The Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF (ASX: VAP) is on the move today. At the time of writing, this exchange-traded fund (ETF) has gained a healthy 1.48% and is currently (at the time of writing) trading for $82.24 per unit.

Investors have something of interest to ponder over the Vanguard Property ETF today as well. The ETF provider has just released the details of this ETF’s upcoming dividend distribution. This ETF, unlike most ASX shares, pays a dividend distribution every quarter, rather than every six months.

How much will VAP units pay in distributions?

Vanguard has announced that the Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF will pay a distribution of 52.7758 cents per unit for the quarter ending 31 March 2021. The ex-distribution date will be 1 April, while the distribution itself will be paid out on 20 April.

That amount comes in right in the middle of the company’s last few distributions. Over the corresponding quarter last year, the distribution was 66.24 cents. For the past three distributions (for the quarters ending 30 June, 30 September and 31 December respectively), Vanguard’s ETF had paid out 75.45 cents, 13.26 cents and 75.29 cents per unit respectively.

If we annualise this most recent distribution of 57.78 cents per share, we get to a yield of 2.82% on the current ETF unit price. If we add this most recent distribution amount to the previous 3 payments, we get a trailing yield of 2.7%.

About the Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF

As its name implies, this ETF tracks a basket of ASX shares that operate as real estate investment trusts (REITs). It currently holds 30 of these REITs. These are spread over the categories of retail, industrial, office, residential and health care.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) is by far the largest holding in this ETF, with a weighting of 23.4%. Scentre Group (ASX: SCG), Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP), Dexus Property Group (ASX: DXS) and Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR) are also amongst the largest holdings.

The Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF has had a rough year as a result of the pandemic. VAP units have returned -11.32% over the past year. But they have also averaged 5.66% over the past 3 years, and 9.75% per annum over the past 10. It charges a management fee of 0.23%.

More reading

• Retail shares: buy what you know, but who owns what you buy?
• 2 of the best ASX 50 shares to buy in April
• Where to reinvest your Telstra (ASX:TLS) dividends
• 2 ASX retail shares delivering strong growth
• 2 ASX REITs to grab (and 2 to avoid): fundie

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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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There are some ASX dividend shares with really big forecast yields for FY21 right now.

Trying to find high-yield businesses comes with its own set of risks and opportunities. Dividends can be less volatile than share prices, but they are certainly not guaranteed.

These two businesses are expected to pay very big dividends in FY21:

Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)

Fortescue is one of Australia’s, and the world’s, biggest iron ore miners. It is generating high levels of profit right now thanks to the demand from China and the high iron ore price.

The broker Credit Suisse rates the Fortescue share price as a buy and has a price target of $23.50 on Fortescue. For income investors, Credit Suisse is expecting Fortescue to pay a dividend of $3.63 per share in FY21, which translates to a grossed-up dividend yield of 25%.

One of the main changes about the ASX dividend share recently has been its announced plan that it wants to be carbon neutral by 2030. A key part of this is Fortescue Future Industries, which is looking to develop green electricity, green hydrogen and green ammonia projects in Australia.

Fortescue Chair Dr Andrew Forrest explained:

We are trialling and demonstrating green hydrogen technologies in global-scale commercial environments, while also rapidly evolving into a green hydrogen and electricity producer of similar scale.

Our commitment to demonstrate green hydrogen’s economic value in world-scale operations, and become a major energy exporter, while implementing the considerable facilities to support both, means that Fortescue has emerged not simply as a thought-leader and investor, but uniquely as an executor of major green hydrogen projects.

Our aim is to provide the two “missing links” in the climate change battle, to create both the demand and the supply of green hydrogen. Due to its high energy performance and environmental neutrality, green hydrogen and direct green electricity has the potential to eliminate fossil fuels from supply chains. Once established, these advances will also substantially reduce Fortescue’s operating costs.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

Adairs is one of the leading home furnishings retailers in the country. The broker Morgans has a buy rating on Adairs, with a price target of $4.50. Morgans is expecting Adairs to pay a dividend of $0.31 per share, which translates to a grossed-up dividend yield of 11.6%.

The ASX share generated a lot of operating leverage in the first half of FY21 where it saw an improvement of the gross profit margin of 500 basis points, with the Adairs division seeing an improvement of 690 basis points, whilst the Mocka division improved the gross margin by 230 basis points to 53.4%.

It’s generating a lot of sales growth through its online channel at the moment. Online sales increased by 95.3% to $62.2 million.

The ASX dividend share’s management is particularly pleased with its ‘linen lover club’ membership, which now has more than 900,000 members. Adairs says these customers are the most engaged and the company can individually provide offers based on historic purchases and preferred shopping channel. The linen lovers continue to account for around 75% of all sales.

An area of future improvement is the national distribution centre in Melbourne, which is currently under construction and should be operational in the first quarter of FY22. It’s expected to deliver annual savings of around $3.5 million per annum once fully operational. This will improve stock flow and online fulfilment as well as stock availability.

According to Morgans, the Adairs share price is valued at 9x FY21’s estimated earnings.

More reading

• Is the Fortescue share price ring-fenced by Twiggy and its climate targets?
• Why Macquarie thinks the BHP (ASX:BHP) share price and 2 others will outperform
• ‘Remarkable resilience’ in Aussie farmland a tailwind for ASX agriculture shares
• Why the South32 (ASX:S32) share price is outperforming today
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX 200 gets its mojo back

Tristan Harrison owns shares of Fortescue Metals Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends ADAIRS FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ADAIRS FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is well and truly back on form and surging higher. The benchmark index is currently up 1.65% to 6,848.9 points.

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

AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL)

The AGL share price is down almost 1.5% to $9.68. Investors have been selling the energy company’s shares after analysts suggested its plan to split into two might not be a good move. Goldman Sachs named seven concerns it has with the proposal this morning. Elsewhere, Ord Minnett responded by downgrading its shares to a hold rating and slashing its price target by 22% to $11.00.

Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX: BUB)

The Bubs share price is down a further 2% to 48 cents. Investors have been selling the infant formula company’s shares this year due to its poor performance in the first half and concerns over its outlook. Although its shares hit a 52-week low today, one broker believes they can go even lower. Citi recently reaffirmed its sell rating and 35 cents price target.

Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN)

The Harvey Norman share price has fallen almost 4% to $5.73. This decline is almost entirely attributable to the retail giant’s shares going ex-dividend this morning for its interim dividend. Eligible Harvey Norman shareholders can look forward to receiving its fully franked 20 cents per share dividend on 3 May.

Openpay Group Ltd (ASX: OPY)

The Openpay share price has returned from its trading halt and tumbled 5% to $2.29. This morning the buy now pay later provider announced a $67.5 million funding package. This comprises a $37.5 million institutional placement, a $25 million corporate debt facility, and a $5 million share purchase plan. The placement was undertaken at $2.03 per new share, which represents a 15.8% discount to its last close price. Management intends to use the funds to accelerate its international expansion following its partnership with Worldpay.

More reading

• ASX 200 jumps 1.35%: Zip inks deal with JB Hi-Fi, Suncorp’s flood update
• Why the Openpay (ASX:OPY) share price is sinking 8% lower today
• 7 reasons the AGL (ASX:AGL) demerger might be bad for its share price
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Why an AGL Energy (ASX:AGL) demerger might be a problem

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 BUBS AUST FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BUBS AUST 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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The New Zealand King Salmon Co Ltd (ASX: NZK) share price is steady at $1.52 per share today despite the company announcing a $7.1 million loss for the 7 months to January.

The South Island aquaculture company has remained within 5 cents of its current share price for more than a month now, after falling more than 65 cents over the past 12 months.

New Zealand King Salmon also posted revenue of $95.2 million, and pro forma earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $10.0m (7 months), compared to $25.1m in FY20 (12 months) in its FY21 results.

New Zealand King Salmon share price recovering

Chairman John Ryder said that the company’s recovery was strong considering its external challenges.

It is a creditable outcome considering we are recovering from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The full financial impact of excess inventory, caused by the pandemic, has been absorbed into these results with appropriate contingencies built in.

Going forward, our average price will return to pre-COVID levels, however margins will still be affected by higher freight and distribution costs. We are seeking to increase prices globally around the middle of the calendar year with a view to recovering some of these ongoing costs.

About the aquaculture company

New Zealand King Salmon is the world’s largest producer of the King salmon species, operating under Ora King, Regal, Southern Ocean and Omega Plus, and the New Zealand King Salmon label.

It employs 500 staff in New Zealand and is seeking to play its part in the country’s economic rebound from the coronavirus pandemic. It’s currently submitting a Blue Endeavour application to farm in the Cook Strait, 7km north of Cape Lambert.

CEO Grant Rosewarne says if successful, the project will deliver “hundreds of green jobs” to the nation.

Rosewarne said the company had expanded into Italian fine food retailers and was also marketing dog treats to North American “specialty” pet retailers.

The New Zealand King Salmon board has not yet decided whether to reinstate its dividends. 

More reading

• Why AGL, Bubs, Harvey Norman, & Openpay are tumbling lower
• What’s driving the Sydney Airport (ASX:SYD) share price today?
• Why the Oneview (ASX:ONE) share price is rocketing 29% today
• SpaceX Starship rocket explodes during reentry
• Home Consortium (ASX:HMC) share price success. What’s next?

Motley Fool contributor Lucas Radbourne-Pugh 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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Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) shares are up today, and with no news from the airport, some investors are scratching their heads.  

Having risen 3.94% from yesterday’s closing price, the Sydney Airport share price is currently trading at $6.20.

While today’s rise is the most significant in a while, the airport’s share price has been climbing since late February. Interestingly, Australians began receiving COVID-19 vaccines around the same time.

Let’s take a deep dive into how the Sydney Airport share price has been behaving lately.

We’ve got lift off

The Sydney Airport share price is once again launching towards a positive year-to-date return. At the time of writing, it’s down by just 3.59% in 2021.

The only news we’ve heard out of the airport this month is its traffic performance report for February. It stated there was a considerable increase in domestic traffic last month when compared with January. The number of domestic travellers using the airport in January 2021 was down 91% compared to January 2020. Whereas February saw only 70% less domestic traffic than the same period last year.  

Perhaps this increase in traffic is helping to drive the airport’s share price.

Additionally, its shares have been trending upwards since the first COVID-19 vaccination was given to an Australian on 23 February. Currently, it is 10.95% higher than it was the day before vaccinations began.

There was a visible dip on Thursday last week which still hasn’t quite corrected itself yet. The ASX is a complex beast, but the dip aligns with news of the initial COVID case confirmed in Brisbane, which eventually resulted in the region’s 3-day lockdown.

On that note, perhaps today’s rise reflects this morning’s more positive news from Queensland.

It’s also worth mentioning the Auckland International Airport Limited (ASX: AIA) share price is tracking very similarly. Its currently up by 3.32% today.

What does the future hold?

It would be lovely to have a crystal ball right now, or any time when trying to predict the ASX.

Nearly a fortnight ago, Motley Fool looked at international airport stocks’ share price trajectory. What we are seeing from Sydney Airport shares recently is similar to how many international airport shares rose in value after vaccinations began in other countries.

In fact, Corporacion America Airports (NYSE: CAAP), which operates more airports globally than any other company, saw its share price rise by 20% since US vaccinations began.

No one can predict if, when or where virus outbreaks will pop up in Australia again, particularly since Brisbane is currently in lockdown.

But, if our relatively small COVID-19 outbreaks continue to be but bumps in the road and the global vaccination rollout continues, investors will be hoping to soon see the light at the end of the tunnel for the Sydney Airport share price.

Sydney Airport share price snapshot

The Sydney Airport share price is up by 13.76% over the last 12 months.  

It has a market capitalisation of around $16 billion, with 2.7 billion shares outstanding.

More reading

• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX 200 gets its mojo back
• ASX 200 travel shares poised to see pent up travel demand unleashed
• Did Powell just blink first in the Fed’s staring contest with inflation?
• Is the Sydney Airport (ASX:SYD) share price set for a recovery?
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: Inflation fears hold ASX down

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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Oneview Healthcare PLC (ASX: ONE) shares are among the best performers on the ASX today. The healthcare software company’s shares have rocketed to 37 cents, up 25.9% underpinned by the launch of its cloud-based platform. This brings the Oneview share price within sights of its multi-year high of 48.5 cents.

CXP Cloud Enterprise launch

Consequently, investors are driving Oneview shares higher after the company’s latest update.

According to its release, Oneview advised that it has launched the world’s first cloud-based care experience platform, CXP Cloud Enterprise.

Available on Microsoft Azure, the CXP Cloud Enterprise platform offers in-patient care services across health systems such as hospitals. This also includes patient education, meal ordering, patient service requests, apps and digital services, virtual rounding, visitation, and translation services.

Furthermore, Oneview highlighted that its newest platform seeks to reduce non-clinical demands on care teams. This is particularly important given the current digital needs for patients during the pandemic.

The platform was developed in partnership with New York leading academic medical centre, NYU Langone Health. Both parties collaborated on an initial cloud-based version. This partnership saw NYU Langone rollout key capabilities of the platform to over 400 beds in a few weeks. Additionally, this was used to respond to the strain put on healthcare systems, freeing up care teams for other duties.

Today, however, the launch of the CXP Cloud Enterprise platform delivers a full suite of options for patients.

Management commentary

Oneview CEO James Fitter commented:

The cloud-based platform is a key pillar of our growth strategy.

Being the first and only cloud-based care experience solution gives us a strong competitive advantage and means health systems can rapidly implement the capabilities that meet their needs today while providing the agility, scalability and investment protection to grow as their health system changes.

We are excited to know that CXP Cloud Enterprise will help transform the hospital experience for patients, families and care teams.

Microsoft Australia healthcare industry executive Dr. Simon Kos added:

The cloud enablement of Oneview’s patient experience platform is a game changer.

It means that health organisations can deploy more quickly, with greater predictability and less specialised resources, all on the trusted Azure cloud. This is a win for patients, clinicians and healthcare organisations that put patient experience and outcomes first.

Oneview share price review

Over the past 12 months, the Oneview share price has increased by over 900%. In particular, this is mostly attributed to year-to-date gains.

Based on the current share price, Oneview presides a market capitalisation of around $141.2 million, with 397.7 million shares outstanding.

More reading

• Here’s why the Oneview (ASX:ONE) share price is rocketing 14%
• Afterpay and Zip were among the most traded ASX shares last week
• The Oneview Healthcare (ASX:ONE) share price rockets 650% this year
• Here’s why the Oneview (ASX:ONE) share price has exploded 106% higher

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

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

On Tuesday, a SpaceX Starship prototype exploded while attempting to land, the fourth consecutive test launch to end up in flames in recent months.

SpaceX launched the SN11 prototype from its Boca Chica, Texas, facility for a high-altitude test, with the goal of having the spacecraft execute a “belly flop” maneuver in space before returning to Earth in a controlled vertical soft landing. Elon Musk’s space company is developing Starship as its heavy launch vehicle that the company hopes will eventually travel to the Moon and beyond.

While all four launches have gone off without a hitch, the company continues to have issues nailing the landing. SpaceX’s live stream froze as the SN11 was coming in for a landing, but reports from the scene indicate there was a large explosion that scattered debris around the area.

In a tweet, Musk said one of the engines appeared to have issues on ascent, and that “something significant happened” shortly after the engines fired for landing. He said SpaceX hopes to learn more as it examines the wreckage.

Space, by its nature, involves a lot of trial and error, and SpaceX has said it will likely need to run through 20 prototypes before Starship is fully developed. Still, the setbacks are high-profile disappointments for a company with grand ambitions and in constant need of new funding.

SpaceX was also dealt a setback on Earth, as a judge ruled it should be forced to comply with a Department of Justice subpoena as part of a probe into whether the company has illegally discriminated against foreign job applicants. The judge rejected SpaceX’s arguments that the subpoena constituted government overreach.

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

More reading

• Home Consortium (ASX:HMC) share price success. What’s next?
• Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price up 10% in March but could go even higher
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• The Flight Centre (ASX:FLT) share price is a “top pick” in the travel sector
• Why it’s turning into a bad week for Airtasker (ASX:ART) shares

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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Home Consortium Ltd (ASX: HMC) has enjoyed a successful start to its ASX-listed existence.

Following the Home Consortium share price gain of 126% in the past year and launching an ASX-listed REIT, the group headed by David Di Pilla looks to try its luck again, but different.

Backstory on Home Consortium

Before we get ahead of ourselves, it might be worth a refresher on what and where Home Consortium came from.

Back in 2016, when Masters Hardware (owned by Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)) crumbled, all those prime property developments were left ripe for the picking. That’s when former UBS investment banker David Di Pilla swooped in.

Many potential suitors were assessing the 30 odd sites and running the numbers. However, the thing with hardware stores is that they don’t produce particularly high rent, making them a lower value property than, say, a shopping centre. However, this is where Mr Di Pilla recognised the potential.

Rather than buying the sites for a mediocre rental return, Di Pilla and colleagues redeveloped the sites to cater for smaller format stores inside. This move increased the rental yield of the property portfolio.

Following the success of Home Consortium and a few more property acquisitions, the decision was made to spin out some of the supermarket holdings in the form of an ASX-listed daily-needs real estate investment trust (REIT). The result – a now 19 property strong REIT known as the HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN).

Yet, the Home Consortium team doesn’t plan on stopping there.

Why end a good thing?

Having successfully listed the Daily Needs REIT, being the biggest property listing last year, another REIT is rumoured to already be in motion.

Reportedly the group has started preparing investors for what will be known as “HealthCo”. The new ASX-listed REIT to be will include properties in aged care, childcare, hospitals, primary care, and life sciences.

The Australian Financial Review reported that Macquarie Capital, Morgan Stanley and Morgans has been brought on to raise capital. Initial raising will seek to source $500 million, although investor interest could see that being substantially higher.

If successful in raising capital and listing, it is expected the property portfolio will initially hold $2 billion in assets.

Home Consortium performance beyond share price

In February, Home Consortium provided its first-half results for FY21, and the metrics looked solid. In particular, the 82% increase in funds under management since its initial public offering (IPO).

Furthermore, the group held an impressive 44 assets, spanning 1.5 million square metres of land. Pleasingly for shareholders, occupancy levels remained high at 99% across this portfolio.

The solid performance extends to the Home Consortium share price. The past 12 months have seen the group’s share price climb 126%. A stellar result considering the trading environment for brick-and-mortar stores.

Demand for HealthCo will certainly benefit from the track record of Home Consortium and its HomeCo REIT thus far. 

More reading

• Over 1 in 4 Australians are investing in the ASX: report
• 4 ASX real estate shares going ex-dividend this week
• ‘Chickens don’t make money’: fundie
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX 200 gets its mojo back
• Here’s why the Food Revolution (ASX:FOD) share price jumped 8% today

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of 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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The Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price is pushing higher again on Wednesday.

In afternoon trade, the telco giant’s shares are up 1% to $3.46.

This means that the Telstra share price is now up almost 10% since the start of the month.

Why is the Telstra share price pushing higher?

Investors have been buying Telstra’s shares since the release of an update on its proposed legal restructure, which it expects to be completed by December.

In case you missed it, the restructure will see Telstra split up as follows:

InfraCo Fixed – it would own and operate Telstra’s passive or physical infrastructure assets. These are the ducts, fibre, data centres, and exchanges that underpin Telstra’s fixed telecommunications network. Management notes that this will provide important optionality to create additional value from these assets in the future.

InfraCo Towers – this business would own and operate Telstra’s passive or physical mobile tower assets. Telstra is looking to monetise these assets given the strong demand and compelling valuations for this type of high-quality infrastructure.

ServeCo – it would continue to focus on creating innovative products and services, supporting customers and delivering the best possible customer experience. ServeCo would own the active parts of the network, including the radio access network and spectrum assets. This is to ensure Telstra continues to maintain its industry leading mobile coverage and network superiority.

What does the market think of the plan?

Unlike AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) and its plan to spilt into two, the market has responded very positively to Telstra’s proposal. As have a large number of brokers.

One of those is Morgan Stanley. Earlier this week, the broker upgraded Telstra’s shares to an overweight rating and lifted its price target from $3.00 up to $4.00.

Based on the current Telstra share price, this price target implies potential upside of 15.5% over the next 12 months.

In addition to this, Morgan Stanley now believes Telstra’s dividend is sustainable at 16 cents per share and has upgraded its estimates to reflect this.

So, with the Telstra share price fetching $3.46, this will mean a fully franked 4.6% dividend yield over the next 12 months. This lifts its potential total return to an attractive ~20%.

More reading

• Why an AGL Energy (ASX:AGL) demerger might be a problem
• Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price gains: Is the 52-week high next?
• Where to reinvest your Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) dividends
• TPG Chair resignation: Is this good news for the Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price?
• Is the Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price a buy today?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra 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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Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models again, leading to the release of a large number of broker notes this week.

Three broker buy ratings that have caught my eye are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL)

According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts have retained their overweight rating and $38.00 price target on this gaming technology company’s shares. The broker notes that management spoke positively during its investor briefing. This has given it even more confidence that the company will emerge from the pandemic in a stronger position. It also notes changing behaviours from operators in relation to leasing equipment over buying it. Morgan Stanley believes Aristocrat is well-placed to benefit from this trend. It also sees opportunities for it to accelerate its growth inorganically thanks to its strong balance sheet. The Aristocrat Leisure share price is fetching $34.82 today.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Analysts at UBS have retained their buy rating and lifted their price target on this energy producer’s shares to $8.35. This follows the company’s decision to push ahead with its US$3.6 billion Barossa project offshore in the Northern Territory. Outside this, UBS continues to believe that Santos is the best option in the energy sector. Particularly given its valuation and near term growth catalysts. The Santos share price is trading at $7.22 this afternoon.

Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX: SHL)

Another note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have retained their overweight rating and lifted their price target on this healthcare company’s shares to $39.80. According to the note, the broker has lifted its earnings estimates to reflect ongoing COVID-19 testing demand. In addition to this, it believes the market is overlooking the strength of its balance sheet and feels its valuation is attractive in comparison to many of its peers. The Sonic share price is trading at $35.87 on Wednesday.

More reading

• Why Aristocrat Leisure, Opthea, PointsBet, & Spirit are storming higher:
• 4 ASX shares with director buys this month
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Can the Aristocrat Leisure (ASX:ALL) share price smash the market in 2021?
• ASX 200 dips, AGL to split in two, NAB’s neobank acquisition approved

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sonic Healthcare 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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