At the closing bell, shares in takeover target Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) were 0.1% higher to $5.155. That's a new 52-week high for the salmon and prawn producer.

Meanwhile, the much smaller Murray Cod Australia Ltd (ASX: MCA) was an even fresher 12.5% in the green, finishing at 22.5 cents per share.

So, the question is: What has spurred on this recent taste for aquaculture?

Why these fishy shares were ASX winners today

The disastrous unravelling of supply chains amid one global event after another has put greater focus on food supply. Making do without toilet paper for a week might get messy, but going a week without food jeopardises survival.

We only need to look at commodities such as coal to see how costly an unmet demand can be. While Australia produces a huge volume of food that ends up being exported, the country is said to only have five days worth of supply at any given moment.

These concerns could be feeding into renewed investor interest in consumer staples. Prior to Russia invading Ukraine, Tassal shares were trading for $3.65 apiece. Now, the ASX share has a $5.23 per share takeover bid at its feet from Canadian aquaculture giant Cooke Inc.

Similarly, Murray Cod Australia enjoyed a solid session on the ASX today. While perhaps not big enough to be attracting billion-dollar buyouts yet, the company does have a notable feather in its cap.

As reported in The Australian, Murray Cod counts world-renowned chef Heston Blumenthal and his Fat Duck Group as a shareholder.

Murray Cod executive chair Ross Anderson believes the Tassal bid speaks volumes for the industry at large.

Commenting on the development, Anderson said:

It is a vindication of the quality of Australian aquaculture that large protein producers around the world – JBS and Cooke aquaculture – come as far as Australia and are prepared to pay the premiums to acquire those operations.

JBS is a Brazilian company that claims to be the world's largest meat processor. It acquired former ASX company Huon Aquaculture Group Ltd in 2021.

Based on the closing price of Murray Cod on the ASX today, the company touts a market capitalisation of $153 million.

The post Something fishy was happening on the ASX today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But it's been a far better day for some All Ords shares. So let's dig into three that have just hit new 52-week highs this Friday.

3 All Ords shares hit new highs on Friday

Omni Bridgeway Ltd (ASX: OBL)

On the surface, it doesn't look like an ultra-exciting day for the Omni Bridgeway share price. This All Ords financial share has gained 0.03% at the time of writing at $4.625 a share. But earlier today, the company rose as high as $4.65 – a new 52-week high for Omni Bridgeway.

It's the highest share price the company has enjoyed since mid-2020. Omni Bridgeway shares have been climbing ever since the litigation funder announced some pleasing annual commitment numbers last month.

Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR)

Next up is the All Ordinaries fish-farming company Tassal Group. Like Omni Bridgeway, Tassal shares haven't lit the world on fire with gains today. The company currently sits flat at $5.15 a share, up 0.1% for the day.

However, this gain is sitting on the shoulders of the stellar week the aquaculture company has enjoyed.

$5.16 is a new 52-week high for Tassal. Investors have been flooding into the share ever since Tassal announced that it had accepted a $1.1 billion ($5.23 per share) takeover offer on Monday from Canadian seafood company Cooke Inc.

Maca Ltd (ASX: MLD)

Mining services company Maca is our final All Ords share to check out this Friday. Maca shares have actually had a decent day of gains today, rising 4.46% to $1.055 a share. That comes after the company hit $1.06 this morning, which is… you guessed it, Maca's new 52-week high.

This move comes after news yesterday that NRW Holdings Limited (ASX: NWH) had launched a takeover offer for Maca. Investors were offered $1.085 per share, but the company disclosed yesterday that it had told NRW 'thanks, but no thanks'. Investors seem encouraged today, all the same.

The post 3 ASX All Ordinaries shares cracking new highs on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is up 5% to $40.72. This follows the release of the mining giant's full year results this morning. For the 12 months ended 30 June, BHP reported a 16% increase in underlying EBITDA from continuing operations to a record US$40,634 million. A key driver of BHP's growth was its coal operations, which delivered significant earnings growth thanks to sky high prices.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

The Life360 share price is up almost 6% to $5.82. This morning the location intelligence company released its first half results and revealed the more than doubling of its revenue to US$99.8 million and a 65% increase in annualised monthly revenue to US$174.4 million. Looking ahead, management expects its revenue to grow to between US$245 million and US$260 million for the calendar year.

Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR)

The Tassal share price is up 5% to $5.14. Investors have been buying this seafood company's shares after it received and accepted a $5.23 per share takeover offer from Canada's Cooke Inc. This latest offer implies an equity value of approximately $1.1 billion and an enterprise value of $1.7 billion.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

The Temple & Webster share price is up 30% to $5.72. This follows the release of a full year result that impressed the market. The online furniture retailer reported a 31% increase in revenue to $426.3 million and an EBITDA margin towards top end of guidance at 3.8%. Management also lifted its EBITDA margin guidance for FY 2023 to 3% to 5% from 2% to 4%.

The post Why BHP, Life360, Tassal, and Temple & Webster shares are charging higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The salmon farming stock is surging 5.21% to trade at $5.145 on this eventful morning.

Tassal share price soars on takeover agreement

Salmon farmer Tassal – worth $1 billion as of Monday's close – has entered a takeover agreement wherein investors will receive $5.23 per share held in the ASX-listed company, assuming no final dividend is paid.

It's set to be snapped up by Canadian seafood company Cooke Inc via a scheme of arrangement.

Cooke has previously put forward three unsuccessful bids for the company. The third – worth $4.85 per share – was rejected by Tassal's board in June.

The latest offer implies an equity value of approximately $1.1 billion and an enterprise value of $1.7 billion.

It also represents a 49% premium to the Tassal share price as of 22 June, being the last trading day prior to reports an entity affiliated with Cooke had acquired a stake in Tassal.

Shareholders are expected to vote on the takeover in November.

Cooke already owns a 10.5% stake in Tassal. However, it won't be allowed to vote at the scheme meeting.

The takeover is also subject to regulatory and court approvals, as well as an independent expert finding it's in the best interests of shareholders.

The company predicts it will be implemented before the end of 2022.

Tassal reports 60% lift in after-tax profits

The Tassal share price is likely also being boosted by the company's financial year 2022 earnings, released this morning. Here are the highlights:

• $788.7 million of revenue – a 32.8% increase on that of the prior corresponding period (pcp)
• Net profit after tax (NPAT) came to $55.3 million – a 59.9% improvement
• Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBTIDA) reached $162.6 million – a 35.7% lift
• Operating cash flow lifted 127.8% to $139 million
• Free cash flow increased 223.6% to $95.4 million

The company is now producing around 40,000 tonnes of salmon each year while its investment in prawns is delivering strong results. It delivered around 5,700 tonnes of prawns over the period.

Salmon prices also experienced a strong re-rating last financial year, with prices ending the year at around $23 per kilogram, having started at approximately $12 a kilogram.

What else happened in FY22?

Last financial year 2022 was a good one for the Tassal share price. It gained around 36% over the 12 months ended 30 June, mostly on the back of Cooke's third unsuccessful bid.

The company's short position also dropped notably over the period. After starting the financial year with 7.75% of its shares in the hand of short sellers, it ended it with a short position of just 1.55%.

What did management say?

Tassal managing director and CEO Mark Ryan commented on the company's results, saying:

It is pleasing to see our strategy translate into strong growth for our people, customers, and shareholders, with the business now generating strong cashflow growth.

On the back of the investment made, Tassal delivered a step change in cash generation in FY22, with attractive domestic industry dynamics and strong global supply-demand fundamentals underpinning strong pricing outcomes in the salmon and prawn markets.

What's next?

The company didn't provide any earnings guidance in today's release.

However, it did note its salmon production is now at scale, but it can expand its prawn production to drive medium to long-term growth.

Tassal share price snapshot

It's been a good year so far for the Tassal share price.

It's gained 48% since the start of 2022 and 47% since this time last year.

Meanwhile, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has slumped 7% year to date and 6% over the last 12 months.

The post Tassal share price surges 5% on $1.7b takeover bid and full year earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

One way an investor could do this is to concentrate on buying ASX shares of companies that are absolutely dominant in their field.

Having a monopoly or near-monopoly allows a business more flexibility to increase prices if inflation pressures force their supply costs to surge.

The IML Australian Smaller Companies Fund this week revealed two such players it holds that are seeing their share prices start to move upward.

'A very strong market position'

In the June quarter when the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lost a painful 12.4%, Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) shares amazingly gained more than 33%.

According to IML, multiple takeover offers from Canadian suitor Cooke Inc pushed up the demand for the ASX share. 

"Cooke is now a significant shareholder in the company," read an IML memo to clients.

"Tassal, which is based in Tasmania, has a very strong market position as the number one salmon producer in Australia."

IML analysts said that after "investing heavily" in the business over the past few years, Tassal is now in a position to start a new era of "significant free cash flow".

The business will also enjoy a couple of external tailwinds.

"The company has also been successfully raising its prices as global demand for protein increases and salmon producers are set to benefit from this increased demand," read the memo.

"Tassal's position as the largest salmon producer in Australia has been underpinned by Tasmania's announcement that no new fish leases will be permitted for at least the next 12 months."

Tassal shares also pay out a handy dividend yield of 3.1%.

Bouncing back after the pandemic

New Zealand casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (ASX: SKC) did well to see its share price remain flat during a quarter when the rest of the market was absolutely punished.

IML analysts reckon conditions can only get better from here on.

"The company's Auckland casino property has been materially impacted by COVID restrictions over the last 2 years but has bounced back after the NZ government announced an easing of COVID restrictions in March."

SkyCity's financial guidance last month showed the strong comeback, the memo stated. 

"The company released earnings guidance in mid-June which confirmed a stronger than expected recovery in Auckland gaming revenues and increased EBITDA guidance for financial year 2022 of NZ$135 million, which was significantly higher than expectations."

The price of this ASX share looks attractive, according to IML analysts.

"[SkyCity is] trading on a FY2023 dividend yield of 5%, a PE multiple of 15 times and a free cash flow multiple of less than 10 times, given it has largely completed its significant capex programme."

The post 2 rising ASX shares of companies with a market stranglehold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But these ASX shares had a ripsnorter, with the top-performer gaining more than 60% in new value.

Here are the five best-performing ASX shares of the month.

• Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) up 60.9%
• Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) up 30.9%
• Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH) up 17.7%
• Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) up 16%
• Pacific Smiles Group Ltd (ASX: PSQ) up 14.6%.

Why did these ASX shares fly…

It appears these five ASX shares went higher largely because their companies had great news to share with the market in June.

Their share price rises are likely a result of factors unique to their businesses. Put simply, that's why they went up while the All Ords went down.

The companies released the following positive news to the ASX in June:

• Silex Systems announced the execution of a non-binding letter of intent with the largest producer of carbon-free energy in the United States
• Tassal got a third, increased takeover offer from Canada's Cooke Inc
• Tabcorp announced it had settled its legal dispute with Racing Queensland
• Sigma did not release any price-sensitive news to the ASX in June, but it experienced a two-day price spike after its former general manager was jailed for insider trading
• Pacific Smiles announced an increase in patient fees in May 2022 vs. May 2021, which was the first positive comparable result since November 2021.

And why did the ASX All Ords drop?

The index fell due to investor concerns over macro-economic issues, namely rising inflation and interest rates.

At the start of the month, the Reserve Bank of Australia raised the official cash rate by 50 basis points. This was a big move and the first time the RBA has made a change of this size in a decade.

Meantime costs of living are rising — particularly electricity.

The resulting negative sentiment has led to less buying support in the ASX share market and a drop in value for the All Ords.

The post 5 best ASX All Ordinaries shares in June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Bluebet Holdings Ltd (ASX: BBT)

The BlueBet share price has jumped 19% to 56 cents. The catalyst for this is news that BlueBet has signed a 10-year market access agreement with Caesars Entertainment to operate a new online sportsbook in Indiana. This provides BlueBet with a big market opportunity. There are ~6.8 million people living in the state and $4.5 billion in wagering handle was generated during the last 12 months.

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

The Collins Foods share price is up 11% to $9.92. Investors have been buying this KFC restaurant operator's shares following the release of its FY 2022 results. For the 12 months ended 1 May, Collins Foods delivered an 11.1% increase in revenue to $1,184,5 million and a 25% jump in underlying net profit after tax to $59.7 million. This was driven by growth across the business.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star share price is up 6% to $7.44. This morning this gold miner provided an update on its KCGM mill optimisation pre-feasibility study. That update reveals that the study was a success with Northern Star identifying an opportunity to deliver higher-margin ounces at improved capital efficiency.

Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR)

The Tassal share price is up 13% to $4.50. This follows news that the seafood producer has received a takeover approach. According to the release, fellow seafood company Cooke Inc has tabled a $4.85 cash per share offer. The Canada-based rival's offer values Tassal at approximately $1 billion. However, management isn't biting. It believes the offer doesn't reflect the fundamental value of the business, nor is it in the best interests of shareholders.

The post Why BlueBet, Collins Foods, Northern Star, and Tassal shares are charging higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Tassal closed yesterday at $3.97 per share and is currently trading for $4.57.

This comes after the Tasmanian-based salmon farming company reported a takeover proposal.

What takeover bid was announced?

The Tassal share price is surging after the company revealed it has received a "non-binding, indicative, incomplete and conditional" takeover proposal from Cooke Inc.

Cooke, a large, privately-held, Canadian-based seafood company, proposes to acquire 100% of the company's shares in cash for $4.85 per Tassal share. That's 22% higher than the Tassal share price at yesterday's close.

With 214.82 million shares outstanding, the bid values the Aussie salmon farmer at just north of $1.04 billion.

Cooke disclosed it had acquired 5.4% of Tassal shares after the market close yesterday. The Canadian-headquartered company reported it has obtained Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval.

This isn't the first time Cooke has attempted to reel in Tassal. Its offered two prior indicative non-binding confidential proposals, the first for $4.67 per Tassal share and the second for $4.80 per Tassal share.

After evaluating the earlier proposals, the Tassal Board opted not to pursue them.

As for the latest proposal, the board says it believes "Tassal has an attractive independent future and is well positioned to deliver growth in shareholder value."

As such:

[The Board] has determined that the Indicative Proposal does not reflect the fundamental value of the business and is not in the best interests of shareholders. Accordingly, the Company's Board has determined not to engage with Cooke regarding the Indicative Proposal. Shareholders are advised that they do not need to take any action.

Goldman Sachs is acting as Tassal's financial advisor.

Tassal share price snapshot

The Tassal share price has been a strong outperformer in 2022, up 30%.

That compares to a year-to-date loss of 13% posted by the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

The post Tassal share price rockets 14% on $1 billion takeover bid appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While the smaller ASX 300 shares have a fraction of the market capitalisation of names like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), they can offer the same size dividend yield — or even greater.

Sometimes, businesses can have particularly high dividend yields if the price/earnings (P/E) ratio is relatively low.

However, it takes more than just a dividend to make an investment a good idea. Experts have identified these two businesses as attractive options at their current prices:

Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK)

Nick Scali is one of the largest retailers of furniture in Australia. It operates the Nick Scali range of stores but it also recently acquired the Plush-Think Sofas business.

It's currently rated as a buy by the broker Macquarie. The price target is $12.70, implying a possible rise of around 70% over the next year.

One of the key reasons that Macquarie likes the ASX 300 dividend share is that the large order book is expected to reduce to a more normalised level. It also likes the growth potential of Plush to add to the Nick Scali business.

Nick Scali said that some of the synergies it can extract from Plush are "aligned distribution, supplier consolidation and shared corporate infrastructure". Some of the areas of growth that management has identified in Plush include store network expansion and enhanced group buying power.

Nick Scali thinks that gross profit margins can rise by replacing half of the range with new models, having a wider range of products to generate additional volume at better margins, and utilising capacity within the company's delivery network.

Macquarie thinks that Nick Scali will pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 10.4% in FY22 and 9.6% in FY23.

Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR)

Tassal is one of the largest prawn and salmon producers in Australia.

It's currently rated as a buy by the broker Credit Suisse, with a price target of $4. That implies a possible rise of more than 10% over the next year.

While Tassal faces higher costs in this inflationary environment, the ability to pass those cost rises onto customers (and then some) can help maintain and grow margins. However, Credit Suisse has slightly reduced how much volume it's expecting Tassal to sell to account for higher salmon prices.

In a recent shareholder presentation, the ASX 300 dividend share said:

Investments in our infrastructure have delivered scale in salmon and growing scale in prawns, which together with pricing and mix optimisation, will drive growth in cash flows and shareholder returns.

Tassal said that salmon price re-rating will "drive stronger margins". It's looking to "optimise" its prawn operations, with further growth self-funded and only when market conditions dictate.

The company thinks there are favourable trends driving global demand higher. There is "low or no growth in supply globally for calendar years 2022 and 2023". It also pointed to international market pricing being supportive of margin increases heading into FY23.

Credit Suisse thinks Tassal is going to pay a dividend yield of 4.6% in FY22 and 4.9% in FY23.

The post Brokers say it's time to buy these two ASX 300 dividend shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are dropping:

Nickel Mines Ltd (ASX: NIC)

The Nickel Mines share price is down 2% to $1.17. This morning Macquarie downgraded the nickel producer's shares to a neutral rating and cut its price target down from $1.70 to $1.30. Its analysts expect higher coal prices to offset any benefits from rising nickel prices.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

The Paladin Energy share price is down 6% to 81.5 cents. This morning the uranium miner agreed to sell its historical mining information for the Agadez Project in Niger to Kopore Metals Limited (ASX: KMT). Outside this, sentiment has been low for uranium since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR)

The Tassal share price is down almost 2% to $3.41. The catalyst for this decline has been the seafood company's shares trading ex-dividend this morning for its interim dividend. Eligible shareholders can look forward to receiving Tassal's 8 cents per share dividend later this month on 30 March.

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX)

The Westgold share price has tumbled 13% to $2.12. Investors have been selling down this gold miner's shares today following the successful completion of its $100 million institutional placement. Westgold raised the funds at a 13.9% discount of $2.44 per new share. These funds will be used to accelerate the company's Murchison and Bryah growth strategy. Management advised that this strategy is focused on establishing a systematic pathway towards a +400,000 ounce per annum gold production rate from FY 2024.

The post Why Nickel Mines, Paladin Energy, Tassal, and Westgold shares are dropping appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the seafood company's shares are fetching for $3.76 apiece, up 2.73%.

Let's take a closer look to see how Tassal performed for the period.

Tassal shares pushes higher on achieving strong growth across key metrics

The Tassal share price is moving forward following the company's robust result for the 6 months ending 31 December 2021. Here are some of the key highlights:

• Revenue of $419.14 million, up 43.3% on the prior corresponding period (H1 FY21 $292.48 million);
• Operating cash flow of $86.99 million, up 110.2% (H1 FY21 $41.39 million)
• Underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $50.01 million, up 6.9% (H1 FY21 $46.78 million);
• Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $31.18 million, up 10.3% (H1 FY21 $28.26 million); and
• Interim dividend of 8 cents per share, up 14.3% (H1 FY21 7 cents per share)

What happened in the first-half FY22 for Tassal?

Investors are buying up Tassal shares as the company announced strong growth in cash flow and earnings.

During the first-half, the company made investments in its salmon and prawn infrastructure which resulted in cash flow generation.

The salmon division recorded a sustainable annual harvest of 40,000 hog tonnes from existing marine leases. The sales mix leapt by 37.1% to $349.92 million with a recovery in both export pricing and volume, and domestic out-of-home.

Across the Prawn segment, the domestic market experienced an increase of 480% to $30.19 million. Sales volume growth of 365.3% to 1,670 tonnes included continued growth in harvested tonnes and in the frozen prawn inventory.

What did management say?

Tassal managing director and CEO, Mark Ryan touched on the result, saying:

Tassal has successfully completed its investment in salmon biomass growth and is now experiencing the benefits of scale. Together with the investments in and growth of our prawn business, where we achieve more attractive capital and working capital cycles, Tassal is focused on growing cashflow and optimising returns.

We have delivered a step- change in cash generation and believe Tassal is well positioned to deliver further improvements in cash flow and cash conversion going forward.

What's the outlook for Tassal for the remainder of FY22?

Pleasingly, Tassal advised the global salmon market has recovered and the pricing is restored to pre-COVID levels.

Looking ahead, South-East Asia demand remains strong and global pricing is expected to remain stable for the remainder of FY22.

Management stated that it's focusing on optimising pricing, particularly as supply chain costs have materially increased due to COVID.

Energy, feed commodities, labour and domestic freight costs have increased in the first-half, with no relief in sight for FY22.

No earnings guidance was given by the company for the second-half.

Tassal share price snapshot

Over the past twelve months, the Tassal share price has gained 10% following a long bumpy ride for investors.

When looking at year to date, the company's shares are up 5% off the back of positive sentiment since late January.

Based on today's price, Tassal commands a market capitalisation of around $781.81 million.

The post 'Salmon biomass growth' paying off: Tassal (ASX:TGR) share price lifts following H1 FY22 results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

• How ASX 200 shares trade this month will likely depend on this reporting season
• The biggest winners tend to be those that beat expectations as opposed to those with big earnings
• Goldman has 6 ASX 200 shares on its buy list that it thinks will exceed market expectations

The reporting season is ramping up and will help set the tone for S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares for the month.

Your ability to pick the winners and avoid the losers will be key to outperforming. The biggest winners from any profit season tend to be those that deliver beyond expectations. This is more so than shares with the biggest earnings growth numbers.

From that perspective, Goldman Sachs has compiled a list of ASX 200 shares that it thinks can beat the street and are rated "buy" by its analysts.

ASX 200 shares with reporting season upside

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) could be one such hero this month. This is in part thanks to its exposure to property listing website Domain Holdings Australia Ltd (ASX: DHG).

The broker believes that property listings have performed well ahead of market expectations in the December quarter.

Further, Nine Entertainment may undertake a capital return or make a strategic investment thanks to its strong balance sheet.

The second ASX share to watch during reporting season is the global metal and electronics recycling company Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM).

Strong results from its international peers and Chinese scrap import data is helping drive Goldman's forecast of a significant jump in Sims' margins. The broker's 2H earnings forecast for the company is well ahead of consensus too.

Conviction buys for the February reporting season

Goldman is also tipping great things for zircon and titanium dioxide producer Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU). The company is also on its conviction buy list.

The miner has the potential to deliver above consensus as the zircon and titanium dioxide markets entered a 3-year deficit last year. This lack of supply is driving up prices for the commodities.

Another ASX 200 share that is on Goldman's conviction list is Healthco Healthcare and Wellness REIT(ASX: HCW).

The broker believes that the market is underappreciating the real estate investment trust (REIT)'s upside potential driven by its solid balance sheet, relatively secure income stream, and ample external growth opportunities.

ASX 200 shares that look appetising

Meanwhile, salmon producer Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) could also prove to be a good catch, according to the broker.

"TGR is set to report a strong 1H22 result, with further momentum to build through FY22 as a beneficiary of significantly improved market supply/demand conditions," said Goldman.

Finally, Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) shares could also deliver a pleasant surprise.

The fast-food chain came under pressure recently due to its disappointing performance in Japan, but Goldman thinks its results may trigger a turnaround.

The broker believes Japanese trading conditions are starting to improve and that management's growth initiative Project Ignite will drive stronger store rollouts in Australia and New Zealand.

The post Top broker picks 6 ASX 200 shares with earnings surprise potential appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn't quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) remains the most shorted ASX share despite its short interest falling week on week to 10.2%. Short sellers aren't giving up on this one despite the outlook for the travel market improving greatly in recent weeks.
• Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) has short interest of 9.3%, which is up slightly week on week. Once again, although the travel market outlook is improving greatly, short sellers are holding firm with their bearish views.
• Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) has short interest of 9.2%, which down week on week. Investors appear concerned with this ecommerce company's inventory position and global supply chain issues.
• Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) has seen its short interest rise week on week to 9%. Short sellers appear to be targeting this biotech company due to balance sheet concerns.
• Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS) has 8.7% of its shares held short, which is up slightly week on week. This defence and space company's shares are under fire from short sellers due to accounting and cash generation concerns.
• Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) has seen its short interest ease again to 8.7%. This morning Zip released its first quarter update and revealed another record quarterly performance. Fortunately for short sellers, its shares are falling despite its strong growth.
• Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL) has seen its short interest rise again to 8.4%. Short sellers will have been celebrating last week after a disappointing quarterly update led to this ecommerce company's shares crashing lower.
• Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 8.2% of its shares held short, which is up week on week. This may be due to concerns that high grain costs could be squeezing the poultry producer's margins.
• Cooper Energy Ltd (ASX: COE) has 7.4% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. Short sellers have been targeting the energy producer due to issues at its Project Sole operation.
• Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) has short interest of 7.1%, which is up slightly week on week. Short sellers aren't giving up on the salmon producer despite a recent improvement in global salmon prices.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn't quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) continues to be the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 11%. Short sellers may be regretting not closing their positions sooner, though. The travel agent's shares have rallied 17% higher over the last five trading sessions.
• Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) has short interest of 9.2%, which is down notably week on week. Concerns over this ecommerce company's inventory position have been weighing on Kogan's shares.
• Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) has short interest of 9%, which is down week on week. As with Flight Centre, the Webjet share price has been rising in recent sessions, much to the dismay of short sellers. The prospect of both state and international borders reopening in the coming months has boosted travel shares.
• Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) has seen its short interest ease to 8.9%. News that this buy now pay later provider has made an investment in India and signed a deal with Microsoft may have spooked short sellers.
• Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS) has 8.6% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. Short sellers continue to target this defence and space company due to accounting and cash generation concerns.
• Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) has seen its short interest fall slightly to 8.4%. There are concerns that Mesoblast may need to raise funds again in the near future if it doesn't have significant trial success.
• Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 8.3% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. High grain costs could be weighing on investor sentiment.
• Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL) has seen its short interest rise to 7.7%. Short sellers won't have been pleased to see Morgan Stanley initiate coverage on this ecommerce company's shares with an overweight rating and $6.50 price target today.
• Cooper Energy Ltd (ASX: COE) has 7.7% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. Concerns over Project Sole continue to weigh on investor sentiment.
• Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) has short interest of 7.5%. Short sellers have been targeting this seafood company due to weakness in salmon prices.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn't quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) remains the most shorted ASX share after its short interest rose week on week to 11.1%. Short sellers continue to build up their positions despite the travel agent expecting to reach profitability again during FY 2022.
• Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) has seen its short interest rise strongly to 10.3%. Short sellers appear to be targeting this buy now pay later provider due to increasing competition and ballooning costs.
• Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) has short interest of 9.9%, which is up week on week. Short sellers aren't giving up on this ecommerce company. They appear to believe it could still be struggling with inventory issues.
• Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) has short interest of 9.9%, which is up week on week. Although the online travel agent recently revealed a significant improvement in the performance of its WebBeds business, short sellers aren't closing positions.
• Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS) has 9.1% of its shares held short, which is up week on week. Short sellers are reportedly going after this defence and space company due to accounting and cash generation concerns.
• Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) has seen its short interest rise week on week once again to 8.6%. Fears that this biotech company may have to raise more capital to fund its operations are weighing on sentiment.
• Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 8.4% of its shares held short, which is up strongly week on week. Changes in consumer habits and rising grain costs may be weighing on its shares.
• Cooper Energy Ltd (ASX: COE) has 7.9% of its shares held short, which is up week on week. The underperformance of Project Sole has been weighing on investor sentiment.
• Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) is back in the top ten with short interest of 7.6%. Weakness in salmon prices continues to hold back this seafood company's shares. According to the Nasdaq Salmon index, prices have fallen 15% over the last 12 weeks.
• Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL) has seen its short interest fall to 7.5%. Short sellers may have concerns over a deceleration in its growth during the fourth quarter of FY 2021.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

So here are some of the most prominent ASX shares that are going ex-dividend this coming week.

8 ASX dividend shares are going ex-dividend this week

HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Wealth manager HUB24 is going ex-dividend this week, today to be precise. HUB24 is set to shell out 5.5 cents per share, fully franked, on 15 October. At the last HUB24 share price of $29.19 the company has a dividend yield of 0.34%.

L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF)

This listed investment company (LIC) is one of the largest on the ASX, despite its age of approximately 3 years.

It will be paying out a 3 cents-per-share dividend, fully franked, on 1 October after it trades ex-dividend today. At the last Long Short Fund share price of $2.75, the company has a dividend yield of 1.64%.

Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR)

Tassal shares are going ex-dividend on Tuesday for this salmon producers' final dividend for FY21 of 3 cents per share, fully franked. At the last Tassal share price of $3.56, the company has a dividend yield of 3.93%.

TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG)

Telecom company TPG is next up. This telco's shares are also going ex-dividend on Tuesday.

TPG's interim dividend will come out at 8 cents per share, fully franked, on 13 October. At the last TPG share price of $6.64, the company has a dividend yield of 2.41%.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Home appliance company Breville trades ex-dividend on Tuesday for the company's final dividend of 13.5 cents per share, fully franked, which will be paid out on 7 October. At the last Breville share price of $30.35, the company has a dividend yield of 0.87%.

News Corporation (ASX: NWS)

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp is our last Tuesday ex-dividend share.

Shareholders can look forward to receiving their cash payment of 9.47 cents per share, unfranked, on 13 October. At News Corp's last share price of $29.50, the company has a dividend yield of 0.77%.

Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SVW)

Recently made famous for its shenanigans with Boral Limited (ASX: BLD), Seven Group is another company trading ex-dividend this week, specifically on Thursday.

Shareholders can look forward to receiving their 23 cents-per-share dividend, fully franked, on 29 October (clearly the Seven board isn't into superstition). At the last Seven Group share price of $20.70, the company has a dividend yield of 2.22%.

Carsales.com Ltd (ASX: CAR)

Carsales shareholders will be, er, driving away… with their fully franked 22.5 cents-per-share final FY21 dividend on 18 October after it trades ex-dividend on Friday. At the last Carsales share price of $25.25, the company has a dividend yield of 1.87%.

The post These 8 ASX shares are going ex-dividend this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn't quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has become the most shorted ASX despite its short interest falling to 10.1%. Short sellers are still holding onto their positions despite the travel agent revealing that it hopes to reach profitability again during FY 2022.
• Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) has seen its short interest rise slightly week on week to 9.8%. Rising costs and increasing competition appear to be why short sellers are targeting the buy now pay later provider. Not even takeover speculation has put them off.
• Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) has seen its short interest fall to 9.7%. A positive trading update which revealed a significant improvement in its WebBeds performance may have spooked short sellers.
• Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) has short interest of 9.1%, which is up week on week again. Short sellers have been increasing their positions after the ecommerce company released a disappointing full year result.
• Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS) has 8.7% of its shares held short, which is down slightly week on week. Cash flow concerns have been weighing heavily on investor sentiment.
• Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 8% of its shares held short, which is up week on week. Short sellers aren't giving up on this one despite the poultry company extending its key supply contract with Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).
• Piedmont Lithium Inc (ASX: PLL) has short interest of 7.9%, which is down slightly since last week. Short sellers appear to have concerns over its valuation and mining license approvals.
• Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) has short interest of 7.8%, which is up week on week. Short sellers continue to target this seafood company amid weaker seafood pricing.
• Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) has short interest of 7.1%, which is up week on week. Short sellers have been increasing their positions after the gold miner reported a US$220 million half year loss.
• Cooper Energy Ltd (ASX: COE) is a new entry in the top ten with 7% of its shares in the hands of short sellers. This appears to have been driven by the poor performance of its Project Sole. Its underperformance meant Cooper had to purchase gas on market to meet contract obligations.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn't quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) remains the most shorted ASX share despite its short interest falling to 10.9%. Concerns that the Delta strain of COVID-19 could delay the travel market recovery have been weighing on sentiment.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has seen its short interest fall to 10.8%. Short sellers may be regretting this one. Last week the travel agent's shares rocketed higher after management revealed that it hopes to reach profitability again during FY 2022.
• Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) has seen its short interest rise slightly week on week to 9.4%. Concerns over rising costs and increasing competition appear to be behind this high level of short interest.
• Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) has short interest of 9%, which is up week on week. Short sellers will have been pleased to see this ecommerce company's shares tumble last week after the release of a disappointing full year result.
• Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS) has 8.8% of its shares held short, which is up week on week. This morning Electro Optic Systems released its half year results and revealed a 30% increase in revenue but a loss after tax of $11.7 million. Its cash balance has also fallen from $128.1 million 12 months ago to $51.1 million today.
• Piedmont Lithium Inc (ASX: PLL) is a new entry in the top ten with short interest of 8.3%. Valuation and permit concerns may be weighing on the lithium miner's shares.
• Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 7.7% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. Short sellers may be closing positions after a strong full year result last week. The poultry company also announced an agreement to extend its key supply contract with Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).
• Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) has short interest of 7.3%, which is flat week on week. Weak seafood prices have been weighing on sentiment.
• Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL) is back in the top ten with short interest of 6.9%. This is despite this ecommerce company recently releasing a strong full year result. Short sellers may not believe its strong form will continue in FY 2022.
• Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) has short interest of 6.8%, which is up week on week. Last week the gold miner released its half year results and revealed a disappointing US$220 million loss.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn't quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) continues to be the most shorted ASX share after its short interest rose to 11.4%. Short sellers have been going after the online travel agent due to fears over the spread of the Delta strain of COVID-19 and the impact this will have on travel markets.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has seen its short interest rise to strongly to 11.4%. This travel agent's shares are being targeted by concerns over longer than expected delays in the travel market recovery.
• Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) has seen its short interest fall again week on week to 9.3%. Short sellers continue to close positions amid recent M&A activity in the BNPL industry. There is speculation Zip could be a potential takeover target of larger rival Klarna.
• Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) has short interest of 8.6%, which is down week on week. Short sellers may have been closing positions amid optimism that lockdowns will boost this ecommerce company's sales.
• Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 8.3% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. Short sellers were targeting the company due to fears over its supply contract with Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). It accounts for around 50% of its Australian poultry volumes and was due to expire this month. Unfortunately for short sellers, the two parties have agreed in principle to a renewal on broadly similar terms.
• Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS) has 8.3% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. Concerns over accounting methods, cash flow generation, and supply chain fears are weighing on sentiment.
• Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) has short interest of 7.3%, which is down notably week on week. Recent M&A activity in the industry appears to have led to short sellers closing positions.
• PolyNovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has seen its short interest edge lower to 6.9%. This medical device company's share are trading close to a 52-week low. This has been driven by its disappointing finish to FY 2021.
• Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) is back in the top ten with short interest of 6.7%. Short sellers aren't giving up on this furniture and homewares retailer despite the expectation that lockdowns will boost its sales.
• Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) has also returned to the top ten with short interest of 6.5%. This gold miner has underwhelmed in FY 2021 due to production and regulatory issues. Also, last week it announced that it expects to recognise a non-cash impairment charge in the range of US$165 million to US$175 million during the first half of the financial year.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn't quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) remains the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 11%, which is down slightly week on week. Concerns over the spread of the Delta strain of COVID-19 and the impact this will have on travel markets continues to weigh on Webjet's shares.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has seen its short interest rise to 10.1%. As with Webjet, short sellers are going after this travel agent due to longer than expected delays in the travel market recovery because of the Delta strain.
• Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) has seen its short interest fall again week on week to 9.4%. Short sellers have been closing positions following recent M&A activity in the BNPL industry. Zip has been touted as a potential takeover target of large rival Klarna.
• Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) has short interest of 8.8%, which is up week on week. Short sellers aren't giving up on this one despite the fact that lockdowns are tipped to boost this ecommerce company's performance.
• Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS) has 8.6% of its shares held short, which is up again week on week. Short sellers continue to target this communications, defence, and space company amid concerns over it cash flows and some major orders.
• Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 8.5% of its shares held short, which is up slightly week on week. This appears to have been driven by concerns over a major contract renewal with a supermarket giant.
• Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) has short interest of 8.1%, which is up week on week. Short sellers may be going after the seafood company due to weak salmon prices.
• PolyNovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has seen its short interest remain flat at 7.1%. This medical device company has been under pressure since its soft finish to FY 2021.
• A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) has seen its short interest reduce to 6.6%. Investors have concerns over the company's outlook given the sustained weakness in the daigou channel and the rise of Chinese infant formula brands.
• InvoCare Limited (ASX: IVC) has seen its short interest rise to 6.6%. This funerals company is believed to be losing market share despite investing heavily in acquisitions and its strategy. Short sellers don't appear confident things will improve in the near term.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.