• Why the Viva Energy (ASX:VEA) share price is in focus

    A businessman holds a bolt of energy in both hands, indicating a share price rise in ASX energy companies

    The Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price is in focus again after climbing 1.1% higher yesterday. Investors will be watching after the Aussie energy group’s latest quarterly update prior to the market open.

    Why is the Viva Energy share price in focus?

    Viva Energy CEO and managing director, Scott Wyatt, said:

    Viva Energy is making strong progress on our business recovery program with encouraging results in all parts of our business during the quarter.

    The Viva Energy share price will be one to watch as investors see if they share the same opinion. Industry fuel volumes remain down with coronavirus-induced lockdowns and border closures weighing on demand.

    Viva Energy’s quarterly petrol production reflected the challenging conditions. Alliance sales volumes “progressively improved” throughout the first quarter despite rising oil prices. Premium petrol sales are up 11% on the same period last year and now comprise 32% of total petrol sales.

    Petrol sales remained flat at 780 million litres (ML) while diesel segment sales climbed 4% from Q1 2020 to 1,678 ML. The aviation sector continues to struggle with jet sales down 62% on the prior corresponding period (pcp) to 311 ML. Similarly, lower cruise ship numbers impacted its marine volumes in “Other” which fell 39% on pcp to 261 ML.

    One area that makes the Viva Energy share price worth watching was its Geelong refining margin. The Aussie energy group saw its refining margin surge 119% to US$5.9 per barrel, up from US$2.7 in Q1 2020. Viva Energy said the refining environment remains “challenging” as it works with the Federal Government on the long-term fuel security package.

    Viva Energy expects to receive $19.6 million from the Government’s Temporary Refinery Production Payment program for Q1 2021. However, all non-essential refinery capital expenditure has been deferred to the second half of the year.

    Foolish takeaway

    The Viva Energy share price is worth watching in early trade after the group’s first-quarter trading update. Premium sales led the way for the Aussie company while several challenges remain for key business segments.

    Shares in the energy group are down 3.7% this year and are underperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) on a year to date basis.

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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 Tabcorp (ASX:TAH) share price is in the spotlight

    asx share price rising represented by surprised investor with open mouth

    The Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH) share price will be in the spotlight when the ASX opens today. This comes after the company announced it has received a revised bid for its wagering and media unit.

    At yesterday’s market wrap, the gambling company’s shares finished the day at $4.80.

    Details of the revised offer

    Tabcorp shares could open up with a bang after the company revealed it has been given a takeover offer from Entain plc (LON: ENT).

    Formerly GVC Holdings, Entain is one of the world’s largest sports betting and gambling companies. The group is listed on the London Stock Exchange and owns brands such as bwin, Ladbrokes, Coral, Sportingbet, and others.

    According to its release, Tabcorp has received an unsolicited, non-binding and indicative proposal from Entain to acquire its wagering and media business.

    The revised offer is valued at $3.5 billion and is subject to a number of conditions. These include due diligence, finance arrangements, receipt of all regulatory approvals (including ACCC and FIRB), and third-party consents.

    Tabcorp management noted that it is yet to form a view on the latest acquisition offer. However, it will assess the proposed deal under the framework of its previously announced strategic review.

    As such, the company will evaluate all structural ownership options to maximise the value from the divestment. This could involve either the potential sale to a third party or a potential demerger of its wagering and media business or lotteries and keno business.

    Tabcorp share price summary

    In the past 12 months, the Tabcorp share price has been on an upwards trajectory, gaining close to 70%. Year to date, the company’s shares gave gained above 20%.

    It’s worth noting that Tabcorp shares are within a whisker of reaching their 52-week high of $5.06.

    On valuation grounds, Tabcorp commands a market capitalisation of roughly $10.6 billion, with more than 2.2 billion shares outstanding.

    Where to 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.*

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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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  • Why the Alcidion (ASX:ALC) share price is up 32% this month

    ASX shares profit upgrade chart showing growth

    The Alcidion Group Ltd (ASX: ALC) share price is having quite the month, up 32.25% so far in April. Shares in the company have risen off the back of a number of positive catalysts.

    The Alcidion share price is showing no signs of slowing down. At yesterday’s close, the company’s shares were up another 10.96% to a price of 41 cents.

    On this note, shares in Alcidion were brought to a halt on April 14, regarding news about a potential acquisition and capital raise. Just 24 hours later, all was revealed and the company released a number of announcements.

    ExtraMed Acquisition

    Firstly, there was the news that Alcidion would be acquiring ExtraMed, a UK national health service (NHS) software provider.

    Post-purchase, Alcidion expects to be the leader in the UK digital market. Having a 19% market share in the NHS system. Moreover, the acquisition is expected to add $2.7 million in revenue from FY22.

    Capital Raise

    Secondly, the company announced a $17.9 million capital raise. This was made up of an institutional placement and a share purchase plan (SPP). Both shareholders and institutional investors will be able to purchase additional shares at 32 cents.

    Defence contract

    Next was the news that Alcidion had been selected as the preferred provider for a $21 million Department of Defence contract. The five and a half year, $21 million contracts are still subject to final negotiations and funding approvals. The contract involves major healthcare IT project to capture data and support clinical decision-making across the Australian Defence Force.

    Updated Results

    Finally, the company released an investor presentation regarding quarter three and its acquisition. Alcidion outlined its $24.7 million of revenue for the financial year thus far. With $3 million being earned in the most recent quarter.

    Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the company’s full quarterly report is due on Wednesday.

    About the Alcidion share price

    With four trading days left this month, it’s anyone’s guess where the Alcidion share price will be come close on Friday.

    However, Alcidion shareholders certainly won’t be disappointed with the company’s stellar 135% return since this point last year.

    Where to 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.*

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    Daniel Ewing has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Alcidion Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alcidion Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Netflix wins big at the Oscars

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

    celebrity being photographed by the paparazzi on the red carpet

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

    Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) scored big at the 93rd Academy Awards on Sunday, walking away with more trophies than any other studio. The streaming pioneer won a total of seven Oscars — nearly as many as all its previous awards combined. Walt Disney had the second-highest count with five statues.

    The streaming giant went into the awards presentation with 36 Oscar nods across 17 films — more than any other distributer. Since winning its first award in 2013, Netflix had amassed eight Academy Awards. Its total now stands at 15.

    Mank and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom were Netflix’s biggest winners, notching two wins each. Mank, which led the nominations with 10 nods, won the awards for best production design and best cinematography. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom took home statues for best hairstyling and makeup and best costume design.

    Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom was also a favorite to win the best actor category. The late Chadwick Boseman, of Black Panther fame, had been awarded the best acting trophy at the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics’ Choice awards for his performance in the film, but the Oscar ultimately went to Anthony Hopkins for his role in The Father.

    Netflix’s Oscar wins are about more than mere bragging rights. The company has long argued that the quality of its content is the biggest draw for subscribers, which is key to Netflix’s success. This has proved to be true over the years, resulting in an industry-leading 208 million total subscribers.

    The streaming giant could use a boost about now. After generating significant customer growth during the pandemic, Netflix missed its first-quarter subscriber forecast. The company added 4 million net new subscribers, much lower than the 6 million Netflix was expecting. 

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

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    Danny Vena owns shares of Netflix and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Netflix and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Netflix and Walt Disney. 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 reasons why the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price could be a buy

    jump in asx furniture retailer share price represented by lounge chair and ottoman flying in the air

    The Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) share price could be an opportunity to look at right now. 

    Temple & Webster has seen its shares climb by 187% over the last year. It may not be able to do the same thing over the next 12 months, but the retailer may still be a really good ASX share to think about for the coming years.

    Why? These factors could make it a good investment today:

    Benefiting from multiple trends

    Temple & Webster is an e-commerce retail business. It’s benefiting from the large increase of customers who are buying things online. Some customers are buying furniture and homewares for the first time online, whilst others might be buying more frequently online.

    There’s also the household finances situation that are helping the ASX share. Government stimulus has helped the overall picture. Households have been saving more than normal.  Spending for some people may be redirected from holidays to their homes.

    Temple & Webster estimates that more than 20% of furniture and homewares were bought online in the US during 2020. Management believe that Australia is following the same trajectory. It estimates that in 2020, around 9% of Australian furniture and homewares were bought online – almost double the percentage of 2019. Online penetration in both markets is expected to continue to increase significantly.

    The company thinks COVID-19 has permanently accelerated online adoption in the Australian furniture and homewares market.

    Investing for growth

    Over the longer-term, growth shares have the ability to deliver stronger long-term returns because of the compound growth rate.

    Management believe there is scope for significant online growth. It’s planning to invest heavily in a number of areas to capitalise on this opportunity.

    It’s going to spend on marketing to build strong brand awareness to achieve national brand status within the next three years. This should drive both first-time and repeat customers.

    Temple & Webster aims to increase its conversion with tactical pricing and promotions.

    The company will continue to invest in the customer experience with enhanced technology, data and personalisation and delivery experience.

    Investing into 3D and artificial intelligence capabilities to make the customer shopping journey easier is another area.

    It’s planning to improve and differentiate its range with new category additions, private label expansion, new product development and exclusive ranges with suppliers.

    The final strategy of the company is to grow business to business sales, with bigger operational teams to capitalise on the return of demand in the commercial sector.

    Temple & Webster’s choice to invest across all of these areas will result in a low earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin of 2% to 4%. It wants stay profitable though. Management are hoping for strong double digit revenue growth.

    After that, the company is expecting higher profit margins with scale benefits.

    Recent sell-off

    The Temple & Webster share price is currently down 10% in just a week. It’s also down 27% since 25 January 2021. The entry point of an investment plays a key role in dictating the returns for an investor.

    This lower price could be an opportunistic time to think about Temple & Webster shares after some investors decided to sell.

    The long-term focus on growth could lead to stronger returns over the coming years if it’s able to keep capturing market share.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Is it time to sell Afterpay (ASX:APT) shares?

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    Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) stock owners have had a wild rollercoaster ride this year.

    The ASX darling of last year started 2021 at $119 then in February smashed its 52-week high by touching $160.

    Since then, the rotation away from high-growth companies hit it hard, leaving it trading at $122.75 at Monday’s close.

    So if you’ve been fortunate enough to own Afterpay, what do you do? Do you sell now?

    Two fund managers had vastly differing views on this question.

    The case to sell Afterpay shares

    Perpetual portfolio manager Anthony Aboud doesn’t have much doubt as to which way he would go.

    “Look, respectfully, I think it’s a sell,” he told a Livewire video.

    “I’m probably the wrong person to ask since I’ve got this wrong for a while. My problem is: for $35 billion what are you getting?”

    Aboud was concerned about the immediate risks the fintech is facing that could put a massive dent in its share price.

    “They’re facing regulatory risks, credit cycle risks, and even margin risk with their partners,” he said.

    “But you know what? I’ve been wrong to date. I could be wrong going forward.”

    The case to not sell Afterpay shares

    The opposite of Aboud was Sage Capital chief investment officer Sean Fenton. 

    “It is a global leader in buy now, pay later with a massive pipeline of growth ahead of it,” he said in the same video.

    “It is very hard to put a valuation on it, but whilst we’re seeing that momentum and that land-grab continue, we might as well just stick with it.”

    But rather than just sticking with it, he would actually go a step further and buy up more Afterpay stock.

    “It’s a tough one. It’s gone up a long way, but I’ll sit with ‘buy’ at this stage.”

    How do you solve a problem like Maria?

    It seems other experts and investment houses are just as polarised as to what Afterpay shareholders should do.

    Just last week, The Motley Fool reported Credit Suisse has a price target of $145 for the fintech. But UBS Group reckons it’ll plunge to $36.

    Good night and good luck.

    Meanwhile, Afterpay is exploring how it can list in the US. How current ASX shareholders will be treated when that happens is up in the air.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Tesla shares slip after hours despite Q1 earnings beat

    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.

    On Monday after market hours, Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) reported a quarter that smashed the company’s previous records for production and deliveries, while crushing profitability estimates. But skeptical investors traded the company’s stock down regardless.

    The company booked first-quarter revenue of $10.39 billion, which was a sturdy 74% higher year over year. That was on the back of a 109% increase in total vehicle deliveries during the period to a new high of 184,800. Adjusted net profit more than quadrupled over that stretch of time to hit $1.05 billion, or $0.93 per share.

    The latter number trounced the average analyst estimate of $0.80. However, the top-line figure fell just short of the $10.42 billion forecast by those prognosticators. That very well could have been the reason for the market’s negative reaction to the news; many investors, after all, have extremely high expectations for Tesla, particularly after the publication of those delivery statistics (which occurred earlier this month).

    The company still has lofty ambitions to get many more of its vehicles on the road. In its letter to shareholders regarding the first-quarter results, Tesla wrote that — in accordance with remarks made by CEO Elon Musk in January — it still plans to hit 50% average annual growth in total deliveries over the next few years. At certain points such as this year, the company added, it should exceed that goal.

    None of this was stopping a slump in Tesla’s share price after the results were unveiled. The company’s stock was down by nearly 2% in early post-market trading Monday.

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

    Where to 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.*

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

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  • 2 high quality ASX 50 shares for your retirement portfolio

    Older couple enjoying the backyard

    If you’re looking at options for your retirement portfolio, then the ASX 50 index could be a great place to start your search.

    The ASX 50 index is a large cap index which represents 50 of the largest and most liquid shares listed on the Australian share market based on their float-adjusted market capitalisation.

    But which ASX 50 shares would be good options for retirees? The two listed below are highly rated:

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

    Coles could be a quality ASX 50 share for retirees to own. This is due to its solid long term growth potential, cost cutting, generous dividend policy, and defensive qualities. The supermarket giant has displayed the latter during the pandemic, delivering solid earnings and dividend growth despite the crisis.

    And while it is now cycling the panic buying from a year ago and is likely to report lower sales in its upcoming third quarter update, it looks well-placed to resume its growth in FY 2022.  

    Goldman Sachs is positive on the company. Its analysts currently have a buy rating and $20.70 price target on its shares. This compares to the latest Coles share price of $15.64.

    Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC)

    Another ASX 50 share that is highly rated is Ramsay Health Care. The private hospital operator could be worth considering for a retirement portfolio due to its very positive long term growth outlook.

    This is thanks to a number of tailwinds that are expected to lead to growing demand for healthcare services over the next decade and beyond. It also has a penchant for acquisitions and could bolster its growth inorganically in the coming years.

    Goldman Sachs is also a big fan of Ramsay. The broker currently has a buy rating and $75.00 price target on the company’s shares. This compares to the latest Ramsay share price of $67.71.

    Goldman has suggest that Ramsay will recover strongly from the pandemic and is forecasting its operating earnings to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7% between FY 2021 and FY 2024.

    Where to 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.*

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ramsay Health Care 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 Orocobre (ASX:ORE) share price is at a 52-week high

    A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company

    Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) shares are having a bumper time on the ASX of late. Shares in the lithium miner jumped 5.1% higher yesterday even as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) slid 0.2% lower to 7,045.60 points.

    That means the Orocobre share price is now up 46.7% in the year to date after closing at $6.66 yesterday. So, what’s driving the Aussie lithium share higher this year?

    Why the Orocobre share price is on fire

    It’s worth mentioning that it hasn’t all been good news for Orocobre shareholders in recent times. The Orocobre share price had been sliding from January 2018 until mid-2020. However, the tides seem to be turning in the early part of this year.

    Increasing demand for electric vehicles, and the meteoric rise of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA), have certainly helped. It seems the electric vehicle market has well and truly kicked back into gear after sitting quietly for some time.

    That has been good news for lithium demand given the importance of the raw material in making lithium-ion batteries. According to a release from global ratings agency S&P Global Inc, lithium prices continue to rise. In fact, lithium carbonate CIF Asia prices rose 11% in March to US$10,000 per tonne – the largest monthly increase since January.

    That was good news for the Orocobre share price which surged higher in yesterday’s trade. Strong plug-in electric vehicle demand in China and general recovery in ex-China auto sales have also been positives for lithium prices.

    That has investors piling into the Aussie lithium mining share like there’s no tomorrow. That’s despite S&P Global forecasting lithium prices to edge lower in the June quarter to US$9,900 per tonne.

    The current pricing environment is a remarkable turnaround from as recently as December 2020. That has sent the Orocobre share price surging alongside rivals like Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY) and Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS).

    Where to 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.*

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    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 recommends Tesla. 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 IOOF (ASX:IFL) share price is on watch today

    investor looking up as if watching asx share price

    The IOOF Holdings Limited (ASX: IFL) share price is one to watch this morning after a late afternoon update from the Aussie wealth manager.

    Why is the IOOF share price on watch?

    IOOF yesterday provided a response to a media release by the Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC). ASIC had earlier published a release titled “21-084MR IOOF advice licensees to implement changes following ASIC surveillance”.

    ASIC has been reviewing IOOF advisors’ work as part of the wealth manager’s remediation efforts under the regulator’s industry surveillance program. The regulator found two IOOF subsidiaries had potentially exposed a number of clients to harm. ASIC reviewed both Bridges Financial Services Pty Ltd and RI Advice Group Pty Ltd in December 2020.

    ASIC found 15% of client files at Bridges and 17% of files at RI Advice “contained indications of some potential client detriment”. The IOOF share price climbed 2.3% higher yesterday despite the regulatory note.

    IOOF said that less than 5 files contained indications of some potential client detriment in relation to advice provided. Those numbers recorded are since introducing IOOF’s uplifted governance program and ASIC REP 515 compliant file review standards.

    The IOOF share price is one to watch in early trade as investors weigh up the regulator’s latest findings. IOOF said it remains committed to ensuring the highest advice governance standards. According to the release, IOOF has conducted all advice reviews to the heightened ASIC REP 515 standards since 1 January 2020.

    The review comes nearly three years since IOOF was hauled over the coals in the 2018 Financial Services Royal Commission. ASIC did note that IOOF has “agreed to develop and implement remedial action plans”.

    Foolish takeaway

    The IOOF share price is in focus this morning after the company responded to the regulator’s latest findings. Investors will be watching the Aussie wealth manager closely in early trade for signs of any movement.

    Where to 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 are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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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