• Inflows: Magellan shares spike 7% as institutions pile in

    Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.

    Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) shares have surged by 7% on Thursday and are currently swapping hands at $9.12 per share at the time of writing.

    The spike follows an update on the company’s funds under management (FUM) for June.

    Magellan shares have been in an uptrend in the last month. They lifted off their monthly lows of $8.13 on 17 June and have advanced more than 12% since then.

    This rally is accompanied by a trailing dividend yield of over 8%, based on the company’s trailing dividend of 59 cents per share. Let’s take a closer look.

    Magellan shares higher on FUM update

    The primary driver behind the rise in Magellan shares today is its FUM and performance fee update for June 2024. Money flows are integral to the performance of Magellan shares.

    In it, the company advised that new flows of money into and out of its funds were flat on the prior month.

    Magellan said that retail investors pulled a net $0.2 billion out of the fund in June. Money managed for retail clients hit $17.1 million for the month.

    But institutional flows – those investments and redemptions made from institutional investors, which are entities such as Super funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, and other large-scale asset managers – were a net positive $0.2 billion.

    As a result, institutional funds under Magellan’s management came to $19.6 billion at the end of the month.

    Aside from that, the fund will “pay distributions (net of reinvestment) of approximately $0.2 billion in
    July”. This could be another catalyst behind the movement in Magellan shares today.

    Magellan also said it was entitled to estimated performance fees of approximately $19 million for FY24.

    The firm’s June FUM flows see it now managing $36.7 billion of client money, slightly up from $36.3 billion in April.

    Additionally, the trend in Magellan’s FUM has been turning more positive in 2024. This has been positive for its shares lately.

    In its May FUM update, Magellan experienced net outflows of $0.1 billion, consisting of $0.2 billion in net retail outflows and $0.1 billion in net institutional inflows.

    April flows, on the other hand, were positive, rising by 2.5%.

    Director transactions and analyst views

    A significant point of interest is that insiders have been buying and selling Magellan shares recently. Deputy chair and non-executive director Hamish McLennan recently sold nearly $545,000 of his shares in recent filings, over 60% of his interest in the listed investment company.

    The sale was tendered at an average price of $8.515 per share. A month prior, director Cathy Kovacs purchased $100,000 of Magellan shares.

    Analysts also have mixed views on Magellan shares. According to my colleague Bronwyn, UBS remains bullish on Magellan with a buy rating and a target of $10.25.

    But Macquarie has an underperform rating with a price target of $8.40, while Morgans rates the stock as a hold with a target of $9.67.

    Magellan shares in focus

    Magellan shares have spiked during Thursday’s session following an update on the company’s June FUM and money flows. In the last 12 months, the stock is down 6%.

    The post Inflows: Magellan shares spike 7% as institutions pile in appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Magellan Financial Group right now?

    Before you buy Magellan Financial Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Magellan Financial Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • A helicopter can now deliver you to 11 Greek islands in a quarter of the time a ferry takes

    View from the hillside on Corfu Island in Greece.
    Hoper offers scheduled helicopter flights to and from 11 destinations in Greece.

    • A new company, hoper, offers scheduled helicopter flights to 11 Greek destinations.
    • Flights drastically cut travel time compared to traditional ferries, which can up to take six hours.
    • More companies are offering premium travel options, like Blade and Uber's helicopter services.

    Greece's island-goers can now fly to some of the country's most remote destinations in under 45 minutes.

    Athens-based helicopter company hoper, which launched this summer, is the first that lets customers book scheduled flights to and from 11 destinations. Visitors can fly from Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini to other islands like Antiparos, Spetses, and Tinos.

    One-way fares start at $195 and can go up to about $380, depending on location. A 48-minute flight from Athens to Mykonos, without any luggage, costs nearly $440 for the end of August, according to hoper's website.

    "With hoper, we turn hours into minutes, and travelers earn up to a full day of vacation," said hoper CEO Demitris Memos in a press release last month.

    Ferry services in Greece tend to stop at multiple islands, adding to travel time. For instance, ferry trips from Athens to Mykonos start at $46 and can take up to six hours.

    Hoper also offers chartered helicopter flights for the same routes.

    Helicopter companies globally are increasingly offering flights — chartered or scheduled — for people willing to pay a premium to slash time spent traveling. Locals don't always love the extra noise, though. New York City is eyeing regulations for helicopters after noise complaints soared in 2023, compared to the prior year.

    Earlier this week, six of Marriott's most luxurious hotels in New York City said they are offering free helicopter airport transfers to some of their top-paying guests.

    The flights will be operated by Blade, a private helicopter services company that launched in 2014. Operating in New York, Southern California, and the Bay Area, Blade sells private or shared rides to airports and places like the Hamptons.

    Blade competes with Uber's helicopter services and newer players like Archer and Volocopter, part of a booming industry betting on air taxis becoming more mainstream.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Why Dimerix, New Hope, Pro Medicus, and West African Resources shares are sinking today

    A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a strong gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 1% to 7,818.3 points.

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

    Dimerix Ltd (ASX: DXB)

    The Dimerix share price is down 4% to 45 cents. This is despite the release of an update from the biopharmaceutical company this morning. It advised that the independent data monitoring committee has confirmed the dose of DMX-200 to be used in adolescent patients aged 12-17 years participating in the ACTION3 clinical trial. This trial is for patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Dimerix’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr David Fuller, said: “This is especially important as paediatric FSGS remains an area of high unmet need with limited therapeutic options and a high risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease.”

    New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

    The New Hope share price is down 4% to $5.06. This follows news that the coal miner has raised $300 million via a convertible notes offering. The initial conversion price of the notes is $6.63 per share, which represents a conversion premium of 30% over the reference share price. New Hope’s CEO, Rob Bishop, commented: “The capital provided by this global investor base at favourable terms will be instrumental to our pursuit of initiatives that are consistent with our strategy to maximise shareholder returns.”

    Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME)

    The Pro Medicus share price is down 4% to $130.86. This may have been driven by profit taking after very strong gains from the health imaging technology company’s shares in the last financial year. In addition, this morning Citi retained its sell rating on the company’s shares but lifted its price target from $80.00 to $95.00. While the broker is forecasting very strong growth, it feels that Pro Medicus’ share price indicates that even stronger growth is expected by the market.

    West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF)

    The West African Resources share price is down 13% to $1.38. This morning, this gold miner announced that it has received firm commitments from institutional and sophisticated investors for a placement. It is raising $150 million through the issue of 109.5 million new shares at a discount of $1.37 per new share. Management notes that there was strong support from both domestic and offshore institutions for the placement. The proceeds will support development activities at the Kiaka Gold Project.

    The post Why Dimerix, New Hope, Pro Medicus, and West African Resources shares are sinking today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Dimerix Limited right now?

    Before you buy Dimerix Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Dimerix Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Zip shares surge 10%, bringing gains to 55% in a month

    A happy girl in a yellow playsuit with a zip gives the thumbs up

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares are rocketing today, up 9.8% to a new 52-week high of $1.68 in lunchtime trading.

    This continues an uptrend over the past month that has seen Zip shares rally more than 55% off lows of $1.07 apiece on 4 June. In contrast, the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has lifted 1.1% higher in the past month.

    Here’s a closer look at what’s behind the rally in Zip shares.

    Why are Zip shares soaring?

    Investors appear to be bullish on Zip’s turnaround story under its new management. The buy now, pay later (BNPL) company has shifted from an aggressive growth strategy to a more sustainable, profitable model.

    That is the opinion of Tyndall Asset Management portfolio manager James Nguyen, who recently spoke to the Australian Financial Review.

    As Nguyen explained:

    While the macro environment is now more supportive, it is the company-specific turnaround under new management that sets Zip apart from its BNPL counterparts.

    Growth for growth’s sake has been abandoned, as has its international domination aspirations, and in place is a sustainable, profitable growth strategy.

    The money manager expects Zip to produce nearly $100 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) within 18 months due to the transformation.

    As a result, the company’s enterprise value-to-EBITDA ratio is “not too dissimilar to the broader market”, Nguyen says, despite Zip having “one of the highest available growth rates”.

    Zip shares received an additional boost following the news that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) will discontinue its Apple Pay Later service in the United States.

    This move reduces competition in the lucrative US market, potentially benefiting Zip’s market share. As my colleague James noted, Apple’s integration of third-party services into its upcoming iOS 18 software could also present an opportunity for Zip, depending on whether it becomes one of the integrated providers.

    What’s the outlook for Zip shares?

    Zip’s financial performance could further propel its share price. In Q1 FY 2024, the company reported a 15% year-on-year increase in transaction volume to $2.2 billion.

    This came as Zip’s business grew to 7.4 million active customers during the quarter, an increase of 17% on the prior corresponding period.

    Analysts remain optimistic about Zip’s prospects. UBS and Ord Minnett each rate Zip shares as a buy. But their price targets are $1.55 on the stock. Today’s price action brings us past this mark.

    Will they increase their targets further? Who knows. We shall wait and see.

    Foolish takeaway

    Zip shares have surged to new 52-week highs today, driven by several recent developments. In the last 12 months, shares in the BNPL player have rallied more than 270%.

    The post Zip shares surge 10%, bringing gains to 55% in a month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Zip Co right now?

    Before you buy Zip Co shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Zip Co wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Zip Co. 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 Scott Phillips.

  • Why has this ASX mining stock exploded 128% in 2 days?

    A little-known ASX mining stock is setting the bar high these past two days.

    Very high.

    At market close on Tuesday shares in Waratah Minerals Ltd (ASX: WTM) – previously known as Battery Minerals Limited – closed trading for 12.5 cents apiece. Which would have been an excellent time to buy them!

    Yesterday shares in the ASX mining stock rocketed an eye-popping 96%, closing the day at 24.5 cents.

    But the rally looks to have some legs.

    At the time of writing on Thursday, the Waratah Minerals share price is up another 16.3% in intraday trading at 28.5 cents.

    That sees the ASX mining stock up 128% in just two days.

    To put that in some perspective, the S&P/ASX 300 Metals & Mining Index (ASX: XMM) is up 3.4% over this same time.

    Here’s what’s been spurring investor interest.

    What’s boosting the ASX mining stock?

    ASX investors are sending the Waratah Minerals share price through the roof after the miner yesterday reported on promising drill results from its on-going exploration program at the Spur gold-copper project, Lachlan Fold Belt, located in New South Wales.

    The latest batch of results stem from six reverse circulation (RC) drill holes.

    The ASX mining stock is drawing attention after noting that the drilling has identified an open zone of shallow high-grade mineralisation.

    Highlights of the results include:

    • 89 metres at 1.73 grams of gold per tonne and 0.08% copper from 115 metres
    • Including 57m at 2.50g/t Au, 0.11% Cu from 115m

    The company said these results confirm the potential for significant shallow gold resources with grades increasing with depth.

    Waratah’s Spur Project is located five kilometres west from the Cadia Valley Project, owned by global gold mining giant Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM). Cadia is reported to hold more than 50 million ounces of gold and 9.5 million tonnes of copper.

    And for our geologically minded readers, Waratah notes that Spur is hosted in “equivalent Late Ordovician aged geology of the Molong Belt within the wider Macquarie Arc”.

    Commenting on the results sending the ASX mining stock rocketing, Waratah managing director Peter Duerden said:

    Spur continues to deliver exceptional drilling results, the results from hole 7 are pivotal, demonstrating a dramatic increase in grades downdip and an association with copper as predicted by our epithermal-porphyry exploration model.

    The miner said that additional exploratory drill holes are planned to immediately follow up on these results and further expand its RC drilling program.

    The post Why has this ASX mining stock exploded 128% in 2 days? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Waratah Minerals Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Waratah Minerals Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Waratah Minerals Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 Scott Phillips.

  • Lendlease shares crack as watchdog growls at $1.3 billion payday

    A businesswoman holding a briefcase rests her head against the glass wall of a city building, she's not having a good day.

    Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC) shares are running in the opposite direction to the rest of the market today.

    Shares in the embattled real estate investment group are down 1.8% to $5.59 in morning trade. Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is ratcheting up 1.1% after Wall Street enjoyed another record high last night.

    Only 27 of the top 200 companies included in the benchmark index are in the red today, and Lendlease is one of them. The nonconforming move follows an update from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) this morning, throwing a cat among the pigeons at Lendlease.

    Competition concerns

    On 18 December 2023, Lendlease struck a deal with Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP) and Thailand property company Supalai to sell 12 Australian masterplanned community projects for $1.3 billion.

    The asset sale is subject to regulatory approvals, which might be a sticking point.

    Today, the ACCC — Australia’s corporate watchdog — has raised preliminary concerns about the proposed sale. Specifically, the regulator is wary of a lack of competition in masterplanned community projects on a Lendlease exit.

    ACCC commissioner Liza Carver detailed the competitive dynamics at play, stating:

    We are concerned that the proposed acquisition would remove one of Stockland’s closest and largest competitors in the supply of residential masterplanned community housing lots in four regions — the Illawarra, North West Perth, Ipswich, and Moreton Bay.

    The ACCC is concerned that the proposed acquisition may increase Stockland’s incentive to raise the price, delay the supply, or reduce the quality of housing lots in these regions, to the detriment of prospective homeowners.

    Furthermore, Carver explained that the regulator was concerned that other developers may not compete sufficiently with Stockland following Lendlease’s sale.

    Such concerns are possibly magnified by Australia’s ongoing housing crisis. The 2024-2025 Federal Government Budget highlights Australia’s below-OECD average housing supply of 420 per 1,000 people, as shown above.

    The ACCC has yet to decide whether to allow, block, or amend the deal.

    Are Lendlease shares walking a tightrope?

    A snapshot of the Lendlease balance sheet on 31 December 2023 shows a business sitting in $3.74 billion of net debt.

    The real estate group posted $331 million in negative cash from operations for the 2023 calendar year. If Lendlease is in a large amount of debt and not producing cash from its operations, how will it cover its interest payments?

    Part of the push to liquidate some of the group’s assets might be due to the questionable financial position. So, if Lendlease was betting on a $1.3 billion payday, a hold-up by the ACCC might pose a financial threat to the company.

    Fortunately for Lendlease shares, the group has other asset sales on the go. After a 49% fall in the share price over three years, the last thing a Lendlease investor would want is to raise capital now.

    The post Lendlease shares crack as watchdog growls at $1.3 billion payday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Lendlease Group right now?

    Before you buy Lendlease Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Lendlease Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 Scott Phillips.

  • Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings is one of the first Democratic megadonors to call for Biden to step aside. First major Hollywood donor to do so.

    Side-by-side image of Reed Hastings and Joe Biden
    Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings is one of the first major donors of the Democratic Party to public call for President Joe Biden to step down from his campaign.

    • Donors are concerned about Joe Biden's ability to beat Donald Trump since his debate performance.
    • Some donors told WaPo that the night reflected how the president performed at recent donor events.
    • Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings told The New York Times that another candidate needs to step in to beat Trump.

    Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings, one of the largest Democratic donors, has called on President Joe Biden to step down from his campaign to give another candidate a shot to beat former President Donald Trump, The New York Times reported.

    "Biden needs to step aside to allow a vigorous Democratic leader to beat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous," Hastings said in an email to the Times.

    A spokesperson for Netflix did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Hastings did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    While he's the first to call for Biden to step aside, he's not the first big Democratic donor from Hollywood to express concern.

    Ari Emmanuel, CEO of Endeavor, expressed frustration at a recent talk with Tina Brown at the Aspen Ideas Festival about the ability of a president as old as Biden, who is 81, to run for president. Trump is 78.

    "Well, I'm pissed off at the Founding Fathers. They had the start date of 35. They just didn't give us the end date," he said.

    Hollywood supporters have been important to the Biden campaign. The Biden campaign said it raised more than $30 million at a star-studded Los Angeles fundraiser in June which was spearheaded by former President Barack Obama, George Clooney, and Julia Roberts. It's unclear if more Hollywood donors will follow Hastings and call for Biden to step aside.

    Hastings is one of the first to publicly express the private concerns of some major Democratic donors since Biden's disastrous debate performance against Trump on June 27, during which the president stumbled on his words and, at times, struggled to complete his thoughts.

    Multiple donors who remained anonymous told The Washington Post that Biden's debate performance reflected his interactions in small group settings at donor events, telling the newspaper that the president struggled to communicate.

    One unnamed business executive who helped organize a fundraiser last year in Chicago told the Post he was shocked when Biden's team refused to let donors ask the president questions.

    "I told them my donors don't care about a photo. They want to talk to him. The Biden people just wouldn't let them," the business executive told the Post. "It was clear they were managing him in a way I've never experienced before. Donors expect to get to talk to the president if you're writing a big check and having an event with him."

    Biden's campaign team has been undertaking major damage control to convince donors and voters that the president is still fit for the job.

    On Tuesday, the campaign flouted a $127 million windfall in June, including $38 million within four days of Biden's debate against Trump.

    In an email to BI, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign highlighted statements reported by various outlets coming from those inside the administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, that emphasized Biden's commitment to the race.

    "We will not back down. We will follow our president's lead. We will fight, and we will win," Harris told Biden's campaign staff in a call, according to The Times.

    Not every donor agrees with Hastings. Noah Mamet, a former abassador to Argentina during the second Obama administration and a major donor to Biden's campaign, told BI in a text message that he maintains steadfast support for the president and described the attacks against Biden as "self-destructive."

    "President Biden has reinforced he's running for reelection. He knows the stakes. He knows the existential threat that Trump is to the country," Mamet wrote. "Until he says he's not the candidate, we Democrats need to rally around him and work even harder to make sure we win, keep Trump out, and continue to have a democracy after November."

    He pointed to a recent Supreme Court decision that gave the US president the presumption of immunity on "official" actions as an example of what's at stake in this year's election.

    Still, some major donors remain unconvinced that Biden is the best nominee.

    In phone conversations with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, multiple top Democratic party donors have urged for Biden to step aside for another candidate, people familiar with the call told the Post, according to the Wednesday report.

    Hastings has been a major supporter of the Democratic Party in recent years, donating millions to the party during the Trump era.

    According to The Times, he and his wife, Patty Quillin, have donated more than $20 million to the party in the last few years.

    The couple donated at least $1.5 million to support Biden during the 2020 race and $100,000 last year for the 2024 campaign, The Times reported.

    A Biden campaign spokesperson did not address Hastings's public call in their statement to BI.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Considering AFIC shares? Here’s what you’re buying

    A large transparent piggy bank contains many little pink piggy banks, indicating diversity in a share portfolio

    Buying Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (ASX: AFI) (AFIC) shares comes with a lot of different underlying investments.

    Although an individual company, a listed investment company (LIC) invests in other shares for shareholders. Some LICs invest in areas like Asian shares, global shares, or ASX shares.

    AFIC is one of the largest and oldest LICs in Australia and primarily invests in ASX shares. It aims to provide shareholders with “attractive investment returns through access to a growing stream of fully franked dividends and enhancement of capital invested over the medium to long term.”

    Which ASX shares is AFIC invested in?

    The LIC has dozens of holdings, but AFIC tells the market its top 25 holdings every month, which amount to around 80% of the portfolio’s overall value.

    Before getting to the individual names, let’s consider the sector allocations. At 30 June 2024, the business had the following weightings: banks (20.8%), materials (14.3%), healthcare (13.2%), industrials (10.8%), other financials (9.2%), consumer discretionary (7.9%), communication services (6.5%), real estate (5%), consumer staples (4.1%), energy (3.8%), IT (2.7%), and cash (1.7%).

    The AFIC portfolio has a much smaller allocation to banks and miners than its benchmark, the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index (ASX: XJOA), which has a weighting of around 50% to those two sectors.

    I’ll now list each position in the portfolio with a weighting of at least 2%:

    • Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) – 10.1%
    • BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) – 8.1%
    • CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) – 7.8%
    • Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) – 4.7%
    • National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) – 4.6%
    • Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) – 4.6%
    • Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) – 4.1%
    • Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) – 3.6%
    • Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) – 3.5%
    • Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) – 2.4%
    • ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) – 2.4%
    • Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) – 2.3%
    • Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) – 2.3%
    • Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) – 2.3%
    • James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) – 2.2%
    • CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR) – 2.1%

    Many of these stocks are some of the largest and strongest ASX blue-chip shares in Australia, so the portfolio is representative of Australia’s economy.

    AFIC performance

    According to AFIC, its net asset per share growth plus dividends return, including franking, over the past five years was an average of 9.3% per year, compared to 8.7% for the ASX 200 Accumulation Index, including franking.

    Despite that outperformance, at the end of June 2024, the AFIC share price was trading at the biggest discount to the net tangible assets (NTA) of the past decade. That might imply there’s a bargain here.

    The post Considering AFIC shares? Here’s what you’re buying appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited right now?

    Before you buy Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Goodman Group, Macquarie Group, Transurban Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Telstra Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Car Group, and Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Santos share price smashing the benchmark amid new takeover rumours

    A man in a hard hat puts his finger up to say 'number one' in front of an oil mine

    The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price is racing higher today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stock closed yesterday trading for $7.68. In late morning trade on Thursday, shares are swapping hands for $8.16 apiece, up 6.2%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is up 1.08% at this same time, while shares in rival oil and gas giant Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) are up 1.3%.

    So, what’s sending the Santos share price soaring?

    Santos share price takes off on Middle Eastern interest

    ASX 200 investors are bidding up the Santos share price after Bloomberg reported that both Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (Adnoc) are considering lobbing takeover bids.

    Bloomberg noted that Middle Eastern energy companies were looking to increase their international gas exposure, citing people “with knowledge in the matter” who wished to remain anonymous.

    The sources also revealed that “other potential buyers” could be interested in acquiring Santos.

    As yet, there has been no comment from Santos, Adnoc or Saudi Aramco.

    At the current Santos share price, the company has a market cap of just over $26 billion.

    ASX 200 oil company’s near merger with Woodside

    The latest takeover rumours come just six months after Woodside’s acquisition talks came to naught.

    On 7 December, Santos responded to media rumours of the potential Woodside merger.

    The company stated, “Santos confirms it has engaged in preliminary discussions with Woodside regarding a potential merger. Santos continuously reviews opportunities to create and deliver value for shareholders.”

    Between 7 December and 7 February, the Santos share price rallied 15%, with investors expecting Santos would be the bigger beneficiary of any merger.

    But on 7 February, investors learned that the deal was off.

    And Santos shares fell 11% over the following two weeks.

    At the time, Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill said:

    We continue to be disciplined in our approach to mergers and acquisitions and capital management to create and deliver value for shareholders. While the discussions with Santos did not result in a transaction, Woodside considers that the global LNG sector provides significant potential for value creation.

    Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher added, “Following an initial exchange of information, sufficient combination benefits were not identified to support a merger that would be in the best interests of Santos shareholders.”

    Judging by today’s rocketing Santos share price, investors believe a potential merger with one of the Middle Eastern energy giants could well be in the best interest of shareholders.

    However, should any concrete deals materialise, I’ll be keen to see what Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) makes of this.

    The post Santos share price smashing the benchmark amid new takeover rumours appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Santos Limited right now?

    Before you buy Santos Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Santos Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 Scott Phillips.

  • DroneShield share price roars to yet another all-time high in 2024 surge

    A silhouette shot of a man holding a control in his hands and watching as a drone hovers overhead with sunrays coming from the sky.

    The DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) share price has surged to another new all-time high in early trade on Thursday. At the time of writing, the stock is around 4% higher, swapping hands at $1.98 apiece.

    This marks yet another all-time high since April for the counter-drone technology company, extending its rally to a staggering 440% this year to date.

    Just 12 months ago, in July 2023, investors valued the DroneShield share price at around 30 cents per share. The stock has since increased in multiples since then. Let me explain.

    Why is the DroneShield share price soaring – again?

    Investors continue showing strong interest in the DroneShield share price. This has been driven by a series of positive developments, including the company’s financial results.

    The most recent catalyst was an announcement on 20 June. DroneShield advised it had secured a $4.7 million order from a “non-government Swiss international customer”.

    DroneShield will provide multiple vehicle-based counter-drone (C-UxS) systems – it’s flagship technology – to this customer.

    This will also offer protection for VIP personnel and convoys in what are known as “On-The-Move (OTM)” missions.

    According to the US Army Corps, OTM missions are typically used in military operations, where communication is required whilst continuously moving. Given the nature of these missions, highly specialised equipment is needed. DroneShield’s technology was chosen in this instance.

    CEO Oleg Vornik – who has made some seemingly bullish comments in recent weeks, including the prospect for growth to $500 million in annual revenues – was “excited” about the new customer.

    Investors were excited too, driving the DroneShield share price to another record soon afterwards. The trend continues today.

    Significant contracts and revenue growth

    DroneShield’s drone detection and disablement technology has attracted global demand. For instance, in Q1 FY 2024, revenues were up 900% year over year to $16.4 million.

    This extraordinary growth was fuelled by several contract wins. This includes a $5.7 million repeat order from a US Government customer and the first counter-small UAS procurement framework agreement from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).

    DroneShield has also successfully raised capital in 2024 to support its growth. In April, it completed a share purchase plan, raising $15 million from investors. It was heavily oversubscribed.

    It then completed a share placement and raised $30 million by selling around 38 million shares at 80 cents each. Already, these investors have locked in sturdy gains.

    What’s next for DroneShield?

    Analysts are optimistic about what’s in store for the DroneShield share price. Bell Potter rates DroneShield shares a buy, forecasting $97 million in sales and $24.4 million in earnings for FY24.

    CEO Oleg Vornik is even more bullish, as mentioned. But it looks as if investors are the most optimistic. The 4-week average trading volume in DroneShield is over 12.03 million shares, equal to around 1.5% of its entire share float.

    Additionally, recent price gains of other aerospace and defence stocks such as AML3D Ltd (ASX: AL3) suggests that investors are paying close attention to the broader space.

    DroneShield continues to be a standout performer on the ASX. Investors are buoyed by the company’s strategic contract wins. The stock has climbed more than 730% into the green over the past 12 months.

    The post DroneShield share price roars to yet another all-time high in 2024 surge appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Droneshield Limited right now?

    Before you buy Droneshield Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Droneshield Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield. 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 Scott Phillips.