Category: Stock Market

The Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) share price closed in the green today, recovering from a dip after the company released its FY22 results last week.

The insurance giant’s shares gained 1.53% during Wednesday trade to $4.65 apiece. That takes the company’s share price to around the same level it was when it delivered its results last Friday.

Financial year 2022 was a mixed bag for IAG with uncertainty clouding its future growth. However, the insurance company’s management seems confident about its outlook.

But could it be looking through rose-tinted glasses? Let’s find out.

A quick recap of FY22 results

Whilst net profit improved dramatically from a $427 million loss in FY21 to $347 million in FY22, the same cannot be said for cash earnings.

IAG’s cash earnings took a tumble from $747 million to $213 million.

The company had to slash its dividend from 20 cents per share in FY21 to 11 cents per share in FY22.

As reported in the Australian Financial Review, IAG CEO Nick Hawkins said, “We had a tough … 24 months really but we can see genuine momentum within the organisation.”

CEO lays the bull case

In response to concerns over a growing price war that could potentially compress margins for insurers, the company maintains a medium-term margins target of between 15% to 17%.

Hawkins told the AFR Weekend, “That drives everything we do. We’re not going to make a decision against that in pursuit of something.”

This is after recording underlying insurance margins of 14.7% in FY21 and 14.6% in FY22.

Hawkins also advised growth would be driven by IAG’s “wonderful brands that we probably haven’t done as much with as we should have”.

Some of IAG’s brands include NRMA, SGIO, RACV in Victoria, and CGU Insurance.

And Hawkins was also upbeat on customer retention, saying it was “as strong as I can remember”.

The bear case

As reported in the AFR, a Jarden analyst advised clients that “accelerated premium rate momentum is required in our view to meet … margin targets”.

IAG management expects premium increases will likely absorb inflationary impacts.

I tend to err on the side of caution when management may appear overly confident in their guidance. In this case, I’m trying to understand how reasonable Hawkis’ predictions are relative to IAG’s past performance.

If you review the top line and bottom line for the last decade, IAG has produced quite volatile financial results.

It’s because the very nature of the products it sells is subject to forces outside its control.

Who would have predicted a war in Ukraine and the record-breaking floods this year?

So, how is Hawkins in a position to be so confident about IAG’s future if there are so many variables outside of his control?

I’m not asserting that his statements will prove to be false. Rather, I’m trying to frame his point of view in the context of the cold hard numbers.

Whilst management is confident in addressing inflation through higher premiums, Content Editor of Livewire Markets Glenn Freeman makes a great point about IAG.

He noted that IAG offers insurance products that are for shorter durations, like house and car insurance. If inflation keeps rising, this could spell significant price hikes for cars, automotive parts, wages, and building material supply.

All these factors will affect IAG, putting it in a vulnerable position.

IAG share price snapshot

In the last 12 months, the IAG share price has fallen 13% but is making ground with a 5% jump in the last month.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fared better in the last year, falling by 5% and gaining 7% in the last month.

IAG’s market capitalisation is around $11.4 billion. It’s currently trading at a price-to-earnings multiple of 34.69 times.

The post Looking to buy IAG shares but worried about where the growth will come from? Read this appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

(function() {
function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
button.style[property] = defaultValue;
}
}

setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
})()

More reading

• Here’s why the Nickel Industries share price is climbing on Wednesday
• Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Wednesday
• How much have Medibank shares paid in dividends over the past 5 years?
• These ASX 200 shares just cracked new highs today
• Fletcher Building share price lifts on 40% profit boost

Motley Fool contributor Raymond Jang 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 positions in and has recommended Insurance Australia Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. 

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/TXvkjS1

The Carnarvon Energy Ltd (ASX: CVN) share price is tumbling today.

Carnarvon shares closed yesterday trading for 20 cents and are currently trading for 17 cents, down 17.5%.

The ASX energy share certainly hasn’t been helped by sliding oil prices, now at six-month lows.

But the real pressure on the Carnarvon share price today looks to be an update on its Dorado development, located offshore in Western Australia.

What’s happening at the Dorado project?

Investors are driving down the Carnarvon share price today after the company reported it will not make a financial investment decision (FID) for the project this year.

While the Dorado Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) works are “substantially” complete, the company said current instability in the cost environment and uncertainty around supply chain capacity will delay its FID.

Commenting on the progress and delays at Dorado, Carnarvon CEO Adrian Cook said:

Carnarvon is keen to see the timely sanctioning of the Dorado development and commencement of the construction phase, and we continue to work collaboratively with the operator to achieve this.

That said, given the current regional inflationary pressures and supply chain challenges, the risk of cost escalation is unacceptably high and requires fiscal discipline until this environment shows signs of stabilising.

As for funding, Carnarvon said a formal and ongoing process is underway to fund its share of the Dorado development. Carnarvon said it may divest some of its share in the project and associated exploration acreage prior to taking FID.

On the regulatory front, the Carnarvon share price could also be facing some headwinds. The explorer’s offshore project proposal remains under assessment by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority.

Cook remained upbeat on the project’s future, adding:

The analysis of the Pavo discovery to date shows that this is a tremendous resource with the potential to generate a significant amount of value for Carnarvon shareholders by utilising the proposed Dorado facilities. Accordingly, the Joint Venture is undertaking detailed studies to optimise an integrated Dorado development concept.

Carnarvon share price snapshot

The Carnarvon share price has struggled this year, down 53% since the opening bell on 4 January.

By comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down 7% in 2022.

The post Why is the Carnarvon share price cratering 18% on Wednesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

(function() {
function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
button.style[property] = defaultValue;
}
}

setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
})()

More reading

• Woodside share price dips as oil slumps to 6-month lows
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Here’s why the Nickel Industries share price is climbing on Wednesday
• Why CSL, Downer, Magellan, and PointsBet shares are falling today
• Why is the Hawsons Iron share price slumping 9% today?

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.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/MXq9bUn

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price has spent most of Wednesday in the red following a slump in oil prices.

At the time of writing, the ASX energy producer’s shares are down 0.09% to $32.01, after dipping to an intraday low of $31.73.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening with Woodside and the market.

Woodside shares lose ground as oil price slips

Investors are weighing down the Woodside share price as the price of its key commodity comes under selling pressure.

Currently, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude prices are trading at US$87.10 and US$92.84 per barrel, respectively.

China’s central bank cut key lending rates to stimulate demand as data revealed that the economy slowed down in July. The news shocked the market and likely led oil prices to sink to a six-month low.

It appears Beijing’s woes are being driven by its strict COVID-19 policy, which has severely impacted factory and retail activity. An ongoing property crisis within the country hasn’t helped matters.

The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is down 0.31% today, alongside other energy players.

Shares in fellow energy giant Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) are treading lower by 2.12% to $6.93 apiece despite the company’s positive half-year results released today.

What’s next for the price of oil?

Last week, OPEC issued its monthly oil market report forecasting that world oil demand growth in 2022 would be slower than previously expected. The group estimated that oil demand would grow at a healthy 3.1 million barrels per day (mb/d). This is due to expectations of a resurgence of COVID-19 restrictions and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties such as the Russian war in Ukraine.

In total, OPEC expects oil demand to average around 100 mb/d in 2022.

Looking further ahead, the forecast for world oil demand growth in 2023 remains unchanged at 2.7 mb/d, with total oil demand averaging 102.7 mb/d.

Woodside share price summary

Despite edging lower today, it has been a solid 12 months for the Woodside share price, up 54%.

The company’s shares reached a 52-week high of $35.77 in early June on the back of multi-year high oil prices.

In terms of market capitalisation, Woodside is the largest energy company on the ASX, with a valuation of approximately $60.78 billion.

The post Woodside share price dips as oil slumps to 6-month lows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

(function() {
function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
button.style[property] = defaultValue;
}
}

setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
})()

More reading

• Why is the Woodside share price sliding today?
• Why did the Woodside share price lag the ASX 200 on Monday?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why 5E Advanced Materials, IAG, Magnis, and Woodside shares are pushing higher

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 Scott Phillips.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/YMdDjGB

Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models again, leading to the release of a large number of broker notes this week.

Three ASX shares brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating and $16.20 price target on this lithium miner’s shares. This follows news that Allkem has signed a deal with Minera Santa Rita to swap assets. This will see Allkem transfer its Borax Argentina project to Minera Santa Rita in exchange for the Maria Victoria lithium tenements close to the Olaroz project. Macquarie notes that this will simplify things and make Allkem a pureplay lithium miner. The Allkem share price is trading at $12.34 on Wednesday.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

A note out of Goldman Sachs reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $25.40 price target on this integrated industrial property company’s shares. This follows the release of a full year result that was broadly in line with its expectations. Looking ahead, the broker believes that Goodman will outperform its guidance in FY 2023 thanks to continued strong fundamentals that are underpinning demand for high-quality, well located logistics assets. The Goodman share price is fetching $21.08 this afternoon.

SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK)

Analysts at Morgans have upgraded this job listings company’s shares to an add rating with a trimmed price target of $29.40. This follows the release of a mixed full year result which beat on the top line but missed on the bottom line. Nevertheless, Morgans remains positive and believes that strong domestic listings and candidate shortages will continue to drive increased reliance/utilisation of Seek’s products. And while volume growth is expected to normalise in FY 2023 from the record high levels seen this year, the broker believes Seek has the ability to pull levers to drive yield growth. The Seek share price is trading at $23.48 on Wednesday afternoon.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

(function() {
function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
button.style[property] = defaultValue;
}
}

setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
})()

More reading

• Goldman Sachs tips huge returns for the Goodman share price
• Why Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Challenger, Seek, and Sims shares are dropping
• Seek share price slides despite NPAT soaring 81%
• Goodman share price drops despite beating FY22 earnings guidance
• 2 blue chip ASX 200 shares tipped as buys by experts

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Allkem Limited and SEEK Limited. 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 recommended SEEK Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/oFPuWpO

The Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC) share price is trading higher today after the company announced a binding agreement for a battery solar project in Indonesia.

Shares of the nickel pig iron producer are fetching $1.152 apiece, up 2.86%. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) is 0.22% higher at the time of writing.

Let’s go over the highlights of the agreement.

Binding term sheet for battery solar project

Nickel Industries said it has signed a binding term sheet with solar development company PT Sumber Energi Surya Nusantara (SESNA).

Under the terms, SESNA will “build, power, and maintain” a battery solar project to power a number of the company’s processing plants within the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP).

The project will power Nickel Industries’ Hengjaya Nickel, Ranger Nickel, and Oracle Nickel sites. Power will be generated via two solar batteries with a 200MWp and 20MWh capacity.

The binding term sheet is part of a memorandum of understanding with SESNA, made in January this year. No capital funding will be required by Nickel Industries for the project’s completion.

It also follows Nickel Industries’ previous engagement with SESNA to develop solar infrastructure for its operations. The companies have previously worked together on development of the Hengjaya mine, which Nickel Industries partially owns.

Mining activity is currently powered via diesel generators. Once the solar project is complete, it will save the company 31 million litres of diesel over 25 years.

Nickel Industries Managing Director Justin Werner said:

We are very pleased to announce the next step in our collaboration with SESNA to develop the first renewable energy production within IMIP, which reflects the Company and Tsingshan’s commitment to a material reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions. The fact that Nickel Industries is not required to provide any funding for the project is very attractive, as is the stable nature of the pricing which will be fixed over the 25-year contract period and which is currently lower than existing power costs.

The nickel price has been boosted by several tailwinds recently, including the increased production of electric vehicles in China.

Nickel Industries share price snapshot

The Nickel Industries share price is down 19% year to date.

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), by comparison, is down 6.2% over the same period.

The company has a current market capitalisation of roughly $3.15 billion.

The post Here’s why the Nickel Industries share price is climbing on Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

(function() {
function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
button.style[property] = defaultValue;
}
}

setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
})()

More reading

• Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Wednesday
• How much have Medibank shares paid in dividends over the past 5 years?
• These ASX 200 shares just cracked new highs today
• Fletcher Building share price lifts on 40% profit boost
• Steadfast share price halted following FY22 results and acquisition

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/37tyIwv

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to extend its winning streak. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.3% to 7,125.5 points.

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

CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is down 1.5% to $292.25. Investors have been selling this biotherapeutics giant’s shares following the release of its full year results. Although CSL delivered a result that was in line with expectations, its guidance for FY 2023 fell short. CSL is forecasting an uplift in profits of around 8%.

Downer EDI Limited (ASX: DOW)

The Downer share price is down over 7% to $5.20. Investors have been selling this integrated services provider’s shares after it reported a 17% profit decline in FY 2022. Management blamed COVID-19 and severe wet weather for the poor performance. However, it is expecting a much better performance in FY 2023 and is guiding to underlying net profit growth of 10% to 20%.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

The Magellan share price is down 5% to $14.22. This morning this struggling fund manager released its full year results for FY 2022. Magellan reported an adjusted net profit after tax of $399.7 million, which was down 3% year over year. Management also warned that the material client outflows experienced in the second half of the year will impact FY 2023.

PointsBet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH)

The PointsBet share price is down almost 8% to $3.60. This is despite the sports betting company revealing that its shares have been approved for eligibility by the Depository Trust Company (DTC), facilitating real time electronic clearing and settlement in the United States. A soft night on the tech-focused NASDAQ index may have taken the wind out of its sails today.

The post Why CSL, Downer, Magellan, and PointsBet shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

(function() {
function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
button.style[property] = defaultValue;
}
}

setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
})()

More reading

• Everything you need to know about the latest CSL dividend
• Downer share price drops on 17% profit slide
• An ASX 200 market darling in the past, but don’t expect fireworks from the CSL share price going forward
• Magellan share price in freefall despite 44% rise in profits
• CSL share price drops despite expectations of growth in FY23

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 CSL Ltd. and Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/6mstCEk

The Hawsons Iron Ltd (ASX: HIO) share price is sliding today.

Hawsons Iron shares closed yesterday trading for 32 cents and are currently trading at 29 cents, down 9.4%.

Part of the slump looks to relate to a modest decline in iron ore price, down 0.3% to US$140.05 per tonne. Investors may also be concerned about the mid-term demand outlook for the crucial steel-making metal from China, as the Middle Kingdom faces a slowing economy and fresh rounds of pandemic lockdowns.

Similar concerns could explain the 1% slump in the Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price today.

There’s no new price-sensitive news out in regards to the Hawsons Iron share price today.

However, the company did issue a release rejecting court claims against it from Pure Metals.

What court claims were made?

According to the release, the claims came to light in an article published by an Australian newspaper.

Hawsons Iron confirms it has been made a party to proceedings by Pure Metals. It adds that it considers the claims “entirely baseless and without any foundation”.

For some background, Hawsons Iron completed its acquisition of Pure Metals’ 24.15% interest in the Hawsons Iron Project in May 2021 in exchange for Hawsons issuing 90.8 million of its shares to Pure Metals.

Following shareholder approval in November 2020, a liquidator was appointed to Pure Metals’ majority shareholder. This effectively gave it a controlling interest in Pure Metals.

With that in mind, Hawsons states, both parties agreed to issue the Hawsons Iron shares in two tranches rather than one. That was to prevent the liquidator from gaining a relevant interest in more than 20% of the company’s shares.

Further, Hawsons Iron says:

Pure Metals claims that it has suffered loss resulting from the sale of the HIO Shares. The company considers that the issue of the HIO Shares to Pure Metals, an obligation of the company under the transaction, could not conceivably cause loss to Pure Metals, and that any claim by Pure Metals against the company is without merit and misplaced.

The miner says it will “vigorously defend the action”.

Hawsons Iron share price snapshot

Despite today’s slump, the Hawsons Iron share price remains a standout performer, up 161% over the past 12 months. That compares to a full-year loss of 5% posted by the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

The post Why is the Hawsons Iron share price slumping 9% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

(function() {
function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
button.style[property] = defaultValue;
}
}

setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
})()

More reading

• This US investment house has made tens of millions from Brainchip. Guess which other ASX share it’s backing
• Why is the Hawsons Iron share price hiking 6% higher today?
• What’s with the Hawsons Iron share price on Monday?

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.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/4aDAHGJ

After a shaky start this morning, it’s turning out to be a rather fine afternoon so far for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) on Wednesday. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 has gained a healthy 0.24% to rise above 7,120 points. 

The post Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

(function() {
function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
button.style[property] = defaultValue;
}
}

setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
})()

More reading

• How much have Medibank shares paid in dividends over the past 5 years?
• These ASX 200 shares just cracked new highs today
• Fletcher Building share price lifts on 40% profit boost
• Steadfast share price halted following FY22 results and acquisition
• Redbubble share price tumbles 40% as profit turns to loss

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/fqezkdj

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on form again and on course to extend its winning streak. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.2% to 7,120.9 points.

Four ASX shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

Brambles Limited (ASX: BXB)

The Brambles share price is up 5% to $12.38. Investors have been buying this logistic solutions company’s shares following the release of a strong full year result. For the 12 months ended 30 June, Brambles reported a profit after tax of US$593.3 million. This was an 18% year over year increase.

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

The Challenger share price is up 6% to $6.79. This morning the teams at Citi and Ord Minnett upgraded this annuities company’s shares to neutral/hold ratings. Elsewhere, analysts at Morgans retained their add rating but trimmed their price target on the company’s shares to $7.40.

Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA)

The Nearmap share price is up 4% to $2.00. This has been driven by the release of a solid full year result from the arial imagery company. Nearmap reported annual contract value (ACV) of $167.6 million, which is up 31% year over year. And while it posted another large loss after tax, management revealed that the company remains on track to generate positive free cash flow by FY 2024.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

The Super Retail share price is up over 5% to $10.79. This follows the release of a full year result that materially outperformed consensus estimates. Super Retail reported a 19.9% decline in net profit after tax to $301 million, whereas the market was expecting a net profit after tax of $224 million.

The post Why Brambles, Challenger, Nearmap, and Super Retail shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

(function() {
function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
button.style[property] = defaultValue;
}
}

setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
})()

More reading

• 3 ASX 300 shares having a cracking session today
• Why are ASX 200 retail shares having such a stellar run today?
• Super Retail Group share price jumps 8% on soft FY22 results
• Brambles share price soars 6% on profit and dividend boost
• Nearmap share price on watch as revenue leaps 29%

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 Nearmap Ltd. and Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Nearmap Ltd. and Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/qTkBgOR

Investors are finding more positives than negatives on Wednesday as the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XJO) takes the stairs higher.

More than half of the benchmark’s constituents are in the green today amid a flood of financial reports. While some of the companies included in the index are having a shocker of a session after releasing their numbers, the portion of positive performers is carrying the index upwards.

Here’s a look at a few ASX 300 shares that are humming along today.

Winner Wednesday for these ASX 300 shares

Starting with the company with the smallest market capitalisation, Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV). Investors have pushed shares in the burns treatment business 4.8% higher to $2.20 apiece. Yet, Polynovo is one company that hasn’t reported earnings today.

Instead, it appears the company is running on residual excitement stemming from its announcement on 10 August. As previously reported, Polynovo enrolled its first patient in a clinical trial of NovoSorb SynPath. This trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Polynovo’s product for long sufferers of chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

Polynovo shareholders would be jumping for joy with this ASX 300 share indulging in a nearly 40% increase in the last month.

Meanwhile, two other companies experiencing raving reviews on Wednesday are Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) and Brambles Limited (ASX: BXB). In contrast to Polynovo, these companies have reported their earnings today.

At present, Super Retail Group is up 7.9% to $11.03 Similarly, Brambles is relishing in a 4.28% return, taking the share price to $12.31.

Oddly enough, investors are shaking off a 20% drop in profits in FY22. In contrast, Brambles delivered an 18% increase in profits. The ASX 300 share won investors over with its rather solid FY22 result.

The post 3 ASX 300 shares having a cracking session today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

(function() {
function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
button.style[property] = defaultValue;
}
}

setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
})()

More reading

• Why Brambles, Challenger, Nearmap, and Super Retail shares are rising today
• Why are ASX 200 retail shares having such a stellar run today?
• Super Retail Group share price jumps 8% on soft FY22 results
• Brambles share price soars 6% on profit and dividend boost
• What’s with the Polynovo share price on Wednesday?

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler 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 POLYNOVO FPO and Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/loUEwF4