Category: Stock Market

  • Meet ‘Hadrian X’, the bricklaying robot sending the FBR share price 9% higher today

    3D image of a brick laying robot.3D image of a brick laying robot.3D image of a brick laying robot.

    The share price of robotics technology company, FBR Ltd (ASX: FBR) is surging on news of its flagship robot.

    A new generation of the company’s bricklaying robot, Hadrian X is set to be industrialised and commercialised under a potentially transformational partnership.

    At the time of writing, the FBR share price is 3.8 cents, 8.57% higher than its previous close.

    Let’s take a closer look at what’s piqued the market’s interest in the robotics small-cap today.

    FBR’s stock gains on the future of Hadrian X

    The FBR share price is in the green after the company announced a memorandum of understanding with manufacturer and supplier of concrete systems, Liebherr-Mischtechnik.

    Liebherr-Mischtechnik is part of the Liebherr International Group – one of the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturers.

    Together, the companies will be working on bringing the next rendition of Hadrian X to the global construction market.

    They will do so in 2 phases. First, FBR, with the help of Liebherr-Mischtechnik, will develop the next generation of the robot.

    It will ensure it’s tough enough to live its life on job sites while still being cost-effective to manufacture.

    Less than 2 years later, the companies will embark on phase 2.

    That will see Liebherr-Mischtechnik appointed manufacturer of Hadrian X robots. It will also address intellectual property rights and commercialisation activities.  

    During the life of the agreement, FBR will be free to manufacture its own Hadrian X prototype robots.

    Commenting on the news driving the company’s share price today, FBR managing director and CEO, Mike Pivac said:

    This memorandum of understanding demonstrates a clear pathway for FBR to achieve scale with the support of an aligned partner who understands the future construction industry landscape and has the technical capability, reputation, and professionalism to deliver 21st century machinery such as the Hadrian X to the world.

    FBR share price snapshot

    The FBR share price has had a rough start to this year.

    It has fallen 11% year to date. It’s also 22% lower than it was this time last year.

    The post Meet ‘Hadrian X’, the bricklaying robot sending the FBR share price 9% higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider FBR, 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 FBR 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

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

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  • The Strike Energy (ASX:STX) share price isn’t cooking with gas today. Here’s why

    A young woman looking cold and bored rugged up and staying under the covers while the electricity is out representing Strike Energy shares in a trading halt todayA young woman looking cold and bored rugged up and staying under the covers while the electricity is out representing Strike Energy shares in a trading halt todayA young woman looking cold and bored rugged up and staying under the covers while the electricity is out representing Strike Energy shares in a trading halt today

    The Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX) share price isn’t going anywhere on Thursday after the energy producer requested a trading halt.

    As such, the Strike Energy share price is frozen at 30 cents apiece. It’s worth noting that Strike Energy shares have gained 25% in value over the past month.

    Why did Strike Energy request a trading halt?

    Prior to the market opening, the company asked for the trading halt while it prepares an announcement.

    According to the release, the company is planning to make an announcement regarding the South Erregulla 1 well drilling results.

    Strike Energy has requested that the trading halt remain in place until Monday 7 March or following the release of the announcement, whichever comes first.

    More on South Erregulla 1

    Strike Energy holds a 100% interest in EP503. The gas project is located about 230 kilometres north-east of Perth in the North Perth Basin in Western Australia.

    The area has significant resource potential in the Kingia Sandstones with a high chance of success. This is due to the strong data control over the Erregulla region, consistent geological outcomes, and recent identification of updip connectivity in the West Erregulla gas field.

    Last month, the company drilled through the lower Carynginia Formation and the Irwin River Coal Measures.

    Strike Energy bored a measured depth (MD) of approximately 4,859 meters at the site.

    Through interpretation, management believes the target to be a short distance into the top of a higher quality sub-section in the Kingia Sandstone.

    About the Strike Energy share price

    Since this time last year, Strike Energy shares have moved sideways to register a loss of about 3%.

    However, in 2022 the company’s shares have skyrocketed by 36% on the back of new strength and price gains in the global energy markets. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy (ASX: XEJ) sector is up 19% year to date.

    Strike Energy has a market capitalisation of $607.53 million with approximately 2.02 billion shares outstanding.

    The post The Strike Energy (ASX:STX) share price isn’t cooking with gas today. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Strike 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 Strike 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

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

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  • Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares this Thursday

    A pair of legs can bee seen on the floor buried under a pile of paperwork, indicating a high volume day

    A pair of legs can bee seen on the floor buried under a pile of paperwork, indicating a high volume dayA pair of legs can bee seen on the floor buried under a pile of paperwork, indicating a high volume day

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is enjoying a day of relatively solid gains so far this Thursday. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 has risen by a healthy 0.67% at 7,164 points.

    But let’s dig deeper and have a squiz at the company shares currently at the top of the ASX 200’s volume charts, according to investing.com.

    These 3 ASX 200 shares are topping the volume charts on Thursday

    Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    Our first ASX 200 share up today is the lithium producer Pilbara Minerals. So far, a hefty 18.32 million Pilbara shares have been exchanged on the markets this Thursday. There has been no major news or announcements out of the company today.

    However, the movements of the Pilbara share price itself have been substantial. Pilbara shares are currently up a pleasing 4.63% at $2.94 a share, putting this company’s 5-day gain at 8.5%. It’s likely that it is this strong move upwards that is responsible for the elevated volumes we are seeing.

    Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    Telecom company Telstra is net up this Thursday. So far today, a sizeable 18.98 million of this company’s shares have found a new home on the markets. Again, there’s been no major news or announcements out of Telstra to speak of.

    That’s apart from a routine share buyback notice that itself might explain why this ASX 200 share is experiencing such high volumes. The telco has lost 0.76% so far today after the company traded ex-dividend yesterday. Telstra has a relatively low share price compared to its size, so this always helps push the company to the top of the volume tables too.

    Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

    Last but certainly not least in terms of trading volumes today is the ASX 200 energy share Whitehaven. Whitehaven Coal has seen a whopping 26.6 million of its shares swap owners as it currently stands. This is almost certainly the result of the notable share price appreciation we have witnessed over the trading day thus far.

    Whitehaven shares are presently up a very impressive 9.92% at $3.94 each after the company hit a new 52-week high earlier this morning. It’s this combination that we can probably thank for Whitehaven’s pole position today.

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

    Should you invest $1,000 in Whitehaven Coal right now?

    Before you consider Whitehaven Coal, 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 Whitehaven Coal 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

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns Telstra Corporation 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 owns and has recommended Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Aussie coal is in hot demand, and these ASX coal shares are booming

    A group of miners in hard hats sitting in a mine chatting on breakA group of miners in hard hats sitting in a mine chatting on breakA group of miners in hard hats sitting in a mine chatting on break

    A message from our CIO, Scott Phillips:

    “G’day Fools. If you’re like us, you’re dismayed by the events taking place in Ukraine. It is an unnecessary humanitarian tragedy. Times like these remind us that money is important, but other things are far more valuable. And yet the financial markets remain open, shares are trading, and our readers and members are looking to us for guidance. So we’ll do our best to continue to serve you, while also hoping for a swift and peaceful end to war in Ukraine.”

    ————

    The green streak continues for ASX-listed coal shares on Thursday, with many reaching new 52-week highs.

    Remarkably, the price of coal has now reached an all-time high of US$400 per tonne, representing an increase of 370% from a year ago. However, it is only in the last week that coal prices have gone vertical with the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    The imposition of sanctions on Russia has meant many countries are now competing to find an alternative supplier. It might mean higher prices, but for ASX-listed coal shares, it could mean higher profits.

    We’re going to need a whole lotta’ coal

    As the Western world ramps up sanctions on Russia to deter it from further attacks on Ukraine, markets are reacting to what it could mean for commodity prices.

    However, Russia’s role in the energy resource world is a big one — with it being the third-largest exporter of coal on the planet.

    The reliance on Russia’s coal is pronounced across the European Union (EU). For example, Ukraine’s neighbour — Poland — draws 90% of its thermal coal supply from Russia. Yet, this hasn’t stopped Poland from urging the EU to apply sanctions on coal imports.

    A blanket ban from the EU on coal from Russia has been noted as unlikely by analysts. Though, if it were to come to fruition, would likely create a burdensome gap in the region’s supply. On the other hand, this would likely be an opportunity for ASX coal shares.

    According to an analysis conducted by Wood Mackenzie, Russia makes up more than 60% of thermal coal imports across the EU. In addition, the situation is worsened by the region’s requirement for high-quality coal.

    Russia coal customers outside of Europe are already knocking on Australia’s door to help out with an alternative source. Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) CEO David Moult revealed interest from overseas customers, stating:

    We are already hearing noises from a couple of our Asian customer bases like Japan and Korea and I think that will do two things, it will increase our market, but it will also underpin the current high price.

    How are ASX coal shares performing?

    After years of underperformance due to a strong green narrative, ASX-listed coal shares are now some of the best performers on the market.

    Taking a look at how some of these companies have performed in the last year:

    • Yancoal Australia: up 98%
    • Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC): up 145%
    • New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC): up 142%
    • Coronado Global Resources Inc (ASX: CRN): up 92%

    This signifies an outperformance of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by more than an order of magnitude.

    The post Aussie coal is in hot demand, and these ASX coal shares are booming 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

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

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  • Heating up: Hot Chili (ASX:HCH) share price leaps 17% on new copper deal

    A young woman holds a red chilli in front of her mouth with eyes wide open looking happy about the Hot Chili share price todayA young woman holds a red chilli in front of her mouth with eyes wide open looking happy about the Hot Chili share price todayA young woman holds a red chilli in front of her mouth with eyes wide open looking happy about the Hot Chili share price today

    The Hot Chili Ltd (ASX: HCH) share price is soaring after the miner announced an offtake agreement for its Chilean copper site.

    Hot Chili is an ASX-listed copper exploration and development company operating in Chile’s Atacama Region.

    At the time of writing, the Hot Chili share price is up 17% at $1.60. To compare, the broader S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.74%.

    So, what did the copper explorer announce?

    Largest shareholder to buy 60% of copper production

    Hot Chili has announced it will enter into an offtake agreement with its largest shareholder, Glencore. The agreement covers 60% of future copper concentrate production from Hot Chili’s Costa Fuego copper-gold project.

    As of August last year, Glencore holds a 9.96% stake in Hot Chili.

    Costa Fuego is a large-scale copper site that includes the Cortadera copper site and the Productora copper-gold project.

    Chili says the site is ideal in a “low altitude, coastal range of Chile, infrastructure rich, low capital intensity” area.

    The agreement will be in place for eight years and effective from the start of commercial production.

    During that time, Glencore will be able to have Board representation and participate in a technical steering committee, as long as it maintains at least a 7.5% stake in Hot Chili.

    What did management say?

    Hot Chili managing director Christian Easterday said:

    The quality of Costa Fuego continues to be externally validated with Glencore’s 2021 equity investments and the execution of this Offtake Agreement on commercially competitive terms.

    We ensured project financing flexibility with 40% of our first eight years of concentrate production remaining uncommitted ahead of initiating project financing discussions in 2022, following completion of the Costa Fuego Pre-Feasibility Study.

    Glencore’s expertise and support is welcomed and is an important part of our strategy to successfully transform the Company into a material copper-gold producer.

    Hot Chili share price snapshot

    The Hot Chili share price has seen a volatile 12 months, trickling down by 32%. In fact, the shares hit a 52-week low of $1.25 just last week.

    The company has a market capitalisation of $149.77 million.

    The post Heating up: Hot Chili (ASX:HCH) share price leaps 17% on new copper deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Hot Chili right now?

    Before you consider Hot Chili, 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 Hot Chili 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

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

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  • The Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price has smashed at least 8 52-week highs in the last month. What’s next?

    Santos share price worker in front of oil mine puts thumbs upSantos share price worker in front of oil mine puts thumbs up

    Santos share price worker in front of oil mine puts thumbs upWhile the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has had something of a rocky month, the Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price has been on fire. Over the past 4 weeks or so, Woodside shares have gained a very impressive 21.2%. That’s including the pleasing 3.45% Woodside shares have added today so far. And that monthly performance included at least 8 instances when Woodside broke its previous 52-week high.

    So what’s been sparking this succession of new high watermarks?

    Well, it’s likely that rising energy prices are the culprit. Commodity and energy prices have soared over the past month, largely due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, as well as inflationary pressures. At the start of 2022, Brent crude oil was going for under US$80 a barrel. Today, it’s well over US$100 a barrel, close to a 10-year high. What’s more, according to Bloomberg, Brent futures contracts are now pricing in Brent crude at over US$115 a barrel. 

    That’s bad news for anyone filling up their car or truck at the bowser. But it happens to be very good news for an ASX 200 oil driller like Woodside.

    What’s next for the Woodside share price?

    So now that we’ve seen such a robust rise in the Woodside share price, many investors might be wondering how much is left in the tank, pardon the pun. Well, let’s see what an ASX broker reckons.

    As my Fool colleague Tristan covered earlier this week, broker Morgans is bullish on Woodside shares. It recently rated Woodside as a ‘buy’. But its 12-month share price target was $30.35. Now when this opinion was released, Woodside shares were well below that share price. But, they have subsequently blown through it. Then again, crude oil prices have also since spiked. 

    Remember, when Woodside reported its full-year earnings results last month, it revealed a realised price of $60.30 per barrel of oil equivalent compared to a unit production cost of $5.30 per barrel of oil equivalent. US$100 a barrel equates to around $137.15 on current exchange rates. So if these prices keep up, Woodside looks set for a very lucrative year indeed in 2022. 

    At the current Woodside share price, this ASX 200 energy share has a market capitalisation of $30.52 billion, with a dividend yield of 5.94%. 

    The post The Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price has smashed at least 8 52-week highs in the last month. What’s next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Woodside Petroleum right now?

    Before you consider Woodside Petroleum, 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 Woodside Petroleum 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 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why Morgans rates this ASX lithium share and this retail share as buys

    A happy male investor turns around on his chair to look at a friend while a laptop runs on his desk showing share price movementsA happy male investor turns around on his chair to look at a friend while a laptop runs on his desk showing share price movements

    A happy male investor turns around on his chair to look at a friend while a laptop runs on his desk showing share price movementsThe team at Morgans has been very busy in recent weeks responding to results and updating their forecasts and recommendations.

    Two ASX shares that came out of the process favourably are listed below. Here’s why the broker thinks they are buys now:

    Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE)

    This lithium giant is held in high regard by analysts at Morgans. So much so, this week the broker retained its add rating and lifted its price target by 24% to $14.83.

    Its analysts were pleased with Allkem’s update and believe that lithium prices will remain strong for some time to come. Particularly given how rising oil prices are likely to accelerate the structural shift towards electrification.

    Morgans commented: “AKE is a pure play lithium producer with diversified products (spodumene, LiCO and borax) and geographies (WA and Argentina) that is set to expand. The almost completed Naraha plant will allow AKE to grow vertically into the lithium hydroxide market, supported by increased Argentinian brine production. The lithium market has seen strong price increases in CY21 but we don’t see signs of a break to this momentum yet. We expect EV demand to remain strong with geopolitical events and a potentially tight oil market accelerating the shift towards electrification.”

    Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

    This fashion jewellery retailer is another ASX share that Morgans rates highly. The broker currently has an add rating and $24.00 price target on its shares.

    Morgans has suggested that the company could prove to be one of the biggest success stories in Australian retail. It sees a huge opportunity for Lovisa to expand internationally and appears confident that it has the management team to execute on this.

    It said: LOV may just prove to be one of the biggest success stories in Australian retail. With ambitious (and financially well-incentivised) new leadership in place, we think now is the time LOV steps up to become a global force. Investment will be needed to expand LOV’s network in the US and Europe and to take it into new markets, but the returns could be stellar.”

    The post Why Morgans rates this ASX lithium share and this retail share as buys 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

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    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 recommended Lovisa Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Santos (ASX:STO) share price rockets to a new 52-week high. Here’s why

    a small child and a pug dog sit in a go cart wearing old fashioned drivers headress and goggles as the drive along a country road with the boy holding his arm in the air and shouting as if celebrating their performance behind the wheel.a small child and a pug dog sit in a go cart wearing old fashioned drivers headress and goggles as the drive along a country road with the boy holding his arm in the air and shouting as if celebrating their performance behind the wheel.a small child and a pug dog sit in a go cart wearing old fashioned drivers headress and goggles as the drive along a country road with the boy holding his arm in the air and shouting as if celebrating their performance behind the wheel.

    The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price has shot up today, reaching its highest point in more than 2 years.

     It comes as oil prices continue to surge due to concerns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could cause a supply crunch.

    At the time of writing, the Santos share price is $7.90, 2.46% higher than its previous close.

    Though, that’s lower than its intraday high – and new 52-week record – of $8.11, representing a 5.18% gain.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently up 0.71%.

    Today’s gain marks the first time the oil and gas producer’s stock has cracked the $8 mark since February 2020. Of course, in March 2020, oil prices tanked as the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of the globe.

    More than 2 years later, the Santos share price has once again hit the milestone. Here’s what helped it break the ceiling on Thursday.

    Santos share price surges alongside oil price

    The Santos share price is well and truly in the green today, as are oil prices.

    The black liquid’s value surged again overnight, hitting its highest price since 2013.

    Brent crude oil futures have peaked at US$118.22 a barrel so far today, a gain of 4.6%, according to data from CNBC.

    Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate futures hit US$114.70 per barrel, representing a 3.7% increase.

    It came as the OPEC decided to uphold its decision to steadily increase its supply of oil yesterday, despite concerns of a global shortage.

    As The Motley Fool Australia reported earlier today, Russia exports around 10% of the globe’s oil. Russia is also responsible for around 20% of the world’s gas supply.

    Thus, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and subsequent decisions by international energy giants BP plc (NYSE: BP), Shell PLC (NYSE: SHEL), and Exxon Mobil Corp (NYSE: XOM) to leave the nation, is likely to hamper the energy commodities’ availability.

    Yesterday, Credit Suisse stated it believes an increase in demand from the conflict could see changes in pricing, asset selldowns, and project developments to the benefit Santos.

    Interestingly, the Santos share price is far from today’s best performer on the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ).

    That cake has been taken by the Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price. It has gained 9% at the time of writing.

    CEO abandons Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) board

    In other news that has the potential to boost the Santos share price, the company’s CEO and managing director, Kevin Gallagher has backed away from his seat on the board of Mineral Resources.

    Gallagher’s appointment was announced in January, much to the annoyance of investor group, Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR).

    At the time, ACCR director of climate and environment, Dan Gocher said, “it’s very unusual for the CEOs of ASX-listed companies to maintain non-executive director roles at other companies.”

    Santos shareholders will be asking why the Santos board approved this appointment and what are Gallagher’s intentions.

    The Santos board’s approval of this appointment suggests the board is out of touch and has failed to comprehend investors’ expectations of modern CEOs.

    ACCR director of climate and environment, Dan Gocher

    Today, Mineral Resources announced Gallagher abandoned his spot on its board after consulting with Santos shareholders.

    The post Santos (ASX:STO) share price rockets to a new 52-week high. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Santos, 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 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.

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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today

    On Wednesday, we looked at three ASX shares that brokers have given buy ratings to this week. Unfortunately, not all shares are in favour with brokers right now.

    Three ASX shares that have just been given sell ratings by brokers are listed below. Here’s why they are bearish on them:

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts have retained their sell rating and $82.94 price target on this banking giant’s shares. This follows news that the bank has signed an agreement to sell a 10% shareholding in Bank of Hangzhou. Goldman sees this partial sale as consistent with the bank’s strategy of focusing on its core operations. And while it expects it to also strengthen its capital position, it still isn’t enough for a change of rating. The broker continues to believe that CBA’s shares are expensive at the current level. The CBA share price is trading at $94.72 on Thursday.

    Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

    A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their sell rating and $6.70 price target on the grain exporter’s shares. Although the broker acknowledges that trading conditions are favourable at present, it doesn’t expect this to last. As a result, it expects the company will struggle to cycle record volumes and trading margins in FY 2023 and FY 2024, which it fears will weigh heavily on its shares. The GrainCorp share price is fetching $8.70 today.

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P)

    Analysts at UBS have downgraded this buy now pay later provider’s shares to a sell rating and cut the price target on them by 80% to a lowly $1.00. UBS made the move to reflect lower long-term profit forecasts, share dilution from its capital raising, and Zip’s overall uncertain outlook. The broker also highlights that Zip now expects to be profitable in FY 2024 following its proposed acquisition of Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL), which is later than UBS was forecasting. The Zip share price is trading at $1.90 on Thursday afternoon.

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

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

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

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  • Could this ASX defence share be set to benefit from the Ukraine crisis?

    A share market analyst looks at his computer screen in front of him showing ASX share price movementsA share market analyst looks at his computer screen in front of him showing ASX share price movementsA share market analyst looks at his computer screen in front of him showing ASX share price movements

     A message from our CIO, Scott Phillips:

    G’day Fools. If you’re like us, you’re dismayed by the events taking place in Ukraine. It is an unnecessary humanitarian tragedy. Times like these remind us that money is important, but other things are far more valuable. And yet the financial markets remain open, shares are trading, and our readers and members are looking to us for guidance. So we’ll do our best to continue to serve you, while also hoping for a swift and peaceful end to war in Ukraine.


    The Ukraine crisis is impacting economic markets around the world, but analysts believe one particular ASX defence share could gain ground.

    This share fell 21% from $2.31 at market close on 2 February to $1.82 at the end of trading on 2 March.

    So which Australian defence company are analysts shining a bright light on?

    Which ASX defence share?

    ASX defence share Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) could benefit from escalating geopolitical tensions, according to a report on NAB trade. It says the situation could lead to new defence contracts for the company.

    The defence, space, and communication technology company’s shares are currently swapping hands at $1.745, a 4.12% fall so far today. In contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.75% today.

    Citi has placed a “neutral” rating on the company’s share with a price target of $2.23. That is almost 26% more than the share price at the time of writing.

    Brokers can see an upside from the redesigning of Spacelink. As Motley Fool Australia reported this week, Electro Optic invested $37 million in Spacelink during FY21 to accelerate engineering and business development.

    However, Citi is “waiting for the company to replenish its declining backlog and win material contracts” to turn more positive on the stock.

    Electro Optic reported a net loss of $16.8 million in its full-year results on Monday, a 33.2% improvement on the loss in FY20.

    The company said it is “well-positioned to support allies currently under intense national security pressure”.

    Electro Optic share price summary

    The Electro Optic share price has sunk 66% in the past 12 months, while it has lost around 25% year to date.

    The company’s shares have shed 11% of their value over the past week.

    For perspective, the benchmark ASX 200 index has returned around 5% over the past year.

    The company has a market capitalisation of about $266 million.

    The post Could this ASX defence share be set to benefit from the Ukraine crisis? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Electro Optic Systems right now?

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    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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