• If you’d put $30,000 in this ASX retail stock 11 months ago, you’d have $116,000 now

    A man eases back onto his sofa, happy with the relaxed vibe from his furniture.A man eases back onto his sofa, happy with the relaxed vibe from his furniture.

    When the fortunes of a stock turn, it often happens rapidly.

    This is why many experts advise staying invested during tough times. The best gains are to be had during those turnaround periods.

    A classic example of this is online furniture retail business Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW).

    Let’s check out how much money this ASX stock could have made those who kept the faith:

    Crashing down to earth after COVID-19 highs

    On 20 March last year, Temple & Webster shares were languishing at $3.21.

    That was a far cry from its heyday during the COVID-19 era, when it reached the high $13s.

    There were several factors working against the business.

    First was that consumers were no longer trapped in their homes from lockdowns, so Temple & Webster was no longer enjoying a surge in furniture sales.

    This was confirmed a few months later when revenue dipped in the 2023 financial year for the first time in company history.

    Another headwind was that the Reserve Bank of Australia was in the midst of a vicious run of 13 interest rate rises in order to combat rampant inflation. This was poison to growth stocks, whose future earnings capability was diminished.

    The retail stock on a rip-roaring comeback

    Anyway, let’s say you had $30,000 worth of Temple & Webster shares during that dark time.

    Fast forward 11 months. As of Monday afternoon, the retailer stock is now trading around $12.40.

    That’s an incredible 286% gain in not even one year.

    That $30,000 investment would now be $115,887.

    A 75% drop in stock price from 2021 through 2022 would have sent many investors fleeing like it was a burning building. But those who held on have been the beneficiaries of a seriously quick u-turn.

    Incidentally, quite a few of those who invest for a living reckon Temple & Webster shares have more upside.

    Right now eight out of 13 analysts still believe the stock is a buy, according to CMC Invest.

    The Motley Fool’s Tristan Harrison has even declared Temple & Webster the “best ASX share buy” in his superannuation fund.

    “I think it has a compelling future… As the younger (digital-savvy) Aussies enter their bigger-spending years, it bodes well for the ASX share, in my opinion,” he said last week.

    “I’m excited by what the business can become in five years, particularly if it reaches its goal of $1 billion in annual sales sooner rather than later.”

    The post If you’d put $30,000 in this ASX retail stock 11 months ago, you’d have $116,000 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. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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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 Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster 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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  • Is the Woolworths share price too good to pass on?

    Woman customer and grocery shopping cart in supermarket store, retail outlet or mall shop. Female shopper pushing trolley in shelf aisle to buy discount groceries, sale goods and brand offers.Woman customer and grocery shopping cart in supermarket store, retail outlet or mall shop. Female shopper pushing trolley in shelf aisle to buy discount groceries, sale goods and brand offers.

    It’s been a rough reporting season for supermarket giant Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

    First its chief executive Brad Banducci angrily walked out of an interview on national television — then came back.

    Then last week the company reported a whopping half-year loss after significant items of $781 million, which was 192.4% up year-on-year.

    Oh, and Banducci announced he was quitting.

    It probably doesn’t surprise you that the Woolworths share price has dived more than 8.3% since last Wednesday.

    So is this the perfect opportunity to buy a famous S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock that represents the largest employer in Australia?

    Woolworths losing lots of friends

    The recent chaos has done Woolworths no favours among professional investors.

    Immediately after Banducci’s exit and the half-year report, they lined up to downgrade their stock expectations.

    UBS Group AG (SWX: UBSG) and Morgans both changed their recommendations from buy to neutral. Jefferies, Barenjoey, Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE: GS), Citigroup Inc (NYSE: C), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), Morgans, and Jarden all cut their targets for the Woolworths share price.

    So, on face value, those who invest for a living clearly don’t think Woolworths is a bargain buy right now.

    After all, more tough times are ahead of the company with government-initiated price gouging enquiries about to put a microscope on the relationships it has with suppliers and customers.

    Inflation-driven cost-of-living pressures have called into question the social licence that grocery providers operate under. This will put an enormous public focus on Banducci’s successor Amanda Bardwell to shift profits down in her priorities for the business.

    This, of course, is not great news for investors.

    So the answer to the question posed in the headline?

    No, the Woolworths share price probably can be passed on at the moment. 

    Later, when the environment has improved for the supermarket, the stock price might be a tad higher. But investors will have more certainty — i.e. reduced risk — about the direction of the company.

    So hold your fire, and watch this space.

    The post Is the Woolworths share price too good to pass on? 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. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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

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  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Ordinary Australians waiting at the bus stop using their phones to trade ASX 200 shares today

    Ordinary Australians waiting at the bus stop using their phones to trade ASX 200 shares today

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) snatched victory from the jaws of defeat today, recording a mild rise.

    After spending the whole day in red territory, the ASX 200 surged into green territory just before market close, banking a rise of 0.13%. That leaves the index at 7,663 points this Tuesday.

    This rather remarkable turnaround for the Australian markets today follows a weak night up on Wall Street last night.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a mediocre session to kick off the US trading week, dropping 0.16%.

    The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was just as pessimistic, falling 0.13%.

    But returning to the ASX now, let’s take stock of the various ASX sectors and how they fared this Tuesday.

    Winners and losers

    It was a fairly even mix between the winning and losing sectors today.

    Kicking off with the latter, gold stocks were the worst place to have money invested in today. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had another painful session, tanking by 1.88%.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were also targeted by sellers, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) retreating by a tamer 0.81%.

    Utilities shares had a down day too, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)’s loss of 0.74%.

    Healthcare stocks were rejected by investors as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) ended up losing 0.6% of its value.

    Mining shares were another sore spot. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) slid 0.39% lower by the closing bell.

    Our final loser was the communications sector. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) slipped by 0.14% today.

    Turning now to the winners, and its consumer staples stocks that took out the crown today. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) had a wonderful time on the markets, surging by 2.15%.

    ASX tech shares came in behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) banking a gain of 1.26%.

    Then we had energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was also on fire, rising by 0.52%.

    Financial stocks followed energy, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) recording a 0.48% lift.

    Consumer discretionary shares were up next. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) had a good time too with its uptick of 0.41%.

    Industrial stocks were our last winner, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) adding 0.35% to its value.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Today’s best stock on the index was plumbing company Reece Ltd (ASX: REH).

    Reece shares surged a massive 18.31% up to $28.50 each after the company posted its latest earnings this morning. Clearly, investors were impressed with the increases in revenue, earnings and profits that Reece displayed.

    Here’s how the rest of today’s winners pulled up:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Reece Ltd (ASX: REH) $28.50 18.31%
    Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI) $4.68 7.83%
    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) $95.38 7.00%
    Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) $11.70 6.75%
    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) $16.75 5.48%
    Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) $5.34 5.12%
    CSR Ltd (ASX: CSR) $8.80 5.01%
    Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) $2.74 4.18%
    Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) $4.72 3.96%
    Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) $1.18 3.96%

    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. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Endeavour Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Nanosonics, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Coles Group, Nanosonics, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. 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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  • Has the CSL share price got further to fall?

    Research, collaboration and doctors working digital tablet, analysis and discussion of innovation cancer treatment. Healthcare, teamwork and planning by experts sharing idea and strategy for surgery.Research, collaboration and doctors working digital tablet, analysis and discussion of innovation cancer treatment. Healthcare, teamwork and planning by experts sharing idea and strategy for surgery.

    Well, things were looking up for the CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price. Until 12 February earlier this month, that is. 

    Between late October and 12 February, CSL shares were on a tear. This ASX 200 healthcare stock rose more than 32% between those two dates. But after the company released some bitterly disappointing test results for a new cardiovascular drug, investors lost a lot of their confidence.

    Since 12 February, CSL shares have tanked by more than 6.6%, falling from over $300 each to the $285.50 we see today (at market close).

    Not even a confident earnings report earlier this month could restore investor enthusiasm. As we covered at the time, those earnings revealed that CSL was able to record an 11% rise in revenues, as well as a 20% increase in net profits for the six months ending 31 December. Investors were also treated to a 12% dividend pay rise.

    Check out the CSL share price’s movements below for yourself:

    So with CSL shares coming off the boil and seemingly not getting back on, ASX investors might be asking themselves whether CSL shares have further to fall. After all, it was only in late October that this healthcare giant got as low as $228.65 a share.

    Does the CSL share price have further to fall?

    Well, let’s see what some ASX experts think.

    Following the release of CSL’s earnings, my Fool colleague James covered the views of ASX broker Morgans. Morgans did trim its price target for CSL shares following its disappointing trial results. But it still rates the company as an add following its earnings, with a price target of $315.40. If realised, that would represent an upside of more than 10% from current prices.

    Morgans was happy with what CSL reported earlier this month and evidently sees significant value in the company’s share price at its current levels.

    But Morgans isn’t the only expert that is eyeing off the healthcare giant right now. eToro analyst Josh Gilbert shares a positive view. Here’s some of what he recently said about CSL right now:

    CSL shareholders will have reason to smile today with the release of a solid half-yearly report… [These] results show that the business continues to move in the right direction, and there is plenty to be positive about. With solid profit growth, a healthy dividend, solid guidance, and interest rate cuts not far away, CSL will be on investors’ watchlists.

    So it appears that at least two ASX experts reckon CSL shares are more likely to head up than down going forward. But, as always, we’ll have to wait and see if that turns out to be the case.

    The post Has the CSL share price got further to fall? 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. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. 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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  • 4 directors are buying the dip on this ASX lithium stock

    Two businesspeople walk together in an office, smiling as they enjoy a good business relationship.

    Two businesspeople walk together in an office, smiling as they enjoy a good business relationship.

    IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) shares have taken a real beating over the last 12 months.

    During this time, the ASX lithium stock has lost over 40% of its value. As a comparison, the ASX 200 index is up approximately 6% over the same period.

    It appears that the company’s directors believe the selling has been overdone.

    That’s because no less than four of them have been picking up IGO shares this month.

    Insiders buying this ASX lithium stock

    According to a series of change of director’s interest notices, the four directors dipped into the market a day after the release of the company’s half-year results last week.

    The largest purchase came from the ASX lithium stock’s new CEO, Ivan Vella.

    Vella, who has been in the top job since December, made two purchases of 35,000 and 6,500 shares on 23 February through on-market trades. This represented investments of $254,569.18 and $47,283.18, respectively.

    Also making a large investment in IGO shares was the company’s chair, Michael Nossal. He snapped up 25,000 IGO shares through an on-market trade on the same day for a total consideration $180,840.46.

    Non-executive director, Debra Bakker, also made a sizeable investment. She picked up 7,000 shares for a total consideration of $50,400.00 through an on-market trade on 23 February.

    Finally, fellow non-executive director, Tracey Arlaud, bought 3,093 shares through an on-market trade the same day. Arlaud paid a total of US$14,722.68 according to the notice.

    Should you buy?

    Insider buying is often regarded as a bullish indicator. After all, who know a company better than those inside its c-suites.

    Goldman Sachs is likely to be supportive of the aforementioned purchases. Last week, the broker retained its buy rating with an $8.00 price target.

    The post 4 directors are buying the dip on this ASX lithium 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. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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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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  • Should I buy the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV) at all-time highs or wait?

    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.

    Investors in the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) will no doubt be rejoicing today. This exchange-traded fund (ETF) has just hit a new all-time high. Yep, IV units closed at $51.68 yesterday, but opened at $51.70 this morning before pushing up to $51.74 each – this index fund‘s new all-time high.

    Of course, today’s new high watermark is just the latest in a series of fresh new highs for the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

    This fund has been on an extraordinary run in recent months. IVV units are now up more than 11% in just 2024 so far, as well as up a whopping 30.7% over the past 12 months. Investors have also enjoyed a gain of over 95.5% over the past five years.

    Like most of the recent IVV highs, today’s fresh top can probably be attributed to a recent surge in some of the US’s top tech stocks. Last night alone saw Tesla gain 3.87%. And NVIDIA stock has risen a whopping 17% since only Wednesday (US time) last week. If we add some recent weakness in the Australian dollar against the US dollar, we have a potent recipe for an iShares S&P 500 at record highs.

    Index funds like the iShares S&P 500 ETF are particularly popular for investors who like to passively invest by following a dollar-cost averaging strategy.

    But many investors might be wondering whether they should keep buying this popular ASX ETF. After all, gains like the ones we’ve seen with IVV units are quite uncommon (11% in three months for example). And many investors don’t like buying assets when they’re being priced at all-time highs.

    So what’s the right way to invest here?

    Should investors stop buying the iShares S&P 500 ETF at record highs?

    Well, the wisest thing for investors, particularly those passive investors who’ve committed to buying IVV units at periodic intervals, is arguably to continue their strategy. Making a decision to stop buying this ETF because it is at a certain price is in effect, engaging in market timing. And that’s something that passive investors are trying to avoid in the first place.

    The reality is that none of us knows what an index fund like IVV will do next. Today’s all-time high might prove to be the highest it goes in 2024. If that’s the case, then you’ll look like a genius if you stop buying today.

    But there’s just as a good chance that today’s new high will be supplanted by another record tomorrow, next week or next month. If that turns out to be the case, you’ll look like a fool for halting your buys.

    As such, true passive investors should continue to stick to their strategy. As they say, ‘time in the market is better than timing the market’.

    But don’t take it from me. Take it from legendary investor Warren Buffett. Here’s some of what he told investors in his 2014 letter to the shareholders of his company Berkshire Hathaway:

    Investors, of course, can, by their own behavior, make stock ownership highly risky. And many do. Active trading, attempts to ‘time’ market movements, inadequate diversification, the payment of high and unnecessary fees to managers and advisors, and the use of borrowed money can destroy the decent returns that a life-long owner of equities would otherwise enjoy.

    The commission of the investment sins listed above is not limited to ‘the little guy.’ Huge institutional investors, viewed as a group, have long underperformed the unsophisticated index-fund investor who simply sits tight for decades.

    In 2017, he added this advice:

    Consistently buy an S&P 500 low-cost index fund… Keep buying it through thick and thin, and especially through thin.

    Whilst we are clearly in a ‘thick’ period right now, Buffett’s advice is clear.

    The post Should I buy the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV) at all-time highs or wait? 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. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Berkshire Hathaway and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Berkshire Hathaway, Nvidia, Tesla, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 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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  • 3 ASX 300 shares receiving broker upgrades today (one with 25% potential upside)

    A young female investor sits in her home office looking at her ipad and smiling as she sees the QBE share price risingA young female investor sits in her home office looking at her ipad and smiling as she sees the QBE share price rising

    ASX 300 shares are slightly lower on Tuesday afternoon, down 0.17% as earnings season continues.

    As reported in The Australian, various stocks are receiving broker upgrades after the companies released their 1H FY24 earnings results yesterday.

    Let’s take a look at this trio in the ASX 300.

    ASX 300 shares upgraded following half-year reports

    Adairs shares upgraded as dividends resume

    The Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH) share price is $2.15, up 1.9% amid news of two broker upgrades today.

    Morgans has raised its rating on the ASX 300 retail stock to add, with a 12-month share price target of $2.40. Wilsons has bumped up its rating to market-weight with a $2 price target.

    Yesterday Adairs reported an 18.9% decline in statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) to $17.7 million for 1H FY24. Perhaps investors were expecting worse given the 13.35% rise in the Adairs share price yesterday.

    Adairs also announced the resumption of dividends after not paying a final dividend in FY22. The ASX 300 retailer will pay a fully franked interim dividend of 5 cents per share (cps), down from 8 cps in 1H FY23.

    Mayne Pharma share price up 22% in two days

    The Mayne Pharma Group Ltd (ASX: MYX) share price is $6.57, up 8.87% at the time of writing.

    Wilsons has raised its rating on the ASX 300 stock to overweight. However, its new 12-month share price target is well below today’s value at $7.38.

    Yesterday, Mayne Pharma reported a 43% increase in revenue to $188 million and underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of $8 million. The 1H FY24 EBITDA contrasts starkly with last year’s 1H FY23 EBITDA loss of $25.7 million.

    Investors were pleased and pumped up Mayne Pharma shares by 13.74% during the session on Monday.

    Wilsons tips 25% potential upside on ASX 300 healthcare share

    The Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) share price is 4.94% higher on Tuesday at $2.76.

    JP Morgan has upgraded the ASX 300 healthcare stock to neutral with a $2.80 share price target. Wilsons has also upgraded Nanosonics shares to overweight with a more ambitious $3.45 price target.

    Yesterday, the infection prevention company reported a 2% decline in revenue to $79,638 million and a 41% decline in NPAT to $6,168 million in 1H FY24. As my colleague James reported, softer sales and significantly higher expenses put a drag on the company’s earnings.

    ASX 300 investors punished the stock yesterday to the tune of a 13.92% fall in the share price. Perhaps they overdid it, if today’s near-5% bump is anything to go by.

    The post 3 ASX 300 shares receiving broker upgrades today (one with 25% potential upside) 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. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

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    JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adairs, JPMorgan Chase, and Nanosonics. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Adairs and Nanosonics. 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 everything you need to know about the Woodside dividend

    An oil worker in front of a pumpjack using a tablet PC.

    An oil worker in front of a pumpjack using a tablet PC.Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are pushing higher on Tuesday.

    In afternoon trade, the energy giant’s shares are up 1% to $30.32.

    This follows the release of Woodside’s full-year results for FY 2023 and the announcement of its final dividend.

    Woodside results summary

    During FY 2023, Woodside delivered a strong operational result, which was undone by falling energy prices.

    The company reported a 17% decline in operating revenue to US$13,994 million after lower prices across all commodities offset higher sales volumes.

    And with production costs rising slightly year on year, the company’s underlying net profit after tax was down 37% to US$3,320 million. This excludes non-cash post-tax asset impairments of US$1,533 million relating to Shenzi asset.

    The Woodside dividend

    It will come as no surprise to learn that the company was forced to cut its dividend in FY 2023 in line with its dividend policy.

    As a reminder, the Woodside dividend policy is to pay a minimum of 50% of underlying net profit after tax with a target payout ratio of between 50% and 80%.

    The Woodside board cut its fully franked final dividend by 58% to 60 US cents per share, bringing its FY 2023 dividend to a total of US$1.40 per share. This is down 45% year on year but represents approximately 80% of underlying net profit after tax.

    Based on current exchange rates, this equates to 91.8 Australian cents per share for the final dividend and A$2.14 per share for FY 2023.

    And based on the current Woodside share price of $30.32, it means yields of 3% and 7%, respectively, for investors.

    Commenting on the dividend, chairman Richard Goyder AO said:

    We achieved strong financial performance in 2023. While oil and gas prices eased from 2022’s record highs, robust product demand continued. In 2023, we recorded an annual net profit after tax of $1.7 billion and an underlying net profit after tax of $3.3 billion. Based on this, the Board has determined a fullyfranked final dividend of 60 US cents per share, resulting in a total full-year dividend of 140 US cents per share.

    When is pay day?

    Woodside shares will be trading ex-dividend for its final distribution next week on 7 March.

    After which, it will be paid to eligible shareholders the following month on 4 April.

    The company’s dividend reinvestment plan remains suspended.

    The post Here’s everything you need to know about the Woodside dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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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 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 did the Brickworks share price just hit an all-time high?

    Yellow rising arrow on a brick wall with a man on a ladder.Yellow rising arrow on a brick wall with a man on a ladder.

    The Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW) share price is currently up 1% and hit a peak of $29.80 earlier today. In the past three months, it has gone on an impressive run, rising by 18%.

    The building products business hasn’t reported yet, its reporting period ends on 31 January 2024, a month later than most other businesses. It’s due to hand in its 2024 half-year result on 21 March 2024.

    It hasn’t made any announcements since the company’s property update in December. Let’s look at what’s going on.

    Why has the Brickworks share price soared?

    There has been a lot of excitement in the building products space after a number of takeover bids, which has enabled investors to put a price on Brickworks’ manufacturing earnings and potential.

    CSR Ltd (ASX: CSR) entered into a binding scheme implementation deed this week with Saint-Gobain for a cash price of $9 per share. The CSR share price is up 33% this year.

    Boral Ltd (ASX: BLD) received a takeover offer from Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SVW). The Boral share price is up 10% in the last month and 66% in the past year.

    Adbri Ltd (ASX: ABC) has entered into a scheme implementation deed with CRH. The Adbri share price is up 58% in the last three months.

    Brickworks hasn’t received a takeover offer, but the Brickworks share price has gone up 20% from 11 December 2023.

    The company seems to be feeding off the excitement about the sector.

    If all three of CSR, Boral and Adbri are taken off the ASX, then Brickworks will be one of the few larger building product businesses.  

    What next?

    Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) are going to report their results in a few weeks, so we’ll get a good look at both businesses under the ‘hood’.

    The business has recovered a long way from its COVID-19 low in April 2020 – it’s up by 140%.

    The post How did the Brickworks share price just hit an all-time high? 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. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. 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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  • Looking to bank the record Ampol dividend? Time is running out!

    A smiling woman puts fuel into her car at a petrol pump.

    A smiling woman puts fuel into her car at a petrol pump.Looking to bank the all-time high Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) dividend?

    If you don’t own shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stock already, then you’d better hurry!

    Investors wanting to land that record dividend will need to own Ampol shares at market close this Thursday, 29 February. Ampol shares trade ex-dividend on Friday, 1 March.

    If you own shares when the closing bell rings on Thursday, you can expect to see that passive income hit your bank account on 27 March.

    Here’s what else you need to know.

    Ampol dividend hits new all-time highs

    Ampol reported its full-year results on Monday.

    The highlight for passive income investors was the fully franked final dividend of $1.20 per share, which came coupled with a special dividend of 60 cents per share, also fully franked.

    That works out to a fully franked final dividend of $1.80 per share. That’s up 16% from the final dividend of $1.55 per share paid out last year. And it represents the highest dividend ever paid by the ASX 200 energy stock.

    At the current Ampol share price of $38.93, this equates to a fully franked pending yield of 4.6% from the final dividend alone.

    Ampol also paid an interim dividend of 95 cents per share on 27 September. That sees the ASX 200 energy stock trading on a yield (partly trailing, partly pending) of 7.1%, with potential tax benefits from those franking credits.

    In 2023 Ampol will have returned 89%, or $655 million, of its net profit after tax (NPAT) to shareholders.

    Ampol CEO Matt Halliday said the company’s strong balance sheet enabled it to deliver “our highest ever dividends to shareholders”.

    Ampol share price leaps to new record

    Atop the record Ampol dividend declared on Monday, the Ampol share price hit a fresh all-time high today.

    Ampol shares traded as high as $39.10 in earlier trade.

    The current $38.93 per share (if maintained) will still mark a new record closing high.

    The post Looking to bank the record Ampol dividend? Time is running out! 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. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

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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 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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