Author: therawinformant

  • U.S. Sanctions Hong Kong Chief Lam Over Crackdown

    U.S. Sanctions Hong Kong Chief Lam Over CrackdownAug.09 — The U.S. is placing sanctions on 11 Chinese officials and their allies in Hong Kong, including Chief Executive Carrie Lam, over their roles in curtailing political freedoms in the former U.K. colony, the Treasury Department said Friday. Stephen Engle reports on “Bloomberg Daybreak: Australia.”

    from Yahoo Finance https://ift.tt/30IsaX6

  • U.S. Health Secretary Expected to Meet Taiwan President

    U.S. Health Secretary Expected to Meet Taiwan PresidentAug.09 — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar arrived in Taiwan on Sunday for the highest-ranking visit by a U.S. official to the island in decades. Azar is expected to meet President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday morning, a person familiar with the arrangement. The trip stands to further worsen spiraling relations between the U.S. and China. Stephen Engle reports on “Bloomberg Daybreak: Australia.”

    from Yahoo Finance https://ift.tt/3kARaaH

  • It’s ASX reporting season! Here’s what to watch out for this week

    pencils, pen, note pad, paper clips and folder entitled annual report signifying asx reporting season

    ASX reporting season is upon us. Every August, a large number of the companies on the ASX report their full year results. This allows investors to gauge performances over the past 12 months and get some insight into future performance.

    This reporting season, however, is unlike any other. The effects of coronavirus will be apparent in many companies’ financial results. For most, the pandemic has had a negative impact. But for a few, it has driven sales and revenues to new heights. Here’s what to look out for during this week of ASX reporting season. 

    What’s happening in ASX reporting season this week?

    Monday 

    The week starts with a bang and when Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ) releases its full year report. Australia’s largest rail-based transport business, Aurizon has been fighting the ACCC in court over the latter’s decision to oppose Aurizon’s proposed sale of its Acacia Ridge Terminal. In June, Aurizon confirmed underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBIT) guidance of $880 million to $930 million for FY20. 

    Tuesday

    On Tuesday, it will be time to take a look at the financial sector with Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) providing its results. The wealth manager was subject to volatile investment markets over the second half of FY20 which may impact on results. The Challenger share price is yet to recover from the March downturn, remaining nearly 60% down from its high for the year. 

    Wednesday 

    On Wednesday, we hear more from the financial sector with Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) reporting. The Magellan share price fell on Friday despite the wealth manager reporting an increase in funds under management. Commonwealth Bank Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is also due to release its full year results. Investors are eager to see whether the bank will pay a final dividend, and if so, its size. 

    Thursday

    Come Thursday, it’s time to hear from AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) and Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG). AGL has predicted full year profits will be in the upper half of its guidance range of $780 million to $860 million. The Breville share price hit a record high last week with the appliance maker reporting strong sales throughout the pandemic. 

    Friday 

    On Friday it’s the miners’ turn, with Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU) reporting. The Newcrest share price has recently hit all time highs off the strength of the gold price. Iluka saw its mineral sands revenue decline 16% in the half year to June compared to the prior corresponding period, reflecting the impact of COVID-19 on key markets. 

    Legendary stock picker names 5 cheap stocks to buy right now

    Motley Fool resident tech stock expert Dr. Anirban Mahanti has stumbled upon five stocks he believes could be some of the greatest discoveries of his investing career.

    These little-known ASX stocks are growing like gangbusters, yet you can buy them today for less than $5 a share. Click here to learn more.

    See these 5 cheap stocks

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Kate O’Brien has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Challenger Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aurizon Holdings Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post It’s ASX reporting season! Here’s what to watch out for this week appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

    from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2DQ8ZBk

  • BHP and 2 more ASX dividend shares for beginners

    dividend shares

    ASX dividend shares are a great way to build a beginner share portfolio. Coronavirus excepted, they are a good way to generate steady cash flow and provide flexibility with reinvestment.

    Here are 3 ASX dividend shares that I think are solid buys for beginners.

    What’s good about ASX dividend shares?

    I think the “bird in the hand” theory is a good one. Basically, a dollar today in the form of dividends is better than an uncertain amount tomorrow in capital gains.

    In Australia, ASX dividend shares also have another advantage: franking credits.

    The current tax imputation scheme means that dividends receive favourable tax treatment. This effectively eliminates the risk of that money being taxed at the company level and at the individual level.

    That’s good news for investors, particularly those in retirement, where franking credits can actually boost your income higher.

    There is, of course, regulatory risk in the form of government tax changes but it’s still a big tick for ASX dividend shares right now.

    BHP and 2 more top picks for a beginner portfolio

    The first ASX share I’m watching is BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). BHP shares are currently yielding 5.4% with a market capitalisation of $183.3 billion.

    Iron ore prices are surging and a cyclical share like BHP is doing well right now. That means that dividends may fluctuate in the short-term but I’d expect long-term income to be quite reliable.

    Another ASX dividend share I’d like to buy for a beginner portfolio is National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

    Prior to COVID-19, NAB shares had a very tidy dividend yield even amongst the ASX banks. While distributions may not return to what they were, I think NAB will remain a reliable ASX dividend share for the long-term.

    Given the strong link between the Big Four banks and the Aussie economy, I also think it’s a good bet for long-term stability.

    Finally, it’s worth considering a broad market exchange-traded fund (ETF). Australian companies tend to have a higher payout ratio compared to their global peers, largely due to the favourable tax treatment.

    That means a broad-market ASX ETF like BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200) could be worth a look.

    This BetaShares ETF has a 12-month net distribution yield of 4.1% with a management fee of just 0.07% per year.

    This is an easy option for exposure to many ASX dividend shares like BHP and NAB in one convenient investment.

    These stocks could rocket in a Post-COVID world (FREE STOCK REPORT)

    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.*

    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post BHP and 2 more ASX dividend shares for beginners appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

    from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2PC9zFs

  • Aurizon share price on watch after solid profit and dividend growth in FY 2020

    Red Freight Train

    The Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ) share price will be on watch on Monday after the release of the rail freight operator’s full year results.

    How did Aurizon perform in FY 2020?

    For the 12 months ended 30 June 2020, Aurizon delivered a 5% increase in total revenue to $3,064.6 million. This was driven largely by a strong performance by its Bulk business during the financial year.

    The Bulk business posted a 21% increase in revenue to $608.8 million and a 102% lift in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to $110.1 million. This ultimately led to Aurizon reporting a 7% increase in total EBITDA to $1,467.6 million for FY 2020.

    On the bottom line, the company posted a 12% increase in underlying net profit after tax to $531 million and a 28% lift in statutory net profit after tax to $605 million. The latter includes the profit on sale of Aurizon’s Rail Grinding business.

    Underlying earnings per share came in 15% higher at 27.2 cents, which allowed the Aurizon board to increase its full year dividend by the same margin. The company’s final dividend will be 13.7 cents per share, which lifts its full year dividend to 27.4 cents. This dividend will be 70% franked and represents 100% of its underlying earnings for the fifth year in a row.

    In addition to its dividend, Aurizon will be returning funds to shareholders via buybacks. After buying back $400 million of shares in FY 2020, it will push ahead with a new $300 million on market share buyback during the current financial year.

    “No material impact as a result of the pandemic.”

    Aurizon’s Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Harding, revealed that the company’s operations have not been impacted meaningfully by the pandemic.

    He commented: “Despite the emergence of COVID-19 in the second half of FY2020, the Company has delivered a solid operational and financial performance with no material impact as a result of the pandemic.”

    “I am proud of the outstanding efforts of our employees during this very challenging time. As an essential transport provider to the Australian economy we have provided safe, reliable services to our customers and continued to support regional communities where our people live and work,” he added.

    Outlook.

    Aurizon is expecting its FY 2021 underlying EBIT to be in the range of $830 million to $880 million, representing a year on year decline of 3.2% to 8.7%.

    This assumes flat volumes in the Coal business of 210-200mt, based on the current view of COVID-19 impact on steel demand. It also assumes a QCA-approved volume increase of 5% to 239 million tonnes, lower CQCN volumes due to COVID-19’s impact on coal demand, operational efficiency improvements, and redundancy costs.

    Where to 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 are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of June 30th

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aurizon Holdings Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post Aurizon share price on watch after solid profit and dividend growth in FY 2020 appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

    from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/30HP4xJ

  • Why the Credit Corp share price leapt 22% in July

    calendar with date circled, blocks spelling overdue, alarm clock, credit card and calculator

    Australian debt buyer Credit Corp Group Limited‘s (ASX: CCP) share price surged 21.8% in July, closing the month at $18.98 per share. That compares to a 0.5% gain from the S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX: XJO).

    Like most shares on the ASX, and indeed around the globe, the Credit Corp share price was savaged during the COVID-19 driven panic selling. The company’s shares fell a stomach-churning 83% from 20 February before bottoming on 23 March.

    From its 23 March trough, Credit Corp’s share price rebounded strongly, gaining a massive 204% by the time the closing bell rang on 31 July.

    Yet even that huge share price surge wasn’t enough to recoup all of 2020’s losses, with the company’s shares closing down 39% from 2 January through to the end of July.

    What does Credit Corp do?

    Credit Corp Group is Australia’s largest debt buyer and collector, providing financial services in the credit-impaired consumer segment. The company operates two key divisions: debt buying and lending.

    Its core business is debt buying, in which Credit Corp purchases defaulted consumer debts from major banks, finance companies, telcos and utility providers across Australia, New Zealand and the United States. From there, Credit Corp works with these consumers to develop payment plans. On the lending side, Credit Corp provides consumer loans through brands such as Wallet Wizard and ClearCash.

    Founded in 1992, Credit Corp shares have been listed on the ASX since 2000.

    Why did Credit Corp’s share price rocket in July?

    As coronavirus lockdowns see increasing numbers of households and businesses struggling to meet their debt payments, Credit Corp’s debt recovery model is in a unique position to potentially benefit. And Credit Corp’s July share price surge appears to back this theory.

    On 28 July, Credit Corp announced its net profit after tax (NPAT) had improved 13% to reach $79.6 million before adjustments. Those adjustments, however, were sizeable, coming in at $64.1 million of impairments, bringing its adjusted NPAT to $15.5 million.

    The company also stated that economic uncertainty from pandemic-related slowdowns had left its customers hesitant to commit to longer-term debt repayment agreements after March. However, additional fiscal and monetary stimulus from the Reserve Bank of Australia and government could see more clients prioritise their debt repayments.

    Credit Corp’s share price also likely received a welcome nudge higher at the end of July when Morgans’ analysts retained their add rating and lifted their price target to $19.10 per share.

    On Friday 7 August, Credit Corp’s share price closed at $17.82.

    These stocks could rocket in a Post-COVID world (FREE STOCK REPORT)

    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.*

    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post Why the Credit Corp share price leapt 22% in July appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

    from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3gLQsoG

  • CBA and 2 more ASX 200 shares to watch this week

    Young investor watching share chart in anticipation

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) roared back to life last week as it gained 1.3% to close above 6,000 points. Several beaten-down ASX 200 shares made strong gains while tech and gold sectors continued to soar.

    Last week, I was watching AMP Limited (ASX: AMP)Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM).

    The AMP share price fell 2.1% in another tough week for shareholders. However, Super Retail and St Barbara shares jumped 3.7% and 5.0%, respectively.

    It’s a big week ahead as the August earnings season really kicks into gear. One of the biggest names that I’ll be watching this week is Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

    Find out why I’ve got my eye on CBA and 2 other ASX 200 shares in the week ahead.

    CBA and 2 other ASX 200 shares to watch this week

    Let’s start with the big movers and shakers reporting this week. CBA shares will be worth keeping an eye on as the bank reports its full-year results on Wednesday.

    This will be the first real opportunity for investors to gauge the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the banks and the economy. I think that makes CBA a must-watch ASX 200 share over the next week or so.

    Also on my watchlist this week is Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM). The ASX 200 gold share has had a strong 2020 with Newcrest shares climbing 21.0%.

    I think Newcrest’s full-year result on Friday makes the Aussie miner worth watching. Global gold prices continue to surge to new record highs which pave the way for a bumper earnings result.

    Outside of reporting season, I am watching Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) shares.

    We saw something of a resurgence in beaten-down ASX 200 shares this week. That included the Corporate Travel share price rocketing 15.1% higher.

    That’s despite tightening restrictions across the country which would seem to be bad for the travel industry.

    I think it’s something of a bull trap driven by speculative investors so I will be keeping an eye on Corporate Travel shares this week.

    These 3 stocks could be the next big movers in 2020

    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.*

    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Corporate Travel Management Limited and Super Retail Group Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post CBA and 2 more ASX 200 shares to watch this week appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

    from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2PzWtc2

  • Results: GPT share price on watch as net profit falls 247%

    Real Estate Investment Trust

    The GPT Group (ASX: GPT) share price is one to watch this morning after the Aussie real estate investment trust (REIT) reported a 247.2% drop in half-year net profit.

    Why is the GPT share price on watch?

    Net profit after tax for the half-year ended 30 June 2020 (1H20) fell 247.2% lower to total a $519.1 million loss.

    However, the Aussie REIT did announce an interim distribution of 9.3 cents per stapled security, expected to be paid on 28 August.

    Funds from Operations (FFO), a key metric for REIT earnings, fell 23.3% from 1H19 numbers to $244.5 million. That’s despite FFO from GPT’s Office and Logistics segments climbing 0.9% and 12.8%, respectively.

    However, the big drag on earnings was the REIT’s Retail arm which saw FFO plummet 49.7% lower to $79.2 million.

    GPT’s adjusted FFO, taking into account maintenance capex and lease incentives, fell 18.6% to $197.1 million.

    The GPT share price will be one to watch in early trade as investors consider the 9.3 cent interim distribution, down 29.1% from 1H19.

    GPT reported a total portfolio valuation of $14.41 billion, down from $14.85 billion as at 31 December 2019 (FY19).

    The Retail portfolio ($5.70 billion) slumped in value while Office and Logistics portfolios edged higher on FY19 numbers.

    GPT’s occupancy numbers also climbed higher during the last 6 months. Portfolio occupancy came in at 98.1%, up from 96.5% in December 2019.

    That’s despite Retail and Office occupancy falling to 98.0% and 94.4%, respectively. The Logistics portfolio was again a strong performer with occupancy rocketing from 94.4% to 99.8% as at 30 June.

    GPT’s weighted average lease expiry (WALE) totalled 4.9 years, down from 5.0 years in FY19. The group’s weighted average capitalisation rate edged 5 basis points higher to 5.00% during the half-year.

    How has COVID-19 impacted on earnings?

    Clearly, the coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on GPT’s earnings and the GPT share price.

    Centre sales growth in GPT’s Retail portfolio from March to June varied between -21.3% to -59.0% per month.

    Positively, the percentage of stores opened recovered to 91% in June compared to just 36% in April.

    Despite some headwinds for retail, GPT’s percentage of rent collected climbed to 53.3% in June compared to just 25.8% in April.

    GPT’s net asset valuations were also revised downwards due to the pandemic which contributed to a 300 basis point jump in net gearing to 25.1%. This is at the low end of the REIT’s target range of 25% to 35%.

    Foolish takeaway

    The GPT share price will be one to watch in early trade after this morning’s result.

    Shares in the ASX REIT are down 32.5% for the year as investors have sold out of many real estate shares.

    By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 10.3% in 2020 as at Friday’s close.

    Man who said buy Kogan shares at $3.63 says buy these 3 ASX stocks 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.*

    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post Results: GPT share price on watch as net profit falls 247% appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

    from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2XKTEZZ

  • These were last week’s best performing ASX shares

    hand selecting happy face from choice of happy, sad and neutral signifying best ASX shares

    The ASX lifted in the first week of August with investors pushing ASX shares higher despite the rising economic toll of Victoria’s coronavirus outbreak. The first week of reporting season saw the S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) lift 1.3%, with gold prices surging. The price of the precious metal reached a record of US$2075 on Friday, fueling mining shares. 

    In last week’s company reports, Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) reported a 60% drop in profits as bushfires and coronavirus took their toll. REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) managed to lift profits 7% despite turmoil in housing markets. On that positive note, let’s take a look at five of last week’s best performing ASX shares. 

    Last week’s best performing ASX shares

    Ardent Leisure Group Ltd (ASX: ALG)

    The Ardent Leisure share price rose 22.73% last week to close the week at 40 cents. The theme park operator announced the reopening of Dreamworld and WhiteWater World last week. Both are expected to recommence operations from mid-September at 50% capacity. Ardent also announced the receipt of government financial assistance under the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 industry support package. 

    The government is providing the company with a $66.9 million loan plus a grant of $3 million. The grant can be used to fund working capital and approved capital expenditure. Nonetheless, the Ardent Leisure share price remains 75% down from its high for the year, having plunged following the closure of its main attractions. The financial impact of these closures is likely to have been severe and will be revealed when this ASX share releases its full year results on 27 August. 

    Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK) 

    The Nick Scali share price rose 19.32% last week to finish the week at $8.71. The furniture retailer released its FY20 results last week which showed only a small drop in sales revenue despite store closures caused by COVID-19. Net profit was on par with the previous year at $42.1 million. A final dividend of 22.5 cents per share, fully franked, was declared. This brings full year dividends to 47.5 cents per share and represents a payout ratio of 90%. 

    Following the temporary closure of stores in April, May and June, sales orders grew 72% year on year. Store closures prompted the retailer to launch an online store which achieved greater than $3 million in sales in the June quarter. Managing Director Anthony Scali said, “In recent months, the furniture industry has experienced unprecedented year on year growth as consumers reallocated their spending into the home given an inability to travel, combined with an increased amount of time spent at home.”

    Integrated Research Limited (ASX: IRI) 

    The Integrated Research share price rose 17.94% last week to close the week at $4.80. There was no news out of the technology provider to prompt the rise in the share price, however it previously advised it expected record profit in 2020. Integrated Research is due to report its full year results on 20 August and has forecast total revenue of $109.5 million to $111 million, up 9% to 10%. Profits of $23.6 million to $24.2 million are forecast, representing growth of 8% to 11%. 

    In the first half, this ASX share reported record interim revenue and profit, and this momentum has continued despite the onset of COVID-19. Revenue increased 6% in the first half to $53.2 million and net profit was up 1% to $11.8 million. The company has a blue-chip customer base with clients including Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). With technology solutions that support customers’ evolution to cloud technology, Integrated Research is seeing increased demand as work goes digital. 

    Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) 

    The Pilbara Minerals share price gained 17.14% last week to finish the week at 41 cents. The lithium producer has been struggling with softer market conditions with lithium prices at record low levels in August. Nonetheless, there is positive market sentiment following the introduction of post COVID-19 stimulus packages by various governments for the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. This is expected to see sales of electric vehicles jump, which should cause lithium prices to rally. 

    Pilbara Minerals says market signaling indicates lithium prices may be approaching the bottom. Industry analysts have forecast a demand surge and price turnaround in 2021 – Tesla recently surpassed Toyota as the most valuable car company in the world. Pilbara Minerals also recently announced it had received binding commitments for a senior secure debt facility from BNP Paribas and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. This represents a substantial cost saving compared to existing finance arrangements, and quarterly principal repayments do not commence until September 2022. 

    Mesoblast Limited (ASX: MSB)

    The Mesoblast share price rose 16.4% last week to finish the week at $4.40. The company’s product, remestemcel-L, is currently undergoing phase 3 clinical trials in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval is also being sought for its use treating children with acute graft versus host disease. According to Chief Executive, Dr Silviu Itescu, “these key milestones will take the company into the most significant period in its history.”

    Interim analysis of the phase 3 trial of remestemcel-L in COVID-19 patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is due to be completed in early September. These results will inform whether the trial should proceed as planned or terminate early. There are currently no approved treatments for COVID-19 ARDS so, if remestemcel-L proves effective, it should see strong demand. A pilot study using the treatment found 75% of patients were successfully taken off a ventilator and discharged from hospital in a median of 10 days. 

    FDA approval for the use of Mesoblast’s product to treat graft versus host disease is expected at the end of September. If approved, Mesoblast plans to launch into the United States in 2020 and has product inventory in place. The ASX share completed a $138 million capital raise in May leaving it with cash on hand at the end of the June quarter of $188.4 million. This will support operating activities including research and development and manufacturing as Mesoblst prepares for commercial launch in the United States. 

    5 stocks under $5

    We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Altium or Afterpay when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true.

    And while Altium and Afterpay have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $5 a share!

    *Extreme Opportunities returns as of June 5th 2020

    More reading

    Kate O’Brien has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Integrated Research Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Woolworths Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended REA Group Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post These were last week’s best performing ASX shares appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

    from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2PDVEim

  • These are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX

    short interest

    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:

    • Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR) continues to be the most shorted share on the Australian share market with short interest of 12.1%. Last week the department store operator revealed that its operations have been impacted greatly by the pandemic.
    • Speedcast International Ltd (ASX: SDA) has short interest of 11.7%. The Speedcast share price has been suspended since February while the communications satellite technology provider declares itself bankrupt. Its poor performance and high debt load became too much.
    • Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 10% of its shares held short, which is up week on week once again. Short sellers have been targeting the poultry company due to concerns over rising input costs and an unfavourable sales mix because of the pandemic.
    • Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) has seen its short interest rise week on week to 9.8%. Given the recent spike in coronavirus cases in Australia, there appear to be concerns that the domestic travel market could take longer to recover than first expected.
    • Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) has seen its short interest push higher week on week again to 8.6%. Short sellers may believe the worst is not over for the lithium miner due to a collapse in the price of the battery making ingredient and concerns over an oversupply of the metal.
    • FlexiGroup Limited (ASX: FXL) has returned to the top ten with 8.4% of its shares held short. While FlexiGroup’s buy now pay later offering is growing strongly, there are concerns over the rest of its business.
    • Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) has short interest of 8.1%, which is up week on week. Short sellers may be going after the buy now pay later provider due to its lofty valuation and a recent rise in bad debts.
    • Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ) has seen its short interest rise slightly to 7.9%. The regional bank has been struggling during the pandemic and recently increased its coronavirus provisions. It also warned that there could be more to come.
    • Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) has seen its short interest rise slightly to 7.9%. Opinion remains divided on the aerial imagery technology and location data company’s prospects. So far it has performed strongly during the pandemic, but there are a few doubts that this will be maintained.
    • CLINUVEL Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV) has seen its short interest fall slightly to 7.8%. The biopharmaceutical company recently released its fourth quarter update and revealed a 20% decline in cash receipts. Lockdowns have led to softening sales of its SCENESSE product. It is used to prevent skin damage from the sun in people with erythropoietic protoporphyria.

    Finally, instead of those most shorted shares, I would be buying the exciting shares recommended below…

    These 3 stocks could be the next big movers in 2020

    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.*

    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

    More reading

    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 Nearmap Ltd. and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended FlexiGroup Limited and Nearmap Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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

    from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3fHBezI