Tag: Motley Fool

  • Why this top broker is ‘cautious’ on the outlook for CSL (ASX:CSL) shares

    a woman rugged up in a woolen hat and gloves with a thermometer in her mouth props her hand under her chin as she looks dejectedly at the camera,, as though she is miserable from feeling sick.a woman rugged up in a woolen hat and gloves with a thermometer in her mouth props her hand under her chin as she looks dejectedly at the camera,, as though she is miserable from feeling sick.a woman rugged up in a woolen hat and gloves with a thermometer in her mouth props her hand under her chin as she looks dejectedly at the camera,, as though she is miserable from feeling sick.

    Top broker Ord Minnett has dropped its expectations for CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) shares by 9.5% today, reportedly citing concerns about its plasma and flu divisions.

    The biotechnology company’s stock has tumbled 12% since the start of 2022.

    At the time of writing, the CSL share price is $257.66, 1.2% higher than its previous close.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently up 1.14%.

    Let’s take a closer look at what’s undermined Ord Minnett’s confidence in CSL’s stock.

    Broker lowers expectations of CSL stock

    The top broker has dropped its price target for CSL shares from $315 to $285, maintained a “cautious view” of the company’s stock, and kept its ‘hold’ rating, according to reporting by The Australian.

    The lowered expectations are reportedly a reflection of an anticipated gross margin drop from the company’s plasma division.

    The broker is also said to be expecting CSL’s Seqirus – creator of the company’s flu vaccines – to contribute less.

    In financial year 2021, Seqirus’ revenue increased 30% on a constant currency basis, driven by a record number of flu jabs administered.

    The Australian quoted Ord Minnett analysts as telling clients:

    We have reduced our [financial year 2023 (FY23)] [earnings per share (EPS)] forecast by 4%.

    We have adjusted our Vifor forecasts to reflect the expected treatment of minorities and amortisation.

    After these revisions, we continue to forecast a strong uplift in earnings in FY23 as plasma volumes recover and the Vifor business starts to contribute.

    In December, CSL announced its bid to acquire Swiss company Vifor Pharma for US$11.7 billion ($16.4 billion at today’s exchange rate).

    However, not all brokers’ expectations of CSL are falling.  

    As The Motley Fool Australia’s James Mickleboro recently reported, Macquarie analysts have slapped CSL shares with a $325 price target.

    CSL share price snapshot

    The CSL share price has limped into 2022, down almost 12% year to date. However, its medium-term performance isn’t much better.

    It has fallen 7% since this time last year. Though long term investors rejoice — it’s has gained 124% since February 2017.

    The post Why this top broker is ‘cautious’ on the outlook for CSL (ASX:CSL) shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider CSL, 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 CSL 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 Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended CSL Ltd. 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today

    Business man marking Sell on board and underlining it

    Business man marking Sell on board and underlining itBusiness man marking Sell on board and underlining it

    Yesterday we looked at three ASX shares brokers have given buy ratings to this week.

    Unfortunately, not all shares are in favour with brokers right now. Three that have just been given sell ratings are listed below. Here’s why these brokers are bearish on these ASX shares:

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    According to a note out of Credit Suisse, its analysts have retained their underperform rating and $92.50 price target on this banking giant’s shares ahead of its half year results. The broker believes that the market may be expecting too much from the bank’s net interest margins. In light of this, it is expecting CBA’s earnings to come in below consensus expectations. The CBA share price is trading at $94.34 this afternoon.

    Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

    A note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have retained their underweight rating and $17.20 price target on this fund manager’s shares. This follows news that its Chief Investment Officer, Hamish Douglass, is taking indefinite medical leave. Morgan Stanley appears to have concerns about the impact this could have on its funds under management, particularly given how its investment performance remains soft. The Magellan share price is fetching $17.42 on Tuesday.

    Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA)

    Analysts at Macquarie have downgraded this aerial imagery technology and location data company’s shares to an underperform rating and slashed the price target on them to $1.30. While the broker believes Nearmap is operating in a growing market, it sees competition increasing in the ANZ region and believes higher costs will be required in the North America region. In light of this and litigation risks, it doesn’t see enough value in its shares at the current level. The Nearmap share price has fallen heavily today and is now trading in line with this price target at $1.30.

    The post Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell 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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Nearmap Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Nearmap Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Will NAB shares give investors a dividend raise in 2022?

    Australian notes and coins mixed together.

    Australian notes and coins mixed together.Australian notes and coins mixed together.

    As an ASX bank share, National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) shares certainly have a reputation as a solid income-paying investment. Notwithstanding the interruptions that the coronavirus pandemic brought to ASX bank dividends, NAB, like the other major banks, gave investors a bit of a dividend recovery in 2021. This is in comparison to the dearth of banking dividends in 2020.

    Like most ASX shares, the NAB share price has had a rough start to 2022. So far this year, NAB is down by close to 6%. Over the past 12 months, the bank is sitting at an 8.65% gain.

    So now that we are well and truly getting stuck into 2022, what does NAB hold in store for investors in terms of dividends?

    Well, let’s start with NAB’s more recent dividend history.

    So 2020 saw NAB pay out two fully franked dividends at 30 cents per share, making it an annual total of 60 cents per share. That was a marked downgrade from 2019’s total of $1.66 in dividends per share, but such was the impact of COVID.

    2021 saw NAB pay out two dividends again. This time it was an interim dividend of 60 cents per share, and a final dividend of 67 cents per share, both fully franked. That gives the NAB share price a trailing yield of 4.59% today. That happens to be the second-lowest trailing yield out of the big four banks right now. 

    Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) are both offering trailing yields over 5% today. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) currently has a trailing yield of 3.72% as it currently stands.

    Will NAB keep its dividends growing in 2022 and beyond?

    So what does the future hold for the NAB dividend? Will 2022 see another dividend increase from NAB shares?

    Well, we don’t know for sure yet, of course. But let’s see what a major ASX broker is tipping. Investment bank and broker Goldman Sachs is currently bullish on NAB shares, describing NAB as “our preferred major bank exposure”.

    Goldman is indeed expecting NAB to deliver a dividend pay rise in 2022, and again in 2023 and 2024. Goldman is expecting $1.43 in dividends per share for 2022, which rises to $1.45 for 2023 and $1.48 for 2024. If that turned out to be the case, those figures would give NAB a forward yield of 5.23% for 2023 and 5.34% for 2024.

    No doubt NAB shareholders would be pretty pleased with that prediction. Now let’s see if it comes to pass.

    At the current National Australia Bank share price, NAB has a market capitalisation of $89.42 billion. 

    The post Will NAB shares give investors a dividend raise in 2022? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider NAB, 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 NAB 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 owns National Australia Bank Limited. 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • ‘On the way back’: Flight Centre (ASX:FLT) share price takes off on border reopening

    a happy passenger sits in her airplane seat with boarding pass in hand smiling widely at the prospect of travel.a happy passenger sits in her airplane seat with boarding pass in hand smiling widely at the prospect of travel.a happy passenger sits in her airplane seat with boarding pass in hand smiling widely at the prospect of travel.

    The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price is ascending again today, with CEO Graham Turner optimistic the international border opening will help the company.

    The travel company’s shares are currently trading at $19.99 apiece, up 5.54%. This comes after yesterday’s 7.8% gain.

    Let’s take a look at what could be helping the company’s share price today.

    Optimism on border reopening

    Turner has welcomed news Australia’s international borders will open this month. As Motley Fool Australia reported earlier, Australia will allow tourists into the country from February 21 this year.

    Speaking to Sky News Australia, CEO Graham Turner described the border opening as “better late than never”.

    Obviously this announcement is going to help our businesses in places like South Africa, UK, Europe, Canada and the USA, so that’s really good news there.

    Generally we’re on the way back, I know there’s going to be ups and downs, but we’re pretty happy at the moment.

    The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price is up 0.64% today, while Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) is climbing 6%. Meanwhile, Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO) is climbing 1.56% and Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) is gaining 3.86%.

    This follows big gains for the major ASX travel shares yesterday when the border reopening was announced.

    Further commenting on the impact of border closures on Flight Centre, Turner said the company had to lose “about two thirds of our people”.

    We are back up globally from 21,000 originally, we are back up to about 10,000 people now. We are building back up, to make sure that we can cope with the demand as it comes back.

    Today, Deloitte Access Economics and RMIT Online released a study stating international border closures cost the Australian economy $32 billion, 7 News reported.

    On Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the reopening was a “welcome relief” for tourist providers.

    If you’re double vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to Australia, and I know the tourism industry will be looking forward to that, and over the next two weeks they will have the opportunity both for visitors to be coming and for them to be gearing up to welcome international visitors back to Australia.

    Flight Centre share price snapshot

    The Flight Centre share price has soared nearly 29% in the past 12 months and 11% year to date. In the past week alone, it has surged nearly 19%.

    For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned 4.6% over the past 52 weeks.

    Flight Centre has a market capitalisation of $3.9 billion based on its current share price

    The post ‘On the way back’: Flight Centre (ASX:FLT) share price takes off on border reopening appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Flight Centre right now?

    Before you consider Flight Centre, 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 Flight Centre 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

    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Helloworld Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Helloworld Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Corporate Travel Management Limited, Flight Centre Travel Group Limited, and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why Flight Centre, Macquarie, Super Retail, and Suncorp shares are racing higher

    A happy woman in an office puts her hands in the air as if to celebrate while looking at computer.A happy woman in an office puts her hands in the air as if to celebrate while looking at computer.

    A happy woman in an office puts her hands in the air as if to celebrate while looking at computer.In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a strong gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 1.1% to 7,191.8 points.

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

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

    The Flight Centre share price is up 5% to $19.84. Investors have been buying this travel agent’s shares amid optimism that the reopening of Australia’s international borders will be a boost to its performance. Several other travel shares are charging higher with Flight Centre on Tuesday.

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

    The Macquarie share price is up 4% to $202.08. Investors have been buying the investment bank’s shares following the release of its third quarter operational update. Macquarie revealed that it had a record quarter thanks to its market-facing Commodities and Global Markets and Macquarie Capital businesses. Their combined profit contribution was up “substantially” on the prior corresponding period.

    Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

    The Super Retail share price is up almost 3% to $12.50. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Ord Minnett. Its analysts upgraded this retailer’s shares to an accumulate rating with a $14.50 price target. The broker believes consumer trends are favourable for Super Retail at present, which could pose upside risk to estimates.

    Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

    The Suncorp share price is up 6% to $12.12. Investors have been buying this banking and insurance giant’s shares following the release of its half year results. Suncorp reported a net profit after tax of $388 million. Although this was down 20.8% year on year, it was better than the market was expecting. According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts were expecting a first half net profit after tax of $300 million.

    The post Why Flight Centre, Macquarie, Super Retail, and Suncorp shares are racing 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.

    *Returns as of January 12th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited and Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to shine bright in 2022

    three adorable children sit side by side at a table wearing upturned colanders on their heads fixed with shining light bulbs as they smile cutely at the camera.

    three adorable children sit side by side at a table wearing upturned colanders on their heads fixed with shining light bulbs as they smile cutely at the camera.three adorable children sit side by side at a table wearing upturned colanders on their heads fixed with shining light bulbs as they smile cutely at the camera.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is putting in a strong showing today.

    ASX 200 shares are up a combined 1.27% in afternoon trading.

    That will come as welcome news to investors who watched the benchmark index slide 9.9% from the start of the year through to 27 January. ASX 200 shares have now rebounded 5% from that low.

    But we’re not necessarily out of the bearish woods quite yet.

    Investor worries fuelling volatility

    According to Saxo Capital Markets Australian market strategist Jessica Amir, share markets are seeing increased volatility as investors fret over inflation driving higher interest rates, rising geopolitical tensions, and issues in energy markets.

    But she sees it all as a glass half full.

    As The Australian reports, Amir says that despite these concerns, “there are opportunities“.

    The first ASX 200 share she sees opportunity in for 2022 is Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC).

    With a market cap just north of $2.9 billion, Whitehaven is the biggest pure play coal miner on the ASX.

    Amir notes that Whitehaven’s share price has fallen recently – it’s down 20% from the 6 October 12-month highs – but she says profits are expected to more than double in 2022.

    According to Amir, “China, India and Russia make up 50% of global electricity consumption and most of that comes from coal.”

    Next up, Amir believes WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) has been oversold.

    The ASX 200 share, with a market cap of $14.5 billion, provides cloud-based software solutions for international and domestic logistics industries.

    According to Amir (quoted by The Australian), “This is a tech company that powers the logistics industry and works with global brands like DHL and FedEx. Its shares look like they have been oversold.”

    Then there’s Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE).

    Formerly known as Orocobre Limited before rebranding, Allkem supplies lithium carbonate and boron worldwide, with its resources predominantly located in Argentina.

    Amir said that with lithium prices forecast to rise 80% in 2022, that should be good news for the Allkem share price.

    How have these 3 ASX 200 shares been tracking?

    The Whitehaven share price has soared 93% over the past 12 months and is up 11% so far in 2022.

    The Allkem share price has rocketed 87% since this time last year but is down 12% since the opening bell on 4 January.

    As for WiseTech, the ASX 200 share is up 34% over 12 months and down 24% so far this calendar year.

    The post 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to shine bright in 2022 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Whitehaven, 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 Whitehaven 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

    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • CBA (ASX:CBA) share price is ‘very expensive’: expert

    a small boy dressed in a bow tie and britches looks up from a pile of books with a book laid in front of him on a desk and an abacus on the other side, as though he is an accountant scouring books of figures.a small boy dressed in a bow tie and britches looks up from a pile of books with a book laid in front of him on a desk and an abacus on the other side, as though he is an accountant scouring books of figures.a small boy dressed in a bow tie and britches looks up from a pile of books with a book laid in front of him on a desk and an abacus on the other side, as though he is an accountant scouring books of figures.

    The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is edging higher today, now trading at $94.42 at the time of writing — up 0.45%.

    The bank started the year poorly, with shares faltering almost 7% into the red since the start of 2022 trading on 4 January. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down just over 3% during the same time.

    Analysts have been calling for a pullback in the CBA share price for some time, with some noting it seemed overvalued relative to earnings and to the other banking majors throughout 2021.

    But are analysts still as downbeat on the CBA share price? And what about its valuation given the recent market downturn? Let’s take a look.

    CBA is a sell, according to consensus

    Overall sentiment on the bank’s share price appears to be quite downbeat at present, judging from the list of analysts provided by Bloomberg Intelligence.

    On that list, 11 brokers urge their clients to sell and/or short CBA shares whereas just 2 advocate it as a buy right now.

    That equates to 88% of analysts having the CBA share price as a sell or hold right now – hardly a bullish outlook.

    Most of the commentary is centred around the bank’s valuation and the pressures on its profit margins as cost blowouts continue to plague its income statement.

    Whilst JP Morgan forecasts the bank’s revenue growth “to be towards the top end of peers in FY23/24”, it notes ongoing costs will likely cap profits and earnings per share (EPS) relative to peers.

    It also forecasts CBA’s net interest margin (NIM) to contract over the coming periods, in line with NIM headwinds for the broad sector.

    Moreover, JP Morgan continues to be put off by the bank’s “very expensive valuation” given its shares are still trading at 20x price to earnings (P/E), down from 22x P/E a month ago.

    Goldman Sachs also reckons that CBA’s NIM will be in hot focus in its upcoming earnings release. Goldman is forecasting a 16 basis point decline in the bank’s NIM this period.

    “This is amplified by the disproportionate share of mortgages that are currently going into fixed rates,” the broker noted to clients in an update recently.

    As a result of this, Goldman trimmed its price target on CBA by 2% to $80.94, retaining its sell recommendation in the process.

    Not only that, but the consensus price target on CBA shares is currently at $93 and change – suggesting a downside potential of almost $1 per share.

    Morgans is the most bearish and values the bank at $74 per share, whereas Jefferies and Jarden are the only two brokers standing apart from the pack. In recent updates, they assigned price targets of $108 and $100 per share respectively.

    CBA share price snapshot

    In the last 12 months, the CBA share price has held gains and climbed more than 6% but is losing ground amid the recent weakness.

    This year to date, things aren’t so rosy with the CBA share price down almost 7% so far in 2022, after tanking more than 8% in the last month of trading.

    The post CBA (ASX:CBA) share price is ‘very expensive’: expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Commonwealth Bank of Australia right now?

    Before you consider Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 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 Commonwealth Bank of Australia 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 Zach Bristow 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • This global financial giant is buying up Bitcoin. Could ASX banks be next?

    Cryptocurrency bitcoin coin in gold piggy bankCryptocurrency bitcoin coin in gold piggy bankCryptocurrency bitcoin coin in gold piggy bank

    It’s been a big week for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), with both coins seeing prices rebound after a sustained period of decline.

    In the latest development, one of the “big four” accounting firms has announced that it will be investing in both Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Canadian arm of KPMG revealed that it has allocated funds to its corporate treasury to invest in crypto assets.

    This move is an example of more traditional financial institutions entering the market. But, are ASX banks keeping crypto at arm’s length?

    First, let’s read why KPMG is taking a chance on Bitcoin and Ethereum.

    Mature crypto assets become too big to ignore

    Yesterday, KPMG Canada announced a first-of-its-kind investment for the firm with an investment in the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation.

    According to the release, the investment comprised of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and carbon offsets to counteract the emissions of the transactions. The accounting firm allocated the funds using Gemini’s execution and custody services.

    While the addition of crypto to its balance sheet suggests a positive sentiment, cryptocurrency advocates might be wondering why it took so long. Bitcoin has now been in existence for around 13 years.

    In explaining, KPMG’s managing partner of advisory services, Benjie Thomas, said that the decision to invest in Bitcoin and Ethereum is based on maturity as an asset class.

    Crypto assets are a maturing asset class. Investors such as hedge funds and family offices to large insurers and pension funds are increasingly gaining exposure to crypto assets, and traditional financial services such as banks, financial advisors and brokerages are exploring offering products and services involving crypto assets.

    Adding:

    This investment reflects our belief that institutional adoption of crypto assets and blockchain technology will continue to grow and become a regular part of the asset mix.

    Furthermore, the decision was made following an in-depth evaluation by the firm. This included a complete risk assessment considering regulatory, reputational, tax, and accounting implications.

    Are ASX banks getting involved with Bitcoin?

    Financial institutions in Australia are also approaching cryptocurrencies with a more open mind in the last few months.

    Surprisingly, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) — Australia’s largest bank — announced plans to unlock crypto investments to its customers in November 2021. In addition, the feature would be enabled through its partnership with Gemini, a regulated crypto exchange.

    However, CBA is not the only ASX bank to be taking Bitcoin and its crypto peers more seriously. Remarks from Nigel Dobson, banking services portfolio lead at Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ), indicate the potential for another major bank to enter the fray.

    Dobson highlighted that the market had become too big to ignore. Although — at this stage — no ASX-listed banks have added cryptocurrencies to their balance sheets.

    At the time of writing, Bitcoin is up 2.7% in the last 24 hours to A$61,706. Similarly, Ethereum is trading 2.5% higher at A$4,410.

    The post This global financial giant is buying up Bitcoin. Could ASX banks be next? 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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler owns Bitcoin, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Is the Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price a smart buy for dividends?

    Two fountains of black oil in the shape of up arrows signalling oil price rise

    Two fountains of black oil in the shape of up arrows signalling oil price riseTwo fountains of black oil in the shape of up arrows signalling oil price rise

    The Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price is an interesting one to consider for income.

    Since the start of the 2022 calendar year, Woodside shares have climbed around 20%. In-fact, the Woodside share price just hit a 52-week high. Compare that to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has dropped 5% since the start of the year. A 25% outperformance in less than two months.

    After a rapid correction of oil prices late last year on concerns about the impacts of Omicron, oil prices have rallied higher. It’s now reaching a multi-year high.

    A commodity business like Woodside Petroleum is heavily dependent on the resource price to be able to generate strong profits. The profit is what funds the dividend.

    Is Woodside share price benefiting from the higher oil prices?

    The latest quarterly update from the company showed a big increase in the ‘realised price’ and sales revenue.

    Woodside’s average realised price increased to $90 per barrel of oil equivalent, up 53% from the third quarter of 2021.

    Sales revenue jumped 86% to $2.85 billion, whilst sales volume rose 22% to 31.8 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe).

    So, the company is seeing a significant increase in revenue thanks to the higher price. It was the highest quarterly sales revenue on record.

    It will soon be an even bigger oil business after signing a binding share sale agreement with BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) for the merger of BHP’s oil and gas portfolio with Woodside.

    How big could the dividend be in FY22?

    Ultimately, the dividend decision is for the Woodside board to decide.

    But, analysts have had their best guess at what the FY22 dividend might be.

    The broker Morgans reckons that Woodside is going to pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.6% in FY22 and 6.8% in FY23.

    CommSec numbers suggest that the grossed-up dividend yield could be 9.75% in FY22 and 7.1% in FY23.

    Is the Woodside share price a buy?

    Investors consider several different things about Woodside, with its profit being an important component.

    The oil giant recently announced some accounting changes including a non-cash, post-tax impairment reversal related to oil and gas properties of US$582 million comprising $319 million related to Pluto-Scarborough and $263 million to NSW Gas.

    The calculation of the 2021 final dividend, to be announced on 17 February 2022, will exclude the impact of the impairment reversal on net profit.

    Morgans rates Woodside as a buy, with a price target of $30.55.

    The 2022 production guidance is between 92 MMboe to 98 MMboe, excluding the impact of the proposed merger with BHP.

    Citi is currently ‘neutral’ on the business, with a price target of $23.83, though it notes production this year is expected to be a little better than it was thinking it would be.

    The post Is the Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price a smart buy for dividends? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Woodside, 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 Woodside 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 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Playside (ASX:PLY) share price tanks 10% on BEANS project update

    A disappointed man slumps in his chair and holds his head while playing an online gameA disappointed man slumps in his chair and holds his head while playing an online gameA disappointed man slumps in his chair and holds his head while playing an online game

    The Playside Studios Ltd (ASX: PLY) share price is nosediving today following a project update on the BEANS Web 3.0.

    At the time of writing, the video game developer’s shares are down 10.31% to $1.175.

    What’s dragging Playside Studios shares lower?

    Investors are selling off Playside Studios shares after the company reported a technical issue regarding a smart contract.

    According to its release, Playside Studios advised that an error allowed 2,223 BEANS to be minted for minimal consideration. The mistake in judgement occurred late afternoon yesterday following the sale of 7,777 BEANS. The latter generated a net revenue of $8.38 million.

    Playside Studios stated that once it found out what happened, the independent third-party quickly facilitated corrective action via the NFT marketplace.

    As a result, normal trading was quickly restored and no long-term impacts are expected to arise.

    The costs associated with fixing the issue by the third party is estimated to be less than $500,000. Playside Studios noted that it does not foresee any material changes to its revenue earned from the original mint.

    To ensure that the error doesn’t occur again, the company has reviewed its internal procedures and made adjustments. Further process improvements are anticipated to follow to safeguard the BEANS project in future.

    Playside Studios said that it will reveal the identity of all BEANS to the owners on Thursday 10 February. More information to the community will be provided in relation to new features being added to the roadmap ahead.

    Playside Studios share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Playside Studios shares have gained more than 220%, and are up 7% year-to-date.

    Based on today’s price, Playside Studios commands a market capitalisation of roughly $170.26 million, with approximately 144.29 million shares outstanding.

    The post Playside (ASX:PLY) share price tanks 10% on BEANS project update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in PlaySide Studios right now?

    Before you consider PlaySide Studios, 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 PlaySide Studios 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 Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/Zq7AQaU