• My top 3 ASX shares to consider buying before April

    A young man wearing glasses writes down his stock picks in his living room.A young man wearing glasses writes down his stock picks in his living room.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 11.6% over the past year. Yet, I still believe there are top deals among ASX shares in this market. Yes, there are opportunities to discover even when the Australian share market is around all-time highs.

    As April draws near (that was quick!), it’s as good of a time as any to trawl through what is on offer. Despite headlines of a ‘per capita recession’ and whispers of an ‘official recession’ on the horizon, I will continue putting my money to work in quality companies — letting long-term compounding outweigh any temporary instability.

    Here are a few ASX shares that meet my criteria for buying ahead of April this year.

    Wonderful company at a fair price

    The top echelon of companies usually trade on lofty valuations — everyone already knows how great they are. It makes it incredibly challenging to scoop up shares in such companies at a price that provides a margin of safety.

    Occasionally, something that shatters a company’s once-pearly perception — a rumour, a scathing report, or an innocent misstep — can occur. The reaction can be magnitudes greater than the actual issue, partially because the business loses that ‘golden ‘golden child’ sheen.

    In my view, Resmed CDI (ASX: RMD) is one such company. At a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 31, the medical device maker’s asking price is no tall order relative to its former glory.

    The popularity of weight loss medications, such as Ozempic, has induced a slimming down of the Resmed share price. However, the market for sleep apnea treatments remains vast. Given the company’s track record for growth, I’d happily buy more of this ASX share before the month ends.

    A top ASX share with pricing power

    A sensational FY23 full-year result has put this growth share on my radar. In my opinion, the combination of rapid growth and pricing power makes Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) highly attractive.

    Companies that aren’t yet generating profits can be hard to value. Nonetheless, the United States software maker appears to be heading in the right direction as it raises prices across its subscriber base.

    For example, average revenue per ‘paying circle’ (essentially a family) rose 25% year-on-year amid the price increases. Positively, global paying circles still grew by 21% despite asking customers to pay more for the offering — evidence that Life360 wields some strong pricing power.

    Furthermore, with 61 million global monthly active users, the runway for growth still seems lengthy. This ASX share is currently valued at a market capitalisation of $2.58 billion.

    A winner from rate cuts

    The third and final investment I’m contemplating this month is a bonafide value-style buy.

    Famed value investor Benjamin Graham was known for his tendency to buy companies trading below their book value. This means the company’s market capitalisation is less than its net assets, and Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF) is an ASX share meeting this criteria.

    The real estate investment trust (REIT) holds $1.9 billion of farmland and other agricultural assets. To do so, Rural Funds has taken on $701 million worth of debt to fund the purchase and improvement of property.

    Because of this, the company stands to benefit if interest rates begin to fall later this year. Approximately one-fifth of the REIT’s revenue was consumed by finance costs in the first half. Any reduction in interest expense will flow down to the bottom line of this ASX share.

    The post My top 3 ASX shares to consider buying before April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for 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 positions in ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360 and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed and Rural Funds 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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  • Why these excellent ASX dividend shares have been named as buys

    Happy couple enjoying ice cream in retirement.

    Happy couple enjoying ice cream in retirement.

    Are you searching for ASX dividend shares to buy?

    If you are then you may want to check out these two listed below that analysts think are top buys at present.

    Here’s what they are saying about them:

    Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

    The first ASX dividend share that could be a buy for income investors is Accent. It is the footwear focused retailer behind a growing number of store brands such as Hype DC, The Athlete’s Foot, and Stylerunner.

    The team at Bell Potter is feeling positive about the company. This is due to its strong market position and its “growth adjacencies via exclusive partnerships with globally winning brands such as Hoka and growing vertical brand strategy.”

    The broker expects this to underpin the payment of fully franked dividends per share of 13 cents in FY 2024 and then 14.6 cents in FY 2025. Based on the latest Accent share price of $2.03, this represents dividend yields of 6.4% and 7.2%, respectively.

    Bell Potter has a buy rating and $2.50 price target on its shares.

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

    Over at Morgans, its analysts think income investors should be buying this supermarket giant’s shares.

    It was impressed with Coles’ first-half performance, noting that its earnings were ahead of expectations. The broker was also pleased that its trading update revealed second half growth that is outperforming its bitter rival.

    Morgans expects this to underpin fully franked dividends of 66 cents per share in FY 2024 and 69 cents per share in FY 2025. Based on the current Coles share price of $16.50, this implies yields of approximately 4% and 4.2%, respectively.

    Morgans has an add rating and $18.70 price target on its shares.

    QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

    Finally, over at Goldman Sachs, its analysts think that this insurance giant is an ASX dividend share for income investors to buy.

    The broker likes QBE due to it having “the strongest exposure to the commercial rate cycle” and notes that its “valuation [is] not demanding.”

    Goldman also expects some generous yields from its shares in the near term. The broker is expecting dividends per share of 62 US cents in FY 2024 and 61 US cents in FY 2025. Based on its current share price of $17.38, this equates to dividend yields of 5.45% and 5.4%, respectively.

    Goldman has a buy rating and $18.65 price target on its shares.

    The post Why these excellent ASX dividend shares have been named as buys 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 positions in and has recommended Coles Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent 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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  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

    Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking

    Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking

    On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a good session. The benchmark index rose 0.35% to 7,703.2 points.

    Will the market be able to build on this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 expected to rise again

    The Australian share market looks set to rise again on Wednesday following a decent session in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 18 points or 0.2% higher. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.7%, the S&P 500 has risen 0.5%, and the Nasdaq is 0.4% higher.

    Oil prices continue to rise

    ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have another good session after oil prices rose again overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.1% to US$83.62 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.7% to US$87.46 a barrel. Russian supply concerns gave oil prices a boost.

    Buy Woolworths shares

    The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price is great value according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. The broker believes that concerns over inquiries into price gouging and anti-competitive behaviour claims are unnecessary. That’s because Goldman sees limited valuation and earnings risks from the inquiries. As a result, the broker has retained its conviction buy rating and $40.40 price target on the supermarket giant’s shares.

    Gold price edges lower

    ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a subdued session on Wednesday after the gold price edged lower overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.2% to US$2,160.6 an ounce. A stronger US dollar weighed on the precious metal. In addition, traders appear nervous ahead of the release of a speech from the US Federal Reserve tonight.

    Inghams rated as a buy

    The Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) share price is good value according to the team at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker retained its buy rating and $4.35 price target on the poultry producer’s shares. This implies potential upside of almost 24% for investors from current levels. It commented: “Feed cost drivers have weakened materially in CY24 and this is likely to manifest in COGS in FY25e. The upside from lower feed costs in our view mitigates the ongoing risk of channel shifts.”

    The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday 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 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 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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  • Own Medibank shares? Here’s why it’s a rewarding day for you

    Stethoscope with a piggy bank and hundred dollar notes.Stethoscope with a piggy bank and hundred dollar notes.

    Anyone who owns Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) shares today and has held them since 28 February 2024 is getting a useful boost today.

    A few weeks ago the company reported its FY24 half-year result, which came with a number of pleasing positives.

    One of the main things shareholders can take from the half-year report is a nice, big dividend.

    Medibank pays its dividend

    The board of directors for Medibank decided to declare a fully franked interim dividend of 7.2 cents, which is being paid today. That represented an increased payout that was 14.3% bigger than last year.

    Medibank’s payment equated to a dividend payout ratio of 75.5% of underlying net profit after tax (NPAT). This measure ‘normalises’ for investment market returns. The company has an annual target payout range of between 75% to 85% of underlying NPAT.

    At the current Medibank share price, this payout represents a grossed-up dividend yield of 2.7%.

    Growth reported

    The HY24 result was solid enough – group revenue from external customers increased 3.3%, while health insurance operating profit rose 4.3% to $317 million. Underlying NPAT rose 16.3% to $262.5 million and statutory net profit grew 103.2% to $343.2 million. Part of the profit increase was because of a 49.6% jump in net investment income.

    Medibank reported its net resident policyholders grew by 3,400 (or 0.2%), while net non-resident policies grew by 33,800 (or 12.3%).

    Future profitability will be key for ensuring the Medibank dividend can keep rising. It’s expecting a “moderation in resident industry growth” in FY24 compared to FY23. The business is aiming to achieve between 1.2% to 1.5% resident policyholder growth in FY24. It’s expecting a return to market share growth in the second half of FY24.

    Projected Medibank dividend yield

    According to the estimate on Commsec, owners of Medibank shares could get a grossed-up dividend yield of 6% in FY24.

    The post Own Medibank shares? Here’s why it’s a rewarding day for you 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 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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  • A 10% yield but down 53%! Time for me to buy more of this hidden ASX gem?

    two men in hard hats and high visibility jackets look together at a laptop screen that one of the men in holding at a mine site.two men in hard hats and high visibility jackets look together at a laptop screen that one of the men in holding at a mine site.

    Often the dilemma with stocks that have very high dividend yields is that there could be concerns about the business outlook.

    But just occasionally you come across an ASX stock that’s fallen in price, making it cheap and supercharging the dividend yield, but has a bright future ahead.

    It’s that rare find that’s in the sweet spot.

    Multi-mineral producer IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) has seen its share price tumble more than 53% since July.

    As a consequence, its yield now stands at a mouthwatering 9.6%.

    Is this a trap or have we found the end of the rainbow?

    Why has this dividend stock struggled?

    Although IGO has a record of extracting nickel, copper, and cobalt, its market fortunes are overwhelmingly dominated by the headline-grabbing lithium business.

    And global lithium prices have plummeted.

    In November 2022, a tonne of lithium carbonate was fetching almost 600,000 CNY. Just 16 months later, you’d be lucky to sell it for 113,000 CNY.

    The problem has been that China’s consumers are locking up their wallets, dampening demand for electric cars in that country.

    Western markets have not helped either, with billions of consumers crushed by inflation-busting interest rate rises.

    So that’s the bad news.

    Has IGO bottomed now?

    Now for the good news.

    Lithium demand, in the long run, is expected to be strong.

    In the coming years the world will need many new batteries to cope with the electrification of millions of engines that used to run on fossil fuels.

    It’s not just about nations altruistically reducing their carbon footprint. Recent wars in Europe and the Middle East have reminded all and sundry that depending entirely on imported oil and gas is a risky move.

    IGO Ltd, as one of the smaller miners, has done well to keep production going. Some other players, such as Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) have been forced to stop because producing lithium has become uneconomical.

    Just last month the team at Blackwattle picked IGO as the lithium stock to buy for those wanting to get into lithium for cheap right now.

    “We believe IGO provides investors with exposure to the best lithium mine in the world, Greenbushes, which is producing at a cost still well below current weak spodumene prices.”

    And many of their peers agree.

    According to broking platform CMC Invest, nine out of 18 analysts are recommending IGO as a buy right now.

    So yes, this could be a rare time that a falling stock with a high dividend could be a wise buy.

    The post A 10% yield but down 53%! Time for me to buy more of this hidden ASX gem? 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 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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  • How to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) without buying Nvidia stock

    AI written in blue on a digital chip.AI written in blue on a digital chip.

    If you’re kicking yourself that you missed Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA)’s 240% gain over the past year as artificial intelligence (AI), never fear.

    Nvidia stock is not the only AI game in town, so EAM Investors chief Travis Prentice reckons there are plenty of opportunities still out there.

    “We’re… seeing strong, accelerating trends in everything levered to AI and believe there will be meaningful beneficiaries of the AI buildout in small cap companies globally, not just in the ‘Magnificent Seven’.”

    A useful tip he gave is that they don’t have to be computing or even technology stocks.

    “Obviously, we see massive opportunities broadly within key enabling technology providers in the space, but also in general industrials that are key beneficiaries of the necessary build in infrastructure to support these large data centres and compute loads that AI requires.”

    The Motley Fool Australia asked US-based Prentice what some of those lateral ideas could be, and he named three stocks his fund is invested in:

    First you have to construct the buildings

    Eagle Materials Inc (NYSE: EXP) is a Texas company that makes building materials such as gypsum, concrete and wallboards.

    It’s comparable to ASX staples James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) and CSR Ltd (ASX: CSR).

    Prentice reckons that the business will benefit from all the facilities that need to be built to house all the computers that will calculate the world’s thirst for AI.

    “Beneficiary of infrastructure build in general, including onshoring of manufacturing/building out of data centres,” he told The Motley Fool.

    “Primarily visible by their pricing power/tight supply conditions driven by demand for cement/aggregates in their non-residential side of their business.”

    Then you build the data centres within

    A bit further down the supply chain is Vertiv Holdings Co (NYSE: VRT), which actually builds and operates data centres.

    Thus Prentice said that it is a “more of [a] direct beneficiary within the data centre build”.

    “Company provides power and thermal solutions in the data centre, most notably their strong market position in liquid cooling for high density compute applications.”

    Believe it or not, over the last 12 months, Vertiv shares have outperformed Nvidia stock, rocketing more than 480% in that time.

    All up the stock has risen an amazing 830% since July 2022.

    Finally, fit out the data centres

    On the other side of the world is Taiwanese outfit King Slide Works Co Ltd (TPE: 2059).

    Prentice explained that it “engages in the manufacturing and design of furniture hardware and accessories”. 

    “It also happens to have a strong portfolio of and customisation capabilities for server rail kits that help manage thermal issues and house AI servers in the data centre.”

    King Slide shares have not slid at all, but have climbed a similar path to Nvidia in the past year, rising 245%.

    To demonstrate the impact of the AI hype, all its gains over the past five years have been made in the last 12 months.

    The post How to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) without buying Nvidia stock 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 positions in and has recommended Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Eagle Materials. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia. 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 ASX shares that could help set you up for life

    Smiling young parents with their daughter dream of success.

    Smiling young parents with their daughter dream of success.

    When it comes to investing, I’m a big advocate of being patient and buying the crème de la crème of ASX shares when opportunities arise and then holding on for the long-term.

    This is instead of building a portfolio filled with so-so companies just because they were looking cheap at the time.

    Warren Buffett has previously highlighted his success with this approach. In fact, over an investment period of almost 60 years, Buffett suggested that there are approximately 12 great investment decisions that are responsible for his success. He said:

    Our satisfactory results have been the product of about a dozen truly good decisions – that would be about one every five years – and a sometimes-forgotten advantage that favors long-term investors such as Berkshire.

    Given how Buffett has delivered an average annual return almost double what the market has achieved since 1965, it’s fair to say that he knows what he’s talking about.

    ASX shares to buy and hold

    The good news for investors is there are a couple of high-quality ASX shares that analysts believe are trading at very attractive prices today.

    The first is biotechnology company CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), which is the name behind the CSL Behring, Seqirus, and CSL Vifor businesses.

    CSL Behring is a global biotherapeutics leader focused on using the latest technologies to discover, develop, and deliver innovative therapies for people living with conditions in the immunology, hematology, cardiovascular and metabolic, respiratory, and transplant therapeutic areas.

    Whereas Seqirus is a global leader in influenza protection and CSL Vifor is a global leader in iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia therapies.

    The team at UBS is very positive on the company’s outlook and has a buy rating and $330.00 price target on its shares. It believes the company could deliver double-digit earnings growth over the medium term.

    Another ASX share that analysts rate extremely highly is ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD). It is the world’s leading sleep disorder treatment company with a collection of highly regarded medical devices and software solutions.

    Due to concerns over the threat of weight loss drugs, its shares are down meaningfully from their highs. Morgans doesn’t believe these drugs are a threat and sees the weakness as a buying opportunity.

    It has an add rating and $32.82 price target on its shares. It notes that the “company remains well placed and uniquely positioned as it builds a patient-centric, connected-care digital platform that addresses the main pinch points across the healthcare value chain.”

    The post 2 ASX shares that could help set you up for life 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 and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Berkshire Hathaway, CSL, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway and 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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  • How about adding these ASX 300 dividend stocks to your income portfolio in March?

    Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.

    Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.

    Are you searching for some new additions to your income portfolio?

    If you are, then it could be worth checking out the three ASX 300 dividend stocks named below that analysts rate as buys.

    Here’s what sort of upside and yields they are forecasting from these shares:

    Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ)

    The first ASX 300 dividend stock that analysts rate highly is Aurizon. It is a rail and road network operator connecting miners, primary producers, and industry with export and domestic markets.

    The team Ord Minnett is positive on Aurizon and has an accumulate rating and $4.70 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 20% from current levels.

    The broker also expects some attractive dividend yields. It is forecasting partially franked dividends of 17.8 cents per share in FY 2024 and then 24.3 cents per share in FY 2025. Based on the latest Aurizon share price of $3.91, this will mean yields of 4.6% and 6.2%, respectively.

    Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC)

    Another ASX 300 dividend stock that could be a buy is Charter Hall. It is a property fund manager and developer across the office, retail, industrial and residential sectors.

    Macquarie thinks the company is a buy rating and has an outperform rating and $15.54 price target on its shares. This suggests upside of 17% for investors over the next 12 months.

    As for dividends, the broker is forecasting dividends per share of 45.1 cents in FY 2024 and 47.8 cents in FY 2025. Based on the current Charter Hall share price of $13.25, this will mean yields of 3.4% and 3.6%, respectively.

    Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: DBI)

    A third ASX 300 dividend stock that could offer decent upside and an attractive yield is Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure. It is the long-term operator of the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT).

    Morgans is positive on the company and has an add rating and $3.03 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 11%.

    The broker also believes the company is well-positioned to pay dividends per share of 22 cents in FY 2024 and 22.6 cents in FY 2025. Based on the latest Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure share price of $2.73, this will mean yields of 8% and 8.3%, respectively.

    The post How about adding these ASX 300 dividend stocks to your income portfolio 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 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aurizon. 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 why I’m investing most of my savings in ASX 300 shares!

    three businessmen high five each other outside an office building with graphic images of graphs and metrics superimposed on the shot.

    three businessmen high five each other outside an office building with graphic images of graphs and metrics superimposed on the shot.

    Ever since buying my first ASX share, I’ve been ploughing most of my savings and wealth into the ASX stock market. Investing in S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) shares is, in my view, the best way to build wealth in Australia, period.

    I’ve got nothing against property or other asset classes to be sure. But today, let’s discuss why most of my savings are invested in companies, and not houses or bonds.

    There are three reasons why I personally try to ensure most of my savings go towards investing in ASX shares.

    3 reasons I invest my savings into ASX shares

    The returns

    Firstly, ASX shares are, and always have been historically, one of the best-returning asset classes you can buy into. Every year, our chief investment officer, Scott Phillips, takes stock of the annual Vanguard chart. This compares the returns of different asset classes over the past 30 years.

    Last year’s chart showed ASX shares handily outperformed cash, bonds and listed property, delivering an average return of 9.2% per annum over the 30 years to 30 June 2023. The only asset class to do better was US shares at 10% per annum.

    Diversification

    Secondly, we have diversity. It is inherently easy to diversify your wealth by investing in the share market. Whether you buy a simple index fund or invest in a portfolio of different ASX 300 shares, most investors don’t find it difficult to spread out their investments amongst different industries, sectors and markets.

    With just five companies, you can have exposure to Australian banks, miners, telecommunications providers, grocery stores and retailers. To be clear, we normally recommend a portfolio of between 15-25 different stocks to be adequately diversified, but you get the drift.

    In contrast, a property requires you to lock up at least hundreds of thousands of dollars (if not millions) in one plot of land in a single suburb of a single city.

    Investing in ASX shares means less tax

    Thirdly, investing in ASX shares is very efficient from a taxation perspective. For one, you don’t need to pay tax on any capital gains from your shares until you sell them. And even when you do, you will probably get a 50% discount on your capital gains tax if you’ve held the shares for longer than a year.

    Dividend income is taxed as normal income. However, the franking credits that most ASX 300 shares pay alongside their dividends can help you minimise your tax bill.

    Compare that to the full income tax you pay on any interest earned in a savings account or term deposit, and we have a clear winner in my view.

    Foolish takeaway

    So those are the three reasons I tend to invest most of my savings in ASX 300 shares. Of course, I still keep a proportion of my wealth in liquid cash as an emergency fund – enough to fund living expenses for several months.

    I subscribe to the view that it is prudent financial practice to make sure that any unexpected expenses that life might throw at us can be paid without selling our investments at inopportune moments.

    However, any surplus cash I rack up will eventually find its way into my ASX share portfolio. Now you know why.

    The post Here’s why I’m investing most of my savings in ASX 300 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 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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  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    A neon sign says 'Top Ten'.

    A neon sign says 'Top Ten'.

    It was a very pleasant Tuesday for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and most ASX shares during today’s trading.

    Investors shook off some early morning jitters to propel the ASX 200 higher by the time the closing bell rang at the stock exchange, possibly thanks to the Reserve Bank of Australia keeping interest rates on hold. The index ended up gaining 0.36% today to finish up at 7,703.2 points.

    This happy Tuesday follows an encouraging start to the American trading week over on Wall Street last night.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) kicked off its week in style, rising 0.2%.

    The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better again, bouncing 0.82% higher.

    But time now to check out what was going on in the local markets today with a look at the various ASX sectors.

    Winners and losers

    We had plenty of both winners and losers today.

    Starting off with the losers, it was consumer staples shares that got shunned the most this Tuesday. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) tanked by 0.84%.

    Financial stocks were also punished by investors. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) was sent down 0.48% by the closing bell.

    Communications shares suffered a similar fate, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) getting a 0.42% whack.

    Consumer discretionary stocks weren’t quite as on the nose as consumer staples shares, but the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) still endured a 0.38% sell-off today.

    ASX healthcare shares failed to live up to their name this session, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)’s loss of 0.35%.

    Tech stocks were another sore point. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) retreated by 0.23%.

    Our final loser was the industrial sector. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) was given a 0.18% downgrade by investors.

    Turning to the winners now, it was miners who took out today’s gold medal. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) surged 2.11% over today’s trading.

    Energy stocks were right behind that, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)’s 1.98% leap higher.

    Gold shares had a great time too. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) shone with a rise of 1.72%.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) weren’t left out either. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) vaulted 1.13% higher.

    Utilities stocks were the final winners for today’s trading. But you wouldn’t know it from the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)’s 0.76% bump.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Taking out today’s index crown was mining stock Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC). Nickel Industries shares soared by a pleasing 8.11% up to 80 cents each.

    There was no fresh news out of the company today, but investors did give Nickel Industries shares a whack yesterday after a quarterly update.

    Here’s how the rest of today’s top stocks closed out:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC) $0.80 8.11%
    Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) $1.835 7.00%
    Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH) $0.80 5.26%
    West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) $1.05 5.00%
    Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX) $0.25 4.17%
    Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) $2.01 4.15%
    Arcadium Lithium plc (ASX: LTM) $7.11 3.95%
    New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) $4.60 3.84%
    Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) $24.54 3.59%
    Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) $52.48 3.16%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today 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 Newmont. 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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