Category: Stock Market

  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

    finger pressing red button on keyboard labelled Buy

    Last week saw a number of broker notes hitting the wires once again. Three buy ratings that caught my eye are summarised below.

    Here’s why brokers think investors ought to buy them next week:

    Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ)

    According to a note out of Credit Suisse, its analysts have retained their outperform rating and $29.50 price target on this banking giant’s shares. Credit Suisse notes that COVID-19 loan deferrals are continuing to decline in the sector. This was certainly the case at ANZ, with the bank seeing its total loan deferral balance more than halve during the month of February. This appears to reinforce the broker’s view that the worst is over and the outlook for the sector is improving greatly. The ANZ share price ended the week at $28.24.

    Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)

    Analysts at Ord Minnett have retained their buy rating and $30.00 price target on this iron ore producer’s shares. This follows the company’s event discussing Fortescue Future Industries. While the full details of the clean energy-focused business have not been revealed, the broker appears confident that it won’t negatively impact shareholder value. In light of this, it remains very positive on the company, particularly with the sky high iron ore price and a recent pullback in its share price. The Fortescue share price is currently trading at $20.25.

    Xero Limited (ASX: XRO)

    A note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have retained their overweight rating and lifted their price target on this cloud-based business and accounting platform provider’s shares to $140.00. The broker has been looking at its recent acquisitions of Planday and Tickstar and appears to believe that they will be supportive of growth in the future. In addition to this, it feels the risk/reward on offer with its shares is attractive after recent share price weakness. The Xero share price was trading at $130.87 at the end of the week.

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

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    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 Xero. 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • The chocolate industry: An Easter breakdown of who owns what

    Since it’s Easter time, you’ve probably taken some time away from eating chocolate to visit the Motley Fool. I thought this might be a good opportunity to dive into the industry that is Easter chocolate. Investing doesn’t have to take an Easter break, after all!

    So let’s dive right into the chocolate pile

    Chocolate all round

    So, according to a 2016 Roy Morgan survey (which is a few years old, but our chocolate habits probably don’t change too much), Australians favourite chocolate brands include the following: Cadbury, Cherry Ripe, Kit Kat, Mars Bars, Snickers, Lindt, Ferrero Rocher, Freddo Frog, Crunchie, Boost, Flake, Twirl and Bounty.

    Of these brands, Cherry Ripe, Freddo Frog, Crunchie, Boost, and Twirl are all owned by Cadbury. It may not come as a surprise that Cadbury dominates our local chocolate industry.

    Cadbury itself is a subsidiary of the US-listed food giant Mondelez International Inc (NASDAQ: MDLZ), despite its British roots. Mondelez also owns the Toblerone and Oreo brands.

    Mars Bars, Snickers, and Bounty are all owned by Mars, Incorporated. This company, also American, is one of the largest private companies in the world. So no Mars shares up for trading for us retail investors! Mars also owns the Wrigley’s line of gum, as well as the Eukanuba and Pedigree brands of pet food.

    Kit Kat is owned by the Swiss company Nestle SA (SWX: NESN), which is the largest food company in the world. Nestle also owns Allen’s lolly range, as well as chocolates like Milky Bar, Aero, and Smarties.

    Ferrero Rocher is owned by, well, Ferrero Group, who also owns Kinder Suprise, Nutella, and Raffaello. Ferrero is also a private company, but an Italian one.

    And finally we have Lindt, or Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG (SWX: LISN) if you want its full name. Lindt is also a publically traded Swiss company. Its famous products are arguably the Lindor balls and gold bunnies, which are a staple sight on supermarket shelves at Easter.

    Foolish takeaway

    Chocolate is a big business, especially at this time of year. As such, it’s certainly interesting to see which companies dominate our Easter purchasing in Australia. No surprises to see the Swiss making their names felt. However, it’s interesting to explore the origins of brands like Mars, Cadbury and Ferrero as well. Happy Easter!

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Mondelez International. 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell next week

    business man holding sign stating time to sell

    Once again, a large number of broker notes hit the wires last week. Some of these notes were positive and some were bearish.

    Three sell ratings that caught my eye are summarised below. Here’s why top brokers think investors ought to sell these shares next week:

    AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL)

    According to a note out of UBS, its analysts have retained their sell rating and $10.10 price target on this energy company’s shares. The broker notes that AGL plans to separate into two companies – New AGL and PrimeCo. While UBS believes New AGL will be a more ESG-friendly option for investors, it struggles to see the appeal of PrimeCo. This is due to the latter’s thermal coal assets. UBS also notes that the full details of the plan have yet to be released. The AGL share price ended the week at $9.72.

    Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN)

    Analysts at Morgan Stanley have retained their underweight rating and $9.90 price target on this regional bank’s shares. According to the note, the broker believes the banking sector’s near term outlook is positive due to heightened liquidity, favourable shifts in deposits, and low wholesale funding costs. However, it doesn’t see enough value in Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s shares to have a more positive rating. Especially given its concerns over ongoing margin management and costs. The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank share price was trading at $9.97 at the end of the week.

    JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH)

    Another note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have downgraded this retailer’s shares to an underweight rating with a reduced price target of $46.00. According to the note, Morgan Stanley made the move largely on valuation grounds and sees far more value in rival Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN). Furthermore, the broker notes that JB Hi-Fi is now cycling the panic buying period at the height of the pandemic. This could make achieving comparable store sales growth hard in the coming months. The JB Hi-Fi share price ended the week at $51.01.

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    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    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. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Top broker picks the best ASX shares to buy for the new quarter

    best asx shares to buy in january represented by 2021 formed with gold piggy bank

    Our market is expected to open on a positive foot on Tuesday and Morgans is recommending these ASX shares to buy if you want to make the most of the next leg in the market rally.

    The futures market is tipping a more than 1% gain for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) cum Tuesday after Wall Street hit another record high.

    Don’t be put off by high valuations. Morgans is urging investors to maintain an overweight position on equities.

    Best ASX investment strategy

    The global roll-out of COVID-19 vaccinations paint a bright picture for risk assets. The broker is pro-risk for the next six to 12 months.

    “Ultimately, we think investors need to be nimble across multiple themes (value, growth, yield, commodities, tech) as a bumpy road to recovery is likely to see valuations move through over-valued and under-valued territory,” said Morgans.

    “Equity investors need to consistently review their exposures, and to not be afraid to re-cycle profits into relative cheaper opportunities which we are finding are regularly presenting in the current climate.”

    ASX financial shares to bank on

    The broker believes that ASX domestic cyclical shares and those most beaten down by the pandemic represent the best opportunity.

    One such group is banks and financials. ASX shares that Morgans believes are worth buying include the Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price.

    Why you should buy ASX commodity shares

    Resources and agriculture shares are also favoured by the broker. Morgans is bullish about commodities due to improving demand, supply-side constraints, inflation worries and expected weakness in the US dollar.

    This explains why the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price, Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price and Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) share price as also on its buy list.

    “Our Best ideas profile several domestic cyclicals and small caps supported by their lower relative valuations and leverage to domestic activity,” added the broker.

    Other ASX shares on the buy list

    The shares to target here are the People Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: PPE) share price, Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) share price and Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) share price.

    Finally, another thematic to watch is market volatility. The broker noted that some “high-quality names” have been sold-off recently and the dip represents a buying opportunity as well.

    Some examples are the CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price, Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price and Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT) share price.

    Who said the ASX lacked buying opportunities?

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    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 more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    Brendon Lau owns shares of BHP Billiton Limited, CSL Ltd., Macquarie Group Limited, Nufarm Limited, Santos Limited, and Westpac Banking. Connect with me on Twitter @brenlau.

    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of CSL Ltd. and People Infrastructure Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Corporate Travel Management Limited and Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended People Infrastructure Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • 3 five-star ASX shares to buy in April

    Are you looking to make some additions to your portfolio in April? If you are, the three ASX shares listed below could be great options.

    They have been tipped as shares that could generate strong returns for investors in the future. Here’s why they could be five-star stocks:

    Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

    The first five-star stock to look at is Domino’s. This pizza chain operator could be a good option due to its strong market position and bold growth targets. At the end of the first half of FY 2021, Domino’s had a network of 2,800 stores. This was up 5% from 2,668 stores at the end of FY 2020. Positively, the company still sees significant room for growth over the next decade. In fact, management expects to almost double its network to 5,500 stores by 2033. At the same time, Domino’s is targeting consistently solid organic same store sales growth. If it delivers on these targets, it should result in strong top line growth over the next decade.

    Morgans is a fan of the company and has an add rating and $119.00 price target on its shares.

    REA Group Limited (ASX: REA)

    Another five-star stock to consider buying is REA Group. It is the digital advertising company that operates Australia’s leading property website, realestate.com.au. It also operates a number of complementary websites in the Australian market and internationally. Although market conditions were tough over the last few years, the resilience of its business model allowed REA Group to continue its growth. Pleasingly, with the housing market now booming, demand for listings looks set to increase materially. Combined with new revenue streams and its good cost control, REA Group appears well-placed to accelerate its growth.

    One broker that rates REA Group highly is Macquarie. It is very positive on the company’s outlook and has an outperform rating and $171.70 price target on its shares.

    ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

    A final five-star share to buy is ResMed. This sleep treatment-focused medical device company could be a great long term option due to the quality of its masks and software-as-a-service solution and their growing addressable market. In respect to the latter, demand for its offering looks set to grow in the future as the number of people diagnosed with sleep disorders increases. For example, management estimates that there could be upwards of 1 in 7 people impacted by sleep apnoea, with the vast majority of them undiagnosed. This potentially provides ResMed with a significant runway for growth over the next decade. 

    Credit Suisse is bullish on the company. It currently has an outperform rating and $29.50 price target on ResMed’s shares.

    Where to 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 more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Dominos Pizza Enterprises Limited, REA Group Limited, and ResMed Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • 2 blue chip ASX dividend shares you can buy in April

    sign containing the words buy now, asx growth shares ANZ Bank broker upgrade

    With interest rates unlikely to be going higher in the near future, ASX dividend shares look set to remain the best place to earn a passive income.

    But which ASX dividend shares should you buy? Two blue chips that are highly rated are listed below:

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

    The first ASX dividend share to consider is BHP. This mining giant is expected to generate significant free cash flow in the near term thanks to very favourable commodity prices.

    For example, due to sky high iron ore and copper prices, during the first half of FY 2021, the Big Australian reported a 15% increase in revenue to US$25.64 billion and a 21% jump in underlying EBITDA to US$14.7 billion. This led to BHP generating US$5.2 billion of free cash flow, with the vast majority of it returning to shareholders through dividends.

    Goldman Sachs expects more of the same in the second half and into next year. As a result, it is forecasting dividends of $2.31 per share in FY 2021 and $2.13 per share in FY 2022.

    Based on the current BHP share price of $45.65, this equates to fully franked 5.1% and 4.7% dividend yields. Goldman has a buy rating and $53.40 price target on its shares.

    Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

    Another ASX dividend share to consider is Westpac. Like BHP, Westpac has been performing strongly so far in FY 2021.

    In February the bank released its first quarter update and reported a $1.97 billion first quarter cash profit. This was more than double the average quarterly cash profit it recorded during the second half of FY 2020.

    But perhaps the most positive aspect of its result was the reversing of provisions. With the Australian economy faring materially better than expected during the pandemic, Australia’s oldest bank reversed ~$500 million of COVID-19 related impairments.

    This leaves the bank in a very strong position financially. So much so, some analysts are tipping Westpac to launch capital initiatives such as a share buyback program in FY 2022.

    One broker that believes the Westpac share price is in the buy zone is Morgans. It currently has an add rating and $27.50 price target on the bank’s shares.

    The broker is also forecasting dividends of $1.32 per share in FY 2021 and then $1.43 per share in FY 2022. Based on the latest Westpac share price of $24.54, this will mean fully franked yields of 5.4% and 5.8%.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of Westpac Banking. 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • 2 highly rated ASX growth shares to buy now

    steps to picking asx shares represented by four lightbulbs drawn on chalk board

    If you’re a fan of growth shares, then I have good news for you. The Australian share market is home to a good number of companies growing their earnings at a quick rate.

    Two ASX growth shares that could be worth a closer look are listed below. Here’s what you need to know about them:

    Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN)

    The first ASX growth to look at is Kogan. This leading ecommerce company has been growing at a rapid rate in FY 2021 thanks to the accelerating shift to online shopping. And while the rate that it is growing at will inevitably moderate in the near future, its long term outlook remains very positive.

    This is thanks to the structural shift online, its growing customer base, acquisitions and expansions, and increasing Exclusive Brands sales. Credit Suisse is very positive on the company. Its analysts currently have an outperform rating and $20.85 price target on its shares. This compares to the current Kogan share price of $12.47.

    Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME)

    Another growth share to look at is Pro Medicus. It is a leading provider of radiology information systems (RIS), Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), and advanced visualisation solutions. The company notes that it provides products and services that combine speed, scalability, stability, and smarts. This is to help eliminate administrative tasks and workarounds, optimise the efficiency of clinical and administrative staff, and maximise profits.

    Pro Medicus has been growing its earnings at a rapid rate over the last decade. And thanks to increasing demand for its technology from some of the biggest healthcare institutions in the world, it appears well-placed to continue this positive form for the foreseeable future. Goldman Sachs is a fan of the company and recently upgraded Pro Medicus’ shares to a buy rating with a $53.80 price target. The Pro Medicus share price last traded at $43.29.

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    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 more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    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 and recommends Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Kogan.com ltd and Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • These 3 ASX companies are leading the way to net zero emissions

    wind farm

    The Risks to Australia of a 3°C Warmer World report from the Australian Academy of Science found reaching net zero emissions by 2050 is crucial to avoiding massive challenges to Australia’s way of life.

    It states that even if Australia becomes carbon neutral, the globe will probably reach average global surface temperatures of 3oC more than the pre-industrial period. Additionally, it is believed that this will occur by 2100. It’s crucial that ASX listed companies aim for net-zero emissions and get onboard the carbon revolution. This commitment will help avoid massive challenges for Australia’s cities. Additionally, it would help protect the environment and industries, as well as our food and health systems.

    The report was also optimistic that Australia can well and truly rise to meet this challenge. We have a skilled workforce, robust industries and tonnes of renewable energy resources.

    We’ve had a look around for ASX listed environmentally friendly companies with aims to be carbon neutral.

    Here are 3 companies proving it’s possible to reach net-zero emissions

    Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

    Vulcan Energy is working towards becoming the world’s first zero-carbon lithium producer for electric vehicle batteries. It plans on doing so by using geothermal energy to drive lithium production. In this process, there is no need for evaporation, mining or fossil fuels.

    Vulcan has a brine lithium resource, located in Germany. The company says it has enough lithium to power Europe’s lithium needs for years to come.

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    Mercury NZ Ltd (ASX: MCY)

    Mercury is a New Zealand energy provider leading the way in renewable power. It generates electricity from hydro, solar, wind, and geothermal methods. It also provides customers with natural gas.

    The company has committed to converting its entire vehicle fleet to electric powered vehicles. So far, its converted more than 69% of its fleet.

    Mercury has submitted its information to the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project). Additionally, it has received an A- for its climate-friendly initiatives. This puts them in the top 5 companies in New Zealand.

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    Australian Mines Ltd (ASX: AUZ)

    Australian Mines’ proposed Sconi Project, to be located in Queensland, is set to mine cobalt and nickel sulphate. It aims to supply its minerals for the electric vehicle market. It is to mine and process ore into battery precursor material on site, thus making it a low-cost operation.

    Australian Mines was the first mineral resources company in Australia to be certified carbon neutral. The company employs energy-saving initiatives alongside offsetting any unavoidable emissions.

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    Where to 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 more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares last week

    Fall in ASX share price represented by white arrow pointing down

    Last week the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bounced back from a poor start to end the period flat at 6,828.7 points

    Acting as a drag on proceedings last week were the shares listed below. Here’s why they were the worst performers on the ASX 200:

    Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB)

    The Webjet share price was the worst performer on the ASX 200 last week with a 7.9% decline. The online travel agent’s shares came under pressure after the announcement of a convertible note offering to raise $250 million. The net proceeds from the offering will be used to repay $43 million of Webjet’s existing term debt, fund potential acquisitions, and for capital management or general corporate purposes. Investors appear disappointed that the company is raising funds and diluting them again.

    Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR)

    The Gold Road share price was out of form and sank 7.8% over the four days. This was despite there being no news out of the gold miner. However, weakness in the gold price could’ve been partly to blame for this. At one stage last week, the price of the precious metal dropped to a three-week low.

    Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

    The Eagers Automotive share price wasn’t far behind with a decline of 7.75% last week. Some of this decline is attributable to the auto retailer’s shares going ex-dividend on Wednesday. Eligible Eagers Automotive shareholders can now look forward to receiving its 25 cents per share final dividend later this month on 20 April.

    Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING)

    The Inghams share price was a poor performer and fell 6.7% over the period. Investors were selling this poultry company’s shares after it announced the sudden exit of its CEO, Jim Leighton. According to the release, Mr Leighton is leaving the CEO role to return to the United States due to personal reasons. He will be placed by non-executive director, Andrew Reeves. Mr Reeves was previously the CEO of George Weston Foods.

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    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 more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week

    three building blocks with smiley faces, indicating a rise in the ASX share price

    It was a reasonably mixed week for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) last week. The benchmark index overcame a weak start to end it flat at 6,828.7 points

    However, this couldn’t stop some ASX 200 shares from recording strong gains. Here’s why these shares were the best performers on the index last week:

    Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU)

    The Iluka share price was the best performer on the ASX 200 last week with a 7.5% gain. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Ord Minnett. On Monday, the broker upgraded the mineral sands producer’s shares to a buy rating with an $8.10 price target. It made the move to reflect stronger prices and expansion plans at the Eneabba project.

    Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA)

    The Champion Iron share price wasn’t behind and climbed 7.4% over the four days. Last week, analysts at Macquarie looked into the resources sector and upgraded iron ore and other base metal price forecasts notably to reflect strong demand and prices. This led to the broker retaining its outperform rating and putting a $7.00 price target on Champion Iron’s shares.

    Boral Limited (ASX: BLD)

    The Boral share price was on form and rose 6.7% higher over the week. Investors were buying the building products company’s shares after announcing the completion of the sale of its 50% share in the USG Boral joint venture to Gebr Knauf KG. The two parties agreed a price of US$1.015 billion (A$1.33 billion) for the business. A good portion of this will support a share buyback for up to 10% of its issued capital.

    Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)

    The Lynas share price was a positive performer and climbed 5.8% last week. This was despite there being no news out of the rare earth producer. However, with its shares falling reasonably hard last month, this appears to have been driven by bargain hunters swooping in. The Lynas share price is still down almost 8% since this time last month.

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    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. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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