Tag: Motley Fool

  • 8 ASX All Ords shares trading ex-dividend this week

    A man points at a paper as he holds an alarm clock.A man points at a paper as he holds an alarm clock.

    It’s shaping up to be a big week for All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) dividend shares. Many are gearing up to trade ex-dividend after reporting in the February earnings season.

    Anyone buying a company’s stock after its ex-dividend date will miss out on its next payment. So, investors wanting a piece of these dividends better get in quick.

    It’s also worth bearing in mind that on their ex-dividend trading day, ASX shares typically fall approximately equal to the value of their next dividend.

    8 ASX All Ords shares trading ex-dividend this week

    First off the bat will be Australian Clinical Labs Ltd (ASX: ACL). The ASX All Ords pathology services provider will pass its ex-dividend date today.

    That means new shareholders have already missed out on its 7-cent per share dividend. It will be paid on 26 April.

    And that might not be all weighing on the stock. The company’s takeover target Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS) has responded to its all-scrip offer, noting the bid likely won’t meet the required acceptance.

    Cedar Woods Properties Limited (ASX: CWP) will be the next All Ords share to trade ex-dividend this week. Shares in the property developer will surpass the milestone on Tuesday.

    Investors will see a 13-cent per share dividend paid on 28 April.

    Shares in mining equipment provider Emeco Holdings Ltd (ASX: EHL) will trade ex-dividend on Wednesday.

    Those holding shares in the All Ords company will receive a 1.25-cent per share dividend from 13 April.

    Come Thursday, all eyes will be on agriculture-focused real estate property trust Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF) and property investor Garda Diversified Property Fund (ASX: GDF). The pair will trade ex-dividend on Thursday.

    After that, Garda will pay a 1.8-cent per share dividend on 19 April, while Rural Funds will hand out a 2.9-cent per share offering on 19 April.

    Industrial- and office-focused real estate investment trusts (REITs) Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) and Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF) will also trade ex-dividend on Thursday.

    They’ll pay out their respective 4-cent per share and 3.5-cent per share offerings on 28 April.

    And finally, All Ords share Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) will also trade ex-dividend this week, passing the milestone on Friday.

    The furniture retailer will pay a 13-cent per share dividend on 1 May.

    The post 8 ASX All Ords shares trading ex-dividend this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Looking to buy dividend shares to help fight inflation?

    If you’re looking to buy dividend shares to help fight inflation then you’ll need to get your hands on this… Our FREE report revealing 3 stocks not only boasting inflation-fighting dividends…

    They also have strong potential for massive long-term returns…

    See the 3 stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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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. has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman and Rural Funds 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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  • Premier share price higher on record profit and special dividend

    Two happy shoppers looking at a smartphone together.

    Two happy shoppers looking at a smartphone together.

    The Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV) share price is pushing higher on Monday.

    In early trade, the retail conglomerate’s shares are up 2% to $25.90.

    This follows the release of the company’s half-year results this morning.

    Premier Investments share price higher on record result

    • Retail sales up 17.6% to a record of $905.2 million
    • Online sales down 12.5% to $170.9 million
    • Retail earnings before interest and tax (excluding one-offs) up 12.2% to $220.4 million
    • Net profit after tax up 6.5% to a record of $174.3 million
    • Record fully franked interim dividend of 54 cents per share
    • Special fully franked 16 cents per share dividend

    What happened during the first half?

    For the six months ended 28 January, Premier Investments reported a 17.6% increase in retail sales to a record of $905.2 million.

    Key drivers of this growth were its Peter Alexander and Smiggle brands. The former delivered a 15.1% increase in sales to a record of $261.7 million, whereas the latter reported a 30.3% lift in sales to $190.7 million.

    This was supported by its Apparel Brands, which collectively delivered record sales of $452.8 million, which was up 14.3% on the prior corresponding period despite operating less stores.

    On the bottom line, Premier Investments reported a more modest 6.5% lift in net profit after tax to $174.3 million. This reflects weaker gross margins due to currency headwinds.

    Nevertheless, those currency headwinds couldn’t stop the Premier Investments board from increasing its fully franked interim dividend by 17.4% to a record 54 cents per share. Nor could it stop the company from rewarding its shareholders with a fully franked special dividend of 16 cents per share.

    Though, you’ll have to be patient for these dividends. They will be payable together on 26 July, with a record date of 21 June.

    Management commentary

    Premier’s Chairman, Solomon Lew, was pleased with the half. He said:

    Our teams have executed strongly to support the delivery of record results in an uncertain economic environment. Pleasingly, Premier’s statutory NPAT of $174.3 million is up 75.0% on prepandemic 1H20. We are delighted to continue our track record of strong returns for our shareholders, approving record interim ordinary and special dividends for the half of 70 cents per share.

    Over the past three years and including the 1H23 dividends, Premier shareholders have been rewarded with a total of half a billion dollars in fully franked dividends. Premier Retail EBIT is up 74.8% on 1H20. Today, Premier Retail is uniquely positioned to continue to deliver with our brands identifying key growth paths for the future, whilst leveraging synergies within the Group’s global operations.

    Outlook

    No guidance has been given for the second half or full year.

    However, management advised that the second half has started positively. It stated:

    2H23 trading has opened strongly with total sales for the first 6 weeks through February and into March up 7.7% on 2H22. Premier Retail’s solid start to 2H23 and its clean inventory position has given the Group confidence that it is well positioned to maximise sales through the trading period ahead.

    The post Premier share price higher on record profit and special dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Premier Investments Limited right now?

    Before you consider Premier Investments Limited, 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 Premier Investments Limited 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Premier Investments. 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 Bank of Queensland share price pushing higher today?

    three businessmen stand in silhouette against a window of an office with papers displaying graphs and office documents on a desk in the foreground.

    three businessmen stand in silhouette against a window of an office with papers displaying graphs and office documents on a desk in the foreground.

    The Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) share price is on the move on Monday.

    At the time of writing, the regional bank’s shares are up 1.5% to $6.50.

    Why is the Bank of Queensland share price rising?

    Investors have been bidding the Bank of Queensland share price higher today after the bank announced the appointment of its new CEO.

    Potentially in an effort to ease investor nerves during the ongoing banking crisis, the bank has opted to name its current chairman, Patrick Allaway, as its new leader. This follows the exit of George Frazis, which was announced late last year.

    This will be a relatively short term appointment, with Allaway taking on the roles of managing director and CEO until December 2024.

    Replacing him as chairman will be Warwick Negus with immediate effect.

    Why switch roles?

    The company revealed that it believes the appointment will provide some stability in the current environment. It explained:

    Mr Allaway’s appointment will provide stability and continuity during this period, enabling the management team to continue delivering BOQ’s priorities, as announced at the December 2022 AGM, of strengthening, simplifying, digitising, and optimising BOQ.

    It also revealed that the search process for a long-term CEO will continue. This includes considering a wider pool of external candidates and the further development of internal candidates.

    Commenting on his appointment, Allaway said:

    I am honored to serve BOQ stakeholders in my new role and to play a part in our 150-year history. I will continue to lead by living our purpose and values and to progress our work to build an even stronger and better bank for our customers, our people, and our shareholders. Our focus is strong financial resilience whilst simplifying our operations and digitising for our future state.

    We have made material progress in strengthening our capital and liquidity position over the past six months and have maintained quality lending portfolios as we prepare for a more challenging economic environment. BOQ has several programs underway to improve the effectiveness of our control environment and organisational efficiency, building a leaner more agile and digitally enabled bank.

    The post Why is the Bank of Queensland share price pushing higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bank Of Queensland right now?

    Before you consider Bank Of Queensland, 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 Bank Of Queensland 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 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 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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  • Invested $7,000 in Rio Tinto shares 5 years ago? Here’s how much passive income you’ve earned

    A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computerA woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer

    The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price has outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the last five years, gaining 56% in that time.

    The stock has lifted from around $72.70 in late March 2018 to trade at $114.43 as of Friday’s close.

    That means a $7,000 investment in Rio Tinto shares back then would likely have seen an investor walk away with 96 of the iron ore giant’s stocks.

    Today, that parcel would be worth $10,985.28. And that’s before considering the dividends paid over the same period.

    For comparison, the ASX 200 has gained around 21% over the last five years.

    Let’s dive into all the dividends provided to Rio Tinto shareholders during that time.

    All dividends paid to those holding Rio Tinto shares since 2018

    Here are all the dividends paid to those holding Rio Tinto shares since March 2018, rounded to the nearest cent:

    Rio Tinto dividends’ pay date Type Dividend amount
    September 2022 Interim $3.84
    April 2022 Final and special $5.77 and 86 cents
    September 2021 Interim and special $5.09 and $2.51
    April 2021 Final and special $3.97 and $1.20
    September 2020 Interim $2.16
    April 2020 Final $3.50
    September 2019 Interim and special $2.19 and 89 cents
    April 2019 Final and special $2.51 and $3.39
    September 2018 Interim $1.71
    April 2018 Final $2.29
    Total:   $41.88

    All up, Rio Tinto investors have likely received $41.88 of passive income for each share in the iron ore producer they’ve held since this same date in 2018.

    That means our figurative $7,000 investment has probably yielded around $4,020.48 in dividends over its life, leaving it with a total return on investment (ROI) of approximately 115%.

    And that’s before considering the franking credits that have been attached to all the company’s offerings, potentially bringing tax benefits over the years.

    Not to mention, one may have realised an even greater return if they were to have reinvested their dividends, thereby employing the power of compounding.

    Rio Tinto will pay its upcoming final dividend – worth $3.26 per share – on 20 April.

    Right now, the mining favourite’s stock offers a 6.2% dividend yield.

    The post Invested $7,000 in Rio Tinto shares 5 years ago? Here’s how much passive income you’ve earned appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Rio Tinto Limited right now?

    Before you consider Rio Tinto Limited, 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 Rio Tinto Limited 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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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. 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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  • Are AMP shares set to become a dividend machine?

    A man clasps his hands together while he looks upwards and sideways pondering how the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF performed in the 2022 financial yearA man clasps his hands together while he looks upwards and sideways pondering how the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF performed in the 2022 financial year

    The AMP Limited (ASX: AMP) share price has gone through a major decline. It’s down 20% since 15 February 2023, reversing its gains over the past year. It’s now down around 80% over the past five years.

    But, the company is finally generating a profit after a period of difficulty.

    In the recent 2022 financial year result, it reported an underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $184 million and a statutory NPAT of $387 million, reversing a $252 million loss from FY21.

    The company’s progress with its transformation now has analysts thinking that it’s going to start paying a regular and growing dividend.

    AMP dividend estimates

    Commsec numbers currently suggest that AMP is going to pay a full-year dividend of 4.2 cents for the 2023 financial year. Excluding the effect of franking credits, this would be a yield of 4%. If it were to be fully franked, it’d be a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.7%.

    In the 2024 financial year, Commsec numbers suggest AMP may then increase its dividend by 19% to 5 cents per share. This would be a 4.75% dividend yield, or 6.8% grossed-up if it were fully franked.

    Then, in the 2025 financial year, the current forecast is that the dividend could grow by another 20% to 6 cents per share. At the current AMP share price, that would translate into a dividend yield of 5.7%, or 8.2% grossed-up if it were fully franked.

    But, keep in mind that these are just projections and there’s no guarantee that the dividends will be fully franked.

    Earnings to rise?

    AMP has done some strategic repricing in its wealth management businesses to offer a more competitive product for clients and their advisers.

    This could be helpful for the business retaining and growing its client base.

    AMP Bank also saw residential mortgage book growth of $2 billion over FY22. Growth of the mortgage book can help the bank’s earnings, as long as the credit quality of the bank’s borrowers remains strong during 2023 and beyond.

    The ASX financial share also said that it has been disciplined with a focus on costs across the group. Controllable costs, excluding AMP Capital’s discontinued operations, were reduced by $54 million

    Commsec forecasts currently suggest that AMP shares could generate 7.1 cents of earnings per share (EPS). This puts the current forward price/earnings (P/E) ratio at 15.

    By FY25, the company could make EPS of 10 cents – this would represent growth of around 40% from FY23 if that prediction comes true. While it’s a long way away, the FY25 P/E ratio is 10.5.

    Foolish takeaway

    If AMP can do as well as analysts expect, then AMP shares may become a dividend machine from here. But, I’m not sure how much long-term growth AMP will be able to achieve beyond the next few years, so I’m not looking at it as an ultra-long-term idea.

    Instead, I’d be looking at other ASX dividend shares for growth.

    The post Are AMP shares set to become a dividend machine? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Amp Limited right now?

    Before you consider Amp Limited, 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 Limited 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 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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  • Could buying Pilbara Minerals shares under $4 make me rich?

    A young woman sits at her desk in deep contemplation with her hand to her chin while seriously considering information she is reading on her laptopA young woman sits at her desk in deep contemplation with her hand to her chin while seriously considering information she is reading on her laptop

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price has drifted below $4. Since 25 January 2023, it has dropped by around 30%.

    That’s a hefty decline for an ASX lithium share that has a market capitalisation of more than $10 billion, according to the ASX.

    It has been very beneficial to be an owner of Pilbara Minerals shares over the long term, with the company’s share price rising by around 375% in the past five years. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has only gone up by 20% over the past five years.

    However, I’d say there are two key reasons why the Pilbara Minerals share price has done so well over the last few years. One is that the company has ramped up production at its Pilgangoora project and is benefiting from a significantly higher lithium price.

    But, after recent volatility, can the business turn things around and make more returns for investors?

    Can the Pilbara Minerals share price keep rising?

    I think the shorter-term outlook for the business will be decided by the lithium price. The lithium price has reportedly sunk over the last few months. This could have a sizeable impact on the month-to-month profitability of the business, though it’s still making a good level of profit.

    In the first half of FY23, Pilbara Minerals said that its average realised sales price was US$4,993 per dry metric tonne (dmt), which was 305% higher than for the prior corresponding period. This helped statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) increase by 989% to $1.24 billion while the cash on its balance sheet increased by $1.63 billion since June 2022 to $2.23 billion.

    I’m not sure if the lithium price is going to recover, or even just stabilise, at this level. But it does seem as though demand is going to keep rising.

    Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) notes that lithium is a vital component for technologies like electric vehicles and batteries. According to Rio Tinto, double-digit growth in lithium demand is expected over the next decade.

    According to a KPMG report about the mining outlook, it said regarding lithium:

    We estimate lithium production would need to grow by around 12 percent per year every year until 2050 to produce enough of that mineral to have two billion EVs on the roads. Given that, lithium production is expected to grow at nearly double that pace in the near term.

    So while the demand for lithium is expected to increase, the supply is expected to increase in that time too. We’ll just have to see what the balance of supply and demand looks like in future years.

    For me, I’m not expecting the lithium price to reach a new all-time high any time soon. But I do like that the company is looking to increase its exposure to more of the lithium value chain, as well as increase its production.

    According to Commsec, earnings are expected to fall in FY24 and then in FY25. This would put the current Pilbara Minerals share price at 7x FY25’s estimated earnings. I think there is a bit of leeway for the ASX lithium share to rise in the double-digits and still be at a fair valuation.

    However, I think Pilbara Minerals has seen a lot of share price growth. There are other, smaller businesses which could grow more and, therefore, be more likely to produce good returns.

    The post Could buying Pilbara Minerals shares under $4 make me rich? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pilbara Minerals Limited right now?

    Before you consider Pilbara Minerals Limited, 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 Pilbara Minerals Limited 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 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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  • Up 30% in 2023, can the Myer share price keep rising?

    Two women are glamourously dressed in a shopping mall carrying designer shopping bags and looking excitedly at something on a mobile phone.Two women are glamourously dressed in a shopping mall carrying designer shopping bags and looking excitedly at something on a mobile phone.

    The Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR) share price has done very well in recent months. It has risen around 30% in 2023 to date and gained 60% in the last 12 months.

    That compares very favourably to the performance of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). In 2023 to date, it’s only up by 0.1%. Over the past year, the ASX 200 has dropped by 6%.

    The ASX retail share has managed a strong turnaround in its sales and financials. This has enabled the business to largely hold onto the gains it has achieved, though investors may have been hoping for even more.

    Let’s have a look at some of the highlights from the recent FY23 half-year result.

    Earnings recap

    Myer reported that in the six months to 28 January 2023, it grew total sales by 24.2% to $1.88 billion. Despite the end of lockdowns, online sales still represented around 20% of total sales.

    The operating gross profit grew by 17.4% to $683.2 million. This margin decreased 212 basis points to 36.3% which included the “unfavourable impact of higher shrinkage and foreign exchange movements”.

    The cost of doing business (CODB) was $442.5 million, or 23.5% of total sales, representing an improvement of 126 basis points.

    Myer’s net profit after tax (NPAT) was $65 million, an increase of 101.4%. Profit growth can be key for the Myer share price going higher. This was the company’s highest profit since the first half of FY14.

    The business also said its balance sheet was stronger, with net cash at the end of the period up $50 million to $267 million and inventory “well-controlled at the same level as the prior corresponding period”.

    Myer also declared a total interim dividend of 8 cents per share, comprising an ordinary dividend per share of 4 cents per share and a special dividend of 4 cents per share. This is “utilising significant accumulated franking credits“.

    Can the Myer share price keep rising?

    Myer is now focused on ensuring that it’s making profitable sales. Profit growth can certainly help drive the Myer share price upwards. And, in turn, sales growth can be a boost for profit.

    Therefore, it’s very promising that Myer was able to reveal its sales after Christmas had made a good double-digit rise.

    According to the ASX retail share, in the eight weeks after Christmas, department store sales were up 16.1% compared to the prior corresponding period. The Myer boss John King said:

    Like all retailers we remain cautious about the macro-economic environment, however, we are pleased with the momentum we are generating through the customer first plan and have a strong pipeline of initiatives still to come, which will ensure we are well placed for the future.

    According to Commsec, Myer is expected to generate earnings per share (EPS) of 10 cents. That means that Myer is valued at less than 9x FY23’s estimated earnings. I think it would be quite reasonable for Myer to trade with a price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 10, which would be a rise of around 15%. It could also keep paying a very attractive dividend yield.

    However, I’m not sure if Myer is the best ASX retail share to buy – I think Myer will need to keep growing its online sales to offset the long-term uncertainty of department store sales.

    The post Up 30% in 2023, can the Myer share price keep rising? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Myer Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you consider Myer Holdings Limited, 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 Myer Holdings Limited 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 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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  • Skydive then fried chicken: 2 ASX shares to party through an economic downturn

    two smiling people, a man and a woman, raise a hand in a wave as they are tethered to each other while they skydive against a clear sky with a covering of clouds below before their parachute opens.two smiling people, a man and a woman, raise a hand in a wave as they are tethered to each other while they skydive against a clear sky with a covering of clouds below before their parachute opens.

    Times are pretty crazy at the moment.

    Consumers have hardly any spare cash to spend after ten consecutive months of steep interest rate rises. Yet you would never know it if you visited an airport, where queues are sneaking out of the terminal building.

    These contradictions exist because of the stifled freedoms and pent-up savings Australians accumulated during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

    Consumers just want to have some fun now.

    Here are two ASX shares to buy that could benefit from this theme:

    International travellers are back

    Wilson Asset Management equities dealer Cooper Rogers likes the look of Experience Co Ltd (ASX: EXP).

    “It’s benefiting from the recovery of the international traveller,” Rogers said on a Wilson video.

    “We’re seeing increased spend on experiences, rather than goods, particularly from our Chinese and Indian travellers. We expect that to really bode well for Experience Co.”

    The Experience Co share price has dropped 8.3% over the 12 months, but it has gained a handsome 14.6% since the start of 2023.

    According to Cooper, there is one particular business unit that’s going gangbusters.

    “The skydive division is the one you want to look at. It’s got massive operational leverage and with those increased numbers coming back, a lot of that incremental revenue is going to drop through the bottom line,” he said.

    “EXP is a buy for us.”

    Even back in 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 delta lockdown, one expert predicted a boom two years later for this company.

    “When international tourists return en masse, hopefully in 2023, it’s our belief that this lean, restructured business will be significantly more profitable than ever before,” said Forager Funds chief investment officer Steve Johnson.

    Hungry for earnings upgrades

    Another spending habit that endures even during tough economic conditions is fast food.

    In fact, with consumers wanting to spend less eating out, the quick service restaurants become more appealing compared to fancy dining or even mid-price options.

    This is why Wilson senior equity analyst Sam Koch considers Restaurant Brands New Zealand Ltd (ASX: RBD) a buy at the moment.

    “If you’ve been to a KFC in NSW recently, you definitely would have been helping our holding.”

    As well as the KFC brand, the franchisor operates Pizza Hut, Carl’s Jr and Taco Bell outlets across New Zealand, Australia and US Pacific territories.

    “What we’re really attracted to is the fact that whilst input cost inflation has impacted their business…, we see that troughing and actually recovering from here,” said Koch.

    “And you saw that in the last result.”

    The stock fell off a cliff late last year, resulting in a current share price that’s less than half what it was six months ago.

    This gives investors a buying opportunity, according to Koch.

    “Earnings upgrades and deploying excess capital are the catalysts we’re looking for tos ee a re-rate back to the prior multiple that it traded on.”

    The post Skydive then fried chicken: 2 ASX shares to party through an economic downturn appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    One “Under the Radar” Pick for the “Digital Entertainment Boom”

    Streaming TV Shocker: One stock we think could be set to profit as people ditch free-to-air for streaming TV (Hint It’s not Netflix, Disney+, or even Amazon Prime.)

    Learn more about our Tripledown report
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo 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 Experience Co. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Experience Co. 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 I think the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (VGS) is a buy for any portfolio

    A cute young girl wears a straw hat and has a backpack strapped on her back as she holds a globe in her hand with a cheeky smile on her face.A cute young girl wears a straw hat and has a backpack strapped on her back as she holds a globe in her hand with a cheeky smile on her face.

    The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that offers investors a number of positive reasons to own it.

    There are hundreds of ETFs out there to choose from, with more being launched every year. But this particular ETF is interesting to me because I think it offers pretty much everything that investors could want.

    Sure, it may not be the best-performing ETF, but here are a number of reasons why the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF could do well from here.

    Low fees

    One of the main advantages of an index-based ETF is that it’s very cheap to run, allowing that low cost to be passed onto individual investors. There is a lot of competition in the ETF space to offer low fees, so it’s a bonus for investors to pay as low costs as possible.

    Fees reduce the net returns of an investment, so whatever the gross return is, we’d want to see as much of that convert to a net return as possible. High-fee investment options can produce stronger returns, but it makes it easier for a low-fee fund to outperform.

    The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF has an annual management fee of 0.18%. That’s higher than some of its peers but lower than many other ETFs.  

    Total returns

    Of course, we shouldn’t use past performance as a reliable indicator of future performance. But, I think it gives a useful understanding of the investment.

    Since the start of the ETF in November 2014, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF has produced an average return per annum of around 11% up to 28 February 2023. That’s not a Warren Buffett level of returns, but it would have enabled solid compounding of wealth for an investor.

    While some of that came in the form of dividends, more than 8% of that per-annum figure came in the form of capital growth.

    That growth has come about by being invested in some of the world’s largest and strongest businesses like Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon.com, and Nvidia.

    Diversification

    I believe this ETF offers investors ample diversification. It’s generally a good idea not to have all of one’s eggs in one basket. Certainly, this ETF has many baskets of different varieties.

    In terms of the number of businesses the fund holds, it owns more than 1,470 names in its portfolio.

    Those businesses come from a number of different countries including the US, Japan, the UK, France, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, and so on. Many major developed countries are represented.

    It’s also diversified across sectors. While its largest allocation (21.6%) is to the growth-focused IT sector, there are a number of other sectors with a weighting of at least 5%: financials (14.2%), healthcare (13.4%), consumer discretionary (10.9%), industrials (10.9%), consumer staples (7.6%), communication services (6.7%), and energy (5.2%).

    Dividend income

    I wouldn’t think of Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF as a top idea for passive income. But, the yield could be considered good enough to satisfy investors looking for a combination of growth and dividends.

    According to Vanguard, the ETF currently has a dividend yield of 2.1%. While that’s not a great yield these days with interest rates now a lot higher, it could be just enough to tick that income box.

    The post Why I think the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (VGS) is a buy for any portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Vanguard Msci Index International Shares Etf right now?

    Before you consider Vanguard Msci Index International Shares Etf, 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 Vanguard Msci Index International Shares Etf 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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    Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. 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 Alphabet, Amazon.com, Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long March 2023 $120 calls on Apple and short March 2023 $130 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon.com, Apple, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. 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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  • Analysts say these ASX dividend shares can boost your passive income

    A couple working on a laptop laugh as they discuss their ASX share portfolio.

    A couple working on a laptop laugh as they discuss their ASX share portfolio.

    If you’re looking for dividend shares to buy to boost your passive income, then you may want to look at the two listed below.

    Here’s why analysts rate these ASX dividend shares highly:

    South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

    The first ASX dividend share that could give your passive income a big boost is mining giant South32.

    Citi is positive on the company and believes it could provide investors with very big dividend yields in the near term. It recently said:

    1H FY23 profit of US$560m was better than expected. Importantly, FY23 prodn and cost guidance was maintained. FY24 prodn guidance points to modestly higher output in FY24. […] S32 now trades at 0.94x NPV vs RIO at 1.0x and FMG 1.3x. We raise our TP to $5.05 and stay Buy rated. We believe S32 has not yet run to full valuation levels trading on FY24E EV/EBITDA of 4x vs peers at >5x

    As for dividends, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 28 cents per share in FY 2023 and 32 cents per share in FY 2024. Based on the current South32 share price of $4.12, this will mean yields of 6.8% and 7.8%, respectively.

    Citi has a buy rating and $5.05 price target on South32’s shares.

    Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW)

    Another ASX dividend share that has been named as a buy is Woolworths.

    It is the retail giant behind Woolworths supermarkets and Big W, among others.

    Goldman Sachs is positive on the retailer due to its strong customer loyalty and omni-channel advantage. It explained:

    We are Buy rated (on Conviction List) on the stock as we believe the business has one of the highest consumer stickiness and loyalty among peers, and hence has strong ability to drive market share gains via its omni-channel advantage, as well as pass through any cost inflation to protect its margins, beyond market expectations.

    In respect to dividends, Goldman is forecasting fully franked dividends of $1.06 per share in FY 2023 and $1.14 per share in FY 2024. Based on the current Woolworths share price of $37.46, this will mean yields of 2.8% and 3%, respectively.

    Goldman currently has a conviction buy rating and $41.00 price target on the company’s shares.

    The post Analysts say these ASX dividend shares can boost your passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Where should you invest $1,000 right now? 3 dividend stocks to help beat inflation

    This FREE report reveals 3 stocks not only boasting sustainable dividends but that also have strong potential for massive long term returns…

    See the 3 stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 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 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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