• 2 top ASX dividend shares that analysts love

    A satisfied business woman with three fluggly pink clouds in the shape of a heart

    A satisfied business woman with three fluggly pink clouds in the shape of a heart

    If you’re in the market for some dividend shares, then you may want to look at the two listed below.

    Both these dividend shares have rated as buys by analysts and forecast to provide attractive yields. Here’s what you need to know about them:

    Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX: CQE)

    The first ASX dividend share that has been rated as a buy is the Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT.

    This REIT is focused on social infrastructure properties, which include bus depots, police and justice services facilities, and childcare centres. Demand is so strong for these properties that the company currently boasts a 100% occupancy rate with a weighted average lease expiry of 14.6 years.

    Goldman Sachs is a big fan of the company and expects this strong demand to support solid growth. It currently has a conviction buy rating and $4.20 price target on its shares

    Goldman is also expecting some generous dividends. It is forecasting dividends per share of 17.2 cents in FY 2022 and 18.3 cents in FY 2023. Based on its current share price of $3.21, this implies yields of 5.35% and 5.7%, respectively.

    Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

    Another ASX dividend share to look at is Wesfarmers. It is the conglomerate responsible for a portfolio of retail assets and industrial businesses such as Bunnings, Kmart, and CSBP.

    It has been growing at a solid rate for a couple of decades and appears well-placed to continue this trend in the future.

    Morgans certainly appears to believe this is the case. The broker currently has an add rating and $58.50 price target on its shares.

    It highlights that Wesfarmers has a high quality portfolio, is run by a highly regarded management team, and has a strong balance sheet that could be supportive of further M&A activity in the future.

    As for dividends, Morgans is forecasting fully franked dividends per share of $1.62 in FY 2022 and $1.81 in FY 2023. Based on the current Wesfarmers share price of $42.63, this will mean yields of 3.8% and 4.2%, respectively.

    The post 2 top ASX dividend shares that analysts love appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Charter Hall Social Infrastructure Reit right now?

    Before you consider Charter Hall Social Infrastructure Reit, 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 Charter Hall Social Infrastructure Reit 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 January 13th 2022

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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 positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers 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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  • Can the Fortescue share price hold up if the iron ore price falls?

    Three Argosy miners stand together at a mine site studying documents with equipment in the background

    Three Argosy miners stand together at a mine site studying documents with equipment in the background

    The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price is under the microscope amid market uncertainty about the iron ore price.

    Fortescue is a major iron ore ASX mining share. As such, the movement of the iron ore price has a significant impact on the company’s profitability.

    But the founder of Fortescue, and one of the country’s prominent business leaders, Andrew Forrest is not worried about what might happen next.

    Forrest optimism

    According to reporting by the Australian Financial Review, Forrest said there is “not a snowflake’s chance in hell” of a global recession this year. While individual countries could see a recession, he thinks that pent-up demand after COVID will help things.

    But Forrest conceded markets might be “choppy and uncertain” for up to three years, the report said.

    Forrest pointed to a couple of areas that will enable Fortescue to get through the current problems of rising interest rates, elevated inflation, and slower growth. Those advantages are Fortescue’s low-cost base and its green energy plans.

    Another factor that could impact the iron ore price — and the Fortescue share price — is the potential of a ‘central ore buyer’ in China to try to control the iron ore price, according to the Australian Financial Review.

    Forrest’s response? He said it was “a story which gets trotted out every three years”. So, we’ll see how that one plays out.

    Green energy ambitions to offset inflation?

    Forrest thinks that Fortescue will be able to weather inflation and higher interest rates. He believes the company can still raise capital and get through a period of lower commodity prices. Forrest said:

    Demand for our product has remained strong. And if global demand for iron ore goes down, the last man standing will be the lowest cost producer. And that is Fortescue.

    Fortescue is looking to build a global portfolio of projects to enable it to produce millions of tonnes of green hydrogen (which is made using renewable energy). Forrest said:

    We smoke $3.5 billion worth of fossil fuel into the atmosphere every year. That is one hell of a pool of capital annually to invest into your own fuel production and green iron systems.

    The AFR noted that there is lots of capital looking for investible projects, with Forrest saying a large part of that is looking for green projects.

    Is the Fortescue share price an opportunity?

    Forrest might answer yes to that question.

    But some brokers recently gave a different view. Morgan Stanley currently rates it as ‘underweight’, which is like a ‘sell’. The price target is $15.95, suggesting a decline of around 10%. However, a recent change in Indian tariffs could provide a boost for lower iron ore grade miners, such as Fortescue.

    The broker Ord Minnett rates it as a ‘hold’, with a price target of $19. That suggests a potential rise of around 7.5%.

    Looking at the projected grossed-up dividend yield, Ord Minnett thinks it could be 16.7% in FY22 and 14.4% in FY23.

    The post Can the Fortescue share price hold up if the iron ore price falls? 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 January 12th 2022

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    JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Fortescue Metals Group Limited. 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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  • Why we just bought these 3 ASX shares: fund

    Three businesspeople leap high with the CBD in the background.Three businesspeople leap high with the CBD in the background.

    It’s a confusing time to be an ASX shares investor right now.

    With inflation raging, interest rates rising and the economy heading downwards, which are the stocks that are value buys rather than value traps

    Perhaps it would help to see which ASX shares a professionally-managed fund has bought recently.

    Alphinity Investment Management, in a memo to clients, revealed three stocks that its team just bought.

    A win-win deal in a winning sector

    For Alphinity analysts, the “positive earnings revisions” continue to be identified in the energy and resource sectors.

    And two ASX shares in particular piqued their interest.

    “We have recently added to our positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) following the acquisition by Woodside of BHP’s energy division.”

    The Alphinity team believes the deal allows both sides to “pursue attractive growth projects”.

    “Strong cash flow generation will also provide capital management opportunities,” read the memo.

    “This is particularly the case for BHP but Woodside also should start its new era with an ungeared balance sheet.”

    Woodside shares are up more than 45% year to date, while paying out a 5.86% dividend yield. 

    The BHP share price is up 11% so far this year, and on top of that is rewarding shareholders with a handsome 11.7% dividend yield.

    Global competitors removed from market

    The third ASX share that the Alphinity team has added to their fund is chemicals maker Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI).

    “Orica has had a few lean years due to excess supply of its key product, explosives-grade ammonium nitrate, especially in Australia, but still managed to deliver a strong interim result in May.”

    Current geopolitics, with Russia out of the picture and China’s restricted manufacturing capability, is also having a bearing.

    “Market growth and restricted supply out of both China and Russia, has tightened the market, tipping the scales in price negotiations with its customers in Orica’s favour.”

    Orica shares have risen more than 13.7% year to date, while providing a 1.54% dividend yield.

    Earlier this year, Investors Mutual also identified Orica as a top-shelf stock to hold in 2022.

    “Investors begin to appreciate real cash flows generated by companies in the next two to three years, as opposed to hoped-for cash flows in 10 or 20 years’ time,” said director Anton Tagliaferro.

    “With interest rates rising, these stocks suddenly don’t look so boring or dull as things normalise.”

    The post Why we just bought these 3 ASX shares: fund 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 January 12th 2022

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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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  • This is what I’d do with these 3 battered ASX shares: fund manager

    A man in a business suit wearing boxing gloves slumps in the corner of a boxing ring representing the beaten-up Zip share price in recent timesA man in a business suit wearing boxing gloves slumps in the corner of a boxing ring representing the beaten-up Zip share price in recent times

    Ask A Fund Manager

    The Motley Fool chats with the best in the industry so that you can get an insight into how the professionals think. In this edition, U Ethical chief investment officer Jon Fernie explains what he’d do with three ASX shares that have been ravaged this year.

    Cut or keep?

    The Motley Fool: Let’s take a look at three fallen stars — ASX shares that have taken a beating this year. 

    First one is Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL), which has crashed more than 40% since September. What would you do with it?

    Jon Fernie: This one’s probably a reasonably straightforward one for us. As an ethical investor, we exclude companies with material fossil fuel exposure. Soul Patts has a major stake in New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC) and so it’s not a stock that we would consider. 

    I think investors also need to be cautious on investing in companies that have big exposure to potentially stranded assets.

    MF: How about Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH), which has almost halved this year?

    JF: We are currently invested in Resmed CDI (ASX: RMD), which is a competitor of FPH, so that would be our preference. 

    We think that Fisher and Paykel face some near-term headwinds and Resmed looks better in terms of its earnings outlook and valuation. 

    However, both companies will benefit from [a] product recall that we’ve seen from another competitor, Koninklijke Philips NV (AMS: PHIA). And I think, if you have a longer-term horizon, you may be willing to hold Fisher & Paykel and still expect that there’s a good, longer-term earnings growth opportunity for the company.

    MF: Fair enough. And the last one is the mapping company Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA), which has lost a painful 55% since November.

    JF: Nearmap’s one that we wouldn’t hold. We think the company’s small, but also I think it’s facing increased competition in that aerial mapping space. It continues to be a loss-making business. It’s going to require a lot of ongoing investment and they’re also facing some legal action from a competitor, so overall, not a stock that meets our investment criteria.

    The post This is what I’d do with these 3 battered ASX shares: fund manager 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 January 12th 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has positions in Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited, Nearmap Ltd., ResMed Inc., 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 Nearmap Ltd., ResMed Inc., and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Nearmap Ltd., ResMed Inc., 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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  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

    man thinking about whether to invest in bitcoin

    man thinking about whether to invest in bitcoin

    On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gave back its early gains to end the day in the red. The benchmark index dropped 0.2% to 6,508.5 points.

    Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 expected to rise

    The Australian share market is expected to rebound on Thursday following a better than feared night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 31 points or 0.5% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was down 0.15%, the S&P 500 fell 0.1%, and the Nasdaq edged 0.15% lower.

    Iron ore miners on watch

    Mining giants BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG), and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: FMG) could have a bad day on Thursday after the iron ore price continued its decline. According to Metal Bulletin, the benchmark iron ore price has fallen a further 5.5% to US$109.40 a tonne. This led to the NYSE listed BHP and Rio Tinto shares falling around 4% overnight.

    Oil prices tumble

    It could be a tough day for energy shares including Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices tumbled overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 3.9% to US$105.25 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 3.4% to US$110.72 a barrel. This was driven by fears that the US could fall into a recession and lessen demand for oil.

    Gold price edges higher

    Gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) will be on watch after the gold price edged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.05% to US$1,840 an ounce. The precious metal firmed amid growing recession fears.

    ANZ-MYOB rumours intensify

    Rumours that Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) is planning to acquire accounting software company MYOB are growing louder. According to the AFR, the bank has appointed Macquarie and UBS to help it run the numbers. If a deal is struck, it is expected to be for several billion dollars.

    The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday 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 January 12th 2022

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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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  • Here are 2 ASX dividend shares with 4%+ yields

    Australian dollar notes rolled into bundles.

    Australian dollar notes rolled into bundles.

    Looking to boost your income with some dividend shares? Then you might want to look at the two listed below.

    Both of these dividend shares are expected to provide investors with attractive yields in the near term. Here’s what you need to know about them:

    National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR)

    The first dividend share to look at is leading self-storage operator, National Storage. Through its portfolio of over 200 centres, the company provides tailored storage solutions to around 100,000 residential and commercial customers.

    And while this sounds like a large network, management still sees plenty of room to grow in the future. It notes that the self storage industry remains highly fragmented, giving it plenty of high-quality acquisition opportunities. This bodes well for its income and distribution growth over the long term.

    Ord Minnett is a fan of National Storage. The broker currently has a buy rating and $2.60 price target on its shares.

    As for dividends, its analysts are forecasting dividends per share of 10 cents in FY 2022 and FY 2023. Based on the current National Storage share price, this equates to yields of 4.5%.

    Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

    Another ASX dividend share for income investors to look at is this agricultural focused real estate investment trust (REIT). It owns a high quality portfolio of assets across a range of agricultural industries. These include almond and macadamia orchards, premium vineyards, water entitlements, cropping and cattle farms.

    Rural Funds’ properties are leased on long term contracts to major players in the industry such as Australia’s largest meat processor, JBS Australia and wine giant Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE). Together with its built in periodic rental increases, this provides Rural Funds with great visibility on its future earnings and distributions.

    Speaking of which, in FY 2022, the company intends to increase its dividend by its annual target rate of 4% to 11.73 cents per share. After which, it is planning to do the same in FY 2023, lifting it to 12.2 cents per share. Based on the current Rural Funds share price, this represents yields of 4.5% and 4.65%, respectively.

    The post Here are 2 ASX dividend shares with 4%+ yields 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 January 12th 2022

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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 positions in and has recommended RURALFUNDS STAPLED. 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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  • Goldman names 2 ASX healthcare shares to buy

    private health insurance diagram.

    private health insurance diagram.

    If you’re looking for exposure to the healthcare sector, then the two shares listed below could be top options.

    Here’s why analysts at Goldman Sachs believe they are well-placed for growth in the future:

    Integral Diagnostics Ltd (ASX: IDX)

    The first healthcare share to look at is diagnostic imaging services provider, Integral Diagnostics.

    Goldman highlights that the recovery in imaging volumes from the COVID-19 pandemic is underway. Combined with easing cost pressures in FY 2023, the broker expects this to allow Integral Diagnostics to deliver strong earnings growth. The broker explained:

    Looking forward, we expect the cost pressures to taper in FY23E (+7%), albeit with upside if management achieves their target of low-single-digit growth which, on our numbers, would result in favorable EBITDA growth of +23% in FY23E.

    Goldman Sachs has a buy rating and $4.20 price target.

    ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

    Another ASX healthcare share that Goldman rates highly is ResMed.

    Its analysts believe that ResMed is well-placed for growth thanks to a huge backlog of new patients waiting to be diagnosed. And while it acknowledges that there is a risk that these patients try alternative therapies, it doesn’t expect any shifts to substitutes to be material. The broker commented:

    There is a 12-18 month backlog of new patients waiting to be diagnosed. While there is a risk these prospective patients may switch to alternative therapies (e.g. dental sleep, neurostimulation), the degree of movement towards these substitutes has been relatively minor against the size of the CPAP market. Instead, we believe the backlog of new patients may add upside risk to our estimates if there is a material realisation of incremental devices/masks sales to new patients in FY23/24 (supply chain pressures permitting).

    Goldman currently has a buy rating and $34.40 price target on ResMed’s shares.

    The post Goldman names 2 ASX healthcare shares to buy 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 January 12th 2022

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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 ResMed Inc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear Ltd. and Integral Diagnostics Ltd. 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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  • Analysts name 2 top ASX 200 shares to buy today

    An ASX shares broker analysing a chart tracking the A2 Milk share price

    An ASX shares broker analysing a chart tracking the A2 Milk share price

    Are you interested in adding some ASX 200 shares to your portfolio following the market crash? If you are, you may want to look at the two listed below that have recently been named as buys.

    Here’s what you need to know about these ASX 200 shares:

    Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)

    The first ASX 200 share for investors to look at is Cochlear. It is one of the world’s leading hearing solutions companies with a portfolio of industry-leading implantable hearing devices.

    Analysts at Morgans are very positive on the company, particularly given its improving earnings profile. The broker explained commented:

    Cochlear maintains a dominant position in the implantable hearing solutions segment. While we continue to believe a full recovery from Covid-based disruptions still has time to play out, improving demand and strong pipeline, coupled with management’s increasing confidence, suggests an improving earnings profile.

    The broker currently has an add rating and $244.50 price target on Cochlear’s shares.

    Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB)

    Another ASX 200 share for investors to look at is online travel agent, Webjet.

    The team at Goldman Sachs is very positive on the company. The broker believes Webjet is well-placed for growth in the coming years as the travel market recovers from the pandemic. It explained:

    We forecast WEB to report +11.9% CAGR growth in EBITDA over FY19-24e taking a through COVID view, driven by 1/ a fundamentally stronger Bedbanks business driven by cost outs and stronger market share growth, 2/ Opportunities for market share growth in the B2C business and 3/ A strong balance sheet with a Net cash balance of c. A$108mn as at end of FY22.

    Goldman currently has a buy rating and $6.90 price target on Webjet’s shares.

    The post Analysts name 2 top ASX 200 shares to buy today 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 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 Cochlear Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear Ltd. and Webjet Ltd. 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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  • What’s the outlook for ASX 200 bank dividends?

    A man in a suit looks surprised as he looks through binoculars.A man in a suit looks surprised as he looks through binoculars.

    The ASX 200 big four bank shares are known to be great dividend payers. They’re a favourite among retiree investors because they typically dish out greater dividend yields than most ASX shares.

    Wait, wait. Yes, it’s true that the ASX mining shares and ASX energy shares may pay stupendous dividends this year, and possibly next year, due to the current commodities boom. But that’s a cyclical thing.

    When it comes to regular, reliable, and strong dividends over the long term you’d be … um, Foolish to ignore the big banks.

    What dividend yields are the ASX bank shares paying now?

    As my Foolish colleague Sebastian reported yesterday, the dividend yields of the big four ASX bank shares currently range from about 4.2% to 6.6%.

    At the top is Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ). ANZ pays a dividend yield of about 6.6% at current share price levels.

    Next is Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) which pays about 6.2% in dividends.

    Then there’s the business banking specialist National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB). Its dividend yield sits at about 5.2% at current share price levels.

    Last but not least is Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) at about 4.2%.

    All of the big four ASX bank shares pay fully franked dividends. That means you get the maximum tax break possible when you do your tax return.

    Retiree investors also love fully-franked dividends because they get paid in cash if their taxable income is beneath the taxable threshold. Bonus!

    What about Macquarie dividends?

    Should we look at Macquarie dividends too? Seems relevant given the company is often referred to as the ‘fifth bank’ amongst the big four?

    According to Seb’s calculations, Macquarie pays 3.8% with 40% franking at the moment. That’s pretty good for a banking share that trades at almost twice the price of Australia’s largest banking business, CBA.

    Remember, the dividend yield is calculated as a percentage of the share price. This week Macquarie is trading in the early $160s. (Fun fact: It was trading above $200 in January before the market correction began.)

    So, what’s the outlook for ASX 200 bank dividends?

    Well, to pay a strong dividend, any ASX business has to make a strong profit. That’s how dividend payouts are funded. And some experts believe there are revenue and cost headwinds for the banks.

    According to a report in the Australian Financial Review (AFR), analysts have attributed the recent sell-off in ASX bank shares to “fears that sharp interest rate increases will cause an economic slowdown that flows through to the property market and hurts the banks’ customers”.

    Furthermore, this would “potentially bring an end to years of bumper growth in lenders’ mortgage portfolios, fuelled by record low interest rates and a booming housing market”.

    What do the brokers think?

    The article quotes fund manager T. Rowe Price, which is “significantly underweight” on the Australian banks.

    The manager “believes their earnings could weaken sharply in the next six to 12 months as slowing growth sparks an increase in non-performing loans”.

    T. Rowe went even further in its gloomy outlook, saying it “would not be surprised if CBA and NAB suspended their most recent buybacks in light of developing macroeconomic conditions”.

    Equity analyst Nick Vidale said:

    As for the outlook for dividends, we think a good outcome for the banks in the coming years would be if they were able to hold dividends flat.

    However, Plato Investment Management says ASX bank shares will remain good income stocks in the short term.

    Plato’s managing director Don Hamson said:

    We don’t expect dividend cuts in the near future … However, we are less bullish on the potential for further bank buybacks given increased market uncertainty, and the fact that all the big four bought back capital either on or off-market in the past year.

    Concerns about rising loss provisions are way overdone. Similarly, we think speculation about a potential recession is way too premature.

    Australia has very high employment rates and people with a job usually pay their mortgage.

    Given ASX bank shares have been sold off, Plato reckons their dividend yields look even more attractive.

    Broker UBS says the major Australian banks are in a good position to handle rising interest rates.

    This is largely because the big banks are carrying $15 billion in collective provisions.

    Head of Australian bank research at UBS John Storey, said:

    There would need to be a substantial blow-up in credit provisions to derail the Australian banks earnings story.

    The post What’s the outlook for ASX 200 bank dividends? 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 January 12th 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Macquarie Group Limited, and Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group Limited and Westpac Banking Corporation. 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 did the CSL share price beat the ASX 200 on Wednesday?

    Two happy scientists analysing test results.Two happy scientists analysing test results.

    The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price finished higher today despite the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closing in the red.

    At Wednesday’s market close, the global biotech’s shares rose 0.68% to $261.76 apiece.

    By comparison, the benchmark ASX 200 index shed 0.20% to 6,508.5 points.

    What drove CSL shares higher today?

    With no announcements from the company, investors rallied the CSL share price throughout the day.

    A rebound on the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) helped support this move after falling almost 2% in the past week.

    Investors appeared to have focused on performing sectors as most of the market headed for another day of losses.

    The recent volatility across the ASX has been impacted by the talk surrounding more possible rate hikes to combat inflation.

    During the March quarter, inflation rose by 5.1% which was the highest level seen in many years.

    And with the United States possibly facing a recession in 2023, this has sent investors packing.

    Nonetheless, CSL shares continue to trade at attractive levels with many brokers believing its undervalued.

    In particular, Citi remains positive on CSL shares due to its high-growth and defensive qualities.

    As such, the broker has a buy rating and price target of $335. This represents an upside of roughly 28% based on the current share price.

    On the other hand, Morgan Stanley has an overweight rating with a price target of $302 per share. While not as bullish as Citi, this still implies an upside of about 15% from where CSL trades today.

    CSL share price summary

    Since the start of 2022, the CSL share price has fallen by roughly 10%.

    However, when looking further back, its shares are down almost 13% in the past 12 months.

    CSL is the third largest company on the ASX with a market capitalisation of approximately $126.17 billion.

    The post Why did the CSL share price beat the ASX 200 on Wednesday? 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 January 12th 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 CSL Ltd. 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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