Category: Stock Market

  • Netwealth share price falls after third quarter update disappoints

    a young man wears headphones around his neck and holds his hand to his face as he leans into it with a sad, mournful look on his face as though the music he was listening to has made him melancholy, perhaps the blues.

    a young man wears headphones around his neck and holds his hand to his face as he leans into it with a sad, mournful look on his face as though the music he was listening to has made him melancholy, perhaps the blues.

    The Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) share price is on course to end the week in the red.

    This is despite the tech sector charging higher on Thursday.

    At the time of writing, the investment platform provider’s shares are down 2.5% to $12.98.

    Why is the Netwealth share price falling?

    Investors have been selling down the Netwealth share price following the release of the company’s third quarter update.

    For the three months ended 31 March, Netwealth reported a very modest 1.6% or $0.9 billion increase in funds under administration (FUA) to $57.6 billion.

    While this is a much slower growth rate than investors have become accustomed to, it is worth highlighting that it is still a relatively positive result given the tough trading conditions it faced during the period.

    For example, Netwealth reported negative market movements of $1.7 billion during the period. Take this out of the equation and its quarterly growth would have been ~4.6%, which annualises to 18.4%.

    Elsewhere, the company reported quarterly funds under management (FUM) inflows of $0.5 billion, bringing its FUM to $13.8 billion, and a $3 billion year on year lift in its Managed Account balance to $11.7 billion.

    Market share growth continues

    Another positive, which has failed to boost the Netwealth share price, was news that the company continues to grow its market share.

    The release notes that Netwealth continues to lead the industry for FUA net inflows, recording net inflows of $13 billion over the 12 months to 31 December. This led to Netwealth’s market share increase from 4.4% to 5.5% over the period.

    This makes it the sixth largest provider based on market share. Though, it still trails fifth positioned Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) by some distance. Macquarie currently has an 11.7% market share.

    Outlook

    Pleasingly, management appears positive on the company’s outlook, noting that its “pipeline and win rate for new business remains very strong across all market segments.”

    In light of this, it remains confident the company will exceed its annual FUA inflows guidance of $13.5 billion. This is subject to the timing of client transitions and there being no deterioration in market conditions.

    The post Netwealth share price falls after third quarter update disappoints appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Netwealth, 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 Netwealth 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

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

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/wEO7usU

  • AGL share price in the green amid ‘virtual battery’ deal

    a smiling woman holds an arm in the air as she holds a fully-charged battery symbol with her other hand.a smiling woman holds an arm in the air as she holds a fully-charged battery symbol with her other hand.

    The AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) share price is lifting today amid a new ‘virtual battery’ deal.

    The energy producer and retailer has shaken on an agreement that will see it able to virtually charge and discharge Neoen’s Capital Battery. 

    That will see AGL mirroring the services of a grid-scale battery for the course of the 7-year agreement.

    At the time of writing, the AGL share price is $8.65, 0.93% higher than its previous close.

    For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently up 0.43%. Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) has gained 1.04%.

    Let’s take a closer look at AGL’s latest renewable energy deal.

    All you need to know about AGL’s ‘virtual battery’ deal

    The AGL share price is in the green amid news it will soon be able to virtually charge and discharge up to 70 megawatts of Neoen’s 100-megawatt Captial Battery.

    The deal will see AGL consistently supplying the electricity grid while balancing its customer portfolio.

    Construction of the battery kicked off in December. It’s expected to be up and running in the Australian Capital Territory in the first half of 2023.

    AGL chief operating officer, Markus Brokhof, said the partnership will help the company’s “orderly and responsible” transition to renewable energy.

    “AGL’s energy transition will be powered by innovations like this, bringing flexible capacity into the market and supporting increased investments in renewable energy, allowing us to prioritise customer supply while we make progress towards net zero,” he continued.

    Neoen is a French renewable energy producer. It will soon operate grid-scale batteries in 3 out of 5 of the National Energy Market’s states.

    Its deal with AGL is said to be “integral” to the development of the Capital Battery.

    “Our aim is to strike a balance between meeting Australia’s current and future energy needs while transitioning in a responsible way,” said Brokhof.

    AGL share price snapshot

    After a disastrous 2021, the AGL share price is on the up this year.

    It has gained 37% year to date. Though, it’s still nearly 8% lower than it was this time last year.

    The post AGL share price in the green amid ‘virtual battery’ deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider AGL Energy, 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 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

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

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/USV1w2R

  • The Paladin Energy share price has surged 19% in a week. Here’s why these brokers are tipping more gains

    A male ASX investor on the street wearing a grey suit clenches his fist and yells yes after seeing on his ipad that the Paladin share price is going up again todayA male ASX investor on the street wearing a grey suit clenches his fist and yells yes after seeing on his ipad that the Paladin share price is going up again today

    The Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) share price has soared 19% in a week, but how high could it go?

    Paladin shares have jumped 19% since the market close on 7 April. They’re currently trading at 95 cents, up 4.4%.

    Let’s take a look at the outlook for Paladin Energy.

    How high could the Paladin share price go?

    Paladin is planning to explore uranium at the Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia. Uranium prices have helped drive up the Paladin share price recently, but two brokers think it could go higher.

    Shaw and Partners recommends Paladin as a buy with a $1.30 price target, The Australian reports. This is nearly 37% more than the current share price.

    Commenting on Paladin, Shaw and Partners said:

    In our view Paladin is the standout in the sector on a risk-reward basis.

    The pathway to production for Langer Heinrich is well-defined and low risk, underpinned by a quality resource and detailed technical work.

    Meanwhile, Canaccord Genuity tips the Paladin share price to reach $1.02. This is a 7.3% upside at the time of writing. Canaccord is confident Paladin has the cash to bring Langer Heinrich to production. Paladin recently completed a $200 million capital raise to restart production at the mine.

    The price of uranium is up 0.8% to $63.75 a pound, trading economics data reveals. The uranium price has exploded 113% in a year and is currently at its highest level since the Fukushima disaster in 2011.

    Valuation snapshot

    The Paladin Energy share price has ascended 131% in the past year. It is up 0.21% year to date.

    For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) has gained 24% in a year.

    Paladin has a market capitalisation of about $2.7 billion based on the current share price.

    The post The Paladin Energy share price has surged 19% in a week. Here’s why these brokers are tipping more gains appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Paladin Energy , 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 Paladin Energy 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

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

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

  • These were the top 3 ASX energy shares of the March quarter

    a man with a hard hat and high visibility vest stands with a clipboard and pen in front of a large pile of rock at a mining site.

    a man with a hard hat and high visibility vest stands with a clipboard and pen in front of a large pile of rock at a mining site.ASX energy shares received plenty of attention over the quarter just past.

    And for good reason.

    Energy prices, as we’re sure you’re aware, have gone through the roof.

    The trend commenced last year, with energy demand ramping up as the world reopened from COVID closures.

    Then, with new energy supplies already struggling to keep up with increasing demand, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine put a rocket under the likes of coal, oil and gas.

    Crude oil hit 13-year highs over the quarter and coal traded at all-time highs.

    Those soaring prices weren’t lost on investors running their slide rules over ASX energy shares. This saw the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) gain a whopping 25.1% in Q1, trouncing the 0.7% gains posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over that same period.

    Of course, some ASX energy shares did better than others.

    Below we look at the top three performers, who also topped the Q1 leader’s board on the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

    We’ll let you pick out what they all have in common.

    The second and third best ASX energy shares in Q1

    Coming in at number three, Coronado Global Resources Inc (ASX: CRN) produces metallurgical coal, which is used to produce steel rather than fuel power plants. The company has a market cap of $3.8 billion and doesn’t pay a dividend.

    With coal prices hitting all-time highs, the ASX energy share leapt 61% in Q1, closing on 31 March at $2 per share. Coronado is currently trading at $2.25 per share.

    Moving on to the second best ASX energy share to have held throughout the March quarter we have Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL).

    Yancoal is Australia’s largest pure-play coal producer, operating and managing coal mines across the country. The company has a market cap of $6.7 billion and pays a 10.4% trailing dividend yield, unfranked.

    Also benefitting from rocketing coal prices, Yancoal shares surged 71% in Q1, closing on 31 March at $4.44 per share. Today the Yancoal share price stands at $5.34.

    Topping the list

    The best performing ASX energy share, and also topping the list of All Ords performers for Q1, was Stanmore Resources Ltd (ASX: SMR), formerly Stanmore Coal. (See the common thread?)

    Stanmore has a market cap of $1.6 billion and pays a fully franked 4.3% dividend yield.

    Riding the wave of soaring coal prices, the ASX energy share closed the March quarter up 83%, at $1.74. At time of writing, the Stanmore share price stands at $1.86.

    The post These were the top 3 ASX energy shares of the March quarter 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.

    *Returns as of January 12th 2022

    More reading

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

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

  • Bank of Queensland share price sinks 6% on half year update

    a man sitting at a computer at a desk has a look of anguish and trepidation on his face as he opens his eyes wide and made an aargh type expression with his mouth as his hair stands on end and his tie also stands on end with one part over each shoulder in what is supposed to be a humorous picture of something in a panic.

    a man sitting at a computer at a desk has a look of anguish and trepidation on his face as he opens his eyes wide and made an aargh type expression with his mouth as his hair stands on end and his tie also stands on end with one part over each shoulder in what is supposed to be a humorous picture of something in a panic.

    The Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ) share price has come under significant pressure on Thursday.

    In afternoon trade, the regional bank’s shares are down almost 6% to $8.04.

    Why is the Bank of Queensland share price sinking?

    Investors have been selling down the Bank of Queensland share price today following the release of the bank’s half year results.

    For the six months ended February 28, Bank of Queensland delivered a 38% lift in statutory net profit to $212 million and a 14% increase in cash earnings to $268 million. Management advised that this was driven by lending momentum, higher non-interest income, carefully managed costs, and a loan impairment expense credit in the half.

    In respect to loan growth, Bank of Queensland reported a 9% increase in housing loans to $2.6 billion and an 8% lift in business loans to $600 million.

    So why are its shares falling?

    Given the above, investors may be wondering why the Bank of Queensland share price is falling today.

    This weakness could have been caused by the bank’s performance versus the second half of FY 2021. While it recorded solid growth compared to the prior corresponding period, this wasn’t the case over the preceding half.

    Versus that period, Bank of Queensland actually reported a 9% reduction in cash earnings.

    When it comes to the banks, a lot of investors focus more on the performance against the previous six months rather than a year earlier because there are less seasonal factors at play compared to other sectors. So, this result could mean investors are interpreting this result as weaker than expected.

    Furthermore, a note out of Citi highlights softer than expected housing loan growth from the ME business as an area of concern. Though, the broker concedes that Bank of Queensland easily beat its first half earnings estimates despite this.

    The post Bank of Queensland share price sinks 6% on half year update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

    The online investing service he’s run for 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

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

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

  • Why has the Brainchip share price tumbled 13% in a month?

    Sad investor watching the financial stock market crash on his laptop computer.Sad investor watching the financial stock market crash on his laptop computer.

    Shares in Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN) are inching lower today, extending losses to 13% for the month.

    At the time of writing, the Brainchip share price is trading at 89.75 cents apiece, well off its 52-week high of $2.13 in January.

    TradingView Chart

    What’s up with the Brainchip share price?

    Tech shares have been rocked in 2022 amid a shift in investor and macro-sentiment plus the emergence of new geopolitical risks in Europe.

    Shares spiked back in March after a company report advising it had signed new sales partnerships with companies in Europe and Israel for its Akida platform.

    Aside from that, it’s been a quiet few weeks from the tech holding company. Most of the downside can be attributed to sector weakness that’s also hurt many other ASX tech names.

    The S&P/ASX All Technology Index (XTX) has slipped 19% this year to date, making it the worst performing sector on the Australian market.

    As the yields on long-dated government bonds rise, and inflation data continues to suggest a costly period ahead, tech shares have fallen out of the limelight in 2022.

    In the US in particular, the big FAANG stocks are no longer the darlings of the NYSE and Nasdaq.

    Brainchip has suffered a similar fate in 2022. It’s stumbled off the former peak and now trades back near 2021 levels once again. Despite the reset, it is still trading 32% in the green this year to date.

    However, from its previous high on 19 January, Brainchip has tanked 58%. Shareholders who bought in at that time need to see a return of more than 100% in order to reach that level again.

    It’s also down 18% for the year, meaning Brainchip is now trailing the tech sector by a considerable amount, and the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by an even further distance.

    The post Why has the Brainchip share price tumbled 13% in a month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Brainchip Holdings right now?

    Before you consider Brainchip Holdings, 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 Brainchip Holdings 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

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

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

  • Why is the Latin Resources share price powering ahead today?

    A Latin Resources investor sits at her desk and stretches her arms above her head in delight at the rising share price todayA Latin Resources investor sits at her desk and stretches her arms above her head in delight at the rising share price today

    The Latin Resources Ltd (ASX: LRS) share price has come out of a trading halt on Thursday to reach a near multi-year high.

    This comes after the lithium explorer announced an update on its recent capital raise.

    At the time of writing, Latin Resources shares are up 2.70% to 19 cents a pop. It’s worth noting that its shares hit an intraday high of 20.5 cents before retracing during this morning’s trade.

    Latin Resources completes placement

    ASX investors are buying up Latin Resources shares today as the company seeks to progress its lithium business in Brazil.

    According to its release, Latin Resources has received firm commitments to raise $35 million through a share placement.

    The offer was presented to institutional and sophisticated investors at an issue price of 16 cents per share.

    The company highlighted that it had strong support from Canadian cornerstone investor Electrification and Decarbonization AIE LP Fund (E&D Fund). A wholly-owned subsidiary of Toronto-based Waratah Capital Advisers, the E&D Fund invested a total of $15 million.

    Latin Resources will use its existing placement capacity to create new shares for the institutional and sophisticated investors. Under listing rule 7.1, this allows up to 15% of its total shares to be issued without shareholder approval (74,478,284 shares and 109,375,000 options).

    The company will use an extension to the listing rule (7.1A) to issue the remaining shares (144,271,716 shares) and 11 million options associated with Waratah’s investment. However, the latter is subject to shareholder approval at a general meeting to be held late next month.

    Latin Resources will primarily use the proceeds to accelerate its Bananal Valley drilling program at the Salinas Lithium Project in Brazil. In particular, the funds will be allocated to the following:

    • An aggressive resource definition program for the Bananal Valley prospect within the Salinas Lithium Project
    • Exploration drilling at the Monte Alto and Salinas South lithium prospects in Brazil
    • A Pre-Feasibility Study, a Direct Shipping Ore Study and metallurgical test work in respect of the Cloud Nine Halloysite-Kaolin Deposit in Western Australia, as well as regional exploration at the broader Noombenberry Project area
    • Initial exploration drilling at the MT-03 Copper Project in Peru
    • Working capital.

    What did management say?

    Latin Resources managing director Chris Gale commented:

    Our results at Salinas have been exceptional, revealing we have some very high-grade lithium spodumene mineralisation.

    We consider that winning the support of a technical-focused group, like Waratah’s E&D fund, who are very well-versed on the lithium sector, is a big tick of approval for what we are doing and where we are headed with our Salinas Lithium Project.

    What’s really exciting is the roadmap ahead for LRS shareholders. We are relatively early in the discovery phase of our Salinas Lithium Project, and we have much work ahead of us, however the level of attention we are receiving from industry players suggests we are not alone in thinking that Latin has a chance to develop a highly valuable lithium project in Brazil.

    About the Latin Resources share price

    Latin Resources shares have gained about 290% in value over the past 12 months. The company’s share price reached a 52-week high of 22.8 cents on 6 April.

    Latin Resources presides a market capitalisation of $305.10 million with 1.64 billion shares outstanding.

    The post Why is the Latin Resources share price powering ahead today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Latin Resources right now?

    Before you consider Latin Resources, 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 Latin Resources 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

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

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/Gk7aw4t

  • Lithium boom: Allkem share price hits record high on Q3 update

    Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.

    Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.The Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) share price is on course to end the shortened week with a solid gain.

    In morning trade, the lithium miner’s shares charged to a record high of $14.27.

    The Allkem share price has since pulled back but currently remains up 3% to $13.67.

    Why did the Allkem share price hit a record high today?

    Investors have been bidding the Allkem share price today after the lithium miner delivered a record-breaking third quarter update.

    For the three months ended 31 March, the company reported group revenue of US$235 million and a group gross operating cash margin of US$189 million.

    This was driven by record revenue generation and high margins from its Mt Cattlin and Olaroz operations.

    In respect to Mt Cattlin, it produced 48,562 dry metric tonnes (dmt) of spodumene concentrate and shipped 66,011 tonnes. Combined with average pricing of US$2,178 per dmt, this led to the Mt Cattlin operation generating record revenue of US$143.8 million.

    It was equally positive over at Allkem’s Olaroz Lithium Facility. It produced 2,972 tonnes of lithium carbonate with sales of 3,157 tonnes during the quarter. And with Olaroz commanding US$27,236 per tonne for its lithium carbonate, the operation reported record revenue of ~US$86 million.

    Pleasingly, management expects both Mt Cattlin and Olaroz to benefit from even higher lithium prices during the fourth quarter. As a result, the records set during this quarter are likely to be broken again in three months.

    Is it too late to invest?

    The team at Citi don’t believe it is too late to invest. The broker has put a buy rating and $16.00 price target on the company’s shares.

    Based on the current Allkem share price, this implies potential upside of 17% for investors over the next 12 months.

    It notes that “AKE’s strategy is to leverage its portfolio to maintain 10% market share and be a top three global producer.”

    The post Lithium boom: Allkem share price hits record high on Q3 update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Allkem, 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 Allkem 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns Orocobre 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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

  • Why is the Pilbara Minerals share price having such a stellar end to the week?

    A GWR Group female employee in a hard hat and overalls with high visibility stripes sits at the wheel of a large mining vehicle with mining equipment in the background.A GWR Group female employee in a hard hat and overalls with high visibility stripes sits at the wheel of a large mining vehicle with mining equipment in the background.

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is ending a dramatic week on a high, leaping 1.18%.

    Unfortunately, that sees the lithium-tantalum producer’s stock approaching the end of a short week notably lower than where it started.

    At the time of writing, the Pilbara Minerals share price is $2,98, 0.68% higher than its previous close.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index(ASX: XJO) is currently up 0.56%. Though, the ASX 200 has been left in the dust of the material sector on Thursday.

    Right now, Pilbara Minerals’ home sector ­­– the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) ­– has gained 1.03%, making it one of the best performing sectors on Thursday.

    Let’s take a look at what’s been going on with the Pilbara Minerals share price this week.

    What’s been driving the Pilbara Minerals share price?

    Pilbara Minerals started this week out on the wrong foot, slumping 3.75% on news of its joint venture with Posco. The companies are building a downstream lithium chemicals conversion facility in Korea.

    On Monday, Pilbara Minerals announced that all key conditions and criteria for the joint venture’s formation had been fulfilled.

    Pilbara Minerals’ initial 18% stake in the venture will be mostly funded from a 5-year convertible bond, provided by Posco.

    Additionally, as The Motley Fool Australia’s James Mickleboro reported at the time, the funding requirements for the project had been bumped US$50 million higher than previously forecasted.

    Monday’s dip was worsened on Tuesday when the company released an update on the Pilgangoora project‘s quarterly performance.

    Most of the project’s key metrics for the March quarter were within its previously given guidance. However, COVID-19 outbreaks and port disruptions hampered its production and shipping.

    The Pilbara Minerals share price slumped 5.84% on the update. Luckily, it picked up on Wednesday, gaining 2.07%.

    Additionally, after yesterday’s close, the company announced that the final condition for its joint venture with Posco has been satisfied.

    Pilbara Minerals has drawn down around $79.6 million under the convertible bond agreement to fund its investment in the venture. In doing so, it has issued 79.6 million convertible bonds to Posco.

    The non-price sensitive update might be bolstering sentiment in Pilbara Minerals shares on Thursday.

    The post Why is the Pilbara Minerals share price having such a stellar end to the week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pilbara Minerals 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

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

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

  • The CBA share price has leapt 14% since February. Too late to buy?

    ASX 200 bank share trading depicted by red buy and sell dice tumbling across a sheet of data in colourful graphicsASX 200 bank share trading depicted by red buy and sell dice tumbling across a sheet of data in colourful graphics

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), as most investors would know, has had a bit of a wild time of it since February. It’s actually been a positive six weeks since the end of the second month of the year. The ASX 200 has gained 7.85%, although this move upwards has come with some significant volatility.

    For instance, the ASX 200 has swung from a 1% loss since the start of April to a modest gain. But the picture is a lot brighter for a major ASX 200 constituent – the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

    CBA shares have spent the past six weeks rising an impressive 13.74%. That’s including the modest gain of 0.056% we’ve seen today. The CBA share price is $106.61 at the time of writing. 

    This pleasing gain has put CBA within a few dollars of its all-time high of $110.19 reached in November.

    So, after this performance, ASX investors might be wondering whether it is too late to buy.

    Well, let’s see if ASX brokers reckon CBA shares are a buy or a sell.

    Is the CBA share price a buy or a sell today?

    Well, the news isn’t good for CBA investors when it comes to current ASX broker opinion. As my Fool colleague James covered this week, one broker who reckons CBA is a sell is Citi.

    The broker gives CBA shares a 12-month price target of just $90.75. This implies that the ASX 200 bank share has a slide of almost 15% in front of it over the next year. While Citi sees good things ahead for the ASX banking sector as a whole, it doesn’t believe the current CBA share price is justified.

    But it doesn’t end there. As we covered earlier this month, broker Macquarie is also bearish on CBA shares. Macquarie has an underperform rating on the CBA share price, with a 12-month target of $90. That again implies a potential downside of around 15%. Macquarie reckons the bank’s upcoming earnings report for FY2022 will disappoint. It’s predicting margin pressures and slowing growth.

    So that’s the view of two prominent ASX brokers on CBA shares right now. Not exactly what you would call unbridled optimism. But, as always, we shall have to wait and see if these opinions turn out to be accurate.

    CBA has a market capitalisation of $181 billion, with a dividend yield of 3.51%, based on today’s share price.

    The post The CBA share price has leapt 14% since February. Too late to buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider CBA, 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 CBA 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. 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 recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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