• These 2 ASX dividend shares could be high-quality picks for income

    using asx shares to retire represented by piggy bank on sunny beach

    There are a number of quality ASX dividend shares that could be good picks for longer-term income.

    These are defensive businesses with pretty reliable demand and a commitment to paying shareholders a high level of annual profit.

    Here are two relatively large businesses to consider:

    Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW)

    This ASX dividend share is a real estate investment trust (REIT). It targets a distribution payout rate of 100%. The business owns a diversified property portfolio in Australia and New Zealand across office, industrial, diversified long weighted average lease expiry (WALE) retail, hospitality, convenience retail, social infrastructure and agri-logistics.

    The goal of Charter Hall Long WALE REIT is to provide investors with stable and secure income and the potential for both income and capital growth through exposure to a portfolio of high-quality properties and tenants that are signed up to long contracts.

    Its WALE at the latest disclosure was 12.6 years, which provides a high level of “security and continuity of income” for investors. It has a number of resilient, high profile customers – it received 100% of its net recent during COVID. Two of its largest tenants includes Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV).

    The ASX dividend share has annual rental escalation which is delivering organic growth.

    In FY22 it is expecting to achieve FY22 operating earnings per security (EPS) growth of at least 4.5% compared to FY21 operating EPS of 29.2 cents. At the current Charter Hall Long WALE REIT share price, that represents a distribution yield of 6.25%.

    It’s currently rated as a buy by Citi, which expects it to pay a distribution per unit of 31.9 cents in FY23.

    Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS)

    Metcash is a diverse that owns or supplies various businesses across food, liquor and hardware including: IGA, Foodland, Cellarbrations, The Bottle-O, IGA Liquor, Duncans, Thirsty Camel, Mitre 10 and Total Tools.

    The company recently decided to increase its target dividend payout ratio from 60% to 70% of net underlying profit after tax (as well as announcing a $200 million off-market buy-back). This further increases dividend payouts for investors.

    This ASX dividend share has a number of initiatives to improve the business including store upgrade programs, rolling out new store formats, expanding its private and exclusive label ranges and accelerating its digital plans. It’s also looking to retain new and returned customers gained through COVID.

    It is also pursuing attractive growth opportunities, such as the acquisition of Total Tools.

    UBS currently rates Metcash as a buy, with a price target of $4.60, which likes the growth prospects of the hardware division.

    According to the broker, Metcash is valued at 16x FY22’s estimated earnings with a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.4% for FY22.

    The post These 2 ASX dividend shares could be high-quality picks for income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Metcash, 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 Metcash 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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    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 owns shares of 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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  • Why Nuix, Resolute, Talga, and Vection shares are falling today

    A man stands in front of a chart with an arrow going down and slaps his forehead in frustration.

    It has been a great day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up a sizeable 1.25% to 7,330.9 points.

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

    Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

    The Nuix share price is down 11% to $2.27. This follows the release of a disappointing trading update from the investigative analytics and intelligence software company this morning. That update reveals the Nuix’s revenue was up 10% during the first four months of FY 2022. However, a jump in costs means that Nuix’s pro forma EBITDA has fallen 27% during the same period.

    Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG)

    The Resolute share price is down 2.5% to 37 cents. This appears to have been driven by a shift back to risk assets, which is weighing on safe haven assets like gold miners. It isn’t just Resolute falling today. The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index is down 0.7% at the time of writing.

    Talga Group Ltd (ASX: TLG)

    The Talga share price has tumbled almost 17% to $1.50. Investors have been selling the battery materials company’s shares after a non-binding Letter of Intent executed with Mitsui & Co and Luossavaara-Kiirunavaraa Aktiebolag expired without a deal being signed. Talga advised that it will continue to pursue existing and new financing and partnership opportunities.

    Vection Technologies Ltd (ASX: VR1)

    The Vection Technologies share price has crashed 18% to 22.5 cents. This follows the completion of a $12 million equity raising this morning. Those funds were raised a 20 cents per new share, which represents a huge discount of 27% to its last close price. Vection intends to use the funds to support its expansion plans and strengthen its balance sheet. The company also revealed that its managing director is selling 15 million shares.

    The post Why Nuix, Resolute, Talga, and Vection shares are falling 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 James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nuix Pty 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why has the Aurizon (ASX:AZJ) share price struggled this month?

    Group of stressful businesspeople having problems. sittong around a desk.

    The Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ) share price has failed to gain traction in November following weak investor sentiment. The coal rail freight operator hasn’t released any price-sensitive announcements since its acquisition of One Rail Australia.

    At the time of writing, Aurizon shares are down 0.59% to $3.39 for the day. However, since October 21, they are down more than 12%.

    Below, we take a look at what’s weighing down the company’s share price.

    What’s happening with Aurizon?

    Investors have been sending the Aurizon share price lower following a strong retrace in the spot price of coal.

    Since late last month, the price of coal has tumbled close to 40% after reaching a record high of US$280 per tonne in early October.

    COVID-19-related disruptions, China import restrictions, and the global push for clean renewable energy sources have led to weaker demand for coal. Currently, the price of coal is around US$127 per tonne.

    Despite the challenging markets, the company recently announced the purchase of One Rail Australia. This is expected to provide an additional growth platform, connecting central Australia operations. Increased commodity exposure to new markets will also further diversify the current bulk business.

    The sheer size of the acquisition nearly doubles Aurizon’s existing rail infrastructure. However, some brokers appear pessimistic about the latest takeover as this will affect shareholder payouts.

    Swiss investment firm UBS rated the company as “neutral” from “buy”, and slashed its outlook by 33% to $3.50 per share.

    RBC Capital Markets also followed suit, downgrading to an “underperform” status, as well as cutting its rating by 8.3% to $3.30 apiece. Based on the current share price, this implies a downside of around 2.6%.

    Aurizon share price summary

    Up until late October, the Aurizon share price had been in positive territory for the past 12 months. However, a strong selloff led its shares to hit a multi-year low of $3.35 last week.

    Currently, the company’s share price is treading 20% lower than it was this time last year and is down around 12% year-to-date.

    Aurizon presides a market capitalisation of roughly $6.28 billion, with approximately 1.84 billion shares on issue.

    The post Why has the Aurizon (ASX:AZJ) share price struggled this month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Aurizon, 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 Aurizon 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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    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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aurizon 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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  • Australian Finance Group (ASX:AFG) share price lifts on acquisition news

    shaking hands over montage suggesting a takeover or merger

    The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is having a fantastic day today, shaking off yesterday’s market blues. At the time of writing, the All Ords is up a healthy 1.29% at 7,660 points. But one ASX share is topping even that robust performance. That would be the Australian Finance Group Ltd (ASX: AFG) share price.

    Australian Finance Group shares are currently up a pleasing 3.5% at $2.63 a share. What’s the occasion? Well, this rise is likely due to an announcement the company made this morning before market open.

    Australian Finance Group announced it is acquiring a 75% stake in the asset finance aggregator National Finance Alliance Pty Ltd, which commercially trades as Fintelligence. This will set Australian Finance Group back $52.5 million, which will be “primarily funded” through a “new corporate debt facility”. 

    Australian Finance Group share price rises amid acquisition

    Australian Finance Group told investors that Fintelligence is a “fast-growing, technology-enabled asset finance aggregation business of scale which will drive further growth in AFG’s asset finance volumes and market share”.

    As part of the deal, Australian Finance Group will also have an “exclusive option” to acquire the remaining 25% of the company over the next 3 and a half years. That’s if Fintelligence achieves “agreed milestones”. Australian Finance Group is expecting the buyout to be completed by 31 December 2021. 

    Australian Finance Group told investors that the tie-up will result in a combined 3,335 brokers at the company. That’s together with combined asset finance settlements of more than $1.7 billion per annum.

    The company also stated the deal is “expected to be [earnings per share] accretive” in the first full year of integration. The funding structure will also allow Australian Finance Group to maintain its dividend policy.

    Here’s some of what Australian Finance Group CEO David Bailey had to say on the deal:

    This acquisition represents a significant opportunity to build a fast-growing, technology-enabled asset finance aggregation business of scale. 

    It will drive growth in AFG’s asset finance volumes, market share for the combined group, and more lender and product opportunities for brokers and their customers. In addition, the acquisition allows AFG to increase the availability of white label and securitised asset finance products to meet the needs of our brokers and customers.

    At the current Australian Financial Group share price, this ASX company has a market capitalisation of $683 million.

    The post Australian Finance Group (ASX:AFG) share price lifts on acquisition news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Australian Finance 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 Australian Finance 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

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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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  • What’s weighing on the Northern Star (ASX:NST) share price today?

    a woman wearing a gold top and carrying a gold bar gives the thumbs down signal as she leans against a wall with a sombre look on her face.

    The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is down 0.7% at time of writing, having earlier been down more than 1.5%.

    This comes as the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is enjoying a strong rebound from the past days’ selling, currently up 1.2%.

    But it’s not just the Northern Star share price underperforming the benchmark today.

    Fellow ASX 200 gold producer Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) is down 1.3%, and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) is also down 1.3%.

    So, what’s happening with ASX gold shares today?

    What’s going on in the global gold market?

    The Northern Star share price and other ASX gold shares are likely taking a hit from a slipping gold price.

    Heading into the weekend, the yellow metal was trading for US$1,802.60 per ounce. The gold price was on the rise as investors sought out the classic haven asset amid fear the new Omicron COVID variant might disrupt the global economic recovery.

    Since then, gold has retraced to US$1,785.17 per ounce, down some 1%.

    Looking ahead, what can investors expect next for the Northern Star share price?

    According to Howie Lee, an economist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp (quoted by Bloomberg):

    Overall we expect a period of heightened volatility, even with industrial metals. The virus’ actual impact is not fully known at this point – depending on how the situation evolves, we may see either a rebound or a continued selling off. More clarity, we expect, will arrive after two weeks.

    Gold bugs are also closely watching the US Federal Reserve for any hints that the world’s most influential central bank may tighten its monetary policies sooner than forecast. Lee added:

    The market remains wary of the impact of the Fed’s increasingly hawkish stance on interest rates, despite virus fears. Short term, we expect more funds to flow into haven assets like gold, but long-term we expect global rate normalisation to keep a lid on gold’s prices.

    Northern Star share price snapshot

    The Northern Star share price has struggled this year, down 27% since 4 January. By comparison, the ASX 200 is up 10% year-to-date.

    Over the past month, Northern Star shares have gained 6%.

    The post What’s weighing on the Northern Star (ASX:NST) share price today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Northern Star right now?

    Before you consider Northern Star, 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 Northern Star 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. 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 AMP, Collins Foods, Credit Corp, and Orocobre shares are charging higher

    Rising share price chart.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned to form and is charging higher on Tuesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 1.1% to 7,321.3 points.

    Four ASX shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are charging higher:

    AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

    The AMP share price is up over 7% to $1.08. This follows the release of a demerger and strategy update this morning. That update revealed how AMP intends to operate its PrivateMarketsCo business once demerged. Management intends to focus on leveraging its significant opportunity to become a global leader in the fast-growing private markets industry.

    Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

    The Collins Foods share price has jumped 8.5% to $13.58. Investors have been buying this quick service restaurant operator’s shares following the release of a strong half year result. Collins Foods reported a 9.5% increase in revenue to a record of $534.2 million and a 31.6% jump in underlying net profit after tax to $28.9 million. A strong performance from the KFC Europe business helped drive its growth.

    Credit Corp Group Limited (ASX: CCP)

    The Credit Corp share price is up 10% to $33.30. This follows the announcement of the acquisition of Radio Rentals for $60 million. Credit Corp notes that it provides the cheapest and most sustainable finance to the Australian credit impaired consumer market and its entry into this new segment will be consistent with that approach. Management also upgraded its guidance to account for the acquisition.

    Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE)

    The Orocobre share price is up over 8% to $10.27. Investors have been buying this lithium miner’s shares following the release of its annual general meeting update. That update revealed that Orocobre has continued to experience strong lithium prices during the current quarter. In fact, it expects quarterly prices at Mt Cattlin to be almost double what it received during the September quarter.

    The post Why AMP, Collins Foods, Credit Corp, and Orocobre shares are charging higher 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 owns shares of Collins Foods Limited and Orocobre 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 recommended Collins Foods 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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  • IDT Australia (ASX:IDT) share price rockets 40% on COVID vaccine update

    A drawing of a white rocket streaking up, indicating a surging share pirce movement

    The IDT Australia Limited (ASX: IDT) share price is entering the stratosphere today. This comes after the pharmaceutical manufacturing company announced a significant market update in regards to Australia’s mRNA manufacturing capability.

    At the time of writing, IDT Australia shares are up 40.23% to 61 cents. This means that its shares have now more than tripled since the start of the year.

    IDT Australia marks milestone achievement 

    Investors appear excited about the company’s latest COVID-19 update, rallying up the IDT Australia share price.

    According to its release, the company advised it has successfully created Australia’s first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

    The drug product passed all the required specifications and is now going through the release process for clinical trials. In total, 450 doses of the vaccine have been manufactured, allowing 150 volunteers to take part in the upcoming study. This is expected to commence in the new year, with results expected later in 2022.

    Last month, IDT Australia entered into a Master Services Agreement and Services Order with Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS). Following completion of the successful manufacture, IDT Australia will begin testing ongoing product stability.

    A collaboration between MIPS, Doherty Institute and IDT Australia has put Victoria’s medical research and manufacturing sectors in the spotlight. The state is one of the few places in the world with the capability to develop and manufacture mRNA therapeutics.

    IDT Australia CEO, Dr David Sparling commented:

    We’re honoured to be a part of this collaboration. We believe this product will be the first locally developed mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate and the first locally manufactured cGMP mRNA drug product.

    About the IDT Australia share price

    Over the past 12 months, IDT Australia shares have gained around 215%. Year-to-date has surged even further, with the company share price up 225%.

    IDT Australia presides a market capitalisation of roughly $143.92 million and has approximately 239.86 million shares outstanding.

    The post IDT Australia (ASX:IDT) share price rockets 40% on COVID vaccine update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider IDT Australia, 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 IDT Australia 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 Aaron Teboneras 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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  • Winsome Resources (ASX:WR1) share price surges 50% following IPO

    Man jumps for joy in front of a background of a rising stocks graphic.

    The Winsome Resources Limited (ASX: WR1) share price is soaring after the company’s initial public offering (IPO).

    The lithium explorer and developer’s stock hit the ASX at 12.30pm AEDT today.

    At the time of writing, the Winsome Resources share price is 29 cents, 45% higher than its prospectus‘ offer price of 20 cents.

    However, shortly after debuting, the company’s stock was trading for 30 cents apiece, representing a 50% gain.

    Here are all the details market watchers need to know about the ASX’s newest member.

    What does the company do?

    Winsome Resources is a spin-out of ASX favourite Metalstech Ltd (ASX: MTC). The newly formed company has taken over its parent company’s Canadian lithium assets.

    That sees it exploring and developing 3 lithium projects in the Quebec Province. These are:

    • The Cancet Project, comprising 395 claims. It’s the most advanced of Winsome’s projects.
    • The Adina Project, which comprises 57 claims.
    • The Sirmac-Clapier Project, made up of 77 claims.

    Winsome Resources intends to sell spodumene concentrate from the projects to North America’s battery market.

    The company claims lithium is essential for Canada’s financial security, transition to a low-carbon economy, and its electric vehicle sector.

    Winsome Resources’ IPO

    Winsome Resources raised $18 million through its oversubscribed IPO, issuing 90 million shares for 20 cents apiece.

    The funds raised will allow the company to operate as a stand-alone listed entity.

    As part of the spin-off, Metalstech shareholders will retain 45 million shares in Winsome Resources. The holding is to be distributed in-specie to Metalstech shareholders.

    Another 1.45 million shares will go to the company’s directors.

    The offer price and high level of demand for Winsome Resources’ shares leave the company with an expected market capitalisation of around $28.4 million and approximately 141.9 million shares outstanding.

    However, at its current share price, Winsome Resources has a valuation of around $40 million.

    On Winsome Resources’ future, the company’s managing director Chris Evans commented:

    Current trends show up to 10 times more lithium is required in the next decade to meet the demand and it is going to require a huge investment to get there.

    With more than 99% of the world’s lithium reserves located in Australia, Argentina, Chile, and China, our projects offer jurisdictional diversity and opportunity to contribute to the expanding North American battery industry.

    The post Winsome Resources (ASX:WR1) share price surges 50% following IPO appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Winsome Resources right now?

    Before you consider Winsome Resources, 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 Winsome Resources 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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    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 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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  • 2 ASX shares looking good in turbulent times

    concept image of a hand holding up an umbrella in a rain storm.

    With the world in a state of anxiety about the new COVID-19 Omicron variant, it might be worthwhile taking shelter under some ASX shares with a reliable track record.

    Medallion Group analyst Jean-Claude Perrottet singled out 2 such old reliables this week:

    You need to breathe, regardless of economy

    Over the last two decades, breathing devices maker Resmed CDI (ASX: RMD) certainly has provided smiles for its investors through thick and thin.

    And Perrottet doesn’t see any reason why this would change now.

    “First quarter 2022 revenue of $904 million beat expectations and was up 20 per cent on the prior corresponding period,” he told TheBull.

    “Income from operations increased 21 per cent to $261.9 million.”

    Resmed shares are up around 32% for the year, trading for $36.35 on Tuesday afternoon. But they are down about 10% since a September peak.

    Perrottet is far from the only fan of this ASX share, with the team at Morgans giving it an “add” rating this week with a price target of $40.80.

    “Strong demand for Resmed products paint[s] a bright outlook moving forward,” said Perrottet.

    Pengana analyst Mark Christensen last month pointed out that demand for Resmed products is resilient through good and bad economic phases.

    “People who use those products do so because they need them,” he said on a Pengana webinar.

    “It’s not discretion.”

    Pokies never go out of fashion

    While gambling machine maker Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) may not be every investor’s cup of tea, it has served its shareholders pretty well over the years.

    Its shares have risen 195% over the past 5 years, even as the coronavirus pandemic forced poker machine players to stay at home.

    According to Perrottet, its latest results were strong courtesy of a reopening surge in the North American market.

    “The gaming machine company posted operating revenue of $4.736 billion in fiscal year 2021, a 14.4 per cent increase on the prior corresponding period,” he said. 

    “Net profit after tax rose 114.4 per cent to $765.6 million.”

    In recent years Aristocrat has grown its mobile gaming business, which has diversified its revenue sources.

    “The company is proposing to acquire gambling software group Playtech PLC (LON: PTEC), although a potential rival bidder has emerged,” said Perrottet.

    “The Playtech acquisition could provide significant upside.”

    According to CMC Markets, 8 out of 13 analysts agree with Perrottet that Aristocrat shares are a “buy”.

    The stock is up almost 44% for the year, trading at $44.96 on Tuesday afternoon.

    The post 2 ASX shares looking good in turbulent times appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Aristocrat, 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 Aristocrat 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 Tony Yoo owns shares of ResMed Inc. 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 ResMed Inc. 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 is the Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price climbing today?

    An oil miner with his thumbs up.

    The Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price is well into the green in afternoon trade. Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy giant are up 1.41% to $21.54 per share.

    This comes on the back of a modest rebound in oil prices.

    What’s happening with global oil markets?

    Crude oil took its biggest fall over the weekend since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020.

    Brent crude dropped from US$82.22 (AU$115.80) per barrel on Friday to US$72.72 on Saturday. The 12% price crash was spurred by fears that the Omicron variant arising in South Africa could derail global reopening plans and see the demand for oil evaporate.

    Over the past 24 hours, Brent crude has edged 1% higher to US$73.44 per barrel, a move that’s likely helping support the Woodside share price today.

    Looking ahead, oil traders are keeping a close eye on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+). The 23-nation oil cartel is meeting tomorrow and Thursday to determine whether they’ll press ahead with their plan to increase the group’s production by another 400,000 barrels per day in January.

    Some analysts are predicting OPEC will hold off on any further increase for now. They note that the release of emergency oil stockpiles by the United States and other nations will certainly be a talking point at the upcoming meeting.

    And the unknowns surrounding Omicron aren’t likely to encourage a big output increase either.

    According to Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group (quoted by Bloomberg), “The emergence of a new Covid variant that could spawn renewed shutdowns and travel restrictions is precisely the type of change in market conditions that could cause [OPEC] ministers to deviate from their plan [to add barrels].”

    An expert’s view on the Woodside share price

    Last week The Motley Fool had the opportunity to chat with Katana Asset Management’s co-founder Romano Sala Tenna. (You can find the full interview here.)

    Regarding energy markets, and the Woodside share price, Tenna told the Motley Fool:

    I think the energy market was sold down very aggressively over a short period of time. We’re now starting to see good value opportunities in the energy market, even though the headwinds are there. We’re starting to see Woodside trade on a single digit PER [price-earnings ratio]… We think the outlook for Woodside is very good. It’s been heavily sold down on the back of the ESG thematic.

    Woodside share price snapshot

    The Woodside share price has struggled in 2021. Starting the year at $23.07 per share, Woodside is currently down 5%. That compares to a year-to-date gain of 11% posted by the ASX 200.

    Over the past month, the Woodside share price has slipped 7%.

    The post Why is the Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price climbing today? 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3D2GBVD