Tag: Motley Fool Australia

I think Warren Buffett is one of the world’s best investors. Berkshire Hathaway doesn’t pay a dividend, but he likes to invest in shares that do pay a dividend. I think there are some ASX dividend shares that could be worth buying.

Here are some great income ideas that could be worth buying during these coronavirus times:

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) 

Soul Patts is often described as the Australian version of Berkshire Hathaway. It invests in both listed and unlisted businesses & assets.

Some of the ASX shares that it’s invested in include TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM), Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW) and Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV). Some of its unlisted investments include swim schools and agriculture.

Warren Buffett’s preferred holding period for shares is forever. I think Soul Patts is well placed to keep growing for decades to come and it has already been around for over 100 years.

As a bonus it has a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.7%. This dividend has increased every year since 2000. The dividend is purely funded by the investment income it receives, less expenses.

APA Group (ASX: APA) 

APA Group is an ASX energy infrastructure giant. I think Warren Buffett would really like this share because Berkshire Hathaway Energy is one of the US business’ biggest divisions.

It owns a vast network of 15,000km of natural gas pipelines around Australia with a presence in every mainland state and the Northern Territory. It also owns or has interests in gas storage facilities, gas-fired power stations and renewable energy generation (wind and solar farms). APA owns, or manages and operates, a portfolio of assets worth more than $21 billion and delivers half the nation’s natural gas usage.

APA is actually looking for opportunities in the US which would be a good way to strengthen and diversify earnings further.

The energy giant currently offers a distribution yield of 4.4%.

Duxton Water Ltd (ASX: D2O) 

I think Warren Buffett’s share choices and his previous comments show he likes investing in businesses that are ‘essential’ for western life like Apple, energy and insurance.

Water is an integral part of the agriculture process for farmers. Duxton Water provides access to water entitlements which can either be leased for multiple years or it can provide short-term access.

The amount of water that is now leased means Duxton Water’s board has been confident enough to project growing dividends for the next two years.

I calculate that based on the next 12 months of dividends the forward grossed-up dividend yield is 6.25%.

Which Warren Buffett ASX dividend share is best?

I think APA looks fairly priced now, so I wouldn’t call it a buy. Soul Patts is the one with the best dividend record and I believe it’s the one that’s most like Berkshire Hathaway. So Soul Patts would be the one I’d go for as a Warren Buffett ASX dividend share.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares to instantly diversify your portfolio
• 3 ASX 200 dividend shares I’d buy today
• These mid cap ASX shares could grow into large caps in the future
• 2 ASX dividend shares to rescue your income hopes
• Why I think it’s time to buy this ASX 200 share

Tristan Harrison owns shares of DUXTON FPO and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Clover Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of APA Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended DUXTON FPO. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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If you’re in retirement then you’ll no doubt be well aware of how difficult it has become to generate an income from term deposits and savings accounts.

Unfortunately, I suspect it could be many years before we see interest rates at levels that are sufficient to generate a liveable income from.

But don’t worry because there are a large number of shares on the ASX which I believe could be part of a successful retirement portfolio.

Two top dividend shares I think retirees ought to consider are listed below. Here’s why I like them:

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

I would argue that Coles is the best share for a retiree to own right now. This is due to its solid long term growth potential, generous dividend policy, and defensive qualities. The supermarket giant has displayed the latter this year with its strong sales growth during the pandemic. I’m not the only one that thinks Coles is a buy. A recent broker note out of Goldman Sachs reveals that it has Coles on its conviction buy list with an $18.60 price target. This implies potential upside of approximately 21% for its shares over the next 12 months. But just as good, the broker is forecasting a 65 cents per share fully franked dividend in FY 2021. This represents a 4.25% forward dividend yield.

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Another top option for retirees to consider buying is Telstra. Like Coles, I think the telco giant has a lot of the qualities required for a spot in a retirement portfolio. It has defensive earnings, a generous dividend yield, and decent growth prospects. While the latter may be a couple of years away, I think Telstra could return to growth potentially as soon as 2022 when the NBN headwinds ease and its cost cutting takes full effect. In the meantime, I’m optimistic that its free cash flow will be sufficient to maintain its current dividend of 16 cents per share. Though, if a much-speculated cut to 14 cents per share is made in response to the pandemic, its shares will still provide an above-average yield. 16 cents per share equates to a fully franked 5.1% yield, whereas 14 cents per share would be a 4.5% yield.

More reading

• Is the Bega Cheese share price a strong ASX buy today?
• Forget term deposits and buy these top ASX dividend shares
• 2 ASX shares I would buy for growth and income
• Latest ABS data reveals how Australians are responding to COVID-19
• Why Macquarie, Telstra, United Malt, & Westpac are dropping lower

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

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The Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) share price is trading higher today – up 0.26% at the time of writing to $34.96 a share.

Although Altium is trailing the performance of the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) today (which is up over 2%), it’s still been a fantastic few weeks to hold Altium shares. Remember, this is a company that was asking almost $23 just eight weeks ago – meaning an investor that bought in then would be sitting on a healthy gain of almost 50% today.

But is there still room for Altium shares to run?

Here’s why you might (or might not) want to throw $3,000 into Altium shares today.

Are Altium shares a good deal today?

Altium is one of the ASX’s most exciting tech stocks. It’s even part of the most-exclusive WAAAX club of tech market darlings that have captured investors’ attention over the past couple of years.

The company makes and markets software (creatively called Altium Design) that aims to assist electrical engineers with designing and producing printed circuit boards. It sells this software through the highly lucrative Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model as well, which sets the company up very well for strong recurring revenue streams.

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are an essential component of every mildly complex modern electronic device you can think of. Everything from smartphones and TVs to refrigerators and cars are full of PCBs and each one requires a different and unique design. The future possibilities are truly endless, in my view.

Altium has found a brilliant way to exploit this niche with its Design software, which has proved remarkably popular in its field. Altium has long had a goal of hitting 100,000 subscribers by 2025 (for its software, not its YouTube channel), which it looks well on the way to achieving.

But one of the best things about Altium shares in 2020? Its management doesn’t see too much of an impact on its core business from the outbreak of the coronavirus, and subsequent economic shutdowns. In a recent ASX release, the company’s CEO stated:

“At an industry level, electronic design is holding up relatively well in the new environment as engineers use excess time and capacity from the slowdown in manufacturing and supply chain to revert back to prototype designs.”

Although Altium did withdraw its 2020 guidance at the same time, I think the move was more precautionary that foreboding, judging by the above statement.

Foolish takeaway

Altium is a high-growth company that I believe has a bright future ahead of it. It’s a company sitting in a powerful tailwind that should last well into the decade and beyond.

On current prices, I think Altium is a little expensive (with a price-to-earnings ratio of 56.5). But, if you’re a true believer in Altium and have a long time horizon, it still has the potential to be a good investment today, in my view.

More reading

• The ASX big bank stock most likely to outperform in the COVID-19 recovery
• Cochlear share price edges lower on patent infringement news
• 3 ASX shares to instantly diversify your portfolio
• Are ASX 200 travel shares in the buy zone?
• Is the Bega Cheese share price a strong ASX buy today?

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

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So far, Australia’s ability to effectively combat the spread of coronavirus, minimise the impact on our healthcare system and begin rolling back social distancing measures has given the market cause for optimism. This is all great news and gives the Australian economy the best possible chance of rebounding from the crisis as quickly as possible. However, there is still a fair amount of uncertainty on the horizon. The underlying financial impact the coronavirus crisis has had on many companies may not be fully known until they start reporting their results in a few months’ time.

Given all this, it could be a good idea to start fortifying your portfolio with some solid defensive companies, including ASX 200 healthcare shares.

ASX 200 healthcare shares I’d buy today

Healthcare shares tend to perform well even in a crisis, as demand for their products remains robust. And in a healthcare crisis such as the one we are facing, many of these companies see demand for their products surge. Here are 3 companies I believe will deliver strong FY20 results and could insure your portfolio against potential market volatility later this year.

Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX: SHL)

As a global healthcare company specialising in laboratory medicine, including diagnostics and pathology, Sonic Healthcare has been heavily involved in the international fight against coronavirus. It operates in many of the regions hit hardest by COVID-19, including the USA, Germany, the UK and Belgium.

The company officially withdrew its FY20 earnings guidance in late March, citing the uncertain economic conditions caused by the coronavirus across many of its markets. However, in the same update, the company noted that so far this year it has been performing in line with its previously issued guidance. It also acknowledged the frontline role it was playing to combat the pandemic. This includes by testing thousands of patients for COVID-19 as well as continuing to increase its testing capacity in many markets.

Sonic’s share price has rallied strongly since plunging to a 52-week low of $20.06 in late March. Currently trading at a little over $27, however, it is still well short of its pre-coronavirus high of $32.07.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

The share price of ASX 200 healthcare company ResMed was also savaged during the mid-March panic-selling spree. However, after plunging below $20 for the first time since October last year, the ResMed share price rebounded just as quickly. It is currently still up over 15% for 2020 and within touching distance of the 52-week high of $26.66 it recorded prior to the crash.

Based out of San Diego, ResMed specialises in the development of medical devices for the treatment of respiratory illnesses. It ramped up production of its ventilators threefold in the March quarter in order to help treat the mass influx of patients suffering with COVID-19. The company has won contracts with both the US and Australian governments to supply thousands of ventilators.

In its March quarterly update, ResMed reported revenue growth of 16% over the prior year’s comparative period to US $770 million, while net operating profit was up by 39%.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH)

Like ResMed, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare specialises in medical devices for the treatment of acute respiratory conditions. However, unlike ResMed, the company does not produce ventilators. Instead, it manufactures other equipment, including humidifiers, which are still required for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Like ResMed, Fisher & Paykel has ramped up production in order to meet the increased demand brought about by the pandemic.

Fisher & Paykel’s share price has been largely unaffected by the coronavirus pandemic. While most other share prices were plummeting in March, the company’s shares raced to a 52-week high of $31.47. Investors were buoyed by the fact that, in the midst of all the panic-selling, the company upgraded its full year operating revenue guidance to NZ$1.24 billion. Fisher & Paykel also advised its net profit after tax is expected to be in the range of NZ$275 million to NZ$280 million.

More reading

• Why Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Mesoblast, Northern Star, & TechnologyOne are tumbling lower
• I would reinvest my Macquarie dividends in these top ASX shares
• 3 ASX healthcare shares to buy for strong long-term growth
• The next ASX sector in a post COVID-19 earnings upgrade cycle
• How can the ASX 200 soar with rising unemployment?

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

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I’ve been looking at initial public offerings (IPOs) recently to see how you would have fared if you invested in them.

The last one I looked at was Altium Limited (ASX: ALU), which has rewarded its IPO investors handsomely over the last couple of decades. This is even after a few major hiccups over the years.

Today I thought I would take a look at private hospital operator Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC).

Ramsay Health Care.

Ramsay Health Care came into existence in 1964 when founder Paul Ramsay purchased a guesthouse on Sydney’s North Shore called Warrina House and converted it into a psychiatric hospital.

Over the next decade and a half the company expanded its psychiatric hospital business before diversifying into medical and surgical businesses. In 1978 the company built its first surgical hospital – the Baringa Private Hospital in Coffs Harbour.

Fast forward to today and Ramsay is one of the largest healthcare companies in the world with a total of 480 facilities across 11 countries.

The Ramsay IPO.

In September 1997 Ramsay Health Care floated on the Australian Stock Exchange.

Details of the IPO are surprisingly limited, but according to Yahoo Finance, Ramsay’s shares were trading at an adjusted price of $1.15 on September 30 1997.

This means that $10,000 invested into Ramsay’s shares on that date would have yielded you 8,696 shares.

This afternoon Ramsay’s shares are changing hands at $67.22. Which means those 8,696 shares have a market value of almost $585,000 today.

In addition to this, although Ramsay has deferred its dividend for FY 2020 due to the pandemic, in time I expect its dividend to return to normal and then begin its growth trajectory again.

This will be good news to long term investors, because in FY 2019 the company paid dividends of $3.30 per share.

This means those 8,696 shares generated total dividends of $28,700 in FY 2019. Not bad for a $10,000 investment back in 1997!

More reading

• ASX 200 climbs 1% in positive start to the week
• Why the Ramsay share price is climbing
• How to invest $5,000 in ASX 200 healthcare shares today
• 5 ASX 200 winners and 5 losers of the week
• These small cap ASX shares could be stars of the future

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

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The Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) share price is edging lower today as the company announced it has been denied an appeal rehearing in its US patent infringement case.

While the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently storming 1.92% higher on the back of COVID-19 vaccine news, the Cochlear share price is down 2.54% for the day at $184.21.

Previous developments

This morning’s announcement relates to Cochlear’s ongoing court battle with Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research (AMF) and Advanced Bionics (AB).

In November 2018, the US District Court in Los Angeles ruled against Cochlear and awarded damages totalling approximately US$268.1 million to AMF and AB. The company appealed this decision soon after.

Prior to this, the case had been dragging on for years. Back in 2014, a jury found that a group of Cochlear’s implants, sound processors, and software infringed 2 of AMF’s patents. Since then, there have been numerous rulings in favour and against Cochlear.

The result of the appeal of the November 2018 decision was finally handed down in March this year, with the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington D.C. affirming the previous decision. As such, the court ordered the Cochlear to pay the US$268 million of damages to AMF and AB.

At the time of the announcement, the company stated in an ASX release it would “seek an en banc review by the full Court of Appeals in a petition for a rehearing”.

What did Cochlear announce today?

This morning, the company revealed that the US Court of Appeals had denied its petition for a rehearing of the appeal.

The judgement will become final on 26 May 2020 and Cochlear will now pay approximately US$280 million, which includes post-judgment interest. The company noted that it has committed loan facilities available to fund the payment.

Meanwhile, a decision is still pending in the US District Court on AMF and AB’s application for pre-judgment interest of US$123 million and attorney fees of $15 million. Cochlear has opposed both applications and the associated calculation methodology for the amounts.

As there is significant uncertainty over whether Cochlear will be forced to make these payments, the company is treating this exposure as a contingent liability on its balance sheet.

More reading

• The ASX big bank stock most likely to outperform in the COVID-19 recovery
• Should you throw $3,000 into Altium shares today?
• 3 ASX shares to instantly diversify your portfolio
• Are ASX 200 travel shares in the buy zone?
• Is the Bega Cheese share price a strong ASX buy today?

Cathryn Goh has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Cochlear Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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One investment thematic that I’m excited about is the cloud computing boom.

The global public cloud services market is expected to grow materially over the next decade as more infrastructure migrates to the cloud.

I believe this growth means that companies exposed to the cloud computing market could be positioned perfectly to profit.

Two shares which I expect to benefit greatly from this boom are listed below:

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Megaport could be a great way to play this thematic. It is a leading provider of elasticity connectivity and network services through a growing number of data centres globally. Its network as a service offering allows customers to increase and decrease their available bandwidth in response to their own demand requirements. This basically means that customers can ramp up their bandwidth at busy times and reduce it when demand is low.

This is proving very popular with companies that don’t want to be locked into fixed service levels on long-term contracts. So much so, the company recently reported a 10% quarter on quarter increase in revenue to $15.2 million. This was driven by a 6% lift in customer numbers to 1,777 and a 12% jump in total services to 15,531. Also rising strongly was  Megaport’s monthly recurring revenue. It was up 19% quarter on quarter to $5.4 million at the end of March. Given the tailwinds it is experiencing, I believe it is well-placed for further strong growth over the coming years.

NEXTDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Another way to gain direct exposure to the cloud computing market is NEXTDC. It is an innovative data centre operator with world class centres in key locations across Australia. Thanks to the strong demand for data centre services, NEXTDC has been expanding its network at a solid rate over the last few years.

And with the cloud market expected to continue growing materially for many more years to come, demand for space in its centres looks set to maintain its upwards trajectory. Another positive is that the company has consistently been making its operations more efficient by generating greater revenue per square metre and megawatt over the last few years. I’m confident there will be more of the same in the coming years, which should drive strong earnings growth as it scales.

More reading

• These ASX 200 shares are up over 40% in 2020
• Why I would buy these exciting ASX growth shares right now
• Why a buy and hold strategy for ASX shares is best
• Should you invest in super or your ASX share portfolio?
• The smartest ASX shares to buy if you have $2,000

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

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The coronavirus crash the ASX has gone through in 2020 has, so far, proved many things. But one of the most pertinent (in my view) is the importance of having a diversified and risk-adjusted portfolio.

A portfolio of ASX shares is always open to attack from so-called ‘black swan’ events; occurrences (like the coronavirus) which no-one can predict or plan for. For example, having a portfolio with large exposure to travel-related shares might not have raised too many eyebrows in 2019. But in 2020? It’s a different story.

So here are 3 ASX shares that I think anyone can add to their portfolio and instantly see increased diversification and a debasing of concentrated risk.

MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF)

MFF Capital is a Listed Investment Company (LIC) that holds a portfolio of predominantly US-based shares. Some of these include MasterCard, Visa, Home Depot, Wells Fargo, and Microsoft, but overall MFF holds around 20 companies.

Just by buying shares of MFF, you are getting exposure to this diversified portfolio of US shares – something that will instantly increase your own portfolio’s diversification. Most ASX share portfolios are underweight in US and international shares as well, so this company is an easy way to increase your geographical exposure.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson & Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)

‘Soul Patts’ is one of the best shares on the ASX in my view. The company is very old, having listed on the (then) Sydney Stock Exchange back in 1903 as a chemist. Today, Soul Patts has well and truly branched out from pharmacies and now owns significant chunks of a variety of quality ASX businesses. These include TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM), Brickworks Ltd (ASX: BKW), BKI Investment Company Ltd (ASX: BKI), and New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC).

Thus, I think Soul Patts is a great company to hold for broad exposure to the Australian economy. It might also be a strong alternative to an S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO)-based ETF for any investor not keen on heavy exposure to ASX banks and miners.

iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)

This ETF holds nothing more or less than the 100 largest companies within the advanced economies of the world. It’s dominated by US shares like Apple, Alphabet, and Amazon, but also has companies like Toyota, Nestle, and Samsung to spice things up.

All of the companies in iShares Global have got to where they are today by being highly successful in their fields. Whilst large companies do fail, I still think that size gives a lot of safety, especially in these uncertain times. As a result, I don’t think any investor can go wrong by including this ETF in a well-balanced portfolio.

More reading

• Are ASX 200 travel shares in the buy zone?
• Is the Bega Cheese share price a strong ASX buy today?
• ASX 200 storms 2% higher: Big four banks jump on COVID-19 vaccine news
• This ASX 200 tech share is sinking 5% lower after its half year update
• 3 ASX 200 dividend shares I’d buy today

John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Teresa Kersten, an employee of LinkedIn, a Microsoft subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Alphabet (A shares), Magellan Flagship Fund Ltd, Mastercard, Visa, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Amazon, Apple, Mastercard, Microsoft, and Visa and recommends the following options: long January 2021 $85 calls on Microsoft, short January 2021 $115 calls on Microsoft, short January 2022 $1940 calls on Amazon, and long January 2022 $1920 calls on Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Amazon, Apple, and Mastercard. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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On Monday I looked at three ASX shares that brokers have given buy ratings to this week.

Unfortunately, not all shares are in favour with them right now. Three that have just been given sell ratings are listed below.

Here’s why these brokers are bearish on them:

Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ)

According to a note out of UBS, its analysts have retained their sell rating but lifted the price target on this airline operator’s shares to 60 New Zealand cents (55.5 Australian cents). The broker now expects Air New Zealand’s cash burn to be less severe than previously expected. However, the full extent of its cash burn will depend on how quickly travel markets return to normal. In light of this, it sees no reason to change its rating at this stage. The Air New Zealand share price is trading at $1.16.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

A note out of Goldman Sachs reveals that its analysts have reiterated their sell rating and $56.40 price target on this banking giant’s shares. Goldman remains bearish on Commonwealth Bank due to its strong deposit franchise. It believes this leaves it more vulnerable to the medium term impact of lower rates. In addition to this, it notes that the bank has the highest exposure to more competitive mortgages and its CET1 ratio is softening. Combined, it doesn’t believe the bank deserves to trade at such a premium to its peers. Commonwealth Bank’s shares are changing hands at $60.30 today.

National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR)

Another note out of Goldman Sachs reveals that its analysts have put a sell rating and $1.56 price target on this storage provider’s shares. The broker believes that trading conditions will remain challenging due to economic uncertainty. Especially given the prospect of higher unemployment. Goldman expects National Storage to post a 15% decline in underlying earnings in FY 2020 and then a 2% decline in FY 2021, before rebounding 9% in FY 2022. National Storage’s shares are trading at $1.71.

More reading

• How to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares today
• 4 ASX 200 shares exposed to a fall in house prices
• The newspaper killers: 3 ASX 200 online classifieds shares dominating the market
• Forget term deposits and buy these top ASX dividend shares
• 3 industries that may never recover from COVID-19

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

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The Baby Bunting Group Ltd (ASX: BBN) share price is surging higher today after the retailer provided a business update. At the time of writing, Baby Bunting shares are trading 14.98% higher for the day at $3.07 on the back of continued sales growth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Online sales boom

This morning, Baby Bunting provided an update on its business performance during the second half of FY20. From the period between 30 December 2019 and 17 May 2020, the company posted total sales growth of 13.2% and comparable-store sales growth of 8.1%. Meanwhile, online sales in this period represented 17.3% of total sales – an impressive 66% jump compared to the prior corresponding period.

On a year-to-date basis, total sales growth is 10.3% while comparable-store sales growth comes in at 3.4%. Baby Bunting noted this sales performance reflects the less discretionary nature of the baby category.

Breaking down online sales further, the company saw online sales increasing from 12.4% of all sales before 23 March 2020 to 22.4% of sales through the following 2-month period to 17 May 2020. This represents an increase in online sales of 121% during this period, year over year.

Baby Bunting’s click and collect service is also proving to be a popular option, with around 42% of all online orders ending up as click and collect transactions at its stores.

However, the company noted that online sales have lower gross margins due to higher freight fulfilment costs compared to in-store sales.

All stores remain open

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, all Baby Bunting stores have remained open but the company has adapted to the various social distancing and hygiene measures.

According to today’s release, individual store performance has been mixed, while stores located in shopping centres and selected stores in Victoria and New South Wales have been affected by lower foot traffic.

In terms of buying trends, CEO Matt Spencer said there was strong initial demand for lower margin consumable products, such as baby wipes and nappies. As the lockdown period progressed, the company experienced a ramp-up in purchases of products for the nursery, including cots, furniture, toys, and bedding. Now that restrictions are beginning to be eased, demand for travel-related products, such as prams and car seats, has started to recover.

Capital expenditure program

In anticipation of future cash flow pressures, Baby Bunting introduced a prudent cost management program in March and April. However, now that the impact of COVID-19 on financial performance has become clearer, the company has decided to recommence capital expenditure that had previously been paused.

These costs are largely associated with the roll-out of the new brand across the full store network. The new brand features a more contemporary and gender-neutral logo and the roll-out is expected to be completed by the end of Q1 FY2021.

What’s next for Baby Bunting?

On 23 March, Baby Bunting withdrew its FY20 earnings guidance due to the uncertain nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the stellar sales result, the company notes that it remains difficult to anticipate consumer behaviour and the associated effect on sales, gross margin, and expenses. Therefore, no guidance will be provided for FY20.

The back end of the financial year (ending 30 June 2020) is traditionally Baby Bunting’s largest and most important promotional period.

Importantly, the company highlighted that its balance sheet remains strong with approximately $35 million in undrawn debt facilities.

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

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