• Is today’s BHP, NAB or Afterpay share price a good investment?

    crystal ball with bar graph inside, future share price, afterpay share price

    It’s been an interesting time for investors this year. The coronavirus pandemic caused the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share prices to plummet in March. Furthermore, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (INDEXASX: XJO) has fallen 16.47% from its February high. Whilst both BHP and National Australia Bank have gone on to rebound considerably, the Afterpay share price has not only also done this, but actually reached new, all-time highs. 

    Share price falls present an opportunity for anyone considering investing in the ASX 200. When taking on board Warren Buffett’s wise words, investors should “be greedy when others are fearful and fearful when others are greedy”.

    Even at today’s prices, I believe these 3 ASX 200 shares offer good value and could provide great, long-term returns for investors.

    BHP share price

    BHP is one of the oldest companies listed on the ASX, known for investing in high-quality resource assets. Currently, BHP is involved with iron ore, coal, copper, nickel, potash and petroleum. It has achieved significant growth over 135 years but recent turmoil has seen its share price trade at a hefty discount. The BHP share price has fallen 11.8% from its January high.

    However, I believe BHP’s growth appears set to continue. At the end of March, BHP had 6 projects under development with a combined budget of US$11.4 billion over the life of the projects. These projects mean BHP will continue to maintain and expand its production in the years ahead.

    BHP is committed to paying dividends to shareholders. Its current dividend policy states it will payout 50% of underlying profit in a given period. This means shareholders can expect an ongoing income stream from BHP. The policy should also support continued growth of the BHP share price. 

    At the time of writing, BHP trades on a trailing dividend yield of 6.02% fully franked. This is a huge yield in the current interest rate environment and shows that BHP offers great value to investors at its share price today.

    NAB share price

    NAB has been in the news lately through its recent decision to raise capital from investors. When analysing the bank, however, it could be seen to offer great value. In February, the NAB share price reached $27.31, it now sits at $18.92 which represents a fall of just over 30%. This drop shows the capital raising and the damage to the bank’s balance sheet brought on by the coronavirus crisis. However, it also represents a good opportunity to invest in NAB shares at today’s price.

    If the NAB share price eventually recovers to its previous high, which is very possible assuming no further significant setbacks, shareholders will make a 44% gain on shares purchased at today’s price. This represents great value and suggests that investors can make significant gains from investing in NAB shares.

    NAB has a pro forma CET1 ratio of 11.2% after its capital raising. This suggests that the bank is in good financial health by international standards. If several of NAB’s loans turn bad, it still has a solid capital buffer to remain in business and continue lending.

    NAB trades on a trailing dividend yield of 6.04% fully franked. Following its capital raising, NAB has promised to continue paying dividends to shareholders.

    Afterpay share price

    Investors usually invest either for growth or income. While Afterpay does not currently offer income, it does offer growth. At today’s share price, investors could make considerable gains. Especially if Afterpay is successful in its current growth ambitions. Afterpay has over 8.4 million users worldwide and plans to become a major payment service provider. This would see it rival major industry players like Visa or Mastercard.

    While it is growing rapidly, Afterpay is already offered by 48,400 retailers worldwide. It’s true that this scale may not be up there with the major payment providers, but it does offer room for considerable expansion. When more retailers and, therefore users, take up Afterpay, it could also become a takeover target as major technology or financial companies attempt to capitalise on the platform’s popularity. The likelihood of this is reinforced by an announcement last month which saw Afterpay welcome an investment by major Chinese technology company, Tencent Holdings Ltd (HKG: 0700). 

    Tencent currently has revenue per share of $1.51 which is less than the Afterpay share price. However, it is important to consider the scalability of Afterpay’s platform. If this company becomes a major global player as planned, this figure could grow phenomenally, leaving today’s Afterpay price a distant memory.

    Foolish takeaway 

    BHP, NAB or Afterpay shares could be a great investment at today’s prices. When contemplating which company to invest in, buyers should consider if they are primarily targeting growth or income. In my opinion, both NAB and BHP offer great income at their current share prices. Today’s Afterpay share price, on the other hand, offers the potential for phenomenal growth and the possibility of a takeover in the future. Whilst investors should consider their individual needs and invest accordingly, I believe all 3 of these companies offer great value at today’s share prices. 

    For additional ASX shares to consider for building wealth, take a look at the report below.

    NEW. The Motley Fool AU Releases Five Cheap and Good Stocks to Buy for 2020 and beyond!

    Our experts here at The Motley Fool Australia have just released a fantastic report, detailing 5 dirt cheap shares that you can buy in 2020.

    One stock is an Australian internet darling with a rock solid reputation and an exciting new business line that promises years (or even decades) of growth… while trading at an ultra-low price…

    Another is a diversified conglomerate trading over 40% off its high, all while offering a fully franked dividend yield over 3%…

    Plus 3 more cheap bets that could position you to profit over the next 12 months!

    See for yourself now. Simply click here or the link below to scoop up your FREE copy and discover all 5 shares. But you will want to hurry – this free report is available for a brief time only.

    CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE REPORT!

    More reading

    Chris Chitty has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post Is today’s BHP, NAB or Afterpay share price a good investment? appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

    from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/30b7SFO

  • Why today might be a good day to buy NAB and Westpac shares

    big four banks 16:9

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) is poised to open weaker this morning. But the pullback might be an opportune time to buy National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC).

    The broader market weakness is no thanks to weak leads from Wall Street on worries that stocks have run too far ahead of fundamentals.

    But there’s value to be found in the NAB share price and Westpac share price, at least that’s according to UBS.

    Last few places on the ASX to find value

    The broker just upgraded these stocks to “buy” from “neutral” as the sector is one of the last few places you can find value.

    It isn’t only the COVID-19 pandemic that’s been weighing on bank shares. Competition from fintechs, pressure from the banking regulator to increase their cash buffers, the fallout from the Haynes Royal Commission and tumbling interest rates are just some of the other punishing headwinds.

    Shares in the big banks, excluding Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), are trading at their lowest multiples in 27 years, noted UBS.

    Light at the end of the tunnel

    “However, with the economic outlook less bleak than anticipated even a few weeks ago,” said the broker.

    “The likelihood of a further deterioration in asset quality and RWA [risk weighted asset] inflation driving additional highly dilutive capital raisings has reduced materially.

    “The lower reliance on JobKeeper (wage subsidies) than government expectations also provides some flexibility for further targeted stimulus as current packages, loan deferrals and rental relief expires in October.”

    Banks will recover ahead of the economy

    While we the coronavirus will continue to have an impact on the economy until a vaccine is found, the broker pointed out that the market factor in the recovery before then, barring a sharp deterioration in the economy.

    It’s also worth noting that the damage from the COVID-19 crisis hasn’t been as bad as what many experts (and the government) were expecting. Despite this, the government is adding to its record stimulus to get our economy back on its feet.

    ASX banks could re-rate

    What this means is that the threat of ballooning bad debt shouldn’t be as bad as forecast, and that will be a trigger for a re-rating in the sector.

    “Although sustained low rates will weigh on NIM [net interest margin] and credit growth will be anaemic, a sector ROE of ~9% looks possible,” said UBS.

    “At these levels, the banks could re-rate to around book value, and with an 80% payout ratio offer ~7.2% dividend yield.”

    NEW: Expert names top dividend stock for 2020 (free report)

    When our resident dividend expert Edward Vesely has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, he’s the investing genius that runs Motley Fool Dividend Investor, the newsletter service that has picked huge winners like Dicker Data (+92%), SDI Limited (+53%) and National Storage (+35%).*

    Edward has just named what he believes is the number one ASX dividend stock to buy for 2020.

    This fully franked “under the radar” company is currently trading more than 24% below its all-time high and paying a 6.7% grossed-up dividend.

    The name of this dividend dynamo and the full investment case is revealed in this brand new free report.

    But you will have to hurry — history has shown it can pay dividends to get in early to some of Edward’s stock picks, and this dividend stock is already on the move.

    See the top dividend stock for 2020

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of Commonwealth Bank of Australia, National Australia Bank Limited, and Westpac Banking. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post Why today might be a good day to buy NAB and Westpac shares appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

    from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2AEJZf2

  • Qantas share price soars on plans to increase domestic flights

    Qantas

    The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price was a strong performer on Thursday.

    The airline operator’s shares jumped 7% to $4.49 after announcing plans to increase the number of domestic flights in June and July.

    What did Qantas announce?

    With travel restrictions starting to ease across the country, both Qantas and Jetstar will increase their domestic and regional flying for June and July.

    According to the release, the additional services will see capacity increase from 5% of pre-pandemic levels, to 15% by the end of June. This represents an increase of more than 300 return flights per week.

    The company is prepared to further increase the number of flights it operates in July. This will depend on travel demand and the further relaxation of state borders. Qantas revealed that it has the ability to increase the number of flights to upwards of 40% of its pre-crisis domestic capacity by the end of July.

    Where will Qantas be flying to?

    The company advised that the additional flights include more services on capital city routes. This is particularly the case with Melbourne-Sydney and a number of routes to-and-from Canberra.

    https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

    As you can see above, it will also increase intra-state flights for Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. Weekly flights to Broome, Cairns, and Rockhampton will see also receive significant boost.

    In addition to this, flights will resume on eight routes that are not currently being operated. This includes flights from Sydney to Byron Bay, which previously saw its route launch postponed because of the pandemic.

    Will there be enough demand?

    Also supporting the Qantas share price on Thursday were positive comments by Qantas CEO, Alan Joyce.

    Mr Joyce believes Australians are eager to take to the skies again. He commented: “We know there is a lot of pent up demand for air travel and we are already seeing a big increase in customers booking and planning flights in the weeks and months ahead.”

    “We are gradually adding flights in June as demand levels increase, which will go from 5 per cent of pre-crisis levels currently to 15 per cent by late June. We can quickly ramp up flying in time for the July school holidays if border restrictions have eased more by then,” Joyce added.

    Mr Joyce also revealed that Qantas is taking precautions to make the flying experience safe for travellers.

    He explained: “Customers will notice a number of differences when they fly, such as masks and sanitising wipes, and we’ll be sending out information before their flight so they know exactly what to expect and have some extra peace of mind. Importantly, the Australian Government’s medical experts have said the risk of contracting Coronavirus on an aircraft is low.”

    Overall, this looks like a big positive for Qantas and should help limit the cash burn it is currently experiencing.

    NEW! 5 Cheap Stocks With Massive Upside Potential

    Our experts at The Motley Fool have just released a FREE report detailing 5 shares you can buy now to take advantage of the much cheaper share prices on offer.

    One is a diversified conglomerate trading over 30% off it’s all-time high, all while offering a fully franked dividend yield of over 3%…

    Another is a former stock market darling that is one of Australia’s most popular and iconic businesses. Trading at a significant discount to its 52-week high, not only does this stock offer massive upside potential, but it also trades on an attractive fully franked dividend yield of almost 4%.

    Plus, this free report highlights 3 more cheap bets that could position you to profit in 2020 and beyond.

    Simply click here to scoop up your FREE copy and discover the names of all 5 cheap shares.

    But you will have to hurry because the cheap share prices on offer today might not last for long.

    As of 2/6/2020

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post Qantas share price soars on plans to increase domestic flights appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

    from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2Ucw7iP