• We see potential: Top broker sees more upside in (ASX:CSR) shares

    a business person in a suit and tie directs a pointed finger upwards with a graphic of a rising bar graph and an arrow heading upwards in line with the person's finger.a business person in a suit and tie directs a pointed finger upwards with a graphic of a rising bar graph and an arrow heading upwards in line with the person's finger.a business person in a suit and tie directs a pointed finger upwards with a graphic of a rising bar graph and an arrow heading upwards in line with the person's finger.

    Shares in CSR Limited (ASX: CSR) are tanking from the open today to now trade 2% lower at $5.61 apiece. Aside from that, it’s been a difficult year for CSR shares, having slipped into the red during that time.

    Not all are as downbeat on the company, however. Analysts at JP Morgan rate CSR as a buy and reckon there is plenty more legs for the stock to run higher in 2022. CSR’s single-year price return is charted below against the benchmark index.

    TradingView Chart

    What’s got this broker bullish on CSR shares?

    Analyst at JP Morgan are overweight on CSR with a $6.15 price target, noting that, while “sentiment around the cycle is expected to slow, volumes are supported for at least the next 18 months given lags to activity”.

    This could bode in well for the company’s earning cycle, the broker says, particularly given its track record in meeting earnings expectations.

    In fact, the firm reckons this is a key factor in the investment debate here, a point that instils confidence in its conviction on CSR.

    “While earnings expectations are running high for CSR”, the broker said, “strong execution in past cycles gives us confidence in CSR’s ability to meet this demand”.

    And with the recent sale of land at Badgerys Creek, analysts have updated their modelling and the results indicate more bullish outcomes.

    “We are updating our model to reflect the sale of 4.6 hectares of land at Badgerys Creek for $20.77 million ($450 per sqm)”, it said.

    “CSR now expects Property EBIT of $46 million for FY22e…Our FY22e EBIT forecasts are now $288 million, up 4% from $277 million previously”.

    That’s not all that’s got the broker urging its clients to allocate to CSR. Analysts at the firm also note the potential for a surprise in the company’s building products segment, and, with $130 million in cash on the balance sheet, could be ripe for more acquisitions.

    “With the earnings leverage to remain below past cycles, despite a record level of construction activity, we could see Building Products earnings upside in FY23”, the analyst remarked.

    “We also see potential for both property potential to be unlocked and the balance sheet to be deployed via capital returns or accretive [mergers and acquisitions] M&A”.

    A quick summary on CSR shares snapshot

    In the last 12 months, CSR shares have held gains – unlike most of its peers – and are currently up 1% in that time.

    This year to date however, they have faltered 4% and are further in the red during the past month of trading.

    The post We see potential: Top broker sees more upside in (ASX:CSR) shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CSR right now?

    Before you consider CSR, 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 CSR 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why did the NAB (ASX:NAB) share price leap 7% in February?

    two women jumping into the airtwo women jumping into the airtwo women jumping into the air

    The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price is tracking higher in 2022, having set new 52-week highs and gaining 7% in February alone.

    It was a month of fundamental momentum and positive sentiment for the Australian banking giant. An earnings release, analyst commentary and market sentiment are all in favour of NAB right now. Let’s take a look.

    What tailwinds are behind the NAB share price?

    Both analysts and investors alike have been positive on NAB shares throughout February, after the bank released its first-quarter update.

    It was a strong period for NAB marked by high cash earnings and better-than-expected margins. Specifically, the bank grew revenue 8% year on year versus the average for 2HFY21 resulting in a 12% gain to cash earnings.

    In fact, the results were a positive surprise and analysts were straight on the wires, updating clients with buy calls.

    JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs and Citi each instructed clients to pay close attention to the NAB share price. But analysts at Bell Potter agreed with the general sentiment.

    The latter holds a $32.50 price target for the bank and notes the strong quarter is a good indication of what’s in store come half-year and full-year earnings time.

    Curiously, the number of analysts urging clients to buy NAB shares has crept downwards compared to this time last year. At the highest point, 86% of firms advocated it as a buy back in May to July of 2021, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.

    As of now, just 65% of analysts rate NAB a buy, whereas the remaining 35% are weighted towards a hold. There are no sell ratings from this list.

    Not only that, but market sentiment has been positive lately as well. The NAB share price touched a four-year high in February. And the four-week average trading volume is now approximately 6.9 million shares.

    Aside from that, NAB’s share price closely tracks the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (XFJ) and this benchmark also thrust higher in February, indicating strength in the broad sector (shown below).

    NAB wasn’t necessarily a standout from the pack, either. Several of the other banking majors joined the ride with NAB in February.

    TradingView Chart

    NAB share price summary

    In the last 12 months the NAB share price has climbed 14% and is up 0.3% this year to date.

    During the past month of trading, NAB shares are up around 4%, meaning NAB is outpacing the broad index this year.

    In early trade on Wednesday, the NAB share price is tipping downwards 1.53% at $28.92.

    The post Why did the NAB (ASX:NAB) share price leap 7% in February? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in National Australia Bank right now?

    Before you consider National Australia Bank, 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 National Australia Bank 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • ‘Strategic sense’: What brokers are saying about the Zip (ASX:Z1P)-Sezzle deal

    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price is falling again on Wednesday.

    In morning trade, the buy now pay later (BNPL) provider’s shares are down 3% to $2.00.

    Why is the Zip share price falling?

    The Zip share price has come under pressure today amid broad weakness in the tech sector following a poor night of trade on the Nasdaq index.

    In addition, there has been a few question markets raised over its decision to acquire rival Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL).

    Analysts at both Citi and Macquarie have given the deal a lukewarm response, with Citi highlighting that it is an expensive way to acquire customers.

    Not everyone is negative on the deal, though. One leading broker that is largely positive on the idea of a Zip-Sezzle tie up is Morgans.

    ‘Strategic sense.’

    Morgans believes the acquisition of Sezzle makes “strategic sense” and will put Zip in a “materially stronger position in the key US market.”

    Its analysts explained: “Clearly, the Sezzle deal makes strategic sense for Z1P. The deal increases both Z1P’s global transaction levels (currently A$7.9bn) and customer base (currently 9.9m) by around ~30-35% respectively. It gives Z1P a materially stronger position in the key US market, with Z1P/Sezzle customer overlap being relatively contained (25%). A stronger product mix and enhance distribution channel mix are other benefits.”

    And while it suspects that the market will remain sceptical on the synergies that Zip is suggesting it will unlock with the deal, Morgans doesn’t feel they are unreasonable.

    The broker said: “We expect the market to remain sceptical on the revenue synergies in this deal, however, they do seem to have a logical basis, in our view, e.g. the potential to win more merchants with a larger combined customer base, and the ability of Sezzle customers to shop anywhere with Z1P’s app driving higher spend in new categories, etc.”

    Morgans retains its add rating.

    Morgans continues to believe that the Zip share price offers a lot of value for investors and has retained its add rating. And while it has slashed its price target down to $3.94, this is still almost double where its shares currently trade.

    Its analysts said: “Clearly the global environment has changed for BNPL operators and for investors it’s now not a space for the faint hearted. We do, however, think the global growth opportunity remains large for companies that can execute in the BNPL space. The scale provided by the acquisition of Sezzle and a more considered growth agenda, could see Z1P be one of those winners, and with Z1P now trading on 2x revenue, we maintain our ADD recommendation.”

    The post ‘Strategic sense’: What brokers are saying about the Zip (ASX:Z1P)-Sezzle deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Zip right now?

    Before you consider Zip, 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 Zip 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.

    *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. owns and has recommended ZIPCOLTD FPO. 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • What’s with the Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price today?

    a woman with a sad face looks to be receiving bad news on her phone as she holds it in her hands and looks down at it.a woman with a sad face looks to be receiving bad news on her phone as she holds it in her hands and looks down at it.a woman with a sad face looks to be receiving bad news on her phone as she holds it in her hands and looks down at it.

    Telstra Corp Ltd (ASX: TLS) shareholders might be wondering why the share price has fallen 2.02% to $3.88 today.

    The telco provider released its half-year results on 17 February, reporting mixed numbers across key financial metrics.

    Nonetheless, the board opted to maintain its upcoming interim dividend to eligible investors.

    Let’s take a look below at why Telstra shares are falling during early morning trade.

    Shareholders set eyes on Telstra’s interim dividend

    The Telstra share price is in reverse following the company’s shares trading ex-dividend today.

    Typically, one business day before the record date, the ex-dividend date, is when investors must have purchased the company’s shares. If the investor does not buy shares before this date, the dividend will go to the seller.

    Historically, when a company reaches its ex-dividend day, its shares tend to fall in proportion to the dividend paid out. This is because investors tend to sell off the company’s shares after securing the dividend.

    When can shareholders expect to be paid?

    For those eligible for Telstra’s interim dividend, shareholders will receive a payment of 8 cents per share on 1 April. The dividend is fully-franked, which means investors can expect to receive tax credits from this.

    Investors who elect for the dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) will see a number of shares added to their portfolio. This will be based on a volume-weighted average price from 7 March to 11 March.

    There is no DRP discount rate and the last election date for shareholders to opt in is on 4 March.

    In total, the company will be paying out 67% of its free cash flow, which is 4 percentage points higher than H1 FY21.

    Telstra share price summary

    Since the beginning of 2022, Telstra shares have lost 5% on the back of weakened investor sentiment. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is also down around 5% over the same timeframe.

    Telstra shares reached an all-time high of $4.31 last month, before backtracking on inflationary movements and geopolitical tensions.

    Based on today’s price, Telstra commands a market capitalisation of roughly $46.52 billion and has a trailing dividend yield of 4.04%.

    The post What’s with the Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Telstra right now?

    Before you consider Telstra, 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 Telstra 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras owns Telstra Corporation 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 owns and has recommended Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • The Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price dumped 9% in February. What happened?

    A hand holds a garbage bag over a wheelie bin, about to dump the rubbish.A hand holds a garbage bag over a wheelie bin, about to dump the rubbish.A hand holds a garbage bag over a wheelie bin, about to dump the rubbish.

    The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price suffered last month, slipping 8.58% lower.

    At the end of February, the Wesfarmers share price was $48.19. For comparison, it ended January trading at $52.71 apiece.

    It wasn’t such a challenging period for the broader market. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained 1.1% over February, while the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) ended it 0.7% higher.

    Let’s take a look at what put pressure on the ASX blue chip last month.

    What weighed on the Wesfarmers share price last month?

    The major catalyst for the Wesfarmers share price last month was the release of the conglomerate’s half-year results.

    The first six months of financial year 2022 saw the company’s retail brands suffer through COVID-induced lockdowns and trading restrictions.

    Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott said it was the “most disrupted period for our businesses since the onset of COVID-19.”

    The first half saw the company’s net profit after tax (NPAT) tumble 14% to $1.2 billion. Meanwhile, its revenue fell 0.1% as its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) slumped 12%.

    Around 20% of the company’s retailers’ trading days were hit with restrictions or closures, while supply chains and staff availability suffered due to the spread of the virus.

    Even Wesfarmers’ usual darling – Bunnings – struggled last half. Its earnings fell 1.2% to $1.2 billion.

    Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Wesfarmers share price tumbled 7.4% on the release of the company’s half-year results.

    The only other news from Wesfarmers last month was regarding its acquisition of Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API).  

    Its $1.55 per share bid for API – which implies an equity value of $773.9 million and an enterprise value of around $1.05 billion – officially won’t be opposed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

    The watchdog found the acquisition wouldn’t have an impact on competition in the pharmaceutical sphere.

    Wesfarmers’ takeover of API is expected to be completed later this month.

    The post The Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price dumped 9% in February. What happened? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Wesfarmers right now?

    Before you consider Wesfarmers, 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 Wesfarmers 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 owns and has recommended Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • This broker tips South32 (ASX:S32) as one of the best ASX 200 mining shares to buy

    A man wearing a shirt, tie and hard hat sits in an office and marks dates in his diary.

    A man wearing a shirt, tie and hard hat sits in an office and marks dates in his diary.A man wearing a shirt, tie and hard hat sits in an office and marks dates in his diary.

    The South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) share price has been a strong performer in 2022.

    Since the start of the year, the mining giant’s shares have gained 17%.

    This compares favourably to a ~5% decline by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the same period.

    Can the South32 share price rise further?

    The good news for investors is that one leading broker still sees plenty of room for the South32 share price to push higher from current levels.

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs this morning, the broker has retained its conviction buy rating and lifted its price target to $5.60.

    Based on the current South32 share price of $4.75, this implies potential upside of 18% for investors over the next 12 months.

    But the returns don’t stop there! Goldman estimates that South32’s shares currently offer a fully franked 7% FY 2022 dividend yield. The broker then expects a 13% dividend yield in both FY 2023 and FY 2024.

    Why is Goldman bullish?

    Goldman has updated its earnings estimates to reflect the completion of the company’s acquisition of a 45% stake in the ~200ktpa Sierra Gorda copper mine in Chile from Sumitomo Corporation.

    In addition, the broker continues to believe that the South32 share price trades at a very attractive level, particularly given the company’s strong free cash flow generation. The latter is why Goldman is forecasting such big yields in the coming years.

    Goldman explained: “The stock is trading at c. 0.9x NAV (A$5.18/sh) including the completion of the acquisition of a 45% stake in the Sierra Gorda copper mine in Chile.”

    “We forecast a FCF yield of c. 20% in FY23 (over 25% at spot), driven mostly by exposure to base metal price momentum (aluminium & alumina c. 55% of FY23 EBITDA, zinc/nickel c. 20%, copper c. 10%), met coal (c. 10% of EBITDA), a c. 30% or c. 280ktpa increase in aluminium production over the next 18 months from the Alumar restart & c. 17% increase in Mozal stake, creep in nickel from Cerro Matoso and lead/zinc/silver from Cannington, and uplift from the Sierra Gorda acquisition,” it added.

    The post This broker tips South32 (ASX:S32) as one of the best ASX 200 mining shares to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in South32 right now?

    Before you consider South32, 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 South32 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Cheers! Broker tips 20% upside for the Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price

    rising ASX share price represented by cork popping out of wine bottle

    rising ASX share price represented by cork popping out of wine bottlerising ASX share price represented by cork popping out of wine bottle

    The Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) share price could be great value at the current level.

    That’s the view of analysts at Morgans, who have retained their positive view on the wine company’s shares following its half year results.

    What is Morgans saying about the Treasury Wine share price?

    According to a recent note, the broker has retained its add rating but trimmed its price target on the company’s shares slightly to $13.93.

    Based on the current Treasury Wine share price of $11.66, this implies potential upside of almost 20% for investors over the next 12 months.

    In addition, the broker has pencilled in a fully franked 29 cents per share dividend in FY 2022. If you include this ~2.5% yield, the total potential return on offer increases to 22%.

    Why is the broker positive?

    Morgans notes that Treasury Wine outperformed its expectations during the first half.

    It commented: “Treasury Wine Estates reported an impressive 1H22 result given it had to cycle China earnings and the divested US commercial wine portfolio. COVID also continued to impact some of its higher margin channels. The result materially beat our forecast but was in line with consensus expectations.”

    Pleasingly, the broker expects this strong form to continue in the second half and in FY 2023.

    In respect to the latter, the broker said: “In FY23, TWE’s earnings will benefit from the recovery of its higher margin channels, its new divisional operating model, Penfolds reallocation strategy, a full year of the FFV acquisition and the associated synergies and lower COGS, with management expecting to deliver cost savings of at least A$75m pa.”

    In light of this and the attractive multiples that the Treasury Wine share price trades on compared to peers and historic averages, the broker sees the company as a great option for investors.

    It concludes: “Following forecast changes, our SOTP valuation has fallen to $13.93. With over 18% [now 19.5%] upside to our new price target and the stock trading on an FY23 PE of only 21x (long-term average is 25x) and a material discount to other luxury brand owners, we remain buyers of this well managed company.”

    The post Cheers! Broker tips 20% upside for the Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Treasury Wine right now?

    Before you consider Treasury Wine, 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 Treasury Wine 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    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 recommended Treasury Wine Estates Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why did the Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price smash the other banks in February?

    ASX bank shares buy A young boy in a business suit giving thumbs up with piggy banks and coin pilesASX bank shares buy A young boy in a business suit giving thumbs up with piggy banks and coin pilesASX bank shares buy A young boy in a business suit giving thumbs up with piggy banks and coin piles

    The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price outperformed its peers last month, gaining 12.3% over February.

    The next best performing big bank stock was that of National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB). It gained 6.6% last month.

    Meanwhile, the share prices of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ), and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) fell between 0.2% and 1.9%.

    As of the end of the month, the Westpac share price was $22.81.

    Let’s take a look at what drove it to outperform its peers last month.

    Why did the Westpac share price outperform in February?

    The Westpac share price roared higher than its peers’ last month, likely helped along by the bank’s $3.5 billion off-market share buyback.

    Its stock surged 4.8% the same day it released a non-price sensitive update on the completion of the buyback. However, being non-price sensitive, it’s hard to say if the buyback’s completion boosted the bank’s share price.

    As part of the buyback, Westpac paid participating investors $20.90 per share, comprising an $11.34 capital component and a $9.56 dividend.

    As The Motley Fool Australia’s James Mickleboro reported, that gave investors’ payout a tax value of $24.14 per share.

    The buyback reduced Westpac’s outstanding shares by 4.6%.

    The release of Westpac’s results for the 3 months ended 31 December likely also helped its performance last month. Over the quarter, the bank received $1.58 billion of earnings – a 74% increase.

    The Westpac share price surged 2.2% the day its results were released.

    Finally, Westpac has been undergoing a cost-cutting campaign this month. It plans to shave a potentially ambitious $8 billion off its costs by 2024.

    Last month it announced it will soon wave goodbye to both David Stephen – its group chief risk officer – and Les Vance – its group executive, financial crime, compliance, and conduct.

    Stephen and Vance’s respective roles will be joined to become the group chief risk officer position.

    It might prove to be one of many role consolidations Westpac undergoes as it works to reduce the size of its corporate functions by around 20%.

    Additionally, as The Motley Fool Australia’s Monica O’Shea recently reported, Westpac is rumoured to be cutting a fifth of positions in its market department – impacting 90 jobs.

    The post Why did the Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price smash the other banks in February? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Westpac right now?

    Before you consider Westpac, 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 Westpac 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • February was positive for the Woolworths (ASX:WOW) share price. Here’s why

    a row of supermarket shopping trollies going from large to small

    a row of supermarket shopping trollies going from large to smalla row of supermarket shopping trollies going from large to small

    The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price went up around 3% over February 2022 as the business told investors about its FY22 first half as well as giving a trading update.

    Reporting season is the time that investors get an insight into how a business has performed over the last six or 12 months.

    So, whilst the Woolworths share price is still down by 8% this year, it recovered some ground last month.

    Let’s have a look at how good the HY22 result was.

    Woolworths half-year result

    Woolworths reported that in the first six months of FY22, it saw sales rise by 8% to $31.9 billion.

    However, profitability reduced for group continuing operations before significant items. Underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) fell 11% to $1.38 billion, underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) fell 6.5% to $795 million and earnings per share (EPS) dropped 5.1% to 64.3 cents.

    Woolworths said that the far-reaching impacts of COVID resulted in one of the most challenging halves that it has experienced. The Omicron variant caused impacts, particularly in early January, like staff isolating and material supply chain and stock flow issues.

    For the half-year, its profitability was hurt by the challenging operating environment with higher direct and indirect COVID-related costs and BIG W store closures. Profitability, and expectations and profit changes, can have an impact on the Woolworths share price.

    However, e-commerce sales continued to boom in the first half, with growth of 48% year on year to $3.49 billion.

    The Woolworths dividend was cut by 26.4% to $0.39 per share. Though, management said that if excluding the divested business Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV), the dividend was only supposedly cut by 2.5%.

    What about the trading update?

    Woolworths revealed that the impact of Omicron in Australia led to “strong” sales growth in the first seven weeks of the year in the Australian food division with sales growth of around 5%, though it hurt BIG W sales with a decline of 4%. New Zealand food sales were also up around 5%.

    It’s expecting inflationary pressures to continue to intensify as industry-wide cost increases continue.

    In the medium-term, in Australia, the ASX share is looking to open a net 10 to 25 new full range supermarkets per year and another 5 to 15 new Metro Food stores per year. In New Zealand it wants to open three to four new Countdown supermarkets annually.

    Is the Woolworths share price a buy?

    After seeing the result, Morgans rated the business as a hold with a price target of $37.15, thinking that Woolworths shares were fairly valued and didn’t have much room for growth.

    However, Citi thinks that Woolworths is a buy, with a price target of $40.30 after seeing supermarket sales are going in the right direction.

    Citi’s numbers put Woolworths shares at 28x FY22’s estimated earnings.

    The post February was positive for the Woolworths (ASX:WOW) share price. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Woolworths right now?

    Before you consider Woolworths, 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 Woolworths 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Own Woodside (ASX:WPL) shares? Here’s the latest on the energy giant’s major court win

    a judge sitting in a blurred background reaches forward to strike his gavel on the strikeplate on his judge's bench.

    a judge sitting in a blurred background reaches forward to strike his gavel on the strikeplate on his judge's bench.a judge sitting in a blurred background reaches forward to strike his gavel on the strikeplate on his judge's bench.

    If you own Woodside Petroleum Ltd (ASX: WPL) shares you’ve likely been following news of its Western Australian Pluto LNG project.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy giant’s $16.5 billion project is expected to provide 30 years of LNG exports. That’s upon its scheduled completion in 2026.

    But that completion date, and indeed the future of the entire project, has remained uncertain as it’s faced legal challenges brought by the Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA).

    Now the Supreme Court of Western Australia has made its ruling.

    What did the court rule?

    Woodside reported that in its decision, reached yesterday, the Supreme Court of Western Australia “dismissed the two proceedings brought against the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority challenging the Pluto LNG and Karratha Gas Plant environmental approvals made in 2019″.

    The ASX 200 energy company said it was pleased with the decision and will continue to progress the projects.

    CCWA was represented by the Environmental Defenders Office. As the Motley Fool reported at the time, the Environmental Defenders Office explained the basis of the case as such:

    Our client will argue that a key approval for expansion of Woodside’s Pluto LNG facility – a major component of the Scarborough gas proposal – was unlawful, as it failed to properly consider and control the environmental harm generated by the development’s GHG emissions…

    Governments and regulators should be doing everything in their power to properly assess and control any additional emissions to mitigate the risk of climate related extreme weather events to the Australian people.

    In November, CCWA commenced separate proceedings in the Supreme Court challenging WA’s Pluto Train 2 project works approval. That hearing date isn’t set yet.

    How have Woodside shares been tracking?

    The Woodside share price closed up 0.5% yesterday, ending the day at $28.68 per share.

    So far in 2022, Woodside shares have surged ahead, up around 30%. That compares to a year-to-date loss of 6.5% posted by the ASX 200.

    The post Own Woodside (ASX:WPL) shares? Here’s the latest on the energy giant’s major court win appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Woodside right now?

    Before you consider Woodside, 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 Woodside 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    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 Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/es2tGfx