• Why did the Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) share price lift today?

    Takeover agreement

    The Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price has finished in the green today, defying a sector-wide slump on Tuesday.

    At market close, shares in the energy producer were trading at $1.245, up 0.81%.

    For some perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was down 0.97% today.

    What’s new at Beach Energy?

    Beach Energy informed investors it has appointed Rob Jager ONZM as an independent non-executive director.

    Jager is best known for his career at Shell Energy. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, he has served in multiple executive roles including vice president in both Perth and New Zealand.

    Recently, Jager completed a nine year stint as independent non-executive director with Air New Zealand.

    Beach energy share price snapshot

    The Beach Energy share price has slumped more than 34% in the past 12 months, falling around 31% this year to date.

    The company’s shares dropped 1.19% in the past month but have picked up more than 6% in the last week.

    The energy producer has a market capitalisation of about $2.8 billion.

    The post Why did the Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) share price lift today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Beach Energy right now?

    Before you consider Beach Energy , 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 Beach Energy wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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    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 the Pointerra (ASX:3DP) share price rocketed 17% today

    a man sits on a rocket propelled office chair and flies high above a city

    The Pointerra Ltd’s (ASX:3DP) share price finished the day up 17% after coming out of a trading halt with the announcement of three new US contracts.

    The 3D geospatial data company resumed trading on the ASX this morning after requesting the halt on Friday with its share price frozen at 34.5 cents apiece.

    Pointerra shares shot to 44.5 cents just after open, gaining 29%, before ending the session at 40.5 cents apiece.

    Let’s take a closer look at what the company announced.

    What news did Pointerra release this morning?

    The company announced a series of contracts with both new and existing US energy utility customers this morning: Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR), Pacific Gas & Electric (NYSE: PCG), and Gulf Power, a division of NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE).

    Pointerra touts itself as the world’s fastest end-to-end 3D data solutions company.

    The Entergy contract will bring in between US$2.37- $US4 million (A$3.29-$5.56 million) with the final sum to be determined in the coming weeks.

    Entergy is a US electricity producer and retail distributor but also operates natural gas distribution businesses in the US south. It has engaged Pointerra to help the company respond to damage to its network caused by Hurricane Ida in August.

    The Pacific Gas & Electric contract is for around US$0.70 million (A$0.97 million) to commence a ‘digital twin’ project. This involves mapping the US company’s assets in specific service areas over a 14 month period, starting 1 January 2022.

    Finally, the collaboration with Gulf Power for US$0.05 million (A$0.07 million) covers processing work on the company’s existing Pointerra3D platform.

    What does this mean for Pointerra?

    During Pointerra’s recent Managing Director’s presentation, the company announced it was expecting material growth in annual contract value (ACV) from a number of sectors.

    According to the presentation, the company’s previous ACV ran at US$11.7 million at the end of October.

    This reflected continued efforts to add new customers and generate spending among existing customers in surveying and mapping, utilities, transport, mining, and oil and gas in both the US and Australian markets. 

    The company said it is pushing to solve “sector-specific challenges” in “AEC, Transport, Mining, Oil & Gas and Defence during recent quarters” by 2022-23. It plans to do this by continuing to invest in new people, capabilities, product, and research and development.  

    How has the Pointerra share price been performing this year?

    The Pointerra share price has had a fairly volatile year, losing 23% of its value over the last 12 months and 20% year to date.

    These returns have lagged the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which is up more than 10% over the past year.

    The post Why the Pointerra (ASX:3DP) share price rocketed 17% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Pointerra, 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 Pointerra wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    More reading

    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Pointerra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointerra 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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  • 2 ASX shares with big dividend yields rated as buys

    two children dressed in business attire with joyous, wide-mouthed expressions count money at a desk covered in cash and sacks of money either side.

    Some ASX dividend shares are expected to pay large dividends over the next year and they are rated as buys by brokers.

    Businesses that have pretty high dividend payout ratios and reasonable valuations can offer investors large dividend yields.

    A business isn’t worth owning for income just because it pays a dividend, the outlook and price also needs to make sense.

    These two ASX dividend income shares could fit the requirements:

    Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO)

    Rio Tinto is one of the biggest iron ore miners. It’s currently rated as a buy by a few different brokers including Citi.

    The broker reckons that Rio Tinto is going to pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 10.9% in FY22.

    The ASX dividend share is Citi’s favourite in the large mining sector. It has also noted the green initiatives that the business is pursuing so that it’s responsible for less emissions.

    Based on the FY22 estimated earnings, Rio Tinto is valued at 7x FY22’s projected bottom line.

    Rio Tinto continues to produce huge amounts of iron ore in Australia. Its quarterly update for the three months to September 2021 showed it produced 83.3mt, which was 4% lower than same quarter in 2020, but 10% higher than the second quarter of 2021.

    In the first nine months of 2021, it produced 235.6mt, which was 5% lower than the first nine months of 2020. It’s expecting Pilbara shipments to be in the range of 320mt to 325mt.

    Whilst the iron ore price has fallen significantly over the last few months, other commodities that it’s involved with are seeing high prices including aluminium and copper.

    HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

    This business, as the name suggests, is a real estate investment trust (REIT) which owns a portfolio of predominately metro-located, convenience based properties across target sub-sectors of neighbourhood retail, large format retail and health and services.

    It’s currently rated as a buy by the broker Morgans, with a price target of $1.69. Morgans thinks the ASX dividend share could pay a yield of 5.5% in FY22.

    One of the reasons for the buy rating is the material upside seen with the merger with ASX share Aventus Group (ASX: AVN).

    This merger is expected to enhance the combined entity’s credit profile, improve the ability to access debt, increase rental profit per unit, provide a significant landbank located in key locations and there is an opportunity to accelerate the development pipeline.

    HomeCo Daily Needs REIT chair Simon Shakesheff said:

    We believe the merger is strategically and financially attractive for both HomeCo Daily Needs REIT and Aventus Group and consistent with HomeCo Daily Needs REIT’s objective to deliver stable and growing distributions. The increased scale and enhanced capability will allow the merged group to unlocked significant value that would not have been accessible on a standalone basis.

    The post 2 ASX shares with big dividend yields rated as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Rio Tinto right now?

    Before you consider Rio Tinto, 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 Rio Tinto wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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  • IAG (ASX:IAG) share price lifts despite NRMA suffering its worst spring ever

    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.

    The Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) share price had a blast on the ASX today despite news its subsidiary, NRMA Insurance, received a record number of home damage claims this spring.

    Around 10,000 NRMA customers living in NSW, Queensland, and the ACT turned to the insurer for funds after wild weather damaged their properties over the 3 months ended 31 November. Not to mention, there could be more to come.

    Despite the news, the IAG share price surged 2.36% on Tuesday, ending the session trading at $4.34.

    Let’s take a closer look at what last season brought the insurer.

    IAG share price surges despite wild weather impacts

    Over the last season, NRMA received 35% more home damage claims than it does in an average spring.

    Additionally, 66% of those claims were for damage caused by wild weather. Normally, wild weather only equates for 55% of springtime home insurance claims.

    NRMA Insurance executive manager of natural perils, Mark Leplastrier summed up some of the incredulous claims the insurer received last season:

    From flooding in central NSW and western QLD, to tornadoes and earthquakes hitting NSW and Victoria, as well as record rain and hail events across the east coast – it has been an ominous start to Storm Season.

    And the damage likely won’t end there. Leplastrier urged Australians to prepare for a wet and possibly wild summer:

    [W]ith a La Niña system now declared, we could be in for more wet weather over summer … it’s important that people start thinking about how they can protect their homes from thunderstorms and fast moving hailstorms.

    The warning comes 6 weeks after the IAG share price tumbled 7% on news that damage from severe weather events in October had cost the company more than it had allocated for natural perils. As a result, it raised its expected natural perils claims cost for financial year 2022 to around $1 billion.

    Right now, the company’s stock is trading for 8% less than it was at the start of 2021.

    The post IAG (ASX:IAG) share price lifts despite NRMA suffering its worst spring ever appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Insurance Australia 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 Insurance Australia Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    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 Insurance Australia Group 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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  • Here are the top 10 ASX shares today

    Top 10 asx shares today

    Today, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) steadily climbed after its early morning fall to finish the day relatively flat. At the end of the session, the benchmark index finished 0.01% lower at 7,378.4 points.

    Starting off with the not-so-good news — the consumer staples sector was hit hard today as some of its largest constituents fell after Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) reported an underwhelming first half result due to COVID-19. In contrast, real estate shares provided some support for the Aussie index, rising 1.3%.

    However, the question is: which shares delivered the biggest returns to investors on the ASX today? Here are the top ten stocks that came through for investors:

    Top 10 ASX shares countdown today

    Looking at the top 200 listed companies, Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) was the biggest gainer today. Shares in the integrated property group delivered another strong day of gains with its share price climbing 5.04% higher. The move follows a positive update from the property group yesterday. Find out more about Charter Hall Group here.

    The next biggest gaining ASX share today was Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL). The private health insurance provider rose 3.59% despite there being no news from the company. Uncover the latest Medibank Private details here.

    Today’s top 10 biggest gains were made in these ASX shares:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) $21.90 5.04%
    Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) $3.46 3.59%
    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) $60.13 3.32%
    Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA) $5.03 3.29%
    ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB) $52.90 3.24%
    Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) $30.71 2.85%
    Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) $9.27 2.66%
    NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF) $7.04 2.62%
    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) $55.36 2.50%
    Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) $17.37 2.48%
    Data as at 4:00pm AEDT

    Our top 10 ASX shares today countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to ensure you know which companies were making big moves on the day. Check-in at Fool.com.au after the market has closed during weekdays to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight 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.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler owns Lynas Corporation Limited and Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Netwealth, Pro Medicus Ltd., and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Netwealth, Pro Medicus Ltd., and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation Limited and NIB Holdings 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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  • Could 2022 be a good year for the Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price?

    A happy couple drinking red wine in a vineyard.

    The Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) share price has clawed its way back above $12 during this year.

    Shares in the Australian winemaker are commanding a $12.21 price tag, up 1.3% from its previous close. Although, much more impressive is the nearly 28% gain in the Treasury Wine share price since the start of the year. For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 10.5% over the same period.

    After a shocking year in 2020 — falling 41% in value — the wine company has been rebounding strongly. The only question is: will the positive trend continue for its share price in 2022?

    What shape is Treasury Wine heading into 2022 in?

    Despite the disruptions caused by China’s introduction of tariffs on the company’s wine, Treasury Wine has managed well this year. The Australian winemaker pivoted its focus away from China and looked to expand its presence in other markets.

    In its FY21 results, net sales revenue slipped 3% to $2,569.6 million. However, net profit after tax inched 1.8% higher to $250 million. Not bad considering the company lost a substantial market due to import duties.

    Additionally, Treasury Wine’s balance sheet remains in reasonably good condition. At the end of June 2021, company debt was at ~$915 million, representing a debt to equity ratio of 25.5%.

    Typically a ratio below 40% is considered favourable. In addition, ASX-listed Treasury Wines counted ~$448 million worth of cash and cash equivalents at its disposal.

    However, it is important to note these figures are now different following the acquisition of Frank Family Vineyards in the United States. When announced in November, Treasury Wine stated the acquisition came at a cost of US$315 million in a combination of cash and debt.

    Is there upside in the Treasury Wine share price?

    Shareholders of ASX-listed Treasury Wine Estates have had a year worth celebrating in 2021. Yet, some analysts are expecting the good times to keep on rolling as we move into 2022.

    According to analysts at Citi, the winemaker’s shares could be worth $13.80 per share. This would suggest a further 12.8% upside to the Treasury Wine share price from here. The broker is banking on that a strong first quarter for the company’s US rival, Duckhorn Portfolio, would indicate a similarly strong result for the ASX-listed company.

    Sharing the same sentiment, Morgans has an add rating and a price target of $14.06 on Treasury Wine. The team believes the company will deliver strong earnings growth from the second half of FY22 onwards.

    The post Could 2022 be a good year for the Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Treasury Wine Estates, 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 Estates wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler 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 Afterpay, Cardno, Mesoblast, and Woolworths shares are falling

    An arrow crashes through the ground as a businessman watches on.

    In late afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has battled hard and is on course to record a small gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.15% to 7,389.5 points.

    Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

    Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT)

    The Afterpay share price is down 3.5% to $91.49. This follows another decline in the Square share price overnight, which impacts the value of its takeover approach. In related news, this morning shareholders voted in favour of the Square takeover. This means the deal now only requires approval from the Bank of Spain.

    Cardno Limited (ASX: CDD)

    The Cardno share price is down a massive 87.5% to 20.5 cents. This morning the infrastructure and environmental services company’s shares traded ex return of capital. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to receiving a return of $582 million or $1.49 per share. This comprises a capital return of $360 million or $0.92 per share and an unfranked dividend of $222 million or $0.57 per share.

    Mesoblast Limited (ASX: MSB)

    The Mesoblast share price has tumbled 16.5% to $1.42. Investors have been selling the allogeneic cellular medicines developer’s shares after Novartis terminated an agreement that could have been worth ~US$1.2 billion. The two parties were looking at Mesoblasts’ remestemcel-L as a treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19. However, Novartis bailed after some abject trial results.

    Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

    The Woolworths share price is down 7.5% to $37.59. This morning the retail conglomerate released an update on its performance during the first half of FY 2022. As you might have guessed from the share price reaction, that update wasn’t an overly positive one. Due largely to COVID costs, Woolworths’ Australian Food EBIT is expected to be $1,190 million to $1,220 million during the first half. This is down from $1,329 million a year earlier. In addition, the BIG W business is expected to post a big reduction in first half earnings.

    The post Why Afterpay, Cardno, Mesoblast, and Woolworths shares are falling 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 more than eight 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.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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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 AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO. 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 has the PointsBet (ASX:PBH) share price tumbled 16.5% in a month?

    gambling asx share price fall represented by woman in soccer had looking frustrated at tablet screen

    The PointsBet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) share price has been suffering lately despite only good news being released by the company. Over the last 30 days, the stock’s value has fallen 16.5%.

    At the time of writing, the PointsBet share price is $7.35, 2.78% lower than its previous close.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gained 0.12% today but has fallen 1.12% over the last 30 days.

    Let’s take a look at what the market has heard from the bookmaker lately.

    What’s weighing on the PointsBet share price?

    Interestingly, the PointsBet share price has continued to tumble over the last 30 days despite the only price-sensitive news from the company appearing to be positive.

    On 24 November, the company announced it had been awarded a temporary sports betting supply licence in Virginia.

    The news heralded the company’s first lottery-regulated market licence award. It will see PointsBet’s Virginian subsidiary offering online sports wagering in the state.

    The company has previously partnered with NBC Sports to provide sports betting. It now plans to use the media giant’s television and digital assets to promote its own brand in Virginia.

    Despite the apparent good news, the PointsBet share price fell 0.4% that day.

    The dip could be a continued reaction to the bookmaker’s latest quarterly trading update, which saw its share price drop 18.2%.

    As my Foolish colleague Mitchell reported at the time, the company’s growth was strong over the first quarter of financial year 2022.

    Its turnover increased 42% on that of the prior comparative period. Additionally, the number of people who had placed a bet in the last 12 months increased 79% on that of the first quarter of financial year 2021.

    However, its sales and marketing costs were substantial, potentially spurring the company’s share price’s fall.

    Unfortunately, it continued to fall beyond the release of the update. The company’s stock hit a new 52-week low of $6.63 in early December.

    Right now, the PointsBet share price is 35% lower than it was at the start of 2021.

    The post Why has the PointsBet (ASX:PBH) share price tumbled 16.5% in a month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider PointsBet, 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 PointsBet wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    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. owns and has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. 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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  • Leading fund manager says these blue-chip ASX shares are buys right now

    ASX shares Business man marking buy on board and underlining it

    The high-performing fund manager Wilson Asset Management (WAM) has recently identified some ASX blue-chip shares that it owns (or owned) in one of its leading portfolios.

    WAM operates several listed investment companies (LICs). Two of those LICs are WAM Capital Limited (ASX: WAM) and WAM Research Limited (ASX: WAX).

    There’s also one called WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) which looks at the larger businesses on the ASX, which you could call the ASX blue-chip shares.

    WAM says WAM Leaders actively invests in the highest quality Australian companies.

    The WAM Leaders portfolio has delivered gross returns (that’s before fees, expenses, and taxes) of 14.9% per annum since its inception in May 2016. That is superior to the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index average return of 9.8%.

    These are the blue-chip ASX shares that WAM outlined in its most recent monthly update:

    Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)

    Fortescue Metals is one of the biggest mining businesses in Australia, and the world.

    WAM Leaders pointed out that Fortescue Metals has underperformed the market “significantly” over the last six months due to declining iron ore prices.

    Chinese authorities have been cutting emissions ahead of next year’s Winter Olympics and reduced demand amid a slowdown in China’s property sector.

    However, during November, iron ore prices jumped on the news of stronger than expected economic data from China, according to the fund manager. There was also speculation that China’s steel mills are preparing for an easing of production cuts as early as December, which could help the blue chip ASX share.

    WAM Leaders initially invested in Fortescue Metals Group because WAM believes the market’s negative sentiment has far exceeded the reality of the situation in China and continue to hold the company as it offers an attractive double digit free cash flow yield, with further upside potential for the Fortescue share price from the current level.

    Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN)

    Crown Resorts was the other business that WAM Leaders picked from its portfolio to outline.

    During November 2021, it was revealed that the large gaming and entertainment group had received an acquisition proposal from the US private equity group Blackstone to buy the whole business at an increased price of $12.50 per share.

    This bid is the third one from Blackstone for Crown, following previous proposals of $11.85 in March 2021 and $12.35 in May 2021.

    WAM said that Crown Resorts was added to the WAM Leaders portfolio because of the significant leverage to the reopening of the borders, the blue chip ASX share’s “high quality” portfolio of assets, the underlying value of its land portfolio and the material steps that Crown Resorts has taken in its reform journey.

    The fund manager also thinks there is potential for further takeover interest from Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) due to the benefits of the potential combined entity including synergies, property scale and unlocking the Sydney market.

    The post Leading fund manager says these blue-chip ASX shares are buys right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Fortescue Metals right now?

    Before you consider Fortescue Metals, 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 Fortescue Metals wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison owns 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • MA Financial (ASX: MAF) share price halted amid ‘significant acquisition’

    an attractive woman gives a time out signal with her hands, holding them in a T shape, indicating a trading halt.

    The MA Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MAF) share price is frozen today after the company requested a trading halt.

    Before the freeze, the MA Financial Group share price was trading at $8.45 apiece.

    Let’s take a look at what the company announced today.

    Why is the share price on ice?

    MA Financial Group has been granted a trading halt pending a company announcement.

    The update is expected to be noteable, with the company indicating it could involve a significant acquisition.

    The Australian Financial Review reported MA Financial Group is in talks to takeover Finsure, which is owned by BNK Banking Corp Ltd (ASX: BBC).

    BNK Banking Corp also went into a trading halt on Tuesday pending an announcement.

    What is happening at MA Financial?

    MA Financial has a significant market capitalisation of more than $1.3 billion.

    The company, formerly known as Moelis Australia, offers corporate advisory, equity, and asset management solutions to clients.

    In October, the company predicted its FY21 underlying earnings per share (EPS) will increase by 30 to 40% on the previous year.

    The company has also recently acquired an iconic Adelaide city office building in partnership with Centuria Capital Limited (ASX: CNI).

    MA Financial share price snap shot

    In the last 12 months, the MA Financial share price has soared 68%, rallying 78% in the year to date.

    Despite this, it’s slipped 3.54% in the last month but gained 0.84% in the past week.

    For perspective, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned nearly 11% in the past year.

    The post MA Financial (ASX: MAF) share price halted amid ‘significant acquisition’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    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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