• Top broker says buy Lake Resources shares for potential 300% upside

    A woman lies back and relaxes in her boat with a big smile on her face as it floats on the rising tide.A woman lies back and relaxes in her boat with a big smile on her face as it floats on the rising tide.

    The Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE) share price closed yesterday’s session up 3.25% to 64 cents.

    The ASX lithium stock has had a turbulent time of late, with its share price falling 24% in February alone.

    But broker Bell Potter says the stock is a buy with a potential 300% upside available to investors.

    What will push the Lake Resources share price 300% higher?

    Bell Potter has a speculative buy rating on Lake Resources with a 12-month share price target of $2.52.

    That implies a 309.8% upside for investors who buy the ASX lithium stock today.

    This is welcome news for shareholders, who have been suffering through a bunch of blows lately.

    These include a tumbling share price, softening lithium prices, and a bearish outlook on the commodity.

    Lake Resources also remains one of the most shorted ASX shares, with 6.9% of its capital shorted. It continues to be the subject of a sustained short-sell attack by US activist group, J Capital too.

    Finally, with no production slated until 2024, Lake Resources shares may be attracting less support from investors than producing companies like Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE), Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS), and Core Lithium Ltd (CXO).

    Its flagship Kachi Project is due to commence production in 2024. In 2023, Lake Resources announced two conditional offtake agreements amounting to 50,000 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate.

    Bell Potter likes the look of these deals. Here’s its latest commentary on Lake Resources:

    “LKE has … announced two conditional agreements with a combined offtake of 50ktpa lithium carbonate (LC) and listed-level equity placement of 20%.

    WMC Energy (Netherlands) and SK On (Korea) have both signed 10-year 25ktpa LC offtake from LKE’s Kachi project.

    Both companies are expected to make a 10% equity investment in LKE; WMC at $1.20/sh and SK On at an agreed 20-day VWAP.

    Both agreements are conditional on the release of the Kachi definitive feasibility study, Lilac’s demonstration plant successfully operating, completion of financial due diligence on LKE and formal documentation and approvals.”

    Bell Potter is tipping earnings per share (EPS) growth of 85.9% for Lake Resources in 2024.

    What’s the latest news from Lake Resources?

    The company recently presented at the BMO Global Metals, Mining and Critical Minerals Conference.

    In its presentation, Lake Resources said demand continues to outweigh supply for lithium.

    It notes an ongoing push from the United States and Europe for non-China lithium supply.

    Lake said it expected to complete its definitive feasibility study for producing 50,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate per annum by the middle of this year.

    The post Top broker says buy Lake Resources shares for potential 300% upside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Lake Resources N.l. right now?

    Before you consider Lake Resources N.l., you’ll want to hear this.

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

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Allkem and Core Lithium. 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/TZJsrDk

  • Here’s the BHP dividend forecast through to 2025

    A happy construction worker or miner holds a fistfull of Australian money, indicating a dividends windfall

    A happy construction worker or miner holds a fistfull of Australian money, indicating a dividends windfall

    Things can change very quickly in the mining sector due to swings in both spot and forecast commodity prices.

    Fortunately for shareholders of BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), one leading broker believes the outlook for iron ore has just improved.

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts believe iron ore will fall into a significant deficit in the coming months, boosting the price of the steel making ingredient meaningfully. The broker explained:

    The GS commodity team recently increased their iron ore price forecasts to US$120/t for 2023 (from US$100/t) with a 3m target of US$150/t (vs. spot at US$125/t) with the expectation that the seaborne market should swing into significant deficit of 43Mt in 1H23 on the back of lower seasonal supply from Australia and Brazil and an expected recovery in Chinese steel volumes.

    BHP dividend forecast

    In response to the above, let’s look at what this might mean for the BHP dividend in the coming years.

    As a reminder, in FY 2022, BHP paid shareholders a fully franked US$3.25 per share dividend.

    In line with what the miner declared in the first-half, Goldman expects a softer BHP dividend year over year in FY 2023.

    It has pencilled in a fully franked US$2.11 (A$3.20) dividend this year. Based on the current BHP share price of $46.59, this will mean a generous 6.9% yield for investors.

    Another cut is expected in FY 2024, with Goldman forecasting a US$1.70 (A$2.58) per share dividend. This still represents an above average dividend yield of 5.5% based on current prices.

    Finally, the trend is expected to continue in FY 2025, with the broker forecasting another dividend cut. Goldman expects a US$1.21 (A$1.84) per share fully franked dividend for that year. That equates to a more modest 4% dividend yield for investors.

    The post Here’s the BHP dividend forecast through to 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Bhp Group, you’ll want to hear this.

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

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

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

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/gYqt92G

  • Buy this ASX ETF for big retirement income

    A couple sit on the deck of a yacht with a beautiful mountain and lake backdrop enjoying the fruits of their long-term ASX shares and dividend income.

    A couple sit on the deck of a yacht with a beautiful mountain and lake backdrop enjoying the fruits of their long-term ASX shares and dividend income.

    If you’re not a fan of stock picking, then exchange traded funds (ETFs) are here to make your life easier. That’s because they allow you to invest in a group of shares through a single investment.

    And with ETFs catering for every occasion, there’s likely to be something out there that fits with your investment goals.

    For example, if you’re looking to generate income in retirement, then the ETF listed below could be a great option for you.

    Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

    The Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF could be a top option for a retirement portfolio. That’s because this popular ETF provides investors with easy access to ASX listed shares that have higher than average forecast dividends.

    Vanguard notes that instead of looking backwards, it relies on broker estimates to build a portfolio of shares that are expected to be among the biggest dividend payers in the next 12 months. It explains:

    VHY is built smarter. Unlike most high yield equity ETFs, VHY uses forward looking broker estimates to determine which securities go in the fund. This ensures VHY can look past historical information and capture the securities that are forecast to pay a higher yield.

    The fund manager also has diversity in mind when building its portfolio. It limits the proportion invested in any one industry to 40% and 10% for any one company. This ensures that income investors are holding a diverse collection of dividend shares.

    Included in the fund are a number of income investor favourites. This includes BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS), and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS). Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A-REITS) are not included in the ETF.

    At the time of writing, the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF was trading with an estimated forward dividend yield of 5.2%.

    The post Buy this ASX ETF for big retirement income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield Etf right now?

    Before you consider Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield Etf, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield Etf wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/SXndOYq

  • Golden buying opportunity for 2 ASX shares slashed last month: Celeste

    Woman looking at her smartphone and analysing share price.Woman looking at her smartphone and analysing share price.

    Investors are pretty skittish at the moment with the economy teetering on the brink and inflation still raging.

    So last month’s reporting season saw ASX shares punished brutally even if the result slightly missed expectations — or even for just meeting analyst forecasts.

    That means there could be some bargains out there for businesses that still have bright long-term prospects.

    Here are two examples in Celeste Funds Management’s portfolio:

    Weak half-year result was just a matter of timing

    Litigation funder Omni Bridgeway Ltd (ASX: OBL) watched in horror last month as its share price plunged 25% off a cliff.

    In fact, the stock has fallen even further this month to bring the total losses since the start of February to a painful 35%.

    The Celeste analysts, in a memo to clients, attributed this to “a weak result” and the retirement of its chief executive.

    “Completions in the half were significantly lower than expected and operating costs were materially higher.”

    However, the Celeste team is not too worried about Omni Bridgeway’s longer term prospects.

    “With $304 million of commitments during the period, Omni Bridgeway [is] on track to achieve their FY23 target of $550 million,” read the memo.

    “We think the result and completions remain a timing issue.”

    Celeste’s peers seem to agree that Omni Bridgeway stocks remain attractive.

    According to CMC Markets, all three of the analysts covering the stock currently recommend it as a strong buy.

    ‘Strong’ pipeline of work coming up

    Mining and infrastructure services contractor NRW Holdings Limited (ASX: NWH) also had to shut its eyes during February as its stock price tumbled.

    “NRW Holdings fell 16.8% in February post a slightly softer than expected earnings result impacted by weather, delay of new contract awards and investment in North America.”

    Cash conversion was weaker in the half yearly results, due to “projects’ working capital releases and requirements”.

    The Celeste analysts, though, were optimistic upon affirmation of previous guidance for the full financial year.

    “NRW Holdings reiterated FY23 guidance of $2.6 to $2.7 billion revenue and $162 to $172 million EBITA with normalising cash flow.”

    The company has plenty of work coming up, too.

    “NRW’s group pipeline is a strong $19.3 billion with orderbook up +$0.9 billion to $4.9 billion.”

    The professional community isn’t quite as unanimous about NRW Holdings as Omni Bridgeway shares.

    Current figures on CMC Markets show five out of eight analysts rating NRW shares as a buy.

    The post Golden buying opportunity for 2 ASX shares slashed last month: Celeste appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Our pullback stock hit list…

    Motley Fool Share Advisor has released a hit list of stocks that investors should be paying close attention to right now…

    As the market continues to sell off, we think some stocks have become extreme buying opportunities.

    In five years’ time, we think you’ll probably wish you’d bought these 4 ‘pullback’ stocks…

    See The 4 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has positions in Nrw. 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/GnCPebs

  • Catch these fast-rising 2 ASX shares before it’s too late: Celeste

    Two boys with cardboard rockets strapped to their backs, indicating two ASX companies with rocketing share pricesTwo boys with cardboard rockets strapped to their backs, indicating two ASX companies with rocketing share prices

    With much uncertainty hanging over both consumers and businesses, stock picking at the moment is a fraught activity.

    However, there could be a pretty straightforward method to spot ASX shares worthy of buying.

    Some stocks took off during last month’s reporting season. And it’s not an outrageous argument to hop on to these stocks that have both business and share price momentum.

    The analysts at Celeste Funds Management this week named two such ASX shares this week that still have appealing prospects for further returns.

    Executing well and plenty of future opportunities lined up

    Shares for automotive industry software maker Infomedia Limited (ASX: IFM) went absolutely gangbusters in February.

    “Infomedia rose 26.7% over the month, with the 1H23 result pointing to sales re-acceleration, good progress on cost control and a healthy sales pipeline,” stated a Celeste memo to clients.

    “Infomedia delivered sales growth across all regions (HoH) and made solid progress in reshaping the cost base.”

    The Infomedia share price has now gained more than 7% over the past year, all while paying out a dividend of 3.5%. Not bad for a period when most technology stocks suffered.

    There is plenty of potential to be tapped in the near future, too.

    “The company disclosed $15 million of potential annual recurring revenue opportunities, and while they still have to be won, it highlighted a refocus on client engagement by the new management team,” read the Celeste memo.

    “The balance sheet is net cash and Infomedia should see ongoing improved performance.”

    Much of the rest of the professional investment community agrees with the Celeste team. According to CMC Markets, six out of seven analysts currently rate Infomedia as a buy with five of those recommending it as a strong buy.

    ‘Appealing exposure to a defensive industry’

    While Australian Clinical Labs Ltd (ASX: ACL) shares have struggled over the past year, losing 22.5%, the stock enjoyed a massive renaissance during reporting season.

    “Australian Clinical Labs rallied 16.5% during the month following a 1H23 result that beat market expectations,” read the Celeste memo.

    “Although COVID revenue was down (PCR testing volumes), the core business revenue grew 18%.”

    The Celeste analysts were impressed with the pathology service provider’s cost control, as it “maintained an operating profit margin of 11%, in line with previous guidance”. 

    The current half is already looking great, and Celeste analysts reckon the shares are still inexpensive to buy in.

    “Looking ahead, 2H23 has started strongly with Jan 23 LFL revenue growth of 22%,” read the memo.

    “ACL is an appealing exposure to a defensive industry and remains cheap versus listed peers.”

    Australian Clinical Labs is also popular with other fund managers, with four out of five analysts currently surveyed on CMC Markets rating it as a strong buy.

    The post Catch these fast-rising 2 ASX shares before it’s too late: Celeste 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 March 1 2023

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

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

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/MEqszIG

  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

    A male investor wearing a white shirt and blue suit jacket sits at his desk looking at his laptop with his hands to his chin, waiting in anticipation.

    A male investor wearing a white shirt and blue suit jacket sits at his desk looking at his laptop with his hands to his chin, waiting in anticipation.

    On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) recorded the smallest of gains. The benchmark index rose a modest 3.3 points to 7,311.1 points.

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

    ASX 200 expected to fall

    The Australian share market looks set to end the week on a disappointing note. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 43 points or 0.6% lower this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.8%, the S&P 500 is down 1%, and the NASDAQ index is down 1.2%.

    Oil prices fall again

    Energy producers Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a poor finish to the week after oil prices continued to slide overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.3% to US$75.68 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.3% to US$81.58 a barrel. Recession fears have been weighing on prices this week.

    Buy Xero shares

    The Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price surged higher yesterday after announcing major cost reductions. This has gone down well with analysts at Goldman Sachs, who have retained their conviction buy rating with an improved price target of $116.00. It said: “We upgrade FY24-26E EBITDA by +9-17% given the step change in opex.”

    Gold price rises

    Gold miners Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) could have a decent finish to the week after the gold price rose overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 1.1% to US$1,838.5 an ounce. US dollar weakness and market volatility gave gold a boost.

    Metcash shares downgraded

    The Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS) share price could be overvalued according to Goldman Sachs. This morning, the broker has downgraded the wholesale distributor’s shares to a sell rating with a $3.50 price target. It explained: “We downgrade MTS from Neutral to Sell due to moderating supermarket inflation and rising competition, both of which we expect to negatively impact MTS’s Food sales and EBIT.”

    The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    FREE Guide for New Investors

    Despite what some people may say – we believe investing in shares doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated…

    For over a decade, we’ve been helping everyday Aussies get started on their journey.

    And to help even more people cut through some of the confusion “experts’” seem to want to perpetuate – we’ve created a brand-new “how to” guide.

    Yes, Claim my FREE copy!
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

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

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/XjlZAUD

  • Buy these excellent ASX 200 healthcare shares: Goldman Sachs

    Five healthcare workers standing together and smiling.

    Five healthcare workers standing together and smiling.

    The team at Goldman Sachs has been running the rule over the healthcare sector following the conclusion of earnings season.

    Two ASX 200 healthcare shares that have been given the thumbs up by the broker are listed below. Here’s what its analysts are saying about them:

    Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)

    This hearing solutions company could be a top option in the sector according to Goldman Sachs. Its analysts believe Cochlear is well-placed to outperform its guidance in FY 2023 thanks to improving trading conditions.

    Goldman has a buy rating and $265.00 price target on its shares. It commented:

    We believe Cochlear screens well on these fundamental factors, and largely avoids the margin uncertainties prevalent across other verticals. We expect a sequential improvement in momentum through 2H23 (further elective volume improvement and new processor launch momentum, potentially tempered by some moderation in Acoustics). We forecast above guidance in FY23E (GSe: $306m vs. $290-305m) and believe shares will now be further supported by a newly announced multi-year buyback program (GSe: $75m/year).

    ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

    Another ASX 200 healthcare share that Goldman Sachs is bullish on is ResMed. It is forecasting double-digit earnings growth through to at least 2026. It also sees scope for even quicker growth depending on the Philips re-entry after a major product recall.

    Goldman has a buy rating and $38.00 price target on this sleep treatment company’s shares. It said:

    The timing/nature of Philips’ re-entry remains an important debate, but under most scenarios we expect excess demand through end-2023 at least. Whilst supply shortages and cost inflation mitigated the tailwinds through FY22, the benefits to RMD are significant, and could accrue over many years. As operational pressures continue to ease we see margin/cost dynamics improving, both near- and long-term. We expect a sequentially stronger 2H23, and currently model an EPS CAGR of +11% FY23-26E (with potential upside depending on how competitive dynamics develop).

    The post Buy these excellent ASX 200 healthcare shares: Goldman Sachs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    FREE Beginners Investing Guide

    Despite what some people may say – we believe investing in shares doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated…

    For over a decade, we’ve been helping everyday Aussies get started on their journey.

    And to help even more people cut through some of the confusion “experts’” seem to want to perpetuate – we’ve created a brand-new “how to” guide.

    Yes, Claim my FREE copy!
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/oxSdW03

  • Core Lithium share price spikes despite almost tripled losses in 1H FY23

    A man in a hard hat and high visibility vest holds his thumb up in a gesture of confidence with heavy moving equipment in the background as on a mine site as the Chalice Mining share price rises todayA man in a hard hat and high visibility vest holds his thumb up in a gesture of confidence with heavy moving equipment in the background as on a mine site as the Chalice Mining share price rises today

    The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price was among the top performers of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) today.

    The small-cap ASX lithium share closed the session up 3.09% to a neat $1 on Thursday.

    This was despite the lithium miner reporting an almost tripled loss in its 1H FY23 report released today.

    Then again, it’s unsurprising for a junior miner to report increased losses when it’s been ramping up investment and operations to commence production at scale.

    And 1H FY23 was a milestone period for the company in this regard. Core Lithium has now transitioned from a mine explorer and developer to a mine operator and producer with its first sale during the period.

    This makes Core Lithium one of the few ASX lithium companies actually producing lithium. Game-changer.

    Let’s check out the half-year numbers.

    Core Lithium share price up despite $9.2 million loss

    The miner owns the Finniss Lithium Operation on the Cox Peninsula, 88km south-west of Darwin.

    It produced and sold its first batch of lithium at the very end of 1H FY23. So, the income from that sale didn’t make it onto the books for the period.

    However, in terms of income, rising interest rates throughout 2022 certainly helped the company out. Its ample cash reserves generated more than $1 million in interest in 1H FY23, up from just $150,000 in 1H FY22.

    Here’s the key data:

    • Loss of $9.2 million, up from $3.3 million in the prior corresponding period (pcp) of 1H FY22
    • Cash and cash equivalents of $125 million, down from $157 million pcp
    • Total net assets worth $327 million, up from $239 million pcp
    • Earnings per share (EPS) loss of 0.52 cents per share, down from 0.22.

    Investors appear unperturbed by the increased operational losses. After the report was released to the ASX at about 2pm today, the Core Lithium share price continued to rise until the market close.

    What else happened in 1H FY23?

    Among the highlights of the half was mining the first lithium ore from Grants Pit. The company also commissioned its dense media separation plant (DMS) to produce its first spodumene concentrate.

    This facilitated Core Lithium’s first sale — a one-off direct shipping ore (DSO) to China. The shipment was trucked to Darwin Port in December 2022 and set sail for China in January this year.

    Other highlights of 1H FY23 included:

    • Upgrading the mineral resource estimate (MRE) for Finniss by 28% and the ore reserve estimate (ORE) by 43%. This extended the life of mine estimate to a minimum of 12 years
    • Completed a $100 million capital raise to fund an extensive drilling campaign in 2023, pursue growth opportunities, and provide additional working capital
    • Appointment of CEO Gareth Manderson and COO Mike Stone (CFO Doug Warden has also been appointed in 2023).

    What did management say?

    In the report, Core Lithium said:

    The Company continues to receive strong inbound interest in lithium spodumene concentrate from Finniss and is well-positioned to capitalise on high demand for available battery grade lithium concentrate to complement existing binding offtake arrangements with Ganfeng Lithium and Yahua.

    What’s next?

    Core Lithium had $125 million in liquid capital at the end of the period, and now that it’s producing lithium, it can start generating revenue. So, the future looks pretty bright for this ASX lithium share.

    On Monday, the company reported a more than doubling of the Finniss Lithium Project MRC following further drilling activities. This pushed the Core Lithium share price up by 11%.

    The company said further significant growth opportunities exist beyond the currently modelled resource domains at Carlton, Ah Hoy, Hang Gong, and Sandras. Core Lithium will continue exploring this year and will update the global mineral resource and ore reserve estimate for Finniss shortly.

    Brokers are divided on Core Lithium stock.

    Macquarie retains an outperform rating with an improved 12-month price target of $1.50 following the MRC update.

    This implies a potential 50% upside for investors who buy Core Lithium shares at today’s price.

    Goldman Sachs is less enthusiastic, with a sell rating and a price target of 90 cents.

    Core Lithium share price snapshot

    Core Lithium has been one of the favourite ASX lithium shares among investors in recent years.

    The stock started a pretty sustained run in early 2021, rising from about 14 cents to $1.50 by April 2022.

    As is often the case with young and exciting ASX mineral explorer shares, investors bid up the price based on promise and expected future earnings. Arguably, it ran too hard, and in mid-2022, a correction began.

    Enormous fluctuations in the Core Lithium share price have followed.

    Over the past 12 months, the Core Lithium share price is up 3.3%.

    Over the past six months, it’s down 37%.

    In the year to date, it’s virtually steady — down by just 0.3%.

    The post Core Lithium share price spikes despite almost tripled losses in 1H FY23 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Core Lithium Ltd right now?

    Before you consider Core Lithium Ltd, you’ll want to hear this.

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

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Core Lithium and Macquarie 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 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/OTLMVx4

  • Coles stock can deliver golden combo of share price growth plus dividends: Citi

    A couple in a supermarket laugh as they discuss which fruits and vegetables to buy

    A couple in a supermarket laugh as they discuss which fruits and vegetables to buy

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) stock could deliver attractive total returns through a combination of share price growth and dividends.

    The supermarket business has done very well since the start of COVID-19, but with pandemic effects now disappearing, the company is still managing to achieve good financial growth.

    Experts think that the good times could continue for Coles shares.

    Margins are rising amid inflation

    It would be understandable that inflation would lead to higher revenue and profit for the business.

    If Coles made a 5% profit margin, then it’d make a $5 profit on $100 of sales. If the same basket of products were sold for $105, then a profit margin of 5% would result in a $5.25 profit.

    But, Coles’ continuing operations sales grew 3.9% to $20.8 billion and the earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) grew 9.9% to $1.06 billion. Earnings per share (EPS) grew 11.6% to 46.3 cents. Clearly, margins have increased during this period.

    The ABC reported on comments from Coles’ government and industry relations manager, Vittoria Bon, about the increased profit margins when talking to the Senate Committee who commented that the supermarket had cut produces on some products:

    That’s why we’ve got the campaigns that we have, [such as] Dropped and Locked.

    We’ve got 5,000 products at any point in time that represent value for our customers because they’re on special…and we have a whole range of products that customers can buy that are less than $1, for example canned tuna, canned vegetables.

    We’re very conscious of the cost of living pressures faced by our customers, and that’s why we’re responding with those sorts of value campaigns.

    The ABC also reported that Coles denied it was “profiteering from inflation”, saying that it was because of a fall in COVID costs.

    However, Coles did report that its gross profit margin improved by 43 basis points (0.43%) to 26.5% over the period. The EBIT margin increased by 28 basis points to 5.3%.

    The Betashares chief economist David Bassanese said:

    We need to eat, and that doesn’t change all that much, and so we’re not that price sensitive.

    We hate paying more for Vegemite and peanut butter, but ultimately we’re still going to buy it even at higher prices.

    So what we’ve seen is businesses in those cases have been able to pass on the cost increase to prices, and sales in the main have been maintained.

    Expert views on Coles stock and the dividend

    As noted by my colleague James Mickleboro, Citi thinks Coles stock is a buy, with a price target of $20.20. That suggests that the Coles share price could rise by more than 10%.

    The broker suggests that the FY23 first-half EBIT was better than expected and there is “upside” to the FY23 estimated consensus for EBIT.

    Citi expects Coles to pay an annual dividend per share of 69 cents in FY23, which is a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.5%. The FY24 dividend per share could be 71 cents, which would be a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.7%.

    The post Coles stock can deliver golden combo of share price growth plus dividends: Citi appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Coles Group Limited, you’ll want to hear this.

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

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

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

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/K3x6Hgm

  • These 3 ASX 300 shares are dividend dynamos!

    An older couple come together in their warm heated home with fire cracker sparklers.

    An older couple come together in their warm heated home with fire cracker sparklers.

    2022 and 2023 have seen a strange shift in the investing world. For the decade before 2022, interest rates were at historically low levels. They were essentially zero over 2020 and 2021. That meant that investors could not get any kind of decent return on cash investments. Savings accounts, term deposits and the like offered next to no return. That meant ASX 300 dividend shares were one of the only real options if investors wished to receive a decent yield on their cash.

    Well, that world has gone. Just this week, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised interest rates for the tenth time in a row. The cash rate has gone from 0.1% at the end of 2021 to the 3.6% we see today – one of the sharpest rises in history.

    As a consequence, many savings accounts and term deposits are now offering interest rates of up to 5% (and some even higher) today.

    But that doesn’t mean we can’t get even better yields from some ASX 300 dividend dynamos.

    So let’s check out three that are offering yields that can smash cash right now.

    Smash cash with these ASX 300 dividend shares

    First up is Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1). This ASX 300 retail share operates well-known footwear outlets such as Platypus Shoes and The Athlete’s Foot. Over the past 12 months, Accent shares have paid out a total of 16 cents per share in dividend payments – the highest 12-month total in its history.

    Despite the Accent share price rising by almost 43% over the past year, the shares still offer a trailing dividend yield of 6.67% today. That grosses up to a whopping 9.53% with Accent’s full franking credits.

    Another ASX 300 share offering a supersized dividend yield is Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH). Unlike Accent, the Adairs share price has been suffering over the past 12 months, currently down by just over 17%. But despite this, this company paid out a historically high 18 cents per share in dividends over 2022.

    That gives Adairs shares a dividend yield of 7.5% today. Again, Adairs’ dividends usually come fully franked, so this grosses up to a pleasing 10.71%.

    An 11.3% yield from Harvey Norman?

    Finally, let’s check out Harvey Norman Group Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN). Harvey Norman is a company needing little introduction, thanks to its prominent presence on the Australian retail scene for over four decades.

    This is another ASX 300 share that has had a rough time over the past year, with Harvey Norman losing almost 29% of its value since March 2022. But that isn’t obvious when you look at this company’s dividend. 2022 saw Harvey Norman dole out its largest shareholder payments ever, with investors showered with a total of 37.5 cents per share, fully franked.

    This gives Harvey Norman a dividend yield of 7.92% today, which grosses up to a massive 11.31% with that full franking.

    So as you can see, there are plenty of ASX 300 shares out there that have the potential to still give investors massive yields on their capital today.

    The post These 3 ASX 300 shares are dividend dynamos! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Looking to buy dividend shares to help fight inflation?

    If you’re looking to buy dividend shares to help fight inflation then you’ll need to get your hands on this… Our FREE report revealing 3 stocks not only boasting inflation-fighting dividends…

    They also have strong potential for massive long-term returns…

    See the 3 stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Adairs. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adairs and Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Adairs and Harvey Norman. 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/yNJkExT