Author: openjargon

Beginner investors: I suggest you start with these 2 ASX dividend powerhouses for decades of income
If you’re a beginner investor in ASX shares, picking your first stocks is one of the hardest tasks you’ll face.

Not to pile on unnecessary pressure, but the first ASX shares you buy can often either give you the confidence to keep going on your wealth-building journey or shatter your resolve to use the share markets to manage your money.

That’s why I often advocate that beginner investors stick to mature, dividend-paying ASX shares with long track records of delivering for shareholders as starter investments.

With that in mind, here are two such ASX shares that I’d be happy to recommend to any beginner investor today.

2 ASX shares perfect for a beginner investor

Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (ASX: AFI)

The Australian Foundation Investment Co, or AFIC for short, is an ASX institution. This company is what’s known as a listed investment company (LIC). That means that instead of making or selling things, it manages a portfolio of other shares on behalf of its shareholders. This makes AFIC a great choice for a beginner investor, in my view.

You don’t have to worry about picking individual stocks or ensuring your share portfolio is properly diversified â AFIC does it all for you.

Its underlying portfolio is typically made up of blue chip ASX shares, with some of the company’s current top holdings including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

AFIC has also built up a solid long-term track record when it comes to paying dividends. This company hasn’t skipped a dividend in decades and typically doles out two fully-franked shareholder payments every year. Its shares are presently trading on a dividend yield of 3.6%.

Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. However, AFIC has delivered a respectable average of 8.6% per annum (including dividends) over the past ten years (as of 31 May).

I don’t see any reason why this company’s robust dividends and solid performance can’t continue for decades to come. As such, I think AFIC is a perfect investment for a beginner today.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL).

Next up, we have ASX 200 investment house Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co, or Soul Patts for short.

Although this company isn’t technically an LIC, it functions very similarly to one, managing a portfolio of assets on behalf of its shareholders.

These also include a portfolio of blue-chip stocks and large stakes in a select group of ASX shares. These include TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG), New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC), and Brickworks Ltd (ASX: BKW). Soul Patts also has other assets within its portfolio for diversification. These assets include private credit, venture capital investments,Â and stakes in private companies.

Soul Patts is an Australian share market veteran, having been around for longer than the ASX itself. In its 120-plus-year history, this ASX share has never failed to pay a dividend and has also delivered an annual dividend pay rise every year since 2000. That’s a feat that no other ASX share can match.

In addition to this track record, Soul Patts has also delivered some impressive overall returns. As of 30 April, this company has given investors an average of 12% per annum in overall returns over the preceding 20 years.

As such, I think this company is another perfect option for any beginner investor today.

The post Beginner investors: I suggest you start with these 2 ASX dividend powerhouses for decades of income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Should you invest $1,000 in Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited right now?

Before you buy Australian Foundation Investment Company 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 Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited wasn’t one of them.

The online investing service heâs 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 24 June 2024

More reading
Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Brickworks, Macquarie Group, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Brickworks, Macquarie Group, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
2 July 2024
3 cheap ASX passive income shares I’d buy to target $1,000 a month
Welcome to the new financial year of FY25âa fresh start full of possibilities.

What adds to the excitement is the increased super contributions Australian workers will receive from their employers this year.

Are you considering adding affordable ASX shares to boost your passive income?

Explore my list of inexpensive ASX shares to enhance your passive income portfolio. If you have an extra $20,000 to invest today, these 3 ASX shares could potentially generate an additional annual passive income of $1,000.

Let’s get started!

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

First two companies on my list are ASX retail shares, facing challenges from weak consumer sentiment amid ongoing living cost pressures.

Super Retail Group owns and operates popular retail brands, including Supercheap Auto, Rebel, BCF, and Macpac.

According to its May trading update, like-for-like sales growth remained largely flat, with BCF seeing a 5% decline while Macpac grew by 3%. The company said that while foot traffic continues to rise, consumers are purchasing fewer items per sale.

This subdued consumer sentiment, shared by both consumers and investors, has positioned its shares attractively at just 13x its FY25 earnings estimate by S&P Capital IQ.

At the current share price, it offers a fully-franked dividend yield of 5.6% using its trailing 12 months’ payments.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs believe dividends will be largely maintained next year. They project Super Retail’s dividends per share to reach 73 cents in FY25, yielding 5.4% based on the current share price.

The Super Retail share price is currently $13.59.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

My second pick in the consumer sector is Accent Group, known for brands such as The Athlete’s Foot, Platypus Shoes, Hype DC, and Skechers.

Accent Group appears more affected by declining retail consumption than Super Retail Group. In 1H FY24, its revenue grew by a modest 2.7% to $811 million, while operating profits declined by 20% to $72.4 million.

This was because of surging operating costs, driven by negative like-for-like retail sales, lower wholesale revenues, and cost inflation.

Accent Group shares are trading at 13x FY25 earnings estimates by S&P Capital IQ, which is attractive relative to its historical range of 8x to 25x.

Looking long-term, Accent Group boasts a robust portfolio of shoe brands, making it a likely destination for your next shoe purchase.

Using S&P Capital IQ estimates as a guide, analysts expect Accent Group’s earnings per share to recover swiftly to 14 cents in FY25, followed by a 17% increase to 17 cents in FY26.

The Accent Group share price is currently $1.91. At this price, Accent Group offers a fully franked dividend yield of 7.33%.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

For investors unsure about consumer discretionary shares, BHP Group is a stable choice. This year, BHP shares have dropped 14%, largely due to decreases in copper and iron ore prices.

As my colleague Bernd highlighted, in June, iron ore prices fell 9% to US$117 per tonne, while copper prices dropped 6% to US$9,516 per tonne.

Mining shares are cyclical, so this downturn might be a good time to buy this ASX blue-chip stock.

While earnings may suffer in the next year or two, depending on the global economy and demand for commodities, over the long term, BHP has been one of the best dividend shares to invest in.

BHP shares are currently trading at a P/E ratio of 11x on FY25 earnings estimates by S&P Capital IQ.

The BHP share price is currently $43.30. At this price, BHP offers a fully franked dividend yield of 5.42%.

The post 3 cheap ASX passive income shares I’d buy to target $1,000 a month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Before you buy Accent Group 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 Accent Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

The online investing service heâs 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 24 June 2024

More reading
Motley Fool contributor Kate Lee 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 Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
2 July 2024
Donald unchained: SCOTUS decision would give Trump the immunity to run rampant just in time for a possible 2nd term, experts say
The Supreme Court of the United States ruling on Monday confers the presumption of immunity on a president's "official" actions. It could have huge implications if former President Donald Trump is given a second term.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
- SCOTUS immunity would've freed Richard Nixon to spy on opponents all he liked, experts said Monday.
- In a second term, Trump himself would enjoy immunity superpowers.
- SCOTUS immunized a range of "truly dangerous and nefarious actions by a president," one expert said.
As president, Richard Nixon used the FBI, the CIA, and White House "advisors" — the now notorious "plumbers" — to spy on and sabotage his political opponents.

Under Monday's Supreme Court decision — which confers the presumption of immunity on a president's "official" actions — Nixon could not have been charged for any of these abuses of power, one constitutional law expert told Business Insider.

"Most, if not all, of that conduct would fall on the 'presumptively-official' side of the line," said Michel Paradis, an attorney who teaches national security and constitutional law at Columbia Law School.

"And it is not obvious to me how you would show that it was not if you are forbidden from any inquiry into the president's motives," Paradis added.

Under Monday's decision, "courts may not inquire into the President's motives" in deciding if a presidential act is official or unofficial.

Trump is now free during a potential second administration to direct others to stretch or break the law in any of the ways he's already signaled he hopes to, Paradis said.

He can dispatch the military to break up protests or deport migrants; he can fire civil servants who disagree with him; he can disband agencies he doesn't like — including the Department of Education or the Environmental Protection Agency — and he can then pardon anyone who gets in trouble for carrying out his orders, Paradis said.

And by calling these official actions, he can do all of the above without himself being prosecuted, Paradis said.

"Or take the subject matter of Trump's first impeachment," the law professor added.

With his new Supreme Court-protected immunity, "He could have much more explicitly directed Rudy Giuliani to convey a threat to the Ukrainians demanding that they come out with dirt on Biden or that he would withhold all aid," he said.

"And he can direct subordinates to not simply 'skirt' the law, but affirmatively break it with the promise of a pardon if they do," Paradis added. "And he can do so, knowing that it is extremely unlikely under the court's rule today that he could be successfully prosecuted."

It will give Trump even more license to push legal boundaries, said former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, the president and co-founder of West Coast Trial Lawyers.

"Trump will be more empowered to push the limits of the law and to go after his rivals if he thinks he can get away with it," Rahmani told Business Insider.

"Trump has always pushed the limits of the law, and if he has at least some immunity now, he will be even more willing to do so," Rahmani added.

"It's actually very striking that we're getting this opinion three days before the Fourth of July, where we recognized our Declaration of Independence from a king," said Cliff Sloan, Georgetown Law professor and constitutional law expert.

"And this opinion, more than any other in the Supreme Court's history, gives the president king-like powers," Sloan added.

"It's a sad day for the country," Sloan said. "It's a sad day for our constitutional democracy. It was a sad day for the Supreme Court."

Sloan said it was particularly disturbing that the majority decision made zero mention of the now-notorious Seal Team Six hypothetical — does a president enjoy official-act immunity if that official act is, as Commander in Chief, ordering Seal Team Six to assassinate a political rival?

"Everybody was horrified" when Trump's lawyer first raised immunity in that circumstance as a possible consequence, Sloan said.

But when Justice Sonya Sotomayor, in Monday's dissent, complained anew that Trump and future presidents can now get away with ordering political assassinations — by arguing that doing so is an official act — "the majority does not dispute it, which is really remarkable," Sloan said.

"It's actually incredible that we now have an opinion that seems to confer immunity for a wide range of truly dangerous and nefarious actions by a president," he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
2 July 2024
Brokers just put buy ratings on these ASX 200 tech stocks
Investors that are wanting to add or increase their exposure to the tech sector might want to check out the two ASX 200 stocks listed below.

That’s because brokers have just slapped buy ratings on them. Here’s what they are saying about these ASX 200 tech stocks:

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have initiated coverage on this investment platform provider’s shares with a buy rating and $53.20 price target. Based on its current share price of $46.07, this implies potential upside of 15.5% for investors over the next 12 months.

Bell Potter likes the company due to its positive long-term outlook, which is being supported by several tailwinds. It explains:

Our favourable investment view is supported by: (1) changes in advice, with investment professionals shifting away from institutionally owned platforms while seeking comprehensive technology solutions; (2) single digit market share and leading capital flows; and (3) increases to the super guarantee contribution and rollovers into self-managed super funds.

In addition, the broker highlights the material discount that the ASX 200 tech stock trades at compared to rival Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL). It feels this is unwarranted, especially given its superior technology. Bell Potter adds:

Netwealth is trading on a blended 1 year forward EV/EBITDA of 32.9x with lower forecast FUA and mature EBIT margins. We don’t believe HUB’s trading discount of ~26% is justified and see the potential for it to rerate, predicated on superior technology, recurring revenue growth and operating leverage.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Another ASX 200 tech stock that has been rated as a buy this morning is cloud accounting platform provider Xero. Goldman Sachs has reiterated its conviction buy rating with an improved price target of $180.00. Based on its current share price of $134.70, this suggests that 34% upside is possible over the next 12 months.

Goldman has become even more bullish on the company after reassessing its UK opportunity. It said:

Following our June UK trip, attending Xerocon and meeting with accountants/competitors/experts, we are encouraged with the positive feedback (vs. our 2022 trip), in particular around its refreshed strategy and increased focus. [We] increase our 12m TP +10% to A$180 (36X EBITDA, from 33X) given increased confidence in the UK, a key growth market for Xero.

This increased confidence comes partly from its view that Xero’s product strategy is working. It said:

Product strategy resonating, with good products announced at Xerocon in the right focus areas, and very positive feedback on tap-to-pay and JAX. The more cautious feedback was some updates (i.e. partnerships tax) should have been launched years ago. Xero payroll has also been improving, providing a strong proposition for smaller Xero-only practices. Given we estimate low single digit payroll penetration, there is significant ARPU upside on increased attach.

Overall, analysts appear to believe that these tech stocks could be worth considering for the new financial year.

The post Brokers just put buy ratings on these ASX 200 tech stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Should you invest $1,000 in Hub24 Limited right now?

Before you buy Hub24 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 Hub24 Limited wasn’t one of them.

The online investing service heâs 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 24 June 2024

More reading
Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group, Hub24, Netwealth Group, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
2 July 2024
Meet the speculative ASX stock tipped to rise 180%
Do you want big returns? And do you have a high tolerance for risk? If you’ve said yes to both of these questions, then read on.

That’s because the ASX stock in this article has been tipped to almost triple in value from current levels.

But its speculative rating means that only investors willing to take on great risk should consider it as an option.

What is this speculative ASX stock?

The stock in question is named Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI). Or maybe it should be called Delta Gold after its latest announcement.

That announcement revealed that the company’s 100% owned Mt Ida Project, which is a shovel ready lithium and gold project in the Eastern Goldfields Province of Western Australia, is sitting atop a significant gold deposit.

Delta Lithium advised that its updated mineral resource estimate for the Baldock Deposit has contained gold of 4.8Mt @ 4.4g/t gold for 674,000 ounces. In addition, the maiden mineral resource estimate for the Golden Vale Prospect is 27,000 ounces @ 1.7g/t Au.

Bell Potter was pleased with the news and highlights that all deposits remain open. This could mean that drilling uncovers even more gold in the coming months. It said:

DLI announced a significant upgrade to its Mt Ida Gold Resource. Resources were upgraded to 6.6Mt at 3.5g/t Au containing 752koz (prev. 412koz in the October 2023 Resource). The Baldock deposit hosts 4.8Mt at 4.4g/t containing 674koz of the total. Mt Ida has additional gold upside potential, as known deposits remain open, and new targets are yet to be tested beyond initial drill results.

Big returns

In response to the update, the broker has reaffirmed its speculative buy rating and 75 cents price target on the ASX stock. Based on its current share price of 26.5 cents, this implies potential upside of 183% for investors over the next 12 months.

To put that into context, a $5,000 investment would be worth $14,150 if Bell Potter is on the money with its recommendation. It concludes:

On a net basis, our valuation is unchanged. We increase our gold exploration value, which is offset by reductions in our valuation of the lithium assets as we reflect ongoing lithium price weakness. We maintain our BUY (Speculative) recommendation for DLI, in accordance with our ratings structure. DLI’s share price continues to be affected by negative lithium sector sentiment. We see upside in DLIs’ valuation from: (1) the ongoing exploration and development of the Yinnetharra and Mt Ida Lithium Projects, (2) future improvements in lithium prices and sector sentiment, and, (3) increasing levels of newsflow from gold exploration and monetisation activities.

The post Meet the speculative ASX stock tipped to rise 180% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Should you invest $1,000 in Delta Lithium Ltd right now?

Before you buy Delta Lithium Ltd 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 Delta Lithium Ltd wasn’t one of them.

The online investing service heâs 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 24 June 2024

More reading
- Why Delta Lithium, IAG, Mirvac, and Suncorp shares are climbing today
- Guess which ASX lithium stock is rocketing 37% on a golden announcement
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.
2 July 2024
A therapist said these 5 dark psychology tricks are used a lot in dating. Here’s how to spot them early on.
AleksandarNakic/Getty Images
- Narcissists and manipulative people often use dark psychology tricks when dating new people.
- A therapist shared the most common ones, according to her clients' dating experiences.
- Love bombing, gaslighting, and isolation are among the dark psychology tricks used in dating.
Dating someone new can be scary. Beyond first-date jitters and worrying that they like you back, there are grimmer possibilities, such as missing red flags and dating a narcissist. Of the latter, social media is littered with posts about the idea of "dark psychology" and how it's potentially used to manipulate partners.

"They're hacks or cheats to get what you want faster," Annie Wright, a relational trauma therapist in Berkeley, California, told Business Insider. "What you're doing is fundamentally not getting what you want, which is a relationship based on trust and mutuality."

She said she sees dark psychology tricks used a lot in dating. At her practice, her clients report experiencing these the most. Wright also advised how you can spot them early on.

1. They go overboard with affection

Wright said love bombing is one of the most common manipulation tactics she's seen. She described it as someone "showering you with excessive attention and affection early and often to gain your trust and dependency."

For example, one of her clients dated someone who would "plan very extravagant outings and send constant, affectionate messages" only days after meeting.

It's a tactic used by narcissists and dark empaths because it can speed up the bonding process, which otherwise takes time and consistency, she said.

Of course, some people are genuinely that excited early on, and not all grand gestures are necessarily love bombing. Wright said a good way to tell the difference is by the intensity and severity of the affection. Someone saying they really like you on the first date isn't the same as someone sending flowers after every date or declaring love after a few weeks.

If you're still unsure, she said to think of the people you know really well in your life, like your close friends or family. Would they seem as intense as this person if they were madly in love with you?

2. They gradually belittle you

Wright said devaluation is another common dark psychology trick — and it usually happens after the idealization or love bombing phase. She said it can look "super subtle" and tricky to spot sometimes because negative comments can be disguised as helpful notes.

One client said they were put on a pedestal at the very beginning of the relationship, only to have their partner switch to making "suggestions" on how they could improve, such as their appearance. Suddenly, they went from being absolutely perfect to needing an Equinox membership.

"It's a basic, fundamental human need to feel attached," Wright said, whether we're dealing with romantic partners or our parents. "When something happens that threatens that attachment, we organize ourselves in ways to try to get that attachment back."

Hot-and-cold dynamics can be intoxicating; however, the instability can cause damage to your physical and mental health, she warned.

3. They only want to spend time alone

When it comes to isolation, Wright said people usually think it only shows up after a couple has been together for a while. But it can also appear in the early stages.

One of her clients wanted to introduce her new date to her friend group. They would respond with, "I thought you wanted to focus on us tonight," as if including other people meant they didn't think their partner was enough on their own.

Isolation is a serious abuse tactic, so it's important to question why a new partner seems reluctant to interact with your friends and family.

4. They allude to better options

Manipulators love "introducing a third party into the relationship dynamics to create jealousy and competition," Wright said. The intention is to lower their partner's self-esteem and make them easier to control.

A few of her clients said their date would mention how attractive or interesting a mutual friend was, subtly suggesting said friend could be a better match for them.

It would make her client "feel insecure and eager to prove their worth," she said.

5. They only have one version of truth — theirs

Gaslighting is when the manipulator makes their victim question their own reality, Wright said.

In the early stages of dating, one of Wright's clients "noticed their date was frequently contradicting things they had previously said or done." When called out, the date would accuse Wright's client of misremembering conversations, causing them to second-guess themselves.

"When you're imbalanced and disoriented, that can make you more susceptible to other seeds or agendas that are planted," Wright said.

She noted that while it's possible for two people to remember an event differently, a tell-tale sign of goodwill is "a person's willingness to even be curious" about the other's perspective.

If a partner can't admit fault or consider different points of view, that's the biggest sign they're not emotionally mature enough for a healthy relationship. No amount of dark psychology tricks will ever bring them close.

Read the original article on Business Insider
2 July 2024
I tried Italian beef from 3 popular Chicago chains, and there’s only one sandwich I’d order again
I tried Italian beef from three Chicago staples to find which I liked best.

Alexis Kishimoto
- I ordered an Italian beef sandwich from three Chicago staples: Buona, Portillo's, and Al's Beef.
- Buona's beef was a bit underwhelming, and Al's beef was a bit overpowering.
- Portillo's sandwich took the longest to order, but it was by far the best and worth the wait.
Italian beef is a Chicago staple, and I was excited to try it.

Portillo's, Al's, and Buona are some of the most popular chains for Italian beef.

Alexis Kishimoto

Italian beef is a classic Chicago dish that's increased in popularity after the debut of Hulu's "The Bear," which returned for another season this year. Originally, the show follows a chef returning to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop that sells — you guessed it — Italian beef.

Originating in Chicago in the 1900s, the iconic sandwiches consist of slow-cooked, thin-cut roast beef and au jus on a French roll. I moved to Chicago from Hawaii, so I was curious to try Italian beef.

I wanted to order it at some of the most popular chains, so I asked a Chicagoan for recommendations and settled on three: Buona, Portillo's, and Al's Beef.

To keep things fair, I ordered the original beef without extra cheese or peppers from each location. I also visited each chain on a Saturday around lunchtime.

First, I stopped at Buona.

Buona's specialty is Italian beef.

Alexis Kishimoto

Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto opened the first Buona in 1981. The chain's specialty is Italian beef.

Buona has about 30 locations throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

The chain was spacious and welcoming.

Buona had tons of seating options.

Alexis Kishimoto

When I walked in, I was surprised by how spacious and open the seating area was — it made for a very welcoming and relaxing environment. There were tons of places to sit, too.

I didn't feel rushed, squished, or like I was in anyone's way. It was a friendly atmosphere, from the reggae music playing over the speakers to the kind employees I interacted with.

The Buona employee who took my order seemed confident I'd love the sandwich.

Based on the welcoming environment and kind staff, I had a great first impression of Buona.

Alexis Kishimoto

After I ordered, the cashier told me I'd be seeing her face a lot because everyone always comes back. She seemed very confident, which made me extra excited to try the sandwich.

My Buona sandwich was wrapped in foil and placed in a paper bag.

I could smell the tasty beef through the wrapper.

Alexis Kishimoto

I could smell the beef and au jus before I even took the sandwich out of the bag. I hadn't tried sandwiches from the other two chains, but I felt like we were off to a promising start.

I was a little disappointed by how skinny the sandwich was.

My Buona sandwich wasn't quite 7 inches long, as advertised.

Alexis Kishimoto

When I peeled back the paper from the sandwich, I was surprised by how small it appeared. It looked like a skinny log and felt light in my hands.

The sandwich was 6 1/2 inches long, though it was advertised on the menu as being 7. It was also 2 inches wide. Still, not a big deal.

Buona did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment when asked about the sandwich's discrepancy in size.

Before taking the first bite, I reminded myself that size doesn't matter, and I should let the flavors do the talking.

This sandwich didn't quite meet my high expectations for Italian beef.

Buona's sandwich was good, but it didn't blow me away.

Alexis Kishimoto

Upon my first bite, I wasn't sure I'd be back frequently like the cashier said.

Buona's Italian beef was simple. It was flavorful, but the main flavor I tasted was pepper. It wasn't overpowering, but the peppery taste lingered on my tongue long after finishing the sandwich.

The bread was fluffy, and the sandwich wasn't messy to eat.

I almost wish the sandwich had been messy since it would've meant more juice.

Alexis Kishimoto

The roll was light and fluffy and didn't steal the show — there was also a great beef-to-bread ratio.

But the bread was just there and didn't bring much flavor or personality to the sandwich. It felt like just something plain to hold the beef in place.

The sandwich wasn't messy at all, and I barely needed a napkin since the beef wasn't overly juicy and didn't drip onto my fingers. Still, I wish it had been moister with more of the flavorful au jus.

Overall, Buona had a solid sandwich — but it didn't blow me away.

Buona left a little to be desired.

Alexis Kishimoto

Measured length: 6 1/2 inches

Measured width: 2 inches

Wait time to order: none

Wait time for beef: two minutes, 54 seconds

The beef on this sandwich kind of reminded me of flavorful, rehydrated beef jerky, which was not disappointing but didn't meet the high expectations set by the cashier. I wasn't sure the beef was enough to make me a Buona regular.

Next, I went to Portillo's.

Portillo's is also famous for its hot dogs.

Alexis Kishimoto

Portillo's began in 1963 as a small trailer opened by Dick Portillo. Since then, it's become a Chicago staple known for its hot dogs, chocolate cake, cheese fries, and, of course, Italian beef.

Most of Portillo's 75+ locations are in Illinois, but it's in some other states, including Florida, Michigan, and Arizona.

Portillo's was bustling, but I immediately felt welcome.

The employees were helpful and upbeat.

Alexis Kishimoto

As soon as I entered Portillo's, I was greeted by a lively employee who jokingly pulled me in on an invisible rope and guided me to the lines to order in.

The inside of Portillo's felt totally different from the outside. It felt like a funky train station, and there were props and decorations scattered from the floor to the ceiling. The Dean Martin-esque music playing in the background transported me to the 1950s.

There were two lines, each with about 10 people. Customers were constantly coming in and out. Within five seconds of standing in line, two groups had already entered behind me.

It felt like an experience, not just a place to eat.

Portillo's is so cool inside.

Alexis Kishimoto

Based on my phone timer, I waited a little over nine minutes to place my order. But there was so much going on and so much to look at that I didn't even realize I was in line that long.

While the place was crowded, the ordering system seemed clear and organized.

I even enjoyed the fun way order numbers were called out with phrases like, "number 292, you know what to do" or "number 249, you're next in line."

I couldn't smell my sandwich through the bag, but it looked thick.

Portillo's bag has a dog on it as a nod to its famous hot dogs.

Alexis Kishimoto

There weren't any beefy smells coming from the bag or out of the wrapper.

When I unwrapped my sandwich, I was shocked by its thickness.

It was love at first bite.

Portillo's beef was well seasoned.

Alexis Kishimoto

Buona set my baseline for Italian beef, so I was immediately surprised when I bit into Portillo's sandwich.

Portillo's Italian beef was super meaty and rich and had layers of flavors, which I felt were somewhat lacking during my Buona experience. The beef here was also generously packed.

The gravy and beef in Portillo's sandwich were very flavorful, and the seasonings were balanced so that one didn't overpower the other. All the seasonings melded very well together.

I didn't see a measurement for the regular sandwich on the menu that I ordered, but this was 6 inches long. It was 2 1/2 inches wide, thicker than the Buona sandwich.

It was clear this sandwich wasn't just thrown together.

The Portillo's sandwich was thick and delicious.

Alexis Kishimoto

The flavors of the beef tasted like they were developed and created over time during a slow process.

The French bread that kept the beef in place was soft and fluffy but crusty on the outside, which allowed for the tender beef to nicely mingle with the pillowy inside. It smelled and tasted freshly baked.

I felt like I could taste the time, effort, and care that was put into this sandwich, which was extra surprising considering how busy the chain was.

Overall, Portillo's beef was worth waiting for.

Portillo's sandwich was flavorful and juicy.

Alexis Kishimoto

Measured length: 6 inches

Measured width: 2 1/2 inches

Wait time to order: nine minutes, 23 seconds

Wait time for beef: three minutes, 48 seconds

I initially had my doubts about Portillo's because it has "hot dogs" on its signs instead of beef, but after devouring its Italian beef, I was blown away. Each part of the sandwich was incredible.

Lastly, I visited Al's Beef.

Al's has won hundreds of awards for its beef.

Alexis Kishimoto

In 1938, Al Ferreri and his sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Chris Pacelli Sr., opened the beef stand that would become Al's decades later in a new location.

Al's logo says it has the "#1 Italian beef," a title the chain added after Chicago magazine named it the best Italian beef sandwich in Chicago in 1980.

The award-winning chain has five locations, and four of them are in Chicago.

Al's felt a bit cramped, but it was beautiful inside.

I liked the pop of yellow.

Alexis Kishimoto

As I opened the doors to Al's, "bold" was the first word that came to mind.

All the chairs and accent colors of the interior were bright yellow. The seating area was clean and pretty, but it did not seem as open as it was at Buona and Portillo's.

Al's felt much smaller and tighter than the other chains since the tables and seating arrangements were very close together. Still, this place looked good. It felt cool.

Al's had a very hip and fast-paced energy.

Al's menu was easy to navigate, too.

Alexis Kishimoto

With the hip decor and Jack Harlow and Harry Styles songs playing in the background, Al's felt like a trendy local spot for 20- to 30-year-olds to grab a quick bite to eat with friends.

There were a handful of people eating their sandwiches at Al's, but no one was in line to order.

I don't know whether it was the eatery's setup or the attentiveness of the workers behind the counter, but Al's felt fast-paced. I almost felt rushed into ordering, even though it wasn't very busy.

Al's sandwich was definitely the messiest.

The Italian beef sandwich from Al's was certainly thick.

Alexis Kishimoto

As soon as I got my sandwich, I could tell it was going to be a doozy.

Unlike at Buona and Portillo's, the paper wrapping of the sandwich was soaked in au jus. I could tell this would be the messiest of the three and that napkins and moist towelettes would be needed.

Still, I was excited — this meant the sandwich wouldn't be dry.

The sandwich from Al's almost had an autumnal taste.

Al's sandwich was the shortest one I tried.

Alexis Kishimoto

I ordered the regular sandwich, which clocked in at 5 1/2 inches. With a thickness of 2 3/4 inches, it was probably the most well-stuffed.

As I leaned in for the first bite, I immediately smelled a ton of indistinguishable spices. It was a bit overwhelming — the smell of Buona's sandwich was more appetizing to me.

My first impression was that the sandwich was salty, but that was immediately overpowered by the spice. I get what the chain means by "distinguishable" and "unique" taste.

It might sound weird, but the taste of the beef and its au jus kind of reminded me of a fall-themed candle.

The beef was flavorful, but I wasn't sure about it.

The sandwich was nice and moist, but I didn't love it.

Alexis Kishimoto

The beef had incredibly bold flavors, but I wasn't sure I loved how these spices paired with beef.

I loved how fluffy and thick the French bread was, and it mostly did a good job of soaking up the au jus. If I loved the au jus, this would've been a good thing. Unfortunately, I didn't exactly want to hold on to the flavors.

Still, this beef is award-winning, so it might just be my personal preference, or I may have just gotten an extra-seasoned batch.

The bread also got pretty soggy while I was eating.

The sandwich from Al's was well stuffed.

Alexis Kishimoto

Since the bread soaked up all the meaty juices, it quickly became soggy.

As I picked up the sandwich between bites, I felt like I had to be really gentle. It felt like the bread could fall apart at any moment.

Still, I have to give the chain kudos for such a moist sandwich — I was glad it wasn't too dry. That said, it was so soggy I don't think it would hold up well enough for me to eat the rest of it later.

Al's Italian beef wasn't No. 1 for me.

Al's sandwich was moist and well stuffed.

Alexis Kishimoto

Measured length: 5 1/2 inches

Measured width: 2 3/4 inches

Wait time to order: no wait

Wait time for beef: two minutes, 8 seconds

Al's beef had a very bold and distinct flavor, but I found the execution a bit lacking. In Al's case, I think less might be more.

The amount of meat I got on the sandwich was impressive, but I thought there were too many seasonings and spices that took away from the fluffy bread and super tender beef.

Overall, Portillo's is the only chain I'd go back to if I wanted Italian beef.

Portillo's Italian beef felt like a perfect medium.

Alexis Kishimoto

The sandwiches from Buona, Portillo's, and Al's each had their own distinct appearance and taste. The chain locations also had unique personalities and vibes, which I also loved.

There really is a chain for everyone, whether you prefer your sandwiches simple or loaded to the max or want a chill, cool vibe or vibrant, bustling one.

For me, Portillo's had the perfect balance of everything I wanted.

Buona's sandwich felt a little too skinny and dry to me, and I wished it had more flavor. On the other end of the spectrum, the sandwich from Al's felt a bit too overloaded with flavor and au jus.

Portillo's Italian beef had complex and delicious flavors, and I loved the fresh-tasting bread. The vibes inside the location I visited were also so fun. I get why the line was so long, and I'd easily wait 10 minutes to order this sandwich again. In fact, I'd wait even longer.

This story was originally published on August 16, 2022, and most recently updated on July 1, 2024.

Read the original article on Business Insider
2 July 2024
A luxury Viking cruise ship helped scientists encounter the rarely-seen giant phantom jellyfish
Tourists saw giant phantom jellyfish, typically an elusive species, during Viking Expedition submersible rides.

Viking Expedition; Mark Niesink/Viking Expedition
- Tourists aboard a submersible saw the rare giant phantom jellyfish during a Viking cruise.
- Viking Octantis is a luxury ship that travels to Antarctica and often has researchers aboard.
- Viking published its first scientific paper in 2023 based on the jellyfish encounters.
Not so long ago, giant phantom jellyfish were an extremely rare sight, with fewer than 130 known sightings. Then tourists aboard personal submersibles started spotting them near the Antarctic Peninsula.

The submersible rides were part of a Viking Expedition trip. Viking Octantis, a luxury cruise vessel, takes thousands of passengers each year through the icy waters of the Southern Ocean to glimpse penguins, seals, and other wildlife.

All the majestic scenery and cruise ship amenities come with a healthy dose of science and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge Antarctic research. Trips start at $13,000 for a 13-day cruise.

Searching the deep seas for phantom jellyfish

Giant phantom jellyfish are known for their ribbony arms that can grow to over 30 feet in length.

Antony Gilbert/Viking Expedition

While scientists started using personal submersibles with increasing frequency in the 1990s and 2000s, Antarctic waters are generally still difficult and expensive to get to. Hopping in one right from Viking's cruise ship makes things a little easier.

And it's novel enough that every trip might lead to something unexpected. "The exciting thing is we can go into the water and say there's a very real chance we might find something that is genuinely new," Damon Stanwell-Smith, Viking's head of science and sustainability told Business Insider.

Viking's Octantis has two, six-passenger submersibles, which take guests down to depths of nearly 1,000 feet.

It was during three such trips in early 2022 that Viking tourists snapped pictures and took video of the giant phantom jellyfish. A year later, other guests had spotted a handful more, National Geographic reported.

First described in 1910, the jellyfish has an umbrella-like body with four ribbony arms, which help trap prey and can grow to over 33 feet each.

Six passengers can ride in Viking Expedition submersibles and witness Antarctica from under the water.

Gavin Newman/Viking Expedition

Finding the jellyfish has proven difficult in the past, and many mysteries remain about its habits. While they're typically observed in deep water, all the Viking sightings were at less than 1,000 feet deep.

Based on the guests' jellyfish encounters, the ship's researchers published a scientific paper in 2023 in the peer-reviewed journal Polar Research discussing how submersibles can help lead to breakthroughs in Antarctica's under-studied waters.

An expedition ship built for luxury and discovery

Viking Expedition cruises to Antarctica typically have nine scientists aboard doing research and instructing passengers.

Alastair Miller/Viking Expedition

In addition to hangers built for subs, the Octantis and its sister ship, Polaris, were designed for many other types of science. There are 380-square-foot laboratories with equipment sophisticated enough for environmental DNA testing.

Stanwell-Smit said this capability is cutting-edge for any research vessel, not a cruise ship. "This is incredibly novel," he said. It lets researchers genetically sequence biological samples right away instead of waiting months for another laboratory to do the work.

The cruise line's commitment to science attracts a certain kind of tourist, which Stanwell-Smith refers to as the "retired professor demographic."

The expedition ships cater to these educated, curious guests by letting them participate in research alongside the nine scientists on every voyage, whether to Antarctica or through the US's Great Lakes.

Guests can listen to expert lectures from the ships' resident wildlife naturalists or provide citizen scientist data about the birds they spot. Or they can get involved in what Stanwell-Smith calls "real science" by assisting on-board geochemists or oceanographers with research.

They can take a sample of phytoplankton, watch a weather balloon launch, or prepare a "bait popsicle" to help with a species-monitoring project.

Viking Expedition's cruise ships have labs on board where scientists can conduct research.

Viking Expedition

Prepping the smelly bait is one of the expedition ships' most popular activities, Stanwell-Smith said. "There's a subset of our guests who want to roll up their sleeves, put a lab coat on, and just get really messy," he said.

For those who weren't experts before, Stanwell-Smith thinks the cruise will help them embrace the idea of loving what you know and protecting what you love.

"There is something very visceral about feeling you know something better by having actively done it rather than just watch somebody else or seen it on the screen," he said.

Plus, they might witness something completely new that gets written up in a scientific journal.

Read the original article on Business Insider
2 July 2024
3 ASX dividend shares to buy with 5%+ yields
Looking for some new additions to your income portfolio? If you are, then check out the ASX dividend shares in this article.

They have been named as buys and tipped to offer dividend yields of greater than 5%. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Dexus Industria REITÂ (ASX: DXI)

The team at Morgans thinks income investors should be buying Dexus Industria. It is a property company with a focus on industrial warehouses.

The broker believes “DXI’s industrial portfolio remains robust with the outlook positive for rental growth.”

Its analysts expect this to support the payment of dividends per share of 16.4 cents in FY 2024 and then 16.6 cents in FY 2025. Based on the current Dexus Industria share price of $2.84, this will mean dividend yields of 5.8% and 5.8%, respectively.

Morgans currently has an add rating and $3.18 price target on its shares.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

Another ASX dividend share that has been given the thumbs up by analysts is IPH.

It is a global intellectual property (IP) services company with a network of member firms across 10 IP jurisdictions. Among its clients are Fortune Global 500 companies and other multinationals, public sector research organisations, small businesses, and professional services firms.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs are bullish on the company right now. They like the company due to its “defensive earnings, strong cash flow, M&A optionality and potential MtM FX upside.”

As for income, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 34 cents per share in FY 2024 and then 37 cents per share in FY 2025. Based on the current IPH share price of $6.20, this represents yields of 5.5% and 6%, respectively.

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

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Goldman Sachs also thinks that income investors should be snapping up Telstra’s shares this month.

The broker likes the telco giant due to its defensive earnings and positive growth outlook thanks to its mobile business.

Goldman Sachs believes this positions Telstra to pay fully franked dividends of 18 cents per share in FY 2024 and then 18.5 cents per share in FY 2025. Based on the current Telstra share price of $3.61, this equates to yields of 5% and 5.1%, respectively.

The broker also sees plenty of upside for investors from current levels. It has a buy rating and $4.25 price target on its shares.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares to buy with 5%+ yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Should you invest $1,000 in Dexus Industria Reit right now?

Before you buy Dexus Industria Reit 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 Dexus Industria Reit wasn’t one of them.

The online investing service heâs 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 24 June 2024

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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 positions in and has recommended Telstra 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.
2 July 2024
Here’s a recap on IAG shares in FY24 – and their FY25 outlook
Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) shares had a mixed affair in FY 2024. For one, the stock has climbed more than 24% over the past year. But most of that return stemmed from investors buying IAG over the last six months.

From July to December 2023, the IAG shares traded between $5.50 and $6.00 apiece. But in January this year, the stock rebounded and now trades at around $7.08 apiece, as we can see in the chart below. That’s a more than 26% return.

While we can expect the insurer’s full-year results in the coming weeks, here’s a review of IAG shares in FY 2024 and what to expect for the coming 12 months of business.

Recent developments drive IAG shares higher

In FY 2024, investors increased the company’s valuation alongside the price appreciation of its stock.

After hitting a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) low of 16 times in October last year, IAG now trades at a P/E of 23 times, an increase of 43.7%.

A large chunk of this growth occurred in the last month of trade.

IAG shares rallied to 52-week highs last week after it announced a $2.5 billion, five-year agreement with two of Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE: BRK)’s subsidiaries for reinsurance protection.

Berkshire Hathaway is the investment vehicle of all-time investing great, Warren Buffett.

The five-year deal provides IAG with up to $680 million in additional protection per annum starting in FY 2025. It aims to cap IAG’s natural perils costs at $1.28 billion this financial year.

Management projects that this and other moves will contribute to an improved return on equity (ROE) target of 14%-15% per annum.

Dividends and buybacks â the two features of H1 FY 2024

In its results for the first half of FY24 in February, IAG advised its gross written premium (GWP) âÂ a key metric in the industry â increased by 12.5% to $7.9 billion.

Insurance profit tallied $614 million, up from $350 million at the same time last year. The reported insurance margin improved by five percentage points to 13.7%.

Still, net profit after tax (NPAT) decreased to $407 million from $468 million.

Despite this, the company declared an interim dividend of 10 cents per share and announced an on-market share buyback of up to $200 million, equal to around 1.2% of the company’s market capitalisation at the time of writing.

Investors sold IAG shares heavily following its first-half results, pushing the insurer’s stock price below its 20-day moving average âÂ a sign of short-term weakness â before it recovered to previous highs in March.

Regardless, IAG’s CEO expressed confidence in the company’s performance going forward, noting:

We are well-positioned to continue playing our critical role as an economic shock absorber for consumers and businesses in Australia and New Zealand.

FY 2025 outlook for IAG shares

Brokers currently have mixed views on IAG shares. Goldman Sachs has a neutral rating with a 12-month price target of $6.30, citing potential risks such as volume loss due to rate increases, persistent claims inflation, and competition.

However, it also acknowledges IAG’s strong rate cycle and capital flexibility. And, it increased its valuation on the company to 4.8 times net tangible assets (NTA), from the previous 4.5 times NTA.

Citi is more optimistic about the company, favouring IAG over Suncorp due to its cost-cutting opportunities and earnings growth. Meanwhile, CommSec data shows a moderate buy rating on IAG shares, with 2 buys against 5 hold ratings.

For FY25, IAG management expected “low double digits” GWP growth and a reported insurance margin of 13.5% to 15.5%.

The company’s performance in FY 2024 sets high expectations for the upcoming year, but time will tell if it hits these watermarks.

Foolish takeaway

IAG shares had a good finish to FY 2024. However, the experts remain mixed on the outlook for this year â even though management is positive. Past performance is also no guarantee of future results, so always remember to conduct your own due diligence.

In the last 12 months, IAG shares have outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) by around 17%.

The post Here’s a recap on IAG shares in FY24 â and their FY25 outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Should you invest $1,000 in Insurance Australia Group Limited right now?

Before you buy Insurance Australia Group 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 Insurance Australia Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

The online investing service heâs 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 24 June 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.
2 July 2024