• Top brokers name 3 ASX 200 shares to buy today

    finger pressing red button on keyboard labelled Buy

    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:

    Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

    According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have retained their add rating and lifted their price target on this quick service restaurant operator’s shares to $10.23. The broker made the move after Collins Foods delivered a stronger than expected FY 2020 full year result this week. Morgans was also pleased with the KFC Australia business’ strong start to FY 2021 and the Taco Bell business rebounding close to pre-COVID 19 levels. I agree with Morgans and feel Collins Foods would be a good long term option.

    Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN)

    Analysts at Morgan Stanley have retained their overweight rating but lowered their price target on this lottery ticket seller’s shares to $12.50. According to the note, although Jumbo has signed a new long term reseller agreement with Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH) on less favourable terms, it still sees value in its shares and growth opportunities for its SaaS business. Furthermore, despite the less than favourable terms, Morgan Stanley believes Jumbo can deliver strong earnings growth over the coming years. I agree with the broker on this one. Although this agreement is disappointing, it does remove the risk of Tabcorp pulling the plug on their relationship in the near future.  

    Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN)

    A note out of the Macquarie equities desk reveals that its analysts have resumed coverage on this airline operator’s shares with an outperform rating and $4.35 price target. According to the note, the broker believes that Qantas’ recovery plan and cost reductions will lead to it becoming a more profitable airline in the future. Though, given the current state of travel markets, a return to profit could take until FY 2023. If everything goes to plan with Qantas’ recovery, I think it could prove to be a good investment.

    And here are more top shares which analysts have just given buy ratings to…

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    James Mickleboro owns shares of Collins Foods Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Jumbo Interactive Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Collins Foods Limited and Jumbo Interactive Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Scentre Group’s share price is up almost 6% today

    People shopping in shopping centre

    Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) has not received a lot of love in FY20 with the share price down 41.96% in the past 12 months. However, the share price has surged 5.99% today at the time of writing.

    Retail stores are re-opening and customer visitations improving. Does it have a positive outlook?

    Retail stores reopening and customer visitations improving

    In a news publication released on its website yesterday, the group announced customer visitations have increased as stores re-open, illustrated by the table below:

     

    May 2020 customer update

    June 2020 customer update

    % of retail stores open Australia

    80%

    92%

    % of retail stores open NZ

    93%

    94%

    % customer visitations for week ending 24 May 2020 (of the previous year)

    80%

    86%

    As can be seen above, retail stores are re-opening and customers are coming back to shopping centres. In Australia, 92% of retail stores are open in June 2020 compared to 80% in the May update. Additionally, in New Zealand, there has been an increase of 1% in retail stores open. Across the group, customer visitations are up 6% in June compared to May.

    Scentre Group director of customer experience, Phil McAveety said, “the immediate uplift in customer visitation reflects our desire as social beings to engage with friends and family and experience products and services in person.”

    There is a shift in spending in line with the easing of restrictions and there is the expectation of a recovery in the businesses most impacted. An online and physical presence is complimentary to businesses.

    Outlook

    Retail sales increased 16.3% in May 2020 representing a significant rebound in the industry compared to April as restrictions have been eased across Australia. While it may be too early to be optimistic as the gains experienced in May is a rebound from the 17.7% fall in April, the positive customer visitations and the number of retail stores opening is heading in the right direction.

    However, consumer confidence has declined according to ANZ-Roy Morgan. There is a risk this could impact the foot traffic in shopping centres over the coming months.

    ANZ Senior Economist, Catherine Birch, commented:

    “The surge in COVID-19 cases in Victoria has dented consumer confidence, which dropped 4.6% last week. This was the largest fall since late-March, when national new daily cases peaked…Unfortunately, new daily cases in Victoria jumped to 75 on Monday, the state’s fourth-highest daily total since the pandemic began. This a worrying sign for confidence and a setback for the recovery.”

    Foolish takeaway

    Scentre Group has shopping centres all around the country. The geographic diversification could help it withstand the second wave that is being experienced in Victoria right now. However, the fall in consumer confidence could impact the increase in customers returning to the group’s shopping centres.

    Personally, I would like to see more of a prolonged recovery in the retail industry before adding to my position in Scentre Group. 

    5 stocks under $5

    We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Altium or Afterpay when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true.

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    Motley Fool contributor Matthew Donald owns shares of Scentre Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Scentre Group. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Star Entertainment Group shares lift with news of reopenings

    3 men at bar betting on sports online 16.9

    The Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) share price lifted marginally today at 4% as the casino operator provided an update on its properties reopening. The Star Sydney reopened on 1 June on a restricted basis. From 1 July, the Sydney premises will see further restrictions lifted with 3 July seeing The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane’s gaming facilities reopen.

    Next stage of The Star Sydney reopening

    Under the next stage of the reopening, The Star Sydney will be able to host up to 5,000 patrons. Providing a 1.5-metre distance between individuals, all electronic gaming machines and table games will become operational. Spatial distancing and capacity limits will likely constrain visitation and revenue during the peak times of Friday and Saturday nights.

    The Star Sydney trading performance improved over June with average spend per visit materially higher than 1H FY20. Nonetheless, given operating restrictions, performance was significantly below normal levels.

    Queensland reopenings

    The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane’s main gaming floors and private gaming rooms will reopen on 3 July 2020.

    The maximum gaming area patron number will be roughly 2,600 for The Star Gold Coast and 2,300 at Treasury Brisbane aligning with the 4 square metres per patron rule.

    Casino operators hit hard by COVID-19

    Both Star Entertainment Group and Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) were ‘non-essential businesses’ and were forced to close during lockdown. Subject to strict capacity and distancing requirements, properties have gradually reopened. Crown recommenced operations of its Perth casino from 27 June as COVID-19 restrictions were eased in Western Australia.

    The closures caused by the coronavirus crisis significantly impacted the casino operators’ share prices. Star Entertainment Group’s share price is 40% below its 2020 high with Crown 24% below its high.

    From 1 July 2019 to 23 March 2020 when gaming and non-essential services ceased, Crown’s net profit after tax (NPAT) was $210 million. But both casino operators faced a precipitous drop in revenue during 4Q FY20 which will be reflected in its full-year results.

    Foolish takeaway

    The casinos resuming operations, even on a limited basis, will see shareholders relieved. Nonetheless, extended closures will have a significant impact on FY20 revenues and profits.

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    Motley Fool contributor Kate O’Brien has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Crown Resorts Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why this leading broker has upgraded Westpac shares to “buy”

    blackboard drawing of hand pointing to the words buy now

    The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price has started financial year 2021 on a positive note and is pushing higher on Wednesday.

    At the time of writing the banking giant’s shares are up 1% to $18.11.

    Why is the Westpac share price pushing higher?

    Investors have been buying Westpac’s shares after it was the subject of a positive broker note out of Goldman Sachs.

    According to the note, the broker has upgraded the bank’s shares to a buy rating with a $20.13 price target.

    This price target implies potential upside of 11.5% for its shares over next 12 months excluding dividends. This increases to almost 18% if you include the $1.12 per share fully franked dividend that Goldman Sachs expects the bank to pay in FY 2021.

    Why did Goldman Sachs upgrade Westpac’s shares?

    Goldman has been looking at the loan deferrals which were introduced by the banks at the height of the pandemic. They were put in place to support homeowners and businesses during the crisis.

    The majority of these deferrals were made for three months, with an option to extend them for a further three months.

    Given how there are $236 billion of loans on repayment deferrals (8% of total credit), the performance of these loans will have a big say on sector earnings, capital requirements, and ultimately the share prices of the big four banks over the next 12 months.

    The good news is that Goldman Sachs has been doing some bottom up analysis and believes the provisioning done by the banks could be adequate. This is particularly the case with Westpac, which it feels is best placed to deal with the end of the deferral period.

    Goldman explained: “While the nature of the analysis, particularly in relation to SME deferrals, makes stock-based conclusions difficult to reach, with a relatively conservative mortgage LVR profile, and lower estimated number of SME loans on deferral (c.17% of total major bank SME deferrals), we think WBC looks relatively well-placed to deal with the end of the deferral period.”

    “Coupled with the fact that: i) it should be exposed to improving industry NIM trends, and ii) it is trading ~2/3 standard deviations cheap vs. peers on EPS/PPOP multiples respectively, we upgrade it to Buy,” the broker added.

    Should you invest?

    I agree with Goldman Sachs and would be a buyer of Westpac’s shares at the current level. Especially if I were an income investor. The broker’s forecast $1.12 per share FY 2021 dividend represents a very attractive fully franked 6.2% yield.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of Westpac Banking. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Exclusive: Boeing kept FAA in the dark on key 737 MAX design changes: U.S. IG report

    Exclusive: Boeing kept FAA in the dark on key 737 MAX design changes: U.S. IG reportBoeing Co failed to submit certification documents to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) detailing changes to a key flight control system faulted in two fatal crashes, a long-awaited government report seen by Reuters has found. The flight control system, known as MCAS, was “not an area of emphasis” because Boeing presented it to the FAA as a modification of the jet’s existing speed trim system, with limited range and use, according to the report. The 52-page report by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (IG), dated June 29 and set to be made public Wednesday, laid bare mistakes made by both the planemaker and FAA in the development and certification of Boeing’s top-selling aircraft.

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  • 3 ASX cleantech shares to consider buying now

    Despite being down 21.1% in the March quarter, some of the companies within the Deloitte Australian CleanTech Index – which comprises 92 ASX cleantech shares across 5 sub-sectors – now look primed to rebound from the pandemic-induced disruption.

    Here are 3 ASX cleantech large-cap shares that have been regaining lost ground since the share market sell-off in late February.

    Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

    The share price of this plumbing and bathroom product supplier across Australia, NZ and the US dropped from a high of $11.90 on 21 February to a 23 March low of $7.87. The Reece share price has since bounced back up to $9.10.

    Given the fundamentals on this stock have not changed, I believe it’s well placed to benefit from both measures to reignite the Australian economy, including the federal government’s $688 million HomeBuilder/renovation scheme, and future growth in its recently acquired US plumbing distribution business, Morsco Inc.

    As a vote of confidence in the stock, Reece recently tapped the market in a $600 million capital raise, plus an attractively priced retail entitlement offer, which will increase liquidity, reduce net debt and help capitalise on new opportunities, which may include further acquisitions in the US. The company indicated the measures would increase its total liquidity position to $917 million.

    While it’s unlikely, the $917 million Reece now has available could be drawn on if future outbreaks of coronavirus forces shutdowns of its Australian and US outlets, which (unlike NZ) have managed to stay open given their classification as essential services. These funds also position Reece to ride out any entrenched downturn locally, or if the US downturn ends up being a more protracted affair.

    I think the stock’s clear market dominance remains a major plus going forward, with future upside coming from further expansion into the US, and ongoing technology investment. The stock trades on a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 25x. In my opinion, a share price sub-$9.25 makes for a reasonable entry point for long-term investors.

    Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

    As a provider of waste management services, Cleanaway has performed well throughout the coronavirus crisis. Due to Cleanaway’s defensive core earnings stream, the share price (which is currently 13% down on its 52-week high of $2.53) managed to avoid the brunt of the sell-off experienced by the market at large.

    With municipal waste management representing up to 55% of total earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), Cleanaway looks well placed to handle its debt position, in my view. I think the stock looks equally well placed to capitalise on Australia’s desire to become increasingly waste self-sufficient.

    With its Footprint 2025 strategy seeing the company investing in a sustainable value chain, Cleanaway also appears to be well positioned to make further forays into recycling and alternative waste processing. I think this will help to consolidate the company’s market dominance and this bodes well for improved margin growth. In my opinion, a share price of under $2.00 would make for a buying opportunity.

    Bingo Industries Ltd (ASX: BIN)

    Like Cleanaway, Bingo’s strong fundamentals in recycling and waste management solutions positioned it well to ride out the worst of the COVID-19 downturn and emerge remarkably unscathed. Bingo shares were heavily sold-off along with the broader market, going from a high of $3.20 on 19 February to a low of $1.82 virtually a month later. However, it has since bounced to $2.19, which puts it on a 10% discount to Morningstar’s fair value of $2.45.

    I’m particularly impressed by Bingo’s financial performance in Q3 FY20, which (unlike so many shares) is on track to deliver its stated market guidance, pre-COVID-19. Bingo’s cash preservation focus and strong balance sheet means it’s well positioned to capitalise on the closure of any of its smaller unlisted competitors, which may have limited access to the capital needed to successfully weather the pandemic.

    In addition, the recent approval to increase its total landfill limit from 700,000 tonnes to 1 million tonnes annually allows it to increase its operating hours, which signals a major revenue opportunity for Bingo going forward.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Motley Fool contributor Mark Story has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • These are 2 quality ASX shares to buy with $2,000

    finger pressing red button on keyboard labelled Buy

    So, you have some spare cash available to spend on ASX shares right now? Great!

    Here are 2 which I think are worth considering: Bubs Australia (ASX: BUB) and Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH). Both are top-quality companies with compelling business models and entrenched market positions in their respective industry niches. I am also confident that both companies have strong growth potential over the next 5–10 years.

    Bubs

    Bubs is an Australian based producer of goat milk products. It has successfully built a portfolio of premium, high-margin brands. Bubs concentrate on infant formula products, but its product range also spans across organic baby food, cereals and toddler snacks, as well as adult goat dairy products.

    This ASX share has already established an entrenched market position in the Australian market. Bubs is Australia’s only vertically integrated producer of goat milk formula. It holds an exclusive milk goat supply agreement with the largest goat herd in Australia.

    Bubs have seen recent strong growth due to rising demand for its goat milk products. There has been a growing consumer trend towards alternative baby nutrition options, particularly goat milk which is easier for children to digest. Goat’s milk also has a higher calcium content and is less likely to result in skin and gut reactions. This results in better absorption of the milk’s nutrients, especially for babies.

    Recent revenue growth for Bubs has been very strong. In Q3 FY20 to 31 March 2020, Bubs delivered a 67% increase in revenue to $19.7 million compared to the prior corresponding period.

    Bubs is now targeting growth in the Asian market and already that strategy is starting to bear fruit. Chinese revenue soared 104% higher in the third quarter.

    Cochlear

    Another ASX share that I think is worthy of adding to your share portfolio is Cochlear.

    Cochlear is a global manufacturer and distributor of cochlear implantable devices for the hearing impaired. Despite operating in a very small niche in the healthcare market, Cochlear has raised its profile over the last 2 decades to become an Australian household name.

    Cochlear has been impacted by the coronavirus crisis due to a reduction in elective surgeries. In particular, Cochlear has suffered a significant decline in Cochlear implant surgeries in the US and Western Europe.

    However, I believe the long term future for Cochlear remains very positive. As the proportion of the global population over 65 continues to grow, the demand for hearing products and solutions continues to rise. This demand is set to continue for the next few decades.

    5 stocks under $5

    We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Altium or Afterpay when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true.

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    Phil Harpur owns shares of Cochlear Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of BUBS AUST FPO and Cochlear Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BUBS AUST FPO and Cochlear Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • These 2 ASX tech shares show stellar growth prospects

    stock chart superimposed over image of data centre, asx 200 tech shares

    You may be aware of the WAAAX tech consortium, which includes well-known ASX tech companies such as Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT), Xero Limited (ASX: XRO), and Appen Ltd (ASX: APX). However, what you may not be aware of is that there’s an exciting range of other emerging ASX tech shares.

    Here are 2 of my top picks in this category: Bigtincan Holdings Ltd (ASX: BTH) and Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR). I am confident that both have exciting long-term growth prospects.

    Bigtincan

    Bigtincan’s platform enables organisations to access, collaborate on content, and improve customer engagement. It operates in a fast-growing IT software niche commonly referred to as ‘sales enablement’.

    The company operates under the software-as-a-service (SaaS) business model. Bigtincan is, therefore, a capital-light, scalable and highly-efficient business through its subscription-type model. It also benefits from high customer retention rates.

    For 1H FY 2020, Bigtincan posted annualised recurring revenue (ARR) of $32.4 million. This was a very strong 55% increase on the prior corresponding period. This ASX tech share continues to win new deals and expanded its customer base.

    Bigtincan was only listed on the ASX in 2017 and is yet to become profitable. So it, therefore, could potentially be viewed as a risky type of share investment, compared to more established technology companies listed on the ASX, such as Carsales.Com Ltd (ASX: CAR) and REA Group Limited (ASX: REA). It will need to keep its operating costs under control and maintain its high customer retention rate moving forward.

    However, I am confident that the long-term future shines bright for Bigtincan. It currently appears to be on track to reach the breakeven point as it gains further scale. This hopefully will then lead to growing profitability in the years ahead.

    Dicker Data

    Another ASX tech share that I would consider adding to your ASX share portfolio is Dicker Data. This IT company is a wholesale distributor of computer hardware, software and cloud-based solutions. In addition, it’s the largest Australian-owned hardware distributor in the Australia and New Zealand markets.

    Dicker Data has transformed and evolved its business over the past 40 years. It started out as just a family-run business and now is a corporation with a market capitalisation of around $1.2 billion today.

    Dicker Data recorded its highest-ever revenue month to date in March. Its FY 2020 first-quarter net profit before tax (NPAT) increased by 36.3% to $18.4 million. The trend of working from home during the coronavirus pandemic has also benefitted the company. 

    I believe that Dicker Data is well placed to capitalise on the growing demand for IT services connected with cloud computing over the next decade.

    Dicker Data also currently pays a forward fully franked dividend yield of around 4.36% at the time of writing.

    5 stocks under $5

    We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Altium or Afterpay when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true.

    And while Altium and Afterpay have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $5 a share!

    *Extreme Opportunities returns as of June 5th 2020

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    Phil Harpur has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of BIGTINCAN FPO and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Dicker Data Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO and Appen Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BIGTINCAN FPO, carsales.com Limited, and REA Group Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why Avita, Brickworks, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, & WiseTech Global are tumbling lower

    shares lower

    In early afternoon trade the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) looks set to start the new financial year on a positive note. At the time of writing the benchmark index is up 0.9% to 5,949.1 points.

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

    The Avita Medical Ltd (ASX: AVH) share price is down 2% to $8.82. This follows its debut on the Nasdaq index overnight after successfully redomiciling. Avita is a regenerative medicine company with a technology platform positioned to address unmet medical needs in burns, chronic wounds, and aesthetics indications.

    The Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW) share price is down 2% to $15.52. This decline may be the result of a spot of profit taking after the company’s shares surged notably higher on Tuesday. Investors were buying Brickworks’ shares after its joint venture with Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) signed a 20-year agreement with ecommerce giant Amazon.

    The Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH) share price is down 3.5% to $31.73. Investors may be taking a bit of profit off the table after some very strong gains over the last 12 months. In fact, the medical device company was among the best performers on the index during the 2019-20 financial year with a gain of more than 100%.

    The WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price has continued its slide and is down a further 4% to $18.55. Investors have been selling the logistics solutions company’s shares over the last couple of days after it revealed heavy insider selling. According to the notice, over the past few trading days its founder and CEO, Richard White, has sold almost $46 million worth of shares. The chief executive has not provided an explanation for the sales. Though, it is worth noting that Mr White does still own approximately 151 million WiseTech shares.

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    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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    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 Avita Medical Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Brickworks. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Avita Medical Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • ASX 200 up 0.9%: Big four banks rising, NEXTDC rockets higher

    Graphic representation of a bull climbing a stock chart

    At lunch on Wednesday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the financial year in a very positive fashion. The benchmark index is currently up 0.9% to 5,949.5 points.

    Here’s what has been happening on the market today:

    Big four banks push higher.

    The big four banks have started the financial year strongly and are all on course to record gains. One of the best performers in the group has been the Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price. Its shares are up 1.2% at the time of writing. This appears to have been driven by a positive broker note out of Westpac. Its analysts have upgraded the banking giant’s shares to a buy rating with a $20.13 price target.

    Suncorp announces new operating model.

    The Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) share price has dropped lower after announcing a new operating model and leadership structure. It believes these changes will drive further improvements in its core insurance and banking businesses. It also expects the initiatives to accelerate its digital and data driven transformation. It appears as though investors have given the changes a lukewarm response.

    NEXTDC announces new contract wins.

    The NEXTDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) share price is surging higher today after announcing major new contract wins for its New South Wales data centres. NEXTDC’s contracted commitments at its New South Wales facilities have now increased by approximately 4MW, to more than 36MW. This has the potential to increase further in the future, with expansion options potentially lifting its contracted commitments to 60MW. In light of this, NEXTDC has committed to completing the Sydney-2 centre fit-out to a total planned capacity of 30MW.

    Best and worst ASX 200 shares.

    The best performer on the ASX 200 on Wednesday has been the NEXTDC share price with a gain of 8.5%. This follows its announcement of new contract wins. The worst performer on the index has been the Ampol Limited (ASX: ALD) share price with a decline of 3%. This is despite there being no news out of the fuel retailer previously known as Caltex.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of NEXTDC Limited and Westpac Banking. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post ASX 200 up 0.9%: Big four banks rising, NEXTDC rockets higher appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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