• Russia says Putin won’t die in a plane crash because their domestic aircraft ‘are very reliable vehicles’

    Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
    Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

    • Recent aviation accidents have claimed the lives of Iran's president and Malawi's vice president. 
    • But Russia says Vladimir Putin is safe if he travels on their "very reliable" domestic aircraft.
    • Russian flight safety incidents have more than doubled in the past year, per JACDEC.

    A Russian official says the country's leader, Vladimir Putin, won't get caught in a plane crash if he travels on domestic aircraft, state news agency TASS reported on Tuesday.

    "The Russian president uses domestic aircraft. These are very reliable vehicles," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

    Peskov was speaking at a press briefing when he was asked about the recent aviation accidents that claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Malawi's Vice President Saulos Chilima.

    Raisi was flying over northwestern Iran when his helicopter crashed on May 19. Iran's foreign minister, the governor of Iran's East Azerbaijan province, and other officials were also on board the helicopter. No one survived the deadly incident.

    Chilima, meanwhile, was killed in a plane crash along with nine other passengers on Tuesday. Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera said Chilima's plane was found "completely destroyed" near a hill in northern Malawi.

    However, Peskov said such incidents were unlikely to occur with Russian aircraft, given what he said were Russia's rigorous safety standards.

    "All machinery in our country that transports citizens is also maintained at the proper level. There are very strict standards in this regard, which are, of course, observed," Peskov said.

    "We have monitoring agencies," he continued. "The system works."

    To be sure, Russia doesn't exactly have the best record when it comes to flight safety.

    In February, the Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre (JACDEC) revealed that Russian flight safety incidents have more than doubled in the past year, going from 37 cases in 2022 to 81 in 2023.

    The Russian aviation industry's flight safety problems are in large part due to crippling economic sanctions the West imposed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

    Such restrictions have made it difficult for Russia's airlines to maintain their aircraft since they can't buy new planes or parts.

    In fact, the number of flight safety incidents in Russia might be much higher, says JACDEC founder and CEO Jan-Arwed Richter.

    "These numbers only reflect cases that became public. There is still a dark figure of unreported incidents," Richter told The Telegraph in February.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Why Arafura Rare Earths, Bigtincan, Evolution Mining, and Galileo Mining shares are dropping

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

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is out of form again and sinking into the red. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.55% to 7,711.5 points.

    Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

    Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU)

    The Arafura Rare Earths share price is down almost 3% to 17.5 cents. This may have been driven by news that Rare Earths Norway has just discovered Europe’s largest proven deposit of rare earth elements. Trond Watne, Chief Geologist of Rare Earths Norway, said: “We have now, through an independent third party, confirmed that we have a significant Mineral Resource at Fen. This is a milestone for us that could be extremely important for the local community in Nome, but also Norway and Europe for generations.”

    Bigtincan Holdings Ltd (ASX: BTH)

    The Bigtincan share price is down 14% to 12 cents. This follows the completion of a $10 million institutional entitlement offer and news that Vector Capital has formally withdrawn its non-binding indicative proposal to acquire the company. Though, in respect to the latter, it has requested ongoing engagement with the company with a view of making a new offer to acquire the struggling tech company.

    Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

    The Evolution Mining share price is down 1.5% to $3.70. This morning, this gold miner warned that its Cowal and Mt Rawdon operations have been impacted by continued high levels of rainfall. Restrictions to open-pit operations at Cowal and Mt Rawdon have necessitated the processing of lower grade stockpile ore at various stages during the past two months to maintain full processing feed rates. The good news is that the Cowal underground operation has not been impacted by weather and has continued its planned ramp up following successful commencement of commercial production in April. In addition, material handling systems at Red Lake have been disrupted by localised seismic events at the Balmer and Cochenour areas.

    Galileo Mining Ltd (ASX: GAL)

    The Galileo Mining share price is down 5.5% to 25 cents. This is despite the release of an update which reveals that its Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) farm-in agreement is now complete. Managing director, Brad Underwood, commented: “With completion of the MinRes lithium joint venture agreement, lithium exploration will now begin at the Norseman project. MinRes have an incredible depth of experience in the lithium business and have secured the rights to work on our untested lithium potential at Norseman.”

    The post Why Arafura Rare Earths, Bigtincan, Evolution Mining, and Galileo Mining shares are dropping appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Arafura Resources Limited shares, consider this:

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

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bigtincan. 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.

  • How much money do you need to retire?

    A middle-aged couple dance in the street to celebrate their ASX share gains

    Imagine waking up without the need to rush to work, having the freedom to spend your days as you wish, and pursuing passions that bring you joy.

    This dream of early retirement has become increasingly popular, spurred by the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement. The FIRE movement is gaining traction as more people seek to take control of their financial future and achieve retirement well before the traditional age of 60 plus.

    But how much money do you really need to make this dream a reality?

    Average spending in retirement

    One of the first questions that comes to mind when planning for retirement is how much money you need to cover daily living costs. The answer can vary depending on your lifestyle and neighbourhood, but the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provides a general guide.

    According to ASFA’s latest report, published in March 2024, an individual will need around $51,630 per year to live comfortably in Australia, and this figure rises to $72,660 for a couple. This amount is based on maintaining a good standard of living and being able to afford occasional luxuries, including dining out, domestic travel, an international trip once every seven years, and leisure activities.

    If you consider yourself a frugal person, you can benchmark modest lifestyle budgets. In the same report, ASFA advises that a single person with a modest lifestyle needs to spend $32,915 a year, while a couple would want to spend $47,387 a year.

    The above figures are based on retired people aged 65 to 84. They assume no dependent child is in the household, that the retirees own their own home, and that the figures relate to household expenditures.

    However, these figures are just a starting point. The actual amount you need can vary based on personal lifestyle choices, healthcare needs, and other individual factors. It’s essential to assess your own retirement goals and consider how much you’ll need to support your desired lifestyle in retirement.

    The 4% rule

    Once the spending requirement is assessed, it’s time to think about how to get there.

    A common strategy for determining how much money you’ll need to retire is the 4% rule. This rule suggests that you can withdraw 4% of your nest egg each year without running out of money. But bear in mind that it is a theoretical exercise rather than a hard-and-fast rule.

    The 4% rule is based on historical market performance and assumes a balanced portfolio of stocks and bonds. This approach assumes the investment portfolio can earn more than 4%, adjusting for inflation. That is based on the average annual return over a long period of time, so note there will be year-to-year fluctuations in the market.

    Using these two figures, we can estimate a single retired person in Australia needs roughly $1.29 million to continue living comfortably, spending $51,630 per year.

    Do we really need that much money to retire?

    This appears to be a jaw-dropping number to reach by saving during our working lives. However, remember that this is a hypothetical number, and you can live off the capital gains without needing to work.

    There are also other ways to reach your retirement goal, as summarised below.

    1. Save more through superannuation. As my colleague Tristan explained in this article, superannuation is a tax efficient vehicle for Australians saving for retirement. All workers receive superannuation payments from their employers at 11% of their earnings. Not just that, you can make an additional concessional contribution of up to $30,000 per year, including employer contribution, according to ATO.
    2. Maximise the benefits of dividend investing using franking credits. The required capital size will reduce if we can increase investment returns. But this has to be achieved without increasing the risk profile of the investment portfolio. One way to consider is investing your money in stable dividend stocks with high franking credits as my colleague Sebastian explained. This will help you save tax, as the Federal Government acknowledges partial or full tax payment for this income is already paid by the company.
    3. Spend less. If you wish to retire early, you may consider lowering your living costs and settling for a slightly less luxurious lifestyle. Maybe international travel could be replaced with domestic trips. Perhaps eat out less frequently. Using the same calculation, the required seed money will be reduced to $822,875 by changing to a modest lifestyle.

    Foolish takeaway

    Planning for retirement requires careful consideration and a clear understanding of your financial goals. Whether you’re inspired by the FIRE movement or simply aiming for a comfortable retirement at the traditional age, knowing how much money you need and understanding strategies like the 4% rule and the power of compounding can help you achieve your retirement dreams.

    Start by assessing your lifestyle needs, setting realistic savings goals, and regularly reviewing your financial plan to stay on track. With the right preparation, you can look forward to a secure and fulfilling retirement.

    The post How much money do you need to retire? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Maximise Your Super before June 30: Uncover 5 Strategies Most Aussies Overlook!

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  • Why Bapcor, Botanix, Judo Capital, and Woodside shares are rising today

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having another disappointing session. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.65% to 7,705.1 points.

    Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are rising today:

    Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

    The Bapcor share price is up a further 3.5% to $5.14. Investors have been scrambling to buy the auto parts retailer’s shares this week after it received an unsolicited, indicative, conditional and non-binding takeover proposal from Bain Capital. This would see Bapcor shareholders receive $5.40 cash per share from the private equity giant. As things stand, the Bapcor board is currently considering the offer and has warned that “there is no guarantee that the Indicative Proposal put forward by Bain Capital will result in a binding offer or that any transaction will eventuate.” The offer price is well short of Bapcor’s 52-week high of $7.09, so some shareholders may feel short-changed if it is accepted.

    Botanix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: BOT)

    The Botanix Pharmaceuticals share price is up 2% to 28 cents. This morning, this clinical dermatology company announced that it has submitted the last label materials to the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for Sofdra. It is a pending prescription treatment for excessive underarm sweating. Management notes that label discussions are the final step for Botanix before the anticipated FDA approval of Sofdra. They have involved discussions with the FDA on product carton design and wording of information that is provided to patients and physicians about the product.

    Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

    The Judo Capital share price is up 7% to $1.39. Investors have been buying this business lender’s shares today amid news that it will be added to the ASX 200 index next week. After the market close on Tuesday, S&P Dow Jones Indices announced that it will replace building materials company CSR Ltd (ASX: CSR) when it is removed from the index week. Though, this remains subject to shareholder and final court approval of the scheme of arrangement which will see CSR acquired by Compagnie de Saint-Gobain.

    Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

    The Woodside Energy share price is up 2.5% to $27.73. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Macquarie this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the energy giant’s shares to an outperform rating with a $32.00 price target. Macquarie made the move on valuation grounds, believing that the market was valuing Woodside on a long term oil price significantly below even its own lower than consensus forecasts.

    The post Why Bapcor, Botanix, Judo Capital, and Woodside shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Bapcor Limited shares, consider this:

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

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Bapcor. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 1 ASX share on the cusp of profitability

    A woman shows her phone screen and points up.

    The ASX share Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA) is expanding so quickly that it could soon be making a profit rather than a loss.

    Tuas is a Singapore mobile business rapidly becoming a sizeable player in the Asian country. Despite being on the ASX for just four years, its market capitalisation has grown to more than $1.8 billion.

    The company is led by executive chair David Teoh, who helped TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) grow into a significant competitor in the Australian telco space by providing good value offerings. Tuas appears to be following the same playbook.

    Rapidly approaching profit

    The business reported a net loss after tax of $13.3 million in the second half of FY22, a net loss of $7.8 million in the second half of FY23 and a net loss of $3.5 million in the first half of FY24. With this rate of progress, I think Tuas will likely generate a profit in the first half of FY25.

    The ASX growth share is achieving a significant increase in its active mobile services every reporting period. In the HY24 result, it reported 938,000 subscribers, up 35.7% from 691,000 in HY23. It had 487,000 subscribers in HY22, which has grown over 90% in two years.

    In a sign of its low costs for customers, its average revenue per user (ARPU) per month was $9.56 in HY24 (up from $9.37 in FY23)

    One of the most compelling aspects of the company’s growth is that it’s showing good signs of operating leverage, with profit margins rising. HY24 revenue rose 38% to $54.7 million, and EBITDA jumped 56% to $22.4 million.

    If Tuas’ subscriber base can continue growing at a solid double-digit rate, the profit metrics could improve at a very satisfactory rate. The company explained that its expanded plan range catered to an array of customers’ needs.

    Pleasingly, the business has already reached positive cash flow status – in HY24, it generated $27.5 million of operating cash flow while only using $23.9 million of that for its investing activities and $0.3 million for its financing activities.

    Growth plans

    Tuas is benefiting from the 5G rollout, which allows it to offer customers a better service. I think 5G could be key for the future.

    The ASX growth share is also working on its fibre broadband offering, which could enable it to capture more value from existing and new mobile subscribers.

    The company is expecting “continued subscriber growth” in the second half of FY24, which I think is very promising for the company’s shorter-term profit growth prospects.

    It’s planning to spend between $45 million and $50 million on capital expenditure in its mobile and broadband divisions, which I think can help accelerate growth and improve its offering in the next few years.

    Tuas share price snapshot

    The Tuas share price is up 3.75% at the time of writing, trading at $4.15. The company’s shares have rocketed 30% since the start of 2024 and are up 120% over the past 12 months.

    The post 1 ASX share on the cusp of profitability appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Tuas Limited shares, consider this:

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

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

    More reading

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

  • Guess which ASX All Ords stock just rocketed 9% after being added to the ASX 200

    a small child in a judo outfit with a green belt strikes a martial arts pose with his hand thrust forward and a cute smile on his face.

    This ASX All Ords stock is enjoying a tremendous run today after investors learned it was graduating from the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) and will soon be joining the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    Shares in the bank stock, which specialises in business lending, closed yesterday trading for $1.30. As we head into the Wednesday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $1.42 apiece, up 9.2%.

    For some context, the All Ordinaries and the ASX 200 are both down 0.7% at this same time.

    Any guesses?

    If you said Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO), go to the head of the virtual class.

    Here’s what’s happening with the soon-to-be-relisted ASX All Ords stock.

    ASX All Ords stock soars on index upgrade

    In an announcement released after market close yesterday, S&P Dow Jones Indices said that it would remove building products company CSR Ltd (ASX: CSR) from the ASX 200 as the company is being acquired by Compagnie de Saint-Gobain.

    That takeover unfolded in late February when Saint-Gobain offered $9.00 a share to acquire all of CSR’s stock. The takeover, and CSR’s removal from the ASX, remains subject to shareholder and final court approval of the scheme of arrangement.

    This is proving to be good news for Judo shareholders, as the ASX All Ords stock will replace CSR in the ASX 200 effective prior to the open of trading on Thursday, June 20.

    Stocks often benefit when they’re moved to the more prominent indexes, like the ASX 200. That’s because these companies tend to get more media and broker coverage. There are also a lot of fund managers who can only invest in larger companies listed on the ASX 200. And, as of next week, Judo will meet that requirement.

    What’s been going right for Judo shares?

    The ASX All Ords stock is joining the ASX 200 following a tremendous 41% share price surge in 2024. That gives Judo a market cap of almost $1.6 billion, which sees it move into the group of top 200 listed companies in Australia.

    In its most recent market update on 9 May, the bank reported $93.1 million in profit before tax for the nine months ending 31 March amid ongoing lending growth.

    Looking ahead, the ASX All Ords stock (soon to be ASX 200 stock) forecast FY 2024 profit before tax, excluding non-recurring items, of $107 million to $112 million. FY 2025 guidance is targeting 15% year on year profit before tax growth.

    The post Guess which ASX All Ords stock just rocketed 9% after being added to the ASX 200 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Judo Capital Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Judo Capital Holdings Limited shares, consider this:

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

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor 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.

  • BHP share price slips as union takes legal action

    A worker in hi vis gear holds his hand up saying no.

    The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price jolted in early trading on Wednesday and is now drifting 0.85% lower at $43.37 apiece.

    While the miner has no company-specific news out today, the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) reports it has filed a series of applications in the Fair Work Commission regarding three of BHP’s coal mines.

    Here’s a closer look at what this means for investors and the BHP share price.

    BHP share price drifts as union files suit

    The MEU says it has launched a legal battle against BHP with the Fair Work Commission. It is aiming to increase the pay of 1700 labour-hire workers at three of BHP’s sites from $10,000 to $40,000 annually.

    The union filed applications with the commission on Wednesday for “same job, same pay” orders covering such workers at BHP’s Peak Downs, Saraji, and Goonyella Riverside coal mines. These assets are a part of the BHP-Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) but are operated solely by BHP.

    BMA operates five coal mines in Queensland, including the three mentioned above. Its enterprise agreement, constructed in 2022, governs rates of pay for those workers directly employed at the site.

    It does not cover labour-hire workers at the site, however. The “same job, same pay” orders argue against this. The total of 10 applications covers labour-hire workers employed by WorkPac, Chandler Macleod, and BHP subsidiary Operations Services.

    The MEU alleges that BHP’s current labour hire practices drive down wages and job security, labelling it a “labour-hire rort”.

    MEU Queensland president Mitch Hughes had this to say:

    BHP has driven the casual labour hire model that has spread like a cancer throughout coal mining…

    Today’s applications are a major step towards stamping out this model and closing the loopholes that have allowed BHP to avoid paying fair rates in site enterprise agreements. 

    BHP must accept that using labour hire purely to cut pay is out of step with community standards and is now out of step with the law.

    There is no talk on whether the union’s move could potentially disrupt BHP’s operations and increase labour costs. BHP has yet to respond to the applications at the time of publication.

    Implications for BHP

    The MEU says it plans to expand its “same job, same pay” campaign across the coal industry, targeting other BHP operations and potentially affecting thousands of workers. This could set a precedent impacting labour hire practices industry-wide.

    Despite the legal challenges, I think the BHP share price will likely remain resilient, as nothing has changed fundamentally for the company at this stage.

    Goldman Sachs recently reinstated coverage of BHP shares with a buy rating and a price target of $49.00. This suggests a potential upside of 13% over the next 12 months. Goldman highlights BHP’s robust position as Australia’s largest miner, underpinned by strong fundamentals and favourable market conditions.

    BHP shares have traded within a tight range in the last 12 months and are down 2% in that time. This year to date, as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has lifted around 1.5%, the BHP share price is 14% in the red.

    The post BHP share price slips as union takes legal action appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Bhp Group shares, consider this:

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

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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.

  • Ikea was losing 60,000 employees a year. Here’s how the retailer worked to fix its staff turnover problem.

    An Ikea storefront in China.
    An Ikea store in China.

    • Ikea was facing soaring employee turnover rates coming out of the pandemic.
    • Executives at the Swedish furniture company set about trying to keep employees happy enough to stay.
    • The company bumped wages, offered more flexibility, and simplified workflows, according to Bloomberg. 

    Ikea tackled sky-high employee turnover rates by increasing wages, offering more flexibility, and simplifying staff workflow — seemingly simple changes that have made a world of difference for the Swedish furniture retailer, according to a recent Bloomberg report.

    Every time an Ikea employee left the furniture magnate, the company lost $5,000 or more, according to the outlet. Amid a worsening wave of workers quitting in recent years, Ikea executives set about trying to keep workers happy and employed.

    Retail has always had higher quit rates than many other industries due to difficult working conditions, unpredictable scheduling, and low pay. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing inflation have only exacerbated the problem in recent years. 

    By 2022, Ikea was losing about 62,000 workers each year for various reasons — nearly one-third of its workforce, Bloomberg reported. The mounting conflict between the company and a coalition of unions had also left morale low across many of Ikea's 473 stores worldwide, according to the outlet. 

    Jon Abrahamsson Ring, chief executive of Inter Ikea Group — the overhead entity in charge of Ikea's product design and supply chain — told Bloomberg that retention was a high priority when he stepped into the CEO role in September 2020. Turnover rates were hovering above 30% in stores across the US, UK, and Canada, while employees in India regularly left the company after having children because of lackluster benefits, he told the outlet. 

    In trying to fix its quitting problem, Ikea went full-steam ahead in addressing the most important issues to workers, Ring told the outlet, including better pay, more flexibility for employees, and integrating new technologies to make employees' jobs easier. 

    It paid off: Ikea's global quit rate fell from 22.4% in August 2022 to 17.5% in April 2024, Bloomberg reported. In the US alone, voluntary turnover dropped from about a third of employees in 2022 to about a fourth one year later, according to the outlet.

    Prioritizing employee wants and needs is a key way to make people stay, Business Insider previously reported. A recent study also found that companies offering robust childcare benefits see increased employee productivity and positive returns on investment. 

    Ikea's fixes, while major, aren't perfect. Turnover at Ikea stores in Japan is up due to a tight labor market, while labor disputes in France have kept quit rates high, Bloomberg reported. 

    But the still-rising rates of attrition in the retail sector suggest Ikea has begun to make real change on the turnover front.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • These 3 ASX 200 shares were just rerated by top brokers

    A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements

    Three S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) just got rerated by leading brokers.

    One had its outlook cut.

    The other two received boosted forecasts.

    Read on for the details.

    (Broker data courtesy of The Australian.)

    One ASX 200 share getting downgraded

    First, we turn to the ASX 200 share getting its rating cut today, software designer Altium Ltd (ASX: ALU).

    Altium shares are down 0.1% in early trade today, changing hands for $67.48 apiece. That sees the Altium share price up 45% in 2024. The stock also trades on a partly franked trailing dividend yield of 0.9%.

    Much of this year’s strong performance stems from February’s $9.1 billion takeover offer lobbed by Japan’s Renesas Electronics Corporation. An offer the board supports and one that’s headed for a shareholder vote.

    The takeover offer values Altium at $68.50 per share.

    That also happens to be Citi’s price target for the stock. The broker doesn’t appear to see any further upside from there and has cut this ASX 200 share’s rating to neutral.

    Two large caps getting upgrades

    Moving onto the ASX 200 shares earning upgrades, we kick off with iron ore miner Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA).

    The Champion Iron share price is up 0.9% in morning trade today at $6.66. But following on this year’s slide in iron ore prices, Champion Iron share remain down 22% in 2024. The stock also trades on an unfranked trailing dividend yield of 2.3%.

    Macquarie believes that the sell-off has been overdone.

    The broker raised Champion Iron to an outperform rating with a $7.90 price target. That represents a potential upside of almost 19% from current levels.

    The miner released some promising FY 2024 results on 31 May. Among the highlights, the company achieved all-time high earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of C$553, an 11% increase from the prior year.

    Which brings us to the second ASX 200 share getting a broker upgrade, Aussie oil and gas giant Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS).

    The Woodside share price is up 1.4% today, at $27.46 a share. That still leaves the stock down 13% in 2024. And it sees Woodside shares trading at a fully franked trailing yield of 7.9%.

    According to Macquarie equities analyst Mark Wiseman, Woodside shares are now trading at bargain levels. Macquarie raised Woodside shares to an outperform rating with a $32.00 price target (unchanged). That represents a potential upside of almost 17% from current levels.

    According to Wiseman, Woodside shares have been oversold based on excessive concerns over the company’s project and climate risks.

    On the project risk front, yesterday the ASX 200 share reported it had achieved its first oil from the offshore Sangomar project in Senegal. Sangomar is one of the company’s major growth projects that’s come under scrutiny following government elections in the African nation in March.

    According to Wiseman (quoted by The Australian):

    We see upside potential from the ramp-up of the Sangomar project, ability to book additional reserves. In 12 to 24 months Woodside can determine whether a phase 2 project is viable.

    The post These 3 ASX 200 shares were just rerated by top brokers appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Altium Limited shares, consider this:

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

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. 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 Altium and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Up 12% in 2024, this ASX 200 stock is a top pick for June

    A group of people clink wine glasses in an outdoor, late afternoon setting to celebrate the rising Treasury Wine share price

    Now that we are halfway through the calendar year, many investors may be rethinking the kind of ASX 200 stock they need for their portfolios.

    The ASX share market has shifted dynamics since the beginning of January. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has climbed less than 2%, but many stocks have outperformed.

    Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its shares rise by almost 12% year-to-date, trading at $12.04 apiece at the time of publication.

    This strong performance and broker confidence make it a standout ASX 200 stock to consider this June, in my opinion. Let’s explore why it is on the rise and what this means for potential investors.

    Why is this ASX 200 stock performing well?

    Investors have been lifting the bid on Treasury Wine Estates shares following a number of positive updates.

    For one, it recently reaffirmed its guidance for FY 2024. Management is projecting an upper estimate of growth in pre-tax income to $228 million. Recent acquisitions of Frank Family and DAOU have grown earnings, it says.

    The company also aims to expand the global reach of its premium Penfolds brand and increase its market share in the US, according to my colleague James.

    Earlier in the year, a boost of confidence came when the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced that China had fully lifted all tariffs on Australian wines. This enabled the company to “commence partnering with its customers in China” and continue its growth route.

    Broker confidence

    Goldman Sachs is bullish on the ASX 200 stock, too, reiterating its buy rating with a price target of $13.40 in a note last week. This implies a potential return of 12% and nearly 15%, including projected dividends.

    The broker is positive on the wine merchant given a more attractive growth outlook and its consumer advantages in the luxury segment.

    This might be positive for bottom-line growth, analysts say.

    [W]e reiterate buy given the positive delivery of the strategy reset as well as attractive double-digit EPS growth at an attractive valuation. The stock is trading at 1yr forward [price-to-earnings ratio] of 20x. The key catalyst for the stock will now be its June 20 Business Update focused on China.

    Goldman also touched on the “continued global expansion of Penfolds, especially post the removal of China import tariffs”.

    The broker expects nearly 15% sales growth from the company each year until FY 2026. This while “reinventing itself as the number 1 US luxury wine company” after the “growth and margin accretive” acquisitions of Frank Family and DAOU.

    What’s next for Treasury Wine Estates?

    Goldman reckons investors should keep an eye on the ASX 200 stock’s upcoming business update, which is scheduled for June 20 and will focus on China.

    This update should provide further insights into the company’s strategy and potential growth opportunities in the Chinese market. The company outlined its strategy in its interim results back in February.

    Analysts also anticipate improvements in return on invested capital (ROIC) over the next two years, further positioning the company for growth.

    Top ASX 200 stock for June

    Treasury Wine Estates has demonstrated robust performance in 2024, with shares outperforming the benchmark. With the potential for further growth – particularly in the North American and Chinese markets – it could be well-positioned, in my opinion.

    Strong guidance, strategic expansions, and broker confidence are three reasons that highlight the company as a top ASX 200 stock to watch this June.

    The post Up 12% in 2024, this ASX 200 stock is a top pick for June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Treasury Wine Estates Limited right now?

    Before you buy Treasury Wine Estates Limited shares, consider this:

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

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.