The new model will be launched along with digital subscription products across News' stable of newspapers. The Adelaide Advertiser and The Courier Mail will follow suite in June.

Once implemented, unregistered readers will have access to five articles per week at The Daily Telegraph and Herald Sun. If reader register, they will be able to access an additional 15 articles per week at The Daily Telegraph, and 10 per week at the Herald Sun. Articles will be available via the website, mobile site and tablet app.

Subscribers will have access to full content, plus additional content – but will need to have subscriptions to each masthead, rather than having one subscription to access all News digital sites. National news, lifestyle, business and sports content will be available with one subscription although some premium sports content from Fox Sports will only be available to subscribers.

The advantage of the metered strategy is traffic doesn't nosedive, allowing the websites to retain most of their reader base and online-ad revenue.

The move comes as newspaper publishers globally seek new revenue streams to replace falling physical newspaper circulation, and related slide in advertising revenues. It's also an effort to monetise online content, that has been given away free for years. In the US, the Wall Street Journal has already gone down this path in 1997, and its new digital paywall model appears to be working, with print circulation only falling by 15% in the 15 years since. Some US papers have even seen a rise in circulation revenues for the first time in years, after introducing paywalls. The New York Times saw Sunday circulation rise for the first time in five years.

Locally, Fairfax Media (ASX: FXJ) and APN News and Media (ASX: APN) will likely follow suite. Already Fairfax owned Australian Financial Review has a digital paywall model in place, and the company has flagged metered content and paywalls for its leading mastheads, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

Foolish takeaway

While not expected to reverse publishers' declining revenues, digital paywalls are at least expected to slow the rate of decline, and could even lead to a 'pop' in physical newspaper circulation.

With its legendary, fully franked 28 cent dividend, Telstra is the darling of Aussie investors. Chances are even if you don't own Telstra shares directly, your superannuation fund does. But with its share price skyrocketing over the past year, is Telstra past its prime? Click here to find out whether to buy, sell, or hold Telstra in this brand-new FREE report.

More reading

• RBA cuts rate by 25 basis points
• Should you buy Westpac today?

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead.  This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King owns shares in Fairfax.

The post News Corp unveils paywall appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years
• 3 ASX shares that could double over the next decade (or much sooner)
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy for a beginner investor
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• What are the ASX's top 3 index funds for passive investing?

The economy's still shaky. Investors are scared. Despite last year's ongoing concerns over European sovereign debt issues, 'fiscal cliff' issues in the US and worries over China's slowing growth, the Australian stock market still managed to rise by 13.4% in 2012.

Nevertheless, there are still opportunities that smart investors can take advantage of. Even though they may not be glamorous, they're the most likely candidates to get your portfolio ready for your retirement, or any other long-term financial goal you have.

Ding the bling

You're unlikely to find the best shares to save your retirement on the list of top gaining shares over the past few months. Sure, companies like CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) and Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) have seen strong advances in the last six months, but they both now trade at lofty valuations. You'd think the big money has already been made on those shares.

Nor should you automatically look for shares that have dropped enough to land in what seems to be the bargain basement. APN News and Media Limited (ASX: APN) and Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU) might look more attractive to value hunters, but these companies are just as likely to fail completely as to shoot to the sky. Why take the risk?

Both of these sets of companies have received a lot of attention from investors looking for tomorrow's best shares. But time and time again, history has shown that the best shares for the future usually come straight from left field, where no one expects to see them.

Finding buried treasure

A lot of people — ourselves included — have been recommending big blue-chip dividend payers for those who are concerned about the market in the year ahead. There's a lot of merit to that, as some of the best known names in the market are also among those with the healthiest balance sheets and the most stable prospects going forward.

Consumer staples giant Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) isn't going to hit any home runs even by going abroad to cultivate new markets, but for solid growth and stable dividends going forward, you'll have to look hard to find a better choice.

To give you some more ideas to think about, we've turned to mid-sized companies trading at reasonable multiples to earnings. We also wanted to focus on companies that paid dividends, that weren't too large, and weren't so widely followed that everyone already knew about them. Here are some of the shares we came up with:

K & S Corporation Limited (ASX: KSC)

Currently trading on a forecast P/E of around 8.6, and paying a dividend yield of over 6%, K&S is engaged in transport and logistics, contract management, warehousing and distribution across Australia and New Zealand.

Collins Foods Limited (ASX: CKF)

The operator of KFC restaurants in Queensland and 2 in NSW, the owner of the Sizzler trademarks in Australia and over 68 countries, as well as the franchisor for more than 59 Sizzler restaurants located throughout Asia. Collins is currently trading on a trailing P/E ratio of around 9 times, and paying a dividend yield of over 5%.

MacPherson's Limited (ASX: MCP)

The marketer of personal care, house wares and household consumable products in Australasia, Macpherson's is currently trading on a prospective P/E of 6.5, and paying a dividend yield of around 7.7%.

STW Communications (ASX: SGN)

STW Comms owns a host of advertising, media and diversified communications operations, and is currently trading on a forecast P/E ratio of around 9 and paying a 7.5% dividend.

Cedar Woods Properties (ASX: CWP)

Currently trades on a prospective P/E ratio of around 9 and pays a 5.4% dividend yield. Cedar Woods is involved in property development in Western Australia and Victoria, and has been growing earnings despite the weak construction market.

All five companies appear reasonably priced without being red-light specials. In fact, most of them have largely avoided the gaze of investors entirely — you could even call them boring.

Unobtrusive companies like these won't show up on many investors' radar screens, but that only makes them more attractive for the Fools disciplined enough to dig for them, and are worthy of further research.

Get on the road to retirement

Right now, it's just as important to preserve your capital as it is to make it grow. Fortunately, though, you don't have to choose between one or the other. With the right shares, you can both protect your portfolio and set yourself up for good-sized gains during the next bull market.

If you only invest in one company this year, make it our "Top Stock for 2012-13." Operating in two hot markets — one set to double by 2012, the other predicted to grow 5x over the next five years — this stock is a solid growth play that also boasts strong recurring revenue, zero debt, and lots of cash. Get its name and full research case in this brand-new FREE report.

More reading

• Big four banks take strangehold on mortgages
• QR National chugs on
• Qantas' aggressive Asian push
• Last throw of the dice for Ten?
• New airport back on the agenda

Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King owns shares in CSL, Cochlear and Woolworths. The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Take Stock is The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Click here now to request your free subscription, whilst it's still available. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

A version of this article originally appeared on Fool.com. It has been updated by Mike King.

The post Digging for buried treasure appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years
• 3 ASX shares that could double over the next decade (or much sooner)
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy for a beginner investor
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• What are the ASX's top 3 index funds for passive investing?

Somedays, there's just no pleasing the market, maybe investors have given up and declared Christmas early.

The Australian dollar has risen against the US dollar, currently buying 104.6 cents.

These three stocks lost 5% or more.

Intrepid Mines Limited (ASX: IAU) slumped 10.17% to close at 26.5 cents. The gold and copper miner appears to have lost control of its flagship Indonesian project, when it was effectively locked out by its Indonesian partner in July. Whether the company can regain control remains to be seen.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) lost 5.9% to end at $1.20, despite an upbeat presentation by the gold miner earlier this week. Plans by executives and a cornerstone investor to sell down their share of the company may have spooked investors. The company explained the moves as necessary to establish itself as a "blue-chip Australian gold miner". Investors don't appear to be having a bar of it.

APN News & Media Limited (ASX: APN) fell 5% to close at 28.5 cents. The media company with publishing, radio and advertising operations has seen its share price more than 83% since the beginning of 2011, as the advertising market fell off a cliff and shows no signs of recovery. With nothing positive on the horizon, investors may be marking the company down.

Oil, copper, and gold continue to be in high-demand — and their popularity doesn't look to be slowing. We've uncovered three companies poised to benefit from the rising prices of these commodities. Get our brand-new report — "3 High-Risk/High-Reward Resources Stocks" — FREE!

More reading

• Another rate cut on the cards?
• Banks ignore pleas to pass on full rate cut
• Receipts app makes returns easier
• Last throw of the dice for Ten?
• Takeover for DJs or Myer coming?

Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King doesn't own shares in any company mentioned. The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Take Stock is The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Click here now to request your free subscription, whilst it's still available. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

The post 3 ASX stocks that were slammed by the market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years
• 3 ASX shares that could double over the next decade (or much sooner)
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy for a beginner investor
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• What are the ASX's top 3 index funds for passive investing?

Call me the eternal optimist – and a contrarian. Its tough to do and not a little bit scary. While almost everyone else is slagging off about downbeaten companies and how they have no future, it's hard to go against the trend and buy shares in these businesses. In this series, I'll explain why I've recently bought shares in three of them.

The reason for all three is one word – turnaround and value. Ok that's actually two. Turnaround is fairly easy enough to understand. All three businesses have been hit hard by both cyclical and structural challenges to their industries and none were prepared for it. Share prices have followed profits – or lack of – down the drain.

I expect all three to turnaround their fortunes – profits and the share price will hopefully follow. With good brands, and management that appear to have a realistic plan to turn their relevant businesses around, there's no reason why they can't become outstanding businesses.

Fairfax Media

Fairfax Media Holdings (ASX: FXJ) has seen its share price dumped since the GFC. Five years ago, shares were trading over $5 each. They are currently languishing at around 40 cents. That's a fall of over 90%, following falling profits and a $2 billion plus writedown of its intangible assets.

The company owns several very valuable brands and businesses, which the market is valuing at around $680m (based on market cap). The company is trading on only 4.4 times last year's normalised profit, and at the recent AGM, the board acknowledged that at some point in the future, it would be a digital only business. Fairfax's digital revenues rose 20% last year, and the addition of a paywall to access its news websites next year will add to its growing online revenues. The company has several leading Australian web sites, including the number 1 and 3 sites for news, as well as a 51% share in TradeMe Group (ASX: TME) – currently worth around $650 million – almost the whole of the company's market cap.

Here's a rundown on the main assets held by Fairfax.

• Web site and print newspapers including, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times, WA Today and the Australian Financial Review – known as the Metro division
• Hundreds of regional newspapers and their relative digital sites
• New Zealand media consisting of newspapers, magazines, publishing and online sites
• Leading Australian websites including Domain (Housing), MyCareer (Jobs), Drive (Cars), RSVP (Australia's No 1 dating site), Stayz (holiday home rentals), InvestSMART (investing) and Trading Room (finance).
• Broadcasting, which includes metropolitan radio networks and regional radio stations
• 51% of Trade Me, and
• Australian and New Zealand printing operations

Warren Buffett has seen value in regional newspapers, with the majority being virtual monopolies in their regions. Fairfax's regional newspapers continue to be a major driver of the business. In the 2012 financial year, regional newspapers contributed $153 million to Fairfax's earnings before interest or tax (EBIT), almost double the second largest – the Metro division.

Risks

Of course, the business faces some hefty risks. With net debt of over $900m and $2.5 billion of intangible assets, we could see an equity raising or a sale of assets to repay debt and much more likely, further writedowns of its intangibles, or in a worst case scenario, both. Another issue raised by some is whether the current management team are the right people to drive the business going forward. I expect management to step up and perform. Several large shareholders agitating for change should see to that.

The company has also reported that the advertising market is the worst it has seen – at some point it will turn around, although the company doesn't expect any improvement before 2015. I'm a bit more confident than the company, and expect an improvement before then.

Lastly, investors in turnaround situations should also keep Warren Buffett's words in mind – 'turnarounds seldom turn'.

The Foolish bottom line

Compared to competitors like APN News & Media (ASX: APN), Seven West Media Limited (ASX: SWM) and Ten Network Holdings (ASX: TEN), Fairfax has some excellent assets, and management appears to be making all the right decisions to turn the business around. Just looking at the company's assets suggests the market may be underestimating the value of its brands – that's what I'm counting on.

Stay tuned for the next article in the series. I'll give you a clue – its a retailer with substantial property assets.

If you only invest in one company this year, make it our "Top Stock for 2012-13". Operating in two hot markets — one set to double by 2012, the other predicted to grow 5x over the next five years — this stock is a solid growth play that also boasts strong recurring revenue, zero debt, and lots of cash. Get its name and full research case in this brand-new FREE report.

More reading

• Fairfax writes down its assets by $2.8 billion
• Is Nine Entertainment broken?
• Tough ad market set to continue for Southern Cross
• Is Fairfax Media a buy?
• Should you buy SCA, Woolworths' property fund?

Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King owns shares in Fairfax. The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Take Stock is The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Click here now to request your free subscription, whilst it's still available. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

The post Why I recently bought Fairfax Media appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years
• 3 ASX shares that could double over the next decade (or much sooner)
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy for a beginner investor
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• What are the ASX's top 3 index funds for passive investing?

Seven Group Holdings, controlled by billionaire Kerry Stokes, holds 33% of Seven West Media. Stokes is reported to have been frustrated by the latter's performance since listing.

Despite the recent price rise, the shares are still less than half the price they traded at a year ago. Seven West is the owner of Australia's top rated free-to-air TV network, and the West Australian newspaper and has interests in website Yahoo!7 and Australia's second largest magazine group, Pacific Magazines.

Falling ad revenues have hit the media sector hard, especially print media and free-to-air networks, in the last year or so. Rivals Ten Network Holdings (ASX: TEN) and Nine Entertainment are also struggling. Ten has seen its share price fall 55% over the last 12 months, while Nine seems likely to collapse into the hands of its bankers, under the weight of $2.8 billion in debt.

Newspaper publishers Fairfax Media Limited (ASX: FXJ) and APN News and Media Limited (ASX: APN) have suffered similar falls in their share prices, due to falling ad and classified revenues and structural changes sweeping the sector.

In an effort to boost magazine sales and get consumers back shopping, Pacific Magazines has started a no-charge campaign across TV, online and in magazines, offering free editorial and advertising to department stores David Jones and Myer, and up-market brands such as Burberry, Chanel, Dior and Ralph Lauren.

If the move works, Pacific Magazines could ignite a spark in the advertising market, which would likely benefit all media companies.

If you are just looking for ASX investing ideas, look no further than our brand new free report: The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2012-13. In this free report, Investment Analyst Scott Phillips names his top pick for 2012-13…and beyond. Click here now to find out the name of this small but growing software company with huge potential. But hurry – the report is free for only a limited period of time.

More reading

• IMF raises recession risk
• Lower bank interest? Try shares
• Two top dividend stocks on our radar
• The end of the Australian car industry?
• The iPad mini is coming, 10 million of them

Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King doesn't own shares in any companies mentioned. The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Take Stock is The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Click here now to request your free subscription, whilst it's still available. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

The post Seven West Media up on takeover speculation appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years
• 3 ASX shares that could double over the next decade (or much sooner)
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy for a beginner investor
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• What are the ASX's top 3 index funds for passive investing?

Investors are likely hoping for the announcement of a third round of bond purchases, but could be disappointed, as speculation mounts that he's also sitting on his hands, waiting to review more economic data. The US government's report on August unemployment is due out in two weeks, and a meeting with the rest of the Fed's policy committee is also due then.

Despite the flat market, investors slammed these three stocks.

APN News and Media (ASX: APN) saw its shares smashed down 27% to 28.5 cents, after its chief financial officer, Peter Myers quit after 10 years in the role. Just two weeks ago, the company reported a $485 million pre-tax writedown on the value of its New Zealand newspaper business, which propelled it to a six-month loss of $319 million. Investors appear to have lost faith in management, and punished the company accordingly.

Shares in Virgin Australia Holdings (ASX: VAH) slipped 7.2% to end at 45 cents, despite reporting a turnaround full year profit of $23 million two days ago, following a loss in 2011. Perhaps the price falls were a result of the company missing analyst expectations of a $48 million profit. Virgin is in a fierce contest with Qantas for corporate travellers, as the company moves from being a low cost operator, to a full service domestic airline.

Fairfax Media's (ASX: FXJ) shares slumped 5.6% to 42 cents, following large falls late last week, as investors appear to still be concerned about the company's ability to weather the weak advertising market, and produce more profit from its newspapers. The company wrote down the value of its intangible assets by $2.8 million last Thursday, due to declining revenues from many of its publishing operations.

The Foolish bottom line

While these three companies got smashed today, the overall market still finished flat. That means some companies rose while these ones fell. Successful investing is about finding the best companies and paying an attractive price.

If you're in the market for some high yielding ASX shares, look no further than our "Secure Your Future with 3 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks" report. In this free report, we've put together our best ideas for investors who are looking for solid companies with high dividends and good growth potential. Click here now to find out the names of our three favourite income ideas. But hurry – the report is free for only a limited time.

More reading

• The $164 billion risk to the economy
• Aussie dollar, houses prices set to fall
• Mining services stocks hammered
• This is how future iPhones will know who you are

Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King owns shares in JB Hi-Fi. The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Take Stock is The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Click here now to request your free subscription, whilst it's still available. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

The post Slumped. Slammed. Smashed appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years
• 3 ASX shares that could double over the next decade (or much sooner)
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy for a beginner investor
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• What are the ASX's top 3 index funds for passive investing?

Whatever the case, these three stocks were the best performing stocks in the ASX 200 Index.

Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR) climbed 5.5% to close at 57.5 cents as the gold miner's shares continue to recover from a 52 week low of 43 cents set a month ago. Saracen is targeting production of around 110,000 ounces in 2012 and between 120,000 to 150,000 ounces of gold in 2013.

Whitehaven Coal (ASX: WHC) rose 4.5% to finish at $4.18 as the company announced that it had received a takeover bid from Nathan Tinkler's private company. Just six weeks ago, Mr Tinkler sold his Aston Resources and Boardwalk Resources to Whitehaven for $2.25 billion. Whitehaven's shares have fallen 20% since mid-December 2011, and this appears to be an opportunistic move to purchase a company that looks to be undervalued. Wilson HTM analysts have a price target of $7.21 on the stock.

FKP Property Group (ASX: FKP) gained 4.4% to end at 48 cents on news that it is considering separating its retirement and property development operations, which could result in part of the business being sold off. FKP holds an 85% interest in Forest Place Group Limited (ASX: FPG). A demerger could see FKP's retirement assets tipped into Forest Place, with development assets left in the FKP Group.

Other gainers include APN News and Media Limited (ASX: APN) up 4.3% and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) up 2.9%.

If you're in the market for some less risky, high yielding ASX shares, look no further than Secure Your Future with 3 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks. In this free report, we've put together our best ideas for investors who are looking for solid companies with high dividends and good growth potential. Click here now to find out the names of our three favourite income ideas. But hurry – the report is free for only a limited time.

More reading

• How Buffett invests like a Tiger
• 10 stocks that smashed the market last week
• The Apple rumour that won't die

Motley Fool contributor Mike King owns shares in Saracen Mineral Holdings. The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Take Stock is The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Click here now to request your free subscription, whilst it's still available. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

The post 3 ASX stocks that beat the market on Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years
• 3 ASX shares that could double over the next decade (or much sooner)
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy for a beginner investor
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• What are the ASX's top 3 index funds for passive investing?