Tag: Motley Fool

  • Guess which ASX All Ords stock just rocketed 24% on takeover interest

    Happy girl shopping at clothes shop.

    Happy girl shopping at clothes shop.

    The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.7% today, with this ASX All Ords stock doing a lot of the heavy lifting.

    Up 24% in earlier trade today, the women’s clothing retail stock is currently trading for 53 cents a share, up 21.8%. That sees the ASX All Ords stock up an eye-popping 112% since the recent lows on 2 November.

    Any guesses?

    If you said City Chic Collective Ltd (ASX: CCX), go to the head of the virtual class.

    Here’s what’s driving investor interest.

    ASX All Ords stock lifts off on takeover potential

    The City Chic share price looks to be taking off today after the company released its half year trading update for the six months to 31 December (H1 FY 2024) and responded to media speculations about potential interest in its North American business.

    Starting with the potential acquisition of its North American business, the ASX All Ords stock said that it is “regularly involved in exploratory discussions with different parties regarding initiatives that could create value for its shareholders”.

    The company highlighted that “there is no certainty that any of these opportunities, including any potential sale of City Chic’s North American business, proceed to a binding transaction”.

    Luminis Partners has been a long-standing adviser to City Chic on various projects.

    Turning to the half-year update…

    City Chic share price lifts amid improving margins

    The ASX All Ords stock reported global sales revenue of $106 million for H1 FY 2024. That’s down 29% from the prior corresponding period.

    Underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the six months came in at a loss of $7 million to $10 million.

    However, the company reported a 10% improvement in margin in Q2 FY 2024 compared to Q1. Second-quarter revenue was also up from the first quarter, while costs were down following the company’s strategic action plans.

    The inventory overhang was also reduced. City Chic reported inventories were down 27% since 2 July, with some $40 million of inventory cleared.

    Commenting on the results that look to be giving the ASX All Ords stock a healthy boost today, City Chic CEO Phil Ryan said:

    In the first quarter our focus was on clearing our inventory position and delivering new, relevant product to support our key trading period and we did that successfully.

    This is reflected in stronger sell through at improved margins in the second quarter, especially in our stores business, and we remain on track to return to profitable trading overall in the second half.

    As at 31 December, the ASX All Ords stock had a net cash position of $3.5 million.

    The post Guess which ASX All Ords stock just rocketed 24% on takeover interest 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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

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  • Why 29Metals, Aroa Biosurgery, Mader, and Netwealth shares are falling

    A worried man holds his head and look at his computer.

    A worried man holds his head and look at his computer.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on form again on Tuesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.6% to 7,621.6 points.

    Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

    29Metals Ltd (ASX: 29M)

    The 29Metals share price is down 11% to 45 cents. Investors appear disappointed by the copper producer’s quarterly update. 29Metals reported copper production of 5.2kt for the fourth quarter. This brought its full year production to 18.1kt. Management is guiding to copper production of 18kt to 22kt for 2024.

    Aroa Biosurgery Ltd (ASX: ARX)

    The Aroa Biosurgery share price is down 9% to 65.25 cents. This follows the release of the medical device company’s quarterly update. That update revealed that management has reduced its FY 2024 total revenue guidance to between NZ$67 million and NZ$70 million. This has been driven by a decrease in expected revenue from TELA Bio due to a previous overestimation of Aroa’s revenue share on inventory supplied and a delay to a joint product development project.

    Mader Group Ltd (ASX: MAD)

    The Mader share price is down 6% to $6.26. Investors have been selling this specialist technical services provider’s shares despite the release of a solid quarterly update. Mader reported a 31% increase in total revenue to $189.3 million for the second quarter. In addition, the company has reaffirmed its confidence in “delivering FY24 revenue of at least $770m and NPAT of at least $50m.”

    Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

    The Netwealth share price is down 5% to $16.49. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Macquarie this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded Netwealth’s shares to an underperform rating with a $14.80 price target. It notes that Netwealth’s quarterly update shows that its growth is continuing to moderate.

    The post Why 29Metals, Aroa Biosurgery, Mader, and Netwealth shares are falling 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Mader Group, and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Mader Group, and Netwealth Group. 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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  • Zip share price surges 7% on quarterly cash flow report

    A woman sits on a chair smiling as she shops online.A woman sits on a chair smiling as she shops online.

    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) share price lifted 6.75% in early trading on Tuesday to 79 cents.

    This follows the release of the company’s cash flow report for the December quarter.

    Zip shares have retreated slightly to 78 cents at the time of writing.

    Let’s check out the details.

    Zip share price lifts again on more positive quarterly news

    Today’s quarterly cash flow report follows the release of Zip’s 2Q FY24 results and interim 1H FY24 update on 22 January, which resulted in a 17% increase in the Zip share price.

    As covered by my colleague James, the buy now, pay later provider reported an 8.5% lift in transaction value over the prior corresponding period (pcp) to $2.8 billion in December.

    Revenue rose by 26.1% to $225.6 million for the quarter, which equated to an improved margin of 8.2%.

    Management said first-half group cash EBTDA was expected to be between $29 million and $33 million.

    Today’s cash flow report reveals an increase in cash and cash equivalents from $260.7 million at the beginning of the quarter to $303.8 million as of 31 December.

    Total funding available via cash and debt financing at the end of the quarter was $533.4 million.

    BNPL stock price snapshot

    The Zip share price has risen by 25% over the past month and by 72% over the past six months.

    The BNPL share hit a new 52-week high of 80 cents on 24 January.

    The post Zip share price surges 7% on quarterly cash flow report 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Zip Co. 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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  • Webjet stock: 3 reasons it’s on my buy list

    A young woman makes an online travel booking as she sits on some steps with her suitcase next to her.A young woman makes an online travel booking as she sits on some steps with her suitcase next to her.

    ASX travel share Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) stock is on my buy list for a few different reasons. It has already recovered a long way from the COVID-19 weakness, but there could be more positivity to come.

    Webjet operates three different businesses – an online travel agency (OTA) business, a business-to-business (B2B) segment called WebBeds, and a car and campervan rental website called GoSee.

    The Webjet stock price is still 30% lower than where it was in January 2020, though there’s a higher share count these days after its capital raising ensured its balance sheet was good enough to survive.

    But, from here, I think the business can excel for a few different reasons.

    Improving market share

    The pandemic was a rough time for many travel operators, but travel has seen a booming recovery. In the company’s FY24 first-half result, it reported a 35% increase in total transaction value to $2.9 billion.

    When the company reported its HY24 result, it revealed Webjet OTA had seen a “material increase in international market share”. The business doesn’t have a physical presence, and households have been doing a lot more things digitally since the start of COVID-19 thanks to digital adoption.

    Webjet said its OTA international flights market share grew 24% compared to the FY23 first half, with its software Trip Ninja “playing a key role providing unique content and real savings for customers.”

    Strong cost control

    Revenue is just one element of a company’s performance, costs also play an important part in profitability.

    Webjet did a lot of work during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce its cost base and increase its operating leverage.

    As it processes more TTV, this can lead to even higher profit margins because of how profitable each extra transaction is for a digital business.

    In HY24, the company saw its total revenue increase by 39%, the underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 40.6% and the profit before tax improved by 126%. These are strong improvements that can help Webjet stock.

    If revenue can keep increasing, then I expect the profit before tax margin can keep growing thanks to its digital operations and cost controls.  

    International travel recovery

    Webjet said in its HY24 result that while there had been strong growth in international bookings for the period, capacity constraints by airlines “continued to subdue overall bookings”. But, the company suggested that it’s seeing “ongoing growth opportunities as capacity returns to 2019 levels.”

    There is still scope for Webjet’s earnings to show more of a recovery from COVID-19 impacts with the recovery of international travel. As I’ve mentioned, more volume should be helpful for revenue and even better for margins and profit.

    Foolish takeaway

    According to Commsec, the Webjet share price is valued at 19 times FY25’s estimated earnings. I like the business now, but it’d be even more appealing if it was a bit cheaper.

    The post Webjet stock: 3 reasons it’s on my buy list 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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

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  • Why Gold Road, Ioneer, Megaport, and Nickel Industries shares are roaring higher

    Rising share price chart.

    Rising share price chart.

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has followed Wall Street’s lead and is charging higher. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.5% to 7,616.4 points.

    Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are climbing:

    Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR)

    The Gold Road share price is up over 8% to $1.51. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Macquarie. In response to a selloff on Monday, its analysts have upgraded the gold miner’s shares to an outperform rating with a $1.60 price target. In addition, Jefferies has lifted its recommendation to a buy rating with a $2.00 price target.

    Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR)

    The Ioneer share price is up 11% to 12.2 cents. This follows the release of a quarterly update from the lithium-boron developer. Management spoke very positively about the year ahead. It said: “2024 promises to be a momentous year for Ioneer, including the expected conclusion of the federal permitting process and the commencement of construction at Rhyolite Ridge.”

    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

    The Megaport share price is up 26% to $12.38. Investors have been buying the elasticity connectivity and network services interconnection provider’s shares following the release of its quarterly update. For the three months, Megaport reported total revenue of $48.6 million. This was an increase of 5% quarter on quarter and 31% year on year.

    Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC)

    The Nickel Industries share price is up 20% to 72 cents. This has been driven by the release of a strong quarterly update and the announcement of a new dividend policy and on-market share buyback. In respect to the latter, the company will be buying back up to US$100 million worth of shares over the next 12 months.

    The post Why Gold Road, Ioneer, Megaport, and Nickel Industries shares are roaring higher 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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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 positions in and has recommended Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Megaport. 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 US-Iran tensions will support oil prices: CBA analyst

    Worker inspecting oil and gas pipeline.Worker inspecting oil and gas pipeline.

    Oil price rises in recent days reflect a higher risk of Iran becoming more involved in current Middle East tensions, according to CBA’s director of mining and energy commodity research, Vivek Dhar.

    The Brent Crude oil price closed at US$82.40 per barrel, down 1.38% overnight.

    The WTI Crude oil price closed at US$76.96 per barrel, up 0.23%.

    Both oil prices reached their highest levels since November in recent days amid concerns over how Middle East tensions may play out from here.

    Middle East tensions supporting oil prices

    According to The Australian, Dhar expects tensions between the United States and Iran to continue to support oil prices given the potential impact on global supply chains.

    Dhar says global oil supply could be disrupted if Iran gets involved in a direct confrontation with the US.

    The world is waiting to see how US President Joe Biden will respond to a drone strike on a US military base in Jordan that killed three servicemen and wounded more than 40 others on Sunday.

    Iran has denied any involvement but AP News reports that US officials have “assessed that one of several Iranian-backed groups was behind it”.

    Dhar says an escalation in US-Iran tensions could result in greater enforcement of sanctions on Iran’s oil supply. Iran exports made up about 1% to 1.5% of the world’s oil supply in 2023.

    But the greater concern is that Iran may blockade the Strait of Hormuz. About 15% to 20% of the world’s oil supply transits through there.

    Meanwhile, Iran-based Houthi rebels continue to attack international trade ships in the Red Sea, through which about 6.5% to 7% of global oil and fuel supply transits.

    Dhar says an attack over the weekend on a tanker carrying Russian fuel for global commodities supplier Trafigura was the “most significant attack on a tanker since tensions in the region escalated in the wake of the Israel‑Hamas war.”

    ASX oil shares on Tuesday

    Oil prices have a direct impact on ASX oil shares because they impact company earnings.

    Today, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are down 0.52% to $31.75 at the time of writing.

    Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares are down 0.64% to $7.75.

    Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares are steady at $1.63 apiece.

    The post How US-Iran tensions will support oil prices: CBA analyst 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Woodside Energy Group. 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 200 stock is up 17% on big news

    A woman jumps for joy with a rocket drawn on the wall behind her.

    A woman jumps for joy with a rocket drawn on the wall behind her.

    Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC) shares are having a very strong session.

    In morning trade, the ASX 200 nickel stock is up 17% to 70.5 cents.

    Why is this ASX 200 stock jumping?

    There are a couple of reasons why investors have been buying this nickel producer’s shares on Tuesday.

    The first is the release of a quarterly update which revealed record production and sales volumes.

    According to the release, production came in at a record of 34,450 tonnes of nickel metal. This is up from 29,367 tonnes during the previous quarter.

    This allowed the ASX 200 stock to sell a record 34,427 tonnes of nickel metal. This was an 18% increase on the prior corresponding period.

    There were no records for its earnings, though. Softer pricing led to EBITDA falling quarter on quarter to US$85.1 million from US$97.6 million.

    Nevertheless, at the end of the quarter the company had cash, receivables, and inventory of US$1,302.5 million.

    What else is happening?

    Also getting investors excited was news that the ASX 200 stock is planning to return funds to investors through an on-market share buyback.

    Nickel Industries intends to return up to US$100 million of additional capital to shareholders over the next 12 months, in addition to dividends.

    Speaking of dividends, this morning the company announced a revised dividend policy. The new policy will see between 30% and 60% of free cash flow returned to shareholders by way of regular dividends declared on an interim and final basis each financial year.

    The ASX 200 stock’s managing director, Justin Werner, said:

    Nickel Industries has transitioned into a position to target higher shareholder returns via our new Capital Management Framework through strong operating performance. The revised dividend policy represents a significant uplift from existing dividend levels and will allow for greater returns to shareholders. We are pleased to announce an initial on-market share buyback as we strongly believe the current share price undervalues the Company.

    The post Guess which ASX 200 stock is up 17% on big news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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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  • Why is the Novonix share price on a rollercoaster today?

    People sit in rollercoaster seats with expressions of fear, terror and exhilaration as it goes into a steep downward descent representing the Novonix share price in FY22People sit in rollercoaster seats with expressions of fear, terror and exhilaration as it goes into a steep downward descent representing the Novonix share price in FY22

    The Novonix Ltd (ASX: NVX) share price kicked off early trading well into the green, up 1.6% to 62 cents apiece.

    Shares in the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) battery technology company closed up 10.9% yesterday trading for 61 cents.

    In slightly later morning trade on Tuesday, shares have given back those early morning gains and are swapping hands for 60.5 cents apiece, down 0.8%.

    For some context, the All Ords is up 0.5% at this same time.

    This comes following the release of Novonix’s fourth-quarter update covering the three months ending 31 December.

    Here are the highlights.

    Novonix share price in flux as first production nears

    The Novonix share price is on a bit of a rollercoaster after the company reiterated its intentions to commence commercial production of synthetic graphite anode materials in late 2024.

    Novonix plans to produce an initial 3,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of the materials, used in lithium-ion batteries, from its Anode Materials plant, located in the US state of Tennessee.

    Among the highlights of the quarter just past, Novonix finalised a US$100 million grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains and progressed with anode customer sampling and discussions.

    In its Battery Technology Solutions segment, the company said it continued its development of artificial intelligence and machine learning models and advanced its cathode materials development.

    Commenting on the progress that sees the Novonix share price seeking direction today, CEO Chris Burns said, “We delivered key milestones on four main priorities.”

    He cited:

    • Maintaining the company’s technological lead in the battery materials sector
    • Progressing and validating its Generation 3 furnace technology at mass production scale
    • Sampling and working with tier one customers
    • Securing financing in the form of the DOE office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains US$100 million grant in the fourth quarter

    Burns added:

    Our first-in-the-world graphitisation technology continues to attract attention from tier one customers looking for a localised and more sustainable anode material supplier. China highlighted the urgency of localisation efforts with its announcement in the fourth quarter on export controls for graphite.

    Looking ahead, Burns said, “We believe that 2024 will be a landmark year.”

    As at 31 December, the company held $79 million in cash.

    How has the All Ords battery tech company been performing?

    It’s been a tough year for the Novonix share price, with the stock down 69% over the past 12 months.

    The post Why is the Novonix share price on a rollercoaster today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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  • Where I’d invest $2,000 in ASX 20 shares today

    Woman at home saving money in a piggybank and smiling.Woman at home saving money in a piggybank and smiling.

    S&P/ASX 20 Index (ASX: XTL) shares are among the biggest and best companies in Australia. I think ASX blue-chip shares can deliver good returns, but there are only a few names I’d want to buy for my own portfolio.

    For my own portfolio, I like to look at businesses that have a compelling growth runway and the ability to expand in different ways. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is a solid business, but I don’t think it has a lot of strong growth ahead for various reasons (including its size and competition), and it could be difficult for the bank to materially diversify its earnings.

    With that in mind, these are the two ASX 20 shares I’d buy with $2,000.

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

    I think Macquarie is perhaps the best ASX financial share. The long-term focus of management and the business overall has led to a very strong setup, it has built up four impressive divisions – banking and financial services (BFS), investment bank, ‘commodities and global markets’ (CGM) and Macquarie Asset Management (MAM).

    The ASX 20 share generates around two-thirds of its earnings from outside of the local market. It can choose to grow in whatever market it is seeing opportunities. Its different divisions give it a wide array of areas to grow.

    For a financial ASX 20 share, I think it earns an impressive return on equity (ROE), which is a good incentive for the business to keep reinvesting some profits for more growth in the long term. I like its efforts to expand into ‘green’ energy, which is a sector that needs a lot of funding.

    According to Commsec, the Macquarie share price is valued at 16 times FY25’s estimated earnings.

    Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

    I think Wesfarmers is one of the strongest businesses on the ASX. It owns the businesses of Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, Priceline, Target and more.

    Bunnings is an extremely strong retail business and makes a high return on capital (ROC). Kmart is delivering a market-leading performance in its sector as it continues to grow earnings amid the high cost of living. Both Bunnings and Kmart are appealing strongly to cost-conscious customers.

    One of the things I like the most about Wesfarmers is that it has the flexibility to own whatever businesses it thinks can help deliver good long-term returns. For example, in the last few years, the ASX 20 share has decided to expand into healthcare, which can increase the defensive nature of the company’s earnings, and there are also strong ageing demographic tailwinds.

    In ten years, the businesses in the Wesfarmers portfolio could be quite different, just like how it decided to divest Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and acquire Catch.

    The company is always focused on delivering good returns for shareholders, including paying a good dividend each year. Using the trailing payouts, it has a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.7%.

    The post Where I’d invest $2,000 in ASX 20 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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    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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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    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 Macquarie Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Coles Group, Macquarie Group, and Wesfarmers. 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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  • Why is the DroneShield share price jumping to a 52-week high today?

    Two happy excited friends in euphoria mood after winning in a bet with a smartphone in hand.

    Two happy excited friends in euphoria mood after winning in a bet with a smartphone in hand.

    The DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) share price has continued its impressive run.

    In morning trade, the counter drone technology company’s shares are up 8% to a 52-week high of 46 cents.

    Why is the DroneShield share price racing higher?

    The company’s shares are rising today after investors responded positively to news of a new product launch.

    According to the release, DroneShield has launched its Expeditionary Fixed-Site (EFS) Kit for the DroneSentry-X Mk2.

    DroneSentry-X Mk2 is a multi-mission Counter-UxS solution providing artificial intelligence (AI) driven detection, identification, and next generation electronic defeat capabilities engineered for mobile and expeditionary use cases.

    Management notes that its new EFS Kit enables rapid deployment of the DroneSentry-X Mk2 across a wide range of operations, setting a new standard for ease of use among tactical end users.

    The company highlights that the integration of AI ensures that operators receive real-time intelligence, allowing for rapid decision-making and response to UxS threats. In addition, the EFS Kit transforms the DroneSentry-X into a best in class integrated sensor and effector solution for wide area operations. This allows it to be easily deployed in various environments.

    DroneShield’s U.S. CEO, Matt McCrann, was pleased with the launch. He commented:

    The DroneSentry-X EFS Kit addresses a huge gap for operators – combining an adaptable Counter-UxS capability with user-friendly features. Our commitment to ease of use is evident in every aspect of the DroneSentry-X EFS Kit, from advanced AI detection to the truly easy to deploy configuration.

    This sentiment was echoed by DroneShield’s Chief Technology Officer, Angus Bean. He added:

    We are focused on rapid product development this includes both new technologies and solution refinement based on end user mission sets. We want to execute on the complete solution, considering sequence of operation, deployment life cycle and ongoing support.

    The DroneShield share price is now up 24% in 2024.

    The post Why is the DroneShield share price jumping to a 52-week high 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 10 November 2023

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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 positions in and has recommended DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended DroneShield. 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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