Tag: Fool

  • 2 top ASX ETFs that offer excellent diversification

    Smiling elderly couple looking at their superannuation account, symbolising retirement.

    The right ASX-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can provide investors with a combination of good diversification and (hopefully) excellent returns.

    While the Australian share market is weighted towards ASX bank shares and ASX mining shares, the international share market includes many companies with global growth ambitions in exciting sectors like technology.

    Some of our ASX ETFs can provide pure exposure to the United States share market, which is home to numerous great businesses. However, it can also be beneficial to have some exposure to the best companies from other countries. That’s why I really like the two exchange-traded funds below.

    Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

    This ETF gives investors exposure to well over 1,000 businesses that are listed across ‘developed’ markets.

    The ETF represents the following countries in descending weighting order: the US, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Hong Kong, Finland, Singapore, Norway, Israel, Belgium, and Austria.

    The VGS ETF certainly ticks the box when it comes to geographic diversification.

    Technology makes up around a quarter of this ETF’s portfolio, with financials (15%), healthcare (11.8%), industrials (11.2%) and consumer discretionary (10.3%) being the other sectors to provide a double-digit weighting.

    Technology companies aren’t guaranteed to always deliver good returns, but that sector is capable of achieving high profit margins and faster revenue growth because of the intangible nature of many of its services.

    I think the VGS ETF’s technology exposure is why it has delivered an average return of almost 13% per annum since November 2014. Having said that, a reminder that we can’t know precisely what the future returns will be.

    Some of the portfolio’s biggest positions include the world’s strongest businesses: Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta Platforms.

    Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

    Investors may wonder if they need exposure to more than 1,000 businesses to achieve an appropriate level of diversification. I’d say probably not, but owning that many shares can help smooth out volatility.

    Why not just own the good ones? Well, everyone may have different opinions on which ones are good.

    The QLTY ETF takes quality metrics into consideration when deciding which stocks to invest in.

    It owns 150 businesses that rank well on return on equity (ROE), debt-to-capital, cash flow generation ability and earnings stability.

    Perhaps unsurprisingly, IT makes up an even bigger allocation in this portfolio (at 35%), while the industrial sector was 18.3% of the portfolio and healthcare was 14.9%, as of 31 May 2024.

    Looking at the country allocations, the US has a smaller allocation in the QLTY ETF (68.7%) than the VGS ETF (72.2%), which means better geographic diversification. Other countries with a sizeable allocation inside the QLTY ETF include Japan, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, the UK and Switzerland.

    Over the past decade, the index the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF tracks has achieved an average return per annum of 15.9%, outperforming the global share market by almost 3% per annum.

    The quality screening process has led to good returns, though that may not always be the case.

    The post 2 top ASX ETFs that offer excellent diversification appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Capital Ltd – Global Quality Leaders Etf right now?

    Before you buy Betashares Capital Ltd – Global Quality Leaders Etf 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 Betashares Capital Ltd – Global Quality Leaders Etf 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 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. 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 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 Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Pilbara Minerals shares: Buy or Sell?

    A man sits in contemplation on his sofa looking at his phone as though he has just heard some serious or interesting news.

    It is fair to say that Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares are having a tough year.

    After being incredibly resilient in the face of falling lithium prices for some time, they have started to crumble in 2024.

    So much so, they are now down over 20% year to date and 35% over the last 12 months.

    Has this created a buying opportunity for investors, or should you give Pilbara Minerals shares a wide berth? Let’s find out what analysts are saying.

    Pilbara Minerals shares: Buy or Sell?

    At the end of last week, the lithium giant announced the results of the pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the expansion of production at the Pilgangoora Operation.

    That study found that production capacity at Pilgangoora Operation could be expanded to more than 2 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) with an estimated capital expenditure of $1.2 billion (-20/+30% accuracy).

    Management estimates that the expansion could create significant shareholder value with a P2000 incremental net present value (NPV) of $2.6 billion and incremental internal rate of return (IRR) of 55%. This is based on the assumption of a long term spodumene 6% price of US$1,500 per tonne, which is ahead of current market prices.

    Goldman Sachs has responded to the update. Unfortunately, it has seen nothing here to change its bearish view on Pilbara Minerals shares.

    As a result, it has retained its sell rating and $2.80 price target on its shares. This implies potential downside of 10% from current levels.

    What did the broker say?

    Goldman wasn’t overly impressed with the P2000 plan. It commented:

    PLS has outlined outcomes of a ‘P2000’ pre-feasibility study (PFS). In line with our Beyond P1000 scenario analysis earlier this year, we see the study result for the next leg of expansion as underwhelming vs. market expectations on a combination of capex, size, and timing.

    The broker also highlights that the expansion is likely to have a major impact on its balance sheet and future dividend payments. It adds:

    PLS had net cash of A$1.4bn at Mar-24, though this higher capex would likely see PLS move to a net debt position through construction with prolonged negative FCF on our lithium price outlook (prolonging uncertainty on the outlook for dividends). PLS expect to partially fund the project with new loan facilities or other sources, where Australian Federal Government financing agencies have provided non-binding Letters of Support for up to A$400mn for the project following this initial engagement.

    PLS also expect to actively engage with selected participants across the battery materials supply chain to explore offtake and partnering opportunities for the expanded production, and has confidence there will be long-term demand for the product, though we reiterate recent new contracts have still been market pricing linked.

    All in all, the broker appears to believe investors should stay away from Pilbara Minerals shares until they trade at much lower levels.

    The post Pilbara Minerals shares: Buy or Sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Pilbara Minerals 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 Pilbara Minerals 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 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 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.

  • Can the Qantas share price keep flying higher in FY25?

    A woman sits crossed legged on seats at an airport holding her ticket and smiling.

    The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price has soared more than 21% since 6 March 2024, as investors become more positive about the ASX travel share again.

    The share market is usually forward-looking, so let’s consider how FY25 is shaping up for Australia’s biggest airline company.

    As expected, travel demand has returned — and boomed — in the couple of years since Australia’s borders reopened after COVID-19 restrictions.

    You’d think Australians might have made up for all the holiday time lost during the pandemic by now, but that’s not what Qantas is seeing. Travel demand, it appears, is in flight mode.

    Strong travel demand continues

    In the Qantas FY24 first-half result, Qantas reported statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $869 million.

    It reported that result in February 2024 and said at the time:

    Travel demand remains strong across all sectors, with leisure continuing to lead and business travel now approaching pre-COVID levels.

    The airline said that “intent to spend on travel among Qantas frequent flyers over the next months remains significantly higher than most other major spending categories.”

    It added that it expected unit revenue to remain stable for domestic flying and continue to normalise for international flying as market capacity returned.

    Qantas developments

    In the last few months, the airline has experienced a number of headline events that may have impacted Qantas shares.

    In April, Qantas added more than 20 million frequent flyer reward seats, enabling members to use more of their Qantas points to book flights to places like London, Tokyo, New York and Singapore. This new offering will be fully launched by the end of the 2024 calendar year, which is within FY25.

    In May, it was announced that Qantas had agreed to pay $20 million to more than 86,000 customers who were sold tickets on flights that Qantas had already decided to cancel or, in some cases, were re-accommodated on flights after their original flights were cancelled. A $100 million ACCC penalty is being imposed on the airline as well. While these payments will be reflected in FY24, they are expected to be paid after the end of FY24.

    The ASX travel share also revealed at the end of May what changes would occur when Perth Airport is expanded, which could lead to more flights and seats. However, this may not affect FY25 much.

    Analyst forecast for the Qantas share price

    The broker UBS has forecast that in FY24, Qantas can generate $21.8 billion of revenue, $2.3 billion of earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), and $1.49 billion of net profit after tax (NPAT). The airline is also expected to pay a dividend per share of 10 cents.

    In FY25, the broker suggests Qantas could grow revenue to $22.1 billion, EBIT could be flat at $2.3 billion and net profit could decline to $1.44 billion. The dividend per share is projected to double to 20 cents per share.

    UBS thinks that if Qantas shares do not experience any negative catalysts, the company could perform for shareholders because of its “single-digit valuation multiple.” According to UBS forecasts, the Qantas share price is valued at under 7x FY25’s estimated earnings.

    The broker’s price target of $7.50 suggests a possible rise of more than 20% in the next 12 months.

    The post Can the Qantas share price keep flying higher in FY25? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Qantas Airways 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 Qantas Airways 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 5 May 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 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.

  • These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

    At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

    This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

    With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

    • Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) continues its long run as the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 20.8%. This is down week on week but still significantly higher than second place. The prospect of lithium prices remaining at current levels for years is spooking investors.
    • IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 13.5% of its shares held short, which is up week on week again. This language testing and student placement company has come under pressure after revealing that it is being negatively impacted by student visa changes in a number of key markets.
    • Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) has 11.3% of its share held short, which is up week on week again. This lithium developer is potentially only a matter of weeks away from commencing production at the Kathleen Valley Lithium Project. Given how low lithium prices are, this may not be the best time to start activities.
    • Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) has short interest of 10.5%, which is up for a seventh week in a row. This appears to have been driven by doubts over the gold miner’s proposed merger with Canada-based Karoa Resources. Nevertheless, Westgold Resources shares are up 76% over the last 12 months.
    • Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA) has short interest of 9.8%, which is up since last week. Short sellers have been going after this lithium miner after it revealed that it is paying more to produce lithium than it receives from buyers.
    • Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has seen its short interest ease to 9.6%. Doubts over its ability to achieve revenue margin expectations could be weighing on this travel agent’s shares.
    • Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX: SYR) has short interest of 9.5%, which is down week on week. This graphite miner is being negatively impacted by weak battery materials prices. This has led to production suspensions and further cash burn.
    • Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX: CHN) has short interest of 9.4%, which is down week on week. This mineral exploration company’s shares are down almost 80% over the last 12 months and short sellers appear to believe further declines are coming.
    • Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX) is back in the top ten with 8.5% of its shares held short. This gas company’s shares have been hammered in 2024 amid disappointment over drilling at the SE-3 well.
    • Australian Clinical Labs Ltd (ASX: ACL) has short interest of 8.4%, which is flat since last week. This health imaging company is expecting to report another sizeable decline in earnings in FY 2024.

    The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Australian Clinical Labs Limited right now?

    Before you buy Australian Clinical Labs 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 Clinical Labs 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 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Idp Education. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Overinvested in Westpac shares? Here are two alternative ASX dividend stocks

    A couple sit in their home looking at a phone screen as if discussing a financial matter.

    Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) is a popular ASX dividend stock because of its large dividends and major market presence in the banking sector.

    In fact, I’d guess some investors have heavily weighted their portfolios to include Westpac and other ASX bank shares like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB). It could be a good idea to diversify.

    I think investing in banks is largely a bet on Australian property. If Aussies have most of their wealth tied up in owning one or more properties, then investing in ASX bank shares as well doesn’t add much diversification to the underlying risks.

    If investors want some dividend diversification, I’d suggest the below two stocks as options.

    GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

    GQG is one of the largest listed fund managers on the ASX. It is headquartered in the United States but expanding to places like Australia and Canada.

    The business is able to achieve a high dividend yield because it’s committed to a dividend payout ratio of 90% of distributable earnings.

    It’s focused on growing funds under management (FUM) through strong investment performance and attracting more funds. The strong returns are helping GQG appeal to investors and get them to allocate more money to the fund manager.  

    GQG reported that its FUM had grown to US$150.1 million as at 31 May 2024 and that it had experienced net inflows of US$9.1 billion in the calendar year to date.

    The ASX dividend stock’s payout has been climbing since it started paying a dividend in 2022. According to Commsec, it’s projected to pay a dividend yield of 8.5% in FY26.

    Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

    I think Universal Store is one of the more impressive ASX retail shares because it has continued to grow its dividend despite challenging conditions.

    It is utilising its brands well to grow its sales and profit. The company is best known for its Universal Store stores which sell premium youth clothes. Universal Store also has a business called CTC, which trades under the THRILLS and Worship brands. It’s also rolling out Perfect Stranger as a standalone format.

    In the FY24 first-half result, Perfect Stranger sales increased by approximately 60% to $6.6 million, helping the company’s total sales rise by 8.5% to $158 million. The statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) rose 16.7% to $20.7 million, showing the company’s scalability.

    The ASX dividend stock’s payout has grown each year since it first started paying a dividend in 2021.

    According to the estimate on Commsec, Universal Store is expected to pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 7.3% in FY24 and 9.25% in FY26.

    The post Overinvested in Westpac shares? Here are two alternative ASX dividend stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Gqg Partners Inc. right now?

    Before you buy Gqg Partners Inc. 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 Gqg Partners Inc. 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 5 May 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 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.

  • This ASX dividend share could pay an 8% yield in 2026!

    Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment or business plan at their office.

    The ASX dividend share Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) may provide a high level of passive income to investors in the coming years for two key reasons.

    Now, Metcash may not be a household name, but the company supports many well-known food and drink retailers in Australia.

    The ASX dividend share supplies IGA supermarkets around Australia and also supplies numerous Independent Brands Australia (IBA) liquor businesses including Cellarbrations, The Bottle-O, IGA Liquor and Porters Liquor. The IBA retail network has more than 1,800 ‘tier one’ bannered stores across Australia and New Zealand.

    Metcash also owns several hardware brands, including Mitre 10, Home Timber & Hardware, and Total Tools. It supports independent operators under the small-format convenience banners Thrifty-Link Hardware and True Value Hardware and a number of unbannered independent operators.

    Due to its exposure to these industries, I think the ASX dividend share can generate fairly resilient profits. In addition, the company’s dividend yield is expected to be high in the next few financial years. Let’s investigate.

    1. High dividend payout ratio

    Every profitable company needs to decide its dividend policy. It can choose to pay a larger or smaller dividend than the previous year, simply pay out a particular percentage of its net profit after tax (NPAT) each year, or not pay a dividend at all.

    Metcash’s board of directors has decided on a healthy dividend payout ratio of 70% of underlying NPAT. I think that’s high enough to deliver a pleasing dividend yield while still keeping some profit within the business to reinvest for more growth.

    According to CMC Markets, Metcash is projected to pay a dividend per share of 21.9 cents in FY26. This translates into an expected grossed-up dividend yield of around 8.25%.

    2. Low earnings multiple

    A higher price/earnings (P/E) ratio can push down the yield, while a lower P/E ratio can lead to a higher dividend yield from an ASX dividend share.

    Metcash usually trades on a relatively low P/E ratio compared to some of its peers.

    The estimates on CMC Markets suggest the ASX dividend share could generate earnings per share (EPS) of 28.1 cents in FY24 and 30.4 cents in FY26. Those numbers would put the current Metcash share price at 13x FY24’s estimated earnings and 12x FY26’s estimated earnings.

    These figures mean Metcash shares are much cheaper than some ASX blue chip stocks. For example, the Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price is valued at 30x FY24’s estimated earnings and the Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price is valued at 24x FY24’s estimated earnings.

    If Metcash can keep growing earnings over the longer term, then the valuation and dividend may appeal to investors.

    The post This ASX dividend share could pay an 8% yield in 2026! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Metcash 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 Metcash 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 5 May 2024

    More reading

    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 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.

  • Prediction: The ASX 300 stock with 50% upside!

    child in superman outfit pointing skyward, indicating a rising share price

    The S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) stock G8 Education Ltd (ASX: GEM) may be a contender to deliver good returns, according to a lead portfolio manager from Wilson Asset Management.

    G8 Education describes itself as one of Australia’s largest providers of quality early childhood education and care. It has more than 400 early learning centres across 21 brands.

    As Oscar Oberg recently discussed in the Australian Financial Review, the childcare centre operator is an ASX 300 share that WAM is most bullish about.

    Reasons to like the ASX 300 stock

    WAM’s Oberg thinks G8 Education shares are the most undervalued by the market.

    He acknowledged the company’s “struggle” with negative earnings per share (EPS) revisions and debt issues over the last decade. The company had even conducted a capital raising during COVID-19 in 2020.

    WAM’s interest in G8 Education was piqued after the company appointed its new CEO, former BIG W managing director Pejman Okhovat.

    According to the fund manager, Okhovat’s strategy for G8 Education was “relatively straightforward.” The company would aim to boost occupancy, stabilise costs, and divest underperforming childcare centres.

    Oberg noted that G8 Education had a “very strong balance sheet” and could buy back between 5% to 10% of the shares on issue.

    WAM’s research suggests this strategy can lead to the ASX 300 stock delivering organic EPS growth of between 10% to 15% each year over the next five years.

    G8 Education share price valuation and upside

    On WAM’s numbers, the G8 Education share price is valued on a forward price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 12 times, which Oberg described as “cheap”.

    The fund manager believes the strong level of organic growth can deliver a re-rating to the G8 Education shares and raise the P/E ratio. It anticipates the G8 Education share price will have a “50% upside” in the next 12 to 24 months.

    WAM’s positivity on the ASX 300 stock gives it a “large weighting” in the portfolio.

    Commentary on the economic conditions

    Oberg also had this to say about current economic conditions (courtesy of AFR):            

    Conditions are quite patchy, especially for small-cap companies. This financial year represents the third year in a row that small caps will underperform the Australian market.

    We do think that the tide will turn as soon as we see interest rates decline, and we saw an example of this from December 2023 to March 2024 where small caps had a great period.

    The post Prediction: The ASX 300 stock with 50% upside! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in G8 Education Limited right now?

    Before you buy G8 Education 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 G8 Education 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 5 May 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 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.

  • Buy these ASX 200 shares that could rise 30%+ before it’s too late

    Investors that are on the lookout for big returns for their investment portfolios might want to check out the two shares named below.

    Here’s what sort of returns brokers are tipping from them over the next 12 months:

    Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN)

    Analysts at Goldman Sachs believe that this airline operator could provide investors with huge returns between now and this time next year.

    The broker currently has a conviction buy rating and $8.05 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $6.09, this implies potential upside of 32% for investors. In addition, it is worth highlighting that Goldman believes that Qantas will bring back its dividend at long last in FY 2025. It is forecasting a 4.9% dividend yield for the financial year.

    Goldman highlights that the Flying Kangaroo’s valuation is still lower than pre-COVID times despite having structurally and sustainably stronger earnings. In addition, it notes that its shares are trading at a sizeable discount to what investors are paying to own US airlines on Wall Street. It explains:

    QAN is trading 4% below pre-COVID market capitalization with the enterprise value still 7% lower despite a structurally improved earnings capacity. Relative to regional/ US peers (median PE of 9.1x), QAN is trading on a 29% discount at 6.4x FY25 PE. This is more than 2x below the historical 5Y average discount of 14%. We expect this gap to narrow as QAN delivers earnings that are sustainably above pre-COVID levels and demonstrates ability/ willingness to distribute capital to shareholders while renewing the fleet.

    Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

    If you are looking for exposure to the gold sector then it could be well worth checking out Regis Resources. It is one of Australia’s largest gold miners with a number of operating mines in Western Australia.

    Bell Potter believes that the company is significantly undervalued at current levels and big returns could be on the cards for investors buying at today’s price. It has a buy rating and $2.80 price target on its shares, which implies potential upside of 54% over the next 12 months. It said:

    As one of the largest ASX listed gold producers, we are attracted to its all-Australian asset portfolio and organic growth options which are unique at this scale. Furthermore, we see key opportunities in the fundamental, medium-term outlook and, in our view, these may also make RRL an appealing corporate target in the current conducive M&A environment.

    The post Buy these ASX 200 shares that could rise 30%+ before it’s too late appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Qantas Airways 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 Qantas Airways 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 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 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.

  • Buy Coles and these ASX 200 dividend stocks

    Cheerful boyfriend showing mobile phone to girlfriend in dining room. They are spending leisure time together at home and planning their financial future.

    If you’re an income investor on the lookout for new portfolio additions, then read on.

    That’s because listed below are three ASX 200 dividend stocks that analysts believe could be quality options for investors right now.

    Here’s what they are forecasting from them in the near term:

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

    Analysts at Morgans think that Coles could be an ASX 200 dividend stock to buy. It is of course one of the big two supermarket operators with over 800 stores across the country. Coles also has a large liquor network comprising almost 1,000 stores across brands such as First Choice and Liquorland.

    Morgans currently has an add rating and $18.95 price target on its shares.

    As for dividends, its analysts are forecasting Coles to pay fully franked dividends of 66 cents per share in FY 2024 and 69 cents per share in FY 2025. Based on the current Coles share price of $17.11, this will mean dividend yields of 3.85% and 4%, respectively.

    Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

    Goldman Sachs thinks that Super Retail could be an ASX 200 dividend stock to buy right now. It is the retail group behind popular store brands BCF, Macpac, Rebel, and Super Cheap Auto.

    The broker currently has a buy rating and $17.80 price target on its shares.

    Goldman is expecting the retailer to offer good dividend yields in the near term. It is forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 67 cents in FY 2024 and then 73 cents in FY 2025. Based on the latest Super Retail share price of $13.89, this will mean good yields of 4.8% and 5.25%, respectively.

    Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

    Over at Morgans, its analysts are also positive on Woodside Energy and see it as an ASX 200 dividend stock to buy this week. It is one of the world’s largest energy producers with high-quality operations across the globe.

    Morgans’ analysts recently stated that they see “now as a good time to add to positions” following the recent underperformance of its shares. The broker has an add rating and $36.00 price target on them.

    In respect to income, its analysts are forecasting Woodside to pay fully franked dividends of $1.25 per share in FY 2024 and then $1.57 per share in FY 2025. Based on its current share price of $27.52, this represents attractive dividend yields of 4.5% and 5.7%, respectively.

    The post Buy Coles and these ASX 200 dividend stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Coles Group 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 Coles Group 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 5 May 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Coles Group and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

    Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking

    On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week on a positive note. The benchmark index rose 0.35% to 7,796 points.

    Will the market be able to build on this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 expected to fall

    The Australian share market looks set to fall on Monday following a mixed finish on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 16 points or 0.2% lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.05%, the S&P 500 edged 0.15% lower, and the Nasdaq dropped 0.2%.

    Oil prices soften

    ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a subdued start to the week after oil prices softened on Friday. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was down 0.7% to US$80.73 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 0.55% to US$85.24 a barrel. This couldn’t stop oil from recording its second weekly gain amid optimism gasoline demand.

    Sell Pilbara Minerals shares

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price remains overvalued according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. In response to news of its P2000 lithium expansion, the broker has reaffirmed its sell rating and $2.80 price target. This implies potential downside of 10% for investors from current levels. The broker commented: “We see the study result for the next leg of expansion as underwhelming vs. market expectations on a combination of capex, size, and timing.”

    Gold price tumbles

    It could be a tough start to the week for ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) after the gold price tumbled on Friday. According to CNBC, the spot gold price was down 1.6% to US$2,331.2 an ounce. This was driven by a stronger US dollar and higher treasury yields.

    Paladin Energy could be takeover target

    ASX 200 uranium producer Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) will be one to watch on Monday. That’s because the miner could potentially be a takeover target for a large industry player according to reports in the AFR. The media outlet has suggested that Canada’s Fission Uranium Corp (TSX: FCU) could have its eyes on the company. Paladin Energy has projects in Africa, Australia, and Canada.

    The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Newmont right now?

    Before you buy Newmont 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 Newmont 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 5 May 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. 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 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.