• The AGL (ASX:AGL) share price is now trading on a forecast 11.7% dividend yield

    woman slumped at computer in power outage

    The AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) share price has been on a trending decline over the past 4 years. This comes as Australia’s largest electricity provides has faced severe headwinds in recent times.

    On Wednesday, the company’s shares hit an all-time low of $6.29, reflecting weak investor sentiment. Its shares have since slightly, up 0.78% trading at $6.44 at the time of writing.

    What’s going on with AGL?

    AGL appears to have been struggling with the current conditions of the national electricity market as well as unstable electricity prices.

    The company noted that a sharp decline in wholesale prices for electricity and renewable energy certificates weighed down its financial performance. It regarded the 2021 financial year as one of the toughest energy markets ever experienced.

    Furthermore, the soon-to-close Liddell coal-fired power station has put a financial strain on the company. AGL plans to transform the site with a hydro and solar energy facility following Liddell’s ceased operations in 2023.

    A proposed split into two separate energy businesses is set to occur in the fourth quarter of FY22.

    New AGL will focus on delivering electricity, gas, internet and mobile services to Australian households, emerging as a zero-carbon electricity supplier. And the other business, PrimeCo, will be positioned on becoming Australia’s largest electricity generator, taking up the bulk of its pollutant assets.

    AGL dividend yield

    AGL is set to pay a final dividend of 34 cents per share to eligible shareholders on 29 September.

    Coupled with the interim dividend of 41 cents, the total dividend for FY21 is 75 cents per share. This represents around 75% of the company’s underlying net profit after tax that is distributed to shareholders.

    When factoring in the current AGL share price along with its full-year dividend, AGL’s dividend yield rises to 11.73%.

    AGL share price snapshot

    In 2021, the AGL share price has continued to plummet in value, losing close to 45% for investors. When factoring in the last 12 months, its shares are deeper in the red, down 60%.

    On valuation grounds, AGL presides a market capitalisation of approximately $3.98 billion, with 623 million shares on its books.

    The post The AGL (ASX:AGL) share price is now trading on a forecast 11.7% dividend yield appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider AGL, 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 AGL 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3kJU3qm

  • When was the worst ever day on the Sydney Airport (ASX:SYD) share price chart?

    Man in suit plummets downwards in sky

    The Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) share price’s worst day ever saw it fall 22.25% in a single session.

    The ASX travel sector has faced unprecedented challenges over the last 18 months, leaving some market watchers to expect Sydney Airport’s most devastating session to have been recently. However, that’s not the case.

    In fact, the worst session ever experienced by the Sydney Airport share price occurred nearly a decade ago.  

    Let’s take a look at what happened on 6 December 2011 to cause Sydney Airport’s stock to plummet so dramatically.

    Sydney Airport share price’s worst day ever

    The Sydney Airport share price’s worst day on the ASX was before it became the Sydney Airport we know today.

    Prior to Sydney Airport being reborn on the ASX, it was a part of the listed MAp Group. On 6 December 2011, the MAp Group began a ‘simplification scheme’ after it offloaded its holdings in the Brussels and Copenhagen Airports and increased its holding in the Sydney Airport to 85%.

    After the scheme, MAp changed its listed name to Sydney Airport Holdings.

    Following the simplification, investors in what is now Sydney Airport held the same number of stapled securities as before. However, each security was changed to comprise of 1 unit in Sydney Airport Trust 1 (formerly MAT1) and 1 unit in Sydney Airport Trust 2 (formerly MAT2). Previously each stapled security also included one share in MAIL.

    The scheme also included an 80 cents per stapled security cash consideration.

    Those wanting to know more can find the scheme’s proposal here.

    The intricacies of the market saw what was to become the Sydney Airport share price plummet a massive 22.25%. It ended its worst session ever trading for $2.76.

    It also followed a ground-breaking proposal.

    On 5 December 2011, the airport announced its plans to split into 2 airline-aligned precincts — one for Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) and another for Virgin Australia.

    The proposal expected each airline’s international, domestic, and regional services to come together under their respective terminals’ roofs by 2019.

    It also included the construction of a Qantas Engineering complex to help maintain and support Qantas’ fleet, as well as a hangar for Virgin Australia.

    The post When was the worst ever day on the Sydney Airport (ASX:SYD) share price chart? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Sydney Airport right now?

    Before you consider Sydney Airport, 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 Sydney Airport 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 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/3zIokfl

  • TechnologyOne (ASX:TNE) share price hits record high on UK acquisition news

    changing asx share price from acqusition represented by man reaching out to touch acquisition sign

    The TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) share price is pushing higher on Friday morning.

    In early trade, the enterprise software company’s shares are up 2% to a record high $10.31.

    Why is the TechnologyOne share price pushing higher?

    Investors have been bidding the TechnologyOne share price higher today following the release of an announcement.

    According to the release, the company has entered into an agreement for the acquisition of Scientia Resource Management. It is a United Kingdom-based company servicing the higher education sector.

    The acquisition consideration is expected to be 12 million pounds (A$22.4 million) and includes an initial payment of 6 million pounds and further payments based on achieving progressive earnouts through to FY 2023. This will be paid in cash and funded from internal sources.

    Management expects the acquisition to be earnings neutral in FY 2021.

    Management commentary

    TechnologyOne’s CEO, Edward Chung, commented: “This acquisition forms part of our strategic focus to deliver the deepest functionality for Higher Education and it will accelerate our growth and competitive position in the UK as well as have significant benefits in the Australian Higher Education market.”

    “Scientia’s market leading product Syllabus Plus provides advanced academic timetabling and resource scheduling. Their products provide mission critical software for over 150 leading Universities across the United Kingdom, and Australia including the University of St Andrews, University of Exeter, Monash University and the University of Queensland.”

    Mr Chung notes that the deal will strengthen its offering in the higher education market.

    He explained: “The acquisition further expands our Global SaaS ERP solution for Higher Education. The integration of the Scientia’s advanced academic timetabling and resource scheduling capabilities, combined with our market leading Student Management, HR & Payroll, Enterprise Asset Management and Finance capabilities, will provide smarter decision-making eliminating underutilisation of space and resources that is paramount for Higher Education across the globe in a post-covid world.”

    The TechnologyOne share price is up 24% in 2021.

    The post TechnologyOne (ASX:TNE) share price hits record high on UK acquisition news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider TechnologyOne, 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 TechnologyOne 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 James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/38BrW77

  • How has the Square share price performed since announcing the Afterpay deal?

    Man looks frustrated looking at computer screen in an office

    It has now been a month since Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) revealed that it was being acquired by US payments giant Square Inc (NYSE: SQ) for $39 billion in shares.

    The all-scrip deal will see Afterpay shareholders receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.375 shares of Square Class A common stock for each Afterpay share they hold on the record date.

    In light of this, unlike a takeover with a fixed offer price, the value of this takeover approach will ebb and flow with the Square share price.

    As a result, Afterpay shareholders will no doubt be keeping a close eye on the performance of the Square share price between now and the closing of the deal.

    How has the Square share price performed since announcing the Afterpay deal?

    When the deal was announced at the start of August, the Square share price was US$247.26. This implied a transaction price of approximately $126.21 per Afterpay share at the time.

    The good news is that the response to the takeover on Wall Street has been positive. This has led to the Square share price gaining 7.5% to US$247.26.

    Based on this gain and current exchange rates, this implies a transaction price of approximately $134.76 per Afterpay share. This is broadly in line with where the Afterpay share price was trading at the close of play on Thursday.

    What’s next?

    Given that the transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of calendar year 2022, there’s still plenty of time for the Square share price to rise further (or fall).

    Potential catalysts include Square’s third quarter results in November and Afterpay’s first quarter trading update in October. And if the deal isn’t closed by February, we can add in Square’s full year results and Afterpay’s half year results that are due that month.

    The post How has the Square share price performed since announcing the Afterpay deal? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Afterpay, 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 Afterpay 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 James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO and Square. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3jC0b4K

  • If you invested $1,000 in Telstra (ASX:TLS) shares a decade ago, here’s what it would be worth now

    Couple counting out money

    The Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price has recorded strong gains over the past year, up 30%. This comes as Australia’s largest telco provider navigates its way around COVID-19 and the NBN headwind.

    Below, we calculate how much Telstra shares would be worth if a shareholder made an investment 10 years ago.

    How is the Telstra share price tracking in 2021?

    Without a doubt, the Telstra share price has been on fire this year, accelerating by almost 30%.

    The company’s mobile division has been a standout performer as Australians continue to work from home. In addition, management’s focus on cutting down costs across the business has had a positive effect on the Telstra share price.

    Last month, Telstra shares reached a multi-year high of $4.03, a level not seen since August 2017.

    But you may be wondering how much a long-term investor would have made. Let’s take a look…

    What would have happened to your Telstra investment in 10 years?

    If you invested $1,000 in Telstra shares in 2011, you would have picked them up for around $3.04 each. This would have given you approximately 328 shares without reinvesting the dividends.

    Looking at yesterday’s closing price, Telstra shares are trading at $3.85 a pop. This means those 328 shares would now be worth around $1,262.80 (328 shares x $3.85). When considering percentage terms, this implies an increase of 26.28%, or a yearly average return of 2.36%.

    In comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has given back 5.84% over the same timeframe.

    However, it’s worth noting this doesn’t factor in the juicy dividends that Telstra pays on a bi-annual basis.

    Are Telstra shares a buy?

    Since the release of Telstra’s FY21 full-year results, a few brokers have weighed in on the company’s share price.

    Australian leading investment firm Morgans raised its price target for Telstra shares by 3.6% to $4.34. Credit Suisse followed suit to also add on its rating by 2.4% to $4.25. The most recent broker note came from JPMorgan, which has initiated a bullish price of $4.40 for the telco’s shares.

    Based on the current price, JPMorgan’s 12-month price target implies an upside of roughly 14.2%.

    Telstra commands a market capitalisation of roughly $45.8 billion, making it the 11th largest company on the ASX.

    The post If you invested $1,000 in Telstra (ASX:TLS) shares a decade ago, here’s what it would be worth now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Telstra, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Telstra wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for 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 owns shares of Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3mYYf8A

  • Why the Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price is down 9% in the last week

    ASX shares downgrade A young woman with tattoos puts both thumbs down and scrunches her face with the bad news.

    The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price has tumbled 9% in the past week following the company’s FY21 full year-results on Friday, 27 August.

    Shares in the diversified conglomerate have quickly deteriorated from all-time highs of $67.20 on 20 August to a $57.82 close on Thursday.

    Why the Wesfarmers share price sliding

    Moderating sales growth

    Wesfarmers delivered a well-rounded FY21 result as revenues increased 10% to $33,941 million and net profit after tax (NPAT) excluding significant items rose 16.2% to $2,421 million.

    Despite a strong overall FY21 performance, Wesfarmers’ flagged that growth began to moderate towards the end of the financial year following government-mandated lockdowns and the cycling of elevated FY20 sales.

    According to the company’s FY21 results announcement, “Bunnings, Officeworks and Catch experienced moderating sales growth from mid-March as they began to cycle the strong demand experienced in the prior year. Volatility in customer traffic to stores resulting from government mandated restrictions and physical distancing requirements also impacted sales growth.”

    The weakening of sales and volatile business conditions could be a factor weighing on the Wesfarmers share price and earnings outlook.

    In addition, Wesfarmers also flagged challenges along its supply chain, saying “Disruptions and capacity constraints in global supply chains led to some inventory delays and higher ocean freight charges. Some additional fulfillment costs were incurred in stores and distribution centres to accommodate peak periods of online demand.”

    Weak year-to-date sales

    Within Wesfarmers’ FY21 results, the company provided a trading update for its year-to-date performance across its retail businesses.

    Wesfarmers’ commentary was far from inspiring, warning that “the impact of lockdowns on household and business confidence has become more acute as recent lockdowns have been extended and further widespread restrictions would negatively impact overall business activity and the Group’s trading performance.”

    Bunnings’ sales for the first 7 weeks of FY22 declined 4.7% on the prior corresponding period (pcp) as solid growth from commercial customers was offset by a decline in consumer sales.

    The combined Kmart and Target sales in the first 8 weeks declined 14.3% on pcp as a significant amount of stores were forced to close as a result of lockdown mandates.

    Officeworks sales tipped 1.5% lower in the first 7 weeks driven by the impact of elevated sales in FY20.

    Another factor driving down the Wesfarmers share price could be the company’s outlook commentary, citing that “the Group’s retail businesses during the first half of the 200 financial year may be below the prior corresponding period.”

    The post Why the Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price is down 9% in the last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Wesfarmers, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Wesfarmers wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for 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 Kerry Sun 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 Wesfarmers Limited. 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/2VajzfE

  • It hasn’t been a great week so far for the Woodside Petroleum (ASX:WPL) share price

    sad looking petroleum worker standing next to oil drill

    This year has not been kind to the Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price. The Aussie energy share is down 14.4% year to date including a 2.5% drop since Monday morning.

    So, what’s moving the Aussie oil and gas producer’s market capitalisation right now.

    It’s been a tough week for the Woodside Petroleum share price

    Interestingly, the Aussie energy share has been slipping despite oil prices climbing. It’s been a broadly positive week for crude oil with declining inventories and a weakening US dollar providing tailwinds to the key commodity.

    In contrast, the Woodside share price is down 2.5% this week despite edging higher on Wednesday. There have been no significant announcements from the company since its August FY21 half-year results release.

    One potentially big driver is the proposed merger with BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)’s petroleum division. News of the mega-merger, which would create a global top 10 independent energy company, was one of the biggest items to come out of the August earnings season.

    Investors could be looking ahead to the plan which Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill is hoping can deliver US$400 million in synergies. The Woodside share price slipped throughout August and news of the merger did little to boost the company’s value.

    ASX energy shares have struggled to make significant gains in 2021 and Woodside is no exception. However, hopes that COVID-19 restrictions may ease could be a boon for the Aussie oil and gas giant.

    Expectations for an economic recovery and easing border closure make the Woodside share price worth watching in the weeks ahead.

    Foolish takeaway

    The Woodside share price has had another tough week on the markets. Shares in the Aussie energy group have slid lower despite positive signs for crude oil prices.

    The merger with BHP’s petroleum division looms as the big driver of potential value for the oil and gas giant in the short to medium term.

    The post It hasn’t been a great week so far for the Woodside Petroleum (ASX:WPL) share price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Woodside Petroleum, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Woodside Petroleum 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 Ken Hall 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3mZw7SC

  • It hasn’t been a great week so far for the Zip (ASX:Z1P) share price

    illustration of laptop with down arrow and the word zip representing zip share price going down

    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price has been under pressure this week. Shares in the buy now, pay later (BNPL) leader are down 2.4% from Monday’s opening price of $7.04 per share.

    Here’s what’s affecting the Aussie payments company’s value in recent days.

    It’s been a tough week for the Zip share price

    Whenever an ASX share slides lower, it’s always worth checking for any new announcements to contextualise the move. Unfortunately for curious investors, the last announcement from Zip was the company’s full-year results release last Wednesday.

    Zip reported a 293% surge in transaction numbers to 41.3 million in FY21. Total transaction value (TTV) jumped 176% to $5.8 billion as customer numbers jumped 248% to 7.3 million.

    Those all look like solid growth numbers on the surface. However, investors didn’t appear thrilled with the latest update with the Zip share price slipping following the release of the results.

    That came after Zip noted a 30 basis point (bps) decline in cash transaction margin to 3.5%. Zip’s marketing costs also surged 650% during the year as the company chases more market share in the growing sector.

    The Zip share price has been sliding lower since last Wednesday’s result. The valuation slide comes as shares in rival Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) have climbed 2.6% higher in the last 5 days.

    There’s also been increasing competition in the BNPL landscape. In a space that was ruled by Zip and Afterpay, new entrants such as PayPal Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: PYPL) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) are now snapping at Zip’s heels.

    Foolish takeaway

    The Zip share price has been under pressure in recent days in what appears to be a hangover from the BNPL group’s FY21 results.

    It’s not all doom and gloom, however, with shares in the ASX company still up 22.9% year to date.

    The post It hasn’t been a great week so far for the Zip (ASX:Z1P) share price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Zip, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Zip wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for 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 Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO, PayPal Holdings, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2022 $75 calls on PayPal Holdings. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended PayPal Holdings. 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/3jARiZ3

  • Top broker tips Accent (ASX:AX1) share price to rise 33%

    shoes asx share price represented by white shoes against pink and blue background AX1 share price downgrade

    The Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1) share price has been a disappointing performer over the last few weeks.

    Since this time in August, the footwear-focused retailer’s shares have pulled back by 22%.

    This means the Accent share price has wiped out all its 2021 gains and more.

    Is the weakness in the Accent share price a buying opportunity?

    One leading broker that believes the weakness in the Accent share price is a buying opportunity is Bell Potter.

    According to a recent note, the broker has a buy rating and $2.90 price target on the company’s shares.

    Based on the latest Accent share price of $2.18, this implies potential upside of 33% over the next 12 months before dividends.

    And if you include the 9 cents per share fully franked dividend Bell Potter is forecasting in FY 2022, this potential return stretches to over 37%.

    What did Bell Potter say?

    Although the broker has reduced its forecasts (and price target) to reflect the negative impact of lockdowns, it remains positive on Accent. This is due to its belief that the underlying fundamentals of the business remain strong and attractive.

    Bell Potter commented: “We have cut our 1H22 estimates to reflect lockdown impacts. The net effect is our FY22 EPS falls by -21%, although there is no material change in FY23/FY24. Including model roll-forward, our 12-month price target reduces to $2.90 (previously $3.30). Notwithstanding the material near-term lockdown impacts, the underlying fundamentals of the business remain strong and attractive. We retain our Buy rating on the stock.”

    Despite the recent weakness in the Accent share price, it has still smashed the market on a 12-month basis. During this time the company’s shares have risen 37%. This compares to a 22% gain by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    Pleasingly, Bell Potter appears to believe it can do the same again over the next 12 months.

    The post Top broker tips Accent (ASX:AX1) share price to rise 33% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bell Potter right now?

    Before you consider Bell Potter, 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 Bell Potter 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 James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group. 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/3t8Tme9

  • Top broker says Suncorp (ASX:SUN) share price is a buy

    young woman reviewing financial reports at desk with multiple computer screens

    The Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) share price has been a strong performer in 2021.

    Since the start of the year, the banking and insurance giant’s shares have risen 27%.

    This is more than double the gain of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the same period.

    Can the Suncorp share price keep rising?

    The good news is that the team at Goldman Sachs believe the Suncorp share price can rise further from here.

    According to a recent note, the broker has a buy rating and $13.74 price target on the company’s shares.

    Based on the current Suncorp share price of $12.52, this implies potential upside of 10% over the next 12 months before dividends.

    In addition to this, the broker is expecting generous dividends from Suncorp in the coming years. It has pencilled in fully franked dividends per share of 61 cents in FY 2022, 73 cents in FY 2023, and 76 cents in FY 2024.

    As a result, this means the total potential return on offer is approximately 15% including its FY 2022 dividends.

    What did Goldman say?

    While Goldman acknowledges that the Suncorp share price is not cheap, it still sees enough value to maintain its buy rating. Particularly given its positive momentum and its belief that the risks are to the upside for its earnings.

    Goldman said: “While it is now harder to argue that SUN is cheap, we have nonetheless maintained our Buy rating, where we see good momentum in the business, plus near-term earnings risks as skewed positively noting: 1) provided pressure does not mount on the industry to return recent motor frequency benefits, SUN will almost certainly record gains in 1H22 (potential for c.5% upside in EPS), 2) SUN’s recent reserve development remains well above its normalised 1.5% release assumption and noted relative comfort in the outlook, 3) scope for further banking collective provision release, and 4) into FY23 if we were to calibrate to the mid-point of SUN’s insurance margin targets alongside the bank cost/income ratio target we would see c.10% upside.”

    The post Top broker says Suncorp (ASX:SUN) share price is a buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Suncorp, 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 Suncorp 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 James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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