• 2 ASX dividend shares with 5%+ yields to buy next week

    A woman relaxes on a yellow couch with a book and cuppa, and looks pensively away as she contemplates the joy of earning passive income.

    A woman relaxes on a yellow couch with a book and cuppa, and looks pensively away as she contemplates the joy of earning passive income.

    Are you searching for ASX dividend shares to buy with big dividend yields when the market reopens?

    If you are then I have some good news for you. Listed below are a couple of dividend shares analysts think are top buys and expect big yield from in the coming years.

    Here’s what they are saying about them:

    Healthco Healthcare and Wellness REIT (ASX: HCW)

    The team at Bell Potter thinks that this healthcare and wellness focused property company could be an ASX dividend share to buy. The broker has an add rating and $1.61 price target on its shares.

    As for dividends, its analysts are forecasting dividends of 8 cents per share in both FY 2024 and FY 2025. Based on its current share price of $1.27, this will mean yields of 6.3% for investors.

    The broker likes the company due its attractive valuation and huge addressable market. It notes that “HCW has significant scope for growth with an estimated $218 billion addressable market where an ageing and growing population should underpin long-term sector demand.”

    QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

    Another ASX dividend share to look at is QBE. Goldman Sachs is a fan of the insurance giant and has a buy rating and $18.65 price target on its shares.

    As for income, the broker is forecasting dividends of 62 US cents per share in FY 2024 and 61 US cents per share in FY 2025. Based on the current QBE share price of $18.13, this equates to yields of 5.25% and 5.2%, respectively.

    Goldman likes QBE because it “has the strongest exposure to the commercial rate cycle.” It also feels its “valuation [is] not demanding.”

    The post 2 ASX dividend shares with 5%+ yields to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Here’s how the ASX 200 market sectors stacked up last week

    Hands grabbing for high rung on a ladder pointing to the skyHands grabbing for high rung on a ladder pointing to the sky

    ASX property shares and real estate investment trusts (REITs) led the ASX 200 market sectors last week, with a 3.09% gain over the four trading days leading up to the Easter long weekend.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 1.73% over the week to finish at 7,896.9 points on Thursday.

    Most of the week’s gains occurred on Thursday when the ASX 200 reset its previous high that was hit on 8 March. The benchmark index went to an intraday peak of 7,901.2 points.

    This followed a strong night on Wall Street, with the S&P 500 rising 0.9% to reset its own record close.

    Share prices are rising because investors are feeling pretty confident that inflation is on a sustained downward trajectory, raising hopes of interest rate cuts soon.

    Many economists in Australia are tipping a rate cut late in the second half of the year.

    Investors were also buoyed by a better-than-expected February earnings season, with profits weaker overall but dividends still plentiful.

    And the market remains excited about the potential of artificial intelligence and other major investment thematics such as uranium and renewable energy.

    Ten of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the green.

    Let’s recap.

    Property shares led the ASX sectors last week

    A bunch of ASX 200 shares hit new annual peaks on Thursday, including the four biggest property shares.

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) shares rose by 5.51% over the four days to finish the week at $33.81 per share. The industrial property specialist hit a new 52-week high of $34.07 on Thursday.

    Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) shares also hit a new 52-week high on Thursday at $3.42. The stock closed at $3.39, up 0.59% over the four trading days.

    Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP) shares gained 1.46% to finish at $4.85 on Thursday. It also reached a new 52-week high of $4.90 on Thursday.

    Vicinity Centres (ASX: VCX) shares rose 1.66% to close at $2.13 on Thursday after hitting an intraday 52-week high of $2.15.

    ASX 200 market sector snapshot

    Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

    Over the four trading days:

    S&P/ASX 200 market sector Change last week
    A-REIT (ASX: XPJ) 3.09%
    Energy (ASX: XEJ) 2.84%
    Healthcare (ASX: XHJ) 2.83%
    Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ) 2.66%
    Industrials (ASX: XNJ) 2.14%
    Materials (ASX: XMJ) 2.05%
    Communication (ASX: XTJ) 1.23%
    Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ) 1.15%
    Utilities (ASX: XUJ) 1.13%
    Financials (ASX: XFJ) 0.95%
    Information Technology (ASX: XIJ) (0.7%)

    The post Here’s how the ASX 200 market sectors stacked up last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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

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  • How important is superannuation to your wealth?

    Australian notes and coins surrounded by a calculator and the word super spelt out.

    Australian notes and coins surrounded by a calculator and the word super spelt out.

    It’s likely that most Australians regard superannuation and their respective super funds as important. After all, it’s always in the media, and talk about its importance to a comfortable retirement is easy to find. Plus, we often hear about superannuation policy every time there is a budget or an election.

    However, superannuation is probably vastly underestimated as a pillar of every Australian’s personal wealth. When you think about it, it’s not such a stretch though. After all, 11% of most Australian’s take-home pay immediately goes into our super funds. That adds up after a while, particularly given this money is typically invested in growth assets like bonds and ASX shares.

    But just how important is super to our wealth? It’s a good question to ask, given many, if not most, Australians would be able to tell you the value of all of the cash and assets they own – but not the value of their superannuation account.

    Well, who better to get an answer to this question from than the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)? The ABS has just released the latest estimates of household wealth in Australia, taken over the quarter ending 31 December 2023.

    How much wealth comes from superannuation in Australia?

    It makes for some interesting reading. The report found that household wealth in Australia rose over the quarter by 2.8%, or $419 billion, to $15.7 trillion. It was the fifth quarter in a row that saw an increase in household wealth, which, as of 31 December, stands 7.8% higher than where it was 12 months prior.

    Residential land and dwellings were the largest factor in this quarterly rise. But the rise of share markets, both the ASX and internationally, helped too. The report found that rising share prices and dividend income saw “households’ direct ownership of shares and other equity” increase by 3.8%, or $51.8 billion.

    However, superannuation assets benefitted from the same trends, rising 3.9%. That added a whopping $140.1 billion to household wealth over the quarter.

    So out of the $419 billion in increased wealth Australian households enjoyed over the three months to December, $140.1 billion (or just over a third) came from superannuation.

    To be fair, the ASX, as well as other international markets, have enjoyed an exceptionally strong and usually high, level of growth over the past five or six months. So this is probably an outsized result for super and its contribution to overall household wealth.

    But even so, no one can deny how important superannuation is to Australia after looking at these numbers. Might be time for a super checkup?

    The post How important is superannuation to your wealth? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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

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  • Buy these fantastic blue chip ASX 200 shares in April

    A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.

    A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.

    If you want to build a strong portfolio, then having a few blue chips in there could be a good starting point.

    But which blue chip ASX 200 shares could be in the buy zone in April?

    Let’s take a look at a couple of high-quality options for investors to consider buying:

    CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)

    CSL could be a blue chip ASX 200 share to buy. It is one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, comprising the CSL Behring, CSL Vifor, and CSL Seqirus businesses.

    CSL Behring is a global biotech leader with a broad range of biotherapies for rare and serious diseases. Whereas CSL Seqirus is a leader in influenza vaccines and CSL Vifor is a global leader in iron deficiency and nephrology.

    UBS is very positive on the company’s outlook and expects double-digit earnings growth over the next three to four years.

    As a result, the broker recently put a buy rating and $330.00 price target on the company’s shares. This implies potential upside of 15% for investors from current levels.

    Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW)

    Goldman Sachs thinks that Woolworths could be a blue chip ASX 200 share to buy.

    As well as being Australia’s largest supermarket operator, it owns Big W, Everyday Rewards, has a growing pet care business, and a collection of technology businesses such as Cartology and Quantium.

    Goldman Sachs likes Woolworths due to its industry leadership and potential for more market share gains. The latter is expected to be driven by its loyalty program and omni-channel advantage. It also feels that concerns over inquiries into the supermarket industry are overdone.

    The broker currently has a buy rating and $40.40 price target on its shares. This suggests potential upside of 22% for investors over the next 12 months from current levels.

    The post Buy these fantastic blue chip ASX 200 shares in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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

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  • 2 exciting ASX tech ETFs to buy in April

    One of the most popular exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for investors looking to invest in the tech sector is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ).

    This isn’t a surprise. The fund provides investors with easy access to 100 of the largest non-financial companies on the famous NASDAQ index.

    This includes giants such as Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia.

    But it isn’t the only way to invest in the tech sector. The two ASX tech ETFs listed below could also be quality options for investors:

    BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

    The first ASX tech ETF for investors to look at is the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

    This fund provides investors with access to a cybersecurity sector that is tipped to grow materially in the future.

    For example, a recent McKinsey survey reveals that the total opportunity could amount to a massive US$1.5 trillion to US$2.0 trillion addressable market. And while its researchers don’t necessarily believe the “market will reach such a size anytime soon”, it just demonstrates how companies in the sector could have a very long growth runway.

    This bodes well for the companies included in the fund, such as Accenture, Cisco, Crowdstrike, and Palo Alto Networks.

    VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

    Another ASX tech ETF for investors to consider buying is the VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF.

    It gives investors concentrated exposure to the leading players in a global video game market, which is estimated to comprise close to 3 billion active gamers and growing.

    In addition, VanEck highlights that this diversified portfolio offers opportunities away from the status quo (Apple, Microsoft, etc) in the tech sector.

    Among its holdings are game developers such as Electronic Arts, Nintendo, Roblox, Take-Two, and locally listed Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL).

    The post 2 exciting ASX tech ETFs to buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Accenture Plc, Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Cisco Systems, CrowdStrike, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Take-Two Interactive Software. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Electronic Arts and has recommended the following options: long January 2025 $290 calls on Accenture Plc, long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft, short January 2025 $310 calls on Accenture Plc, and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF and BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, CrowdStrike, Nvidia, and VanEck Vectors Video Gaming And eSports ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 40%

    A woman is excited as she reads the latest rumour on her phone.

    A woman is excited as she reads the latest rumour on her phone.

    If you’re looking for big returns for your portfolio, then now could be a good time to check out the ASX 200 shares listed below.

    That’s because brokers are tipping them to rise by 20% to 40% from current levels. They are as follows:

    Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA)

    Goldman Sachs believes that this packaging company could be an ASX 200 share to buy.

    The broker currently has a buy rating and $3.40 price target on its shares. If Goldman is on the money with its recommendation, it will mean a very big return of 25% before dividends. And if you throw in the 5%+ dividend yields the broker expects each year through to FY 2026, the total 12-month return stretches beyond 30%.

    Goldman recently said: “We are Buy rated on the stock and believe the current market implied valuation of Saverglass provides a favourable risk-reward skew.”

    Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)

    This private hospital operator could be an ASX 200 share to buy according to analysts at Ord Minnett.

    The broker currently has an accumulate rating and $68.00 price target on its shares, which suggests potential upside of 20% for investors.

    While Ord Minnett acknowledges that the company is facing major post-COVID headwinds, it feels that this is fully priced in (and more) and that its shares are too cheap to ignore at current levels.

    South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

    If you’re not against investing in the mining sector, then South32 could be one to consider. That’s the view of analysts at Morgans, which see a huge amount of value in its shares at current levels.

    The broker currently has an add rating and $4.10 price target on the diversified miner’s shares. This implies potential upside of 37% for investors from current levels.

    It has been pleased with the way management has transformed its portfolio. It commented: “S32 has transformed its portfolio by divesting South African thermal coal and acquiring an interest in Chile copper, substantially boosting group earnings quality, as well as S32’s risk and ESG profile.”

    The post These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 40% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Orora. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • With no savings at 40, I’d use Warren Buffett’s golden rule to build wealth with ASX shares

    A young well-dressed couple at a luxury resort celebrate successful life choices.

    A young well-dressed couple at a luxury resort celebrate successful life choices.

    I’m sure most Australians dream of a golden retirement.

    Well, the good news is that anybody can have one if they plan for it. Even if you’re now in your 40s and have no savings.

    That’s because history has shown that it is possible to build a golden nest egg even when starting at zero at this point in your life.

    One way to achieve this is by following in the footsteps of Warren Buffett, who has generated the majority of his enormous wealth long after he turned 40.

    A key to this could be following Warren Buffett’s “golden rule.”

    Warren Buffett’s golden rule

    The Oracle of Omaha’s golden rule actually comprises two rules. He explained:

    Rule No. 1: Never lose money.

    Rule No. 2: Never forget Rule No. 1.

    While this might sound very simple, these words are actually a lot more insightful that you may first think.

    The Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B) leader is essentially telling investors to be careful when choosing investments and not try to get rich quickly by putting their money into speculative ASX shares.

    This is very important because it can be very tempting to sink money into a hot tip you heard from a friend or a hyped-up ASX share that is promising the world from its amazing yet unproven technology.

    More often than not, investors will lose all or most of their money. This then makes building wealth harder.

    For example, imagine you invest $10,000 but lose 80%. You’d have $2,000 left. You will now need to generate a 400% return to get back square.

    Whereas if you’d not gambled with your investments, earning a 400% return on your original investment would mean it grows to $40,000.

    That’s a $30,000 difference because you broke Warren Buffett’s golden rule.

    Which type of ASX shares should you buy?

    Warren Buffett has delivered staggering returns over multiple decades by focusing on high-quality companies with fair valuations and sustainable competitive advantages.

    Doing this, investors have a great chance of at least matching the market return, which has historically been approximately 10% per annum.

    Now, if you’re in your 40s and can afford to put $1,000 into ASX shares each month, your portfolio would grow to become worth approximately $725,000 in 20 years if you average a total return of 10% per annum.

    And if you can keep going for another five years, you would see your portfolio increase to be worth over $1.2 million, all else equal.

    Overall, I believe this demonstrates why even starting at zero in your 40s, it isn’t too late to build your own golden retirement.

    The post With no savings at 40, I’d use Warren Buffett’s golden rule to build wealth with ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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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 positions in and has recommended Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Experts name 4 top ASX artificial intelligence shares

    A corporate female wearing glasses looks intently at a virtual reality screen with shapes and lights representing Block shares going up todayA corporate female wearing glasses looks intently at a virtual reality screen with shapes and lights representing Block shares going up today

    ASX artificial intelligence shares are certainly on the radar of many investors these days.

    The rise of ChatGPT and the skyrocketing gains of the US Magnificent Seven tech stocks have contributed to AI shares becoming the next big global investment theme.

    So, which ASX shares are likely to benefit?

    E&P Financial Group analysts provide the answer.

    Which ASX artificial intelligence shares is E&P backing?

    As reported in The Australian, E&P analysts have nominated four ASX shares that are likely to benefit from the coming artificial intelligence boom.

    Specifically, they say the need for infrastructure like data centres and networking services will benefit NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT), Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1), and Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ) shares.

    In a note to clients, E&P said:

    … the size of demand for data centre space coming down the line is enormous.

    In the last 12 months a lot of investors in the ASX were shocked by deals that arrived that were measured in the 30-plus megawatt range.

    We believe this number will look quite small in a couple of years’ time.

    Which ASX share among this trio offers a potential 30% upside?

    The analysts say NextDC shares are worth $22.94 apiece, which is 31% above the current share price.

    E&P said NextDC has an advantage in today’s supply-restricted market.

    There isn’t really a modern data centre business that is a loser from the trend, however NextDC’s secured land and existing capacity is a valuable asset in an environment where supply is difficult.

    Their network ecosystem will mean they will have certain business opportunities around inferencing that other operators may not be eligible for.

    E&P is not alone in its conviction on these three ASX artificial intelligence shares.

    RBC Capital Markets also believes these shares will be winners in the ASX artificial intelligence revolution.

    The broker said:

    The improvements should accelerate and stimulate demand for company/hyperscaler activity for AI workloads.

    In turn, we believe likely future demand beneficiaries in the Australian listed technology space are NextDC, Macquarie Technologies and Megaport.

    Macquarie says Megaport shares are a buy right now. Following the company’s half-year results, the top broker retained its outperform rating and upped its 12-month share price target to $18.

    The Megaport share price is currently $15.08, so this implies a potential upside of almost 20% for investors.

    Megaport reported a staggering 785% improvement in EBITDA and a 43% jump in gross profits for the half.

    Goldman Sachs has a buy rating on Macquarie Technology with a 12-month share price target of $93.

    Macquarie Technology shares are currently trading for $79.41, implying a potential 17% upside.

    … and the fourth stock?

    E&P says the fourth artificial intelligence share that should be on investors’ minds today is the ASX 200’s biggest tech stock, Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

    The analysts say Wisetech is likely to benefit from the software side of the artificial intelligence boom.

    E&P said:

    [Wisetech is] extremely well positioned for this trend, with a decent swath of AI capabilities already, and a completely unique data capability to build from.

    Fund manager Wilson Asset Management invests in Wisetech shares via its WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) listed investment company (LIC).

    The fundie recently commented:

    We remain positive on WiseTech as we see the company continuing to gain market share in a large industry, led by its technology platform and new product launches as the company continues to invest in its product and technology for future growth.

    The post Experts name 4 top ASX artificial intelligence shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group, Macquarie Group, Megaport, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Megaport. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Could this rumoured ASX IPO become a billion-dollar takeover target?

    IPO written in circles with a man holding a smartphone and a laptop open.IPO written in circles with a man holding a smartphone and a laptop open.

    It was slim pickings for initial public offerings (IPOs) across the ASX and abroad last year. According to S&P Global, the number of IPOs shrank 16% compared to the previous year, cratering 40% from 2021 levels.

    However, a few highly successful public market debuts in the United States in recent weeks might signal a renewed spark. Social networking company Reddit Inc (NYSE: RDDT) made a major splash last week, jumping 48% upon its listed launch. Similarly, Donald Trump’s Truth Social rose after becoming a public entity.

    At the same time, businesses are being taken over by the boatload.

    Vessel demand could lure new ASX IPO

    On Monday, a company named MMA Offshore Ltd (ASX: MRM) entered a binding scheme implementation deed with Cyan MMA Holdings (a subsidiary of Cyan Renewables).

    The deal values the marine services provider at $1.03 billion.

    MMA Offshore owns 20 vessels operating across six global locations. These gigantic, water-traversing platforms enable a range of offshore solutions, including servicing other vessels, subsea surveying, and specialist engineering.

    For the 12 months ended 31 December 2023, MMA Offshore generated $352.6 million in revenue and $108.6 million in net profits after tax (NPAT).

    Given the current industry dynamics, some are labelling the takeover as ‘opportunistic’. For instance, Lewis Edgley, Pendal portfolio manager, has said there is a demand-supply imbalance in the offshore servicing sector.

    Companies like MMA Offshore were already popular with oil and gas clients. However, the growth in renewables, such as offshore wind power, has given rise to another need for service vessels — maintaining the increasing pool of offshore renewable assets.

    Edgley describes it as a growth phase for offshore vessel operators. For most, it’s an unsuspected beneficiary of the renewable shift. However, the interest from private equity could ignite greater investor appetite for similar companies.

    Rumours are surfacing about a possible ASX IPO by an MMA offshore look-a-like — Bhagwan Marine.

    It is believed the 24-year-old vessel operator is getting a read on investor interest with a roadshow in February. According to The Australian, the 150-vessel-strong company is rumoured to seek a $100 million IPO before the end of this financial year.

    IPOs on the horizon

    The next expected IPO on the ASX is BlinkLab, a company using artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver early diagnosis of autism and ADHD in children.

    Based on the ASX website, BlinkLab is slated to hit the public market on 4 April, a week from today.

    The company’s executive chair is Brian Leedman, the person behind the formerly listed ResApp Health.

    Those participating in the IPO hope Leedman will have the same success with BlinkLab as with ResApp, which left the Aussie boards after being acquired by Pfizer for $179 million.

    The post Could this rumoured ASX IPO become a billion-dollar takeover target? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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

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  • Is $500,000 in superannuation enough to retire comfortably in 2024?

    Happy couple enjoying ice cream in retirement.

    Happy couple enjoying ice cream in retirement.

    Is $500,000 in superannuation enough to retire comfortably in 2024? Good question.

    Most Australians pay little attention to their superannuation funds and accounts until retirement and a life outside the workforce starts to beckon. But here at the Motley Fool, we believe that everyone with a super fund should nurture and cherish their super. Just as much as our savings outside our super fund.

    After all, it’s our money, and no one else’s – not the government’s, and not our super fund’s. It also happens to represent our best shot at the comfortable retirement we all want.

    The fact that we’re asking whether $500,000 in superannuation is enough to retire comfortably in 2024 uncovers another problem. As we looked at last month, the average superannuation balance for someone aged between 60 and 64 in Australia was recently clocked at $361,539. The mean figure was even more disturbing at $183,524.

    So most Aussies aren’t even on track to reach $500,000 in superannuation by the time they reach retirement age at 67.

    But do we really need $500 large in super to retire comfortably in 2024?

    Is $500,000 in superannuation enough to comfortably retire in 2024?

    Well, the latest research from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) answers this question. AASFA has found that the superannuation balance for a single person retiring at age 67 and seeking a ‘comfortable’ lifestyle is currently $595,000. For couples, it’s a combined $690,000.

    This is estimated to be enough to fund $72,148.19 in annual income for a couple or $51,278.30 for a single person until age 84.

    For those content with a ‘modest’ retirement, both singles and couples should have a minimum of $100,000 in super. That’s $46,994.28 in annual income for couples and $32,665.66 for singles.

    So $500,000 would arguably land you towards the upper area of the modest-comfortable spectrum.

    ASFA has done extensive work to define what a comfortable and modest retirement looks like. In concise terms, this mainly highlights differences like the ability to take international holidays, hold private health insurance, enjoy more meals and trips out of the house, and pay for services like Netflix.

    These figures assume a few things, too. These include full home ownership, drawing down super over time and an investment earning rate of 6%. They also assume that all participants receive either the full aged pension or at least a part pension. This explains why both singles and couples are assessed to need the same amount for a modest retirement.

    So perhaps it’s time for a checkup of your own super fund. Hopefully, you’ll find your numbers point to something of a comfortable retirement ahead.

    The post Is $500,000 in superannuation enough to retire comfortably in 2024? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Netflix. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Netflix. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Netflix. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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