Month: May 2022

  • What exactly is the difference between Woodside Energy (WDS) and Woodside Petroleum (WPL)?

    man with his hand on his chin wondering about the AIM share price

    man with his hand on his chin wondering about the AIM share price

    You may be having difficulty finding the latest share price moves for Woodside Petroleum Ltd (ASX: WPL) this morning.

    That’s because the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy giant is trading under its new name and ASX ticker today, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS).

    When was the name change revealed?

    The company officially announced the rebranding last Friday. This came on the heels of shareholders’ sweeping approval of Woodside’s proposed merger with  BHP Group Ltd‘s (ASX: BHP) petroleum business.

    98.66% of the submitted votes were in favour of the merger. The company expects the merger to be complete by 1 June.

    Are Woodside Energy and Woodside Petroleum different?

    The new name reflects not just the pending merger with BHP’s petroleum assets, but also the company’s plans to play a major role in the global energy transition.

    Commenting on the reasoning behind the rebranding at last week’s annual general meeting, chair Richard Goyder said the company “aims to thrive in the energy transition as a low-cost, lower-carbon energy provider”.

    According to Goyder, the name change was made “to better reflect our long-term strategic direction and anticipated portfolio evolution through the energy transition”.

    Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill lauded the proposed merger with BHP’s petroleum arm, saying, “The merger is an opportunity for Woodside to increase its contribution to the world’s growing energy needs and build the scale, resilience and diversity to thrive through the energy transition.”

    She also reflected on the company’s strong performance and commitment to emissions reductions.

    On the financials, O’Neil noted, “We generated an operating cash flow of US$3.8 billion, a 105% increase from 2020, strengthening our balance sheet and financial position. We finished the year with more than US$6 billion of liquidity and also maintained our investment-grade credit rating.”

    And on the environmental front, O’Neil added:

    We have near- and medium-term targets to reduce our net equity Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2025 and 30% by 2030, in support of our aspiration of net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. Our 2021 net equity Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions were 10% below the 2016-2020 gross annual average and on course to achieve our 2025 target.

    Woodside share price snapshot

    Woodside shareholders have enjoyed some strong returns this year, with shares up 27.9% in 2022 amid rocketing energy costs. By comparison, the ASX 200 is down 5.9% year-to-date.

    The post What exactly is the difference between Woodside Energy (WDS) and Woodside Petroleum (WPL)? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Woodside right now?

    Before you consider Woodside, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Woodside wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Own Westpac shares? Here’s why the bank’s $45b super business is hitting headlines

    A group of older people wearing super hero capes hold their fists in the air, about to take off.A group of older people wearing super hero capes hold their fists in the air, about to take off.

    Owners of Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares might want to keep their eyes peeled after reports the sale of the bank’s superannuation business is about to go public.

    Rumours the sale of BT Super – which reportedly manages $45.4 billion – is about to go public hit headlines yesterday afternoon.

    In early trade on Wednesday, the Westpac share price is climbing, up 2.17% to $24.05.

    Let’s look at the news that has put the bank in the headlines this week.

    Has Westpac sold its super leg?

    Westpac shares could be in the spotlight amid reports Mercer is gearing up to announce its acquisition of the bank’s superannuation platform.

    The corporate super fund was tipped as the business’ buyer by The Australian yesterday afternoon.

    The purchase will reportedly see Mercer pushing customers from Westpac’s platform to its own, therefore doubling its size in corporate and retail super.

    Mercer is also said to be acquiring Westpac’s Advance Asset Management business.

    Westpac continues to work towards offloading its BT Panorama wealth management platform, of which BT super is a part.

    The Australian claims that Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)’s partly owned Colonial First State is in the lead to win the platform.

    Previously, AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) was rumoured to be involved in acquisition talks for the platform.

    Offers for BT Panorama have been around $1 billion, according to the publication.

    Westpac share price snapshot

    The Westpac share price is outperforming all of its ASX 200 big four peers so far this year.

    It has gained 12.6% year to date.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has slipped 3.6% in that time. Meanwhile, the next best performing big four bank – National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) – has recorded a 9.78% gain.

    Though, the Westpac share price has fallen around 8.5% since this time last year.

    Only Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) has recorded a worse slip. It has tumbled 9.3% over the last 12 months.

    The post Own Westpac shares? Here’s why the bank’s $45b super business is hitting headlines appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Westpac right now?

    Before you consider Westpac, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Westpac wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why is the APA share price lifting on Wednesday?

    A young man sits at his desk with a laptop and documents with a gas heater visible behind him as though he is considering the information in front of him.A young man sits at his desk with a laptop and documents with a gas heater visible behind him as though he is considering the information in front of him.

    The APA Group (ASX: APA) share price has shaken off this morning’s dip amid news the company has made a leap towards growing its East Coast Gas Grid.

    The gas pipeline operator has embarked on the second stage of its network expansion which aims to add around 13% of capacity for Australia’s southern states by winter 2024.

    At the time of writing, the APA share price is $11.59, the same as its previous close.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is in the green this morning. It’s currently up 0.43%.

    Additionally, APA’s home sector – the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) – is recording a 0.39% gain.

    Let’s take a closer look at today’s news from the energy infrastructure company.

    APA embarks on expansion’s second stage

    The APA share price recovered from an early plunge on Wednesday as the company works to address potential shortages of gas in south-eastern states.

    The Australian Energy Market Operator recently flagged shortfalls of gas might be felt in Victoria, the ACT, New South Wales, and Tasmania in extreme weather from as early as 2023.

    APA’s network expansion aims to address such concerns, adding 25% of capacity at a total investment of around $270 million.

    The first stage – set to add 12% of capacity – is already under construction and should be finished before winter 2023.

    The second stage will see APA working on the South West Queensland Pipeline and Moomba Sydney Pipeline. It’s set to be completed by winter 2024.

    The two pipelines deliver gas from Queensland and the NT to southern markets.

    APA CEO and managing director Rob Wheals commented on today’s news, saying:

    APA is playing a critical role in delivering additional energy security for southern gas markets ahead of forecast supply risks … Pipeline gas is also lower emissions than gas proposed to be supplied by east coast LNG import terminals, and more cost effective given the strong global demand for LNG.

    APA share price snapshot

    The APA share price has outperformed the ASX 200 over 2022 so far.

    Right now, the stock is 15% higher than it was at the start of this year. Over the period, the index has tumbled 5.7%.

    APA’s shares are also trading for 22% more than they were this time last year. Meanwhile, the ASX 200 is flat.

    The post Why is the APA share price lifting on Wednesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in APA right now?

    Before you consider APA, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and APA wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended APA Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Fisher & Paykel share price exhales following ‘strong’ full-year results

    Man and woman dance back to back in kitchen.Man and woman dance back to back in kitchen.

    The Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH) share price is breathing a sigh of relief after publishing its results for the full year ending 31 March 2022.

    At the time of writing, shares are swapping hands at $18.89, 0.9% above their previous closing price.

    Fisher & Paykel share price lifts on

    • Total operating revenue down 15% compared to the prior corresponding period to $1.68 billion
    • Net profit after tax (NPAT) down 28% to $376.9 million
    • New application consumables revenue up 3% on a constant currency basis
    • Research and development investment of $154 million
    • Declared final dividend of 22.5 cents per share, up 2% from the prior year
    • Total dividends for the financial year up 4% to 39.5 cents per share

    What else happened during the year?

    For the 12 months ended 31 March, Fisher & Paykel incurred a 15% decline in revenue to $1.68 billion. However, the company highlighted the unprecedented nature of the previous financial year during the peak of COVID-19. As such, Fisher & Paykel noted that the latest revenue result still represents a 33% stronger outcome than the pre-COVID-19 financial year.

    The pandemic acted as a major catalyst for increased sales of various respiratory apparatuses. Furthermore, the company is building upon this success with the launch of two new nasal high flow interfaces, Optiflow Switch and Optiflow Trace.

    With regards to profits, gross margin was reduced by 59 basis points to 62.6% during the year. Higher freight costs led to an increase in the use of air freight, resulting in margin pressure.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the full-year result, Fisher & Paykel managing director and CEO Lewis Gradon said:

    Over the last two financial years, we have supplied $880 million of hospital hardware, the equivalent of approximately 10 years’ hardware sales prior to COVID-19. The growing body of evidence supporting the use of nasal high flow and our other respiratory therapies shows that our products have a clear role to play in improving care and outcomes beyond COVID-19 patients. We have a proven fifty-year track record of changing clinical practice and now we have the additional benefit of customers already having our hardware and clinical experience with its use.

    Overall, management reflected positively on its latest performance. However, the path forward appears to be cloudy for the company.

    What’s next?

    Looking forward, the Australian healthcare giant is taking a cautionary stance. According to the company, COVID-19 instances have possibly peaked, which leaves Fisher & Paykel expecting hospital hardware revenue to slow down in FY2023.

    Moreover, management refrained from providing future guidance due to ongoing uncertainties. Although, freight costs are anticipated to remain elevated for the time ahead. In light of this, Fisher & Paykel is holding higher levels of inventory to negate freight issues.

    Fisher & Paykel share price snapshot

    Amid a cooling in sales growth, the Fisher & Paykel share price has tumbled throughout the front end of this year. Since the turn of 2022, shares in the respiratory device manufacturer have diminished by 39% in value.

    For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fallen nearly 6% — which is still 33% better than the healthcare company.

    The post Fisher & Paykel share price exhales following ‘strong’ full-year results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp right now?

    Before you consider Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Looking to secure the Aristocrat biggest-ever dividend? Here’s what you need to do

    A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.

    The Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) share price has stormed 8.8% higher following the company’s half-year results last week.

    This is despite the gaming technology company’s shares edging 3.94% lower to $34.40 apiece at yesterday’s market close. At the time of writing, the Aristocrat share price was down another 1.05% to $34.04 in Wednesday morning trading.

    A quick breakdown on the Aristocrat half-year result

    In the half-year report for the 2022 financial year, Aristocrat reported strong growth across key metrics.

    In summary, operating revenue surged by 23.1% to $2,745.4 million over the previous corresponding period. Aristocrat stated the robust result was driven by its outstanding performance in gaming operations and outright sales.

    Notably, the improved numbers offset the mixed operational conditions and challenges that the company faced. This included the Russian war in Ukraine, an industry-wide moderation in overall mobile game demand post COVID-19, and ongoing global supply disruptions.

    On the bottom line, profit after tax rose to $513 million, up 48.1% from this time last year.

    Based on the company’s cash profit above, the Aristocrat Board declared a fully franked interim dividend of 26 cents per share. This represents a 73.3% lift from the 15 cents declared in the prior comparable period.

    Management noted that cash returns via dividends to shareholders are based on a discretionary dividend policy. Periodic reviews are often conducted to ensure the capital allocation framework is sound and the balance sheet provides strategic optionality.

    Here’s what you need to do to secure the Aristocrat dividend

    The Aristocrat interim dividend will be paid to eligible shareholders around five weeks away on 1 July.

    However, to be eligible, you’ll need to own Aristocrat shares before the ex-dividend date which falls on 26 May. This means if you want to secure the dividend, you will need to purchase Aristocrat shares today at the latest.

    While there is a dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) in place, the board decided to keep it inactive for the interim dividend.

    The post Looking to secure the Aristocrat biggest-ever dividend? Here’s what you need to do appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Aristocrat right now?

    Before you consider Aristocrat, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Aristocrat wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why is the Sayona Mining share price in a trading halt?

    A person holds a stop sign in front of their head

    A person holds a stop sign in front of their head

    The Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA) share price has been having a tough time this week.

    Since the end of last week, the lithium share has lost 28% of its value.

    This follows the release of a disappointing pre‐feasibility study (PFS) for the 75% owned North American Lithium (NAL) operation in Québec, Canada.

    That study revealed a net present value of the project that was well short of the market’s expectations.

    Sayona Mining share price halted

    The Sayona Mining share price won’t be continuing its slide on Wednesday after the company requested a trading halt.

    According to the request, Sayona Mining has requested the immediate halt pending the release of an announcement regarding a capital raising.

    It has requested the trading halt remain in place until the earlier of the release of the announcement or the commencement of normal trading on Friday 27 May.

    Capital raising

    With the Sayona Mining share price down 28% this week, the timing of this capital raising is particularly disappointing for shareholders and is likely to be highly dilutive.

    According to the AFR, the company is seeking to raise $190 million from investors at a price of 18 cents per new share. This represents a 12.2% discount to the last close price and a massive 35.7% discount to where the Sayona Mining share price ended last week.

    The reports states that these funds will be used to support the restart of the aforementioned NAL project, development activities at its Authier mine, exploration at the Moblan project, and the assessment of downstream processing alternatives. All these activities are located in Canada’s Quebec, where the company is aiming to build a lithium hub.

    The post Why is the Sayona Mining share price in a trading halt? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Sayona Mining right now?

    Before you consider Sayona Mining, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Sayona Mining wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Pilbara Minerals share price falls despite record BMX auction

    A brightly coloured graphic with a silver square showing the abbreviation Li and the word Lithium to represent lithium ASX shares such as Core Lithium with small coloured battery graphics surrounding

    A brightly coloured graphic with a silver square showing the abbreviation Li and the word Lithium to represent lithium ASX shares such as Core Lithium with small coloured battery graphics surrounding

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is dropping on Wednesday morning.

    At the time of writing, the lithium producer’s shares are down 2% to $2.84.

    Why is the Pilbara Minerals share price falling?

    Investors have been selling down the Pilbara Minerals share price today despite the company announcing the results of its fifth spodumene concentrate digital auction, held via its Battery Material Exchange (BMX).

    According to the release, a cargo of 5,000 dry metric tonnes (dmt) at a target grade of ~5.5% lithia was presented for sale on the platform with delivery expected from 15 June 2022.

    Unsurprisingly given the insatiable demand for lithium, the company revealed that strong interest was received in both participation and bidding by a broad range of buyers.

    Pilbara Minerals advised that it intends to accept the highest bid of US$5,955 per dmt, which on a pro rata basis for lithia content (inclusive of freight costs) equates to a price of approximately USD$6,586 per dmt (SC6.0, CIF China basis).

    Judging by the Pilbara Minerals share price performance today, some investors may have been betting on even stronger prices.

    BMX lithium prices continue to rise

    This winning bid of US$5,955 per dmt represents the fourth consecutive increase in prices on the BMX.

    The inaugural BMX auction in June 2021 saw Pilbara Minerals receive US$1,250 per tonne. It then commanded US$2,240 per tonne in September, US$2,350 per tonne in October, and then US$5,650 per tonne last month.

    It’s unclear when the next BMX auction will take place, but all eyes will be on that one to see if this positive pricing trend continues.

    In the meantime, these high prices bode well for ASX lithium shares already producing the white metal in vast quantities. These include Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE), Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN), and of course Pilbara Minerals.

    The post Pilbara Minerals share price falls despite record BMX auction appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pilbara Minerals right now?

    Before you consider Pilbara Minerals, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pilbara Minerals wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Allkem Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why is the BHP share price sinking 10% today?

    A sad Carnaby Resources miner holds his head in his hands

    A sad Carnaby Resources miner holds his head in his hands

    The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is falling heavily on Wednesday morning.

    In early trade, the mining giant’s shares are down 10% to $42.88.

    Why is the BHP share price sinking today?

    The good news for shareholders is that the decline by the BHP share price has nothing to do with the company’s performance or a broker note.

    Rather, today’s decline has everything to do with the Big Australian’s shares trading ex-dividend for its in-specie dividend. An in-specie dividend is a dividend that is paid in assets rather than cash.

    On this occasion, this in-specie dividend sees BHP distributing 914,768,948 new shares in the newly named Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) to shareholders. These shares, which had a total market value of $26.5 billion at yesterday’s close, were issued to BHP as part of the demerger of its petroleum assets into Woodside.

    This has transformed Woodside into a top 10 global energy producer with over 2 billion barrels of proven and probable reserves and annual EBITDA approaching US$5 billion.

    What’s next?

    Eligible BHP shareholders will receive one new Woodside share for every 5.534 BHP shares they own when the demerger completes. This will be rounded down to the nearest whole share.

    The demerger is expected to complete this time next week on 1 June. After which, those new shares will then commence normal trading on the ASX boards a day later on Thursday 2 June.

    Why isn’t the Woodside share price tumbling?

    While the addition of BHP’s petroleum assets will be game-changing for Woodside, this has already been factored in for some time. That’s why the Woodside share price is behaving largely as though nothing is happening today.

    Furthermore, although it has just added energy operations worth almost $27 billion, it has issued the equivalent in shares to BHP shareholders. So, while Woodside’s market capitalisation may increase $27 billion, the addition of the shares has had a neutralising impact, making everything essentially the same on a per share basis.

    The post Why is the BHP share price sinking 10% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BHP right now?

    Before you consider BHP, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BHP wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why I think the Wesfarmers share price is a buy right now

    A man sits in a shopping trolley and shouts buy through a megaphone.A man sits in a shopping trolley and shouts buy through a megaphone.

    I think the Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price is now looking like good value for long-term investors right now.

    It has been a difficult year for Wesfarmers so far, with the company’s share price falling by more than 20% in 2022. However, I believe that this lower price now represents a compelling long-term opportunity with the ASX share.

    Higher interest rates, strong inflation, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical events have caused a lot of volatility in the ASX share market. Wesfarmers hasn’t escaped.

    However, I believe that the Wesfarmers share price can do well over the next decade.

    There are three main reasons why I think the ASX share could be worth owning.

    Bunnings

    In my opinion, Bunnings may be one of the best businesses in Australia. It earns more than two-thirds of Wesfarmers total earnings before tax (EBT), after excluding significant items.

    Even in the face of slowing economic conditions, Wesfarmers managed to achieve revenue growth with Bunnings with a 1.7% increase of revenue to $9.2 billion in the first half of FY22. The company said that its performance for the half reflected its ability to meet customers’ needs through a range of operating conditions and “further highlighted the resilience and flexibility of the model”.

    While it’s possible that slowing housing construction and a slowdown of DIY projects could dampen shorter-term demand for Bunnings, I think it’s a category leader in its sector that can keep making good profits.

    In the first half of FY22, Wesfarmers said that Bunnings generated a return on capital of 79%, up from 76.65% in the previous year. That’s a very high number and shows how valuable Bunnings is to Wesfarmers.

    Wesfarmers can keep investing in Bunnings, such as improving its online offering and acquiring other small businesses like Beaumont Tiles.

    What does lithium have to do with Wesfarmers’ share price?

    Lithium is an area that Wesfarmers is trying to get exposure to. Its joint venture is called Mt Holland. While that project isn’t up and running yet, I think Mt Holland is compelling because the lithium price is rising over time, which will make Mt Holland more valuable to the company. In the FY22 half-year result, Wesfarmers said that it had spent $139 million in the first half of the year.

    The demand for lithium is rising alongside the rise in home batteries and electric vehicles, as the number of batteries needed increases. While Mt Holland won’t be the biggest global lithium mine, it will help diversify Wesfarmers’ earnings away from retail and probably have an influence on the Wesfarmers share price.

    Healthcare and beauty

    I also like the move by management to buy the Australian Pharmaceutical Industries business.

    Management can use this as the basis for a new health, beauty and wellness division. Healthcare has useful tailwinds such as ageing demographics, which can help the long-term trajectory of the business.

    Healthcare is a large and fairly defensive sector which can help Wesfarmers become a more resilient business. It’s also very diverse, so it gives the ASX share plenty of opportunities to look at. Amid all of the current volatility, it could be looking at a new healthcare opportunity right now.

    Final thoughts

    Not only is Wesfarmers diversifying its operations, it also normally offers a reasonable dividend payout as well. So, I think that Wesfarmers can generate attractive and growing earnings, while paying a solid dividend to investors.

    The post Why I think the Wesfarmers share price is a buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Wesfarmers right now?

    Before you consider Wesfarmers, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Wesfarmers wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/Z6y7Whk

  • Hoping to bag the next CSR dividend? Here’s what you need to know

    A blockchain investor sits at his desk with a laptop computer open and a phone checking information from a booklet in a home office setting.A blockchain investor sits at his desk with a laptop computer open and a phone checking information from a booklet in a home office setting.

    The CSR Limited (ASX: CSR) share price has fallen 12% since the company released its full year results on 11 May.

    And yesterday’s trading session didn’t help either, with the building products company’s shares shedding 2.17% to $4.97 at market close.

    Let’s take a look at the details in relation to the upcoming CSR dividend.

    CSR delivers strong cash generation and returns for shareholders

    The CSR board announced its biggest ever final dividend (not including previous special dividends) to shareholders. This came after the company recorded a stellar performance for the year ending 31 March 2022 (YEM22).

    Despite registering a 20% increase in net profit after tax (NPAT), investors hit the sell button on CSR shares. A flurry of broker downgrades were issued following concerns regarding headwinds in the housing market such as interest rates.

    Nonetheless, the CSR board declared a fully franked final dividend payment of 18 cents per share. This represents a lift of 24% on the previous final dividend of 14.5 cents apiece (again, not including the added special dividend of 9.5 cents apiece).

    Management stated that this brings the full year dividend to 31.5 cents per share for the YEM22.

    Notably, this is at the top end of CSR’s dividend policy of 60-80% of NPAT before factoring in significant items.

    The record date for the final dividend falls on 30 May, with payment to eligible shareholders on 1 July 2022.

    CSR share price snapshot

    Looking at this time last year, CSR shares have declined by around 15% in value.

    It’s worth noting that the company’s shares touched a 52-week low of $4.92 last Friday before edging slightly higher.

    On valuation grounds, CSR commands a market capitalisation of roughly $2.52 billion and has a trailing dividend yield of 5.45%.

    The post Hoping to bag the next CSR dividend? Here’s what you need to know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CSR right now?

    Before you consider CSR, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and CSR wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/1pyhGVo