• Why the Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price slumped 33% in 2020

    man holding wooden blocks with red down arrow and 2020 on them representing falling South32 share price

    2020 was not a great year as far as the Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price is concerned.

    Shares in the Aussie oil and gas giant are down 33.1% ahead of the final trading day of the year. That’s despite the Woodside share price climbing 31.6% higher since the end of October to close out 2020 in strong fashion.

    So, what’s been causing the share price slump for oil and gas giants like Woodside this year?

    Why the Woodside share price has cratered in 2020

    The coronavirus pandemic has dominated headlines and market movements all year. Oil and gas stocks slumped in the March bear market as COVID-19 shutdowns crimped demand for base commodities.

    The Woodside share price fell more than 50 percent in the space of one month. That was largely thanks to global travel and manufacturing coming to a grinding halt. 

    Crude oil prices are sensitive to supply and demand factors around the world. Governments around the world quickly shut borders and tightened trade to help minimise the economic and health impacts of COVID-19.

    That sent oil prices plummeting lower as supply remained largely unaffected but demand slumped. The Woodside share price fell to a 52-week low of $14.93 having traded at $36.28 in mid-January.

    Woodside was far from alone, with other ASX oil and gas shares also falling. The Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price is down 27.6% to $1.82 while Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares are down 22.8% to $6.35.

    Despite big falls in 2020, all three companies remain in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) at year-end. Woodside still boasts a $22.2 billion market capitalisation with Santos ($13.2 billion) and Beach ($4.2 billi0n) not far behind.

    Foolish takeaway

    2020 was a tough year for investors in ASX oil and gas shares. The Woodside share price cratered in March before recovering strongly in November and December.

    All eyes will be on these large producers as investors look ahead to 2021.

    Man who said buy Kogan shares at $3.63 says buy these 3 ASX stocks 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.*

    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

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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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  • Here’s why the Betmakers (ASX:BET) share price is on watch today

    Woman with binoculars on green background, looking through binoculars, journey, find and search concept.

    The Betmakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX: BET) share price will be on watch this morning, following an update on the launch of the company’s share purchase plan (SPP).

    Yesterday, the BetMakers share price finished the day at 70 cents per share.

    Share purchase plan in detail

    The Betmakers share price could be on the move today, after the company provided further details of its non-underwritten $10 million SPP. This comes after the company previously announced a $50 million placement to institutional and sophisticated investors to acquire UK-based Sportech PLC.

    According to the announcement, the company is offering eligible shareholders the option to subscribe for up to $30,000 worth of new shares. The record date for eligibility expired at 7pm AEDT last night.

    Under the SPP, all eligible shareholders will be able to participate in the offer, free of any associated brokerage or transaction costs.

    BetMakers has determined that the offer price will be set at 60 cents per share. This represents a 6.6% discount on the volume weight average price over the last five trading days before the announcement on 1 December. It’s worth noting that the proposed offer price is also a 14% reduction on yesterday’s closing price of 70 cents.

    The opening date for the SPP is 5 Janaury and it will run until close of business on 15 January. All shares acquired through the placement will rank equally with existing ordinary BetMakers shares.

    The new allotment of shares will be added on 27 January.

    How has the BetMakers share price performed in 2020?

    The BetMakers share price has been on fire over the past 12 months, jumping close to 400%. In March, the company’s shares fell to an all-time low of 8.1 cents, before surging this month to a record-breaking 79.5 cents.

    Based on current share price levels, the company commands a market capitalisation of around $421 million.

    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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    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 Betmakers Technology Group 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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  • 2 ASX tech shares to buy for 2021

    digital screen of bar chart representing asx tech shares

    There are some ASX tech shares that could be worth watching in 2021.

    The next 12 months could be another interesting period with COVID-19 still impacting the world.

    Here are those ASX tech share ideas:

    Pushpay Holdings Ltd (ASX: PPH)

    Pushpay is an electronic donation business. This year has seen accelerated growth during COVID-19 conditions of social distancing and restrictions. The main client base of Pushpay is large and medium US churches. Pushpay’s technology allows the churches to stay connected with the congregation, one of the tools it offers is a livestreaming service.

    In the current financial year, Pushpay is looking to more than double its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and foreign currency (EBITDAF) to a range of US$54 million to US$58 million.

    The combined offering from Pushpay and Church Community Builder (called ChurchStaq) is proving popular with clients as it offers all of the relevant tools under a single product.

    Over the long-term Pushpay is aiming to grow its annual revenue to US$1 billion, with an aim to significantly increase its market share.

    Pushpay expects “significant operating leverage to accrue as operating revenue continues to increase, while growth in total operating expenses remains low.” The company reported in its 2021 interim result that its gross profit margin grew from 65% to 68% and the EBITDAF margin went up from 17% to 31%.

    The ASX tech share is now looking to expand with smaller churches across the US.

    Fund manager Ben Griffiths from Eley Griffiths wrote about Pushpay: “Over the last 12 months it has become clear Pushpay is at an inflection point for both Fund cashflow and earnings. Under the stewardship of CEO Bruce Gordon, Pushpay has transitioned from a founder-led investment phase into an optimize/monetization phase. What is more surprising is the very conservative nature of the accounts (a rarity in small cap tech, outside Iress Ltd (ASX: IRE). We believe the next few years for Pushpay will be rewarding and that COVID-19 will accelerate the already entrenched trend to digital giving/engagement from cash.”

    At the current Pushpay share price it’s valued at 25x FY23’s estimated earnings.

    EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML)

    This ASX tech share has a number of different payment services for clients to use. EML Payments has general purpose reloadable offerings such as gaming payouts with white label gaming cards, salary packaging cards, commission payouts and rewards programs. EML Payments also offers physical gift cards, shopping centre gift cards and digital gift cards. Finally, it offers virtual account numbers.

    A couple of months ago EML Payments gave an update for the first quarter of FY21 which showed strong growth and improving trading conditions. Historically, the first quarter is the weakest quarter of the year.

    In that first quarter, EML Payments said its gross debit volume (GDV) was $4.85 billion, which was up 51% compared to the prior corresponding period and 20% higher than the prior quarter, being the fourth quarter of FY20.

    The growth in GDV helped EML generate revenue of $40.6 million, which represented growth of 75% compared to the prior corresponding period and up 20% compared to the fourth quarter of FY20.

    In terms of profitability, EML generated $10 million of EBITDA in the FY21 first quarter, up 215% compared to the prior corresponding period and up 69% compared to the FY20 fourth quarter.

    Gift and incentive volumes recovered significantly in the first quarter after the COVID-19 impacts, general purpose reloadable volumes grew significantly and virtual account numbers recovered to pre-COVID levels.

    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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    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 and recommends EML Payments. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of PUSHPAY FPO NZX. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended EML Payments and PUSHPAY FPO NZX. 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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  • How I’d make a growing passive income with cheap dividend stocks in 2021

    using asx shares to retire represented by piggy bank on sunny beach

    Cheap dividend stocks could offer more than just a high yield in 2021. In many cases, their financial positions and profit potential means that they could deliver a rising dividend in the coming years.

    As such, now may be the right time to buy a selection of income shares with affordable dividends and improving financial prospects. They could provide a generous passive income in an era where other assets offer disappointing returns.

    Selecting cheap dividend stocks with growth potential

    Some cheap dividend stocks may face difficult futures at the present time. Risks such as coronavirus and political change could hold back their financial performances in the short run.

    As such, it is important to assess their financial prospects before buying them. For example, companies with low debt levels and solid financial positions may find it easier to pay a rising dividend despite challenging operating conditions. Similarly, businesses that currently pay a modest proportion of their profit to shareholders as a dividend may have greater scope to raise their income payouts in 2021 and in the coming years.

    Meanwhile, cheap dividend stocks with bright long-term futures may be among the most attractive means of generating a growing passive income. For example, companies that stand to benefit from the increasing digitisation of many industries, such as retail, could generate higher profitability that translates into a rising dividend.

    Managing risk for a sustainable passive income

    Of course, an uncertain economic outlook means that buying a selection of cheap dividend stocks is arguably more important than ever. Investors who rely on a small number of companies for their income may find that their financial prospects are negatively impacted even if a small number of them struggle in 2021.

    Diversifying across not only different industries, but also various regions, could be a shrewd move. The coronavirus pandemic is affecting different parts of the world to differing extents. Therefore, it could be a sound move to spread investment across dividend stocks that operate in multiple geographies. Doing so may limit the negative impact of challenging economic circumstances in localised areas caused by lockdown measures.

    A long-term view

    While obtaining a growing passive income via cheap dividend stocks is an achievable goal in 2021, taking a long-term view is still a good idea. It may take some of today’s most attractive income shares a number of years to deliver on their potential. Weak investor sentiment that makes them attractive purchases today due to their low valuations may take time to reverse in sectors that are currently struggling to grow sales and profitability.

    As such, by taking a long-term view, it is possible to fully benefit from a likely economic recovery. Over time, this could lead to a fast-paced growth in passive income that improves an investor’s financial situation.

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    Motley Fool contributor Peter Stephens 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 A2 Milk (ASX:A2M) share price is down 18.5% in 2020

    falling asx share price represented by woman making sad face

    It has been an unusually disappointing year for the A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price.

    After being up as much as 43% year to date at one stage, the a2 Milk share price is on course to record a 2020 decline of 18.5%.

    Why has the a2 Milk share price bounced around in 2020?

    Investors have been buying and then selling the company’s shares this year due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    At the height of the pandemic, a2 Milk was experiencing even more insatiable demand for its infant formula than normal due to panic buying and stockpiling.

    This ultimately led to the company reporting a 32.8% increase in revenue to NZ$1,730 million and a 34.1% jump in net profit after tax to NZ$385.8 million in FY 2020.

    Also coming in strongly was A2 Milk Company’s free cash flow. It generated operating cash flow of NZ$427.4 million, which led to it ending the period with a closing cash balance of NZ$854.2 million.

    What went wrong?

    However, since then, things haven’t gone quite to plan for the company and the tailwinds it was experiencing quickly became headwinds.

    With many pantries stocked full of infant formula, demand for its key product softened. But the biggest impact was felt in the daigou channel because of the sudden closure of international borders, which meant no Chinese tourists hitting Australian shores and sending products back to the mainland.

    The weakness in this particular channel was the reason for a2 Milk’s recent earnings guidance downgrade and means the former market darling is expecting to post a notable reduction in both sales and earnings in FY 2021.

    Anything else?

    Also weighing on investor sentiment this year was news that many of the company’s executives had sold a large number of shares.

    For example, the company’s Chair and Non-Executive Director, David Hearn, offloaded 250,000 of the company’s shares through an on market trade on 24 August for an average of NZ$20.31 per share (~A$18.57). This represents a total consideration of NZ$5,077,500 or approximately A$4,642,500.

    This compares to the a2 Milk 52-week high of NZ$21.74 and today’s share price of NZ$12.05.

    It certainly was great timing on management’s part. Mr Hearn’s 250,000 shares would be worth a touch over NZ$3 million today, which is NZ$2 million less than the Chair received for them.

    This Tiny ASX Stock Could Be the Next Afterpay

    One little-known Australian IPO has doubled in value since January, and renowned Australian Moonshot stock picker Anirban Mahanti sees a potential millionaire-maker in waiting…

    Because ‘Doc’ Mahanti believes this fast-growing company has all the hallmarks of genuine Moonshot potential, forget ‘buy now pay later’, this stock could be the next hot stock on the ASX.

    Doc and his team have published a detailed report on this tiny ASX stock. Find out how you can access what could be the NEXT Afterpay today!

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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 and has recommended A2 Milk. 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 U.K. authorizes AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine for emergency supply

    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 Wednesday morning, the U.K. authorized AstraZeneca‘s (NASDAQ: AZN) coronavirus vaccine candidate for emergency supply. The first doses of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (formerly known as AZD1222) will be released today with the intention to begin vaccinations early in the new year.

    The U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommends two full doses given four to 12 weeks apart. This is the dosing regimen that appeared 62% effective in clinical trials in the U.K. and Brazil.

    You may remember an unintentionally administered half-dose/full-dose regimen that appeared more than 90% effective in a smaller group of patients. Unfortunately, data available to the MHRA wasn’t sufficient to persuade the agency to deviate from the two full doses received by the vast majority of clinical trial participants.

    The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Food and Drug Administration aren’t on the same page as the MHRA. As a result, timelines for similar authorizations for AstraZeneca are still fuzzy. 

    On Tuesday, EMA executive director Noel Wathion told reporters that AstraZeneca hasn’t even filed an application yet. While AstraZeneca has sent in some data, it hasn’t been enough to warrant a conditional marketing license.

    In the U.S., COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca’s path forward is going to be bumpy. The company’s CEO has hinted at more-compelling clinical trial data to come, but the results we’ve seen so far don’t meet the FDA’s pre-determined efficacy threshold. Plus, the FDA has clearly stated it’s unwilling to authorize a candidate without some pivotal data from a U.S. study. 

    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.*

    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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    Cory Renauer 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 Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price is up 24% in 2020

    retail shares wesfarmers

    The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price has been a very positive performer in 2020 and has smashed the market.

    The conglomerate’s shares have rallied an impressive 24% higher since the turn of the year.

    This compares to a small decline by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    Why is the Wesfarmers share price zooming higher in 2020?

    Investors have been buying Wesfarmers’ shares this year after it delivered a strong result in FY 2020 and continued this positive form in the new financial year.

    For the 12 months ended 30 June 2020, the company reported a 10.5% increase in revenue from continuing operations to $30,846 million.

    The key driver of this growth was its key Bunnings business. It was the star of the show in FY 2020 and recorded a 13.9% increase in sales to $14,996 million. Management advised that this was driven by solid demand for products during the pandemic after customers spent more time doing projects at home.

    This was supported by its Kmart, Officeworks, and Catch businesses. Kmart recorded a 5.4% lift in sales to $6,068 million, Officeworks delivered a 20.4% lift in sales to $2,775 million, and Catch reported a big jump in sales to ~$600 million.

    What about FY 2021?

    The current financial year looks set to be equally successful for Wesfarmers.

    A trading update in November reveals that it achieved strong sales growth across the business during the first four months of FY 2021.

    Once again, the star of the show was the Bunnings business. It reported a 25.2% jump in sales during the period. As with FY 2020, this was driven partly by customers spending more time undertaking projects around the home.

    Can the Wesfarmers share price go higher?

    Although the Wesfarmers share price has been on fire this year, one leading broker still thinks it can go higher from here.

    A recent note out of Credit Suisse reveals that its analysts have an outperform rating and $55.83 price target on its shares.

    The broker has been looking at the household goods sector and believes the market is underestimating the boost to spending in this area due to more working from home. This led to Credit Suisse lifting its sales forecasts for the Bunnings and Officeworks businesses.

    This Tiny ASX Stock Could Be the Next Afterpay

    One little-known Australian IPO has doubled in value since January, and renowned Australian Moonshot stock picker Anirban Mahanti sees a potential millionaire-maker in waiting…

    Because ‘Doc’ Mahanti believes this fast-growing company has all the hallmarks of genuine Moonshot potential, forget ‘buy now pay later’, this stock could be the next hot stock on the ASX.

    Doc and his team have published a detailed report on this tiny ASX stock. Find out how you can access what could be the NEXT Afterpay today!

    Returns as of 6th October 2020

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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 Wesfarmers 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 BHP (ASX:BHP) share price has smashed the market in 2020

    BHP share price

    The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has been a positive performer in 2020.

    Since the start of the year, the BHP share price has gained approximately 11%.

    And if you add in the $1.75 per share dividends the company has paid during the 12 months, this gain stretches to over 15%.

    This compares to a largely flat S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    Why has the BHP share price outperformed in 2020?

    The key driver of the company’s share price outperformance in 2020 has been a rise in the iron ore price. This has been driven by supply constraints in Brazil and robust demand in China as it spends big on infrastructure to reignite its economy.

    Given the significant contribution that iron ore makes to its overall profits, a surging iron ore price is a huge positive for BHP.

    At the time of writing, the spot iron ore price is fetching US$159.85 a tonne. While this has slipped from its recent highs, it is still around 70% higher than where it started the year.

    It is also materially higher than what BHP pays to pull the steel making ingredient out of the ground.

    The Big Australian has provided cost guidance of US$13 to US$14 a tonne for its iron ore operations in FY 2021. This means it will be generating high levels of free cash flow right now.

    And given the strength of the company’s balance sheet, this is likely to lead to very generous dividend payments next year.

    What else is support the BHP share price?

    It isn’t just iron ore that is supporting the BHP share price.

    Also rising this year was the copper price. The base metal is up strongly this year and has been trading at multi-year highs.

    And while oil prices have been subdued, they are still trading at a level that make its petroleum business profitable.

    Can its shares go higher?

    One leading broker that believes there BHP share price can still go higher in 2021 is Ord Minnett.

    Its analysts recently retained their buy rating and lifted the price target on its shares to $50.00.

    The broker is also forecasting a fully franked ~$2.39 dividend in FY 2021. Based on the latest BHP share price of $43.14, this represents a 5.5% dividend yield.

    This Tiny ASX Stock Could Be the Next Afterpay

    One little-known Australian IPO has doubled in value since January, and renowned Australian Moonshot stock picker Anirban Mahanti sees a potential millionaire-maker in waiting…

    Because ‘Doc’ Mahanti believes this fast-growing company has all the hallmarks of genuine Moonshot potential, forget ‘buy now pay later’, this stock could be the next hot stock on the ASX.

    Doc and his team have published a detailed report on this tiny ASX stock. Find out how you can access what could be the NEXT Afterpay today!

    Returns as of 6th October 2020

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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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  • Rain or shine for these 3 ASX agricultural shares

    Farmer in field of crops with arms in the air welcoming rain

    Growing up on a farm taught me many things, not the least of which was to appreciate a good downpour. As quoted from Tom Barret “If the rain spoils our picnic, but saves a farmer’s crop, who are we to say it shouldn’t rain?”. Lo and behold, I find myself looking at the Bureau of Meteorology’s 2021 forecast, even though I have no lawn – just a habit, I guess.

    Agriculturally geared ASX shares have been just as sporadic with their performance as the rainfall. Let’s take a look at how these ag shares fared the 2020 storms.

    Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

    Elders provides a wide array of foundational agricultural goods and services, including livestock and wool agency services; and financial services for primary producers. The Elders share price has increased 52.24% in the last year, while also paying a dividend yielding 2.22% based on today’s price.

    The retail products area of the company benefitted from a strong winter crop season. Product margins were substantially improved also by the sale of whole products through the acquisition of AIRR.

    Agency services (acting as a broker in agricultural goods), experienced uplift from the strong prices for cattle and sheep.

    Elders’ FY21 market outlook forecasts production to grow, but the value to hold steady as the price will reduce as a result of increased supply. However, the ongoing trade tensions with China leaves a question mark over the head of performance for 2021

    Citigroup has a “buy” rating on Elders with a price target of $13.

    Select Harvests Limited (ASX: SHV)

    Select Harvests on the other hand has had a rough year. The agribusiness grows almond orchards; and processes and distributes an assortment of edible nuts, dried fruits, natural health foods, etc. The company has seen its share price fall 37.5% in the last year, from $8.34 to $5.21 at the time of writing. Where did it all go wrong?

    Apparently, conditions were near perfect in the United States, leading to an oversupply – putting downwards pressure on almond prices. In addition to this, the company experienced shipment delays and record or near-record high spot prices for water across its operations.

    The culmination of challenges led to Select Harvests’ earnings per share falling more than 53% for FY20.

    CEO Paul Thompson mentioned in the September results that the improved weather conditions coming into the new financial year had moved water prices back towards long-term averages. However, the CEO declined to give a forecast for the 2021 crop.

    Select Harvests market capitalisation stands at $633.98 million.

    Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF)

    It’s been a trialing year for the Melbourne based agricultural chemical company. The share price started out the year at $6.13, since then it has been a case of taking the stairs up and the elevator down – only the stairs go up 1 floor, and the elevator goes down 2. Currently, the share price sits at $4.26, having fallen 30.5% since the start of the year.

    The company struggled through the dry seasons across multiple geographies, with large issues stemming from Europe. Nufarm noted that the European market is complex, it has much more cautionary regulations and the devalued currencies in those areas impacted the business.

    Supply chain disruptions by COVID-19 also impacted the company’s ability to meet demand when more favourable weather arrived.

    However, Nufarm showed in its Annual General Meeting Presentation that with improved weather conditions returning, all regions have improved in terms of revenue compared to the same time last year. This resulted in second half revenue for 2020 growing to $2,847 million, compared to $2,674 the previous year.

    The recent revenue growth also has Morgan Stanley retaining an “overweight” rating with a price target of $4.80 on Nufarm shares.  

    Will it be flip flops or gummies?

    Well, there is no certain correlation between weather and share performance, not that I have discovered as of yet anyway. But there can be implications from various weather events on how a company can carry out its business.

    With that being said, if you were still interested, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting above-average rainfall for much of the country, better pack the brolly.

    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.

    *Returns as of June 30th

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    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler owns shares of Elders Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post Rain or shine for these 3 ASX agricultural shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Smash term deposits with these ASX dividend shares

    Woman smashes dollar sign for dividend share investment

    With term deposits offering only paltry interest rates, income investors are turning to the share market for yield.

    If you’re one of them, then you might want to take a closer look at the dividend shares listed below:

    Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

    The first dividend share to look at is Accent. It is the leading footwear retailer behind a number of popular store brands. These include HYPE DC, Platypus, The Athlete’s Foot, and Sneaker Lab. Accent has also recently launched two new store brands– Australian Stylerunner and Pivot.

    Pleasingly, although a pandemic is not necessarily the best time to launch a new retail brand, this hasn’t stopped these new brands from thriving. Management revealed that these new stores have been materially outperforming expectations since opening. This bodes well for its bold expansion plans over the coming years.

    According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, it expects the company to pay a fully franked dividend of 9.4 cents per share in FY 2021. Based on the latest Accent share price, this represents a 4% dividend yield.

    Aventus Group (ASX: AVN)

    Another dividend share to look at is Aventus. It is the owner and operator of 20 large format retail parks across Australia. It counts major retailers such as ALDI, Bunnings, Officeworks, and The Good Guys as tenants.

    This is positive for two reasons. Not only has this supported high occupancy levels, these tenancies give the company’s centres a high weighting towards everyday needs. This has proven to be a real strength during the pandemic and allowed Aventus to collect the majority of its rent as normal in FY 2020.

    Analysts at Macquarie are positive on the company and believe it will pay a 16.7 cents per share dividend in FY 2021. Based on the latest Aventus share price, this represents a forward 6% dividend yield.

    These Dividend Stocks Could Be Your Next Cash Kings (FREE REPORT)

    Motley Fool Australia’s Dividend experts recently released a brand-new FREE report revealing 3 dividend stocks with JUICY franked dividends that could keep paying you meaty dividends for years to come.

    Our team of investors think these 3 dividend stocks should be a ‘must consider’ for any savvy dividend investor. But more importantly, could potentially make Australian investors a heap of passive income.

    Don’t miss out! Simply click the link below to grab your free copy and discover these 3 high conviction stocks now.

    Returns As of 6th October 2020

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

    The post Smash term deposits with these ASX dividend shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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