Each state has a different school holiday period, with NSW, Queensland, and Victoria among the states commencing holidays today.

Tasmania has the latest school holiday schedule this Easter season. The school break in our smallest state runs from 18 April to 3 May.

So, here's a list of all the ASX shares due to go ex-dividend over the coming weeks through to 3 May.

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share prior to its ex-dividend date.

Ex-dividend dates give ASX investors two opportunities.

Either buy before the date to receive the dividend, or wait until ex-dividend day, when the share price will likely drop, to buy then.

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates this month

The post 21 ASX shares going ex-dividend over the school holidays appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Although many of the biggest dividend payers have already doled out their latest payouts following August and September's earnings season here on the ASX, a trickle of ASX All Ords shares that are trading ex-dividend for upcoming shareholder payments coming through.

Investors have enjoyed a relatively successful dividend season over the back half of 2024 so far. Sure, there were relatively lower payouts coming out of the big mining stocks like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG). Energy shares like Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) have also tended to deliver less dividend income in 2024 than they did in 2023.

But those laggards have been more than offset by dividend hikes from the likes of Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA). Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)'s chunky special dividend was also undoubtedly welcomed by shareholders.

But today, let's discuss eight ASX All Ords shares that haven't doled out their latest payments just yet but that will trade ex-dividend next week.

Remember, an ex-dividend date always precedes a dividend payment. Only those shareholders that have a company's shares to their name at the close of the last trading day before the ex-dividend date are eligible to receive the dividend in question.

So if you wish to receive any of the dividends from the shares below, you know what you need to do.

Eight ASX All Ords income shares trading ex-dividend next week

*Dividend yield at the time of writing

Foolish takeaway

Some interesting names are trading ex-dividend next week. Some are well-known, others less so. Of particular note is the final dividend from investment house Washington H. Soul Pattinson.

As my Fool colleague discussed just yesterday, this latest dividend from Soul Patts marks the 24th year in a row of annual dividend increases from the company – an ASX All Ords record.

The post 8 ASX All Ords shares that will trade ex-dividend next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In the announcement, the LIC told investors about some the businesses that have done well for its portfolio and that it still sees a positive outlook for.

Clime looks for ASX shares across both large caps and small caps. Here are three that it referenced:

Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN)

The Mineral Resources share price went up over 40% in the quarter ending 30 June 2021. Clime said it was supported by both an increase in iron ore prices and lithium prices.

It's benefiting from the conditions for iron ore miners, both as an opportunity to provide mining services work as well as from iron ore mining in its own right.

Clime pointed out that a big challenge for Mineral Resources is that it needs to find workers to help its growth in both mining and mining service operations due to the border closures.

Even so, Clime has a "lot of confidence" in the management of the business and expects the labour shortage to be a short-term problem.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman is another large cap ASX share. The Goodman share price increased around 18% over the quarter. It's in the property space and released a "strong" operational update in May. Clime said that Goodman also benefited from a tightening of the 10-year bond yield.

The fund manager pointed out that the ASX share's management affirmed guidance for 12% operating earnings per share (EPS) in FY21. There was also an upgrade of guidance of development work in progress (WIP) from $9 billion to $10 billion.

Clime said that the increased development activity will be supportive for earnings over the next two years and Clime believes that double digit profit growth for the company can continue.  

RPMGlobal Holdings Ltd (ASX: RUL)

This ASX share is a business that provides software to the mining industry. The RPMGlobal share price increased by around 30% in the three months to 30 June 2021 on the back of "solid" software sales momentum.

It added $19.9 million of total contract value (TCV) for subscription software sales for the quarter, bringing the total for FY21 to over $47.7 million.

Clime said that management have exceeded expectations in delivering on its strategy since 2018 to transition from a software license sales model to subscription software sales.

The ASX share's annualised recurring revenue (ARR) from subscriptions increased 70% on FY20.

Clime believes the company is early in a long-term trend as miners increase IT adoption from current low levels. The fund manager estimated at the time of the update that RPMGlobal was priced at a "modest" seven times total FY22 software recurring revenue (subscriptions and maintenance fees), after adjusting for the net cash and consulting division valuation.

The post Why this fund likes these 3 top ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Mach7 Technologies Ltd (ASX: M7T)

The company says it provides vendor neutral archive technology to improve enterprise imaging data storage, sharing and interoperability across healthcare enterprises. Patent-awarded mobile technology extends this advanced enterprise imaging solution technology to mobile devices.

Clime pointed out that in the third quarter of FY21 the ASX share saw record cash receipts of $8.4 million and positive operating cash flow of $3.3 million. The fund manager also noted that the ASX share announced it had been awarded the 'Global Enterprise Imaging Solutions Product Leadership' by Frost and Sullivan.

The LIC said Mach7 had $18 million of net cash and a healthy contract pipeline heading into the fourth quarter.

Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS)

EOS describes itself as a leading Australian technology company operating in the space and defence markets. Our products incorporate advanced electro-optic applications based on EOS core technologies in software, laser, electronics, optronics, gimbals, telescopes and beam directors, and precision mechanisms.

Some uses include space debris, satellite management as well as remotely controlled weapon systems.

Clime pointed out that the recent FY21 first quarter update included $25 million of operating cashflow on $51 million of cash receipts. However, Clime noted that it has $41 million of cash on the balance sheet, as well as a material portion of a $120 million defence systems contract to hit the cash line in the second quarter of 2021. Finalisation of this contract was delayed by travel restrictions in 2020.

The fund manager believes that once this issue has been resolved, the market will refocus on the ASX share's "significant" growth opportunities.

The company recently gave guidance for 2021, saying that there is potential for material contract awards in the second half of 2021, for which negotiations are underway.

EOS said that in regards to its order backlog, the backlog of executed orders at 27 May was $428 million in revenue terms and $535 million in cashflow terms. It's expecting cash receipts to be strong as contract assets convert to cash, in a reversal of cash deployment. Revenue is expected to increase in 2021 to between $235 million to $245 million, representing growth of more than 30%.

EOS' underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) before SpaceLink costs is expected to be between $20 million to $25 million. EBIT after SpaceLink costs is currently expected to be between $3 million to $8 million.

Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN)

Mineral Resources is another business that is in the Clime portfolio.

It's a business that provides mining services. Mineral Resources also has a portfolio of mining operations across different commodities including iron ore and lithium.

Climate believes that the ASX share is a beneficiary of the good conditions for iron ore miners both through opportunities through mining services work and from iron ore mining the company's own right.

The post Why this fund likes these 3 ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Clime looks at a wide range of different ASX shares to find the best opportunities. It's willing to look at large caps like Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG). It's also willing to look at much smaller stocks such as Mach7 Technologies Ltd (ASX: M7T) and Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS).

In the latest monthly update for February 2021, which was reporting season for most of the ASX, it made some comments about some of its positions.

The portfolio returned 2.4% pre-tax net of fees in February, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index return of 1.4%. Clime pointed out that materials and financials had a strong performance over the month, outperforming the technology sector significantly.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price was a strong performer during last month as commodity prices performed well. One of the helpful factors for BHP investors was that the dividend declared was well ahead of expectations. The board decided to increase the interim dividend by 55% to US$1.01.

After that large half-year dividend from the ASX share, the market consensus for the full year dividend rose by 20% to $3.04, according to Clime.

Iron ore, BHP's biggest contributor to profit, saw a 10% price increase during February and the copper price went up by 16%, whilst the oil price increased by 26%.

Clime also noted that the exchange rate didn't change much during the month, with the US dollar depreciating by 0.8% during the month.

Codan Limited (ASX: CDA)

Another of Clime's performers during the month was Codan, which the LIC said reported strongly.

Clime noted that the ASX share delivered revenue growth of 14% to $194 million and profit grew by 36% to $41.3 million.

Codan continues to build on its market leadership position within the global metal detection market, supported by a research and development program that exceeds the annual spending of all of its competitors combined, according to the LIC.

Another recent announcement was the acquisition of Domo Tactical Communications for $114 million, funded from existing cash reserves. This deal will add to earnings per share (EPS) immediately.

Clime said that it remains upbeat about the future prospects of the ASX share. Sales for metal detection have remained at record levels and the communications division is expected to have a significantly stronger second half.

Hansen Technologies Limited (ASX: HSN)

The LIC said that Hansen's result was a standout performance last month.

Whilst revenue only went up slightly, profit jumped significantly by 65% to $29.6 million.

Clime said that the ASX share has a positive outlook and wonderful long term track record that has seen earnings per share grow at a compound annual growth rate of 31.4% per annum since 2006 (to FY21 based on the estimated EPS for the year).

On Clime's numbers, Hansen currently trades on 12.6x the forward earnings and has a free cash flow yield of 8%.

Clime still thinks that this business represents "excellent value" at the current Hansen share price.

The post Why this fund likes these 3 exciting ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Some of the largest positions in Clime's portfolio at the end of December 2020 were: Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS), InvoCare Limited (ASX: IVC) and RPMGlobal Holdings Ltd (ASX: RUL). Here's a closer look at what Clime thinks of each one.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

Adairs was an ASX share that was recently added to the Clime portfolio. The fundie said that it provided attractively priced exposure to the booming e-commerce sector. Adairs is one of the country's biggest homewares and home furnishings retailer. It can genuinely call itself an omni-channel operator because around 40% of its sales came from the online channel in the first half of FY21.

Clime pointed out that in a trading update given a couple of months ago, Adairs' total sales rose 23% in the first 23 weeks of FY21, with like for like sales across 167 stores up 17% (5.2% including a 12-week closure of 43 stores in Victoria) and Adairs online sales went up 99%. Mocka, the 100% online nursery furniture business that Adairs acquired just over a year ago, saw sales rise by 45%.

The fund manager thought the ASX share was an opportunity as omni-channel retailers were left behind by investors in preference for the online pure plays, creating some "interesting" opportunities.

Clime pointed out that Adairs is expected to generate more online gross profit than the whole of Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW), yet Adairs has a much smaller market capitalisation. The fund manager thinks there's opportunity for more online growth, but as an omni-channel operator. Adairs could also capture demand returning to physical stores as conditions normalise.

City Chic Collective Ltd (ASX: CCX)

This ASX share is another omni-channel beneficiary. The plus-size women's apparel retailer is making significantly more than half of its sales online and has online exposure to large offshore markets like North America and the UK. It also has a store network of over 90 shops across Australia and New Zealand.

Clime said that City Chic is targeting acquisitions of high quality digital assets of competitors that have been bankrupted by the under-performance of the physical store network.

City Chic recently bought UK-based plus-size retailer Evans in the UK. The purchase price was $41 million, which the fundie said represents approximately 1x the $46 million online revenue, or about 5x earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) on Clime's calculations.

The ASX share said at its AGM in November that for the first 20 weeks of FY21, City Chic saw comparable sales growth of 18.7% and a significant improvement in gross margins since the worst of the COVID-19 disruption. Gross margins are now above 50%.

Clime said it still sees an opportunity in the City Chic share price, despite the recent share price rally.

Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)

Climate explained that in in the three months to 31 December 2020, the Fortescue share price went up 43.7%.

The driver for the ASX share has been the strength of the iron ore price, which increased by 32.1% in US dollar terms in the quarter. Fortescue's performance reflects the company's pure play exposure to the commodity, according to the fundie.

The stimulus efforts in China have centred on steel intensive activity, which is driving demand for Australia's iron ore at the same time as supply from Brazil has been impacted by infrastructure failures and COVID-19 related disruption.

Fortescue recently revealed that the iron ore miner made US$940 million of net profit after tax in the month of December 2020. For the six months to 31 December 2020, it made an unaudited net profit after tax (NPAT) of US$4 billion to US$4.1 billion.

The post Why this fund likes these 3 ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Some of the largest positions in Clime's portfolio at the end of November 2020 were: APN Property Group Ltd. (ASX: APD), Austal Limited (ASX: ASB), City Chic Collective Ltd (ASX: CCX), Macquarie Telecom Group Ltd. (ASX: MAQ) and Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK).

Clime explained what happened with its portfolio about some of its November movements, and the current thinking behind each idea:

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

The fund manager said that the approximately 25% return of NAB shares in November reflected both the earnings result and positive developments on the economic front.

The increasing certainty of effective vaccines in 2021 has improved the economic prospects according to the fund manager. This may mean that businesses and consumers are likely to be better placed to meet their debt obligations and consequently impairment charges for the major banks will be lower than earlier feared. This was confirmed in the earnings result, with a lower charge in the second half and commentary that portfolios are performing better than expected. The banks also did better than expected with capital adequacy, which is partly tied to loan performance.

Banks could emerge from COVID-19 with excess capital, though lack of credit growth and net interest margin pressure could be key challenges.

Mach7 Technologies Ltd (ASX: M7T)

This ASX share develops data management solutions for healthcare providers to own, access and share patient data.

Clime pointed out that Mach7 won a $5.3 million, 7-year contract with Trinity Health to provide its eUnity Enterprise Viewer software at multiple facilities within Trinity's 92 hospitals across the US.

The fund manager believes Mach7 is well positioned to provide the full suite of software to Trinity. In the event the ASX share wins the remaining tenders, Clime believes it will be of significant financial and strategic value. Trinity is the fifth largest hospital system in the US and would represent Mach7's first major reference site for its end-to-end medical imaging software solution.

Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN)

The lottery reseller was a strong performer in November after the announcement of a 10-year agreement signed with Lotterywest in WA to provide a white label version of its lottery management software as a service solution. Clime said that this deal, whilst important, will help Jumbo win other government contracts, particularly in the $22 billion US state government lottery market.

Jumbo also announced recently that the UK gambling commission had issued a remote gambling software license to enable Jumbo to help UK operators. Its SaaS offering could be a potential future growth driver.

RPMGlobal Holdings Ltd (ASX: RUL)

RPMGlobal describes itself as a leader in mining industry software, consulting and training. The ASX share's mining software integrates the planning, design and scheduling, with maintenance and execution, and simulation and costings.

Clime said that its pipeline is growing due to its mining operations software. The near-term outlook has vastly improved on the positive vaccine news. RPMGlobal's managing director Richard Matthews recently said his views are more upbeat than when the company released its annual report in late August.

Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS)

This ASX share offers remotely controlled weapon systems and ancillary products comprised of gimbal mounts, fire control systems and sensor units. It also has high capacity, secure and reliable terrestrial and space communications combining high availability microwave and free space optics technologies.

It was a strong performer in November giving further details about its new space communications division. But the 2020 year was a year of delays to offshore customers, delaying cash receipts.

EOS is aiming to launch its SpaceLink constellation by mid-2024 which is initially targeting defence and government customers. SpaceLink will initially provide an increase of 10 times of bandwidth compared to prevailing microwave-based technology. The increase will rise to 100 times after including EOS optical laser technology in later constellations.

However, the company recently withdrew its earnings before interest and tax guidance of $20 million to $30 million for 2020 financial year to 30 December 2020 because of delays to December deliveries due to air freight bottlenecks.

The post Fundie names 5 ASX shares with good growth prospects appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here are three of those opportunities:

Reject Shop Ltd (ASX: TRS)

Eley Griffiths Group is a fund manager that likes Reject Shop as an opportunity. The Eley Griffiths fund that invests in ASX shares has outperformed the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Accumulation Index by more than 10% per annum in recent years.

The fund manager believes that the global economy is now in a recovery phase, starting in China and spreading outwards.

Regarding Reject Shop, Eley Griffiths said in an ASX release of Future Generation Investment Company Ltd (ASX: FGX): "the ASX share sits at the early stages of a planned multi-year turnaround. New management have a reset balance sheet, strong brand and an operating model awaiting refinement. We have identified several levers where value for shareholders should be unlocked."

Despite COVID-19, Reject Shop actually reported growth in FY20 with total sales growth of 3.4% and comparable sales growth of 3.5%. Before AASB 16, FY20 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 30.1% to $23.7 million. It also generated $61.6 million of free cashflow, up from a $1.9 million outflow in the prior corresponding period.

Reject Shop is now focused on earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) growth with business simplification and operational efficiency.

Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX: SHL)

Sonic Healthcare is a global pathology business which is one of the main businesses involved in diagnosing COVID-19 cases in the countries that it operates in.

This business is liked by fund manager Clime Capital Ltd (ASX: CAM). Sonic actually reported that it had achieved positive growth in the base laboratory business compared to last year, apart from the US and the UK. The large numbers of COVID-19 tests are extra growth on top of that. Sonic recently announced that in the first quarter of FY21 for the three months to 30 September 2020 it achieved total revenue growth of 29%. By cutting costs Sonic was able to achieve EBITDA growth of 71% for the quarter.

Clime thinks that COVID-19 testing is likely to remain particularly strong during the winter for the US and European countries.

Sonic also has one of the longest consecutive dividend growth streaks on the ASX.

Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

Bapcor is the largest auto parts business in Australia and New Zealand.

It has its trade division, which includes Burson Auto Parts. The ASX share has a retail division which includes Autobarn. Bapcor has a service business which owns Midas and ABS. The auto parts business owns various specialist wholesale businesses and it also added a commercial truck parts group too. Finally, it has a small but growing Burson network in Thailand.

Bapcor is a favourite share idea of Wilson Asset Management (WAM) at the moment, with it being a holding across more than one of the listed investment companies (LICs).

WAM Research Limited's (ASX: WAX) investment team pointed out that in the quarter for the three months to 30 September 2020 Bapcor grew revenue by 27% compared to the prior corresponding period, with retail revenue rising 47% and specialist wholesale revenue going up 45%.

Bapcor has benefited from an increase in domestic travel, reduced usage of public transport and increased second-hand car sales according to WAM. The fund manager said that Bapcor has a strong balance sheet and believes it's well placed to make earnings accretive acquisitions.

In the recent trading update, Bapcor CEO Darryl Abotomey spoke of the company's defensive qualities: "The automotive market is a resilient industry and historically has performed strongly in difficult economic circumstances. Recent trading is another example of its resilience assisted by the increase in sales on second hand cars, reduction in use of public and shared transport modes as well as government stimulus."

The post 3 top ASX shares rated as buys by fund managers appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Within its top holdings are some growth-focused names such as A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M), Altium Limited (ASX: ALU), Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS), City Chic Collective Ltd (ASX: CCX), CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) and Macquarie Telecom Group Ltd. (ASX: MAQ) and RPMGlobal Holdings Ltd (ASX: RUL).

Clime is bullish about the following ASX shares:

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie is a global investment bank, it earns around a third of its net income in Australia.

Clime said that the highly stimulatory Australian federal budget and declining COVID-19 case numbers improved the outlook for credit impairment charges and the domestic economy in general.

The fund manager still likes the ASX share with the relatively high returns on capital from the business which generates and the multiple avenues for long term growth, including multiple avenues for long term growth, including recurring asset management income.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

Sonic is a global pathology business which is involved in diagnosing COVID-19 cases. The ASX share achieved positive growth in the base laboratory business compared to last year, with the exception of the USA and UK. COVID-19 testing growth is on top of that. Total revenue was up 29% in the first quarter of FY21. Cost savings helped Sonic achieve earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) growth of 71% for the quarter.

Clime pointed out that COVID-19 testing is likely to remain particularly strong because of the northern winter in the US and Europe.

Audinate Group Ltd (ASX: AD8)

Clime said it benefited from Audinate's FY21 first quarter trading update. Monthly revenue trended upward over the quarter, reaching pre-COVID levels in September. The fund manager said this was better than expected.

Recent sales resilience reflect the company's diverse customer base, with stronger demand from corporate and higher education customers offsetting weakness from live music. Industry unit volumes are expected to rise significantly in the coming years, with the company likely to capture a lot of this demand, with an adoption rate that's eight times higher than the nearest competitor.

Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN)

This ASX share is a digital lottery business.

The company said that first quarter jackpot activity was soft compared to the year before. However, Clime thinks that Jumbo is well positioned should jackpot activity improve over the remainder of FY21.

The fund manager said that the company has over $60 million of net cash and trades at 24 times Clime's FY21 earnings forecast. Clime thinks this is a reasonable for a business with ongoing growth supported by the continued shift in Australian lottery ticket sales to online from around 28% at the moment.

Jumbo also has the potential international growth option from its early-stage lotteries management software as a service business, 'Powered by Jumbo'.

Mach7 Technologies Ltd (ASX: M7T)

Clime said that Mach7's cash flow is significantly affected by the size and timing of contract payments which include one-off license and professional service fees and recurring maintenance fees. The latest quarter update didn't impress the market. 

The fund manager remains positive about Mach7 Technologies' prospects because of its market-leading product and adoption from leading hospital systems in the US and Hong Kong.

Although the deal flow has slowed due to COVID-19, the ASX has approximately $40 million in active tenders including two significant hospital systems in the US. The company is guiding that it will be cash flow positive in FY21.

The post Fundie names 5 ASX shares with good growth prospects appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Clime is an integrated wealth management business. Founded in 1996, its operations encompass private wealth advice, investment management, self-managed super fund administration, and share research and valuation. The company also offers a number of unlisted funds, along with the Clime Capital Ltd (ASX: CAM) listed investment company.

Before we dig into the announcement, it's important to note that Clime Investment Management sits at the smaller end of the ASX. At the time of writing, Clime has a market capitalisation of $31 million, with shares changing hands at 55.5 cents per share – up 30.59% for the day.

What did Clime Investment Management announce?

This morning, Clime released an announcement and associated investor presentation regarding recent trading conditions, a completed institutional placement and an acquisition.

With this, the company announced it has successfully completed a $4.5 million placement at an issue price of 46 cents per share. This issue price represents an 8.2% premium to Clime's last closing price of 42.5 cents.

The placement was undertaken to fund the acquisition of a series of businesses from SC Australian Holdings. Clime has agreed to acquire all of the issued share capital of each of Madison Financial Group, AdviceNet, WealthPortal and Proactive Portfolios – together, the MFG Entities – for $4.4 million.

The MFG Entities provide licensing, compliance, technology and support to around 100 financial advisory firms. The entities have around $3 billion in funds under advice and total gross annual revenue of approximately $34 million.

Clime expects to complete the acquisition in mid to late June.

Trading update

Along with the acquisition and associated placement, Clime also shed some light on its recent business performance.

The company stated that all segments were performing well prior to COVID-19. While the evaluation of the impact of the pandemic is in progress, the effects have been cushioned through the lowering of variable expenses and government support.

Quantifying these effects, Clime revealed gross funds under management (FUM) declined from $1,097 million on 14 February 2020 to a low of $874 million. Gross FUM as at 29 May 2020 was $969 million.

The company noted that its ordinary operating result (revenue less expenses) and net group result are positive. However, both results are below budget due to COVID-19. Net group result takes into account the ordinary operating result plus the impact of balance sheet investments and performance fees generated.

Clime expects these results to improve with the inclusion of JobKeeper and ATO benefits. Additionally, it has seen improving return on mark-to-market balance sheet investments to 29 May. 

As at 29 May 2020, the company had $4 million cash and $6 million in liquid investments on its balance sheet.

The post Clime Investment Management share price jumps 40% on acquisition news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) 

WAM Leaders recently announced its half-year result to 31 December 2019

Over the six months to 31 December 2019 the WAM Leaders investment portfolio grew by 6.6% before fees, expenses and taxes, compared to the 3.1% return of the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index. Over 2019, WAM Leaders' gross portfolio performance was 27.3% compared to 23.4% for the index.  

Some of WAM Leaders' biggest performers were Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) which went up 21.5%, CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) which went up 28.3% and Western Areas Ltd (ASX: WSA) which went up 54.2%.

The WAM Leaders Board declared an interim dividend of 3.25 cents per share, representing a 22.6% increase on the FY19 dividend which brought the annualised grossed-up dividend yield to 7.2%, which is very attractive in this world of low interest rates and uncertain times for blue chips.

Clime Capital Limited (ASX: CAM) 

Clime hasn't reported its December 2019 result yet, but it's likely to be a solid result because of the strong ASX market performance over the six months and twelve months to 31 December 2019.

The LIC has been paying a quarterly dividend of 1.25 cents per share for a couple of years now, which is attractive income stability, although a little bit of growth would be preferred. 

It has a diversified portfolio of ASX large caps, mid-caps and small caps with its top stock holdings being shares like Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB), Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS) and Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS), those businesses are a range of different sizes.

It currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 7.4%.

Foolish takeaway

Both of these shares offer attractive yields. I'd probably choose WAM Leaders over Clime because of the continued growth of the dividend and consistent good returns.

The post 2 top dividend shares with yields above 7% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The concept is simple. Save as much money as you can (while happily living your life) and squirrelling it away into investments and then let compound interest help you get to FIRE. Many of them are aiming to retire by 40 or even earlier.

Some aspirational Aussie FIRE-ers may have previously said that investing in residential real estate could be a good strategy to achieve FIRE. But falling house prices, low rental yields, rising interest rates and the need to take on huge debt are several reasons why this avenue doesn't look so good at the moment.

Instead, I think investing in shares is the best way to go.

To me, there are three stress-free options to get to FIRE with ASX shares:

Broad index-based Exchange traded funds (ETFs)

General investing advice would say that the simplest way to get to a strong wealth position is to go with ETFs, which gives you exposure to a broad range of shares in one investment. It makes investing very easy. There's hardly any initial research except choosing one of the ETFs amd you don't have to worry what's happening at individual companies along the way. You just regularly invest throughout the economic cycles.

Considering most share market indexes have returned an average of 10% a year, it would be a great strategy.

Just one, or a mix, of iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV), Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF (ASX: VTS), Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS), Vanguard Australian Share ETF (ASX: VAS) and BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200) could be great choices for their low costs and pleasing returns.

Listed investment companies (LICs)

Another option is to go for LICs. Most LICs also have diverse portfolios, they choose what shares to buy (and sell) and have more control over the dividend payments to smooth them out through economic booms and busts.

Some of the old-school LICs have low management fee costs and stable dividend histories such as Australian United Investment Company Ltd (ASX: AUI), Whitefield Limited (ASX: WHF), Australian Foundation Investment Co. Ltd. (ASX: AFI) and Argo Investments Limited (ASX: ARG). They generally have matched the returns of the market over the long-term.

However, there are also other LICs that try to generate market-beating returns whilst paying out pleasing dividends such as WAM Research Limited (ASX: WAX), WAM Microcap Limited (ASX: WMI), MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF), Naos Emerging Opportunities Company Ltd (ASX: NCC) and Clime Capital Limited (ASX: CAM)

High-quality alternatives

Other simple ways of reaching your FIRE wealth target could be long-term alternatives such as listed investment trusts (LITs), two of my favourites are Magellan Global Trust (ASX: MGG) and Ophir High Conviction Fund (ASX: OPH), which have outperformed their index benchmarks materially since inception.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are worth considering, such as farm landlord Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF).

There are also interesting individual companies that could generate non-cyclical market-beating returns such as water entitlement business Duxton Water Ltd (ASX: D2O) and investment conglomerate Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL).

If I could only pick three of the above ASX shares, aside from the globally-focused ETFs, to help me reach FIRE it would be Soul Patts, Magellan Global Trust and MFF Capital.

The post How to retire early (FIRE) with ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The company structure allows investment managers to convert the capital gains they make into a steadily-increasing dividend.

Some LICs do come with high fees, but sometimes the net total returns are worth it. Just the income alone may be attractive enough.

Here are three LICs with huge dividend yields:

Clime Capital Ltd (ASX: CAM)

Clime is a small cap LIC that has increased its dividend every year since 2012, which is a pretty impressive record considering it has a grossed-up dividend yield of 8.5%.

The LIC uses a diversified investment approach to pick its shares. It does invest in some ASX blue chips, but it also invests in smaller ASX businesses like Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX: APT) and Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) as well as international shares like Facebook and Samsung.

Naos Emerging Opportunities Company Ltd (ASX: NCC)

This Naos LIC has increased its dividend every year since 2013 and it currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 9.5%.

It is focused on just the smallest businesses on the ASX. It targets industrial ASX shares with market capitalisations under $250 million. It has done this well, despite the recent market declines Naos is still showing an average return of 13.2% per annum since inception in 2013 after expenses but before fees.

Some of its current holdings include CML Group Ltd (ASX: CGR) and BSA Limited (ASX: BSA).

WAM Research Limited (ASX: WAX)

WAM Research has increased its dividend every year since the GFC and it currently has a trailing grossed-up dividend yield of 9.6%.

WAM Research focuses on small and medium sized ASX businesses. Over the past five years its portfolio has returned an average return of 13.6% per annum before fees and expenses. To achieve this return whilst holding a high level of cash is impressive and comforting. It has been one of the best-performing LICs on the ASX in recent years.

Foolish takeaway

Each of the above shares have increased their dividends for at least five years. It would probably take a much steeper decline than what we're currently experiencing to knock their dividends down. Income seekers are getting a trailing grossed-up yield of nearly 10% with the Naos and WAM Research LICs.

The post These 3 LICs have dividend yields of 8.5% or higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The interest income that you can get from the bank or from bonds is still very low. ASX shares are known for their generous dividend yields, the franking credits boost is just a bonus.

Here are three ASX dividend shares to look at this weekend:

WAM Research Limited (ASX: WAX)

I believe that WAM Research could be one of the best dividend shares on the ASX. It's a listed investment company (LIC).

It has increased its dividend every year since the GFC, there are not many shares with a streak like that. However, it has a materially bigger profit reserve than WAM Capital Limited (ASX: WAM), so the dividend is more likely to be able to be grown or at least maintained.

WAM Research has been able to increase the dividend so well due to the strong long-term returns of its investment portfolio over multi-year periods.

It currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 9.8%.

DuluxGroup Limited (ASX: DLX)

DuluxGroup is a large home improvement business.

You have probably used at least one of its brands over the past year or two in your property such as Dulux, British Paints, Selleys, Yates and Cabot's.

It's not an exciting fast-growth business, but every year it sends the revenue, profit and dividend a little bit higher. Management have been able to improve the profit margins just a little more each year, helping profit grow faster than revenue.

I think DuluxGroup's products are fairly defensive and will be resilient even if this housing downturn continues for a long time.

It currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.8%.

Clime Capital Limited (ASX: CAM)

Clime is a small LIC that invests on the ASX into small caps, medium caps and large caps, it also invests some of the portfolio into overseas shares.

It offers quite diversified exposure with holdings like Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO), Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB), Citadel Group Ltd (ASX: CGL), Facebook and Baidu.

This diversified approach seems to be working. Clime is quite attractive for dividend cashflow because it pays quarterly.

Clime currently has a grossed-up dividend yield of 8.2%.

Foolish takeaway

All three of these shares have been very good dividend payers over the past few years. If I had to choose one share today it would be WAM Research, it's rare for the trailing yield to be so high. However, there is a concern that Labor's franking credit change may harm the attractiveness of WAM Research.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares to research this weekend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If I were to invest in dividend shares I'd want to go for businesses that have reliable dividend histories and have every chance of growing at a good rate over the coming years.

But, the potential dividend ideas also have to pay a good yield, or else I may as well keep cash in the bank.

Listed investment companies (LIC) can be very useful, the structure allows them to smooth out dividend payments for steady growth and their portfolios usually provide good diversification.

Here are three ideas:

Clime Capital Limited (ASX: CAM)

Clime Capital is a small LIC that invests in a wide range of shares. It has holdings of ASX large caps like Amcor Limited (ASX: AMC), ASX mid-caps like Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB), small caps like Hansen Technologies Limited (ASX: HSN) and international shares such as Facebook and Baidu.

I like this diversification strategy as it means the investment team can invest wherever they see value. It has been one of the better LIC performers over the past year.

Clime has increased its dividend each year since 2012 and currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 8.1%.

Naos Emerging Opportunities Company Ltd (ASX: NCC)

This LIC is also a small one, which is very useful because it only invests in the smallest shares on the ASX with market capitalisations under $250 million.

Since inception in 2013 it has delivered an average return of 16.2% before fees but after expenses. This is a very solid return for an ASX-focused LIC.

Small caps could create the best returns because they are under-researched and have the biggest growth potential due to their smaller size.

I like the Naos way of investing – having a portfolio of high-conviction ideas for the long-term, usually only holding around 10 positions. This can lead to low returns in one particular year, but it works well over the long-term if the picks are good – as shown by its performance since inception.

This LIC has increased its dividend each year since 2013 and it currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 8.6%.

WAM Research Limited (ASX: WAX)

WAM Research is one of the longer-running LICs on the ASX and it has also been one of the best performers. Over the past five years its portfolio has returned an average of 16.5% before fees and expenses.

It has managed to achieve this performance by focusing on small caps and medium caps where the investment team see a catalyst to boost the valuation, otherwise it will sit in cash.

It has increased its dividend each year since the GFC and currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 9.1%.

Foolish takeaway

I like all three of these dividend shares and believe that they will deliver more total dividends than most other 'dividend' shares over the next five to ten years.

All of them are trading quite attractively compared to recent history, so it's hard to pick a winner – WAM Research has the biggest yield but it's still trading at a sizeable premium.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares with huge yields over 8% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If I were to invest in dividend shares I'd want to go for businesses that have reliable dividend histories and have every chance of growing at a good rate over the coming years.

But, the potential dividend ideas also have to pay a good yield, or else I may as well keep cash in the bank.

Here are two ideas:

Clime Capital Limited (ASX: CAM)

This is a small listed investment company (LIC) that invests in a broad range of shares.

It can invest in large ASX shares like Amcor Limited (ASX: AMC), mid-cap ASX shares such as Bingo Industries Ltd (ASX: BIN), small cap ASX shares like Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF) and international shares like Facebook & Baidu.

The net returns have improved considerably since including international shares into the portfolio mix and it currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 7.8%. It has increased its dividend each year over the past five years. It's also trading at a decent discount to its underlying value.

WAM Research Limited (ASX: WAX)

WAM Research is one of my favourite Wilson Asset Management listed investment companies (LICs). Although it was recently trading at a very high premium to its underlying value, that has fallen again to a more manageable level after going ex-dividend.

WAM Research invests in undervalued small-cap and mid-cap shares the investment team think have a catalyst which can re-rate the business. It has been very successful with this strategy – over the past five years its portfolio has returned 16.6% per annum before fees and expenses, soundly outperforming its benchmark.

Some of its current top holdings include Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) and Specialty Fashion Group Ltd (ASX: SFH).

The LIC has used this outperformance to pay a steadily-increasing dividend which has gone up every year since the GFC. It currently has a grossed-up dividend yield of 8.8%. However, it is still trading at a substantial premium to the underlying assets.

Foolish takeaway

Both of these LICs have increased their income steadily over the past five years. Barring another GFC I expect both of them could remain as solid income choices. Having an average yield between them of 8.3% is far better than a term deposit.

The post 2 dividend shares with huge yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Low interest rates means terrible income from the bank and it's also pushed up asset prices, reducing the net yield from property and reducing the dividend yield from shares. Most shares with genuine high yields are riskier than most.

That's why listed investment companies (LIC) are so attractive – the company structure means they can pay out capital gains & income received out as dividends to shareholders in a controlled way.

Here are three LICs with big yields:

Clime Capital Limited (ASX: CAM)

Clime is a small LIC, but I like its strategy. It invests in ASX large caps, medium caps, small caps and international shares. Some of its top holdings include Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB), Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX: APT), Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF), Facebook and Alphabet.

It has an attractive quarterly dividend and currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 7.8% and has increased its dividend each year over the past five years.

WAM Capital Limited (ASX: WAM)

WAM Capital is the leading LIC run by Wilson Asset Management. Since inception in August 1999 its portfolio has delivered an average return per annum of 17.5% before fees and expenses.

Whilst the returns have somewhat slowed due to size, it is still averaging mid-teen returns over the last few years. It has kept a lot of cash on hand during this time as well, which provides safety and opportunity in tough times.

It has increased its dividend each year since the GFC and currently has a grossed-up dividend yield of 9%.

Australian United Investment Company Ltd (ASX: AUI)

This LIC has been going for over 50 years and has maintained or grown its dividend every year for the past 25 years. However, the dividend growth could be described as slow-and-steady.

It has ridden the wave of Australia's unbroken economic growth thanks to Australia's blue chips like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) being consistent performers.

It currently has a grossed-up dividend yield of 6%.

Foolish takeaway

All three LICs have yields that offer income at least twice as good as the best bank interest in Australia. Whilst the WAM Capital premium is daunting, the yield is the most attractive and that's the one I'd pick purely for income. However, it might offer a better yield in a couple of months after the dividend has been paid.

The post 3 LICs with big yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Not only that, but the income on offer from many ASX shares is a lot higher than you could possibly get from all the various bank accounts that are out there. Even the best ones only offer an interest rate of around 2.8% to 3%.

So, to solve that income dilemma, here are three good listed investment company (LIC) shares on the ASX:

WAM Research Limited (ASX: WAX)

This LIC has one of the best dividend records on the ASX. It has increased its dividend each year since the GFC and currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 8.2%.

WAM Research is great at finding undervalued growth shares that are usually industrial in nature. Its portfolio has delivered an average return of 18.5% per annum over the past seven years before fees and expenses, soundly beating the ASX.

It keeps a good level of cash in the portfolio for protection and opportunities. It could be one of the best all-round dividend shares on the ASX. However, it's currently trading at a handsome premium to its NTA.

Naos Emerging Opportunities Company Ltd (ASX: NCC)

This is the LIC that Naos has been running the longest. It focuses on small cap industrial shares that have market capitalisations under $250 million.

I really like the Naos way of doing things – the philosophy is to hold a small portfolio of high-conviction ideas that could deliver returns of 15% to 20% or more per annum over a three year (or longer) period. Since its inception in February 2013 the portfolio has returned an average per annum of 15.29% after expenses but before fees.

This solid performance with small caps has allowed the LIC to increase its dividend each year since the second half of FY13. It currently has a grossed-up dividend yield of 8.3%.

Clime Capital Limited (ASX: CAM)

Clime runs an interesting portfolio of ASX large caps, medium caps, small caps and international shares. It can invest in whatever share it thinks is good value.

In FY18 the Clime portfolio returned 12.9% net of fees, which is a solid performance in one year. Clime has steadily increased its dividend since 2012 and currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 7.7%.

Foolish takeaway

All three shares have yields above 7.5%, which is very attractive in this era of low interest rates. At the current prices I'd probably choose the Naos LIC due to the current premium of WAM Research – I think a better price will be on offer for the WAM LIC over the next three or four months.

The post 3 dividend shares with huge yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

• Low valuation, suggesting it's a risky business
• A dividend cut is on the cards, so the trailing 12 months of dividends is not the same as the upcoming year
• High payout ratio, meaning management think there is little growth available to the business to re-invest the profits

Listed investment companies (LIC) might be able to solve the income conundrum because they purely invest in other shares and can use the company structure to turn capital gains on shares into dividends.

Here are three LICs paying out large dividends:

Clime Capital Limited (ASX: CAM)

This is a fairly small LIC that invests across the spectrum of shares. It invests in large caps, medium caps, small caps and international shares.

During FY18 the Clime portfolio returned 12.9% net of fees, which is a decent result. The share price may not have grown that much over the last year, the but the actual NTA per share is increasing.

With a decent amount of cash on hand, a steadily rising dividend and a grossed-up dividend yield of 7.9% I think this LIC well worth being on an income investor's watchlist.

WAM Research Limited (ASX: WAX)

WAM Research is one of my favourite options on the ASX for income. Over the past five years its portfolio has returned an average of 18.8% per annum before fees and expenses whilst keeping a large amount of cash on hand.

It turns most of this performance into a growing fully franked dividend, which is great for people who rely on dividends to fund their life.

It has increased its dividend each year since the GFC and currently has a grossed-up dividend yield of 8.6%.

Naos Emerging Opportunities Company Ltd (ASX: NCC)

One of the best methods of outperforming the market is by focusing on small caps. Fewer investors look in the small cap area for opportunities and the smaller size means there's more room for growth.

This LIC looks at businesses with market capitalisations under $250 million that the investment team believe may be able to generate returns of 20% per annum (or more). I also like that Naos run a high-conviction portfolio, at the end of FY18 it had only nine positions.

Over the past five years its portfolio has returned an average of 14.92% per annum before fees but after expenses.

It has increased its dividend each year since the second half of FY13 and currently has a grossed-up dividend yield of 8.6%.

Foolish takeaway

I believe each LIC has their merits and all are worthy of a place in a dividend-focused portfolio. Clime could be the way to go due to its diverse investment approach and it's trading at the largest discount to its NTA. WAM Research has the best dividend history, however it is trading at a large premium.

The post 3 LICs with huge dividend yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

• Income – Many of the companies that offer high dividend yields are riskier and offer little growth compared to a typical mid-cap ASX business that would be a better investment choice but have lower dividend yield.
• Diversification – A lot of regular investors don't have the right diversification for their portfolios. LICs are run by investment professionals, if you pick the right LIC then you could end up very good diversification within your LIC choices.
• Portfolio regeneration – I think it can be a problem to hold the wrong shares for many years. Some shares are good to hold at some points of a cycle, a fund manager can change their LIC's holdings when needed.

With that in mind, here are three LICs with grossed-up yields above 8%:

Clime Capital Limited (ASX: CAM)

Clime is a small LIC that looks to give shareholders strong risk-adjusted total returns over the long-term. It takes an interesting approach by investing in small caps, medium caps and large caps on the ASX whilst also picking international shares.

During FY18 its portfolio generated a 12.9% return net of fees whilst keeping a decent amount of the portfolio as cash. Clime has steadily increased the dividend over the past five years and currently has a grossed-up yield of 8.1%.

WAM Research Limited (ASX: WAX)

WAM Research is my favourite ASX-focused WAM LIC. It purely looks at the quality of the businesses when looking for undervalued growth companies, it doesn't look for value arbitrage like something trading at a discount to the NTA per share.

Over the last five years its portfolio has returned an average of 18.8% per annum before fees which it uses to pay a solid dividend. It doesn't rely on having one big year, it generates consistent performance whilst keeping a high level of cash.

It has increased its dividend every year since the GFC and currently has a grossed-up yield of 8.8%.

Naos Emerging Opportunities Company Ltd (ASX: NCC)

Warren Buffett and many share experts acknowledge that it's harder to generate outperformance the larger the shares you pick. That's why this Naos LIC is so attractive to me – it looks at shares with market capitalisations under $250 million.

There will be some years of underperformance because Naos takes a medium-term investment approach with a high-conviction portfolio of around 10 to 15 shares. Over the past five years the portfolio has delivered an average return of nearly 15% per annum.

It has paid an increasing dividend since the second half of FY13 and currently has a grossed-up yield of 8.5%.

Foolish takeaway

All three shares have very nice yields and income-seekers would do well choosing them. However, WAM Research would be my first pick despite the premium to the NTA because it has the largest dividend yield and has generated the best performance. It could also be the 'safest' because of the high levels of cash in the portfolio.

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