Category: Stock Market

  • Guess which ASX lithium share just rebounded 15%

    A young woman wearing a blue blouse with white polkadots holds her phone up with an intrigued and happy look on her face as she reads some news.A young woman wearing a blue blouse with white polkadots holds her phone up with an intrigued and happy look on her face as she reads some news.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) is up 0.85% in late afternoon trading, but this ASX lithium share is outperforming the index.

    Atlantic Lithium Ltd (ASX: A11) shares soared 14.6% in earlier trade today from 41 to 47 cents apiece. However, the company’s share price has since given back some of its gains and is now up 8.5% to 44.5 cents. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently 0.68% higher.

    So why is this ASX lithium share having such a top run today?

    What’s going on?

    Atlantic Lithium is developing the Ewoyaa lithium project in Ghana, West Africa. This project is funded via an agreement with Piedmont Lithium Inc (ASX: PLL).

    Despite today’s gains, Atlantic Lithium’s share price has shed a mammoth 34% in the past month. It seems the company has recently been exposed to a short attack from Blue Orca.

    However, as my Foolish colleague James reported today, it may be that short sellers are now closing their positions or investors believe Atlantic Lithium shares were sold off unfairly amid the attack.

    Last week, Blue Orca alleged in a short-seller report that Atlantic Lithium derived key Ghana mining licenses by “making secret payments” and “promises of payment” to the immediate family of a high-level Ghana politician.

    This led to both Atlantic Lithium and its partner Piedmont Lithium entering a trading halt last week.

    However, on Friday, Atlantic Lithium denied the claims and described Blur Orca’s report as “false and misleading”.

    Atlantic Lithium said:

    The company holds valid prospecting licences with operating permits for all of its current activities, in accordance with the Ghanaian government and the Minerals Commission’s requirements, and outrightly refutes the allegations of impropriety made by the report.

    Atlantic Lithium cautions investors not to make decisions based on the report, which it considers factually untrue.

    Share price snapshot

    The Atlantic Lithium share price has lost 23% in the last year.

    For perspective, the ASX 200 has slipped 0.56% in the past 12 months.

    This ASX lithium share has a market capitalisation of nearly $269 billion based on the current share price.

    The post Guess which ASX lithium share just rebounded 15% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Monica O’Shea 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.

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  • Should I load up on Telstra shares at $4 each?

    A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.

    A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.

    After peaking at a 52-week high last month, Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares have pulled back and currently sit a touch over the $4.00 mark.

    Investors may now be wondering if this has opened up a buying opportunity or if they should keep their powder dry for the time being.

    Are Telstra shares a buy at current levels?

    If the broker community is to be believed, now would be a great time to pick up Telstra shares.

    A good number of brokers have the equivalent of buy ratings on the telco giant’s shares with price targets offering meaningful upside.

    For example, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, Macquarie, Morgan Stanley, and Morgans are all bullish and expect double-digit gains from its shares over the next 12 months.

    What are brokers saying?

    Over at Goldman Sachs, its analysts have a buy rating and $4.60 price target on the company’s shares. This suggests potential upside of over 13% from current levels.

    The broker also expects a 17 cents per share fully franked dividend, which represents a 4.2% yield. Goldman commented:

    We believe the low risk earnings (and dividend) growth that Telstra is delivering across FY22-25, underpinned through its mobile business, is attractive. We also believe that Telstra has a meaningful opportunity to crystalise value through commencing the process to monetize its InfraCo Fixed assets – which we estimate could be worth between A$22-33bn.

    Whereas over at Morgans, its analysts have an add rating and $4.70 price target. This suggests upside of 16% for Telstra’s shares. And with the broker also expecting a 17 cents per share dividend in FY 2023, the total return stretches beyond 20%.

    Morgans agrees that asset divestments could unlock value for shareholders. It said:

    After a major turnaround, TLS has emerged in good shape with strong earnings momentum and a strong balance sheet. In late CY22 shareholders vote on Telstra’s legal restructure, which opens the door for value to be released. TLS currently trades on ~7x EV/EBITDA. However some of TLS’s high quality long life assets like InfraCo are worth substantially more, in our view. We don’t think this is in the price so see it as value generating for TLS shareholders.

    The post Should I load up on Telstra shares at $4 each? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Telstra Corporation Limited, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Telstra Corporation 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 are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. 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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  • 2 ASX 300 directors who’ve each sold over $3 million of their company shares in a week

    Two businessmen stand gazing out an office full length window onto the cityscape outside.Two businessmen stand gazing out an office full length window onto the cityscape outside.

    S&P/ASX 300 (ASX: XKO) shares are trading higher today, up 0.65% to 7,011.6 points.

    Over the past week, two company directors have sold down more than $3 million worth of shares.

    Let’s find out why.

    Chair of ASX 300 healthcare company sells 50,000 shares

    According to a change of director’s interest notice lodged with the ASX yesterday, the chair of Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME), Peter Kempen, has sold 50,000 shares in the ASX 300 healthcare company.

    The total consideration was just under $3.1 million.

    The on-market sell-down occurred over a number of days between 7 March and 13 March through his wife’s superannuation fund. Kempen is the trustee and a member of the fund.

    Pro Medicus issued a statement explaining the sale was “part of a rebalancing of the superannuation fund’s portfolio interests”.

    It also said Kempen was not contemplating any further sales of Pro Medicus shares in the foreseeable future.

    Kempen now holds 629,082 shares in the ASX 300 company.

    The Pro Medicus share price is currently $61.81, up 1.54% today and up 13.7% in the year to date.

    Key investor in EML Payments reduces stake by 2%

    Alta Fox Capital Management is a long-term key shareholder of EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML).

    Until last week, Alta Fox had a 10.24% stake in the payments provider.

    Then came a change in substantial holding notice last Wednesday.

    It revealed that Alta Fox Capital sold almost 7.92 million EML shares in three on-market transactions between 6 March and 8 March.

    The total consideration was just over $3.48 million.

    This reduced its shares in the ASX 300 company from a 10.24% stake to 8.14%.

    Such a large transaction warranted a statement on the news from EML Payments.

    The EML statement references a letter from Alta Fox explaining the transaction.

    It says:

    Alta Fox confirms that following advice recently received by it, it has reduced its holding in EML in satisfaction of regulatory look-through provisions pertaining to international subsidiaries wholly owned by EML.

    Alta Fox confirms that it has concluded its sales of EML shares, is a long-term investor and has no current intention to sell any additional EML shares.

    Alta Fox managing director, Connor Haley, who is a non-executive director of EML, commented:

    Alta Fox has a long history as an investor in EML. EML has a collection of great businesses around the world, and we look forward to supporting its continued growth.

    The EML share price is currently 45.25 cents, up 1.69% today and down 27.4% in the year to date.

    The post 2 ASX 300 directors who’ve each sold over $3 million of their company shares in a week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 EML Payments and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended EML Payments and Pro Medicus. 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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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    A young man sits at his desk working on his laptop with a big smile on his face due to his ASX shares going up and in particular the Computershare share price

    A young man sits at his desk working on his laptop with a big smile on his face due to his ASX shares going up and in particular the Computershare share priceMany of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models again, leading to the release of a number of broker notes this week.

    Three ASX shares brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

    Carsales.Com Ltd (ASX: CAR)

    According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts have retained their overweight rating on this auto listings company’s shares with an improved price target of $27.00. Morgan Stanley was pleased with the company’s decision to increase its stake in Brazil’s Webmotors. Particularly given the strength of the global car market in tough times. The Carsales share price is trading at $21.95 this afternoon.

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

    A note out of Goldman Sachs reveals that its analysts have reiterated their buy rating and $7.90 price target on this location technology company’s shares. Goldman believes that Life360’s shares are materially undervalued given its resilient business model and strong growth outlook. Its analysts continue to believe that an inflection point is coming, with Life360 expecting to be profitable this year. The Life360 share price is fetching $5.20 on Wednesday.

    New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC)

    Analysts at Morgans have retained their add rating on this coal miner’s shares with a trimmed price target of $6.65. While the broker acknowledges that New Hope’s interim dividend could disappoint next month, it believes this is due to coal miners conserving cash for potential M&A activity. Nevertheless, it still expects a full-year dividend of $1.10 per share, which represents a massive 19% yield for investors. The New Hope share price is trading at $5.33 today.

    The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Carsales.com. 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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  • Hoping to dig into the record IGO dividend? You’d better be quick

    A woman looking at her watch representing need to buy ASX shares urgently.A woman looking at her watch representing need to buy ASX shares urgently.

    Hoping to dig into the record IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) dividend? You’d better be quick. 

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium share IGO jumped onto income investors’ radars on the last day of January after the company reported very strong half-year results, including a record dividend.

    The record IGO dividend won’t be available for long

    With lithium prices hitting all-time highs in the latter months of 2022, the IGO board declared a fully franked interim dividend of 14 cents per share, setting a new record for the lithium producer.

    Commenting on the results at the time, acting CEO Matt Dusci said, “We are delighted to report a highly successful and profitable half-year result, with the strength of our lithium business helping drive record earnings, record net profit and declaration of a record interim dividend.”

    Indeed, IGO’s half-year of underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $834 million was up 269% from the $226 million reported in the first half of the 2022 financial year.

    And net profit after taxes (NPAT) leapt 549% from the prior corresponding half-year to hit $591 million.

    But we were talking about the IGO dividend.

    Investors who want that payment to land in their bank account will need to own shares at the end of the day today.

    IGO trades ex-dividend tomorrow, 16 March.

    Eligible investors can expect to receive that payment on 31 March.

    IGO share price snapshot

    As you can see in the chart below, the IGO share price remains up 6% over the past 12 months, despite sliding from its late 2022 highs.

    The post Hoping to dig into the record IGO dividend? You’d better be quick appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Igo Ltd, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Igo Ltd 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 are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

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  • If I’d invested $5,000 in Xero shares a week ago, here’s how much I’d have now!

    Man ponders a receipt as he looks at his laptop.Man ponders a receipt as he looks at his laptop.

    Many big-name S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have fallen in the last week, but Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) shares have bucked the trend.

    Xero (ASX: XRO) shares have soared 11.29% from $78.62 at market close Wednesday 8 March to $87.50 at last look today.

    In comparison, the benchmark ASX 200 index has slid 3.75% in the same time frame.

    Let’s take a look at how much I would have now if I had invested $5,000 in Xero shares a week ago.

    How much would I make?

    A week ago, Xero shares were fetching $78.62. This means if I had invested $5,000 into Xero at this price, I would have received 63 shares with $46.94 in cash left over.

    Now, with Xero shares trading at $87.50, these shares would be worth $5,512.5. This means, my investment in Xero would have delivered more than $500 in gains in just a week.

    Xero revealed this week that it had “no material exposure” to the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse. As my Foolish colleague James reported, Xero’s total exposure to SVB was about US$5 million, which represents less than 1% of Xero’s cash and cash equivalents as of 30 September 2022.

    Meanwhile, on 9 March, Xero revealed it will cut staff by 700 to 800 globally to reduce costs and drive growth. This is designed to improve Xero’s operating profit.

    Commenting on this news, CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy said:

    We have made strong progress in executing our strategy. However as we aspire to build a higher performing global SaaS company and to enable Xeroʼs next phase of growth and drive better customer outcomes, we need to streamline and simplify our organisation.

    The team at Morgans has recently placed an “add” rating on Xero shares with a $97 price target. This implies an upside of nearly 11% based on the current share price.

    Morgans described Xero as a “high quality cash generative business” with “impressive customer advocacy and duration”. The broker added:

    Over the last 12 months rising interest rates and competition have made things harder for Xero.

    However, we see the current short term weakness as a rare opportunity to buy a high quality global growth company at a discount to the life time value of its current customer base.

    Xero share price snapshot

    Xero shares have slid 6% in the last year. However, in the past month, they have climbed 11.41%.

    For perspective, the ASX 200 has shed 0.77% in the last 52 weeks.

    Xero has a market capitalisation of about $13.1 billion based on the current share price.

    The post If I’d invested $5,000 in Xero shares a week ago, here’s how much I’d have now! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Xero Limited, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Xero Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Monica O’Shea has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Pilbara Minerals or Core Lithium shares: Which would I buy?

    A female employee in a hard hat and overalls with high visibility stripes sits at the wheel of a large mining vehicle with mining equipment in the background.A female employee in a hard hat and overalls with high visibility stripes sits at the wheel of a large mining vehicle with mining equipment in the background.

    It’s no secret that ASX lithium shares like Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) have exploded in popularity over the past year or two on the ASX.

    Investors are noticing that lithium is rapidly evolving into an essential industrial metal for the 21st century – being a key ingredient in the rechargeable batteries that will soon dominate our transportation system and the electrical grid. 

    But just because a commodity is useful doesn’t mean that the companies that mine it are automatic wealth generators. Many oil companies have given investors lousy returns over time, despite the fact that most of us still have to fill up our cars.

    So today, let’s look at two ASX lithium shares in Core Lithium and Pilbara Minerals, and see which one might be worth investing in.

    Now, I have written before about my general lack of love towards lithium shares. I don’t own any in my portfolio, and I don’t expect to.

    But that means I have missed out on some impressive gains.

    Over the past 12 months, the Pilbara share price has risen by 42.8%. And over the past 2 years or so, investors have enjoyed a whopping 250% gain:

    Core Lithium’s short-term performance hasn’t been quite as impressive. Over the past year, this ASX lithium share has lost 14% of its value. But over two years, investors have still enjoyed gains of 290% or thereabouts:

    So both shares have been impressive performers and wealth generators for investors over recent years.

    But if someone forced me to choose between investing in Pilbara Minerals and Core Lithium, how would I pick the winner?

    Well, it would start and end with the fundamentals.

    So let’s compare the recent half-year earnings reports that these two companies have recently released.

    Pilbara vs. Core Lithium shares: Which would I choose?

    Starting with Pilbara, this lithium share revealed its numbers for the six months to 31 December on 23 February last month.

    As we covered at the time, this saw Pilbara report $2.18 billion in revenues, up 305% from the previous year’s report. This helped boost the company’s statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) to $1.24 billion, up an extraordinary 989%.

    As a result, Pilbara was able to declare its first-ever dividend payment – an inaugural dividend of 11 cents per share, fully franked. 

    Let’s see how that compares to Core Lithium.

    So Core reported its own earnings earlier this month, on 9 March.

    But it was a bit of a different picture. Firstly, Core Lithium made a loss of $9.2 million for the period. That was up from the loss of $3.3 million over the prior corresponding half.

    That translated into an earnings per share (EPS) loss of 0.52 cents per share, up from the prior loss of 0.22 cents. Unsurprisingly, no dividend was declared here.

    Now, it’s important to note that these results don’t include Core Lithium’s first sale of lithium from its Finiss project, which will be booked in the second half of FY2023.

    But they do show that Core lithium and Pilbara share about as similar as chalk and cheese when it comes to business maturity.

    So thanks to Pilbara’s healthy profitability and dividend-paying status, I would choose to invest in Pilbara shares over Core Lithium any day if I had to pick.

    I like investing in companies that make money. And while Core Lithium might get to the same level of profitability as Pilbara in a few years, it’s not something I would be prepared to bet my capital on right now.

    The post Pilbara Minerals or Core Lithium shares: Which would I buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    FREE Investing Guide for Beginners

    Despite what some people may say – we believe investing in shares doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated…

    For over a decade, we’ve been helping everyday Aussies get started on their journey.

    And to help even more people cut through some of the confusion “experts’” seem to want to perpetuate – we’ve created a brand-new “how to” guide.

    Yes, Claim my FREE copy!
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Here’s how to value the Westpac share price

    A grey-haired mature-aged man with glasses stands in front of a blackboard filled with mathematical workings as he holds a pad of paper in one hand and a pen in the other and stands smiling at the camera.

    A grey-haired mature-aged man with glasses stands in front of a blackboard filled with mathematical workings as he holds a pad of paper in one hand and a pen in the other and stands smiling at the camera.Recent events in the United States involving Silicon Valley Bank have weighed heavily on the Australian banking sector and the Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price this month.

    This has left the banking giant’s shares trading at $21.58, which is almost 13% lower than their 52-week high.

    Is the Westpac share price good value right now?

    In order to know if the Westpac share price is good value, we will have to find a way to undertake a valuation. Luckily, the team at Goldman Sachs has provided its valuation model to help us on our way.

    Firstly, many investors like to use price to earnings ratios when valuing shares. However, this is not something that Goldman uses for bank shares. And there are strong arguments out there that this is the correct approach when looking at the sector.

    Instead, its analysts use a “DCF & P/NTA vs. ROTE” valuation methodology. Don’t worry if that doesn’t make a lot of sense, I’ll take you through it now.

    The DCF stands for discounted cash flow. This is essentially the sum of all future cash flows, discounted to take account of the time value of money. On a per share basis, Goldman Sachs estimates that Westpac has a value of $29.27 on a DCF basis.

    However, this only makes up 50% of its valuation methodology. So, we still have to throw in the second part: P/NTA versus ROTE.

    This is the price to net tangible assets versus its sustainable return on tangible equity. The latter is the same as return on equity but excludes intangibles such as goodwill. Goldman estimates the bank’s sustainable ROTE to be 12%.

    In light of this ROTE, the broker believes Westpac’s shares deserve to trade at 1.4x NTA. Which, based on its NTA estimate of $18.70 per share in FY 2023, equates to a figure of $26.20 per share. This will make up the remaining 50% of its valuation.

    If we combine the two together, we get a valuation of $27.74 for the Westpac share price.

    And with its shares currently fetching $21.58, this implies material upside of greater than 28% over the next 12 months. No wonder Goldman has the bank’s shares on its conviction list with a buy rating!

    The post Here’s how to value the Westpac share price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Westpac Banking Corporation right now?

    Before you consider Westpac Banking Corporation, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Westpac Banking Corporation 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 are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Westpac Banking. 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 recommended Westpac Banking. 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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  • Buy 8,333 shares in this ASX growth stock for $1,500 in annual dividends

    A man wakes up happy with a smile on his face and arms outstretched.A man wakes up happy with a smile on his face and arms outstretched.

    Looking for an ASX growth stock offering a healthy passive income stream? 

    You may wish to run your slide rule over Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH).

    You’ve likely heard of Adairs. The company is one of Australia’s leading home furnishings specialist retail stocks. It has three store brands – Adairs, Mocka and Focus on Furniture.

    The ASX growth stock has a strong record of value creation, with an experienced management team and a growing e-commerce footprint.

    And Adairs has an admirable record of paying two, fully franked dividends per year.

    So, how much stock do you need to buy for $1,5000 in annual dividends?

    8,333 shares in this ASX growth stock for $1,500 in annual dividends

    First, bear in mind we’re looking at trailing dividends here.

    Future dividends from this ASX growth stock could be higher or lower.

    With that said, Adairs reported some strong half-year results for the six months ending 31 December.

    Highlights included record sales of $324 million, up 34% from the prior corresponding half-year. Statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) leapt 24% to $22 million, while net debts came down by 13% over the prior six months, to $81 million.

    Looking ahead, management reaffirmed sales guidance of $625 million to $665 million for the full 2023 financial year.

    Citing elevated supply chain costs, management reduced its earnings before income and taxes (EBIT) guidance by $5 million to the range of $70 million and $80 million.

    The board also declared a fully franked, interim dividend of 8 cents per share, in line with the previous year.

    Adding in the 10 cents per share final dividend (paid out on 23 September) and this ASX growth stock offers a fully franked trailing yield of 7.9% at the current share price of $2.27.

    And to garner $1,500 in annual dividends, you’d need to buy 8,333 shares.

    Adairs share price snapshot

    When looking for ASX growth stocks to provide regular passive income, you ideally want to invest in companies that are also delivering capital gains.

    As you can see in the chart below the Adairs share price has dropped 20% over the past year.

    But the share price has stabilised in 2023. And Goldman Sachs, despite having a neutral rating on the stock, has a target price of $3.10. That’s almost 37% above the current share price.         

    The post Buy 8,333 shares in this ASX growth stock for $1,500 in annual dividends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Adairs Limited, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Adairs 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 are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Adairs. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Adairs. 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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  • Why 29Metals, Eagers Automotive, Northern Star, and Woodside shares are dropping today

    A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.

    A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is back on form on Wednesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.4% to 7,038.7 points.

    Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

    29Metals Ltd (ASX: 29M)

    The 29Metals share price is down almost 16% to $1.17. This follows the release of an update on its troubled Capricorn Copper operation. Last week, the company revealed that heavy rainfall was expected to take the operation offline for three-to-four weeks. However, things have been worse than feared and the disruption is “now expected to be more significant.” So much so, the operation could be out of action for upwards of four months.

    Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

    The Eagers Automotive share price is down 3.5% to $13.18. This has been driven by the auto retailer’s shares going ex-dividend this morning for its final dividend. Last month, Eagers Automotive declared a record fully franked final dividend of 49 cents per share. This will be paid to eligible shareholders on 31 March.

    Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

    The Northern Star share price is down almost 2% to $11.04. Investors have been selling gold shares on Wednesday following a pullback in the price of the precious metal overnight. Though, it is worth noting that Northern Star’s shares are still up 7% since this time last week.

    Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

    The Woodside share price is down 1.5% to $32.73. This follows a sharp decline in oil prices during overnight trade. Both Brent and WTI crude oil prices fell heavily after US inflation was in line with expectations. This means the US Federal Reserve is likely to follow through with its rate hike plans, which some fear could cause economic turmoil and hurt demand for oil.

    The post Why 29Metals, Eagers Automotive, Northern Star, and Woodside shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    4 ways to prepare for the next bull market

    It’s a scary market. But staying in cash when inflation is surging likely won’t do investors any good either.

    And when some world-class companies have pulled back considerably from their recent highs… All while their fundamentals remain unchanged…

    It begs the question…

    Do you have these 4 stocks in your portfolio?

    See The 4 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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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 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.

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