Category: Stock Market

  • Guess which ASX lithium stock has just been halted amid a ‘proposed transaction’

    A young investor working on his ASX shares portfolio on his laptopA young investor working on his ASX shares portfolio on his laptop

    The shares of ASX lithium stock Loyal Lithium Ltd (ASX: LLI) are on ice today.

    Loyal Lithium shares have soared 30% in the last week and were last trading at 32 cents apiece. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has climbed 1.19% in a week.

    So what is going on with this ASX lithium stock?

    What’s happening?

    Loyal Lithium shares are frozen today at the company’s request. The company is exploring lithium in the James Bay District of Quebec and Sarcobatus Flat in Nevada, USA.

    The lithium explorer requested voluntary suspension ahead of an announcement. Loyal Lithium said this relates to a “proposed transaction under listing rule 11.1”. It added:

    This voluntary suspension will be in place until the Company has complied with the procedures outlined in section 2.10 of ASX Guidance Note 12 in relation to the proposed transaction.

    Under listing rule 11.1, a company must provide full details to the ASX as soon as practicable if it plans to make a “significant change”.

    Loyal Lithium shares shot up 52% yesterday from 21 cents to 32 cents. However, Loyal Lithium was not the only lithium share to rise.

    ASX lithium shares skyrocketed amid news Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) had received and rejected a takeover offer from lithium giant Albemarle Corp (NYSE: ALB). Albermarle has a market capitalisation of US$25.6 billion.

    Meanwhile, on Monday, Loyal Lithium announced it had identified “multiple high value targets” at the Trieste Lithium Project in James Bay, Canada. Loyal Lithium acquired this project in October 2022.

    Commenting on this news, managing director Adam Ritchie said:

    The identification of high value targets at the eastern extension of the Trieste greenstone provides us with great confidence prior to our summer field program.

    Share price snapshot

    The Loyal Lithium share price has risen nearly 21% in the last year. However, in the past month, it has dropped 3%.

    This ASX lithium stock has a market cap of about $19 billion based on the current share price.

    The post Guess which ASX lithium stock has just been halted amid a ‘proposed transaction’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Monger Gold right now?

    Before you consider Monger Gold, 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 Monger Gold wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Monica O’Shea 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 Scott Phillips.

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  • This beaten-up ASX 300 tech share is down 60% in a year, and directors are buying it up

    A person leans over to whisper a secret to a colleague during a meeting.

    A person leans over to whisper a secret to a colleague during a meeting.

    The Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price is pushing higher on Wednesday.

    At the time of writing, the ASX 300 artificial intelligence data services company’s shares are up almost 2% to $2.77.

    This is despite the S&P ASX All Technology index dropping into the red today after a poor night for tech stocks on Wall Street.

    Why is this ASX 300 tech share rising?

    Investors have been buying this ASX 300 tech share on Wednesday after it announced further insider buying.

    Insider buying is often seen as a bullish signal. That’s because nobody knows a company better than its management team and board of directors.

    So, if they are investing their hard-earned money into the company’s shares, they must have confidence that its shares are worth more than the market’s current valuation of them.

    And with the Appen share price down over 60% since this time last year, it seems that they believe this is the case with this ASX 300 share.

    Who is buying Appen shares?

    Last week, a change of director’s interest notice revealed that non-executive director, Stuart Davis, picked up 49,000 Appen shares through an on-market trade.

    Davis paid an average of $2.53 per share, which equates to a total consideration of just under $124,000.

    Hot on the heels of this purchase, the company revealed this morning that another director has been buying shares.

    According to the notice, Ms Vanessa Liu bought 17,600 shares through an on-market trade on Monday. She paid an average of $2.73 per share, which equates to a total consideration of just over $48,000.

    Time will tell if these are profitable investments for the directors. But with this ASX 300 share currently fetching $2.77, they are both in the black already.

    The post This beaten-up ASX 300 tech share is down 60% in a year, and directors are buying it up appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Appen Limited right now?

    Before you consider Appen Limited, 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 Appen Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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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. has positions in and has recommended Appen. 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 Scott Phillips.

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  • Own CBA shares? Here’s the ASX 200 bank’s latest small business outlook

    A middle-aged woman sits in contemplation over a tablet device considering information about ASX shares and deep in thought.A middle-aged woman sits in contemplation over a tablet device considering information about ASX shares and deep in thought.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are down 0.7% during trade on Tuesday.

    For some context, the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) is down 0.9% at this same time.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock closed yesterday trading for $96.06. CBA shares are currently changing hands for $95.43 apiece.

    That’s the share price action.

    Now here’s what’s happening with Australia’s small businesses.

    What’s keeping small business owners awake at night?

    According to new research, released by CBA this morning, 33% of Australia’s small businesses expect to see consumer demand slide. And the full impact of fast-rising business costs has yet to fully trickle through for many of the surveyed smaller companies.

    Declining consumer demand amid high inflation is their top concern, at 36%. Meanwhile, 31% of respondents listed the increasing cost of business insurance as their primary concern, while 28% cited higher transportation and logistics costs.

    But CBA reported that many small businesses, both private and ASX small-cap shares, are working to get ahead of the curve before any potential slowdown.

    33% of small Aussie businesses have already cut spending on non-essentials. And 32% have adjusted their personal spending. 27% of respondents also said they’re now more disciplined around budgeting and expense tracking.

    “While inflation is creating challenges for many small business owners, the sector remains focused on being prepared,” Mike Vacy-Lyle, CBA’s group executive, business banking, said.

    “We’re seeing customers respond in pragmatic ways by making adjustments to their operations in response to an anticipated reduction in consumer demand,” he added.

    The research showed that small business owners aren’t as worried about the fast-rising cost of living as consumers. But the share of owners expressing concerns has increased since CBA’s last survey in October.

    How have CBA shares been tracking?

    As you can see in the chart below, CBA shares have followed the benchmark index lower since February, leaving the share price down 6% in 2023.

    The post Own CBA shares? Here’s the ASX 200 bank’s latest small business outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Commonwealth Bank Of Australia, 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 Commonwealth Bank Of Australia wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Scott Phillips.

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  • The latest Fortescue dividend is being paid today. Here’s what you need to know

    Miner holding cash which represents dividends.

    Miner holding cash which represents dividends.

    Today is a good day for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) shareholders for a couple of reasons.

    The first is that the Fortescue share price is rising 1.5% to $20.89 this morning. That’s despite the market edging lower.

    The second is that it is payday for eligible shareholders, with the Fortescue dividend hitting bank accounts today.

    The Fortescue dividend

    Last month, the iron ore giant released its half-year results. It reported a 3.6% decline in revenue to US$7.84 billion. This reflects softer iron ore prices, which offset the miner’s record-breaking shipments.

    It was the same for Fortescue’s earnings, with underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) falling 8.7% to US$4.35 billion.

    As you might have guessed, this put pressure on the Fortescue interim dividend and led to the miner’s board cutting it by 13% to a fully franked 75 cents per share.

    This represented a 65% payout ratio, which is consistent with Fortescue’s dividend policy of paying out 50% to 80% of its profits to shareholders.

    And while a dividend cut is always disappointing, it is worth noting that this still equates to an above-average dividend yield of 3.6%. And that’s before the final dividend is even paid!

    What’s next?

    According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts expect an even larger dividend to be paid in the second half.

    The broker has pencilled in a fully franked final dividend of 148.8 cents per share, which brings the full-year Fortescue dividend to 223.8 cents per share. This represents a massive full-year yield of 10.7%.

    However, it is worth noting that Bell Potter isn’t recommending investors buy its shares. It currently has a sell rating and $14.45 price target on them, which suggests potential downside of 30%.

    The post The latest Fortescue dividend is being paid today. Here’s what you need to know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Fortescue Metals Group Limited, 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 Metals Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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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. 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 Scott Phillips.

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  • Is the lithium price now on the way back up?

    A man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share priceA man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share price

    Lithium prices have been tumbling since November 2022, with the carbonate variety used to manufacture electric vehicle (EV) batteries more than halving in value since its peak in November 2022.

    The lithium carbonate price has sunk from about US$85,000 per tonne to about US$38,000 per tonne today. This is the lowest price in 15 months, according to Trading Economics data.

    This has been caused by an increasing global supply and a recent temporary pullback in Chinese demand.

    China is the world’s largest EV manufacturer and the world’s second-largest importer of lithium behind South Korea.

    In late 2022, the Chinese government announced the impending end of subsidies for local lithium battery makers and EV manufacturers.

    So they went into overdrive before the subsidies ended, creating a large inventory that slowed global demand for both lithium and batteries over the past few months.

    But analysts are predicting a resurgence in the lithium price in the second half of 2023.

    What’s the outlook on the lithium price?

    Citi resources analyst Kate McCutcheon says Chinese battery makers are now restocking supplies and demand is returning.

    However, the outlook for the lithium price is varied.

    Here’s a sample of broker predictions about where the lithium price will go later in 2023 and into 2024.

    • Citi — US$40,000
    • Macquarie — US$57,500
    • UBS — US$54,750

    In the Australian Financial Review (AFR), McCutcheon said:

    We don’t think that [lithium] prices go back to the peaks, but we do expect prices to pick up from spot in the back end of this year, and moderate to $US40,000 a tonne for carbonate for next year.

    Which ASX 200 lithium shares does Citi like best?

    Citi ranks Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) as its preferred buy-rated ASX lithium share.

    McCutcheon said Pilbara Minerals was the “most leveraged” to the lithium price.

    … so if I were to track spot prices to equity performance, Pilbara is the one that correlates most strongly, and it’s delivering the highest free cashflow yield across my gold and base metals coverage.

    Citi is neutral-rated on Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN), which produces both lithium and iron ore. She says the company’s earnings are becoming increasingly weighted towards lithium.

    Ain’t that the truth. As we reported last month, Mineral Resources’ lithium revenue in 1H FY23 came in at $997.2 million, up from $143 million a year earlier.

    Citi rates Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares a sell.

    McCutcheon explains:

    They have to dewater their flooded open pit, so a likely production gap is a headwind, as are legacy contracts that they signed, one of which has a price ceiling.

    ASX 200 lithium shares were on fire yesterday after a US giant made a takeover bid for a small local player.

    Matthew Frydman, a senior research analyst at MST Financial, says despite falling lithium prices of late, “the medium-term outlook is still very favourable for Australia’s established [lithium] producers”.

    The post Is the lithium price now on the way back up? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Core Lithium and Macquarie Group. 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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Broker says buy Pilbara Minerals shares now for 44% upside

    A cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news on his mobile phoneA cool young man walking in a laneway holding a takeaway coffee in one hand and his phone in the other reacts with surprise as he reads the latest news on his mobile phone

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price has declined in the last month, but could it be about to take off?

    Pilbara shares have slid 5.7% from $4.17 at market close on 28 February to $3.97 at the time of writing. In late morning trading, Pilbara shares are up more than 3%.

    In contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) is 0.16% in the red so far today.

    Let’s take a look at the outlook for Pilbara Minerals shares.

    Can Pilbara go higher?

    RBC Capital markets is tipping the Pilbara Minerals share price could have significant upside.

    Analysts have placed an “outperform” rating on Pilbara with a $5.65 price target.

    This suggests an upside of 43.8% based on the current share price.

    RBC is forecasting strong operational performance and earnings growth for Pilbara in FY23 and FY24, according to a Thomson Reuters report cited by NAB trade.

    The broker is predicting Pilbara to more than double lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) production from 53kt in FY23 to 107kt by FY25.

    Pilbara’s share price soared nearly 12% yesterday amid news Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) had received and rejected a takeover approach from global lithium giant Albemarle Corp (NYSE: ALB).

    Final investment decision

    Meanwhile, Pilbara has announced today it has made a final investment decision to lift production capacity at its Pilgangoora Project.

    This investment is set to boost spodumene concentrate production from 680,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) to 1,000,000 tpa. This is known as the P1000 project.

    Pilbara share price snapshot

    Pilbara shares have soared 21% in the past year and 5% year to date.

    This ASX lithium share has a market capitalisation of about $11.8 billion based on the current share price.

    The post Broker says buy Pilbara Minerals shares now for 44% upside 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 over ten 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Monica O’Shea 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 Scott Phillips.

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  • ‘Risks, returns, and decarbonisation’: AGL shares scrubbed from $68b superfund’s climate watchlist

    boy dressed as an eco warrior and holding a globe.boy dressed as an eco warrior and holding a globe.

    AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) was among four S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy shares warned by leading superfund HESTA to clean up their act or risk facing divestment last year. And the company’s made notable progress on that front.

    In a symbolic move, the superfund – housing $68 billion of assets – removed the historic energy retailer from its climate ‘watchlist’ yesterday. HESTA general manager of responsible investment Kim Farrant commented on the change:

    We currently believe the approach AGL and its management team have outlined to shareholders more appropriately balances risks, returns, and decarbonisation.

    The AGL share price is trading at $7.73 at the time of writing.

    Let’s take a look at the green tick that’s been etched into Australia’s highest carbon emitter.

    Own AGL shares? The company’s been granted a climate tick

    HESTA – a holder of AGL shares – has removed the company from its climate watchlist, reducing its risk of ‘engagement escalation’.

    Such escalation could have seen the superfund voting against the company’s advice on resolutions or director elections and could have led it to consider selling its stake.

    The mammoth superfund welcomed the progress made on AGL’s climate transition action plan yesterday. It also said it supports the appointment of Damien Nicks as permanent CEO.

    The company revealed its $20 billion plan to ditch coal by 2036 last year. Abandoning coal is expected to leave it with net zero emissions.

    The action plan followed the abandonment of AGL’s controversial proposal to split into AGL Australia and Accel Energy.

    But HESTA isn’t sated yet. Farrant said “more detail is needed” on the company’s energy transition plan, saying:

    We continue to believe that there is additional scope for AGL to continue to develop its decarbonisation ambitions in alignment with the 1.5°C pathway including bringing forward coal-fired power generation closure dates through effective strategy execution and growing investment in renewables and storage.

    HESTA is still the lead investor through Climate Action 100+ and will continue engaging with AGL on its decarbonisation plans.

    AGL and Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) have both been removed from the superfund’s watchlist, while ASX 200 shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) remain on its climate radar.

    The post ‘Risks, returns, and decarbonisation’: AGL shares scrubbed from $68b superfund’s climate watchlist appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Agl Energy Limited right now?

    Before you consider Agl Energy Limited, 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 Agl Energy Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of March 1 2023

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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 Scott Phillips.

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  • Why did this ASX All Ords mining share just crash 30%?

    A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.

    A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.The Jervois Global Ltd (ASX: JRV) share price has been sold off on Wednesday.

    In morning trade, the ASX All Ords mining share is down 30% to a 52-week low of 8.1 cents.

    Why is this ASX All Ords mining share crashing?

    Investors have been hitting the sell button in a panic this morning after the ASX All Ords mining share released an update on its Idaho Cobalt Operations in the United States.

    According to the release, the company has suspended the final construction at the Idaho Cobalt Operations due to continuing low cobalt prices and inflationary impacts on construction costs.

    Management believes that doing so will preserve the value of its ore body, allowing it to capitalise on better prices in the future.

    In respect to pricing, Jervois expects cobalt prices to recover over the medium term. This is due to the clean energy transition and the company’s expectation that Western cobalt purchasers will increasingly prefer to buy from sources with Western ESG credentials.

    The company intends to complete the construction and commissioning of Idaho Cobalt Operations once this happens. It has already spent US$130 million on construction activities.

    Interestingly, despite suspending construction, Jervois believes it can still receive funds from the US Government in relation to programs that financially support the development of U.S. supply chains of critical minerals.

    Management also advised that its US$100 million senior secured bonds remain due in July 2026, with no prior amortisation. However, it remains in compliance with its bond covenants and there is not expected to be an adverse impact on the bonds following the suspension of construction.

    Finally, the ASX All Ords mining share has commenced a review of the operation’s carrying value on its balance sheet, in accordance with applicable accounting standards.

    The post Why did this ASX All Ords mining share just crash 30%? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Jervois Mining Limited right now?

    Before you consider Jervois Mining Limited, 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 Jervois Mining Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
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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. 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 Scott Phillips.

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  • Santos share price holds tight amid new project heat

    an oil refinery worker checks her laptop computer in front of a backdrop of oil refinery infrastructure. The woman has a serious look on her face.an oil refinery worker checks her laptop computer in front of a backdrop of oil refinery infrastructure. The woman has a serious look on her face.

    The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price has regained some small earlier losses and is trading right where it closes yesterday.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) oil and gas company closed yesterday trading for $6.95. Shares are currently changing hands for, well, $6.95. The ASX 200 is down 0.3% at this same time.

    Santos drew out attention today as ASX 200 investors mull over the potential impacts of the Labor government’s new carbon emissions reduction plans on the energy giant’s multi-billion dollar new gas projects.

    Putting those concerns aside, the Santos share price should be receiving some modest tailwinds from a 0.1% increase in the price of Brent crude oil. Brent is currently trading for US$78.65 per barrel.

    Santos share price in focus as new gas projects take heat

    The Santos share price could be a bit volatile amid media reports on two of the company’s major expansion projects.

    Yesterday, The Australian reported that incoming premier Chris Minns’ Labor government is expected to fast-track Santos Narrabri gas project in New South Wales.

    According to Santos, the $3.5 billion project could supply half of the state’s gas requirements by 2025.

    Santos has reportedly already spent some $1.5 billion to bring Narrabri online.

    One of the sticking points to date has been the construction of the Hunter Gas Pipeline. The 833-kilometre pipeline will pump gas from the project to the east coast domestic market and potentially connect with the Wallumbilla Gas Supply Hub in Queensland.

    The Perrottet government declared New South Wales part of the pipeline critical infrastructure last year. And it looks like the state’s new government will follow through with that, likely offering some upcoming tailwinds for the Santos share price.

    According to The Australian, Minns met Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher before the election, and Minns was reportedly eager to see the project completed.

    Santos has yet to comment on whether the Labor-Greens deal on the safeguard mechanism will impact the Narrabri project, as it awaits some clarity on the new rules.

    What other gas projects could face increased opposition?

    In other news that could throw up some headwinds for the Santos share price, The Australian Financial Review reported this morning that the Santos Barossa gas project, located in the Timor Sea, could face some of the biggest hits from the new safeguard mechanism.

    That’s because the $5.8 billion project has a high CO2 content of around 18%. And the CO2 levels are reported to be a critical yardstick employed in the new emissions reduction deal.

    And this is likely to see costs rise and share prices of the big energy companies potentially take a small haircut.

    According to Credit Suisse energy analyst Saul Kavonic, “Let’s be clear, there will be a financial impact from the safeguard mechanism from a cost perspective for the upstream industry,”

    Kavonic estimated the impact on the Santos share price could be as much as 20 cents per share. That would represent a 2.9% reduction from the current price.

    Santos share price snapshot

    As you can see in the chart below, the Santos share price has seen some big swings over the past year amid fast-rising and retracing oil and gas prices. So far in 2023, Santos shares are down 2%.

    The post Santos share price holds tight amid new project heat appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Santos Limited right now?

    Before you consider Santos Limited, 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 Santos Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over 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.

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Scott Phillips.

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  • Pilbara Minerals share price races higher on ‘important milestone’

    A female miner wearing a high vis vest and hard hard smiles and holds a clipboard while inspecting a mine site with a colleague.

    A female miner wearing a high vis vest and hard hard smiles and holds a clipboard while inspecting a mine site with a colleague.

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is pushing higher again on Wednesday.

    In morning trade, the lithium giant’s shares are up 3.5% to $3.99.

    Why is the Pilbara Minerals share price pushing higher?

    Investors have been bidding the Pilbara Minerals share price higher after the company made a major announcement.

    According to the release, the company’s board has approved the capital investment for the P1000 Project.

    This investment in the Pilgan Plant and its supporting infrastructure will deliver a ~320,000 tonnes per annum increase in nameplate spodumene concentrate production capacity.

    Once fully commissioned and ramped up in the September quarter of 2025, this will increase the annual production run rate from the Pilgangoora Project to approximately 1 million dry metric tonnes (dmt).

    Management notes that this supports its long-term growth strategy to increase production capacity at the Pilgangoora Project in line with market demand.

    What will this cost?

    The P1000 Project’s estimated capital cost is $560 million across the Pilgan concentrator and supporting infrastructure. This includes the previously announced $38 million of pre-final investment decision capital.

    Pleasingly, this investment is expected to deliver attractive returns to the company. In fact, management estimates that it has a forecast payback from incremental cashflows relative to P680 within 12 months.

    Furthermore, the capital investment for the P1000 Project is expected to be funded from a combination of existing cash and ongoing cashflow from operations.

    Pilbara Minerals’ managing director and CEO, Dale Henderson, commented:

    The P1000 Project expansion is an important milestone for Pilbara Minerals. This expansion step facilitates a major lift in production capacity, capitalising on the substantial scale of this Tier-1 hard rock asset which underpins a ~25 year mine life at this new expanded production level.

    This reinforces the exceptional scale and quality of our Pilgangoora Project, which is one of the few hard rock lithium production operations globally that has both the resource size and an existing operating platform to enable a rapid scale-up of production to capitalise on the growing demand for lithium products.

    Henderson also revealed that its future spodumene production is already in demand with end users. He adds:

    The Company has received significant inbound interest for further offtake and downstream partnerships, and we have begun exploring options to maximise the value of the additional product from P1000 including new offtakes and downstream partnerships to extract greater value along the battery minerals supply chain.

    The post Pilbara Minerals share price races higher on ‘important milestone’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Pilbara Minerals Limited, 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 Pilbara Minerals Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over 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.

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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. 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 Scott Phillips.

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