Day: 26 September 2021

  • Argosy (ASX:AGY) share price gains on potential solar power connection

    an engineer in hard hat stands amid solar panels, part of a solar farm, as she holds a tablet in her hand and smiles.

    The Argosy Minerals Limited (ASX: AGY) share price is in the green following news the company’s Rincon Lithium Project is set to have direct access to a renewable energy farm.

    The lithium miner’s Argentinian project will soon have a next-door neighbour ­– a 208 megawatts peak solar power farm.

    At the time of writing, the Argosy share price is 17.5 cents, 2.94% higher than its previous close.

    Let’s take a closer look at today’s news from Argosy Minerals.

    Rincon could be powered by sun

    The Argosy share price is up this morning after the company announced its Rincon Lithium Project might have direct access to a large-scale renewable power farm.

    According to the company, the Rincon Project’s new neighbour, the Altiplano 200 solar power facility, might be able to help it to lower the costs and carbon emissions of its planned expansion.

    The solar farm will be ready to begin producing renewable energy by late-2021.

    Earlier this month, Argosy announced development works for Rincon are running on schedule for completion by the first quarter of 2022. Unfortunately, the Argosy share price didn’t respond to the recent update.

    The company plans to begin cash flows from the project’s 2,000 tonnes per annum production phase. Then, it hopes to extend the project’s capabilities to 10,000 tonnes per annum.  

    Argosy expects the expansion will produce battery quality lithium carbonate using roughly 5 megawatts to 6 megawatts of energy.

    Argosy has confirmed it’s able to source the project’s electricity needs directly from the solar farm.

    It has also been in discussions with the solar farm’s owner and France’s leading independent renewable energy producer Neoen.

    Neoen has agreed that connecting the Rincon Project’s 10,000 tonnes per annum extension to its solar farm’s output is in both companies’ best interests.

    Argosy share price snapshot

    2021 has been a good year so far for the Argosy share price.

    It has gained 118% year to date. It is also trading for 236% more than it was this time last year.

    The post Argosy (ASX:AGY) share price gains on potential solar power connection appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Argosy Minerals, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Argosy Minerals wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • API (ASX:API) share price heats up as bidding war commences

    APA share price takeover Two colleagues take on another two colleagues in a tug of war in a high rise building.

    The Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API) share price has come into focus today as the company received another takeover offer.

    At the time of writing, API shares are swapping hands for $1.51, up 3.07%.

    Details of the latest proposal

    The API share price is on the move this morning following a bidding war to procure the pharmacy chain operator.

    According to the release, Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) has made a takeover offer to acquire 100% of API shares.

    The unsolicited, indicative, non-binding and conditional proposal is for a combination of cash and scrip.

    Under the terms, API shareholders would receive 35 cents in cash and 2.05 Sigma shares for each API share. Sigma shares are set at 59.5 cents apiece (based on the 24 September closing price), implying a value of $1.57 per API share.

    However, any dividends API pays to shareholders following its full-year results, Sigma will reduce its cash component up to 5 cents.

    In addition, Sigma also tabled a mix-and-match alternative to API shareholders. This allows an API shareholder to choose between maximising cash or Sigma scrip.

    The new deal would see API hold a 48.5% stake in the combined company.

    Recently, Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) increased their original offer to acquire API for $1.55 per share under a revised scheme arrangement. As such, the Wesfarmers proposal values API at approximately $764 million.

    The API board noted that it will allow Sigma to conduct due diligence to facilitate a binding offer. Wesfarmers is also in the process of due diligence which could take a number of weeks to complete.

    About the API share price

    Over the past 12 months, API shares have gone on a rollercoaster ride, nonetheless registering gains of above 40%. Year-to-date, the company’s shares are up just a tad over 20%.

    Based on today’s price, API presides a market capitalisation of roughly $721.74 million and has 492.6 million shares on its registry.

    The post API (ASX:API) share price heats up as bidding war commences appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in API right now?

    Before you consider API, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and API wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

    most shorted ASX shares

    At the start of each week I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

    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.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, Kogan.com ltd, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, Kogan.com ltd, and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why the Vulcan (ASX:VUL) share price is pushing 3% higher today

    Galan share price Bright neon blue and black graphic of a battery cell

    The Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price has started the week strongly.

    In morning trade, the clean lithium developer’s shares are up almost 3% to $13.68.

    Why is the Vulcan share price rising?

    The catalyst for the rise in the Vulcan share price today has been the release of a promising announcement.

    According to the release, the company’s chemical engineering team has successfully produced its first battery quality lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) from piloting operations.

    The release notes that the LHM was produced from Vulcan’s sorption pilot plant. This is located at a geothermal renewable energy plant in the Upper Rhine Valley in Germany, with downstream electrolysis processing offsite. This is the same setup Vulcan is planning for its commercial Zero Carbon Lithium Project.

    Pleasingly, the sample exceeded traditional battery grade LHM product. This includes the best on the market battery grade specifications required from offtake customers.

    What now?

    Vulcan advised that further production of battery quality material will continue to ramp up to supply its offtake partners with samples.

    After which, if all goes to plan, management is targeting Phase 1 commercial production for calendar year 2024.

    Vulcan’s Managing Director, Dr. Francis Wedin, commented: “I would like to congratulate our chemical engineering and chemistry teams on this important milestone as we develop the Zero Carbon Lithium Project. We will continue to methodically progress, de-risk and execute on our plan to build a fully integrated renewable energy and battery-quality lithium chemicals project in Europe to service the battery and electric vehicle industry.”

    “The team is working towards what is likely to be the first raw materials project with net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the world; an important statement of what can be achieved with the right scientific approach at this critical juncture of global climate change leading toward COP26,” he added.

    The Vulcan share price is now up almost 400% in 2021.

    The post Why the Vulcan (ASX:VUL) share price is pushing 3% higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Vulcan right now?

    Before you consider Vulcan, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Vulcan wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Got cash to invest? Here are 2 ASX shares that could be buys

    a hand holding wads of australian bank notes

    There are a few different ASX shares that could be compelling ideas to look at if investors have some cash ready to invest.

    Businesses that are growing their revenue and have long-term growth plans could be worth paying attention to.

    Companies in the technology space could be particularly interesting because of their ability to grow quickly and achieve higher profit margins.

    Here are two ASX shares to consider:

    Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL)

    Redbubble is an e-commerce business that specialises in selling products with unique designs on them, made by artists. Redbubble pays a portion of its revenue to the artist who created the design. It operates two websites – Redbubble.com and TeePublic.com.

    This company delivered marketplace revenue growth of 58% to $553 million over FY21. The growth was 71% in constant currency terms. Gross profit grew even faster, increasing 66% to $223 million (or rising 79% in constant currency terms).

    Redbubble says it’s focused on the “tremendous opportunity” it has as a business. The company is aiming to be the world’s largest marketplace for independent artists.

    Over the next few years, it’s aiming to reach marketplace revenue of $1.25 billion per year. To do this, it’s going to invest heavily in a few different areas to deliver top line growth and strengthen its competitive position.

    There are four strategic areas it’s investing in for growth. First, artist activation and engagement. Second, user acquisition and transaction optimisation. Third, customer understanding, loyalty and brand building. Finally, the product range and third party fulfilment network.

    The ASX share said that it’s expecting to return to year on year growth from the second half of FY22, after $57 million of marketplace revenue in FY21 from mask sales which are not likely to be repeated.

    It’s currently rated as a buy by the broker Morgans, with a price target of $4.83. The broker believes Redbubble has a lot of growth potential.

    Pushpay Holdings Ltd (ASX: PPH)

    Pushpay is another ASX share that could be worth looking at for the long-term. It’s a business that provides church management software as well as electronic donation processing capabilities.

    FY21 was an important year for the company, particularly in the COVID-19 environment. After integrating the Pushpay and Church Community Builder solutions together, it won new customers, capitalised on cross-selling opportunities within its customer base and achieved operational efficiencies across the combined business.

    Whilst Pushpay grew operating revenue increased 40% to US$179.1 million, margin improvements also helped propel profit higher too. The gross profit margin improved from 65% to 68% in FY21. The company also saw total operating expenses, as a percentage of operating revenue, improve 11 percentage points, from 47% to 36%.

    The ASX share expects “significant operating leverage to accrue” as operating revenue continues to increase, while expense growth remains low. Management explained that it adopted ‘best-in-class’ software tools and scalable processes early in its development.

    All of the above helped Pushpay’s net profit rise 95% to US$31.2 million and operating cashflow went up 145% to US$57.6 million.

    Pushpay is focused on growing and diversifying where it generates its profit. It’s looking at geographic diversification. But it has announced the acquisition of Resi Media and also wants to expand in the Catholic sector.

    According to Commsec, the Pushpay share price is valued at 34x FY22’s estimated earnings.

    The post Got cash to invest? Here are 2 ASX shares that could be buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pushpay right now?

    Before you consider Pushpay, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pushpay wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended PUSHPAY FPO NZX. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended PUSHPAY FPO NZX. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • These experts believe the future is bright for the Bank of Queensland (ASX:BOQ) share price

    a woman wears sunglasses as she gazes up towards a bright sun with its rays extending to the far corners of the sky above her.

    The Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ) share price has been range-bound since its $1.325 billion acquisition of Members Equity Bank (ME Bank) on 22 February.

    Bank of Queensland shares have struggled to break above $9.80 but find plenty of buying support around the $8.50 level. At the time of writing, they’re trading for $9.33, 1.3% up on Friday’s closing price.

    Encouragingly, the bank announced that it successfully acquired ME Bank on 1 July. Management described it as a “defining moment” for the bank and an opportunity to invest heavily in terms of digital transformation.

    Despite going nowhere for the last 8 months, analysts at JPMorgan are bullish on what the future holds for the combined Group, according to The Australian.

    What’s so bullish about the Bank of Queensland share price?

    The acquisition is expected to bolster Bank of Queensland’s growth following realised synergies and a focus on improving loan turnaround times.

    “We believe BoQ’s immediate priority will be to improve ME Bank’s mortgage turnaround times while looking for ‘easy wins’ on funding cost improvement,” said JPMorgan.

    “ME Bank’s weakness in the competitive mortgage market was highlighted by BoQ when it announced the acquisition of the lender earlier this year.”

    Breaking down the lender’s challenges, JPMorgan pointed to brand damage from its past treatment of home loan customers and slow mortgage approval times.

    ME Bank was pulled over by ASIC in late May for criminal charges regarding false or misleading representations and failing to provide customers with notice about interest rate changes.

    “On the latter, we expect BoQ to work hard to deliver similar levels of mortgage net promoter score improvement as has been achieved by BoQ in its ‘blue brand’ over the last two years,” said the broker.

    Overall, JPMorgan has an overweight rating for the Bank of Queensland share price and its third preferred pick in the banking sector, behind Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

    The post These experts believe the future is bright for the Bank of Queensland (ASX:BOQ) share price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Bank of Queensland, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Bank of Queensland wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Paradigm (ASX:PAR) share price sinks 8% on FDA update

    a doctor in a white coat with a stethoscope around her neck holds her hands upwards as if to ask 'why' as she sits at her desk and looks at her computer.

    The Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: PAR) share price is sinking on Monday morning.

    At the time of writing, the biopharmaceutical company’s shares are down 8.5% to $1.92.

    Why is the Paradigm share price sinking?

    The Paradigm share price is sinking on Monday after it revealed that it has received a written response from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

    This is in relation to its Investigation New Drug (IND) submission for pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) to treat pain in subjects with knee osteoarthritis.

    According to the release, the FDA has given feedback on its IND submission and made one request.

    The release notes that the FDA’s outstanding concern is regarding adrenal gland function. This relates to a preclinical finding in the adrenal gland of rats only. It was not seen in the adrenal gland of dogs. Furthermore, adrenal gland malfunction has not previously been seen by Paradigm or bene pharmaChem in their ongoing pharmacovigilance.

    Nevertheless, in the written communication, the FDA has requested modifications to the company’s adrenal screening and mitigation plan.

    Paradigm plans to amend its clinical trial protocol, including all the FDA’s requests, and respond to the FDA within the next week. After which, the company expects a response from the FDA within the next 30 days.

    Paradigm’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Rennie, appears optimistic that this could be the final hurdle for the company to overcome before it can push ahead with its trial plans in the United States.

    He commented: “Although we understand the agency’s obligations for thorough reviews which commenced in March of this year, I am confident that the FDA and Paradigm have now attained a pathway to commence our phase 3 clinical trial in the US.”

    The Paradigm share price is now down a disappointing 21% in 2021.

    The post Paradigm (ASX:PAR) share price sinks 8% on FDA update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Paradigm right now?

    Before you consider Paradigm, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Paradigm wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • The Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price is down 3% so far in September. What’s next?

    A worried pink piggy bank in dark waters, indicating pressure on the banking sector

    The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is falling lower this month. Shares in the Aussie bank are down 3.3% since closing at $26.11 per share on September 1.

    That means Westpac is underperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the same period by 0.8%. So, what’s driving the ASX bank share at the moment and what’s next for the Aussie institution?

    Why the Westpac share price is down 3% in September

    Interestingly, there have been no price-sensitive announcements from the Aussie bank this month. That hasn’t stopped investors from selling down their Westpac shares amid fears of a broader sell-off.

    There have been a couple of noteworthy updates from the bank in recent weeks. That includes an update on the proposed sale of its Pacific businesses.

    The Aussie bank announced the sale of Westpac Fiji and the bank’s 89.91% stake in Westpac Bank PNG Limited to Kina Securities Limited (ASX: KSL) for up to $420 million on 7 December 2020.

    That deal was subject to regulatory approvals which Papua New Guinea’s Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has now denied. As a result, the sale will not proceed at this time.

    There was also the announcement that Catherine McGrath will take over the reins as CEO of Westpac New Zealand on 24 September. However, broad market movements have been the real driver of the Westpac share price this month.

    ASX 200 shares more broadly have been under some selling pressure in recent weeks. Banks are naturally leveraged to economic upside through the likes of business and residential housing loans.

    However, fears over Evergrande Group (HKG: 3333) and an overheated share market have hit the Westpac share price in recent weeks.

    Shares in the Aussie bank are now down 3.3% since 1 September but remain towards the top end of their 52-week trading range.

    The post The Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price is down 3% so far in September. What’s next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Westpac right now?

    Before you consider Westpac, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Westpac wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Here’s why the Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price is down 11% in a week

    Woman in yellow hard hat and gloves puts both thumbs down

    The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price has come under significant pressure over the past week. This comes despite the iron ore mining outfit not releasing any news since its contract with the Eastern Guruma People.

    At the end of Friday, Fortescue shares added to their ongoing woes, closing 1.22% lower to $15.34. That brings its losses to a sizable 11% for the last week, and more than 21% in a month.

    Why is the Fortescue share price tumbling?

    It’s no secret that Australian iron ore miners have been heavily impacted from the Chinese tiff against the Morrison government.

    In fact, during May to July this year, the price of iron ore reached incredible highs of above US$220. However, as media outlets circled around the mammoth profits the miners were bringing in, China quietly implemented measures against this.

    Chinese lawmakers introduced new rules for its steel producers in an effort to curb reliance on Australian iron ore. Steel mills were instructed to limit 2021 output to no more than 2020 levels, or face harsh consequences.

    As such, China wants its steel industry to halt iron ore production at around 1 billion tonnes for 2021. Adhering to the instructions, Chinese crude steel production has dropped 8% in July and 12% in August. And while current levels are still up 5% year-to-date against 2020, further cuts are due in the coming months.

    This has led the price of iron ore to shrink. Fears are mounting that it could reach as low as US$70 by the end of the year. Undoubtedly, this would heavily weigh on the bumper profits Fortescue has been enjoying earlier on.

    Reflecting the latest setback, analysts at Bell Potter, cut its rating on Fortescue shares by 7.3% to $20.87. Although, this still represents an upside of 36% in the next 12 months.

    About the Fortescue share price

    It’s been a disappointing journey for Fortescue shares, having fallen almost 35% in 2021 alone. When zooming out to a 12-month period, its shares are slightly in the red, down almost 4%.

    Fortescue is the world’s 4th largest iron ore miner, and has a market capitalisation of approximately $47.23 billion.

    The post Here’s why the Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price is down 11% in a week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Fortescue right now?

    Before you consider Fortescue, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Fortescue wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • How does the Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) dividend compare to ASX bank shares?

    A woman in a bright yellow jumper looks happily at her yellow piggy bank.

    The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) dividend has been fairly reliable over the years. Regulatory intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced payments temporarily, but things are looking up for income-focused shareholders.

    Despite being a consistent earner for Aussie investors, how do distributions from Australia’s largest bank stack up against other ASX bank shares?

    How the CBA dividend compares to ASX bank shares

    The Aussie bank’s shares are currently trading on a 3.49% dividend yield prior to Monday’s open. That comes despite a number of different forecasts for what the CBA dividend will be.

    Morgan Stanley recently estimated a $4.02 per share dividend in FY22, while Morgans is tipping a $4.28 dividend per share. Both of these figures represent growth over FY20 figures, with the current 3.49% yield translating to a $4 dividend forecast.

    So, where does that leave CBA placed against the other big four ASX bank shares?

    Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) has the highest dividend yield among the big four. The ASX bank share is trading at a 3.83% yield prior to Monday’s open. That’s despite the ANZ share price climbing 19% higher so far this year.

    Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) is the next cab off the rank. Westpac shares are currently trading at a 3.52% dividend yield with a 21.6 price to earnings (P/E) ratio.

    CBA’s dividend yield does compare favourably to National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB). NAB shares are trading at a 3.29% dividend yield right now versus 3.49% for Australia’s largest bank. That doesn’t take into account NAB’s $2.5 billion share buyback, which will also return significant capital to investors.

    NAB isn’t the only one with a share buyback program on offer. CBA is conducting an off-market buyback of up to $6 billion worth of shares to return surplus capital to investors.

    Foolish takeaway

    The CBA dividend has bounced back after a subdued run in FY20. It’s not the highest yield ASX bank share on the market, but it still represents a handy pay day in the current low-interest-rate environment.

    The post How does the Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) dividend compare to ASX bank shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Commonwealth Bank of Australia right now?

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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