Category: Stock Market

If you want to make some investments but aren’t a fan of stock picking, then it could be worth considering exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

That’s because they allow investors to buy a large collection of shares through a single investment. This makes it an easy way to diversify a portfolio.

But which ASX ETFs could be great options for investors in July? Let’s take a look at three:

Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF

Analysts at Betashares recently named it as one to consider. They highlight that companies that generate high levels of free cash flow have a tendency to outperform broad global equity benchmarks over the medium to long term.

This could make the Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF a great long term option for investors. This is because it focuses on global companies that demonstrate strong and consistent free cash flow generation, growth of free cash flow, and relatively low levels of debt.

Among its holdings are household names such as Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) and Costco (NASDAQ: COST).

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VHY)

A second ASX ETF to look at is the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF.

It could be a good option if you’re looking for income from the share market. That’s because it provides investors with low-cost exposure to a portfolio of 70+ ASX shares that have higher forecast dividends relative to the market average.

But you’re not just buying the banks and miners. Vanguard highlights that security diversification is achieved by restricting the proportion invested in any one industry to 40% of the total ETF and 10% for any one company. It also points out that Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A-REITS) are excluded from the fund.

Among the dividend-paying shares you will be owning are giants BHP Group and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), as well as smaller companies such as Centuria Capital Group (ASX: CNI) and Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR).

The ETF currently trades with a trailing dividend yield of 4.9%.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

A final ASX ETF that could be a great option for investors in July is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

It provides investors with access to approximately 1,500 of the world’s largest listed companies from major developed countries.

Vanguard highlights that investing internationally offers greater access to sectors such as technology and health care that aren’t as well represented on the Australian share market.

Among the ETF’s holdings are global giants from a range of industries. This includes Apple, Johnson & Johnson, JP Morgan, Nestle, and Visa.

The post 3 top ASX ETFs to buy in July appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 excellent ASX ETFs to grow your wealth
• 2 top ASX ETFs that offer excellent diversification
• Top ASX passive income shares to buy before June 30
• Why these 5 ASX ETFs could be quality options for investors
• Why these strong ASX ETFs could be top long term picks

Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Apple, Costco Wholesale, JPMorgan Chase, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson and Nestlé. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Dicker Data. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Apple, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Two All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) ASX defence shares are among a select basket of stocks “poised to thrive in the coming decade”.

That’s according to the fund managers at Tamim Asset Management.

The All Ords ASX defence shares in question are DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) and Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA).

Now, both stocks have already been shooting the lights out.

The Codan share price has soared 60% over 12 months and is up 40% so far in 2024.

The DroneShield share price has rocketed an eye-watering 532% over 12 months and is up 301% year to date.

To put that in some perspective, the All Ords has gained 10% in 12 months and is up 2% in 2024.

Looking ahead, both ASX defence shares stand to be among the bigger beneficiaries of the AI revolution.

But that’s not why Tamim believes they’ll thrive over the next 10 years.

That investment rationale relates instead to their direct links to the global defence industry.

Government spending tailwinds

Successful international and ASX defence shares have some significant advantages over companies operating in other sectors due to the nature of government defence spending.

As Tamim pointed out, “substantial government spending provides a consistent revenue stream” for these companies.

Pointing to the defence budgets of the United States and Australia, the fund manager noted, “Government spending on defence remains robust, driven by the need to maintain national security and technological superiority.”

Atop those big spending packages, international and ASX defence shares also tend to benefit from long-term government contracts, providing investors with some security over next year’s revenue stream.

“By recognising these dynamics, investors can uncover quality businesses with strong tailwinds poised to thrive in the coming decade,” Tamim said.

All Ords ASX defence shares well-positioned to capitalise

Tamim highlights DroneShield, a leading provider of counter-drone and multi-mission unmanned systems solutions, as one of the promising players in the Australian defence sector.

The All Ords ASX defence share employs AI and machine learning to deliver advanced technologies for military, government, and commercial organisations in more than 70 countries.

According to Tamim:

In the most recent quarterly report, DroneShield reported incredible financial results for the first quarter of 2024, with revenue growing 10 times year-over-year and a significant increase in order intake.

The company has also expanded its global footprint, securing major contracts with military and government agencies, particularly in the US. Over the past 12 months, DroneShield’s share price has rocketed, reflecting the growing demand for counter-drone solutions and the company’s successful execution of its strategic initiatives.

As the threat of drone-related incidents continues to rise, DroneShield is well-positioned to capitalise on the increasing need for effective counter-drone technologies.

Tamim is also bullish on the outlook for Codan.

Codan develops rugged electronics solutions for government, corporate and consumer markets worldwide.

According to Tamim:

The company’s communications segment produces equipment used by military, law enforcement, humanitarian, and commercial organisations known for reliability and performance in harsh environments, making them ideal for defence applications.

Codan’s focus on innovation and quality ensures it remains a trusted supplier in the defence communications market. The company’s technologies also include metal detection…

On the performance front, the fund manager added:

The company delivered a strong H1 FY24 result, with group revenue up 26% to $265.9 million and net profit after tax increasing 24% to $38.1 million compared to the prior corresponding period.

The Communications segment achieved 12.5% revenue growth, while Metal Detection revenues surged 49%.

Despite higher expenses due to acquisitions and investments, earnings before interest & tax (EBIT) and net profit after tax (NPAT) grew 31% and 24% respectively. Net debt increased to $82.5 million after funding $30.3 million for the Eagle and Wave Central acquisitions.

Looking ahead, Tamim noted that the ASX defence share expects its Communications revenue growth to exceed the top end of its 10% to 15% target range.

The post 2 All Ords ASX defence shares ‘poised to thrive’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX 300 shares smashing new highs while the market sinks
• Why DroneShield, Paladin Energy, Red 5, and Synlait shares are falling
• Down 12% since Thursday, has the DroneShield share price topped out?
• Why Bigtincan, DroneShield, Guzman Y Gomez, and Helia shares are racing higher
• DroneShield shares hit record high on major new AI order

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 DroneShield. 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.

On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a difficult session and tumbled lower. The benchmark index fell 0.7% to 7,783 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to sink again

The Australian share market looks set to sink again on Thursday despite the positive night of trade on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 86 points or 1.1% lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.05%, the S&P 500 rose 0.15% and the Nasdaq pushed 0.5% higher.

Oil prices soften

ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a poor session after oil prices softened overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.25% to US$80.64 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.1% to US$84.97 a barrel. A surprise increase in US crude inventories weighed on oil prices.

Buy Paladin Energy shares

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) shares are good value according to analysts at Bell Potter. In response to recent share price weakness and news of a plan to acquire Fission Uranium, the broker has upgraded the uranium producer’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $16.10. It said: “PDN has sold off since we moved to a Hold in May-24. We see this as a potential buying opportunity irrespective of the transaction.”

Gold price falls to two-week low

It could be a poor session for ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) today after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.9% to US$2,309.8 an ounce. Stronger bond yields reduced the appeal of the precious metal and sent it to a two-week low.

Iron ore price rises

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) will be on watch on Thursday. That’s because the benchmark iron ore price raced higher overnight and could give these miners a lift ahead of today’s (expected) red session. According to the AFR, the iron ore price is up a sizeable 3.2% today. This appears to have driven by increased buying in China’s spot market amid bets that it will soon unveil more stimulus to boost its struggling property market.

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

More reading

• What is the outlook for Woodside shares in FY25?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Guess which ASX uranium stock was just upgraded to a buy rating
• Why Cettire, Collins Foods, Liontown, and Northern Star shares are dropping today
• 3 ASX 200 mining shares just downgraded by top brokers

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. 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.

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price has sunk 25% in ten months, as shown on the chart below. After a difficult period for the ASX oil and gas share, investors may be wondering if the next 12 months could be better.

The Australian tax year is about to finish, but Woodside’s financial year follows the calendar year. So, while FY25 is about to start for most of us, Woodside still has another six months left of its 2024 financial year.

We’re going to look at the outlook for the company, encompassing both Woodside’s FY24 and FY25.

Company’s outlook commentary

The business has guided that it’s expecting to produce between 185 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) and 195 MMboe in 2024. We won’t learn about its 2024 annual production numbers until January 2025, when it announces its 2024 fourth-quarter update. How much the company produces and the price it gets for that production can be key for Woodside shares.

It has also guided that it’s expecting capital expenditure of between $5 billion and $5.5 billion in 2024.

The business continues to work on its three major growth projects. Commissioning activities have been underway at Sangomar in Senegal for the last few months. The company said it was on track for its first oil in the middle of this year.

Woodside’s Scarborough and Pluto Train 2 projects were 62% complete at the end of the 2024 first quarter. The company says it’s on target for its first LNG cargo in 2026.

The last update we heard about the sales price for its production was in the first quarter of 2024. Woodside said its average realised price was US$63 per barrel of oil equivalent, which was down 5% quarter over quarter and 25% year over year. There continues to be energy market volatility.

Analyst forecasts for Woodside shares

The broker UBS said in a note in April that there is strong demand for LNG in North Asia, though it also sees “a global LNG surplus arising from 2027+”, which it believes is already putting down pressure on fixed slope pricing for new sales and purchase agreements. This “amplifies the need for accelerated LNG marketing activities”, according to UBS.

Looking at the forecasts for Woodside’s FY24, UBS predicts Woodside can generate US$12.36 billion of revenue, US$4.2 billion of earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), US$2.34 billion of net profit after tax (NPAT) and pay an annual dividend per share of 98 cents. The broker suggested Woodside could finish 2024 with US$2.7 billion of net debt.

UBS is only expecting a slight improvement in FY25. The broker expects revenue to be US$12.9 billion, EBIT to be US$4.27 billion, net profit to be US$2.48 billion and that the ASX oil and gas share could pay an annual dividend per share of US$1.05.

Woodside share price snapshot

The Woodside share price is down around 10% since the start of 2024.

The post What is the outlook for Woodside shares in FY25? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 2 of the top dividend shares in Australia
• Beat the ASX with these cash-gushing dividend stocks
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

It can be confusing for a beginner investor to know what ASX stocks to invest in. Should dividends or growth be the focus? What is a good price to pay for this investment?

There are plenty of interesting companies on the ASX that may be good investments, but there’s one S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock that I believe could suit almost every portfolio: Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL).

What Soul Patts does

Soul Patts is not one of the most famous business names, like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) or Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN), but it is one of the oldest. It has been listed on the ASX since 1903.

The company started off as a pharmacy business and eventually started making external investments in names like Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW) and New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC).

These days, the investment house has exposure to various industries and asset classes, including ASX shares, private equity, credit, and property.

Some of its larger ASX stock investments include Brickworks, New Hope, TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG), Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA), BHP, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

Good mixture of returns

Soul Patts shareholders benefit when the underlying value of its portfolio increases. The company has designed its portfolio to be defensive and resilient to economic shocks, which might be comforting for beginner investors.

It’s steadily making new investments, such as its acquisition of the entire electrification business Ampcontrol. As these businesses grow in value, they can drive up the value of Soul Patts, leading to capital growth for shareholders.

The cash flow received from its investment portfolio helps pay for dividends. The ASX stock has paid a dividend every year to shareholders since it was listed in 1903, and it has grown its annual dividend each year since 2000.

Over the 10 years to 30 April 2024, Soul Patts shares delivered an average return per annum of 11.3%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Accumulation Index (ASX: XAOA) by an average of 3.2% per annum. These figures do not include the benefit of franking credits. However, it must be said that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

It currently has a trailing grossed-up dividend yield of close to 4%, which I think is a solid starting yield for beginner investors.

Foolish takeaway

Soul Patts is an effective investment for beginners, in my opinion, because it can provide a mixture of dividends and capital growth. Its portfolio investments offer diversification while the growing dividend means we can benefit from owning shares without having to sell.

This ASX stock is one of the largest positions in my portfolio, and I’m planning to buy more of it over time. I think the current valuation is a good price to start a position.

The post 1 ASX stock that’s just right for beginner investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• If I were 60 I’d buy these ASX shares for dividends
• Should you buy Brickworks or Soul Patts shares today?
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• 10 ASX shares that have raised dividends for a decade
• 3 winning tips both Warren Buffett and Peter Lynch recommend

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Brickworks, CSL, Goodman Group, Macquarie Group, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Brickworks, Macquarie Group, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Over the past few weeks, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price has been in the news again, and for all the right reasons. We have seen fresh new record high after record high tumble for this ASX 200 bank stock. No doubt that has made CBA’s veritable army of retail shareholders a very happy bunch.

The bank’s most recent all-time high came just yesterday. This saw CBA shares hit $128.68 each. Today, the bank is trading just under that, going for $126.90 a share at the close on Wednesday.

At this share price, CBA stock is up 5.7% over the past month alone. Investors have also enjoyed a year-to-date gain of 11.71% over 2024 so far and a 29.6% lift over the past 12 months.

Now, I regard CBA as a quality business and probably the best-run bank in Australia. It deserves to keep its place as one of the top stocks in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

But I also think the CBA share price is highly likely to crash or at least stagnate over the next 12 months.

Here are three reasons why.

3 reasons why the CBA share price might crash

The bank isn’t growing

You’d think that a stock that has appreciated by almost 30% over the past 12 months would be demonstrating at least some earnings growth. Or even revenue growth. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case when it comes to CommBank.

CBA’s last earnings report, covering the half-year ended 31 December 2023, showed revenues of $13.58 billion, down 3% on the same period in 2022.

The bank’s profits from ordinary activities after tax, as well as its net profits, both fell 8% compared to the prior period as well.

That doesn’t inspire confidence that this CBA share price rally that we’ve seen is built on solid ground.

The dividend yield is not impressive

If you ask almost any owner of ASX bank shares why they have a bank in their portfolio, they will probably tell you it’s for the fat, fully-franked dividends. That’s fair enough. Most ASX banks, including CBA, have been responsible for some of the largest and most consistent dividend payouts on the Australian share market over the past two or three decades.

Unfortunately, CBA’s recent rises have somewhat neutered its dividend yield. While its rivals like Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) still offer dividend yields of more than 5% today, CBA’s yield currently sits at a rate unimpressive 3.58%.

Not only can you get a better yield from any other bank stock right now, but you can also get more cash if you buy Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) or Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) shares.

In my view, this reality will eventually hollow out buying pressure for CB shares, at least until its dividend yield returns to something one could consider normal for an ASX bank.

The CBA share price is insanely expensive

Finally, let’s talk about valuation. The recent rally in the CBA share price has resulted in this bank having the most expensive valuation out of any of its ASX peers, and by a mile. CBA stock is currently trading on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 22.23. In contrast, National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) is presently on a P/E ratio of 16.7. Westpac is at 15.23 and ANZ at 12.53.

This means that CBA investors are paying almost double for one dollar of earnings than ANZ investors are right now.

Commonwealth Bank also currently has a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 2.96, which is also extremely high for a bank.

According to Bloomberg, this not only makes CBA the most expensive bank on the ASX, but in the world. Its P/E ratio is even double that of the world-class American bank JP Morgan Chase. Not exactly a title you want in an investment.

Foolish takeaway

From where I’m looking, CBA shares are grossly overvalued, period. I’m not saying that this stock is destined to crash in the next 12 months. But for me, the fundamentals point to investor exuberance in this case.

I can’t see how CBA can continue to climb in value while its earnings fall and its dividend yield drops. All in all, this is one ASX 200 stock I am staying the heck away from at its current price.

The post 3 reasons I think the CBA share price may crash! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• CBA shares hit another new high! Too late to buy?
• CBA share price outpacing BHP shares on Monday in the race for biggest ASX stock
• Here’s how the ASX 200 market sectors stacked up last week
• Surely CBA shares can’t just keep rising?
• How to turn your savings account into a gold mine starting with $10,000

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in National Australia Bank and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended JPMorgan Chase and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Coles Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Superannuation ‘growth’ funds look likely to deliver a median 9% return in FY24, according to Chant West research.

Growth funds are superannuation funds made up of 61% to 80% growth assets like ASX shares.

In FY23, growth funds delivered a median 9.2% return.

Let’s look into the details.

Resilient share markets drive FY24 superannuation returns

FY24 is set to become the 13th year of positive superannuation returns out of the past 15 years.

Chant West Senior Investment Research Manager Mano Mohankumar says resilient share markets have driven the strong FY24 result.

International shares have been the stand-out category for growth, with the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) up 25.85% over the past 12 months compared to a 10.39% gain for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Mohankumar commented:

A final result close to 9% would be an excellent outcome given all of the uncertainty around inflation, expectations of when the Fed will start cutting interest rates and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The experience over the past two years is another reminder of the importance of remaining patient and not getting distracted by shorter-term noise.

If you think back to nearly two years ago, FY22 closed with some sharp losses over the June quarter amid surging inflation and uncertainty as to when interest rate rises might come to an end.

At that time, very few could have foreseen a return of 19% over the subsequent two years.

The following chart shows the annual median returns of growth superannuation funds over 30 years.

Mohankumar commented that since the introduction of the Superannuation Guarantee, the median growth fund has returned 7.9% per annum.

The annual inflation or consumer price index (CPI) increase over the same period was 2.7%.

This means a real return of 5.2% per annum to superannuation investors.

This is well above the typical target of 3.5% per annum.

He adds:

On the risk side, there have only been five negative years over the entire period, which translates to about one year in every six.

Again, funds have done better than their typical long-term risk objective which is one negative return in every five years, on average.

Some workers prefer higher-risk superannuation funds, such as those with 96% to 100% of monies invested in growth assets (‘super growth’ funds) or those with 81% to 95% in growth assets (‘high growth’ funds).

Others take a more conservative approach, selecting balanced funds with 41% to 60% of monies invested in growth assets and the rest in defensive assets such as cash and bonds.

Balanced funds are typically the default option for workers who do not nominate a superannuation strategy themselves.

Balanced funds and conservative funds (21% to 40% growth assets) are popular with workers close to retirement, given they usually want to preserve their superannuation savings as much as possible.

The post Superannuation growth funds on track to deliver 9% returns in FY24 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX expert: Time to buy Telstra shares
• 2 ASX penny stocks that pay dividends
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Analysts name 3 ASX income stocks to buy now
• 2 exciting ASX growth shares to buy in July

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 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.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares have been a fairly disappointing investment for ASX investors in recent months. This ASX 200 telco was flying high only in July last year, reaching new multi-year highs of $4.36 a share.

Alas, today, those highs seem like a distant memory. Telstra shares are currently trading for $3.62. At this pricing, the telco remains a chunky 17% or so off its highs from last July.

Year to date in 2024, Telstra stock is down 8.82%. That stretches to a loss of 16.01% over the past 12 months.

Check that all out for yourself below:

There is one silver lining to this cloud though. Telstra’s share price falls over the past 12 months or so have had the effect of lifting the company’s storied dividend yield up to an impressive 4.83%. That comes with full franking credits too.

Even so, Telstra shareholders probably aren’t a happy bunch right now. But they soon might be if one ASX expert is to be believed.

ASX broker calls 21% upside for Telstra shares

ASX broker UBS sees significant value at the current Telstra share price. According to reporting in The Australian this week, the broker has reiterated a ‘buy’ rating on the ASX 200 telco, along with a 12-month share price target of $4.40.  

If realised, this would see Telstra shares gain more than 21.5% from their current levels.

This optimism hailed in part from a survey of Telstra customers that UBS conducted. This survey found that “40 [per cent] of respondents were unlikely to make changes to their plans, and only 10 per cent were likely to leave to different networks if prices rise by $5”.

That comes from a continuing customer perception of Telstra having the best “network quality” on the market. Telstra also reportedly made improvements when it came to “value for money”.

This led UBS to conclude that Telstra’s mobile pricing power is “likely intact” and that the company is “still well placed to raise prices”.

So good news for Telstra investors. But let’s see if UBS is on the money here, or whether Telstra shareholders will have to wait a little longer to see their shares rebound in value.

At the current Telstra share price, this ASX 200 telco has a market capitalisation of $41.83 billion, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 20.70.

The post ASX expert: Time to buy Telstra shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX 200 retirement shares to buy in July
• Buy Telstra shares due to its ‘excessive’ discount
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Would Warren Buffett buy Telstra shares?
• Top 10 most traded ASX shares and US stocks in May

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Telstra Group. 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.

I think it is fair to say that most ASX penny stocks are speculative in nature and do not generate profits.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any out there that aren’t profitable.

In fact, some are even profitable enough to reward their shareholders with dividends.

For example, two ASX penny stocks that analysts have named as buys and are tipping to offer attractive dividend yields are listed below.

Here’s what you need to know about these shares that you can buy for less than a dollar:

GDI Property Group Ltd (ASX: GDI)

Bell Potter thinks that GDI Property could be an ASX penny stock to buy right now. It is a property owner and fund manager that is currently managing property investments in Greater Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, South East Queensland, and North Queensland.

Its shares are changing hands for 59 cents. This could be cheap according to the broker, which has a buy rating and 75 cents price target on them.

The broker’s analysts highlight that “GDI offers a +10% 3yr EPS CAGR which is amongst the highest amongst our coverage while many other passive REITs are still facing CoD headwinds and declining earnings growth.”

In respect to income, the broker is forecasting dividends per share of 5 cents across FY 2024, FY 2025, and FY 2026. Based on the current GDI Property share price of 58 cents, this implies dividend yields of 8.6% for the next three years.

SRG Global Ltd (ASX: SRG)

Another ASX penny stock that pays dividends is SRG Global. It is a diversified industrial services group that offers multidisciplinary construction, maintenance, production drilling and geotechnical services.

The company’s shares are currently trading at 83 cents. Bell Potter thinks this makes SRG Global undervalued at current levels. In fact, it believes its penny stock status should come to an end in the near future. The broker currently has a buy rating and $1.30 price target on its shares.

It believes that “SRG’s short-to-medium term outlook is reinforced by Government-stimulated construction activity in the Infrastructure and Non-Residential sectors and increased development and sustaining capital expenditures in the Resources industry.”

As for dividends, Bell Potter is forecasting fully franked dividends of 4.7 cents in FY 2024 and then 6.7 cents in FY 2025. Based on its current share price, this will mean dividend yields of 5.65% and 8.1%, respectively.

The post 2 ASX penny stocks that pay dividends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 recommended Srg Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended PolyNovo, Super Retail Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended PolyNovo. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.