• 2 ‘very high-quality’ ASX retail shares with significant inside ownership

    Two fashionable asx investors dancing among confetti.Two fashionable asx investors dancing among confetti.

    The fund manager Blackwattle has revealed two ASX retail shares that are exciting and have good long-term growth potential.

    The Blackwattle Large Cap Quality Fund aims to outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index (ASX: XJOA) over the long-term. It’s looking for quality companies at low or reasonable valuations.

    Two core positions

    Two of the ASX shares that the fund manager highlighted in a recent update were ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB) and Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV).

    ARB is a business that sells “well-engineered, durable equipment that would meet the vigorous demands of 4WD owners”. It’s Australia’s largest manufacturer and distributor of 4×4 accessories, with a presence in over 100 countries.

    Premier Investments owns several retail brands, including Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Jacqui E, Portmans, Dotti, Peter Alexander, and Smiggle. It also has stakes in Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) and Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR).

    Blackwattle said both of these ASX shares are “very high-quality retailers” that are led by “excellent stewards aligned with high levels of ownership.”

    Why own these ASX retail shares?

    Blackwattle said its thesis for owning them is underpinned by both ARB and Premier Investments’ “differentiated offerings and strong global presence” which have taken many years to build.

    The fund manager pointed out that Premier Investments has “hidden growth brands”, namely Smiggle and Peter Alexander. Blackwattle suggested Premier Investments is undervalued because the market is applying a ‘conglomerate discount’ to the ASX share, placing the Premier Investments share price at a “low” price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 13 times.

    The investment team suggested the ongoing strategic review might “unveil these brands’ growth prospects,” potentially leading to a higher valuation, as we see with Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) and Breville Group.

    What’s the outlook for the ASX share market?

    Blackwattle said that looking ahead, increasing takeover activity bodes well for investors focusing on the intrinsic quality of a business and prevailing valuations.

    The investment team then said the heightened market volatility observed during the ASX reporting season “underscores the influence of fast money in the markets”.

    The fund manager suggested that for investors with a longer-term view of fundamental value, the volatility “presents an opportunity to acquire outstanding companies at discounted values.”

    However, fast-moving share prices of ASX shares that lack a sustainable competitive edge are, in Blackwattle’s opinion, prone to result in capital losses “when the market aligns with reality.”

    The post 2 ‘very high-quality’ ASX retail shares with significant inside ownership appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ARB Corporation and Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation, Lovisa, and Premier Investments. 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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  • Up 71% in 3 weeks, have Zip shares topped out?

    A woman sits back and enjoys the view from a paraglider, indicating share price lifts for ASX travel and adventure sharesA woman sits back and enjoys the view from a paraglider, indicating share price lifts for ASX travel and adventure shares

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares have handed investors some serious gains since mid-October.

    Following a painful multi-year sell-down, shares in the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) buy now, pay later (BNPL) stock reversed course in October. And the remarkable rebound has shown few signs of slowing down.

    As you can see on the chart above (if you look closely), the ASX BNPL stock is up 427% since the closing bell on 6 October. That will have turned a $5,000 investment on 6 October into $26,350 today.

    And in the past three weeks alone, since market close on 27 February, Zip shares have leapt 71%, currently trading for $1.37 apiece.

    With those kinds of eye-popping gains already in the bag, has the company’s charge higher topped out?

    Where to now for Zip shares?

    Well, there are two ways to look at this.

    First, a stock can’t continue to gain 400% every five months indefinitely.

    Second, despite the stellar recent run, Zip shares are still trading at a fraction of their February 2021 highs, when the stock reached $12.38.

    Now, no one (as far as I’m aware) is expecting Zip to reset those highs anytime soon.

    But Citi believes there are more potential gains on the table for the company. Albeit much more modest than the past weeks’ surge.

    Last week, when the ASX BNPL stock was trading for $1.30 a share, the broker lifted its target for Zip by 79% to $1.40. At current levels, that still represents a potential 2% upside.

    On the other hand, Toby Grimm, managed portfolio analyst at Baker Young, believes the big run higher has likely peaked and has a ‘sell’ rating on Zip shares.

    According to Grimm (courtesy of The Bull), “This consumer finance firm delivered better than forecast half year results in fiscal year 2024. Measures to improve profitability drove a rebound in underlying earnings.”

    Indeed, revenue was up by 28.9% year on year to $430 million. That was driven by a 9.6% increase in total transaction volume (TTV), which reached $5 billion. And Zip’s cash gross profit leapt 45.9% to $176 million.

    But Grimm believes those strong metrics have now been fully priced into Zip shares.

    “The stock is trading at a significant premium to our fair valuation. Investors may want to consider taking profits at these levels,” he said.

    As always, whether you’re looking at buying or selling Zip – or any other ASX stocks – be sure to do your own research first.

    If you’re not comfortable with that, or just don’t have the time, then simply reach out for some expert advice.

    The post Up 71% in 3 weeks, have Zip shares topped out? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Zip Co. 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 when AMP says ASX investors can expect an interest rate cut

    Green percentage sign with an animated man putting an arrow on top symbolising rising interest rates.

    Green percentage sign with an animated man putting an arrow on top symbolising rising interest rates.

    Much to the disappointment of homeowners, on Tuesday, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to keep interest rates on hold at 4.35%.

    RBA Governor Michele Bullock highlighted that inflation remains high and appears to believe that cutting interest rates now could stop it from hitting target. She said:

    While recent data indicate that inflation is easing, it remains high. The Board expects that it will be some time yet before inflation is sustainably in the target range. The path of interest rates that will best ensure that inflation returns to target in a reasonable timeframe remains uncertain and the Board is not ruling anything in or out.

    So, when might interest rates fall? Let’s take a look at what the economics team at AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) is saying.

    When will interest rates fall?

    As I mentioned here at the weekend, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) is currently expecting the first rate cut to take place in September.

    The good news for borrowers is that AMP sees scope for a cut to happen sooner than that.

    In his weekly report, AMP’s chief economist, Dr Shane Oliver, said:

    Given the generally slowing but somewhat mixed readings the RBA is likely to sit on its hands still waiting for more confidence “that inflation is moving sustainably towards the target range”. We continue to see the RBA gaining that confidence by June and being able implement the first cut then but concede there is a high risk it could be delayed till August.

    Significant fiscal stimulus in the May Budget could risk delaying the start of easing but the RBA will probably want to see whether this eventuates or not before starting to cut – which likely rules out a May cut.

    So, all being well, homeowners may get some relief from their mortgage repayments later this year if everything goes to plan.

    The post Here’s when AMP says ASX investors can expect an interest rate cut appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Westpac Banking Corporation. 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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  • Guess which ASX blue-chip share is throwing $202 million at another acquisition

    Shot of a scientist using a computer while conducting research in a laboratory.Shot of a scientist using a computer while conducting research in a laboratory.

    Standing at a colossal $13.07 billion market capitalisation, this blue-chip share is eager to become an even bigger business, firing its cash at another company.

    Today, shares in Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) are up slightly, lifting by 0.4% to $27.46 apiece after announcing an acquisition this morning. Despite the move, the pathology and laboratory services company is still valued 19% lower than it was worth a year ago.

    Let’s inspect the details of today’s deal more closely.

    Switzerland expansion for ASX blue-chip share

    One of the world’s largest diagnostic companies is set to grow even larger after entering a binding agreement to acquire Switzerland-based Dr Risch Laboratory Group.

    The second-generation family business operates a ‘full-service’ medical laboratory across 13 centres in Switzerland and another in Liechtenstein. According to the Dr Risch Group website, the company encompasses laboratory medicine, human genetics, microbiology, clinical studies, and more.

    In 2023, the Swiss group raked in A$175.9 million in total revenue. Sonic will pay A$201.7 million to acquire the company, equating to a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of approximately 1.1 times 2023 sales.

    The payment will comprise A$51.7 million worth of Sonic Healthcare shares issued to the sellers. Meanwhile, the remaining A$150 million will be funded through the ASX blue-chip shares’ existing cash and debt facilities.

    CEO of Sonic Healthcare, Dr Colin Goldschmidt, remarked on the transaction, saying:

    The partnership with Dr Risch is an exciting development for Sonic Healthcare and further strengthens our existing position in the Swiss market.

    Switzerland made up 10% (A$405 million) of Sonic’s total revenue in the first half of 2024.

    So what is the rationale behind this acquisition?

    Sonic management anticipates the deal to be earnings per share (EPS) accretive from 2025. Furthermore, the return on invested capital is slated to “significantly exceed Sonic’s cost of capital once synergies are achieved.”

    The synergies expected relate to ‘multiple areas of infrastructure and operations (including procurement)’.

    Sonic expects the deal to be done by 31 March 2024.

    Acquisition appetite

    In the last few years, Sonic Healthcare has made numerous acquisitions. Five acquisitions and one strategic stake have been carried out since June 2021.

    The flurry of deals follows a period of outsized earnings for Sonic during the COVID-19 pandemic. This stretch of above-normal profits bolstered the company’s balance sheet, reducing its debt-to-equity ratio from more than 50%.

    This ASX blue chip share is putting the additional financial headroom to work. Still, at the end of 2023, Sonic posted a debt-to-equity of 32%, suggesting ample firepower for additional acquisitions.

    The post Guess which ASX blue-chip share is throwing $202 million at another acquisition 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…

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    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler has positions in Sonic Healthcare. 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 Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why you should buy cheap Woolworths shares before it’s too late

    Woman chooses vegetables for dinner, smiling and looking at camera.

    Woman chooses vegetables for dinner, smiling and looking at camera.

    Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares have come under pressure this year.

    So much so, the supermarket giant’s shares are down 14% year to date and trading within a couple of cents of a 52-week low at $32.07.

    A portion of this decline can be attributed to concerns over the launch of a number of industry body inquiries into price gouging and anti-competitive behaviour claims. This includes the ACCC Supermarket Inquiry and the Senate Select Committee on Supermarket Prices.

    The good news is that analysts at Goldman Sachs are not concerned about the inquiries and see the recent weakness as a buying opportunity.

    Woolworths shares are great value

    The broker has been looking at the potential impact from the aforementioned inquiries. It notes that similar inquiries over a decade ago had no real impacts on its earnings. It commented:

    The 2008 ACCC inquiry concluded that the supermarkets industry was “workably competitive” and hence the recommended industry changes did not result in a material impact to WOW earnings. Notably, WOW Factset consensus forecasts for NTM EPS increased 12% T+0 to T+260 days.

    In addition, it highlights that the previous inquiry put pressure on Woolworths shares, but not to the same extent as this time around. As a result, it appears to feel that the market has overreacted this time around. It adds:

    WOW’s 2008 inquiry saw its share price underperform ASX200 by ~15-20% in T+80 to T+120 days largely due to PER compression. 2 weeks post the conclusion of the ACCC inquiry findings, WOW’s share price recovered -2% vs ASX 200. Currently, WOW’s underperformance vs ASX 200 since the Dec 6 Senate Inquiry announcement is 21%, PER premium vs ASX200 is at ~29%.

    ‘Sufficiently priced in’

    In light of the above, the team at Goldman Sachs believes that “WOW’s earnings and valuation risks from the Inquiries are sufficiently priced in and reiterate Buy (on CL).”

    As well as its conviction buy rating, Goldman has retained its $40.40 price target on the company’s shares. Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of 26% for investors over the next 12 months.

    The broker is also forecasting a $1.09 per share fully franked dividend in FY 2024. This represents a 3.3% dividend yield, which boosts the total potential return beyond 29%.

    The post Why you should buy cheap Woolworths shares before it’s too late appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *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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  • Buy this ASX 200 share for a 24% gain and 6% dividend yield

    three women with smartphone technology in European street scene

    three women with smartphone technology in European street scene

    Investors that are looking for the perfect combination of big gains and generous dividend yields might want to consider Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) shares.

    That’s the view of analysts at Bell Potter, which believe the ASX 200 share could deliver very strong returns for investors.

    What is the broker saying about this ASX 200 share?

    Bell Potter notes that the poultry producer’s share price has remained depressed since its half-year results. This is despite the continued downdraft in both domestic wheat and imported soybean pricing.

    The broker appears to believe that the market isn’t fully appreciating what this could mean for its costs and profits. Commenting on feed costs, the broker said:

    Since reporting Australian ASW benchmark wheat and soybean meal prices have fallen ~5%. Given ING’s forward purchasing arrangements, we see CY24TD feed cost indicators (drives FY25e COGS) down -13% relative implied FY24e levels, with our spot feed index -19% below the implied FY24e average. While our forecasts already assume a downdraft in FY25e feed COGS, the current implication if sustained is a more material downdraft than allowed for in our forecasts.

    In addition, Bell Potter believes that poultry prices have remain reasonable. It adds:

    CPI indicators for Feb’24 in NZ demonstrated MOM gains of +1% and while down -1% YOY looks reasonable. CPI indicators for Australia in Jan’24 continued to demonstrate upward inflation, up +1% MOM and +3% YOY. Inflation data has so far supported outlook comments from ING at the 1H24 result.

    Big gains and yields expected

    In light of the above, the broker has reiterated its buy rating and $4.35 price target on its shares.

    Based on where the ASX 200 share currently trades, this implies potential upside of approximately 24% for investors over the next 12 months.

    But it gets better. Bell Potter is forecasting a 23 cents per share fully franked dividend in FY 2024 and then a fully franked 24 cents per share dividend in FY 2025. This equates to yields of 6.5% and 6.8%, respectively.

    All in all, if Bell Potter is on the money with its recommendation, investors could generate a total return of approximately 30% over the next 12 months.

    To put this into context, a $10,000 investment would generate a return of $3,000 for investors.

    The broker concludes:

    Trading at the lower bound of its historical EV/EBITDAL trading range and well below its historical average (of 8.3x EV/EBITDAL) we retain our Buy rating.

    The post Buy this ASX 200 share for a 24% gain and 6% dividend yield appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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…

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    *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 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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  • 1 ASX healthcare stock that looks severely undervalued

    Cropped shot of an attractive young female scientist working on her computer in the laboratory.Cropped shot of an attractive young female scientist working on her computer in the laboratory.

    I think the ASX healthcare stock Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) looks very undervalued. It’s so cheap that I’m thinking about buying some Sonic Healthcare shares myself.

    The Sonic Healthcare share price has fallen more than 15% in the past year and it’s down around 25% since April 2023.

    This global pathology business is one to look into, in my opinion.

    I love investing in growing businesses where the share price has dropped because this means the price/earnings (P/E) ratio has reduced and is usually more attractive.

    Multiple growth avenues

    COVID-19 testing revenue has almost entirely gone, which has reduced the company’s operating leverage.

    But, the FY24 first-half result demonstrated a number of the positives that I like about the business.

    For starters, it reported base business revenue growth (which excludes COVID-19 testing) of 15%. Its organic revenue growth was 6.2% (which excludes things like acquisitions), which is a solid core business growth rate.

    The base business is benefiting from different tailwinds, like a growing population, which means there are more potential patients, while an older population could increase the frequency that services are required.   

    Sonic Healthcare is regularly investing in making new acquisitions, which can boost its scale – this can increase the profit margins. Around A$500 million of new annual revenue has been secured from acquisitions and contract wins, including $175 million from Synlab Suisse and $265 million from German acquisitions.

    The ASX healthcare stock also said its cost reduction programs are “well advanced”, which could be beneficial for margins in future reporting periods.

    Sonic Healthcare can benefit from several new technology sources, including PathologyWatch, AI, and its involvement with Microba Life Sciences Ltd (ASX: MAP), to help its future earnings.

    Growing dividend

    I don’t know for sure what the Sonic Healthcare share price is going to do. But, the ASX healthcare stock’s ongoing dividend growth can provide ‘real’ returns while we wait for a recovery. It said it has a progressive dividend policy.

    According to the estimate on Commsec, the company could pay an annual dividend per share of $1.08, which would translate into a forward dividend yield of 4%, excluding franking credits.

    Appealing valuation

    After the recent decline of the Sonic Healthcare share price, it’s now valued at under 19 times FY25’s estimated earnings, which I think is very reasonable for a business in a defensive industry like healthcare.

    Due to its fairly large market capitalisation size, I’m not expecting huge gains, but I believe it can be a steady compounder and outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the long term, at the current Sonic Healthcare share price. I’m thinking about buying some Sonic Healthcare shares for my own portfolio at the current level when Motley Fool’s trading rules allow me to.

    The post 1 ASX healthcare stock that looks severely undervalued 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 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 recommended Sonic Healthcare. 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 the Westpac dividend forecast through to 2026

    Man holding a calculator with Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    Man holding a calculator with Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    Like the rest of the big four banks, the Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) dividend is a popular option for income investors on the Australian share market.

    And it isn’t hard to see why.

    For over two decades, Australia’s oldest bank has shared a good portion of its profits with shareholders each year.

    Pleasingly, this trend continued in FY 2022, with the company rewarding its shareholders with a $1.42 per share fully franked dividend for the 12 months. This was an increase of 14% on what was paid out in FY 2022.

    This equates to a total dividend payment of $5 billion, which is greater than the current valuation of regional rival Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ).

    In fact, Westpac could have bought Bank of Queensland with its dividend and still had approximately $750 million of spare change.

    But that dividend has since been paid and is now back in the economy. So, what’s next for owners of Westpac shares? Let’s take a look and find out what analysts are expecting from the big four bank.

    Westpac dividend forecast

    As a reminder, Westpac paid out $1.42 per share fully franked dividend in FY 2023. Based on the current Westpac share price of $26.25, this equates to a generous 5.4% dividend yield.

    Looking ahead, the team at Goldman Sachs has been running the rule over the bank’s recent quarterly update and revealed that it believes Westpac remains positioned to increase its payout this year.

    However, it won’t be as big an increase as the year before. The broker has pencilled in a modest 1.4% lift in the Westpac dividend to $1.44 per share in FY 2024. This represents a fully franked 5.5% yield for investors buying at today’s price.

    Moving on, in FY 2025 the broker believes that the bank will be keeping its dividend flat at $1.44 per share again. This will mean another 5.5% dividend yield for shareholders.

    And if you like consistency, you will appreciate that Goldman expects a third consecutive $1.44 per share fully franked dividend to be paid by Westpac in FY 2026. This will mean yet another 5.5% dividend yield from its shares.

    But it is worth remembering that a lot can change between now and then for the better or for the worse. So, investors may want to use these forecasts as a guide for what could be coming and not take them as gospel.

    The post Here’s the Westpac dividend forecast through to 2026 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 Westpac Banking Corporation. 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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  • My top high-risk, high-reward ASX shares to buy in March

    A man balances on a tightrope across rocks above the sea at sunset.A man balances on a tightrope across rocks above the sea at sunset.

    As long as you understand the risk and diversify your portfolio, there is nothing wrong per se with buying some speculative shares.

    So if you are in that mood, here are two ASX shares considered suitable for those who are willing to tolerate some risk:

    Top ASX shares for a business with a plan to become a world leader

    Manganese miner Jupiter Mines Ltd (ASX: JMS) has seen its share price plunge more than 25% since May.

    However, Sequoia Wealth Management senior advisor Peter Day likes the direction the company is heading.

    “The company previously released a strategy update, outlining a five-year plan to become the leading manganese producer in the world,” Day told The Bull.

    “The company has a long life, open pit manganese mine with an integrated ore processing plant in South Africa.”

    Day, while admitting the stock is not for the faint-hearted, noted the business is ramping up.

    “Mining volumes in the first half of fiscal year 2024 were up compared to the prior corresponding period.”

    Day has good support among his peers. Broking platform CMC Invest shows all three analysts covering Jupiter Mines rating it as a strong buy.

    How delayed is the gratification for these shares?

    Casino operator Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) has been crushed under regulatory scrutiny over the past couple of years.

    Painfully the share price has lost more than 86% since October 2021.

    Just when investors thought they might get some relief, a bombshell landed last month.

    “The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission is holding another inquiry to investigate whether Star Entertainment is suitable to hold a Sydney casino licence,” said Day.

    “A final report is due on May 31.”

    Eventually, the business is bound to recover from its failings, but the second probe makes this an even more speculative buy than it was already.

    “The company generated net revenue of $865.7 million in the first half of fiscal year 2024, down 14.6% on the prior corresponding period.”

    Other experts are more divided on this one than Jupiter Mines. Five out of 10 analysts currently surveyed on CMC Invest consider Star Entertainment a buy at the moment.

    The post My top high-risk, high-reward ASX shares to buy in March 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 Tony Yoo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • If you’d put $20,000 in this ASX 200 mining stock 5 years ago, you’d have $278,000 now

    Miner with thumbs up at mineMiner with thumbs up at mine

    According to conventional wisdom, ASX mining stocks are notoriously cyclical.

    And that is true in most circumstances. Global prices for any mineral swings up and down wildly according to the health of the economy and the subsequent demand.

    But there is one S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) company specialising in one particular metal whose shares have been trending up for five years now.

    Let’s check out what happened:

    When no one used the term ‘social distancing’

    Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) is a gold miner with interests in Western Australia.

    Cast your mind back to before anyone had even heard of COVID-19.

    In 2019, interest rates around the world were near zero. Money was cheap and inflation was non-existent.

    Gold, long considered a safe haven investment, was totally ignored. It was an old school, non-productive asset that no one wanted.

    If you had the good fortune of buying Capricorn shares — let’s say $20,000 worth — you will have done pretty well.

    Because in December 2019 the planet changed from Wuhan outwards.

    A true black swan event, the coronavirus pandemic turned the global economy upside down.

    Investors flock to gold mining stock

    While the world may have moved on from lockdowns and even vaccinations, economically it’s now in a completely different place to what it was in 2019.

    Inflation is cooling but still uncomfortably high. Interest rates are much higher than near-zero, and could stay that way for years.

    Then just as the globe started moving past the pandemic, a war in eastern Europe broke out. Then another in the Middle East just 18 months after.

    People have been reminded that anything can happen.

    In such uncertain and frightening times, investors have flocked back to the comfort of gold. 

    And among the gold miners, in Bell Potter’s words, Capricorn Metals sets the standard.

    “Capricorn Metals is a sector-leading gold producer with a strong balance sheet and a management team with an excellent track record of delivery,” it stated in a memo to clients this month.

    “Its costs are among the lowest in the sector and it consistently generates strong cash margins.”

    So what about that $20,000 you invested in 2019?

    After just five years, that nest egg is now $277,777.

    Thank you, compounding.

    The post If you’d put $20,000 in this ASX 200 mining stock 5 years ago, you’d have $278,000 now 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 Tony Yoo 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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