Author: therawinformant

Kleos Space SA (ASX: KSS) today asked the ASX to halt trading on its shares pending a major announcement. The request comes alongside other news released by the company this morning, in which it announced a significant breakthrough. Its first cluster of 4 satellites has entered orbit after a successful launch mission.

Kleos Space’s shares will remain in trading halt until the start normal trading on Wednesday, or when the announcement is released to the market.

What does Kleos Space do?

Kleos Space was founded in 2017 by experienced space engineers to develop space enabled Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) concept, and disruptive space technologies. It launches and operates satellite infrastructure that is meant to generate commercial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and geo-services data. Kleos then sells this data internationally via subscription to government agencies, the intelligence community, or businesses.

The company listed on the ASX in 2018, and has a current market cap of $112 million.

What was the announcement today?

Kleos Space announced a major breakthrough today with 4 of its satellites entering orbit following a successful launch mission from India on Saturday.

The company advised that contact has been made with all 4 satellites. It claims that it is the first company to fly clusters of 4 satellites to geolocate radio frequency transmitters. This geolocation data will enable governments and other organisations to detect hidden maritime activity such as drug and people smuggling, piracy and illegal fishing, as well as identify those in need of search and rescue at sea.

The company also said that the 37 degree-inclined orbit provided extensive coverage over crucial areas of interest such as Strait of Hormuz, South China Sea, East/West Africa, Southern Sea of Japan, northern Australian coast, and the Timor Sea. After this successful deployment, the company says that the commissioning phase has now started. 

Kleos Space CEO Andy Bowyer says of this breakthrough:

We are very excited to have our first cluster of four satellites in orbit. It is only three years since Kleos Space was founded.

This launch marks an important milestone for Kleos and will – post the satellite commissioning phase – enable the collection, then delivery of our commercial and independent data to government agencies, the ISR community and organisations interested in locating threats, assets or those in need of search and rescue.

I again extend my thanks to our entire team and to our security holders that have invested in Kleos which now enters its next stage of growth.

More reading

• ASX stock of the day: Kleos Space (ASX:KSS) shares rocket 21% on satellite news
• Which small cap ASX shares were the best performers in October?

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

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Underperforming ASX banks and insurers may soon be getting a $100 million boost to their fortunes, according to a leading broker.

That would mark a turnaround for these ASX stocks even though they’ve benefitted from the recent S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) rally.

The share market held up better than what many feared through the US election. It now is about to get a further $100 billion boost from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

QE tide to lift ASX stocks

Our central bankers are committing a further $100 billion to quantitative easing (QE) – a program that will see the RBA purchase government bonds.

The effect of this is to lower interest rates and inject extra cash into the financial system to stimulate the COVID‐19-stricken economy.

QE programs have a tendency to drive equity markets higher too, and this time is no exception.

Why CBA and other ASX banks and insurers will benefit this time

However, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) believes that ASX banks and insurers will benefit more this time round as opposed to tech stocks.

The ASX tech darlings, such as the Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price and Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price, have received a big boost from previous QE injections.

This is evidenced by the rapid expansion in their price-earnings (P/E) ratios earlier in the year.

“The sectors that benefit more from the next $100bn of QE may be different to the ones that saw the largest PE expansion over April to October,” said Macquarie.

“In particular, we may see more PE expansion from Insurance and Banks. The PEs for both sectors initially rose with RBA Investments, but then de-coupled in September as the market anticipated further RBA easing.”

Upside potential for the CBA share price

The broker noted that unless the RBA moves to suppress the yields on longer-term bonds, there is more upside than downside risk for the 10-year yields over the next six months.

Rising yields will allow P/Es of banks and insurers to recouple with the RBA’s QE investments. If this prediction comes to pass, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price, National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) share price and QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) share price could outperform.

Good news not in the price

What’s more, the market is yet to price in the $100 billion tailwind for these stocks.

“With all the focus on the US Election, we think the significance of the RBA’s additional $100bn in QE has not received the attention it deserves,” added Macquarie.

“Sure A$100bn looks small compared to the US$3tr added by the [US Federal Reserve] in 2020, but Australia’s economy is smaller.”

But ASX banks and insurers aren’t the only ASX stocks well placed to deliver outsized returns in 2021. The experts at the Motley Fool have picked another group that that think make great buys for the year ahead.

Follow the link below to find out more.

More reading

• ASX 200 jumps 1.7%: REA Group surges to record high, bank shares push higher
• 5 ASX 200 shares that rose by more than 15% last week
• Is the NAB (ASX:NAB) share price a bargain buy?
• 5 notable events on the ASX 200 this week
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: US election special

Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and National Australia Bank Limited. Connect with me on Twitter @brenlau.

The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO and Appen Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The Actinogen Medical Ltd (ASX: ACW) share price jumped 4.5% on open this morning, after the company announced it has filed two new patent applications to strengthen and extend its intellectual property (IP) portfolio.  

What does Actinogen Medical do?

Actinogen Medical is an ASX biotech company. It specialises in developing novel therapies of a range of conditions. These include neurological, psychiatric and metabolic diseases associated with chronically elevated cortisol. This is a metabolic disorder caused by overproduction of corticosteroid hormones by the adrenal cortex. Often it is associated with obesity and high blood pressure.

The lead compound currently being developed by Actinogen is called “Xanamem”. This compound is a new type of therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, Fragile X syndrome, schizophrenia and diabetes. According to the company, solutions to effectively address these conditions and the burdens for patients have not yet adequately been met. It is therefore focusing on the gap in this market.

Why are these patents important?

The two patents filed this week are to expand and extend the company’s IP estate. 

The first patent filed requests protection for a method of improving cognition or treating cognitive decline in cognitively healthy subjects. Expansion of the IP estate is a key goal here.

The second patent filed provided protection to a commercial scale-up manufacturing process for Xanamem. This patent is the result of a collaborative effort between Actinogen Medical and a Switzerland-based contract development and manufacturing organisation.

Actinogen holds a large number of patents, either granted or pending. The new patents filed this week have the ability to extend patent life. Protection around Xanamem is now effective until 2040 at least. This gives the company a long runway of breathing room to continue its research and development.

In statement to the ASX today, Actinogen Medical CEO and managing director Dr Bill Ketelbey had this to say:

Strengthening our IP portfolio and extending the patent life of protection over Xanamem is aligned with our broader commercialisation strategy for Xanamem. The potential to treat cognitively healthy subjects, a population in which XanaHES demonstrated clear efficacy results, as well as treat those at risk of cognitive impairment, is a significant medical and commercial opportunity. Equally, the patented and optimised manufacturing methodology provides an efficient and commercially viable process which provides a substantial new barrier to competition. Actinogen remains focused on maintaining and extending the protection of Xanamem to maximise its commercial potential.

Foolish takeaway

The Actinogen Medical share price opened 4.5% higher on this positive news today. However, overall this year the Actinogen Medical share price is down more than 30%. 

More reading

• Why the CBA (ASX:CBA) share price and these ASX stocks could get a $100bn boost
• ASX 200 jumps 1.7%: REA Group surges to record high, bank shares push higher
• Why Platinum, ReadyTech, Tabcorp, & Whitehaven shares are dropping lower
• Crown (ASX:CWN) share price bucked bad news to rise 6% last week
• AVITA Therapeutics (ASX:AVH) share price climbs higher on reverse ageing project

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

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The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has started the week in fine form and is surging higher again. At lunch, the benchmark index is up a sizeable 1.7% to 6,295 points.

Here’s what is happening on the market today:

REA Group shares surge higher.

The REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) share price has continued its strong run and surged to a record high on Monday. This morning analysts at Goldman Sachs retained their buy rating and lifted their price target on the property listings company’s shares to $143.00 following its strong first quarter update. The broker expects REA Group to benefit from a near term listings recovery and a step change in earnings as it introduces Premiere Plus.

Bank shares climb.

The majority of the big four banks are climbing higher on Monday, albeit not quite as strongly as the ASX 200 index. The only bank missing out on the gains today is Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ). The ANZ share price is down 1% at lunch after trading ex-dividend this morning for its 35 cents per share final dividend. If you took this dividend out of the equation, ANZ’s shares would be pushing higher today.

BHP completes Shenzi deal.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is pushing higher after announcing the completion of its acquisition of an additional 28% working interest in Shenzi from Hess Corporation. Shenzi is a six-lease development in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. With this transaction bringing BHP’s working interest to 72%, it adds approximately 11,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of production (90% oil) as of the transaction closing date of 6 November 2020.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers.

The REA Group share price is the best performer on the ASX 200 on Monday with a gain of 7.5%. This follows a positive response to its first quarter update by brokers. The worst performer with a 2.5% decline is the Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price. Concerns over China potentially banning Australian coal imports appears to be weighing on its shares.

More reading

• Why the CBA (ASX:CBA) share price and these ASX stocks could get a $100bn boost
• Why Platinum, ReadyTech, Tabcorp, & Whitehaven shares are dropping lower
• 5 ASX 200 shares that rose by more than 15% last week
• 5 notable events on the ASX 200 this week
• BHP (ASX:BHP) share price higher after completing US$505m Shenzi deal

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

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In late morning trade the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the week with a strong gain. At the time of writing the benchmark index is up 1.5% to 6,281.4 points.

Four shares that have missed out on the rally today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping lower:

Platinum Asset Management Ltd (ASX: PTM)

The Platinum share price is down almost 1% to $3.07 following the release of its latest funds under management update. According to the release, during October, the fund manager experienced net outflows of approximately $197 million. But thanks to favourable market movements, the company’s funds under management grew 1.3% month on month to $21,769 million.

ReadyTech Holdings Ltd (ASX: RDY)

The ReadyTech share price has fallen 2% to $1.96 after returning from a trading halt. The education and employment software as a service provider’s shares were halted last week whilst it launched a $25 million institutional placement at $1.88 per new share. This represents a 6.2% discount to its last close price. These funds will be used for the potential acquisitions of leading government-based software provider, Open Office, and justice case management software provider, McGirr.

Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH)

The Tabcorp share price has dropped 1.5% to $4.04. Investors have been selling the gambling company’s shares after it experienced an outage over the weekend. The major outage impacted its TAB, Keno, and Gaming Services operations and systems from around 11:30am AEDT on Saturday. The majority of its services have now been restored. Management’s immediate focus is on ensuring the systems return to optimal service levels in coming days.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

The Whitehaven share price is down almost 3% to $1.06 despite there being no news out of the coal miner. However, as I mentioned here earlier today, Whitehaven has recently become one of the most shorted shares on the Australian share market. Investors appears concerned by reports that China is banning Australian coal imports.

More reading

• 5 ASX 200 shares that rose by more than 15% last week
• Why the ReadyTech (ASX:RDY) share price is dropping lower today
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: US election special
• These are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX
• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week

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

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The Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) share price rose by 6.7% last week, despite a barrage of bad news. 

On one hand, the company is planning to open its new establishment at Barangaroo on 14 December. On the other hand the gaming commission inquiry has heard that Crown is unsuitable to hold the casino licence.

Counsel assisting the inquiry also stated clearly that the influence of Packer and his private company Consolidated Press Holdings (CPH) had a “deleterious impact on the good governance of Crown”.

Even NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian has cast doubt on the opening of Crown’s NSW casino, stating that she would seek “urgent and immediate” advice on the matter. 

How has the Crown share price performed recently?

The Crown share price fell dramatically prior to its AGM. This was after the company’s largest institutional investor, Perpetual Limited (ASX: PPT), declared it would vote to oppose the re-election of three directors. This follows months of public discussion of money laundering accusations at Crown. Financial crimes regulator AUSTRAC has also declared “serious concerns” over the issue, driving it to launch its own investigation.

On the day before Crown’s AGM, the company formally announced the termination of all agreements between Crown and CPH. In addition, the AGM saw a strong protest vote against three directors, as well as the board’s remuneration report. The abstention by CPH allowed the directors to retain their seats, but also caused the remuneration report to receive a “first strike”.

Additionally, the Australian Financial Review reports that the federal Labor Party has demanded Crown chair Helen Coonan be removed from her role as the head of the federal government’s Australian Financial Complaints Authority.

Nevertheless, the Crown share price began to edge upwards after its AGM.

Foolish takeaway

The resignation of two directors, termination of all agreements between CPH and Crown, and the continuing gaming commission inquiry are all an exercise in transparency and accountability.

Amid the recent turbulence, the Crown share price continues to rise, sitting at $9.04 at the time of writing.

More reading

• RBA taps bank partners for crypto Australian dollar project
• Why the AMP (ASX:AMP) share price could be set to rocket higher today
• These could be the next ASX stocks to unlock value by selling assets
• Crown Resorts (ASX:CWN) share price edges upward after AGM results
• Broker updates are mixed on these 6 high profile ASX 200 shares

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

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The AVITA Therapeutics Inc (ASX: AVH) share price is pushing higher on Monday following the release of an announcement.

At the time of writing, the regenerative medicine company’s shares are up over 2.5% to $6.10.

Why is the AVITA share price pushing higher?

Investors have been buying the company’s shares this morning after it announced a preclinical research collaboration with Houston Methodist Research Institute.

According to the release, the collaboration will see the pairing of AVITA’s proprietary Spray-On Skin Cells with Houston Methodist Research Institute’s expertise in reversing cellular ageing.

The project is ultimately seeking to establish proof-of-concept for the development of a novel approach to reverse ageing and rejuvenate skin. It also includes the potential for broader applicability, such as scar revision and wound healing.

In addition to this, AVITA has entered into an option agreement to negotiate an exclusive, worldwide license to this patented technology for skin applications. It also has the first right of negotiation to technologies emerging from the collaboration for potential further development and commercialisation.

Management commentary.

AVITA Therapeutics’ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mike Perry, commented: “The Houston Methodist Research Institute is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge approaches for reversing cellular aging, and we look forward to working together on the exploration of combining their technology with AVITA Therapeutics’ proprietary Spray-on Skin Cells to rejuvenate aging skin.”

“This collaboration expands our pipeline to include exploration of modified-cells delivery and is another milestone in our commitment to harnessing the promise of regenerative medicine and unlocking the full potential of our technology platform to improve patients’ lives through skin restoration,” he added.

This sentiment was echoed by the Houston Methodist Research Institute.

The Institute’s Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, John Cooke, M.D., Ph.D., commented: “AVITA Therapeutics’ innovative platform has advanced care for burn patients, and we are encouraged by the progress we have seen with our technology in improving cell function through our progeria research.”

“We look forward to collaborating with AVITA to combine our respective technology platforms to explore a potential new approach to reverse aging and improve functionality of skin. Our experience in RNAbased methods to regenerate blood vessels and reverse age-related endotheliopathy is directly relevant to skin repair and rejuvenation,” he concluded.

More reading

• 3 ASX small cap shares you must add to your watchlist
• The ASX 200 sank almost 2% today

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

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The Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) share price slipped 4% following its annual general meeting update last Thursday. Big brokers have largely raised their share price targets despite retaining neutral to sell ratings. Here’s the run down. 

FY21 trading update

The trading update highlights an 8.4% increase in group same store sales growth in the first 17 weeks of FY21.

Group CEO and managing director, Don Meij said that sales growth across the group was “now more normalised than at the initial peaks, in all regions above our medium term outlook”. Mr Meij pointed to Germany and Japan as outperforming regions given local coronavirus conditions and the assertive actions of management. 

During this period, the business also recorded 74 new store openings, a record for this time of the year, and reflecting the high level of appetite in its franchised and corporate business to meet customer demand. 

Despite short-term uncertainty and challenges, the business remains confident in its medium-long term outlook. Domino’s 3-5 year outlook targets annual same store sales growth between 3-6% and annual organic new store additions of between 7-9%. Given its ongoing strong performance, the company expects to see a record number of new stores open in FY21. 

Cautious broker updates for the Domino’s share price 

Big brokers updated their Domino’s share price targets last Friday with a largely neutral to negative tone. Domino’s trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of almost 50. This compares to similar food businesses such as Collins Food Ltd (ASX: CKF) that trades at half that valuation.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) raised its Domino’s share price target from $77.30 to $84.30 and retains a neutral rating. It notes that first quarter sales were ahead of expectations. However, new store openings was a disappointment but not surprising given the state of the pandemic outside Australia. 

UBS Group AG (NYSE: UBS) also raised its Domino’s share price target from $70.00 to $72.00 and retains a sell rating. Sales during the first quarter were in-line with expectations but it expects lower sales growth to reflect the ongoing impact of the pandemic in other regions. The price target increase was given to reflect its performance so far. 

Credit Suisse Group AG (NYSE: CS) was the only broker to lower its Domino’s share price target from $61.32 to $58.71 with an underperform rating. After reviewing the first quarter trading update, it notes slowing sales growth and expects the pandemic to continue to impact the business ex-Australia. 

More reading

• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: US election special
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell next week
• ASX 200 rises again on Friday
• Macquarie (ASX:MQG) share price under pressure after 32% profit drop
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Motley Fool contributor Lina Lim has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Collins Foods Limited and Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The story of last week on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) can be told largely in the 5 shares that saw the biggest gains. While the US election caused a fair bit of turbulence throughout the week, there were legitimate growth stories. In fact, just like the week before, when the ASX 200 was rocked by 2 separate billion dollar takeover ploys within 4 days of each other, last week also had a few surprises.

Last week on the ASX 200

Takeovers on the ASX 200

The Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH) share price rose 24.62% over last week, with most of it at the tail end of the week. On Friday, Tabcorp shares rose swiftly on rumours that private equity funds in the USA were running a ruler over the company with a view to acquisition.

The Australian believes the figure was likely to be around $9 billion, which is considerably more than Tabcorp was valued at when trading started on Friday.

Travel and tourism

The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price rose by 24.42% across the week, particularly after its AGM on Thursday. This ASX 200 share still faces a lot of uncertainty. Nevertheless, it has approximately $1 billion in liquidity to tide it over for an extended period. Moreover, the company has been very ruthless in cost cutting measures and believes it can be profitable at 40% of pre-COVID-19 revenues. 

Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) saw its share price jump by 20.34% in the week of its AGM. The company made many difficult decisions through FY20 resulting in a 50% reduction in costs, even to the point of closing once profitable businesses. Moreover, the company strengthened its balance sheet with a share placement and rights entitlement from April 2020. Webjet believes people will resume their travel patterns as soon as conditions permit. However, this recovery will be decidedly non-linear and will initially emerge where either there are vaccines, or in safe corridors. 

Discretionary Retail

Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) saw its share price rise by 16.48% upon news of the intention to acquire the Castle Hill site in NSW.  This is on the back of a September announcement to purchase 5 properties currently leased by its dealerships. The latest purchase strengthens the company’s tangible assets value and will provide a $15 million benefit over the current lease term. AP Eagers intends to reconfigure the site to house up to 8 auto brands. 

REITs and infrastructure

Vicinity Centres (ASX: VCX) saw its share price jump by 15.7% across the week, after the announcement it intends to pay a dividend for this half. The ASX 200 REIT is heavily exposed to the Melbourne mall market, and is also impacted heavily by CBD workers staying home. Sales for the quarter ended 30 September across the portfolio were 32% below last year, largely due to the impact of Victorian centres being closed. Moreover, foot traffic has hit 80% of last year across the portfolio by early November.

More reading

• 5 notable events on the ASX 200 this week
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: US election special
• These are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX
• Which 5 ASX shares hit 52-week highs on Friday?
• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week

Motley Fool contributor Daryl Mather has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price has been a poor performer in 2020.

Since the start of the year, the banking giant’s shares are down a sizeable 20%.

Is this a buying opportunity?

One leading broker that sees the NAB share price weakness as a buying opportunity is Goldman Sachs.

According to a note out of the investment bank late last week, its analysts have retained their conviction buy rating and lifted the price target on the company’s shares to $21.18.

Combined with its forecast of a fully franked 85 cents per share dividend, this price target implies a potential total return of over 12.5% over the next 12 months.

Why does Goldman Sachs like NAB?

While Goldman notes that NAB fell short of its earnings expectations in FY 2020, it remains positive on its prospects in a difficult operating environment.

The broker commented: “While the industry is faced with a still difficult operating environment in FY21, characterised by sustained margin headwinds (competition and low rates) and still weak (albeit improving) volume growth, we believe in FY20 NAB has again proved itself an effective manager of the volume/NIM trade-off, and has embedded strong cost discipline across the organisation.”

“Furthermore, we see NAB as further progressed in relation to its investment requirements, allowing it to be more selective towards where resources are directed (productivity and technology), versus most of its peers. Coupled with still attractive valuations (NAB’s PPOP multiple is at a 13% discount to peers), and with our TP offering 16% TSR [now 12.5%], NAB remains Buy (on CL), and our preferred sector exposure.”

Where is the NAB dividend going?

One of the key reasons that investors buy bank shares is for the dividends.

In light of this, I thought I would take a look at where Goldman Sachs thinks the NAB dividend is heading over the coming years.

As I mentioned above, the broker has forecast an 85 cents per share dividend in FY 2021. After which, it has pencilled in dividends of 122 cents per share in FY 2022 and then 126 cents per share in FY 2023.

This means prospective dividend yields of 4.3%, 6.2%, and 6.45%, respectively. These yields will almost certainly be vastly superior to anything income investors will get from term deposits between now and then.

More reading

• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: US election special
• Here’s how the big four banks performed in FY 2020
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Is the NAB (ASX:NAB) share price a buy for dividends?
• Here’s how much NAB (ASX:NAB)’s new dividend is worth

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

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