd

“The potential for risks to financial stability from falling housing prices in Sydney and Melbourne has abated somewhat, with prices rising in the past few months.” Statement from the Council of Financial Regulators

“The major banks have seen slower growth relative to other lenders.” Statement from the Council of Financial Regulators

Domestic Economy

“The consumer sentiment from our experience in Australia is pretty weak at the moment and I don't think a $1,000 tax cut is going to make any difference, but I hope I'm wrong.” Graham Turner, Managing Director, Flight Centre Ltd

“Past experience suggests that around half of these tax refunds will be spent over coming quarters.” Philip Lowe, Governor, Reserve Bank of Australia

Domestic Retail

“We're going to see money spent within homewares, certainly furniture, and white goods and other things for around the home.” Dominique Lamb, CEO, National Retail Association

“It doesn't feel like there's a buoyancy, but the macro conditions would say that at some point in time, people are going to stop saving and start spending. But we haven't really seen that yet.” Mark McInnes, CEO, Premier Investments Ltd

“Australian retail isn't in a recession it has simply shifted elsewhere. We've seen some of the highest levels of spending online than ever before.” Rob Hango-Zada, CEO Shippit [logistics & delivery company]

Global Economy

“The backdrop appears to be very strong for the [US] consumer. We have good wage growth. We have strong employment.” Gene Lee, CEO, Darden Restaurants [Fortune 500 food chain conglomerate]

“During 2019, there has been continued debate and commentary in Australia and around the world about corporate governance, the role of companies, sustainability and the need for companies to innovate and invest.” Michael Chaney, Chairman, Wesfarmers Ltd

Technology & Media

“While we’ve been competing with many people in the last decade, it’s a whole new world starting in November…between Apple launching and Disney launching, and of course Amazon’s ramping up.” Reed Hastings, CEO, Netflix Inc

“It’ll be tough competition. Direct-to-consumer [customers] will have a lot of choice.” Reed Hastings, CEO, Netflix Inc

“So there's probably three big mega trends in our space. Broadband, direct-to-consumer and advanced advertising.” Brian Roberts, CEO, Comcast Corporation

Food & Beverage

“We supply over 800 cafes Australia wide with coffee and we probably see one a month close now.” Phillip Di Bella, Executive Chairman, Di Bella Coffee [national coffee roaster/wholesaler]

“This is not a bubble [infant formula market], this is real, this is sustainable.” Grant Crothers, CEO, Burra Foods [dairy product processor]

“The demand [for infant formula] has increased three-fold over the last couple of years.” Chris McKiernan, Sales and Marketing Manager, ViPlus Dairy [dairy product processor]

“They [China] want our product as much as we want to give it to them.” Patrick Hutchison, CEO, Australian Meat Industry Council

Athleisure

“The global shift towards more active lifestyles continues to accelerate, and demand for athletic product is high.” Mark Parker, CEO, Nike Inc