Tag: Motley Fool

  • Hawsons Iron share price volatility continues with more wild swings on Wednesday

    An older man throws his hands up in excitement as he rides a carnival swing high up in the air.

    An older man throws his hands up in excitement as he rides a carnival swing high up in the air.

    It’s been another wild day of trading for the Hawsons Iron Ltd (ASX: HIO) share price. Yesterday, we covered how this little-known iron ore explorer had rocketed from 29 cents a share in early April to the $1.06 it recorded yesterday. That comes on top of an eye-watering 603% year to date return it was sitting at yesterday. Not to mention the stupendous 2,397% gain for the preceding 12 months.

    However, those figures don’t come without some neck-cracking volatility. Monday saw Hawsons Iron shares add more than 18% to their value. But this was quickly taken down a notch yesterday when the company gave up almost 20% of its share price. As it stands today, the Hawsons Iron share price is down another 11.11%, closing at 64 cents a share after travelling as low as 60 cents and as high as 80 cents during the course of today’s trading session. How’s that for volatility.

    Hawsons Iron share price redefines volatility

    Hawsons Iron shares have also traversed between $1.06 a share and 57 cents a share over just the past five trading days. We now have a 52-week range of between 3.9 cents per share and $1.06 per share. What’s even more perplexing is that these moves are occurring despite no new news or announcements from Hawsons over May thus far.

    The company’s last major release was a quarterly cash flow report released on 29 April. This could be feeding into the volatility we are seeing, despite the fact it did not contain any blockbuster numbers or announcements.

    However, we have seen some major macroeconomic developments in recent days that could be feeding into market-wide volatility. The most significant was the announcement yesterday that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) would be increasing the cash rate for the first time in 11 years. We’ve also seen a not-insignificant fall in the iron ore price over the past week or so.

    But despite these developments, it has certainly been a rather remarkable journey that this company’s shares have been on in recent days.

    At today’s closing Hawsons Iron share price, this ASX iron ore share has a market capitalisation of $457 million.

    The post Hawsons Iron share price volatility continues with more wild swings on Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Hawsons Iron right now?

    Before you consider Hawsons Iron, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Hawsons Iron 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

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  • Ramsay Health Care share price on watch amid Bupa contract termination

    Female doctor with a mask holds out hand in a stop gesture.

    Female doctor with a mask holds out hand in a stop gesture.

    The Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC) share price will be one to watch on Thursday.

    This follows the release of an announcement after the market close today in relation to a contract termination.

    Why is the Ramsay share price on watch?

    This afternoon Ramsay revealed that it has issued a notice to private health insurance provider Bupa to terminate the Hospital Purchaser Provider Agreement between the two parties.

    According to the release, unless a resolution is reached between the parties, Ramsay’s contract with Bupa will be terminated with effect from 2 August 2022.

    Ramsay appears to believe that private health insurers are not pulling their weight despite accumulating huge profits.

    “Costs of providing care have significantly increased for private hospitals over the past two years. On the other hand, health insurers have accumulated profits of $1.8 billion in the calendar year to 31 December 2021,” said Ramsay Australia CEO Carmel Monaghan.

    What’s next?

    The release explains that patients booked to be admitted to a Ramsay facility prior to 2 August will not be impacted. After that date, during a legally enforced transitional period, Ramsay will continue to accept benefits paid by Bupa for approved treatments.

    However, once the transitional period ends, Bupa insured patients will be required to pay an upfront payment on admission. This will be the difference between the statutory default benefit Bupa is required to pay and Ramsay’s hospital treatment costs.

    Ms Monaghan said that “Ramsay still hopes to reach agreement with Bupa prior to the contract termination date,” but this appears to be far from guaranteed.

    The private hospital operator advised that it will be communicating with impacted patients to keep them informed and provide them with options which, in light of the portability rules in the Private Health Insurance Act, include leaving Bupa and changing health funds.

    The post Ramsay Health Care share price on watch amid Bupa contract termination appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Ramsay, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Ramsay 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

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    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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ramsay Health Care Limited. 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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  • Here are the top 10 ASX shares today

    Computer key - Top 10 ASX todayComputer key - Top 10 ASX today

    Today, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) planted its third consecutive day of losses, albeit smaller than the previous two. At the end of the session, the benchmark index finished 0.16% lower at 7,304.7 points.

    Despite some green returning to US shares last night, the Australian share market set its own pace today. Performances were mixed across sectors as investors try to establish where they should be positioned amid a potentially higher interest rate environment.

    The real estate sector carried over its disappointing showing from yesterday into today’s session, falling 1.5%. In contrast, energy and financial shares provided a supportive floor for the Aussie index on Wednesday.

    However, the question is: which shares delivered the biggest returns to investors on the ASX today? Here are the top ten stocks that came through for investors:

    Top 10 ASX shares countdown today

    Looking at the top 200 listed companies, Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) was the biggest gainer today. Shares in the wealth management solutions provider received the backing of investors as the share price climbed 3.89%. Although, this move was made in the absence of any news shared by the company. Find out more about Hub24 here.

    The next best performing ASX share across the market today was Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA). The packaging products and solutions company rallied 3.37% despite there being nothing noteworthy released to shareholders. Uncover the latest Orora details here.

    Today’s top 10 biggest gains were made in these ASX shares:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) $24.83 3.89%
    Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA) $3.99 3.37%
    Virgin Money Uk Plc (ASX: VUK) $3.08 3.01%
    Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) $4.67 2.86%
    Zimplats Holding Ltd (ASX: ZIM) $31.49 2.37%
    Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) $10.73 2.19%
    Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) $17.40 2.11%
    GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) $1.48 2.07%
    Incitec Pivot Ltd (ASX: IPL) $3.96 2.06%
    Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) $10.45 2.05%
    Data as at 4:00 AEST

    Our top 10 ASX shares today countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to ensure you know which companies were making big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the market has closed during weekdays to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now.

    *Returns as of January 12th 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 Ltd and Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Hub24 Ltd, Insurance Australia Group Limited, and Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa Holdings Ltd. 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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  • Did this ASX mining share really just leap 7,200%?

    Woman looks amazed and shocked as she looks at her laptop.Woman looks amazed and shocked as she looks at her laptop.

    It is not too often investors will come across a company that is up thousands of percent in a single day. Hence, a small ASX mining share by the name of Pacific Bauxite NL (ASX: PBX) is gaining interest on Wednesday.

    At the closing bell, the microcap platinum-group elements (PGE) exploration company is showing a gain of 7,233%. However, this bonkers return in the space of a 24-hour period might be too good to be true after all.

    What’s going on with this ASX mining share?

    It appears on closer inspection that the Pacific Bauxite share price is not exactly a byproduct of optimism today. Instead, the outlandish performance being displayed is a consequence of a more complicated event.

    The reality is Pacific Bauxite had a past life on the ASX before falling into administration back in 2019. Since then, the company has undergone a recapitalisation and pivoted from its bauxite operations toward PGE exploration.

    Amid this fiasco, the ASX mining share conducted a 50 to 1 share count consolidation. In short, this reduces the number of shares on issue to one-fiftieth of what it was previously. In turn, the share price is artificially inflated to coincide with this reduction in share count.

    According to an announcement, Pacific Bauxite has rejoined the ASX following its recapitalisation. This process involved raising $4.5 million through the issuing of 22.5 million new shares at a post-consolidation price of 20 cents apiece.

    Starting afresh, Pacific Bauxite is now debt-free and boasting a modest cash balance of $4 million.

    Management commentary

    While ushering in its new ASX-listed life, non-executive chair Peter Lewis said:

    The Company has emerged from our recapitalisation process in a significantly stronger position after two years of planning and hard work. We are now well-funded to complete our planned exploration activities. We have a fantastic set of assets which have the potential to deliver significant value to shareholders.

    The ASX mining share holds exploration licenses over sites spread out across Western Australia. These include locations spanning the Eastern Goldfields and Pilbara regions.

    The post Did this ASX mining share really just leap 7,200%? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pacific Bauxite right now?

    Before you consider Pacific Bauxite, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pacific Bauxite 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

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

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  • Own Westpac shares? Here’s what to expect from the bank’s half-year results

    Broker checking out the share price oh his smartphone and laptop.

    Broker checking out the share price oh his smartphone and laptop.

    Next week the Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price will be on watch when Australia’s oldest bank becomes the latest big four bank to release its half-year results.

    Ahead of the release on Monday 9 May, let’s look at what the market is expecting.

    What is the market expecting from Westpac’s half-year results?

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, for the six months ended 31 March, its analysts expect the banking giant to report cash earnings of $3,146 million. This will be an 11% decline on what the bank reported in the prior corresponding period.

    This earnings decline is expected to be driven largely by a further deterioration in the bank’s margins. Goldman explained:

    “WBC reported 1Q22 NIM of 1.91%, down 8 bps from 1.99% in 2H21, while the ex-Markets NIM was down 16 bp to 1.71%. The fall was driven by: i) higher liquid assets, ii) competitive pressures in mortgage and business lending, iii) continued growth in lower spread fixed rate mortgages. We note that WBC’s Dec-21 exit NIM (ex-Markets) was 1.67%, 4 bp lower than the 1Q22 average.

    WBC expects NIM to decline further in FY22, while noting that its liquid build is expected to be largely completed by Mar-22. We are forecasting 1H22E NIM of 1.82% which is down 17bp vs 2H21 and will be keen to get confirmation that its liquid build has indeed reached a floor and any detail around leverage to higher cash rates.”

    What else should investors look out for?

    Other key metrics that could have an impact on the Westpac share price include its dividend, CET1 ratio, and its expenses.

    The latter is a major focus for investors given Westpac’s bold cost reduction plans and the market’s scepticism over it being able to deliver on targets. The broker said:

    “Overall, the Group remains committed to its A$8bn cost target by FY24. We are forecasting 1H22E expense growth of -11% pcp and will be interested to get an update on how WBC is tracking against its recently announced cost reset plan and in particular its path to its A$8bn cost target.”

    As for dividends and its CET1 ratio, the broker has pencilled in a 60 cents per share fully franked dividend and a CET1 ratio of 11.62%.

    The post Own Westpac shares? Here’s what to expect from the bank’s half-year results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Westpac, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Westpac 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Westpac Banking Corporation. 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 recommended Westpac Banking Corporation. 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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  • How is the AMP share price looking in May?

    A woman sits at her computer with hand to mouth and a contemplative smile on her face although she is considering or thinking about information she is seeing on the screen.

    A woman sits at her computer with hand to mouth and a contemplative smile on her face although she is considering or thinking about information she is seeing on the screen.

    The past month has been quite kind to the AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price. AMP shares closed at $1.19 each on Wednesday, up a healthy 1.71%. That’s a pleasing 21.4% higher than the 98 cents price tag the company was commanding a month ago. It’s also a whopping increase of more than 38% from the 52-week low of 86 cents a share that AMP recorded back in early March.

    It appears a major factor in these gains is the multiple agreements AMP has negotiated over the past month or two that will see the company’s Collimate Capital business broken up and sold.

    Late last month, AMP announced that DigitalBridge Investment will buy Collimate Capital’s international infrastructure equity business for up to a total of $699 million. Before that, AMP also announced that Collimate’s domestic infrastructure equity and real estate businesses will be bought by Deus Property Group (ASX: DXS) for a potential $1 billion.

    AMP share price rises amid rumours of buybacks and dividends

    AMP has promised to return much of the capital from these sales directly to shareholders. As my Fool colleague Brendan covered earlier this week, this could see the company undertake an on-market share buyback, and perhaps a capital return, potentially in the form of a special dividend. AMP hasn’t paid out a dividend since 2019. This could be why we have seen an uptick in the AMP share price of late.

    But AMP certainly has a long way to go if shareholders want to see the one-time financial services giant return to its former glory. Five years ago, AMP was a $5 share. And we won’t spend too long on the company’s 2007 days when it was commanding a share price over $10. Not to mention the early 2000s, which saw AMP shares close to $15.

    At the current AMP share price, this ASX 200 share has a market capitalisation of $3.87 billion.

    The post How is the AMP share price looking in May? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider AMP, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and AMP 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

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  • Guess which ASX BNPL share has soared 100% in a month. Hint: it’s not Zip

    A group of friends split the bill at the restaurant after their meal, making payments on their mobile phones.A group of friends split the bill at the restaurant after their meal, making payments on their mobile phones.

    One ASX buy now, pay later (BNPL) has had a stellar month, outperforming Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) and other payment technology shares.

    The Splitit Ltd (ASX: SPT) share price surged to 33 cents before midday today. This is 113% higher than the 15.5 cent closing price one month ago on 4 April. The company’s share price has since retreated to 28.5 cents at close of trade on Wednesday.

    So why is the Splitit share price surging?

    What’s going on with this ASX BNPL share?

    The Splitit share price exploded 55% on 28 April alone. Driving this share increase was the CEO outlining a new vision for the company.

    Splitit is a BNPL that allows customers to split payments using their available credit. This makes the company’s business model different to other BNPL shares.

    In a CEO presentation, Splitit revealed it is looking to expand its Google partnership to United States customers.

    The company also reported quarterly results. Revenue increased by 6% on the prior corresponding period, while sales volume jumped 23% year on year.

    Finally, the company also approved a US$150 million Goldman Sachs credit facility at the annual general meeting on 28 April.

    CEO Nandan Sheth commented on the company’s direction:

    Splitit is uniquely positioned as it bridges the gap between BNPL and credit cards by making instalment payments possible on any credit card purchase at the point of sale.

    The Splitit share price also surged 50% between market close on 19 April and 27 April. On 27 April, Splitit responded to a share price query from the ASX. Splitit said it was not aware of any information explaining recent trading of the company’s shares.

    Splitit has outperformed other BNPL shares in the past month. The Zip share price has slipped 33% since market close on 4 April, while Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) has descended 20%.

    Share price snapshot

    The Splitit share price has fallen 60% in the past year. It has recouped some of those losses, jumping 19% year to date.

    In the past week alone, it has surged 50%.

    Splitit has a market capitalisation of about $134 million based on the current share price.

    The post Guess which ASX BNPL share has soared 100% in a month. Hint: it’s not Zip appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Splitit Payments right now?

    Before you consider Splitit Payments, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Splitit Payments 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

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    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.

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  • When, why, how? All the details on the AGL demerger and what might happen if it flops

    A middle aged lady screws her face up into a wince as though imaging an uncomfortable or awkward scenario.A middle aged lady screws her face up into a wince as though imaging an uncomfortable or awkward scenario.

    AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) is having a volatile week and its share price is showing the strain. As market watchers are likely aware, AGL’s long-planned demerger is facing new questions in the face of declared disapproval from its new major shareholder, tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes.

    The major facets of the demerger process are set to kick off in coming weeks. So, without further ado, let’s check what shareholders can look out for as the push to divide the 185-year-old company heats up and what might happen if it fails.

    At the time of writing, the AGL share price is $8.20, 5.5% lower than it was at the end of last week.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has slipped 1.7% in that time.

    Why is AGL pursuing a demerger?

    The embattled ASX 200 energy producer and retailer is pushing to split in two in an effort to protect shareholder value.

    It expects the split will help the resulting businesses go their separate ways on their journeys to renewable energy.

    A new entity, dubbed Accel Energy, will take the reins of AGL’s electricity-generating assets.

    That includes the company’s coal-fired power plants, gas assets, and wind farms, as well as its development pipeline housing battery and hydro projects.

    Meanwhile, AGL Australia will take on the company’s electricity retailing, trading, storage, and supply business. It will also walk away with the AGL brand.

    As part of the demerger plan, AGL shareholders will be handed one share in each company. Accel Energy is also expected to retain a 15% to 20% holding in AGL Australia.

    What still needs to happen before AGL can split?

    In the coming weeks, shareholders will be able to have their say on the AGL demerger.

    The company plans to release a scheme booklet in the middle of this month. That document will provide more details on the split.

    Shareholders will have a month or so to thumb through the resource. They will then vote on the demerger in mid-June.

    If the plan is agreed upon by 75% of shareholders and approvals received, the demerger will be implemented on 30 June.

    Cannon-Brookes announced his intent to vote ‘no’ with his new 11.28% holding in AGL’s shares yesterday. That would leave the balance of power with 13.78% of the company’s shares.

    What might happen if AGL’s demerger plan flops?

    Understandably, AGL’s newly-crowned largest shareholder’s stance has raised questions on the demerger’s fate. Many are wondering what might happen if the plan fails to receive shareholder approval.

    Cannon-Brookes expects AGL’s board will stand down if the company’s investors disapprove of the split, reports The Australian.

    “It would be hard for them to stay in place,” the billionaire told the publication.

    Meanwhile, Morgans doesn’t think anything drastic would come from a resounding ‘no’ on the demerger.

    While the analyst notes the demerger’s flop could hamper AGL’s plans to restructure its debt, it’s confident the company will manage just fine.

    “Despite the large amount of effort the company has expended in pursuing the demerger, we don’t see a major risk to short term cash flows should [it be voted] down,” Morgans analyst Max Vickerson stated.

    Though, fellow broker JP Morgan has reportedly predicted a far more dramatic outcome of the demerger’s failure.

    “A failed vote would likely destabilise the business, potentially leaving management in an untenable position and opening the company up to be acquired,” JP Morgan analyst Mark Busuttil said, as quoted by The Oz.

    AGL share price snapshot

    Despite its struggles this week, the AGL share price is performing well in 2022.

    It has gained 33.5% since the start of the year. Though, it’s still almost 10% lower than it was this time last year.

    The post When, why, how? All the details on the AGL demerger and what might happen if it flops appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in AGL Energy right now?

    Before you consider AGL Energy, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and AGL Energy 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

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    JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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.

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  • Wesfarmers share price slips as Bunnings competition heats up

    A middle aged man with a moustache and wearing casual clothes holds a plumbing plunger in one hand a a piece of toilet pipe in the other with an exasperated look on his face.

    A middle aged man with a moustache and wearing casual clothes holds a plumbing plunger in one hand a a piece of toilet pipe in the other with an exasperated look on his face.

    The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price is currently in the red by 0.4% at the time of writing.

    It comes as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is also slightly down by 0.12%.

    Wesfarmers’ decline comes amid increased competition in the home improvement space. The conglomerate owns several different businesses, but Bunnings is the key profit generator for the company.

    In the FY22 half-year result, Bunnings generated $1.26 billion of earnings before tax (EBT). This is a significant portion of the overall $1.78 billion EBT generated by Wesfarmers in the first six months of the financial year.

    Bunnings is also growing its earnings with other brands including Tool Kit Depot and Beaumont Tiles.

    However, a new challenger is looking to take some of that home improvement market.

    The Build to challenge Bunnings

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) has been talking about its plan to challenge in the home improvement segment for a while. But now it has launched a new website – thebuild.com.au – for home renovators to buy everything they want for DIY, renovation, and home improvement.

    Obviously, this is exactly the market that Bunnings operates in.

    Temple & Webster wants The Build to be a place consumers can find a large range, experience great customer service, and access a source of practical advice and inspiration.

    Temple & Webster’s plan is to bring its “expertise in e-commerce and the home” to make The Build Australia’s ‘first-stop shop’ for renovating and redecorating. Its initial range features more than 20,000 products across 39 categories.

    The company believes the market opportunity is “significant” with a total addressable market of around $16 billion. Temple & Webster also pointed out that this category is “underpenetrated” with respect to online adoption. Only 4% is online. The UK online penetration rate is 25% and growing.

    Temple & Webster will invest around $10 million in FY22 and FY23 for growth of The Build. It’s expected to make a ‘material’ revenue contribution and be earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) positive in FY26. The long-term profit margin profile is expected to be better than furniture and homewares.

    Will Temple & Webster be successful to challenge Bunnings?

    Only time will tell whether Temple & Webster will be able to take a sizeable market share in the sector. Also, growth of The Build may not mean a loss of earnings or market share for Bunnings. It remains to be seen what the long-term impact on the Wesfarmers share price will be.

    However, it’s not the first time that a business has tried to challenge Bunnings. Several years ago, Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Lowe’s tried to muscle into the sector with its Masters chain. But that business eventually closed after mounting losses.

    Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS) is another business in the home improvement sector. It has three businesses – Total Tools, Home Timer & Hardware, and Mitre 10.

    Wesfarmers has proven that it’s hard to dislodge the biggest player in the hardware sector. The business tried to expand Bunnings into the UK after buying the UK and Irish hardware business Homebase, but it decided to exit after not gaining traction.

    It blamed problems arising from poor execution as well as the deterioration of the economic environment in the retail sector in the UK.

    The post Wesfarmers share price slips as Bunnings competition heats up appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Wesfarmers, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Wesfarmers 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group Ltd. 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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  • Everything you need to know about the latest ANZ dividend

    A cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news about the Macquarie share priceA cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news about the Macquarie share price

    The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price has edged higher following the company’s half year results today.

    At the time of writing, the bank’s shares are up 0.81% to $27.48.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is 0.10% lower to 7,308.7 points during afternoon trade.

    What’s the go on the ANZ dividend?

    In the half year report for the 2022 financial year, ANZ reported relatively stable growth across key metrics.

    In summary, cash profit from continuing operations lifted by 4% to $3,113 million over the previous corresponding period. However, when comparing against the prior six months, this metric declined by 3%.

    ANZ stated its Australia Retail and Commercial segment and its New Zealand segment underpinned the sound performance. Notably, this offset the poor result attained from the bank’s Institutional segment.

    Overall, statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) rose to $3,530 million. This represents an increase of 20% from this time last year and a 10% improvement on the $3,219 million achieved in H2 FY21.

    Based on the company’s cash profit above, the ANZ Board declared a fully franked interim dividend of 72 cents per share. This represents a 2% lift from the 70 cents declared in the prior comparable period.

    Management noted that the latest dividend is consistent with its stated target dividend payout ratio of between 60% and 65%.

    When can ANZ shareholders expect payment?

    The ANZ interim dividend will be paid to eligible shareholders roughly 8 weeks away on 1 July.

    However, to be eligible, you’ll need to own ANZ shares before the ex-dividend date which falls on 9 May. This means if you want to secure the dividend, you will need to purchase ANZ shares this Friday at the latest.

    In addition, investors can elect for the dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) which will add a portion of shares to their portfolio instead. This will be based on a 10-day volume-weighted average price from 13 May to 26 May.

    There is no DRP discount rate and the last election date for shareholders to opt in is on 11 May.

    The post Everything you need to know about the latest ANZ dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider ANZ, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and ANZ 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

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