Stock Pick

Author: openjargon

  • Could the Xero share price leap a further 35% as profits begin to flow?

    A happy elderly couple enjoy a cuppa outdoors as the woman looks through binoculars.

    The Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price has climbed 7% since the release of its FY24 result, but one expert thinks the ASX tech share‘s rally has much further to go.

    Xero’s 2024 financial year report covered the 12 months ending 31 March 2024 and included several positives. Let’s recap some of the main metrics and then look at how high one leading broker thinks the Xero share price can go from here.

    FY24 earnings recap

    Xero reported a 22% jump in operating revenue to NZ$1.7 billion, which drove adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) higher by 75% to NZ$526.5 million. Strong profit growth is a helpful tailwind for the Xero share price.

    The company also saw a boost in some of its profit margins, including Xero’s gross profit margin, which increased to 88.2%, up from 87.3%. The free cash flow margin lifted to 20%, up from 7.3%.

    Impressively, Xero’s financials saw an annual revenue increase of NZ$314 million, with the business adding NZ$240 million of free cash flow, NZ$198 million of operating profit and NZ$288 million of net profit after tax (NPAT).

    The extra revenue generated excellent incremental profit, which is a promising sign of how profit might grow in the coming years as the company continues to scale.

    However, Xero did note it was likely to exhaust its accumulated New Zealand tax losses during the “strategic period” of FY25 to FY27, which suggests its NPAT growth may be somewhat slower once it has utilised the NZ$193 million losses balance as of 31 March 2024.

    The company’s subscriber-related metrics remain strong. Its subscriber retention rate remained above 99%, which is exceptionally high. Total subscribers increased 11% in FY24 to 4.16 million, and the average revenue per user (ARPU) rose 14% to NZ$39.29.

    Bullish price target on the Xero share price

    Goldman Sachs has reiterated its view on Xero as a conviction buy and lifted its price target to $164.00, as covered by my colleague James Mickleboro.

    The analysts at Macquarie are also bullish about the prospects for the Xero share price. Macquarie increased its price target on the ASX tech share by 17% to $180.70, according to reporting by The Australian. That implies the Xero share price could rise by around 35% in the next year.

    Considering the long-term average return of the ASX share market is around 10%, the forecast rise for Xero shares could see the company substantially outperform the market if Macquarie proves to be right.

    Xero share price snapshot

    The Xero share price has increased around 17% since the start of 2024, as shown in the chart below. In contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is only 1.3% higher in 2024 to date.

    The post Could the Xero share price leap a further 35% as profits begin to flow? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Xero Limited right now?

    Before you buy Xero Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Xero Limited 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 may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

    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 positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Jury in trial of tech CEO Fahim Saleh’s killer hears grisly 911 call: ‘His head is not there anymore!’

    Fahim Saleh, center, is shown with surveillance stills and images of the type of Taser and electric saw that prosecutors say were used in his murder and dismemberment.
    Fahim Saleh, center, is shown with surveillance stills and photos of the kind of Taser and electric saw that prosecutors say were used in his murder and dismemberment.

    Clerk's office, Manhattan Supreme Court; Taser.com; HomeDepot.com. Center photo is Reuters.

    • An ex-personal assistant accused in the Gokada CEO's 2020 murder is on trial in NYC.
    • Tyrese Haspil was in the throes of  "extreme emotional disturbance," his lawyer told jurors Friday.
    • Jurors then heard the 911 call of a cousin who discovered Fahim Saleh's remains in his apartment.

    A Manhattan jury on Friday heard the harrowing 911 call of a woman who discovered the dismembered body of her cousin, Gokada ride-share CEO Fahim Saleh.

    "Oh my God. Oh my God," the woman cries in the 911 call, after finding Saleh's torso facing up in a pool of blood on his living room floor.

    "Is he breathing?" the operator asks, to which the woman sobs, "No! His head is missing, his arms are missing, and his legs are missing!"

    Saleh, a Bangladeshi-American, was an admired international entrepreneur who had made millions through Gokada, his Nigeria-based motorbike ride-share and delivery service.

    Manhattan prosecutors say the tech entrepreneur was murdered and sawed into pieces in July, 2020 by Tyrese Haspil, his embezzling former personal assistant, who acted after weeks of planning.

    Security footage — undisputed by the defense — shows Haspil shocking his victim from behind with a Taser as the elevator doors open into Saleh's seventh-floor condominium.

    "There was quite a struggle," prosecutor Linda Ford told jurors of Saleh's death by multiple stab wounds.

    Tyrese Haspil, accused of the 2020 Manhattan murder-dismemberment of tech CEO Fahim Saleh.
    Tyrese Haspil, accused of the 2020 Manhattan murder-dismemberment of tech CEO Fahim Saleh, with lawyer Sam Roberts, right.

    Alan Chin/Insider

    The defense concedes that Haspil, 25, stole from and then killed and dismembered his ex-boss.

    But Haspil suffered an extreme emotional disturbance during the weeks it took to plan, execute, and try to cover up the killing, defense lawyer Sam Roberts told jurors in opening statements Friday.

    That "disturbance" lay latent after Haspil's traumatic childhood — and was then triggered by the thought of losing his girlfriend, Marine Chavaux, who was soon to return to her native France, Roberts said.

    Realizing that his $400,000 embezzlement had been discovered, but desperate to lavish more gifts on Chavaux in time for her 22nd birthday, a "disturbed" Haspil believed his only options were "suicide or homicide," Roberts told jurors.

    Selling this defense may prove a tall order. Prosecutors say Haspil had purchased his Taser a full month before the murder and spent the three days after the murder methodically dismembering his victim and shopping with his victim's credit card at luxury retail stores.

    Also on Friday, jurors saw photos of a shopping bag from Christian Louboutin that police recovered from the $18,000-a-month Airbnb where Haspil was arrested.

    If the jury believes Haspil's defense, he'd be guilty of manslaughter instead of murder, and would face as little as five years in prison.

    The 911 tape

    "Miss? Miss? Who's the ambulance for?" the 911 operator asks Saleh's cousin in the recording played Friday.

    Prosecutors have referred to the cousin only as "Person 1" in court papers. Business Insider is withholding her name for privacy.

    "Fahim Saleh!" she answers between gasps.

    "For who?" the operator asks, unable to understand her.

    "Fahim Saleh!" the cousin shouts again. "Oh my God. Oh my God."

    "Miss, OK, take a deep breath," the operator can be heard telling her.

    "His body!" the cousin sobs. "His body is dismembered!"

    Fahim Saleh
    Fahim Saleh embraces a friend

    File photo

    This is the point where the operator, apparently having trouble understanding, asks if the patient is breathing, and the cousin tells her that Saleh's head, arms, and legs are missing.

    "They like — I can't — they like, they cut it off," the cousin sobs.

    "Who cut it off?" asked the operator, who has meanwhile dispatched first responders to the scene.

    "I don't know!" the cousin gasps. "I just came to check in on him."

    "It's just you there, right?" the operator asks.

    "I left because honestly it looked — there's just like black garbage bags everywhere," the cousin answers.

    Prosecutors told jurors that these bags held Saleh's head and limbs.

    "There was an electric saw next to his body," the cousin then tells the operator.

    A crime scene photo showing tech CEO Fahim Saleh under attack by his killer just inside the victim's Manhattan condominium.
    A crime scene photo showing tech CEO Fahim Saleh under attack by his killer just inside the victim's Manhattan condominium.

    Clerk's office, Manhattan Supreme Court

    "OK, they're already on their way," the operator says. "OK? Just stay on the line with me. OK? Just try to take deep breaths," she says, before adding — apparently still confused — "So he's passed away though, correct?"

    "His head is not there anymore!" the cousin exclaims, breaking into fresh sobs.

    "His head is cut off?" asks the now shocked-sounding operator. "Yes," the cousin tells her. "His head is not here."

    "They're coming. They're coming," the 911 operator consoles the cousin. "Do you want to wait outside?"

    "I can wait inside the lobby," the cousin answers. "Honestly, what if they come back and take his body?"

    Extreme-emotional-disturbance defenses are usually reserved for sudden acts of violence, though there are exceptions.

    In 2014, wealthy Manhattan socialite Gigi Jordan was found guilty of first-degree manslaughter, not murder, after poisoning her eight-year-old autistic son. Her lawyers argued she acted under extreme emotional distress as she planned and executed the boy's death.

    The prosecution case against Haspil continues next week.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Boeing says its spacecraft is leaking, but it’s still safe to launch US astronauts next week

    two astronauts in blue spacesuits inside a spaceship holding papers looking at a dashboard
    NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams conduct suited operations in the Boeing Starliner simulator at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

    NASA/Robert Markowitz

    • NASA and Boeing are proceeding with a space launch after discovering a helium leak.
    • Starliner's maiden voyage will carry two US astronauts.
    • Boeing VP Mark Nappi said the design vulnerability was "not a safety of flight issue."

    NASA and Boeing said a helium leak in its Starliner spacecraft is "stable" and won't prevent two astronauts from launching into space next week in a mission more than a decade in the making.

    NASA and Boeing execs said the cause of a leak in Starliner's propulsion system had been identified in a press conference on Friday, and it was safe to fly.

    A previous launch attempt was scrubbed on May 6 hours before takeoff due to a separate issue — after which the "small" leak was discovered on a flange on one of Starliner's thrusters, NASA program manager Steve Stich said during the press conference.

    Days after it was discovered, "we proved to ourselves that the leak was stable," added Boeing VP Mark Nappi.

    He said the design vulnerability was "very remote" and "not a safety of flight issue."

    "We can handle up to four more leaks," Stich said, "and we can handle this particular leak if that leak rate were to grow even up to 100 times."

    Now, Boeing's Starliner is set to take NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 1 and then back after a one-week stay.

    There are backup launch opportunities on June 2, June 5, and June 6.

    Boeing is playing catch-up with SpaceX, whose Dragon spacecraft has been transporting astronauts to and from the ISS since 2020. Starliner's maiden voyage comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Boeing's safety culture around its separate passenger plane division.

    The Starliner previously encountered issues on uncrewed test flights in 2019 and 2021.

    A Boeing spokesperson referred Business Insider to Friday's press conference. NASA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Why Google is (probably) stuck giving out AI answers that may or may not be right

    A glitching Google search bar
    Google has debuted its "AI Overview" feature — and it's not going perfectly.

    Rebecca Zisser/BI

    • Google is giving users bad, AI-generated answers. Again.
    • In February, when this happened before, Google shelved the faulty AI product behind the results.
    • But this time feels different — Google has basically committed to this idea as the future of the company.

    Step 1: Google rolls out a new, AI-powered search product.

    Step 2: Users quickly find the product's flaws, and point them out with social media posts, which become news stories.

    Step 3: Google admits that its new, AI-powered search product is fundamentally flawed, and puts it on ice.

    Yup, we've seen this drill before. Back in February, Google was shamed into shelving an image-generating feature for its AI chatbot.

    Now we are two steps into the same process: Google is widely rolling out its "AI Overview" feature, which replaces its usual answer to search queries — a list of links to sites where you might find the actual answer you want — with an AI-generated answer that tries to summarize the content on those sites. And people are finding examples of Google generating answers that are wrong, and sometimes comically bad.

    Which is why colleague Katie Notopoulos constructed, and then ate, a pizza made with glue. (Bless you, Katie! This is truly heroic stuff, and I hope you spend your hazard pay wisely. (We do get hazard pay, right?))

    So here's the two trillion-dollar question: Is Google going to have to backtrack on this one, too?

    No, says Google, which argues that the dumb answers it has been generating are few and far between. And that most people don't know or care about search answers that tell people how many rocks to eat. Or that you should stare into the sun for 5 to 15 minutes — unless you have darker skin, in which case you can go for twice as long.

    A Google answer to a question about staring into the sun.
    Google AI gives a curious answer when asked about staring into the sun.

    Google AI Overview

    And Google also notes that it is quickly swatting down Bad Answers as they crop up. Particularly ones where someone smart enough to use a phone but stupid enough to follow those answers could harm themselves.

    Here's the formal version of that answer, via Google comms person Lara Levin:

    "The vast majority of AI Overviews provide high quality information, with links to dig deeper on the web. Many of the examples we've seen have been uncommon queries, and we've also seen examples that were doctored or that we couldn't reproduce. We conducted extensive testing before launching this new experience, and as with other features we've launched in Search, we appreciate the feedback. We're taking swift action where appropriate under our content policies, and using these examples to develop broader improvements to our systems, some of which have already started to roll out."

    OK.

    But like I've said. We've seen a version of this story before. What happens if people keep finding Bad Answers on Google, and Google can't whac-a-mole them fast enough? And, crucially — what if regular people, people who don't spend time reading or talking about tech news, start to hear about Google's Bad And Potentially Dangerous Answers?

    Because that would be a really, really big problem. Google does a lot of different things, but the reason it's worth more than $2 trillion is still because of its two core products — search, and the ads that it generates alongside search results. And if people — normal people — lose confidence in Google as a search/answer machine …

    Well, that would be a real problem.

    Privately, Googlers are doubling down on the notion that these Bad Answers really are fringe problems. And that, unlike its "woke Google" problem from a few months ago — where there really was a problem with the model Google was using to create images — they say that's not the case here. Google never gets things 100% correct (they say even more quietly) because, in the end, it's still just relying on what people publish on the internet. It's just that some people are paying a lot more attention right now because there's a new thing to pay attention to.

    I'm willing to believe that answer: I've been seeing Google's AI answers in my search results for about a month, and they're generally fine.

    But not every time.

    And the thing that's very different between the old Google results and the new ones is the responsibility and authority Google is shouldering. In the past, Google was telling you somebody else could answer your question. Now Google is answering your question.

    It's the difference between me handing you a map and me giving you directions that will send your car barreling over a cliff.

    You could argue, as my 15-year-old son does (we are weird people so we talk about this stuff at home) that Google shouldn't be replacing its perfectly fine olde-timey search results with AI-generated answers. If people wanted AI-generated answers, they'd go to ChatGPT, right?

    But of course, people going to ChatGPT is what Google is worried about. Which is why it's making this major pivot — to disrupt itself before ChatGPT or other AI engines do.

    You can argue that it's moving too fast, or too sloppily, or whatever. But it's hard to imagine Google walking this one back now.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Buy Rio Tinto and these excellent ASX dividend shares

    Man holding fifty Australian Dollar banknote in his hands, symbolising dividends, symbolising dividends.

    If you are trying to decide which ASX dividend shares to add to your income portfolio, then it could be worth looking at three listed below that Goldman Sachs is bullish on.

    Here’s what you need to know about these income options:

    IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

    The first ASX dividend share for income investors to look at is IPH. Goldman is a big fan of the intellectual property solutions company and believes it is “well-placed to deliver consistent and defensive earnings with modest overall organic growth.”

    The broker expects this to underpin fully franked dividends of 34 cents per share in FY 2024 and 37 cents per share in FY 2025. Based on the current IPH share price of $6.16, this represents yields of 5.5% and 6%, respectively.

    Goldman currently has a buy rating and $8.70 price target on IPH’s shares.

    Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

    Another ASX dividend share that Goldman Sachs is positive on is Rio Tinto.

    It is one of the largest miners in the world and the owner of a portfolio of operations across a number of commodities. This includes the Gudai-Darri iron ore mine and the ISAL aluminium smelter.

    Goldman Sachs like the company due to its belief that “Rio is a FCF and production growth story.”

    The broker expects this to support the payment of fully franked dividends per share of US$4.29 (A$6.49) in FY 2024 and then US$4.55 (A$6.88) in FY 2025. Based on the latest Rio Tinto share price of $132.50, this will mean yields of approximately 4.9% and 5.2%, respectively.

    Goldman has a buy rating and $138.90 price target on its shares.

    Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

    A third ASX dividend share that has been given the thumbs up by analysts at Goldman Sachs is Suncorp.

    It is one of Australia’s largest insurance companies, operating countless brands including AAMI, Apia, Bingle, GIO, Shannons, and Vero.

    In addition, the company has Suncorp Bank. However, these banking operations are in the process of being sold to big four bank ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) for $4.9 billion. Once complete, Suncorp will be a pure-play insurance provider. It may also return some of the proceeds to shareholders via a special dividend or share buyback.

    For now, though, Goldman expects Suncorp to pay fully franked dividends per share of 78 cents in FY 2024 and 83 cents in FY 2025. Based on the current Suncorp share price of $16.00, this will mean dividend yields of 4.9% and 5.2%, respectively.

    The broker has a buy rating and $17.54 price target on Suncorp’s shares.

    The post Buy Rio Tinto and these excellent ASX dividend shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Iph shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Iph 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 may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

    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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended IPH. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • What are brokers saying about BHP shares following the miner’s quarterly results?

    a man in a high visibility vest and hard hat holds a thumbs up at a mine site with heavy equipment in the background.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares have garnered significant attention following the miner’s recent quarterly results.

    With a share price of $44.75 in late Friday trading, investors are no doubt keen to know if BHP shares present a good buying opportunity. Let’s dive into what the brokers are saying about the mining giant.

    Are BHP shares good value?

    According to broker Goldman Sachs, BHP shares are currently trading at an attractive level. The investment bank has a buy rating with a $49/share price target on the company over the next 12 months, a potential upside of 9.5%. For a $10,000 investment, this could mean growth to around $10,950 if the forecast proves accurate.

    Then, there’s the miner’s dividend potential.

    BHP is renowned for its generous dividends. With a trailing dividend yield currently at 5.08%, it remains a strong choice for income-focused investors.

    According to my colleague James last month, consensus estimates are for BHP to pay fully franked dividends of $2.30 per share in FY 2024. This translates to a dividend yield of around 5.1%, adding $510 in dividends to a $10,000 investment over the next 12 months.

    What are analysts saying?

    Goldman Sachs notes that BHP is trading at approximately 6x its next 12-month projected EBITDA, slightly above the 5.5x multiple of rival mining giant Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO).

    In my opinion, this premium is supported by BHP’s strong operating margins and presence, particularly in the Pilbara iron ore region. According to the OECD, the Pilbara region contributed 3.4% of Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021.

    BHP also announced last year its plans to invest $4 billion in the Pilbara region to develop c.550MW of wind, solar and battery storage to reduce operating costs.

    Goldman also justified the premium by highlighting BHP’s potential for growing copper production in Chile and South Australia.

    Despite some concerns about limited upside following recent gains, brokers still see value in BHP shares. In April, Morgans placed an add rating with a $48.30 price target, implying a potential upside of 7.9%.

    Similarly, Citi rates BHP as a buy with a $48.00 price target, suggesting a total return of more than 10% when including dividends.

    Goldman Sachs maintains its buy rating with a $49.00 price target, as mentioned earlier.

    Passive income from BHP shares

    BHP shares are a popular choice for passive income investors. Let’s run the numbers. Assuming you purchase 100 shares at $44.75, you would invest $4,475 of your hard-earned capital.

    Goldman Sachs forecasts fully franked dividends of US$1.45 (A$2.20) per share for FY 2024, resulting in A$220 in passive income. For FY 2025, the expected dividends of US$1.26 (A$1.97) per share would yield A$197. Over the next few years, dividends are projected to slightly decrease but still provide solid returns, as per Goldman’s estimates:

    • FY 2026: US$1.22 (A$1.85) per share, yielding A$185
    • FY 2027: US$1.12 (A$1.70) per share, yielding A$170
    • FY 2028: US$1.07 (A$1.62) per share, yielding A$162

    Note: All AUD figures are quoted at the exchange rate of $1 AUD = $0.66 USD at the time of writing.

    Foolish takeaway

    BHP’s recent quarterly results have prompted positive feedback from brokers, highlighting its attractive valuation, strong dividend yield, and growth potential in copper production.

    With a current share price of $44.75 and a trailing dividend yield of 5.08%, BHP shares may be an opportunity for both growth and passive income investors. The mining giant certainly appears to have the backing of our top brokers.

    The post What are brokers saying about BHP shares following the miner’s quarterly results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bhp Group right now?

    Before you buy Bhp Group shares, consider 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 Group 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 may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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.

  • Fisker cuts deeper with new wave of summer layoffs

    Fisker warned staff they might be laid off if efforts to course correct are unsuccessful.
    Fisker launched another round of layoffs this week, multiple sources told Business Insider.

    Michael Tullberg

    • Fisker initiated another round of layoffs on Wednesday, multiple sources told Business Insider.
    • The company has gone through a series of cuts and warned it might go out of business.
    • Henrik Fisker has said the company is in talks with other automakers regarding a potential acquisition.

    Embattled EV startup Fisker kicked off another round of layoffs on Wednesday, four sources with knowledge of the issue told Business Insider.

    Fisker has made multiple cuts to its workforce over the last few months. In February, Fisker CEO Henrik announced plans to cut 15% of its staff. Most recently, Fisker sent a round of layoff notices on April 29.

    The series of cuts are designed to eventually bring the workforce down to a skeleton crew of only "mission critical" staff, one Fisker employee with knowledge of the issue said.

    The total number of employees impacted by this latest staff reduction wasn't clear. A spokesperson for Fisker declined to comment.

    Fisker has warned multiple times over the past few months that the company might go out of business within the year. On April 29, the company sent out notices to staff in compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, warning employees that they might be laid off in two months if the company is not able to find a buyer or additional funding.

    That same month, Fisker had told workers in an all-hands meeting that it was in talks with four automakers regarding a potential buyout.

    Last week, Fisker's CEO told staff in a companywide meeting that the company had reached out to other automakers in addition to the initial four regarding an acquisition.

    "I do hope we're closing in on something serious here in weeks rather than months," Henrik Fisker said at the time.

    In March, Business Insider first reported that Fisker had delivered over 6,000 of its all-electric SUV, the Fisker Ocean, since its launch. A year prior, the company said it had "approximately 65,000" reservations for the vehicle ahead of its US launch in June 2023, but the company has faced negative reviews and cancellations since its launch.

    Do you work for Fisker or have a tip? Reach out to the reporter via a non-work email at gkay@insider.com

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • 3 easy ways to boost the returns of your ASX shares

    a man with a wide, eager smile on his face holds up three fingers.

    It goes without saying that anyone who invests in ASX shares wants to maximise the returns on their investment. After all, the only real reason to buy ASX shares in the first place is to build wealth. And achieving the highest rate of return possible is the best way to ensure you are effectively increasing your wealth with the share market.

    But of course, doing this is far easier said than done.

    Luckily, today we’ll be discussing three simple ways any ASX investor can boost their share market returns. These are brought to us by exchange-traded fund (ETF) provider BetaShares, which just released a report on this very subject.

    Three easy ways to juice the returns of your ASX shares

    Pay the lowest management fees possible

    Passively investing in ASX shares using index funds or ETFs is an investment strategy that has exploded in popularity over the past decade or two. Many investors love the instant diversification and hands-off approach this strategy allows.

    But passive investors who don’t ensure they are paying the lowest management fees possible for their ASX shares can really hobble the compounding process and handicap future returns. Betashares ran a scenario comparing the impacts of investing in a high-cost ETF compared to a low-cost fund.

    The provider found that someone who invests $1,000 a month into a fund returning 6% per annum but charging 1% in annual management fees would end up with 1,526,020 after 40 years. But let’s assume that investor opted for a fund that also returns 6% every year but charges just 0.04% in fees instead.

    If so, they would instead enjoy a final balance of $1,970,010 after those 40 years. That’s a difference of $443,900. Put another way, that difference in management fees over those four decades amounts to a performance gap of 29%.

    So make sure you are paying the lowest fees possible if you opt for a passive ASX shares investing strategy.

    Minimise brokerage costs on your ASX shares

    This is another simple fix that can save an ASX investor a few pretty pennies over time.

    Brokerage costs have been falling on the ASX for years now. However, most investors can still expect to pay a brokerage fee every time they buy or sell ASX shares. These dead-wood costs can really add up after a while if one does not work to keep them in check.

    Remember, the more frequently one invests, the more one will pay in brokerage fees. Someone who invests $500 every fortnight will probably pay double the brokerage fees of someone ploughing in $1,000 per month.

    Free brokerage is still rare on the ASX and may not be as good as it seems. Saying that, Betashares found that someone paying $15 in brokerage every month would be $29,550 worse off after 40 years than an investor who never forks out for transaction fees.

    Be mindful of your cash

    Holding a certain proportion of one’s overall wealth in liquid cash is a good idea. We here at the Motley Fool argue that everyone should keep an emergency fund of cash ready for a rainy day. For any unexpected costs, in other words. The last thing anyone who doesn’t have spare cash ready to go needs is an unexpectedly large cost that requires unnecessary borrowing or untimely selling of shares.

    However, keeping too much of one’s wealth in cash can be harmful to one’s long-term wealth. This opportunity cost against ASX shares has reduced significantly with the current high interest rate environment. Even so, many Australians still don’t keep their cash in accounts that pay the highest interest rates.

    Betashares found that there is a monumental cost of keeping more cash around for longer. It found that someone who invests $1,000 a month into that 6%-retuning index fund would be $131,433 better off after 40 years than someone who simply saves up their cash all year and invests $12,000 in an annual lump sum.

    That does assume our investor earns zero interest on that cash while it’s sitting in the bank. Even so, this is a good exercise to show off the benefits of investing in ASX shares as much as you can, as soon as you can.

    The post 3 easy ways to boost the returns of your ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

  • What’s the average Australian superannuation balance at age 30 in 2024?

    A couple sitting in their living room and checking their finances.

    It’s probably fair to say that Australians aged around 30 years old are probably some of the country’s most uninformed groups when it comes to superannuation. With retirement still decades away, many 30-somethings don’t find super all that interesting, at least compared to other pursuits that are normal at this kind of age, such as establishing a successful career or starting a family.

    But as anyone who understands the power of compounding knows, 30 is a great age to start taking your superannuation seriously. After all, those who are in their 30s today might not have too much else to rely upon if they wish to enjoy a long and comfortable retirement free of financial worries.

    Those in their 30s are also some of the first Australians who would have benefitted from high compulsory superannuation payments for the entirety of their working lives.

    Over the past few months, we’ve looked at the average Australian superannuation balances of those Australians close to the retirement age, as well as those who still have a decade or two left before they stop working. We’ve even looked at what kind of money those who managed their own super with a self-managed super fund (SMSF) have.

    But today, let’s get inside the average super fund of someone aged between 30 and 34 and see what we find.

    What’s the average Australian superannuation balance at age 30?

    We’ll start by looking at data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)’s Taxation Statistics report, which covers the 2021 financial year.

    This report reveals that over the 2021 financial year, the average super fund of someone aged 30-34 contained $51,400. The median balance, which is less skewed by outliers, was $38,681.

    For men, the average balance was $56,344, while the median came in at $41,849.

    For women, we got an average balance of $46,289 and a median of $35,716.

    These numbers should generate at least some consternation amongst Australians in their 30s right now. As reported by the ABC this year, it is estimated that someone aged 30 today should have at least $59,000 in superannuation if they wish to be on track for a ‘comfortable’ retirement by the time they hit 67.

    The Association of Super Funds Australia (ASFA) currently defines a comfortable retirement as one funded by at least $69990,000 in super if one is in a couple, or $595,000 for singles.

    This also assumes those retiring own their own home, rely on a part pension and withdraw their super as a lump sum.

    The ‘comfortable’ retirement they will then enjoy includes private health insurance, provisions for buying household goods, a quality car, occasional international and domestic travel, as well as good mobile and home internet connections.

    Despite these assumptions, it appears that those around 30 today have some ground to make up with their super funds if they wish to enjoy a comfortable retirement.

    The post What’s the average Australian superannuation balance at age 30 in 2024? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

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    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

  • I drove the Chevy Equinox EV. It’s a solid, much-needed addition to the electric crossover market

    A Chevrolet Equinox EV parked in a driveway
    A Chevrolet Equinox EV parked in a driveway

    Nora Naughton, Business Insider

    • The Equinox EV is a solid addition to the electric crossover market.
    • I found that Super Cruise elevates the experience behind the wheel.
    • The Equinox EV is priced and designed to compete directly with Tesla's mass-market cars.

    There's another electric Chevrolet crossover on the market as the bowtie brand leans into EVs while others are pulling back.

    I got to take the new all-electric Equinox EV on a quick drive in Metro Detroit and came away impressed with the little hatchback's performance.

    Two trims are available on dealer lots today, with a starting price of $43,295. That's a new, much-needed option in the sub-$50,000 price range for EVs. GM is also promising even cheaper options for the Equinox later this year, with a base model that starts at $34,995.

    The Equinox EV has an EPA-estimated range of 319 miles. Its DC fast-charging capability of up to 150 kW enables 77 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes of charging, according to GM estimates.

    The Equinox EV also boasts plenty of cargo space, with 57.2 cubic feet of storage with the second row folded down.

    This little Tesla fighter, priced and designed to compete directly with Model 3 and Model Y, delivered a smooth ride on GM's pre-selected course that included surface road and highway driving.

    The Tesla influence on the Equinox EV is undeniable
    A close-up of the mechanical door handle on the Equinox EV
    A close-up of the mechanical door handle on the Equinox EV

    Nora Naughton, Business Insider

    The first things I noticed as I approached the Equinox EV for my test drive were the door handles. When the vehicle is locked, the handles lay flush with the door. Unlocked, they pop out like a level to pull and open the door.

    This is a direct nod to Tesla, which originated this door handle design. On a mostly sunny 75-degree day, they didn't give me any trouble, but cold weather does seem to cause trouble for these mechanical door handles.

    The styling on the Equinox EV turns a milquetoast mom car into a stylish prowler
    A Chevrolet Equinox EV parked in a driveway
    A Chevrolet Equinox EV parked in a driveway

    Nora Naughton, Business Insider

    The gas-powered Equinox is one of many boring crossovers in Chevrolet's portfolio. The layman might not be able to distinguish it from a Trax or a Blazer.

    But the electrified version is designed to stand out, with a hood that swoops down to narrow headlights, helping give the crossover a menacing stance. More sculpting around the back wheels also gives it a wider appearance, too, making it more distinct from its gas-powered counterpart.

    Sleeker design is a must-have in the electric crossover market, which also includes lookers like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Mustang Mach-E.

    Unlike the sparse Tesla models, Equinox EV has buttons, nobs, and vents that accent the space
    Interior view of front cabin in a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS.
    Interior view of front cabin in a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS.

    Jim Fets, General Motors

    I've always found the sparse interior of the Model 3 and Model Y to feel a bit cavernous, so I was glad to see a lot of accenting and design cues built into the Equinox EV's interior.

    Some trims also have more fun color combinations for the leather seating to add a bit of personality inside the car.

    Still, overall I found the interior of the electric car to be somewhat underwhelming. I've sat in a lot of Chevrolet interiors over the years, this one didn't feel all that different or special.

    Super Cruise elevates the experience in the Equinox EV
    The view from behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Equinox EV while it drives using the hands-free Super Cruise technology.
    The view from behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Equinox EV while it drives using the hands-free Super Cruise technology.

    Nora Naughton, Business Insider

    While the Equinox EV's interior leaves a bit to be desired, the optional Super Cruise hands-free technology elevates the driving experience to make the Equinox EV feel more special than your average crossover.

    I sat back and enjoyed the sunny ride on the highway while Super Cruise navigated traffic.

    The Equinox EV is a solid addition to the electric crossover market, but Chevy has a lot to prove with Ultium
    A close-up of the Chevrolet Equinox EV badge
    A close-up of the Chevrolet Equinox EV badge

    Nora Naughton, Business Insider

    Overall, I enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the Equinox EV. It delivers the zippy ride you expect from a battery-powered car, and Chevrolet's engineers have tuned the car to hug corners and feel smooth and stable out on the road.

    There aren't a ton of extra frills or surprises, but the Equinox EV gave me just about everything I would want out of an electric crossover — the type of EV I'd be most likely to add to my own driveway.

    But I can't help but wonder how some of the troubles with the Ultium technology in the Blazer rollout will affect its chances up against Hyundai, Kia, and Tesla. Electric car customers today are less patient than the techy early adopters who pioneered the market.

    Chevrolet is hoping to take advantage of this shift in customer preferences with its trusted reputation as a legacy brand, flooding the market with EVs while others are pulling back. But the Blazer's messy launch, which included a stop-sale to repair software issues, might have an effect on how even the most loyal Chevrolet owner views the Equinox EV.

    Read the original article on Business Insider