Tag: Motley Fool Australia

Is the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) share price a buy? It’s down 42% since the Australian share market started declining.

The Australian banking sector has been turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic.

Between all of the big ASX banks like ANZ, National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), they have already provisioned billions of dollars for the economic impacts of the coronavirus. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is yet to announce its own estimated pain.

In the recent half-year ANZ result announced that statutory profit after tax was down 51% to $1.55 billion. Cash profit was down 60% to $1.41 billion. The decline was driven by credit impairment charges of $1.67 billion which included increased credit reserves for coronavirus impacts of $1.031 billion.

Clearly bank investors had mostly been expecting something like this because the ANZ share price is currently down 41% to $16 today and on 23 March 2020 it had plunged to around $14.

Was it the right call to defer the ANZ dividend?

I think it was. In my mind it’s a much wiser move to defer the dividend and not do a capital raising at a dilutive share price. We’re still early into this whole situation. The economic fallout could last a lot longer than just the length of government restrictions.

On the economic side of things it’s good the Australia is in a position where lockdowns can start to be lifted. But a lot of industries are still being heavily disrupted. ANZ can’t truly say yet how much bad debts it will face because the situation is changing every week.

If it turns out better than expected than ANZ may still be able to pay a dividend later in the year. ANZ could also decide not to pay a dividend at all, depending on what happens.

Is the ANZ share price a buy?

If you believe the worst of the economic pain is already known then perhaps the ANZ share price is a buy. It’s already fallen a lot – how much further could it fall?

I’m not sure it’s good to buy yet though. I’d want to wait a few months to see what happens next. It could stay at this lower level for some time. There’s a chance that the market is feeling a bit too confident about the rest of 2020. I wouldn’t buy it thinking profit and dividends will resume quickly. Low interest rates are here to stay for at least a few years.

More reading

• Reality bites: Broker warns CBA shares to underperform this week
• Why Advance Nanotek, Macquarie, Tyro, & Zip Co shares are charging higher
• How Macquarie Group is vying to unseat CBA
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: New ASX bull run continues
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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

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The Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) share price has popped today after the Westfield owner gave a market update to investors before the bell this morning.

Scentre shares closed at $2.22 on Friday afternoon, but opened at $2.26 this morning and are sitting at $2.28 at the time of writing – a 3.18% bump.

Scentre cancels interim dividend

Well, let’s get the bad news out of the way first: Scentre has officially cancelled its 2020 interim dividend distribution. Here’s how the company justified its move in the ASX release this morning:

“Given the uncertainty regarding the pandemic, its duration, the economic impact and the timing of operating cash flows for the Group, the Group has determined to not pay an interim distribution for the Half Year period ending 30 June 2020. The Group believes that retaining this capital will further strengthen its financial position and ability to continue to deliver long term returns to its securityholders.”

Although this was a move most investors had braced themselves for, it will no doubt still be a painful pill to swallow. Many investors buy into REITs (real estate investment trusts) like Scentre for dividend/distribution income, so the absence of this income from Scentre shares isn’t negligible.

What else did Scentre tell us?

You may have noticed that the Scentre share price has risen substantially today, so the news out of this REIT can’t be all bad. Scentre did also inform the markets that its capital position was healthy with increased liquidity to $3.1 billion, and it has managed to retain its ‘A’ grade credit rating.

The company also told markets that 57% of its retail tenants, representing 70% of the gross lettable area, remain open, with “more retailers scheduled to reopen over the coming weeks”.

Scentre also noted that “as more retailers have reopened, we have seen an increase in customer visitation in recent weeks and most significantly over this last weekend there was double the level of visitations from 5 weekends ago”.

All of these developments point to Scentre recovering once restrictions are lifted across the coming months, and it might not look like the retail apocalypse for the company that many feared a few months ago.

This is reflected in the current Scentre share price, which although is still a long way away from the ~$4 levels we were seeing early in the year, is still far above the $1.35 low we saw in March.

The next few months will still be crucial for this ASX REIT, however, and we shall have to see how this company pulls itself out of the woods when the coronavirus is, at last, behind us.

More reading

• Are ASX retail shares undervalued today?
• 3 ASX shares to buy as a beginner
• Is there long-term value in ASX REITs?
• Increase your income with $5,000 in ASX shares
• Some ASX shares will never be the same again

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

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The Ophir High Conviction Fund (ASX: OPH) released its April report this morning and provided investors with an update on its portfolio and its market view.

Have share markets gone too far?

Ophir notes that share markets have rebounded very strongly from their March lows.

This is despite the impending release of “the worst economic data the world has seen since the Great Depression” over the next few months. This data will include the “sharpest falls in GDP, the highest unemployment and the largest contraction in corporate earnings in many countries.”

However, the fund manager believes things are very different to the 1930s.

It explained: “Unlike the Great Depression though, it is our opinion that this crisis is likely to be much shorter, though there will likely be some lasting impacts on consumer behaviour.”

The fund manager warned that it is difficult to predict how the market will react to the upcoming economic data. However, as it is a long-term focused investor, it isn’t being put off and remains heavily invested.

Furthermore, it notes that this crisis is “as much about ascertaining what long term changes we might see in consumer buying behaviour as it is about avoiding the immediate losers.”

Which leads us on to Ophir’s portfolio update. The Ophir High Conviction Fund’s investment portfolio returned +12.1% during April.

Key drivers of its return were payments company Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT), artificial intelligence company Appen Ltd (ASX: APX), and gold miner Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN).

This was offset slightly by the underperformance of shares such as private health insurer NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF) and medical device company ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD).

Ophir notes: “Both Resmed and NIB Holdings suffered some payback in April for being two of the only 25 stocks in the ASX300 that went up in March. Both have been significant outperformers since the onset of COVID-19.”

Should you be investing in the share market?

I think Ophir is spot on with its assessment. Over the next few months we are likely to see some horrific economic data, but I remain confident the recovery will be far swifter than the Great Depression.

In light of this, I think investors ought to continue investing in the share market. And particularly companies which are continuing their growth unabated during the pandemic such as Afterpay and Appen.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 pandemic winners and 3 losers
• Buy these 4 ASX shares to survive the pandemic
• These ASX shares booked the biggest gains last week
• These ASX 200 shares are up over 1,000% in just 3 years
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: New ASX bull run continues

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO and Appen Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended NIB Holdings Limited and ResMed Inc. 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is continuing its fine form of recent weeks today and is up 1.24% at the time of writing to 5,457.7 points. Since the lows we saw in March, the ASX 200 has now rallied well over 20%, meaning we are in a new bull market for ASX shares once more.

But one investor not popping the champagne right now is David Pace – co-founder of Greencape Capital.

According to reporting in the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Pace is calling time on the current bullish sentiment defining ASX shares, saying “the days of market gains are numbered, and investors should prepare for another sell-off”.

Calling the performance of the ASX 200 over the past 6 weeks as an “inevitable rally” over the reopening of sections of the Australian economy, Pace is worried about this euphoria wearing off as the “economic reality sets in”.

“I’m not expecting the upswing to continue,” the AFR quotes Pace as stating. “If we are in some form of social distancing for the rest of the year – and it might be as profound as we are currently experiencing – there are parts of the economy that will struggle.”

Should ASX investors be worried today?

Mr Pace’s comments should certainly be appreciated in my view. Greencape Capital has long been a successful fund manager on the ASX and Pace is certainly an experienced hand at markets.

However, Pace is not selling everything and walking away. More recently, Greencape is looking to load up on shares that Pace sees as having a high chance of coming out the other side of coronavirus stronger than before: “Our bias is backing better-than-average people in better-than-average businesses”.

Pace names Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL), James Hardie Industries (ASX: JHX) and Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) as top stocks Greencape considers under this label.

However, Pace does dispense a word of caution: “We are cautious not to overdo it. We are wanting to see some proof statements about what the other side looks like”.

“It’s a sea of uncertainty right now and that’s not a wonderful backdrop for putting down money unless you’re getting bargain-basement prices,” he added.

Foolish takeaway

Whether the markets go higher from here or we do see another market crash, I think investors should stick to their strategy regardless. In my view, investing in quality businesses but also keeping some cash on the side is a great playbook you can use to hedge your bets either way.

More reading

• Webjet share price jumps 25%: Is it good value?
• Is the Woolworths share price a buy?
• 3 ASX 200 pandemic winners and 3 losers
• ASX 200 storms 1.2% higher: Cochlear reports 60% sales decline, Webjet jumps 22%
• 3 ASX 200 shares to watch this week

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has started the week off in sensational form. In afternoon trade the benchmark index is up 1.2%.

While the majority of shares on the index are pushing higher, none have pushed as hard as the Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price on Monday.

The online travel agent’s shares were up as much as 25.5% to $3.68 this morning. When its shares hit that level, they had gained an impressive 36% over the last two trading days.

Why is the Webjet share price rocketing higher?

Investors have been buying Webjet and fellow travel agent Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) (up 9% today) following the announcement of the Federal Government’s 3-step plan to reopening Australia.

While step one will have a small benefit to travel agents, as intra-state travel is being encouraged in some states, the third step is the one which could give them the biggest short term boost.

If Australia avoids a spike in infection rates as restrictions ease, state governments look set to push ahead with the second step in June and then the third step in July.

That third step is likely to include the opening of borders to allow interstate travel once again, which would be a major boost to the local tourism industry.

In addition to this, there’s the potential for a trans-Tasman travel bubble being opened up later this year allowing travel between Australia and New Zealand. This would be another much needed boost for Webjet and its industry peers.

But whether this level of travel will be enough to make Webjet’s operations profitable in the near term is difficult to say. Though, with the company recently raising $346 million via an equity raising and reducing its costs down materially, it looks well-positioned to come out of the crisis in a strong position.

Should you invest?

While I think things are looking a lot more positive for Webjet, I feel its shares are deceptively expensive at this point and wouldn’t be in a rush to invest.

Based on FY 2019’s net profit of $60.3 million, Webjet’s shares are changing hands at 20x earnings.

I’m not overly confident Webjet will deliver a profit of that level again until FY 2023. Which begs the question, do you want to pay 20x FY 2023 earnings for Webjet’s shares? I think better value options are available elsewhere on the market.

More reading

• Is this ASX 200 share market recovery “fool’s gold”? This ASX fundie thinks so
• Is the Woolworths share price a buy?
• 3 ASX 200 pandemic winners and 3 losers
• ASX 200 storms 1.2% higher: Cochlear reports 60% sales decline, Webjet jumps 22%
• 3 ASX 200 shares to watch this week

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

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The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price has fallen 4.40% lower in 2020, but could it be back in the buy zone today?

Why the Woolworths share price could be a buy

The Aussie retailer’s shares had a reasonably strong start to the year and hit a new 52-week high of $43.96 in late February. That was the peak for most ASX 200 shares before entering a bear market in February and March. 

The Woolworths share price has since fallen 20.95% from that 52-week high to $34.75 per share at the time of writing. Given the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 18.87% in 2020, the retailer’s shares are still outperforming the market.

While I think that Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares can outperform Woolworths in 2020, both retailers’ shares could be back in the buy zone. Australia is starting to ease coronavirus restrictions, but I think the supermarkets will still see strong sales in 2020.

That’s good news for shareholders and those looking for strong dividend shares this year. If sales remain steady in Woolworths’ core business, that means the retailer may be able to maintain its 2.97% dividend yield.

What about the downsides?

While the Woolworths share price may be in the buy zone, it’s not all sunshine and roses. There is still the ailing pubs business, Endeavour Group, that is under the retailer’s ownership.

The hospitality sector has been smashed by recent government restrictions. These measures have forced many to temporarily shut their doors and lay off staff to stay afloat.

Woolworths had flagged a sale of the recently merged pubs business but COVID-19 has thrown those plans into doubt. While this may not materially impact earnings for Woolworths going forward, it could place a question mark over the Woolworths share price valuation.

Foolish takeaway

I think Woolworths will continue to be a strong defensive buy in 2020. With a 2.97% dividend yield and a solid technical environment, the Woolworths share price could be good value, although I still think Coles shares could be a better buy.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 pandemic winners and 3 losers
• ASX 200 storms 1.2% higher: Cochlear reports 60% sales decline, Webjet jumps 22%
• Buy these 4 ASX shares to survive the pandemic
• 3 ASX 200 shares to watch this week
• Where to invest $20,000 into ASX shares for strong long term returns

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

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With so many shares to choose from on the Australian share market, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy.

The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you.

Three top shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

Audinate Group Ltd (ASX: AD8)

According to a note out of UBS, its analysts have retained their buy rating but cut the price target on this media networking technology company’s shares to $7.30. The broker is a big fan of Audinate’s Dante product and believes it has a massive long term market opportunity. And while it does expect sales to soften over the coming quarters due to the pandemic, the broker believes it is well worth looking beyond this and focusing on its long term potential. I agree with UBS and feel Audinate would be a great buy and hold option for investors.

REA Group Limited (ASX: REA)

A note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have retained their overweight rating and $105.00 price target on this property listings company’s shares. It was pleased with its latest quarterly update given the tough trading conditions it was facing. And while conditions in the industry continue to be tough, the broker remains positive on its long term prospects. Especially given the structural tailwinds it is benefiting from. I agree with Morgan Stanley and feel REA Group is a top blue chip to own.

Reject Shop Ltd (ASX: TRS)

Analysts at Goldman Sachs have upgraded this discount retailer’s shares to a buy rating from sell and put a price target of $4.75 on them. Goldman likes Reject Shop due to its turnaround story with a new executive team, a more robust balance sheet, and the potential for material improvements in efficiencies in labour, rent and stock turn. It also notes that its valuation is supported by a cash balance that was 28% of its market capitalisation based on its last closing price. While I’m not a big fan of Reject Shop, I think Goldman Sachs makes some very good points.

More reading

• REA Group shares are up 53% since late March. Is it too late to invest?
• The ASX 200 blue chip shares I would buy with $5,000 after the market crash
• Highlights from the week: ASX 200 rises 2.75%
• How to build your first ASX share portfolio
• Market close: ASX 200 ends 0.5% higher

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

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The Advance Nanotek Ltd (ASX: ANO) share price has surged 11.51% today after the company announced profits are expected to more than double. Net profit before tax for FY20 is expected to be approximately $8.4 million, 2.5 times greater than FY19 profit before tax. 

What does Advance Nanotek do?

Advance Nanotek manufactures zinc oxide, which is used in sunscreen. First formed in 1997, Advance Nanotek has been listed on the ASX since 2003. Its product range suits a wide variety of sunscreens and cosmetics, with its Zinxation recipe providing SPF50+ for broad UVA/UVB protection. Advance Nanotek has a current annual capacity of 3,000 tonnes, and is investing to increase capacity beyond 5,000 tonnes. 

Advance Nanotek’s business

Around 70% of Advance Nanotek’s sales are in the US. The company’s production facilities were temporarily closed in the US but have now reopened with sunscreen manufacturing recommenced, albeit at smaller volumes. Advance Nanotek expects US sales volumes to return to normal and has established stockpiles in a logistics facility to take advantage of the expected upturn in conditions. 

The board is looking to expand Advance Nanotek’s aluminium oxide business into new markets and improve supply to existing customers by raising capacity. Stock will be made available at an EU logistics facility, with sales from the aluminium oxide product in FY20 expected to be ~$2 million. 

Financial results

Advance Nanotek recorded sales revenue of $11.3 million in 1HFY20, up from $4.7 million in 1HFY19. Net profit before tax for the half was $4.81 million, nearly 3 times greater than the prior corresponding period. Earnings per share increased to 5.71 cents up from 3.03 cents in 1HFY19. 

The company ended the half with cash and cash equivalents of $304,964 and borrowings of $1.1 million. Strong sales continued into the second half with profit before tax of $1.3 million in January. FY20 anticipated turnover is up 46% on FY19 to $18 million. 

Outlook

US sales increased 280% for the 7 months to 31 January over the prior corresponding period. Some negative impact from coronavirus has been experienced with US citizens cancelling or delaying travel plans for the summer. This may have a modest negative impact on Advance Nanotek’s $30 million FY20 sales target. 

Nonetheless, Advance Nanotek has seen impressive increases in profit over the last few years. Profit before tax increased from $0.56 million in the 5 months to November 2017 to $3.831 million in the 5 months to November 2019. Full year FY20 net profit is estimated to be $8.4 million. 

More reading

• Why Advance Nanotek, Macquarie, Tyro, & Zip Co shares are charging higher

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

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The relative outperformance of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is under threat as one leading broker believes the stock will slump this Wednesday.

This is when Australian’s largest ASX-listed bank will release its quarterly earnings and update.

The news will be ugly, according to Morgan Stanley, which is predicting a 70% to 80% chance that the stock will fall relative to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) and keep underperforming for next two months.

Cut above the rest

CBA shares have fallen 24% since the start of 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the economy, but that’s better than the other ASX big banks.

The National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ) share prices have tumbled by over 30% each.

The three laggards have reported dismal first half profits in the last two weeks, so the bad earnings news from CBA isn’t unexpected although that may not be the bank’s biggest problem.

Reality check

“We expect a ~30% fall in cash profit, an A$1bn COVID-19 provision and a CET1 ratio of ~11.2%,” said Morgan Stanley.

“While the profit decline and higher provisioning are unlikely to surprise investors in the current environment, we think the trading update will lead to less confidence in the capital and dividend outlook.”

This will make CBA’s market premium harder to justify.

CBA losing its crown

The bank has long held the crown of being the best quality bank on our market and investors are happy to pay a higher multiple for the stock.

For instance, CBA trades on a FY21 forecast price-earnings (P/E) multiple of 15 times and a price-to-book value (P/BV) of 1.5 times, based on Morgan Stanley’s estimates.

This compares to the average P/E of 11 times and P/BV of around 0.8 times for its peer group.

Foolish takeaway

This is why the broker thinks CBA is more vulnerable to a de-rating if the cycle deteriorates further, and offers less upside in a rebound scenario.

Morgan Stanley rates the stock as “underweight” (meaning a “sell”) with a price target of $57.50 a share.

If you want to find out more about bank valuations and the importance of P/BV, click here to read my weekend article on the cheapest bank on the ASX.

But of course, price and quality usually move in opposite directions. Those willing to pay for a relatively safer stock in the sector may want to consider Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) instead – at least until more coronavirus water passes under the banking bridge.

More reading

• Why Advance Nanotek, Macquarie, Tyro, & Zip Co shares are charging higher
• 3 ASX 200 shares to watch this week
• How Macquarie Group is vying to unseat CBA
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: New ASX bull run continues
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Macquarie Group Limited, and National Australia Bank Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The changes in our behaviour during the COVID-19 lockdown has created pandemic winners and losers up and down the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Some of these are obvious. Companies like Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) and Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) are undoubtedly going to see a fall in full-year earnings. 

However, some are less obvious. Some companies have profited greatly during the pandemic while others may be in for a structural change to their earnings.

3 pandemic winners

ASX gold mining companies have benefited greatly from the rise in the gold price. The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price has been one of the great winners. Its share price is up 43.7% year to date (YTD). In fact, it has risen by over 60% since its low point on 16 March. Evolution has benefitted from both the rising gold price and the low Australian dollar. It is regularly one of the top 3 traded gold shares by volume on the ASX. 

JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) is another pandemic winner. The company has seen a rise in earnings due to the short-term rush for work-from-home accessories. Laptops, printers, monitors, keyboards. All items that are bringing trade to JB Hi-Fi’s network of stores. The company reported a 6.9% growth in YTD Q3 sales for JB Hi-Fi Australia. This is up from 4.1% during the comparable period last year.

Ansell Limited (ASX: ANN) is the Australian manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and surgical masks. The Ansell share price has risen by 3.5% YTD. It hit a low point on March 23 and has risen by 41% since then. Ansell is one of the great pandemic winners as it is a company built for crises such as this.

3 pandemic losers

The Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) share price is down by 20% YTD. Given the restrictions in place during the national lockdowns, this is to be expected. However, Bapcor may also suffer a structural reduction in earnings if work-from-home becomes widespread after the resumption of normal work.

The Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) share price has been devastated by the pandemic. It is currently down by 59% YTD. The company has been hit not only by the collapse in demand but also by the glut in supply from the Saudi-Russian oil price feud. The company is currently performing well in a fight for survival. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if it emerges as the same company it was in January.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) has seen its average daily traffic (ADT) percentage drop by 44% across all Transurban assets in the final week of April compared to the same period last year. If work from home becomes permanent, the company is likely to see a structural reduction in ADT% which may call into question other expansion plans. 

More reading

• ASX 200 storms 1.2% higher: Cochlear reports 60% sales decline, Webjet jumps 22%
• Are ASX retail shares undervalued today?
• 3 ASX 200 shares to watch this week
• Where to invest $20,000 into ASX shares for strong long term returns
• Are there any safe havens in ASX aviation shares?

Motley Fool contributor Daryl Mather has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Bapcor. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ansell 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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