• 2 buy-rated ASX dividend shares with strong yields

    A smiling woman with a handful of $100 notes, indicating strong dividend payment by Thorn Group

    The good news for income investors in this low interest rate environment, is that there are countless dividend shares for investors to choose from on the Australian share market.

    But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy. To narrow things down, listed below are two ASX dividend shares that are rated highly by analysts. They are as follows:

    Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

    The first ASX dividend share to look at is Adairs. It is a leading retailer of furniture, homewares, and home furnishings in Australia and New Zealand.

    Thanks to its strong market position and omni-channel footprint, which gives it exposure to both online and in-store growth, Adairs has been tipped to grow at a solid rate over the 2020s.

    This will also be boosted by the recent agreement to acquire Focus on Furniture for $80 million. Management believes the acquisition is a clear strategic fit, with attractive growth potential and exposure to the $8.3 billion bulky furniture category.

    The team at Morgans is a fan of the deal. In response, the broker retained its add rating and lifted its price target to $4.80.

    As for dividends, the broker has pencilled in fully franked dividends per share of 23 cents in FY 2022 and then 29 cents in FY 2023. Based on the current Adairs share price of $3.92, this will mean yield of 5.9% and 7.4%, respectively.

    Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX: CQE)

    Another ASX dividend share to look at is the Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT.

    The Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT is a real estate investment trust that invests in social infrastructure properties. These are properties with low competition and substitution risk and long leases such as childcare centres and government sites.

    Demand for its properties has been very strong, leading to a sky high occupancy rate, favourable revaluations, ultimately and strong profit growth. For example, in FY 2021, the company reported a 103% increase in statutory profit to $174.1 million.

    Goldman Sachs is very positive on its future. So much so, earlier this week the broker reiterated its conviction buy rating and lifted its price target to $4.12.

    Its analysts are also forecasting dividends per share of 16.9 cents in FY 2022 and then 17.6 cents in FY 2023. Based on the current Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT share price of $3.84, this will mean yields of 4.4% and 4.6%, respectively.

    The post 2 buy-rated ASX dividend shares with strong yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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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 ADAIRS FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended ADAIRS 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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  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

    A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements

    On Wednesday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form and dropped notably lower. The benchmark index fell 0.7% to 7,327.1 points.

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

    ASX 200 expected to edge higher

    The Australian share market looks set to edge higher on Thursday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 7 points or 0.1% higher this morning. This follows a decent night on Wall Street, which in late trade sees the Dow Jones up 0.15%, the S&P 500 up 0.2%, and the Nasdaq up 0.1%. Overnight the US Federal Reserve said it expects three rates hikes next year.

    Oil prices rise

    Energy shares including Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) could have a good day after oil prices pushed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.35% to US$70.98 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.45% to US$74.03 a barrel. The US Federal Reserve’s statement helped reverse earlier losses caused by Omicron concerns.

    CSL shares to return

    The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price is due to return to trade today after completing its institutional placement. CSL is raising US$4.5 billion (A$6.3 billion) from institutional investors and a further US$534 million (A$750 million) via a share purchase plan to part fund the acquisition of Vifor Pharma for US$12.3 billion (A$17.2 billion). Management notes that the deal expands CSL’s leadership across an attractive portfolio focused on renal disease and iron deficiency. In response, Citi has upgraded CSL’s shares to a buy rating.

    Gold price falls

    Gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) could have a difficult day after the gold price dropped. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.5% to US$1,763.30 an ounce. The gold price tumbled following news of the US Fed’s rate hike plans.

    Annual general meetings

    A number of ASX 200 shares are holding their annual general meetings on Thursday and could provide investors with trading updates. These include banking giant Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ), agribusiness company Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD), and commercial explosives company Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI). In addition, airline operator Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) is holding an investor update event this morning.

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

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

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for 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 CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders 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 blue chip ASX 200 shares named as buys in December

    ASX shares upgrade buy latest buy ideas upgrade best buy Stopwatch with Time to Buy on the counter

    Have you got room for a blue chip or two in your portfolio in December? If you are, then take a look at the blockbuster blue chip ASX 200 shares listed below.

    Here’s why they are highly rated by analysts:

    REA Group Limited (ASX: REA)

    The first blue chip ASX 200 share to look at is REA Group. It is the leader in real estate listings in the Australian market. The company’s local operations have a significant lead over the competition and are commanding more than triple the visits (121.9 million monthly visits) of its nearest rival.

    In light of this, REA Group looks well-placed for growth thanks to the booming housing market. This should be supported by new revenue streams, cost cutting, price increases, its international operations, and acquisitions. The latter has seen the company grow its presence in mortgage broking through the acquisition of Mortgage Choice.

    One leading broker that is particularly bullish on REA Group is Macquarie. Its analysts currently have an outperform rating and $192.00 price target on its shares.

    Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

    Another blue chip ASX 200 share that could be in the buy zone is Westpac. Australia’s oldest bank has seen its shares crash lower in recent weeks following a disappointing full year result.

    Investors were spooked by its weak margin outlook and appeared concerned that it would not achieve its cost cutting plans.

    The team at Morgans believe this is a buying opportunity, noting that Westpac’s shares offer the most compelling valuation among the big four. Its analysts currently have an add rating and $29.50 price targets on the bank’s shares.

    Morgans commented: “We find the management of the margin-volume tradeoff in Australian home lending in FY21 to be disappointing and we hope for better management of this tradeoff going forward.”

    “Having said this, our view has been that the stock was not being priced for perfection and was offering considerable value. While the NIM has now re-based notably lower, we continue to see considerable value in the stock particularly due to our expectation of significant cost out by FY24F,” it concluded.

    The post 2 blue chip ASX 200 shares named as buys in December 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 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 James Mickleboro owns Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended REA 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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  • Why did the Chalice Mining (ASX:CHN) share price slide today?

    Miner standing at quarry looking upset

    The Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX: CHN) share price finished in the red on Wednesday amid the company completing a major demerger.

    At the close of trade, shares in the mining company were down 4.26% to $8.55.

    Let’s take a look at what happened with Chalice Mining on Wednesday.

    What did Chalice tell investors today?

    Chalice advised the market it had completed its demerger, spinning off its gold-focussed Falcon Metals business.

    The company announced it has completed the distribution of Falcon shares to eligible Chalice shareholders.

    Investors involved in Falcon’s $30 million initial public offering (IPO) have also been issued their shares today.

    Falcon Metals Limited is earmarked for listing on the ASX on Monday with the ASX code FAL. Its shares are scheduled to start trading at 11am next Wednesday although the listing is subject to the company satisfying ASX conditions.

    The drop in the Chalice Mining share price today should come as no surprise. As previously reported by my Foolish colleague, it was tipped Chalice shares would trade lower on the day of the demerger announcement, reflecting Falcon’s departure.

    However, this is expected to be offset when Falcon Metals shares are distributed.

    With the spin-off of its gold assets, Chalice Mining is now expected to focus on its Julimar Nickel-Copper-PGE Project in the Avon region of Western Australia.

    This leaves Falcon to go for gold at its key exploration assets in Victoria and Western Australia.

    Chalice Mining share price snap shot

    The Chalice Mining share price has surged in the past 12 months, up 141%. Year to date, the company’s shares have gained 120%.

    However, in the past month, Chalice shares have slipped 12% and have fallen more than 7% in the past week.

    At its current share price, the company’s market capitalisation is just over $3 billion.

    The post Why did the Chalice Mining (ASX:CHN) share price slide today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Chalice Mining right now?

    Before you consider Chalice Mining, 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 Chalice Mining 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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  • What happened with the Booktopia (ASX:BKG) share price today?

    two children hold on tightly to books

    Shares in Booktopia Group Ltd (ASX: BKG) have had a mixed day today after the company announced a collaboration with an international publisher.

    Booktopia has entered into a publishing and distribution partnership with Welbeck Publishing Group based in the United Kingdom.

    The Booktopia share price leapt 6% to an intraday high of $1.80 near the market open, before plummeting back to its previous closing price of $1.70. At the close of trade today, shares in the company had lifted again and were trading 2.05% higher at $1.74.

    More on the partnership…

    Earlier this year, the publisher told investors it would secure a 25% stake in the UK-based company’s new standalone subsidiary, Welbeck Australia (WPGANZ) for around $3 million.

    In today’s announcement, the company advised that these agreements had been executed.

    Now, under this new partnership, Booktopia will distribute WPGANZ’s catalogue of around 300 new titles per year.

    Welbeck’s existing distribution agreement with giant Allen & Unwin and United Book Distributors will be transferred to Booktopia Publisher Services (BPS) by the end of the first quarter next year. 

    The company noted that the move would not only make WPGANZ the local publisher for Welbeck UK’s backlist of around 4,500 titles, it would also create an opportunity for Welbeck to build a local editorial team to publish Australian and New Zealand authors. The aim would be to bring in 50 new titles to the market each year.

    Booktopia founder and chief executive Tony Nash welcomed the news, saying:

    Welbeck is a highly-regarded and significant player in the book industry, and we are very excited about the opportunity to partner with them as they grow their presence in Australia and New Zealand.

    The partnership and investment in Welbeck Australia will diversify and enhance our future income streams while growing our scale and strategic presence in the publishing and distribution segments of the book industry.

    Booktopia share price snapshot 

    The Booktopia share price has fallen more than 37% in the past 12 months, with much of the drop happening since its 52-week high of $3.06 in September. The publisher has fallen 33.5% this year to date.

    The company has a market cap of $245.86 million at the time of writing.

    The post What happened with the Booktopia (ASX:BKG) share price today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Booktopia, 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 Booktopia 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 recommended Booktopia Group Limited. 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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  • Armada Metals (ASX:AMM) share price plunges 22% following IPO

    Upset man in hard hat puts hand over face after Armada Metals share price sinks

    Not all initial public offerings (IPO) can be a roaring success. Sadly, some must flop, and the Armada Metals Limited (ASX: AMM) share price has done just that on its first day on the ASX.

    The company’s stock floated on the market at 12:30 pm AEDT today after raising $10 million through its IPO, wherein it offered shares for 20 cents apiece.

    Unfortunately, the Armada Metals share price has ended its first day on the ASX 22% lower, with its shares trading at 15.5 cents.

    Let’s take a closer look at the ASX newbie and the IPO process that led it here.

    What does Armada Metals do?

    Armada Metals is a base metals explorer with a focus on under-explored regions of Africa.

    Armada believes the electric vehicle market will demand increasing amounts of ‘green’ metals in the coming years, and Africa is a great place to find them.

    It’s currently exploring a multi-target project opportunity for magmatic nickel-copper sulphides in the Nyanga area in southern Gabon. There, it has 2 exploration licences covering 2,991 square kilometres.

    Armada Metals has already spent more than US$10 million at the mining sites and has targets ready to drill.

    Armada Metals share price slumps on ASX debut

    Today was tough for the Armada Metals share price.

    The company sold 50 million shares – its maximum planned issuance – during its IPO and raised $10 million in the process.

    Most of those funds will go towards exploration activities, mainly drilling programs and regional exploration. The rest will be used as working capital and for covering administration expenses.

    At its offer price, the company expected to list with a market capitalisation of $20.8 million.

    Instead, at its current share price, Armada Metals has an ASX valuation of about $7.75 million.

    On the company’s ASX float, Armada managing director, Dr Ross McGowan commented:

    Today signifies the beginning of Armada’s exploration journey as a public listed company… The company is excited to commence its maiden drilling program in the new year, and we look forward to providing shareholders with exploration updates as we prepare the company for growth and future success.

    The post Armada Metals (ASX:AMM) share price plunges 22% following IPO appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Armada 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 Armada 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

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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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  • Here are the top 10 ASX shares today

    Top 10 ASX shares today

    Today, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had an equally as rough day as US markets experienced overnight. At the end of the session, the benchmark index finished 0.7% lower at 7,327.1 points.

    Unfortunately, it was a broad sell-off in the Australian share market today. Only one sector prevailed as a gainer, with that being utilities. Meanwhile, tech and real estate shares were pummelled following weakness on Wall Street last night. Overall, only 20% of the companies in the top 200 managed to finish above their previous closing price today.

    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, Virgin Money UK PLC (ASX: VUK) was the biggest gainer today. Shares in the full-service bank rallied 4.05% despite there being no news out from the company. Yesterday, the UK-focused bank published its stress test results to the ASX. Find out more about Virgin Money here.

    The next biggest gaining ASX share today was Alumina Ltd (ASX: AWC). The alumina and aluminium mining and refining company gained 3.88% — once again — without any new announcements. Uncover the latest Alumina details here.

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

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Virgin Money UK PLC (ASX: VUK) $3.08 4.05%
    Alumina Ltd (ASX: AWC) $1.875 3.88%
    Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) $2.47 2.92%
    Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) $2.39 2.58%
    AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) $5.94 2.41%
    Spark New Zealand Ltd (ASX: SPK) $4.31 2.13%
    Cimic Group Ltd (ASX: CIM) $18.12 1.63%
    Pendal Group Ltd (ASX: PDL) $5.56 1.46%
    Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR) $14.50 1.40%
    Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ) $4.40 1.38%
    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 has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Dicker Data Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Dicker Data 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 the Graincorp (ASX:GNC) share price is harvesting some stellar gains this week

    An older farmer stands arms outstretched in a field with a big smile on their face.

    Shares in integrated grain business Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) have been trading in the green this Wednesday, closing the day 0.79% higher at $7.69.

    Today marks another 52-week high for the company, which has been on a stellar run in 2021, having sprung off a bottom of $4.09 in February.

    Whilst it’s been relatively quiet out of the agricultural commodity giant’s corner lately, it’s been the exact opposite for its grain terminals. They have recorded their busiest week of harvest in eastern Australia so far this year.

    As such, the Graincorp share price is catching bids as the harvest season heats up across the eastern states, particularly now that the weather is more amenable.

    What’s up with Graincorp lately?

    The company received over a million tonne of grain from key areas in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria this past week, meaning Graincorp has booked more than 8 million tonne (Mt) so far this season.

    At least 1.08 Mt of grain came from NSW this week alone, according to reporting from The Land, bringing the most populous state’s total to almost 4.6 Mt for the season.

    The company is expecting the trend to continue. It is chasing more casual workers to fulfil the demand and in anticipation of huge crop yields for the remainder of the season.

    These trends continue on an enormous upswing of grain receivals in FY21, where the company realised 16.5 Mt of grain versus 4.2 Mt the previous year.

    Such a bump in grain received enabled export of around 8 Mt, up from 1.3 Mt in FY20. This has driven the company’s return on invested capital (ROIC) to 11.1%, up from 1.6% in the prior corresponding period.

    And these numbers have the analyst teams of several investment firms offering their predictions on the direction of Graincorp’s share price.

    RBC Capital Markets initiated coverage on Graincorp last week with a buy rating while valuing the company at $9.10 per share.

    Macquarie is equally bullish, holding an outperform rating while setting a price target of $8.03.

    It is joined by both Morgans and Sadif Investment Analytics, who each reckon Graincorp is a strong buy with a $7.90 valuation on the stock price.

    Despite this sentiment, Bell Potter still has Graincorp as a sell, and reckons its shares are worth $6.15 per share, implying a 20% downside potential from today’s price.

    Graincorp share price summary

    In the past 12 months the Graincorp share price has climbed to record highs, gaining more than 76%. This year to date it has climbed more than 83%.

    Graincorp shares are up around 13% in the past month after jumping 8% over just the past 5 days of trading.

    Graincorp has a market capitalisation of $1.7 billion with 228 million shares on issue.

    The post Why the Graincorp (ASX:GNC) share price is harvesting some stellar gains this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Graincorp, 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 Graincorp 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 author has no positions 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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  • ANZ (ASX:ANZ) will hold its AGM tomorrow. Here’s what you need to know

    Three board members sit at a table waiting for the ANZ AGM to start

    The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price is back in focus as the big four bank prepares for its annual general meeting (AGM) tomorrow. And it might face some curly questions, too.

    Shares in Australia’s fourth-largest bank were trading 0.4% higher at $27.59 in late afternoon trading today.

    What questions might ANZ face tomorrow?

    While the ANZ share price has fared reasonably well over the past 12 months, there are a number of issues that shareholders want to be addressed at the AGM.

    Firstly, it is believed the bank will need to field questions regarding ANZ’s rate of change in digitising its retail banking segment.

    To the disappointment of shareholders, the bank has adopted an approach that is not too dissimilar to the rollout of the NBN. Rather than implementing a completely new system, the bank is adding some new features on top of an old base.

    In the words of ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott:

    It’s not a CBA ‘rebuild the core’. But we are taking the bits that we know and love from our existing systems that work really well and building a bunch of new things to go with it in a new platform, which is called ANZx.

    The lack of investment in technology that could deliver faster, cheaper, and more convenient experiences for customers might have something to do with the second issue shareholders are expected to raise tomorrow — an underperforming mortgage loan book.

    During a booming time for new home loans, ANZ has struggled to grow its home loan division. Experts have suggested that delays in approval times at ANZ have been a contributing factor.

    However, the bank has recently flagged the potential for home loan approvals in 10 minutes. Although this is not anticipated to be ready for use until the end of next year.

    Unsurprisingly, shareholders want to know what the game plan is as ANZ embarks on its new tech voyage.

    The post ANZ (ASX:ANZ) will hold its AGM tomorrow. Here’s what you need to know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd right now?

    Before you consider Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd 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 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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  • Here’s why Westpac (ASX:WBC) just copped a grilling from angry shareholders

    a diverse groups of about twenty people stand together in a crowd staring to the front with angry and annoyed looks on their faces.

    It’s been a big day for Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shareholders. The ASX’s oldest bank held its annual general meeting this morning, and it’s one for the books.

    As we covered earlier today, both Westpac’s CEO and Chair apologised to shareholders for the company’s recent poor performance. Not only has the Westpac share price lost around 20% since the start of November. But the bank also copped a $113 million fine last month for allegedly charging deceased customers financial advice fees.

    Westpac chair John McFarlane apologised “unreservedly on behalf of the Board” for the recent underperformance. But shareholders were evidently not in a forgiving mood. 66.11% of shareholders voted in favour of Westpac’s remuneration report. That meant 28.5% of shareholders voted against it. Since the ‘no’ vote was more than the 25% stipulated under the Corporations Act 2001, this counts as a ‘first strike’ for Westpac.

    Westpac cops ‘first strike’ at AGM

    If a ‘second strike’ is passed next year (another 25% or higher ‘no’ vote on remuneration), it will result in an automatic board spill motion.

    As we tocuhed on this morning, the Australian Shareholders Association (ASA) voted no on remuneration. It stated the following on why the ASA has taken issue with Westpac:

    The last few years for WBC and their stakeholders has been tough, and unfortunately, there are still significant issues on Westpac’s plate which the company acknowledges. 

    With all their transformation programs, as they turn over stones, more issues reveal themselves. It is considered that the problems have not been fixed fast enough… it is very concerning what customers have suffered, and both stakeholder groups, customers and shareholders, have a right to be angry.

    Westpac share price snapshot

    Despite this strike vote at Westpac’s AGM, the bank’s shares had a decent day of trading today. The Westpac share price ended up closing at $20.99, up 0.29% for the day. That puts its 2021 gains at around 7% year to date. Westpac shares are also up 4.5% over the past 12 months, but have slid a depressing 35% or so over the past 5 years.

    At today’s closing share price, Westpac has a market capitalisation of $77.04 billion, with a dividend yield of 5.62%.

    The post Here’s why Westpac (ASX:WBC) just copped a grilling from angry shareholders appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 recommended 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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