• Amazon could skyrocket 83% by 2023, analyst says

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    If a new analysis of Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) proves accurate, the already-popular retail stock is poised to nearly double very soon. Brian Nowak, an analyst at ever-influential investment bank Morgan Stanley, issued a research note Monday in which he said that in a best-case scenario, the stock could hit $6,000 per share in 2023. That’s a whopping 83% above the present level.

    Nowak bases his argument on the price/earnings to growth (PEG) rates of other top retailers and consumer goods staples companies, many of which hover around 3. In his words, “Bull Case Closer to Retailers/[consumer goods] Staples Implies [around] $5,000-$6,000 Share Price: AMZN currently trades at [around] 1.2 [times] ’22 on a PEG basis, a [roughly] 30% discount to its median tech peer group.”

    Even for those who think that evaluation might be extreme, the prognosticator indicates that Amazon still has a long runway. “As shown, even valuing [Amazon] at a 1.7 [times] PEG (in line with mega cap tech) would imply a $4,500 share price as ’23 earnings come into view. But this PEG would still be a [roughly] 45% discount to [Walmart]…and we argue [Amazon] could warrant a higher PEG,” he wrote.

    Nowak’s not-ideal-case $4,500 per share — his official price target on the shares — would still mean a significant upside of 38% on Amazon’s most recent closing stock price.

    His analysis is a compelling one, as the disparity between the PEG levels is stark. It adds another bullish log in the fire that has been Amazon’s stock in recent years. 

    Perhaps it’s resonating with investors. On Monday, Amazon stock rose by 1.5%, while the S&P 500 stock index fell by 0.3%.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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    Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Amazon and recommends the following options: long January 2022 $1920 calls on Amazon and short January 2022 $1940 calls on Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon. 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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  • St Barbara (ASX:SBM) share price crashes 10% on guidance downgrade

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    The St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) share price is under pressure on Tuesday morning.

    At the time of writing, the gold miner’s shares are down 10% to $1.84.

    Why is the St Barbara share price crashing lower?

    Investors have been selling the company’s shares this morning following the release of an update on its guidance for FY 2021.

    As you might have guessed from the St Barbara share price reaction, the company’s update has not been a good one.

    According to the release, St Barbara’s Leonara and Simberi operations are not performing in line with expectations.

    What is happening?

    In respect to the Leonara operation, a change in mining contractor to Macmahon Holdings Limited (ASX: MAH) on 5 May has not gone as smoothly as hoped. This has been driven by issues with the recruitment of critical roles and experienced operators.

    This means the Leonara operation is now forecast to produce 150,000 to 160,000 ounces of gold with an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of between A$1,815 to A$1,950 per ounce.

    As a comparison, its previous guidance was for 175,000 ounces with an AISC of A$1,590 to A$1,630 per ounce.

    Things weren’t much better for its Simberi operation which continues to be impacted by ore variability, which is ultimately affecting gold recoveries. In addition to this, COVID-19 is impacting workforce availability and weighing on its operations.

    As a result, it now expects Simberi production of 80,000 to 90,000 ounces in FY 2021 with an AISC of A$1,790 to A$2,030 per ounce. This compares to its previous guidance of 95,000 ounces with an AISC of A$1,720 to A$1,810 per ounce.

    One positive is that its Atlantic Gold operation is performing in line with expectations and is on course to achieve its guidance.

    FY 2021 consolidated guidance

    The sum of the above, is consolidated production of between 330,000 and 360,000 ounces with an AISC of A$1,547 and A$1,695 per ounce in FY 2021. This compares to its previous guidance of 370,000 to 380,000 ounces with an AISC of between A$1,440 and A$1,520 per ounce.

    The St Barbara share price is now down 25% since the start of the year.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why the Telix (ASX:TLX) share price is rising this morning

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    The Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) share price is on the move today. This follows the biotechnology company’s announcement that it has inked a new lucrative deal.

    At the time of writing, the Telix Pharmaceuticals share price is trading for $4.17, up 0.48%. 

    What did Telix announce?

    According to this morning’s release, Telix advised it has entered into an exclusive commercial distribution agreement with Eckert & Ziegler.

    Founded in 1997, Berlin-based Eckert & Ziegler is one of the world’s largest providers of isotope technology for medical use. The company specialises in cancer therapy, industrial radiometry, and nuclear-medical imaging.

    Under the deal, Telix’s prostate cancer imaging product, Illuccix, will be supplied to the German market through Eckert & Ziegler. This will occur once the expected marketing authorisation application has been approved by German health authorities. It is expected that the green light will be given sometime in later this year.

    Comments from the CEO

    Telix CEO Dr. Christian Behrenbruch commented:

    We are pleased to have entered this commercial distribution agreement with Eckert & Ziegler so that, subject to German regulatory approval, we will together be able to bring this highly anticipated imaging agent to German patients living with prostate cancer as efficiently as possible.

    Eckert & Ziegler executive member of the board, Dr Harald Hasselmann added:

    This commercial partnership with Telix will enable us to open the door to state-of-the-art PSMA imaging for the 68,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in Germany.

    Addressable market for prostate cancer in Germany

    A published report from Globocan stated that prostate cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer across Germany in 2020. Roughly 68,000 cases were recorded last year. That is almost double the rate of lung cancer patients – around 38,000.

    The findings also noted that prostate cancer caused the second most common deaths in men in Germany. Over 15,000 men died from the disease in 2020. Additionally, more than 290,000 German men are living with prostate cancer.

    Telix share price summary

    Telix shares have been an outstanding performer over the last 12 months, gaining close to 200% for shareholders.

    Based on today’s prices, Telix presides a market capitalisation of roughly $1.1 billion, with approximately 281 million shares outstanding.

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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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  • Newcrest (ASX:NCM) share price in focus with carbon neutrality pledge

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    Shares in Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) could be in focus this morning with news the company has vowed to go carbon neutral by 2050. The Newcrest share price closed yesterday’s trade at $28.35.

    The commitment follows the gold miner’s previous emissions reduction target, which it made in 2019. Then, Newcrest pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030.

    Let’s take a closer look at today’s news from Newcrest Mining. 

    Net-zero carbon emissions by 2050

    Newcrest Mining announced it aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions across its operational scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 2050.

    Scope 1 emissions are those created by the company’s direct activities, such as running fleet vehicles or machinery. Scope 2 emissions are created alongside the electricity that powers the company’s activities.

    Newcrest stated it’s also working to reduce its scope 3 emissions. Scope 3 emissions are those created downstream of a company’s business, during activities such as the transportation or further treatment of products. It will be interesting to watch how the Newcrest share price performs today as investors digest the company’s new commitments.

    The gold miner also outlined the progress it’s made in reaching its target to reduce greenhouse emissions by 30% by 2030.

    So far, it has created greenhouse gas management plans, which link achievements in emissions reductions to senior executive incentive payments. It’s also begun to measure greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain.

    Finally, Newcrest has continued to implement the use of renewable energy – particularly from wind.

    Newcrest also publishes a comprehensive sustainability report each year outlining its progress towards sustainability in its operations. 

    Commentary from management

    Newcrest managing director and CEO Sandeep Biswas commented on the company’s net-zero emissions goal, saying:

    Given our experience with identifying and applying innovative technologies, Newcrest has the potential to be at the forefront of meeting the challenge of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. As an industry more broadly, we have the ingenuity, technology and capability to take on this challenge and reduce our carbon footprint. We are seeing the rapid evolution of a range of new technologies that will help reduce emissions going forward and Newcrest is well positioned to leverage this technology as the world moves towards a zero-carbon future.

    Newcrest Mining share price snapshot

    The Newcrest Mining share price has been a solid performer on the ASX so far this year. Newcrest shares have jumped by almost 10% since the start of 2021. Though, they are still trading 12.1% less than they were this time last year.

    The gold miner has a market capitalisation of around $23 billion, with approximately 817 million shares outstanding.   

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    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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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  • South32 (ASX:S32) increases capital returns by $258m and sets climate goals

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    The South32 Ltd (ASX:32) share price could find new fans after the miner increased its capital management program following an asset sale.

    Management said it will add an extra US$200 million ($258 million) to the program that can be used for share buybacks and other capital return initiatives.

    It will also aim to halve its Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions by FY35. South32 will outline details on both strategies in a call to analysts and investors today.

    South32 outlines strategy post coal divestment

    It isn’t coincidental that this news follows hot on the heels of its South Africa Energy Coal divestment.

    I see the move as a double win for shareholders. It gives management some extra cash to play with and appeases concerns about its environmental track record.

    Any increase in capital management is usually a positive for ASX shares. This should be no different for the South32 share price.

    More share buybacks in the wings?

    However, the additional US$200 million isn’t particularly significant as the miner had already allocated around US$1.86 billion to this long-standing program.

    A chunk of this is being tipped into its on-market share buyback. The highest the diversified miner has paid for its shares was $4.235 in October 2018 and the lowest its paid was $1.625 in March of last year.

    South32 still has US$115.9 million in its war chest for share buybacks. Given the modest US$200 million top-up that announced today, I won’t be surprised if most or all of it is earmarked for buybacks.

    South32 share price outperforming

    But management won’t be picking up bargains on that front. The South32 share price surged by nearly 60% over the past year.

    That’s about inline with the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price, which spun-off South32 in 2015. While the South32 share price is ahead of Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price gain of 48%, the group is behind Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price increase of 84%.

    But that’s still well ahead of the30% gain by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) over the same period.

    What’s driving the South32 share price higher

    Fortescue has an oversized leverage to record high iron ore prices, but South32 is also benefiting from the commodities supercycle 2.0.

    Aluminium, zinc and nickel have all been running hot thanks to three tailwinds. These are the rise in construction activity, industrial production and the energy transition.

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    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of BHP Billiton Limited, Fortescue Metals Group Limited, Rio Tinto Ltd., and South32 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 the ELMO (ASX:ELO) share price will be on watch this morning

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    The ELMO Software Ltd (ASX: ELO) share price will be one to watch closely this morning.

    This follows the cloud-based human resources and software solution provider’s announcement of a guidance update.

    ELMO surges with growth ahead

    ELMO shares could be on the move today as investors digest the company’s latest release.

    In a statement to the ASX, ELMO advised that it is seeing positive momentum continue across its business units. While COVID-19 has affected most businesses, the company highlighted its increasing remote-based workforce. Therefore, delivering cloud-based solutions is thriving.

    As a result, ELMO updated its FY21 guidance with the following:

    Annualised recurring revenue (ARR) is projected to come in at $83 million to $85 million. This is within the mid-range of the previous $81.5 million to $88.5 million indicated.

    Revenue is set to increase between $68 million to $70 million. Previously, the company had revenue set at $65 million to $71 million for FY21.

    Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is narrowed to a loss of -$2.5 million to -$3.5 million. This is a smaller gap than the previously stated EBITDA of -$2.4 million to -$7.4 million.

    Comments from the CEO

    ELMO CEO and co-founder, Danny Lessem hailed the robust performance, saying:

    I am encouraged by the strong growth we’ve seen so far in the second half. There is positive sentiment in the market, and it is pleasing to see procurement starting to return to pre-COVID levels.

    Our growth strategy remains on track. ELMO’s customers are able to effectively manage increasingly dispersed workforces with our broad, integrated and convergent solution. Our value-proposition is stronger than ever, and ELMO remains well placed to benefit from tailwinds in the adoption of cloud- based technology.

    ELMO share price snapshot

    The ELMO share price has lost almost 25% over the past year and is down more than 20% year to date. The company’s shares hit a 52-week high of $7.86 last June, before going on a rollercoaster ride.

    On valuation metrics, ELMO presides a market capitalisation of about $438 million, with approximately 89.2 million shares on issue.

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    Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Elmo Software. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elmo Software. 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 dividend shares to buy with yields above 5%

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    The two ASX dividend shares in this article offer yields of more than 5%.

    The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has pushed interest rates to almost 0% with a goal of cushioning the economy.

    That strategy has worked, though the interest rate remains low and this is making it difficult to make income from cash in the bank.

    Businesses with dividend yields of more than 5% could be a way to boost investment income:

    Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW)

    This a real estate investment trust (REIT) managed by Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC).

    As the name suggests, its aim is to hold a real estate portfolio of commercial properties with tenants that are signed up to long-term rental contracts. That results in the REIT having a long weighted average lease expiry (WALE).

    Some of the tenants that are at the properties include Australian government entities, Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) and David Jones.

    The ASX dividend share has a made a number of acquisitions that has boosted the portfolio’s strength and diversification.

    Its rental profit is slowly but steadily growing from organic rental increases at the properties.

    The business has a 100% distribution payout for investors. This leads to a relatively high yield.

    In FY21 management are expecting to generate operating earnings per security (EPS) of at least 29.1 cents. That translates to a distribution yield of at least 6% for the current financial year.

    It’s currently rated as a buy by the broker Morgan Stanley with a price target of $5.35.

    Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK)

    Nick Scali is a business that sells high-quality imported furniture.

    The business has seen booming sales over the last 12 months as people look to improve their homes during this COVID-19 pandemic period.

    Nick Scali’s sales weren’t slowing down by the time of its FY21 half-year report. Indeed, in a recent trading update it said its FY21 third quarter total written sales order growth was 50%. April growth was 242% compared to the locked down period of April 2020.

    The strength of the ASX dividend share’s sales and demand have led to Nick Scali margins increasing substantially. In that recent trading update, Nick Scali said that net profit after tax (NPAT) growth is expected to be in the range of $78 million to $80 million, which would be an increase of 85% to 90%.  

    Retail shares tend to be valued at a relatively low price/earnings ratio multiple. Plus, Nick Scali has a reasonably high dividend payout ratio. That results in the ASX dividend share offering a trailing grossed-up dividend yield of 8.4%.

    It’s trying to improve profit and accessibility to more customers by expanding its store network across Australia and New Zealand, as well as growing online sales.

    Nick Scali is currently rated as a buy by the broker Citi, with a price target of $12.05.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET and Woolworths 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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  • 3 explosive shares that defy PE ratios

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    One fund manager has picked out 3 shares that he believes will become the next Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOGL) (NASDAQ: GOOG) or Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN).

    Holon Global Investments portfolio manager Heath Behnke reckons investing in digital infrastructure, innovative digital products and new payment fintech is the way to “future proof” an investor’s holdings.

    “People mistakenly think that our products and solutions are tech funds,” he told Livewire.

    “We don’t invest in tech companies. We invest in companies that embrace technology, so we look for great global business models, fueled by innovation.”

    Next generation of ‘mega-caps’

    The inclusion of “mega-caps” Google, Amazon, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE: BABA) and Tencent Holdings Ltd (HKG: 0700) in a portfolio is “obvious” to Behnke.

    “They have a spot in any modern portfolio because their balance sheets are bulletproof.”

    But he has also highlighted 3 companies that he’s tipped to become the next generation of mega-cap companies.

    Behnke believes these businesses have huge potential but their prospects can’t be analysed with a simple formula.

    “The ones that don’t ‘fit’ a PE ratio — like Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1), Roku Inc (NASDAQ: ROKU) or Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) — that have all the hallmarks of exponential growth and are universal in nature.”

    Megaport shares were up 1.59% on Monday to close at $13.40. The Tesla stock price rose 3.16% on Monday morning Australia time, to finish the trading session at US$589.74.

    Roku shares were up 2.05% to close Monday morning at US$315.95.

    Sitting on the sidelines is more risky than embracing change

    According to Behnke, wealth creation is triggered these days through “innovation and disruptive new business models” — not “embracing safety and the status quo”.

    “How well did failing to embrace change go for Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE: KODK)?” he said.

    “It’s critical investors and those who manage investors’ money to get comfortable with change.”

    The fund manager also picked out MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ: MSTR) as an intriguing buy at the moment.

    The software company’s core business hasn’t been exciting the last few years. But recently it has become famous for investing its cash reserves into  Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC).

    “NASDAQ-listed MicroStrategy is also a good investment and one of the best Bitcoin proxies for Australian investors,” said Behnke.

    “With central banks debasing currencies and the risk of rampant inflation increasing, we are strong believers in Bitcoin’s value proposition as a store of wealth.”

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    John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Tony Yoo owns shares of Alphabet (A shares) and Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Amazon, Bitcoin, MEGAPORT FPO, Roku, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends MicroStrategy and recommends the following options: long January 2022 $1920 calls on Amazon and short January 2022 $1940 calls on Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Amazon, and MEGAPORT 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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  • Top broker names NAB (ASX:NAB) shares as the best in the banking sector

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    Goldman Sachs has been busy looking through the banking sector following the recent release of updates.

    Overall, the broker was pleased with what it saw and believes things will continue to improve in the near term.

    What did Goldman say?

    Goldman commented: “1H21 reported PPOP/cash earnings were up 14%/108% on pcp. Into 2H21E, we believe that lower funding costs should largely offset the pressures on NIMs from competition and lower rates. On volumes, we expect system housing loan growth to continue to recover to >5% and business lending to pick up slightly. We continue to see costs as a key determinant of relative sector performance, and while all banks are now focused on reducing their absolute cost bases, each bank is at different stages in reaching this goal. Finally, capital returns are likely to become a feature of bank TSR in 2H21.”

    The broker now believes it is onwards and upwards for pre-operating provision profit (PPOP) growth in the sector. It is also positive on returns and bad and doubtful debts.

    It explained: “Having fallen by >20% over the last five years, we now forecast sector PPOP RoRWA (the key determinant of sector valuation, in our view) to rise over the next three years, supported by improving productivity.”

    Goldman believes this, combined with cost cutting, potential provision releases, and capital management, means the banks are trading at an unnecessary discount to their industrials peers.

    “Coupled with i) the potential for further efficiency benefits if banks reach their stated cost targets, ii) the potential for further collective provision releases given the continued improvement in economic conditions, and iii) our capital forecasts indicating that the major banks potentially have between A$6.3 bn (ANZ) and A$11.1 bn (CBA) of surplus which should allow for capital returns, we think the 35% discount the banks are currently trading on versus the non-bank industrials (vs. 20% historical average discount) is too great and note our analysis of relative fundamentals can only explain about half of this relative PER deterioration,” it explained.

    Which bank is Goldman’s top pick?

    Goldman has named National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) as its preferred sector exposure.

    This is due to its cost management initiatives, which it notes are further progressed relative to peers and should drive productivity benefits sooner, its strong business banking position, and its robust capital position.

    The broker has a conviction buy rating and $29.97 price target on the bank’s shares. Based on the current NAB share price of $26.05, this implies potential upside of 15% over the next 12 months. This stretches to approximately 20% if you include dividends.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why the Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) share price is in the spotlight today

    asx bank shares represented by large buidling with the word 'bank' on it

    The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is in the spotlight today.

    This comes as CBA’s CEO Matt Comyn is set to join Adam Beavis – Amazon Web Services (AWS) Australia and New Zealand managing director – for the AWS Online Summit.

    Comyn and Beavis will look at the expanding role that cloud computing and data is playing in digital banking.

    Cloud computing’s expanding footprint

    Commonwealth Bank is investing $1 billion in technology over the next 5 years. A tidy sum by any standards.

    About half of that technology investment will go into risk, resilience, security and data privacy as the bank plans to move 95% of its computing to the public cloud over the coming 5–7 years.

    According to Comyn, CBA’s foray into technology is far from new:

    As a company with a rich history in technological innovation and leadership in Australia, Commonwealth Bank considers technology to have a fundamental role in support our customers. From developing the first mainframe in the 1960s, to rolling out Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in the 80s and going online for the first time in 1995, CBA has used technology to provide the best in digital banking services to our 7.5 million digitally-active customers.

    This is a major opportunity but also represents a significant responsibility in ensuring that we deliver the most personalised and relevant experience to our customers.

    CBA and AWS are working together to tailor the suite of products and services they provide via the cloud to their online customers.

    Addressing the partnership, Beavis says:

    Since 2012, AWS has been proud to support the CBA’s venture towards more digitally-focused banking and the effective use of data and analytics to provide the best customer service. It’s exciting to see how CBA is leveraging AWS to help empower them to modernise their infrastructure, meet rapidly changing consumer behaviours, and drive business growth, while supporting the most stringent security, compliance, and regulatory requirements.

    Commsec counts as the first Commonwealth Bank business unit to migrate to AWS back in 2012. This helped enable CBA to quickly scale up Commsec during the height of COVID-19 last year when Commsec facilitated as many as 400,000 trades per day.

    Commenting on the success of Commsec, Comyn says:

    Ever since 2012, AWS has been working with us to move our workloads to the cloud and were instrumental in allowing us to scale up rapidly during peak trading periods for Commsec during COVID. As we look into the future, CBA is focused on getting more of our core workloads to the cloud and making sure that key applications are running natively on the AWS platform. AWS allows a stronger level of reliability and resilience as we move our workloads to the cloud.

    In an age where even our printers and refrigerators communicate via the internet, the role of cloud computing in the business world looks set to keep on growing.

    Commonwealth Bank share price snapshot

    CBA shareholders have enjoyed a strong year, with shares in the big four banks up 67% over the past 12 months. That easily outpaces the 29% gain posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    Year-to-date the Commonwealth Bank share price is up 17%.

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    John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Amazon and recommends the following options: long January 2022 $1920 calls on Amazon and short January 2022 $1940 calls on Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post Why the Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) share price is in the spotlight today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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