At the weekend I looked into how investments of $20,000 in a number of popular ASX shares fared over the last 10 years.

Given the success of these investments, I thought I would look at a few shares which I feel investors ought to consider investing $20,000 into today for the next decade.

Here why I think these three ASX shares could provide strong returns for investors:

Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS)

I think that Bravura Solutions could be worth considering for a $20,000 investment. Bravura provides software and services to the wealth management and funds administration industries. Demand for its offering has been increasing other the last few years and has underpinned strong earnings growth. The good news is that it has added to its offering over the last 12 months through acquisitions. This has not only strengthened its portfolio, but opened up the company to new and lucrative markets.

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)

Another option to consider investing $20,000 into is the iShares Global Healthcare ETF. I think this exchange traded fund could provide strong returns for investors over the 2020s thanks to the growing demand for healthcare services. This is expected to be driven by improvements in technologies, ageing populations, and increased chronic disease. The iShares Global Healthcare ETF gives investors exposure to the world’s biggest and best healthcare companies. This includes the likes of CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Pfizer.

REA Group Limited (ASX: REA)

A final option I would put $20,000 into is REA Group. It is a leading property listings company with real estate websites in Europe, Asia, the United States, and of course Australia. Although REA Group has experienced a sizeable reduction in listings during the pandemic, it has offset its weaker revenues through cost cutting. I believe this demonstrates the resilience of its business model and positions it well to accelerate its earnings growth when the headwinds it is facing ease.

More reading

• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX back in the green
• These fantastic healthcare ASX shares could make you wealthy
• How to turn $20,000 into $250,000 in 10 years with ASX shares
• How to become a millionaire in 25 years with $20 a day
• Why I’m desperate to add CSL and 2 other ASX shares to my portfolio in 2020

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 Bravura Solutions Ltd and CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Bravura Solutions Ltd 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.

The post Where to invest $20,000 into ASX shares immediately appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2zPy1iq

The Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) share price has struggled to gain momentum in recent years. After sliding heavily from mid 2018 to early 2019, Blackmores has since failed to regain these share price losses. The company’s Chinese business, in particular, has underperformed, no doubt contributing to its lack lustre share price performance.

In a recent capital raising, Blackmores successfully raised $92 million at a fixed price of $72.50 per share. Around $50 million of these funds will be used to strengthen the company’s balance sheet. The remainder will be used to support Blackmores’ activities in the Asian market as part of its turnaround strategy.

So, is the Blackmores share price in the buy zone right now?

Rising demand for immunity products offset by other challenges

In a May 2020 market update, Blackmores revealed it has seen a significant increase in demand for its immunity products. However, this demand has been offset by weaker demand across other segments of the business. Furthermore, immunity products only constitute a small part of the company’s overall product portfolio.

Blackmores also reported that supply chain constraints have restricted the company’s ability to keep up with demand in some of its product segments. In particular, Blackmores has been experiencing difficulties accessing some of its internationally-sourced materials.

Ramp up of Asian growth strategy

Blackmores also recently provided an update on the company’s plan to further accelerate its Asian expansion strategy, particularly in China.

Blackmores will continue to expand both its organisational capabilities and partnership opportunities within this highly lucrative market. This will include driving innovation with a new ‘Modern Parenting’ product line.

The company will also inject more funds into its rapidly growing South East Asian business, including identifying new health and nutritional demand areas. Furthermore, Blackmores will increase investment in its IT capabilities, as well as its in-store product advisors across Indonesian operations.

India is another market in which Blackmores is ramping up investment. The company is allocating further working capital to initially target three large Indian cities. This will then act as a launching pad for further growth in this potentially huge market for the Aussie supplements manufacturer.

Lastly, Blackmores is looking to improve its digital capabilities throughout the entire Asian region.

Is the Blackmores share price a buy right now?

The Blackmore’s share price is in my buy zone right now. But only just…

I’m encouraged by the progress Blackmores is making with its Asian strategy. I believe India, in particular, offers Blackmores exciting potential for growth.

Having said that, I would want to see further evidence of its success in turning the business around before classifying Blackmores as a definite buy right now.

More reading

• Here’s where this ASX fund manager sees value for investors
• Here are all the ASX 200 companies that announced capital raisings in May
• ASX 200 rises again, ASX banks push higher
• Top brokers name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell today
• Why ANZ, Blackmores, IDP Education, & Nearmap shares are racing higher

Motley Fool contributor Phil Harpur owns shares of Blackmores Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Blackmores 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.

The post Is the Blackmores share price in the buy zone? appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2ANtzS4

The Vortiv Ltd (ASX: VOR) share price is flying higher today after the ASX micro-cap delivered a business update.

At the time of writing, Vortiv shares have surged 29.73% to 24 cents. This takes the company’s current market capitalisation to around $33 million.

About Vortiv

Vortiv is a technology-based company focused on cybersecurity and the cloud services sector. It owns Decipher Works, a cybersecurity company that provides consulting, support and managed services to financial institutions and large corporations. It also owns Cloudten Industries, a cloud and cloud security company that helps businesses migrate, secure and manage their infrastructure in the cloud.

Additionally, Vortiv holds a 24.89% interest in TSI India, a company that provides solutions in the payments, electronic surveillance and managed services spaces. TSI India owns and manages around 14,000 ATMs in India.

What did Vortiv announce?

This morning, Vortiv revealed it is on track to deliver another quarter of record growth. This has been driven by cybersecurity requirements of government and financial institutions. 

Revenue from the company’s cybersecurity arm in the June 2020 quarter is expected to land between $3.6 million to $3.8 million. Meanwhile, earnings before interest and tax is expected to be in the range of $0.5 million to $0.6 million.

Vortiv believes its focus on government and financial institutions proves to be sound as both sectors continue to invest significantly to enhance their cybersecurity technologies, particularly in light of recent cyber threats. These sectors represent 24% and 48%, respectively, of Vortiv’s revenue.

TSI India valuation

On top of the trading update for its cybersecurity business, Vortiv also revealed it has completed the carrying value review of its holding in TSI India for the financial year ending 31 March 2020.

According to today’s release, an independent valuation completed by a top 6 global accounting firm estimated Vortiv’s 24.89% stake to be worth between $5.5 million and $8.9 million. This compares to a valuation of $9.7 million in FY19.

The company has elected to adopt the lower end of the valuation estimate in its FY20 balance sheet given the current global conditions. 

TSI India FY20 results

Vortiv also revealed today that while TSI India’s FY20 financial results were adversely impacted by the upgrade of ATMs and COVID-19, its underlying EBITDA performance benefitted from operational efficiency.

As a result, TSI India achieved unaudited full-year results of $51.3 million revenue and underlying EBITDA of $2 million. While revenue decreased slightly by 2.1% compared to FY19, EBITDA grew 11.1% over the prior year.

Looking forward, TSI India expects to benefit from higher ATM up-time as well as lower maintenance and asset replacement costs. The business is, however, experiencing disruption due to COVID-19 lockdowns.

More reading

• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Where to invest $20,000 into ASX shares immediately
• Is the Blackmores share price in the buy zone?
• ASX supermarket shares on the radar
• Why Altium, Australian Ethical, Flight Centre, & Transurban are dropping lower

Motley Fool contributor Cathryn Goh 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.

The post Vortiv share price surges 30% higher on business update appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2AWGZuU

Blue chips Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) are on many investors’ radars right now. The food retailer giants are striding through the pandemic with strong sales and revenues leading to the increased supermarket shares. 

Both companies are listed in the S&P/ASX 50 (ASX: XFL) and have a combined market capitalisation of close to $70 billion. Coles is the smaller of the 2, with a market capitalisation of $22 billion compared to Woolworths nearly $47 billion market cap. So, how are the 2 supermarket conglomerates performing? 

Coles 

Coles operates 2,500 retail outlets nationally, including 800 supermarkets, 900 liquor stores, and more than 700 fuel and convenience retailers. The Coles share price remained relatively robust in the March correction, losing around 17% from peak to trough. Shares are now trading at $16.68, relatively close to their high for the year of $17.17. 

Coles reported a 12.9% increase on its Q3 sales driven by panic buying at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Supermarket sales increased by 13.8%, recording the division’s 50th consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth. Liquor sales were up by 7.2% and express sales up 4.3%. Coles Online sales revenue grew by 14% in Q3, despite home delivery being temporarily suspended in March. 

Coles Group reported sales revenue for Q3 at $9.2 billion. The Group responded to increased demand by hiring 12,000 extra workers. Beyond the initial panic buying, the fact that Australians are spending more time at home has increased consumption of home-cooked meals and their household items. 

Woolworths 

Woolworths is Australia’s largest supermarket chain, operating some 995 supermarkets across Australia. Including its liquor and Big W brands, Woolworths is behind some 3000 stores across the country. The Woolworths share price fell 20% in the March dip, but has since recovered somewhat and is currently trading down 16% from its 2020 high. 

Woolworths has benefited from the same forces driving increased sales at Coles. Overall, Q3 quarter sales grew by 10.7%. The Australian food business saw growth of 11.3%, Big W grew sales by 9.5%, and liquor also grew 9.5%. The hotels business saw a 12.9% drop in sales with the closure of venues. 

Sales growth continued in April although moderated from rates seen in March. Looking into the Q4, increased costs are expected to continue including costs associated with the temporary employment of 22,000 team members. These incremental costs are expected to be in the range of $220 – $275 million for Q4. The extent to which these costs can be offset will depend on the rate of sales growth over the remainder of the financial year. 

Foolish takeaway 

The supermarket giants saw increased sales as a result of the pandemic but each also incurred increased costs. The outcome of the changes will be revealed in Coles and Woolworths’ full-year results with a close watch on the supermarket shares. 

More reading

• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX back in the green
• 3 high quality ASX dividend shares for income investors to buy
• These 3 ASX ETFs are yet to recover from the market crash
• Australian retail sales up 16.3% in May
• Why the Wesfarmers share is beating the ASX 200

Motley Fool contributor Kate O’Brien has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET and Woolworths 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.

The post ASX supermarket shares on the radar appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/312Z7xV

After a poor start to the day, in early afternoon trade the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a decent gain. At the time of writing the benchmark index is up 0.35% to 5,963.4 points.

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

The Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) share price is down 7% to $33.70. The electronic design software company’s shares have come under pressure today after it warned that it was likely to fall short of consensus estimates in FY 2020. Altium advised that this is because the pandemic is impacting its performance during the latter weeks of the financial year. This is historically a strong period for sales.

The Australian Ethical Investment Limited (ASX: AEF) share price has fallen 6% to $8.49. Investors have been selling the ethical fund manager’s shares after the release of its guidance for FY 2020. According to the release, it expects underlying profit after tax before performance fees to be between $6.8 million and $7.5 million. The mid-point of this range represents a 10% increase on the prior year. This compares to its first half profit growth of 38%.

The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price is down 4% to $13.06. A number of travel shares have come under pressure today. This could be due to concerns over a potential second wave of coronavirus in Victoria. If things were to get out of control, it could delay the recovery of domestic travel markets.    

The Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) share price is down 2.5% to $14.77 despite the release of a decent trading update. According to the release, traffic volumes on its toll roads are improving now that restrictions are being eased. For the week commencing 14 June, traffic volumes across the company were down approximately 20% compared to the prior corresponding period. The company also revealed plans to pay a second half distribution of 16 cents per unit.

More reading

• ASX 200 flat: Altium update disappoints, Metcash posts full year loss
• These 5 ASX shares were last week’s top performers
• Transurban share price falls despite a positive market update
• Altium share price sinks 7% lower after FY 2020 trading update
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX back in the green

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 Altium and Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. and Flight Centre Travel 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.

The post Why Altium, Australian Ethical, Flight Centre, & Transurban are dropping lower appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/31g6emT

Top-quality ASX 200 dividend shares are like gold dust in times like these. We’ve well and truly emerged from the March bear market, but the cost has been many companies slashing their distributions to shareholders.

Whether you’re a retiree or a young investor, dividend shares are a valuable part of any portfolio. Regular dividends can provide handy income or be reinvested to turbo-charge your retirement plans.

With that in mind, here are a few of my top dividend shares that are yielding over 8% right now.

3 ASX 200 shares with hefty dividend yields 

For dividends, the Aussie real estate investment trusts (REITs) are an obvious place to start. The trust structure of the REITs means 90% or more of their profits are paid to investors each year.

That’s why Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) boasts an impressive 8.67% dividend yield right now. Scentre owns and operates Westfield shopping centres across Australia and New Zealand. Clearly, Aussie retail hasn’t been doing well amid the coronavirus pandemic and this has been reflected in the Scentre share price.

The ASX 200 retail REIT has slumped 42.3% lower this year as investors have flocked to safety. While Scentre’s earnings may fall and lead to lower dividends, it could also be a cheap buy if you’re looking at the long-term.

Provided shopping centre foot traffic bounces back, government stimulus could prop up rents in the short-term. That means Scentre’s earnings may not be as bad as many suspect and that 8.67% dividend yield may remain intact.

The other place I’m looking for ASX 200 dividend shares is the Aussie banking sector. Despite surging 15.9% higher in June, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) shares are still yielding a whopping 9.21% right now.

The Aussie banks have slashed distributions under the orders of the banking regulator, Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). APRA wants the banks to preserve capital in case we encounter a Great Recession-type downturn.

However, investors have still been reasonably bullish on the ASX banks like Bendigo. I personally don’t look to invest outside of the major banks within the banking sector, but Bendigo could be a good option if you think the big four are over-bought.

In terms of the big four, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares also have a super-charged yield right now. Westpac is currently paying 9.54%, which is an impressive return if the bank can maintain its dividends in the long-term.

But… it’s buyer beware

As I said, top ASX 200 dividend shares are like gold dust right now. However, we’ll have to wait until the next earnings cycle (August or November) to really see which companies are able to maintain their dividends.

Dividend yields can be misleading in the current market, so be wary of buying for the headline yield numbers.

If you’re investing for the long-term, however, there could be some good ASX 200 shares to buy that can churn out profits well into the future.

More reading

• ASX 200 flat: Altium update disappoints, Metcash posts full year loss
• Is the Domino’s Pizza share price a good buy at $68?
• These 5 ASX shares saw the biggest losses last week
• A $73m boost sends the Austal share price to the top of the ASX 200 today
• These 5 ASX shares were last week’s top performers

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

The post Here are 3 ASX 200 shares with dividend yields over 8% appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3eoOrgH

The iron ore spot price has climbed to 10-month highs following Vale’s decision to suspend iron ore mining at its Itabria site.

Prices are expected to remain high driven by the short-term concern of fewer shipments from Brazil. This is coupled with China’s port inventories being at a 3-year low and rising demand from Chinese steel mills.

Could this be an opportunity to buy in at the current Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO), Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price?

Iron ore shortage

Vale’s Itabria mining operations were suspended after at least 188 workers tested positive for the coronavirus. This site is responsible for approximately 12% of Vale’s total production. Vale’s supply in the short-term is at risk but it’s difficult to tell whether the company’s annual production will be impacted.  Broadly speaking, South America has struggled to contain the coronavirus – a near-term threat for its iron ore production and shipments.

An increasing dependency on Aussie miners to supply iron ore could be good news for the likes of Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP. 

Chinese iron ore consumption 

China has invested in its infrastructure, transport and energy sectors to claw its way back to positive growth. The construction sector is making a suggestive recovery judging by a rise in demand for cement and site machinery.

Data from the China Construction Machinery Association showed that the 25 largest excavator companies recorded sales up 60% year on year in May. Furthermore, the government announced plans to issue RMB$3.75trn worth of bonds to fund regional developments and support businesses hit by COVID-19.

Brazil’s production challenges coupled with an increase in construction activity in China could see iron ore prices remain at today’s elevated levels. 

Are Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP a buy? 

There are many near-term factors that point to higher iron ore prices. This would mean healthy margins and market-leading dividends from Aussie iron ore miners. 

Fortescue, being a pure iron ore play means its share price is more responsive to rising iron ore prices. Its shares hit a record all-time high last week of $15.25 while paying a dividend yield of 7.40%. Given how much it has run-up in recent times, I would personally avoid Fortescue shares for the time being. 

Alternatively, I believe the Rio Tinto and BHP share price represent good long-term value at today’s prices. Both shares are within 15% of its recent highs and pay a moderate dividend yield of around 6%. 

More reading

• These 5 ASX shares saw the biggest losses last week
• Infrastructure shares boosted by government spending
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX back in the green
• Which shares to buy if the ASX tumbles
• 2 blue chip ASX 200 dividend shares to buy next week

Motley Fool contributor Lina Lim 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.

The post Iron ore prices: Are the Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP share prices a buy? appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3dkZxSH

In early afternoon trade the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fought back from a bad start and is storming higher. At the time of writing the benchmark index is up 0.25% to 5,957.8 points.

Four shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are starting the week with a bang:

The Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) share price is up 10% to $3.69. Investors have been buying the shipbuilder’s shares on Monday after it revealed that the U.S. government is investing US$50 million into its U.S. business. The agreement is part of the government’s national response to COVID-19 to maintain, protect, and expand critical domestic shipbuilding and maintenance capacity.

The James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) share price has climbed over 6% to $28.39. This morning the building materials company upgraded its guidance for the first quarter of FY 2021. James Hardie’s North American adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margin is now forecast to be between 27% and 29% for the quarter. This compares with its previous guidance of 22% to 27%.

The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is up 4.5% to $13.61. As well as getting a boost from a rising gold price, investors appear to have responded positively to an asset divestment announcement. The gold miner has agreed to divest the Mt Olympus Project, which comprises most of the Ashburton Project in Western Australia. It will be sold to Kalamazoo Resources Limited (ASX: KZR) for a deferred contingent cash consideration of $17.5 million.

The Ramelius Resources Limited (ASX: RMS) share price has jumped 14% to $2.04 after upgrading its production guidance. The gold miner revealed that its quarterly production is now expected to be in excess of 80,000 ounces. This compares to previous guidance of 65,000 to 70,000 ounces. In light of this, FY 2020 guidance is expected to be a record 225,000 to 230,000 ounces. This is up from its previous full year guidance of 210,000 to 220,000 ounces.

More reading

• ASX 200 flat: Altium update disappoints, Metcash posts full year loss
• A $73m boost sends the Austal share price to the top of the ASX 200 today
• James Hardie share price in spotlight as it upgrades profit guidance
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Top fund manager reveals some of the best ASX shares to own

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 Austal Limited. 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 Why Austal, James Hardie, Northern Star, & Ramelius are storming higher appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2V35Owc