Five interesting things that Hodges Capital research analysts discovered this week...
#1 AUTO-LOAN DELINQUENCY: A recent article in Bloomberg revealed that more Americans are falling behind on their car payments than during the financial crisis. In December, the percentage of subprime auto borrowers who were at least 60 days late on their bills rose to 5.67%, up from a seven-year low of 2.58% in April 2021, according to Fitch Ratings. That compares to 5.04% in January 2009, the peak during the Great Recession.
#2 REMOTE BENEFITS: A working paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research indicated that working from home saved the average US employee 55 minutes per day by skipping the commute. Workers allocated 42% of their time savings to their jobs, 35% to leisure activities, and about 8% to caregiving activities.
#3 GOLF ENTHUSIASM: According to National Golf Foundation, total golf participation was up 9% last year to 41 million people. On-course golf increased by 500,000 participants, while off-course increased by 3.1 million participants.
#4 GREEN ACRES: According to the USDA, net farm income hit a record in 2022. The USDA is now forecasting net farm income to fall 16% in 2023 due in part to cost pressures and lower commodity prices. Although lower in 2023, farm income is still expected to be above average for the past two decades.
#5 EQUIPMENT DEMAND: “I’m not going to make a 79 percent operating ratio because I saved money on trailers. I’m going to make a 79 percent operating ratio because I have trailers.” Frederick Holzgrefe, CEO of Saia
Hodges Private Client is a program offered through Hodges Capital Management, Inc. (“HCM”). HCM is an Investment Advisory Firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hodges Capital Holdings and serves as investment advisor to the Hodges Funds. HCM is affiliated with First Dallas Securities, Inc, a broker-dealer, and investment advisor registered with the SEC.
This discussion is not intended to be a forecast of future events and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investing in smaller companies involves additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility. No current or prospective client should assume that information referenced in this communication is a recommendation to buy or sell any security or is a substitute for personalized investment advice from your individual advisor. HCM does not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax or legal advisor for any related questions.
All information referenced herein is from sources believed to be reliable and is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. This material was created for informational purposes only and the opinions expressed are solely those of HCM. HCM shall not in any way be liable for claims and makes no expressed or implied representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the data and other information. The data and information are provided as of the date referenced and are subject to change without notice.