Stock Pick

Author: openjargon

  • This ASX dividend share could pay an 8% yield in 2026!

    Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment or business plan at their office.

    The ASX dividend share Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) may provide a high level of passive income to investors in the coming years for two key reasons.

    Now, Metcash may not be a household name, but the company supports many well-known food and drink retailers in Australia.

    The ASX dividend share supplies IGA supermarkets around Australia and also supplies numerous Independent Brands Australia (IBA) liquor businesses including Cellarbrations, The Bottle-O, IGA Liquor and Porters Liquor. The IBA retail network has more than 1,800 ‘tier one’ bannered stores across Australia and New Zealand.

    Metcash also owns several hardware brands, including Mitre 10, Home Timber & Hardware, and Total Tools. It supports independent operators under the small-format convenience banners Thrifty-Link Hardware and True Value Hardware and a number of unbannered independent operators.

    Due to its exposure to these industries, I think the ASX dividend share can generate fairly resilient profits. In addition, the company’s dividend yield is expected to be high in the next few financial years. Let’s investigate.

    1. High dividend payout ratio

    Every profitable company needs to decide its dividend policy. It can choose to pay a larger or smaller dividend than the previous year, simply pay out a particular percentage of its net profit after tax (NPAT) each year, or not pay a dividend at all.

    Metcash’s board of directors has decided on a healthy dividend payout ratio of 70% of underlying NPAT. I think that’s high enough to deliver a pleasing dividend yield while still keeping some profit within the business to reinvest for more growth.

    According to CMC Markets, Metcash is projected to pay a dividend per share of 21.9 cents in FY26. This translates into an expected grossed-up dividend yield of around 8.25%.

    2. Low earnings multiple

    A higher price/earnings (P/E) ratio can push down the yield, while a lower P/E ratio can lead to a higher dividend yield from an ASX dividend share.

    Metcash usually trades on a relatively low P/E ratio compared to some of its peers.

    The estimates on CMC Markets suggest the ASX dividend share could generate earnings per share (EPS) of 28.1 cents in FY24 and 30.4 cents in FY26. Those numbers would put the current Metcash share price at 13x FY24’s estimated earnings and 12x FY26’s estimated earnings.

    These figures mean Metcash shares are much cheaper than some ASX blue chip stocks. For example, the Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price is valued at 30x FY24’s estimated earnings and the Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price is valued at 24x FY24’s estimated earnings.

    If Metcash can keep growing earnings over the longer term, then the valuation and dividend may appeal to investors.

    The post This ASX dividend share could pay an 8% yield in 2026! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Metcash 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 Metcash 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 positions in Metcash. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Metcash. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Prediction: The ASX 300 stock with 50% upside!

    child in superman outfit pointing skyward, indicating a rising share price

    The S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) stock G8 Education Ltd (ASX: GEM) may be a contender to deliver good returns, according to a lead portfolio manager from Wilson Asset Management.

    G8 Education describes itself as one of Australia’s largest providers of quality early childhood education and care. It has more than 400 early learning centres across 21 brands.

    As Oscar Oberg recently discussed in the Australian Financial Review, the childcare centre operator is an ASX 300 share that WAM is most bullish about.

    Reasons to like the ASX 300 stock

    WAM’s Oberg thinks G8 Education shares are the most undervalued by the market.

    He acknowledged the company’s “struggle” with negative earnings per share (EPS) revisions and debt issues over the last decade. The company had even conducted a capital raising during COVID-19 in 2020.

    WAM’s interest in G8 Education was piqued after the company appointed its new CEO, former BIG W managing director Pejman Okhovat.

    According to the fund manager, Okhovat’s strategy for G8 Education was “relatively straightforward.” The company would aim to boost occupancy, stabilise costs, and divest underperforming childcare centres.

    Oberg noted that G8 Education had a “very strong balance sheet” and could buy back between 5% to 10% of the shares on issue.

    WAM’s research suggests this strategy can lead to the ASX 300 stock delivering organic EPS growth of between 10% to 15% each year over the next five years.

    G8 Education share price valuation and upside

    On WAM’s numbers, the G8 Education share price is valued on a forward price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 12 times, which Oberg described as “cheap”.

    The fund manager believes the strong level of organic growth can deliver a re-rating to the G8 Education shares and raise the P/E ratio. It anticipates the G8 Education share price will have a “50% upside” in the next 12 to 24 months.

    WAM’s positivity on the ASX 300 stock gives it a “large weighting” in the portfolio.

    Commentary on the economic conditions

    Oberg also had this to say about current economic conditions (courtesy of AFR):            

    Conditions are quite patchy, especially for small-cap companies. This financial year represents the third year in a row that small caps will underperform the Australian market.

    We do think that the tide will turn as soon as we see interest rates decline, and we saw an example of this from December 2023 to March 2024 where small caps had a great period.

    The post Prediction: The ASX 300 stock with 50% upside! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in G8 Education Limited right now?

    Before you buy G8 Education 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 G8 Education 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 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.

  • Buy these ASX 200 shares that could rise 30%+ before it’s too late

    Investors that are on the lookout for big returns for their investment portfolios might want to check out the two shares named below.

    Here’s what sort of returns brokers are tipping from them over the next 12 months:

    Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN)

    Analysts at Goldman Sachs believe that this airline operator could provide investors with huge returns between now and this time next year.

    The broker currently has a conviction buy rating and $8.05 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $6.09, this implies potential upside of 32% for investors. In addition, it is worth highlighting that Goldman believes that Qantas will bring back its dividend at long last in FY 2025. It is forecasting a 4.9% dividend yield for the financial year.

    Goldman highlights that the Flying Kangaroo’s valuation is still lower than pre-COVID times despite having structurally and sustainably stronger earnings. In addition, it notes that its shares are trading at a sizeable discount to what investors are paying to own US airlines on Wall Street. It explains:

    QAN is trading 4% below pre-COVID market capitalization with the enterprise value still 7% lower despite a structurally improved earnings capacity. Relative to regional/ US peers (median PE of 9.1x), QAN is trading on a 29% discount at 6.4x FY25 PE. This is more than 2x below the historical 5Y average discount of 14%. We expect this gap to narrow as QAN delivers earnings that are sustainably above pre-COVID levels and demonstrates ability/ willingness to distribute capital to shareholders while renewing the fleet.

    Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

    If you are looking for exposure to the gold sector then it could be well worth checking out Regis Resources. It is one of Australia’s largest gold miners with a number of operating mines in Western Australia.

    Bell Potter believes that the company is significantly undervalued at current levels and big returns could be on the cards for investors buying at today’s price. It has a buy rating and $2.80 price target on its shares, which implies potential upside of 54% over the next 12 months. It said:

    As one of the largest ASX listed gold producers, we are attracted to its all-Australian asset portfolio and organic growth options which are unique at this scale. Furthermore, we see key opportunities in the fundamental, medium-term outlook and, in our view, these may also make RRL an appealing corporate target in the current conducive M&A environment.

    The post Buy these ASX 200 shares that could rise 30%+ before it’s too late appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Qantas Airways 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 Qantas Airways 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 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 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.

  • Buy Coles and these ASX 200 dividend stocks

    Cheerful boyfriend showing mobile phone to girlfriend in dining room. They are spending leisure time together at home and planning their financial future.

    If you’re an income investor on the lookout for new portfolio additions, then read on.

    That’s because listed below are three ASX 200 dividend stocks that analysts believe could be quality options for investors right now.

    Here’s what they are forecasting from them in the near term:

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

    Analysts at Morgans think that Coles could be an ASX 200 dividend stock to buy. It is of course one of the big two supermarket operators with over 800 stores across the country. Coles also has a large liquor network comprising almost 1,000 stores across brands such as First Choice and Liquorland.

    Morgans currently has an add rating and $18.95 price target on its shares.

    As for dividends, its analysts are forecasting Coles to pay fully franked dividends of 66 cents per share in FY 2024 and 69 cents per share in FY 2025. Based on the current Coles share price of $17.11, this will mean dividend yields of 3.85% and 4%, respectively.

    Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

    Goldman Sachs thinks that Super Retail could be an ASX 200 dividend stock to buy right now. It is the retail group behind popular store brands BCF, Macpac, Rebel, and Super Cheap Auto.

    The broker currently has a buy rating and $17.80 price target on its shares.

    Goldman is expecting the retailer to offer good dividend yields in the near term. It is forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 67 cents in FY 2024 and then 73 cents in FY 2025. Based on the latest Super Retail share price of $13.89, this will mean good yields of 4.8% and 5.25%, respectively.

    Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

    Over at Morgans, its analysts are also positive on Woodside Energy and see it as an ASX 200 dividend stock to buy this week. It is one of the world’s largest energy producers with high-quality operations across the globe.

    Morgans’ analysts recently stated that they see “now as a good time to add to positions” following the recent underperformance of its shares. The broker has an add rating and $36.00 price target on them.

    In respect to income, its analysts are forecasting Woodside to pay fully franked dividends of $1.25 per share in FY 2024 and then $1.57 per share in FY 2025. Based on its current share price of $27.52, this represents attractive dividend yields of 4.5% and 5.7%, respectively.

    The post Buy Coles and these ASX 200 dividend stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Coles 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 Coles Group 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 James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Coles Group and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Anthropic CEO says we need to think bigger than a universal basic income if we want to solve the AI inequality problem

    Dario Amodei Anthropic
    Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei thinks universal basic income isn't going to cut it.

    Anthropic

    • Rapid advances in AI may concentrate power and wealth among a small elite.
    • Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei says a universal basic income may not sufficiently address the shift.
    • He says there needs to be a broader economic reorganization.

    The rapid advances in AI could consolidate power and wealth in the hands of a small few, which is why many in the tech industry have called for a universal basic income.

    But some AI leaders worry even a UBI wouldn't be enough.

    "I certainly think that's better than nothing," Anthropic's CEO Dario Amodei told Time. "But I would much prefer a world in which everyone can contribute. It would be kind of dystopian if there are these few people that can make trillions of dollars, and then the government hands it all out to the unwashed masses."

    Amodei, a former OpenAI employee, launched Anthropic in 2021 with his sister, Daniela, and five other OpenAI colleagues. They believed AI would have a dramatic impact on the world and wanted to build a company that would ensure it was aligned with human values. Amodei described it to Time as a company focused on "public benefit."

    Many in the tech industry have expressed support for universal basic income, a recurring cash payment to all adults in a given population regardless of their wealth or employment status, to mitigate the economic impact of AI. The idea is that it will act as a safety net for individuals whose jobs have been threatened by the technology.

    But Amodei thinks that AI will alter society in such a fundamental way that we need to design a more comprehensive solution. "I think in the long run, we're really going to need to think about how do we organize the economy, and how humans think about their lives?" He doesn't have the answer, in part, because he believes it needs to be a "conversation among humanity."

    Amodei isn't the only one thinking beyond universal basic income. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, while a vocal proponent of it, has also proposed the idea of a "universal basic compute." The idea is that as large language models advance, owning a slice of one will be more valuable than money.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Gretchen Whitmer says Biden isn’t getting credit for the infrastructure law because voters are ‘stressed out’

    Gretchen Whitmer
    Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan.

    Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

    • President Joe Biden has struggled to make his infrastructure success resonate with voters.
    • Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told the Times that many voters simply aren't plugged into DC.
    • "I think the pandemic's taken a toll. People are stressed out," she told the newspaper.

    When Gretchen Whitmer first ran for the Michigan governorship in 2018, she pledged to "fix the damn roads."

    The slogan stuck and was a big part of Whitmer's winning campaign that year. So she knows a lot about effective political messaging.

    In a recent interview with The New York Times, Whitmer was asked why President Joe Biden has so far struggled to earn widespread credit for the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law among voters.

    Her response? Voters have been worn out by the pandemic and many just haven't been tuned in to what's happening in Washington.

    "I think the pandemic's taken a toll. People are stressed out," Whitmer told the Times. "They're just trying to pay the grocery bill, get the kids off to school, show up at their job, and maybe get a little bit of sleep at night. They're not consuming everything."

    Whitmer, a cochair of Biden's reelection campaign and a figure often touted as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, remarked that Democrats have to go out and effectively speak with voters about the merits of the infrastructure overhaul and laws like the CHIPS Act — which was crafted to turbocharge semiconductor manufacturing in the United States.

    "We've got to tell that story better," the governor added.

    Biden counts the infrastructure law passed by Congress in 2021 as one of his crowning political achievements.

    But voters in recent surveys have only given him a slight edge on the issue compared to Trump — who floated infrastructure reforms numerous times during his presidency but failed to produce a concrete framework for lawmakers.

    In a Politico-Morning Consult poll conducted in April, 40% of registered voters said Biden had done more on infrastructure upgrades and job creation, while 37% of respondents selected Trump.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

    Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking

    On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week on a positive note. The benchmark index rose 0.35% to 7,796 points.

    Will the market be able to build on this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 expected to fall

    The Australian share market looks set to fall on Monday following a mixed finish on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 16 points or 0.2% lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.05%, the S&P 500 edged 0.15% lower, and the Nasdaq dropped 0.2%.

    Oil prices soften

    ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a subdued start to the week after oil prices softened on Friday. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was down 0.7% to US$80.73 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 0.55% to US$85.24 a barrel. This couldn’t stop oil from recording its second weekly gain amid optimism gasoline demand.

    Sell Pilbara Minerals shares

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price remains overvalued according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. In response to news of its P2000 lithium expansion, the broker has reaffirmed its sell rating and $2.80 price target. This implies potential downside of 10% for investors from current levels. The broker commented: “We see the study result for the next leg of expansion as underwhelming vs. market expectations on a combination of capex, size, and timing.”

    Gold price tumbles

    It could be a tough start to the week for ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) after the gold price tumbled on Friday. According to CNBC, the spot gold price was down 1.6% to US$2,331.2 an ounce. This was driven by a stronger US dollar and higher treasury yields.

    Paladin Energy could be takeover target

    ASX 200 uranium producer Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) will be one to watch on Monday. That’s because the miner could potentially be a takeover target for a large industry player according to reports in the AFR. The media outlet has suggested that Canada’s Fission Uranium Corp (TSX: FCU) could have its eyes on the company. Paladin Energy has projects in Africa, Australia, and Canada.

    The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Newmont 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 Newmont 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 positions in Woodside Energy Group. 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 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.

  • Gen Z pays more for housing and has more debt than millennials did 10 years ago. That will likely impact the presidential race.

    Apartment for rent.

    Busà Photography/Getty Images

    • Gen Z pays more in housing costs than millennials did a decade ago, according to WaPo.
    • In an economy battered by inflation, higher costs have created economic uncertainty for Gen Z.
    • In 2020, Biden easily won young voters. But he now faces a tougher challenge to win them over.

    During the Great Recession and much of the 2010s, millennials bore the brunt of one of the biggest economic upheavals in generations.

    A tough job market — where layoffs and high unemployment sidelined many budding careers — defined the earliest stages of adulthood for many millennials.

    More than a decade after the Great Recession and over four years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gen Z is now enduring its own economic challenges.

    Gen Z is spending more on housing and car insurance than their millennial counterparts did at the same age, and the younger generation is also holding more debt than millennials did, according to The Washington Post.

    The newspaper reported that Gen Z workers are more likely to have attended college and earn higher pay than millennials, but debt is weighing them down: About 1 in 7 Gen Zers have hit their credit card limits.

    "Gen Z consumers have seen their finances significantly impacted by the pandemic and its aftermath, even more so than the challenges faced by millennials as a result of the global financial crisis," TransUnion US research head Michele Raneri told the Post. "Both of these cohorts have emerged from a difficult financial situation, but Gen Z is having a harder time affording this new cost of living."

    These findings are significant as President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump both fight for Gen Z votes ahead of the November election.

    Spending more and more

    Gen Z is spending 31% more on housing costs compared to what millennials paid 10 years ago, a figure which also factors in inflation, according to the Post.

    According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, car insurance costs increased more than twofold for Americans aged 16 to 24 between 2012 and 2022, and health insurance costs spiked 46% for this group during the same time span.

    Debt accounted for 16% of Gen Z income at the end of 2023, whereas debt among millennials only accounted for 12% 10 years ago, the Post reported.

    Gen Z has seen an economic recovery since the throes of the pandemic, buoyed by a 4% unemployment rate. But with higher costs taking out a large chunk of their salaries, many Gen Z workers feel like they're falling behind.

    Biden Trump
    President Joe Biden, left, and former President Donald Trump.

    AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File; AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.

    Biden v. Trump redux

    In 2020, young voters overwhelmingly supported Biden. That year, the president carried voters aged 18 to 29 by 24 points (59% to 35%) over Trump, according to Pew Research.

    During that cycle, the leading issues among young voters included the economy, student-loan forgiveness, reproductive rights, climate change, the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and racial inequality.

    This year, Gen Z has once again prioritized the economy as a defining issue of the election. And Biden — already struggling with younger voters over the conflict in Gaza — will have to craft a persuasive defense of his policies to ensure their support.

    In the latest New York Times/Philadelphia Inquirer/Siena College swing-state poll conducted in late April and early May, 18% of registered voters aged 18 to 29 listed the economy as their top issue.

    This age group was the most pessimistic of any generation regarding the economy: 59% rated it as "poor," while 32% rated it as "only fair." About 7% of registered voters said the economy was "good."

    Only 1% of registered voters aged 18 to 29 rated the economy as "excellent."

    Trump is campaigning in cities like New York and Philadelphia to make inroads with younger and more infrequent voters to cut into the Democratic margins that are key for Biden.

    The struggles of Gen Z — whether it's high rents or elevated insurance costs — are poised to be a defining issue for the Biden and Trump campaigns during this critical summer stretch. And whoever finds a way to address Gen Z concerns and craft potential solutions effectively will likely emerge as the presidential victor in November.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • The unregulated multibillion-dollar life coaching industry can be a haven for discredited therapists

    Picture of woman's hands

    simon2579/Getty Images

    • Some therapists who have lost their licenses have rebranded themselves as "life coaches."
    • The life coaching industry generated $4.5 billion in revenue in 2022.
    • Life coaching is an unregulated industry, so prospective patients should tread carefully.

    When therapists lose their licenses, even for serious offenses, they don't always have to change careers. They can try "life coaching" instead.

    Life coaches are wellness professionals who offer clients advice on improving their lives. Unlike therapists, they're not required to be trained or held to ethical guidelines, and they are not regulated by the state or federal government. This loosely defined group of professionals generated $4.5 billion in revenue in 2022, according to The International Coaching Federation.

    While many people credit life coaches with positively changing their lives or careers, anyone can call themselves a life coach, and therein lies the problem.

    Jodi Hildebrandt, a former therapist in Utah who famously ran the controversial parenting YouTube channel ConneXions with Ruby Franke, called herself a life coach for years. The two were sentenced this February for up to 30 years in prison for child abuse.

    Hildebrandt is an extreme example. But a new ProPublica report found that at least a third of the 43 mental health professionals in Utah who've given up their licenses since 2010 have continued doing similar work. They refer to themselves on LinkedIn as mental health "associates," motivational speakers, and, of course, life coaches.

    There are a range of reasons a therapist might lose their license, from disclosing confidential information to engaging in inappropriate relationships. ProPublica's analysis found that a handful of therapists who were still practicing had lost their licenses for "serious reasons," ranging from drug and substance abuse to inappropriate contact with patients to sexual exploitation.

    Mark Steinagel, a director in the Utah state government who oversees licensing, told the outlet that licensers can't prevent these individuals from doing the same work as life coaches. However, investigators do try to watch them to ensure they don't veer back into therapy.

    The Hildebrandt case inspired legislation in Utah to regulate the life coaching industry. The bill is now undergoing legislative review.

    In the meantime, prospective patients should research before choosing a life coach.

    "Coaching is not therapy and I don't want it to be confused in any way," life coach Suzanne Culberg said in an interview about the ethics of life coaching with the YouTuber Danielle Ryan.

    Over her career, Culberg said she's seen life coaches misrepresent themselves by inflating their annual earnings and overselling their qualifications.

    "They say all the right things, and their sales pages look slick," she said. But "coaching is an unregulated industry."

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Thousands of Iran-backed fighters ready to join Hezbollah’s battle with Israel as UN chief warns of catastrophe ‘beyond imagination’

    Hezbollah militants parade during a ceremony.
    Hezbollah militants parade during a ceremony.

    Marwan Naamani/picture alliance via Getty Images

    • Thousands of Iran-backed fighters are ready to join Hezbollah in its fight against Israel.
    • The Israel Defense Forces have approved plans for a potential offensive in Lebanon.
    • The UN Secretary-General warned of a catastrophe "beyond imagination" if the conflict escalated.

    Thousands of Iran-backed fighters are ready to join the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon as tensions rise with neighboring Israel, the Associated Press reported.

    In a speech Wednesday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said that militant leaders from the Iran-led "axis of resistance" have offered to send tens of thousands of fighters to support Hezbollah as the group's clashes with Israel threaten to spill over into all-out war.

    "We told them, thank you, but we are overwhelmed by the numbers we have," Nasrallah said, per the AP, adding that Hezbollah already had 100,000 fighters in its ranks.

    An Atlantic Council report from May 2020 said that Hezbollah had about 30,000 active fighters and up to 20,000 reserves at the time.

    One unnamed official with an Iran-backed group in Iraq told the AP in Baghdad that if there were an all-out war, "we will be (fighting) shoulder to shoulder with Hezbollah," adding that some advisors from Iraq were already in Lebanon.

    Hassan Nasrallah
    Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

    Hussein Malla / AP Images

    Hezbollah has been launching strikes against Israel in support of the Palestinian militant group Hamas since the latter's October 7 attacks, which killed around 1,200 people in Israel.

    Israel has struck back hard against the group, targeting its commanders and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

    Israel has also been weighing an all-out war with the group, with the country's defense minister, Israel Katz, saying on Tuesday that a decision on such a move was near.

    "We are very close to the moment of decision to change the rules against Hezbollah and Lebanon. In an all-out war, Hezbollah will be destroyed and Lebanon will be severely hit," Katz wrote on X.

    It came as the IDF announced plans had been approved for an "offensive" in Lebanon.

    On Friday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that an escalation in the conflict would have devastating consequences.

    "Let's be clear: The people of the region and the people of the world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza," he said.

    "One rash move – one miscalculation – could trigger a catastrophe that goes far beyond the border, and frankly, beyond imagination," he said.

    A report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank that was published in March said that even if Israel achieved a decisive defeat of Hezbollah in an all-out war, it would likely "not lead to the group's destruction given its deep roots in Lebanon and strong support from Iran."

    Read the original article on Business Insider