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The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price is once again back in focus. This follows a difficult few years for the company, starting with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and ending with a series of headlines that coincided with former CEO Alan Joyce’s departure.

But 2024 has been a different year for the airline. Since January, the Qantas share price has rallied nearly 16% into the green, bouncing from lows of $5.01 on 6 March to trade at $6.22 apiece before the open on Friday.

Based on market dynamics and analysts’ insights, I believe Qantas could trade above $8.00 per share by the end of FY 2025. Let me explain.

Why Qantas shares could be a buy

After an earnings slump spearheaded by the pandemic, Qantas looks well-primed to grow over the coming years.

Goldman Sachs recently added the Qantas share price to its “Asia-Pacific conviction list” for June.

It notes the airline could produce earnings per share (EPS) of 85 cents and 96 cents per share in FY 2024 and FY 2025, respectively. This is “materially ahead” of the 57 cents per share booked in 2019.

The broker also says Qantas looks undervalued compared to its peers. At the time of writing, it trades at a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 6.7 times versus an average of 9.1 times for its regional and US competitors.

According to Goldman analyst Niraj Shah, this, and exceptional forecasted earnings growth, place Qantas on the runway for liftoff.

“Despite a higher fuel price and ongoing customer experience investment, Niraj forecasts [profit before tax] to be 51% above pre-COVID in FY24E and 61% higher in FY25E”, the broker says.

This uplift reflects the group’s A$1bn+ cost out program (rather than simply elevated yields/unit revenues that are arguably more cyclical). FY25E unit revenue assumptions reflect growth of only 3.0% p.a. vs pre-COVID, based on capacity setting that is largely consistent with pre-COVID levels.

Goldman has set a target of $8.05 apiece on the Qantas share price, implying a potential upside of 29% from today’s value.

According to CommSec, 13 out of the 16 brokers covering the airline rate it as a buy, three as a hold, and 11 rate it as a “strong buy.”

Catalysts for Qantas share price

I cannot ignore Goldman’s 61% projected growth in pre-tax earnings for the company. But there are other catalysts worth mentioning.

The broker also suggests three potential tailwinds for the Qantas share price. First, “positive trading updates on operational performance” could be a factor. This reflects things like customer satisfaction, running times, and so forth.

This year’s annual financial results could also add a thrust of buying power into the stock. Goldman reckons the numbers will show “sustainably” better earnings.

Finally, it suggests that investors should listen to management’s commentary on FY 2025 and look for any positive takeouts, especially regarding dividends.

In fact, Qantas has announced an increase in its on-market share buyback by up to $400 million. Over FY 2025-2027, Goldman expects total capital returns of $1.6 billion — including $1.2 billion in dividends. This is a fourth catalyst for its share price, in my view.

Why Qantas shares are still cheap

Despite the broader market’s rise, Qantas shares remain attractively valued. Currently trading at a P/E ratio of 6.7, they are significantly cheaper compared to the iShares S&P/ASX 200 Index ETF (ASX: IOZ)’s P/E of 18.

This tells us investors are paying much less for each dollar of Qantas’ earnings.

If Qantas hits the projected EPS of 96 cents in FY 2025 and the P/E remains unchanged at 6.7, this implies a price target of $6.80/share (6.7 x 0.96 = $6.80).

But Goldman believes this multiple will converge to the peer average of 9.1 times, as Qantas delivers “earnings that are sustainably above pre-COVID levels” and potentially returns capital to shareholders. I can’t say I disagree.

If it does increase to the 9-times multiple and Qantas hits EPS of 96 cents, this implies a value of $8.64 per share (9 x 0.96 = $8.64). I believe the Qantas share price could push to this mark by the end of FY 2025. 

Promising future for Qantas

Given the combination of operational efficiency, strong earnings forecasts, and dividend potential, I think Qantas share price has a bright future. Broker estimates support that the Qantas share price could end FY 2025 above $8.00 per share.

As always – consider your own personal financial circumstances.

The post Here’s where I see the Qantas share price ending in FY 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Qantas could be one the best shares to buy in the Asia-Pacific
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• ASX 200 shares are still cheap! Here’s one to consider buying now
• Top ASX shares to buy in June 2024

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 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.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have long been a favourite among passive income investors.

That’s because the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank has a stellar record of paying out two fully franked dividends a year. For more than 10 years now.

With the exception of the final dividend in 2020, which was cut roughly in half in the wake of the global pandemic market meltdown, the dividends delivered by CBA shares have also remained remarkably stable around the $2.00 a share range.

In 2018 for example, CBA paid an interim dividend of $2.00 a share and a final dividend of $2.31 a share. That equates to a 12-month payout of $4.31 a share.

Most recently, CBA has paid out a final dividend of $2.40 a share and an interim dividend of $2.15 a share. That equates to a 12-month payout of $4.15 a share.

Again, with the exception of the pandemic year, you’ll find a similar pattern going back more than a decade.

Which goes a long way to explain CommBank’s passive income appeal.

But are CBA shares losing their passive income credentials?

Tapping CBA shares for passive income

As we looked at up top, CBA’s dividend payouts remain quite solid.

In fact, the final dividend of $2.40 per share, which landed in eligible shareholders’ accounts on 28 September, represented a record-high payout.

But here’s the thing.

While CommBank’s passive income stream has remained relatively stable over the past 10 years, the CBA share price has not.

Going back to our 2018 example, the ASX 200 bank stock hit lows of less than $68 a share that year.

Investors who bought the stock at that level will have earned a fully franked dividend yield of 6.3% that year. And shares bought at that price would have returned a yield of 6.1% this year.

But with the CBA share price defying bearish forecasts and instead rocketing to new record highs this week, the passive income stream is looking far more muted.

At time of writing today, CommBank stock has retraced a touch from those record highs to be trading for $124.21 a share.

That sees the stock trading on a fully franked trailing yield of 3.3%.

Of course, it’s not all bad news.

While investors may be earning a significantly lower dividend yield, they have enjoyed some market-beating share price gains.

The CBA share price has surged 30% over the past 12 months. And that’s not including the $4.15 a share in dividends the ASX 200 bank stock delivered.

The post Are CBA shares losing their passive income credentials? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Unstoppable! CBA share price smashes yet another record high
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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.

Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) shares have been on fire over the last 12 months.

The graphics processing units (GPU) developer’s shares have risen over 200% during this time.

This means that you would’ve tripled your money if you had invested this time last year.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a listing for Nvidia shares on the ASX, so if you want to invest you need to invest through a broker that allows you to buy US stocks.

But there is a way to gain exposure to Nvidia indirectly. That is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

But which ASX ETFs allow you to invest in this tech giant? Let’s take a look at three.

BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The hugely popular BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF is the most obvious choice for Nvidia exposure.

It provides investors with easy access to the 100 largest (non-financial) stocks on Wall Street’s famous NASDAQ index.

At present, Nvidia equates to 8.1% of the ETF. This is a touch behind Microsoft at 8.6% and level with Apple.

There are also a host of other world class companies included in this ASX ETF. Which helps to explain why it has risen 28% over the last 12 months.

Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)

Another ASX ETF that allows you to invest indirectly into Nvidia is the Global X Semiconductor ETF.

This fund seeks to invest in companies that stand to potentially benefit from the broader adoption of tech-enabled devices that require semiconductors. This includes the development and manufacturing of semiconductors.

Global X notes that the world’s next generation of innovative technology will require semiconductors to power it, putting the 30 companies in this ETF in a strong position for the future.

Nvidia is far and away the largest holding in the fund with a 13.01% weighting. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturng Co Ltd (NYSE: TSM) is next in line with a weighting of 10.4%.

This ETF has outperformed with a 58% gain over the last 12 month.

Betashares Metaverse ETF (ASX: MTAV)

A final ASX ETF that provides access to Nvidia shares is the Betashares Metaverse ETF.

It aims to track the performance of an index that provides exposure to a portfolio of leading global companies involved in building, developing and operating the Metaverse.

Betashares notes that the Metaverse has been described as the next iteration of the internet that seamlessly combines our digital and physical lives.

Nvidia is the largest holding in the fund with a weighting of 9.5%. Next in line are Meta Platform at 5.6% and Nintendo at 5.4%.

This ETF is up 36% since this time last year.

The post 3 popular ASX ETFs that own Nvidia shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nintendo and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Goldman Sachs has just taken Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR) off its “sell list”, upgrading the ASX tech share to a neutral rating.

The upgrade highlights Dicker Data’s defensive revenues and strong balance sheet, among other points. At the time of writing, shares in the ASX tech player are swapping hands at $9.44 apiece.

Let’s take a look at why the broker has made its decision.

Why Goldman upgraded this ASX tech share

The broker decided to upgraded the ASX tech share from its bearish view to a more neutral stance for three main reasons.

One, Goldman’s analysis indicates the company’s significant backlog headwinds are expected to ease. It sees this with a potential for a PC market recovery in the second half of 2024.

Secondly, despite softer revenue, Dicker Data is growing operating margins. The earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin increased from 4.4% to 4.8% this year. This is thanks to strategic acquisitions, Goldman says.

It says the ASX tech share “has executed well” on improving margins in the “volatile revenue environment across 2020-24”. This could help grow earnings per share (EPS) moving forward.

DDR’s high margins relative to peers, strong balance sheet and tight inventory management place
the company in a position to capitalise on market share opportunities as they arise.

Finally, the broker says Dicker Data is now fairly valued relative to distributor peers. It currently trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 20 times. At this valuation, Goldman says the risk-to-reward is “now balanced” for the company.

Since adding DDR to the Sell list on Jan 28, 2024, [Dicker Data] is down 23% vs ASX300 +1%, with the shares looking fairly valued vs distributor peers at ~19x NTM P/E vs ~23x at the time of downgrade.

The broker has a price target of $9.85 per share on the ASX tech player, around 4% upside at the time of writing.

What’s next for Dicker Data?

Goldman Sachs acknowledges Dicker Data’s challenging near-term revenue environment. The broker adjusted its revenue forecasts downwards for FY 2024/25/26 as “a more realistic assessment” of this.

The ASX tech share reported FY 2023 sales growth of 5.6% to $3.3 billion. It pulled this to net profit after tax (NPAT) of $82 million, up 12.5% year over year.

Dicker Data is “tracking flat” on this result, Goldman says, but there could be a tailwind if it sells through inventories this year.

“As supply chain challenges have resolved, DDR may be able to run down its inventory balance and generate higher free cash flow than expected, taking pressure off the balance sheet”, the firm said.

The ASX tech share has been heavily sold this year. It’s more than 20% in the red since January. Over the last 12 months, it has held onto a 12% gain.

The post ‘Better outlook’: Goldman just upgraded this ASX tech share appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Beach Energy, Life360, Viva Leisure, and Wildcat shares are dropping today
• Here’s where I see the Qantas share price ending in FY 2025
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• 3 popular ASX ETFs that own Nvidia shares
• 3 ASX shares with high insider ownership

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 Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Dicker Data. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

As a long-time investor, I consider many factors when analysing ASX shares. I try to understand business models and industries, analyse financial health and valuation, and think about growth potential, competitors, and more.

Another crucial factor for minority shareholders is high insider ownership. When insiders, such as executives and directors, own a chunk of the company’s shares, their interests align closely with those of smaller shareholders.

Their personal financial stake in the company’s success often leads to decisions that aim to increase shareholder value.

With this in mind, here are three ASX companies with significant insider ownership that I recommend considering today.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

If you’ve recently undertaken bathroom renovations, you may already be familiar with Reece. As a leading Australian distributor of plumbing, waterworks, and bathroom products, Reece has established itself as a go-to source for quality renovation supplies.

Established in 1920 by H.J. Reece, Reece has grown to become a dominant player in the Australian and New Zealand markets, with a significant presence in the US through its acquisition of MORSCO in 2018.

In 1969, the Wilson family became majority shareholders in Reece and currently owns at least 359 million shares, representing 55% of the company according to the FY23 annual report.

Reece’s business model focuses on maintaining a broad product range, efficient supply chain management, and investing in digital transformation to enhance customer experience.

The company’s revenues have grown from $5.5 billion in FY19 to $8.8 billion in FY23, while net profits after tax (NPAT) have doubled from $202 million to $388 million during the same period.

Reece is a consistent dividend payer, distributing approximately 38% of its FY23 profits to its shareholders, or 25 cents per share. This is equivalent to a dividend yield of 1% at the current share price.

Supply Network Ltd (ASX: SNL)

Supply Network distributes aftermarket parts for commercial vehicles. The company operates through its two main brands: Multispares, which serves Australia, and Globac, which serves New Zealand.

Supply Network provides a wide range of products, including brake, suspension, and engine components, primarily for the truck and bus industries.

It boasts a tight-knit, long-serving board, all with significant shareholdings. According to its FY23 annual report, the company’s directors and senior managers own nearly 18 million shares, representing 42% of the company.

The founder, Greg Forsyth, holds a relevant interest in over 12 million shares, or 28% of the company. He has served as the chairman of the Board since 2010. Managing director and CEO Geoff Stewart has been at the helm since 1999. With an engineering background and more than 30 years of industry experience, he holds around 1.4 million shares.

With strong backing from insiders, the company’s growth has been impressive. Between FY19 and FY23, its revenue doubled from $123.9 million to $252.3 million, as net profits after tax more than tripled from $8.7 million to $27.4 million. The return on average total equity has been high and growing, reaching 40% in FY23.

The Supply Network share price is traded on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 32x based on its trailing earnings over the 12 months to December 2023.

Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME)

Last but not least, Pro Medicus. This is a leading provider of radiology information systems (RIS), picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), and advanced visualisation solutions across the globe.

The company excels in the United States, the largest medical imaging market in the world. Between FY18 and FY23, its revenues quadrupled from $34 million to $127 million, driven by successful market penetration in both Australia and the US.

For instance, the North American region accounted for nearly 80% of its FY23 revenue. Thanks to this remarkable success, its net profits after tax soared from $10 million to $61 million during the same period.

There are many reasons behind this success story. Pro Medicus capitalised on the medical imaging industry’s shift to digital with its innovative and efficient product offerings, positioning itself as a leader in the market.

Above all, however, I think having a solid management team with substantial share ownership was one of the important factors.

As noted in the FY23 annual report, executive key management personnel collectively hold 52.4 million shares, representing 52% of the company. Co-founders Dr Sam Hupert and Anthony Hall maintain a strong influence, each owning 24% of the company.

Dr Hupert co-founded Pro Medicus in 1983 as he recognised the potential for computers in medicine early on. He served as CEO from the company’s inception until 2007, became an executive director, and resumed his role as CEO in 2010.

I must admit its current valuation is eye-watering, with a P/E ratio of 184x based on trailing earnings. However, the good news is that the company’s earnings have been growing at an annual rate of 30% to 40% since FY21. If this growth continues, its future P/E ratio will become more reasonable.

The post 3 ASX shares with high insider ownership appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Kate Lee 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 Pro Medicus and Supply Network. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Supply Network. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Looking to invest in an ASX biotech share with the potential to become the next Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)?

You’re not alone!

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) biopharmaceutical company has been going from strength to strength lately.

Just in the past few weeks, Telix made several announcements that sent the stock soaring.

First it announced positive results from its ProstACT SELECT clinical cancer trial. And just days later it reported on progress on approval for TLX250-CDx, its kidney cancer imaging agent, with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

So, just how well have shareholders in this ASX biotech share been faring?

Well, if you’d bought Telix shares one month ago you’d be sitting on a gain of 20% today.

If you’d bought at the start of 2024, you’d be up 78%.

And if you’d snapped up the ASX biotech share for a bargain $1.05 a share five years ago, you’d have watched those shares surge 1,606%.

Or enough to turn a $5,000 investment into $85,300!

Which bring us to Rory Hunter, portfolio manager of SG Hiscock’s Medical Technology Fund.

The ASX biotech shares that could mimic Telix’s success

The SG Hiscock’s Medical Technology Fund will have done well with its Telix Pharmaceuticals holdings.

According to Hunter (courtesy of The Australian Financial Review):

We originally took a position [in Telix] back in 2019 and chief executive Christian Behrenbruch has delivered on all stated commercial milestones in a timely manner, which is a feat not often achieved among early stage biotechs.

Hunter remains moderately bullish on the outlook for the ASX biotech share. But he noted that in the case of this ASX biotech share, “The easy money has been made.”

And he cautioned that “investors will need to stomach some volatility” with the Telix share price moving forward.

Though, as you can see on the price chart up top, that’s something long-term shareholders in this ASX biotech share should already be well-familiar with.

When asked which stocks his fund holds that have the same explosive potential as Telix or Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU), Hunter pointed to Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6) and Dimerix Ltd (ASX: DXB).

He noted that Clarity Pharmaceuticals could replicate “Telix’s success in radiotheranostics”. While Dimerix could replicate “Neuren’s success in rare diseases”.

He added that with “assets in late-stage development”, Dimerix was a potential M&A target.

Clarity, Hunter added, could also become a potential takeover target for its “exciting and compelling early-stage data”.

The Clarity share price is already up a whopping 575% over 12 months.

The Dimerix share price has run even hotter. The ASX biotech share is up 817% over 12 months.

The post 2 ASX biotech shares that could be the next Telix Pharmaceuticals appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX dividend shares that generate relatively stable profits may deliver more consistent investment income than the broader ASX share market, which could appeal to retirees.

If I were in retirement, I’d want to own stocks that are more likely to continue delivering dividends, even during a downturn. Life expenses continue regardless of what’s happening with the economy.

With that in mind, I think the three ASX shares below are candidates for passive income.

Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS)

Metcash has three divisions – food, liquor and hardware.

With the food division, it supplies IGA supermarkets around the country, and it recently acquired a food distribution business that supplies business customers like cafes, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and so on.

The liquor division supplies various independent liquor chains, such as Cellarbrations, The Bottle-O, IGA Liquor, Porters Liquor, Thirsty Camel, and Duncans.

I believe the food and liquor segments can provide defensive earnings with largely consistent demand.

Its hardware division includes several businesses, including Mitre 10, Home Timber & Hardware and Total Tools. Australia’s growing population helps drive long-term demand for hardware.

The business is committed to a dividend payout ratio of 70% of underlying net profit after tax (NPAT). According to Commsec, the ASX dividend share is predicted to pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 7.8% in FY25.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

This business owns various leading retailers, including Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, Priceline and Target.

Wesfarmers’ biggest profit generators – Bunnings and Kmart – are very well suited to capture market share in the current economic conditions because of their focus on providing customers with value for household products.

The company is investing in new industries, such as healthcare and lithium, that can help diversify and grow Wesfarmers’ earnings for retirees (and all other shareholders).

One of Wesfarmers’ aims is to grow its dividend over time, and it has delivered that since the onset of COVID-19. The FY24 half-year dividend was hiked by 3.4% to 91 cents per share, and the Commsec projection suggests a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.5% for FY25.  

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA owns vast gas pipelines around Australia that transport half of the nation’s gas usage. It also owns other gas-related assets, including gas-powered energy generation. APA has a growing portfolio of renewable energy (solar and wind) and electricity transmission assets.

It has grown its distribution every year since 2004, giving it one of the longest growth streaks on the ASX. The ASX dividend share’s cash flow is increasing over time as more pipelines and other assets are completed or acquired.

APA has guided its payout will be 56 cents per security, which translates into a distribution yield of 6.5%.

The post 3 lower-risk ASX dividend shares for retirees appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Metcash. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Metcash. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX investors woke today to news that the European Central Bank had cut interest rates.

In a broadly expected move, the ECB lowered the official interest rate by 0.25%, taking it from 4.00% to 3.75%. This marks the first easing by the ECB since 2019.

The bank noted that since its council meeting in September “inflation has fallen by more than 2.5% and the inflation outlook has improved markedly”.

Explaining its decision, the ECB stated:

Based on an updated assessment of the inflation outlook, the dynamics of underlying inflation and the strength of monetary policy transmission, it is now appropriate to moderate the degree of monetary policy restriction after nine months of holding rates steady.

But the inflation genie is not yet securely back in its bottle.

The ECB cautioned:

At the same time, despite the progress over recent quarters, domestic price pressures remain strong as wage growth is elevated, and inflation is likely to stay above target well into next year.

Indeed, inflation in the EU in May picked up more than expected with rising wages expected to keep the pressure on rising prices for some time yet. This could see interest rates in the EU remain higher for longer.

Addressing the sticky inflation, ECB president Christine Lagarde said (quoted by The Australian Financial Review), “Inflation is expected to fluctuate around current levels for the rest of the year. It is then expected to decline towards our target over the second half of next year.”

Still, consensus expectations are for the next ECB interest rate cut in September.

But to achieve that, inflation in the EU is going to need to continue to moderate.

According to the ECB:

The Governing Council is determined to ensure that inflation returns to its 2% medium-term target in a timely manner. It will keep policy rates sufficiently restrictive for as long as necessary to achieve this aim.

What does the ECB interest rate cut mean for ASX investors?

There’ll be some ASX companies that could directly benefit from lower borrowing costs in the EU.

But as a whole, ASX investors are waiting to reap some bigger benefits from interest rate cuts by the RBA and the US Fed.

Now the RBA will remain focused on Australia’s own inflationary data. But it’s worth noting that the ECB’s rate cut follows on the Bank of Canada’s 0.25% cut the day before, which brough Canada’s cash rate down to 4.75%.

And with more central banks opting to ease ahead of the US Fed, it could nudge the RBA board in the same direction.

As Doug Porter, chief economist at the Bank of Montreal, said following the Bank of Canada’s interest rate cut:

There is safety in numbers. If central banks see their counterparts heading that way, that gives them some comfort that they’re not completely misreading the situation. I think it does make it easier for other central banks to start cutting too.

European stock markets broadly closed higher on the news. Here in Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.2% in morning trade.

The post European Central Bank cuts interest rates. What does it mean for ASX investors? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT) has been a high-performing fund for several years. An exchange-traded fund (ETF)‘s performance is decided by the underlying companies’ returns, so how the portfolio is constructed is important.

Since its inception in June 2015, the ASX ETF has delivered an average annual return of 15.3%, compared to 14.1% for the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) over the same time period.

While the holdings within the ETF do steadily change, the portfolio is always focused on solid businesses with excellent economic moats that are expected to endure and succeed for many years.

Companies inside the MOAT ETF

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF looks to invest in a portfolio of at least 40 “attractively priced US companies with sustainable competitive advantages”, according to Morningstar’s equity research team.

It currently has 54 holdings across a range of industries. The biggest position in the portfolio right now (with a 3.47% allocation) is Teradyne, and the smallest positions, both with a weighting of 1.04%, are Adobe and Fortinet. There are numerous holdings with a position size of at least 2.25%, which are as follows:

• Teradyne (3.47%)
• Alphabet (3.22%)
• International Flavors & Fragrances (3.06%)
• Rtx (2.99%)
• Tyler Technologies (2.79%)
• Charles Schwab (2.73%)
• Altria Group (2.64%)
• Corteva (2.64%)
• Biogen (2.51%)
• Pfizer (2.48%)
• Transunion (2.45%)
• Allegion (2.43%)
• Campbell Soup (2.42%)
• Medtronic (2.38%)
• Equifax (2.35%)
• Agilent Technologies (2.31%)
• US Bancorp (2.28%)

As we can see, the position size is quite evenly distributed, which reduces the risk of being overconcentrated in any particular stock.

How are stocks selected?

Businesses are only chosen for the MOAT ETF portfolio if they are trading at an attractive price relative to Morningstar’s estimate of fair value. In other words, they only buy a stock if they think it’s much cheaper than they believe it’s actually worth.

The analysts assign an economic moat rating to each of the approximately 1,500 companies under its coverage. For Morningstar, this is where a company has a sustainable competitive advantage that allows it to generate positive earnings for shareholders over an extended period. Only 14% of the companies monitored have a “wide moat” rating.

To earn a wide moat rating, analysts think that the company’s “excess normalised returns must, with near certainty, be positive ten years from now. In addition, excess normalised returns must, more likely than not, be positive 20 years from now.”

There are several different types of moat, including cost advantage, intangible assets (patents, brands, regulatory licenses), switching costs, network effects, and efficient scale.

The investment style seems to be working well – in the five years to 31 May 2024, the MOAT ETF has delivered an average return per annum of 16.2%. Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.

The post Which companies are in the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) portfolio? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Charles Schwab is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. 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 Adobe, Alphabet, Charles Schwab, Fortinet, Tyler Technologies, and U.S. Bancorp. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Biogen, Medtronic, RTX, and Teradyne and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $75 calls on Medtronic, short January 2026 $85 calls on Medtronic, and short June 2024 $65 puts on Charles Schwab. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, Alphabet, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are many cheap stocks available for the Foolish investor who is willing to look. Take telecommunications giant Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), for example. Its shares have taken a hit in 2024 and now trade at $3.55 per share, down from a 52-week high of $4.42 on 21 June 2023.

This decline could present a potential buying opportunity for savvy investors looking for a cheap stock with strong fundamentals. Let’s dig into why Telstra might be a bargain worth considering.

Why is Telstra’s stock cheap now?

Over the past year, Telstra shares have fallen around 18%, underperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by 28%. This isn’t what makes it a cheap stock, though.

The slump has pushed Telstra’s price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio down to 19.7 at the time of publication. Notably, the stock hasn’t traded at this valuation since 2017, when it ended the year on a P/E of 13.4.

For context, the current multiple implies that investors are paying $19.70 for every $1 of the company’s earnings.

This is also a significant drop from its peak P/E of 27 in 2022 and a 16% discount from the three-year average multiple of 23.5 times. This is calculated as the average of the P/E multiples recorded at year-end.

This suggests that the current P/E ratio is on the lower end of its three-year range, making it potentially cheap.

Year	P/E multiple (year-end)
2020	21.5
2021	23.1
2022	25.75
Average Current	23.5 19.7

Allan Gray’s investment chief, Simon Mawhinney, echoes this sentiment. Allan Gray first bought Telstra shares in the first quarter of this year, The Australian Financial Review reports.

Mawhinney believes this is one of the rare occasions in the past decade when Telstra is available at a “not unreasonable price”, thanks to its recent decline.

Do analysts think Telstra is a cheap stock?

Goldman Sachs analysts see substantial income potential in Telstra shares, even amid recent disappointments in its trading updates.

The broker has projected fully franked dividends of 18 cents per share for FY 2024 and 18.5 cents per share for FY 2025, according to my colleague James. At the current share price of $3.55, these projections translate to forward dividend yields of approximately 51% and 5.2% for FY 2024 and FY 2025, respectively.

Goldman Sachs maintains a buy rating on the company with a price target of $4.25 per share.

Auburn Capital also rates the telco giant a buy amid the continued downtrend in its share price. According to my Foolish colleague Tristan, the broker values Telstra even higher at $4.50 per share.

On a trailing earnings per share (EPS) of 17.6 cents per share, this valuation implies a P/E of 25.5 times ($4.50 / 0.176 = 25.5) – equal to a 30% value gap at the time of writing. In my opinion, that makes Telstra a cheap stock today.

Can Telstra trade higher?

The market’s reaction to the news Telstra will cut up to 2.800 jobs in April fanned the flames that were already charring the telco’s share price.

Representing almost 10% of the company’s staff headcount, the job cuts are part of a wider strategic review at the company.

In April, Telstra announced a review of its health division, not ruling out a potential sale of the unit. Before that, in 2021, the firm had revealed plans to cut $500 million in costs by 2025.

Known as its “T25 cost reduction ambition”, the blueprints include a planned $200–$250 million in annual restructuring costs over the next two years.

The job cuts and other strategic moves would reduce costs by $350 million in the coming two years, the company recently said.

It noted:

In addition to starting the reset of Telstra Enterprise, Telstra will reshape some of its internal operations by moving its Global Business Services function into other parts of the business.

This will help simplify processes and empower leaders closest to customers to make more decisions.

Telstra’s efforts in cleaning up the business can’t be ignored, in my view and could be grounds for a change in P/E multiple.

Foolish takeaway

Despite a challenging year, I think Telstra’s current valuation and projected dividend yield could present a compelling case.

Trading at a trailing P/E of 19.7, Telstra’s valuation is compressed compared to its historical averages. It is a cheap stock compared to years past.

Just remember, investing comes with risk. Always conduct your due diligence and consider your own personal financial circumstances.

The post Time to pounce? 1 phenomenal ASX stock that hasn’t been this cheap in a while appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 beaten-up ASX shares fundies love right now
• 3 ASX shares set for dividend increases this year
• Are Telstra shares now a brilliant bargain?
• ‘Undervalued’: 3 ASX 300 shares to buy following significant share price falls
• Buy Rio Tinto and these ASX dividend stocks for 5%+ yields

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.