How to juice your returns with Commonwealth Bank of Australia and JB Hi-Fi Limited

These 2 stocks appear to be worth buying right now: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) and JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX:JBH).

| More on:
a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

It's difficult to know which stocks to buy right now, since the future for the ASX is uncertain. On the one hand, Chinese economic data released this week was better than expected and the prices of commodities such as iron ore have been given a boost in recent months. However, the threat of a recession remains and, while interest rate falls are good news for Aussie consumers, both investor and consumer confidence continue to be relatively weak.

However, this could be an opportunity to buy when other investors are fearful; thereby obtaining even more appealing share prices and valuations at the point of entry. For example, home consumer goods company JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) trades on a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of just 12.9, which is lower than the ASX's P/E ratio of 15.7 and also well below the wider retailing sector's P/E ratio of 14.4.

Looking ahead, JB Hi-Fi is making numerous changes to its business so as to position itself to take advantage of future growth opportunities. For example, it is in the process of converting a number of its stores into specialised JB Hi-Fi Home stores, with 17 being completed in its most recent financial year. It is aiming to have at least 75 Home stores over the medium term, up from the 43 as at financial year end, as it sees the change as an opportunity to grow customer awareness and market share.

In addition, online sales continue to grow, with a rise of 16.9% reported in the last financial year. Although they represent just 2.4% of total sales, JB Hi-Fi believes that there is significant scope for further growth in this space and, alongside a push into small appliance specialisation in its non-Home stores, the company's sales are due to post positive growth so as to enable net profit to rise by over 5% per annum during the next two years. This, alongside a relatively low rating, indicates upside potential.

Similarly, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) trades on a P/E ratio of 14.1, which also offers a discount to the ASX's rating. Furthermore, CBA is now in a financially stronger position following its $5bn capital raising and it now has a pro forma equity tier 1 capital ratio of 14.3%, which places it in the top 25% of international peers in relation to capital levels.

Looking ahead, CBA remains confident in the outlook for the domestic economy as it transitions from a mining boom to a more balanced economy. And, with its bottom line forecast to rise at an annualised rate of 5.9% during the next two years, it appears to be well positioned to cope with short term turbulence in the economy. This should aid dividend growth in the near term and, with CBA yielding a fully franked 5.5%, it offers a superior yield to the ASX by 90 basis points. Furthermore, a beta of 0.81 should provide a relatively stable shareholder experience in the short run, too.

Motley Fool contributor Peter Stephens has no position in any stocks mentioned. Unless otherwise noted, the author does not have a position in any stocks mentioned by the author in the comments below. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »