Category: Stock Market

  • Straker Translations (ASX:STG) share price leaps 7% on record revenue results

    indian man making phone call me gesture over words in foreign languages.

    The Straker Translations Ltd (ASX: STG) share price is off to the races this morning, up 6.58% to $1.70 having earlier hit $1.72.

    Below we take a look at the highlights from the technology-enabled translation services provider’s half-year financial results for the 6 months ending 30 September (1H FY22).

    What half-year results were reported?

    The Straker Translations share price is surging after the company reported a 57.6% lift in revenue to a record NZ$23.3 million (AU$22.2 million). Straker credited acquisitions and organic growth for adding NZ$17.0 million in annualised revenue compared to 1H FY21.

    Gross profit reached NZ$13.1 million, up 73% from the NZ$7.5 million reported in the prior corresponding half year.

    Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) fell from a profit of NZ$40,000 in the corresponding period to a loss of $1 million for the reported half-year.

    The company pointed to the investments it made “to meet the needs of the rapidly scaling IBM business” along with an increased spend on its own sales and marketing for the loss.

    Commenting on the results possibly driving the Straker Translations share price today, CEO Grant Straker said:

    The transformational deals we struck in the second half of the prior financial year – the acquisition of the US-based Lingotek and the strategic translation contract win with IBM – set us up for continued strong growth…

    Since the start of the year translation volumes through our platform have surged. IBM content is now running at more than 10 million words a month up from 1 million in January and is ahead of expectations. We are also delivering translations in 90 different languages up from just two in January and the 55 envisaged when we set this contract in motion.

    The Straker Translations share price could also be getting a lift from its strong balance sheet. As at 30 September, the company has NZ$18.2 million cash on hand and no debt.

    Straker maintained its guidance for the full 2022 financial year, forecasting revenue will exceed NZ$50 million, up by more than 60% from FY21. It expects gross margin will exceed the 53.4% it recorded in FY21.

    Straker Translations share price snapshot

    The Straker Translations share price is up 15% in 2021. That compares to a 12% year-to-date gain posted by the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

    Over the past month shares in Straker Translations have lost 0.6%.

    The post Straker Translations (ASX:STG) share price leaps 7% on record revenue results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Straker Translations right now?

    Before you consider Straker Translations, 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 Straker Translations wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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    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 Straker Translations. 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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  • Leading broker upgrades Webjet (ASX:WEB) shares to a buy rating

    A young woman makes an online travel booking as she sits on some steps with her suitcase next to her.

    Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) shares are out of form on Thursday.

    In early afternoon trade, the online travel agent’s shares are down almost 2% to $5.57.

    Where next for the Webjet share price?

    While Webjet’s half year results fell a little short of the market’s expectations, one leading broker saw enough in them to upgrade its shares this morning.

    According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have upgraded Webjet’s shares to an add rating with an improved price target of $6.60.

    Based on the current Webjet share price, this implies potential upside of 18.5% for its shares over the next 12 months.

    What did Morgans say?

    Morgans notes that COVID-19 continues to weigh heavily on the company’s performance. However, it was pleased to see improving trends in the third quarter and positive operating cashflow.

    The broker commented: “WEB’s 1H22 result continued to be severely impacted by COVID. Importantly, it is now generating positive operating cashflow and it has plenty of liquidity. The 3Q22 is tracking ahead of the 2Q22 despite it being a seasonally slower period. Two of its three businesses are now profitable.”

    Its analysts also highlighted that Webjet has the potential to be a substantially more profitable business in a post-COVID world.

    Morgans said: “WEB is targeting to return to pre-COVID booking levels in the 2H23. Management continues to maintain its aspirational market share targets and wants to reduce the company’s cost base by 20% when it returns to scale. This means that WEB should be materially more profitable post COVID.”

    Why buy now?

    The broker notes that the Webjet share price has been weak this month and appears to see it as a buying opportunity for investors.

    It said: “WEB’s share price has been weak this month as concerns around rising COVID cases and lockdowns in Europe have weighed on the sector. Following forecast changes, our blended valuation has risen to $16.60. With 16.4% upside to our new price target, we move to an Add rating.”

    “Based on our forecasts, WEB is trading on an FY24 recovery year PE of 17.9x which is at a discount to its five-year average PE (pre-COVID) of 20.6x. The main near-term risk to our view is if more countries in Europe go into lockdown, given this will slow down travel demand,” the broker concludes.

    The post Leading broker upgrades Webjet (ASX:WEB) shares to a buy rating appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Webjet, 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 Webjet wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Webjet 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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  • Here’s why the Nufarm (ASX:NUF) share price is falling today

    Man sits on a chair in field of grain with head in hands.

    The Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) share price is edging lower on Thursday morning. This comes as shares in the agricultural chemicals company are trading ex-dividend.

    At the time of writing, Nufarm shares are down 1.36% to $4.70. It’s worth noting that despite shedding today, its shares have pushed around 4% higher in the past month.

    Why are Nufarm shares falling today? 

    With the company’s full-year results released last week, investors are eyeing Nufarm shares as they go ex-dividend today.

    Typically, one business day before the record date — the ex-dividend date — is when investors must have purchased shares. If the investor does not buy Nufarm shares before this date, the dividend will go to the seller.

    Historically, when a company reaches its ex-dividend day, its shares tend to fall in proportion to the dividend paid out. This is because investors tend to sell off the company’s shares after securing the dividend and could be a reason why the Nufarm share price is edging lower today.

    What does this mean for Nufarm shareholders?

    For those eligible for Nufarm’s final dividend, shareholders will receive a payment of 4 cents per share on 17 December. The dividend is not franked, which means investors will miss on the imputed tax credits from this.

    The dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) will be made available to shareholders for the final dividend. The issue price will be calculated on the volume-weighted average price over the 10-day period commencing on 22 November. To opt in, the last election date in the DRP is on Monday 29 November.

    This is the first time Nufarm has paid a dividend since 2018. The board previously declared a final dividend of 6 cents per share. Together, with its interim dividend of 5 cents apiece, this translated to a full-year dividend of 11 cents for 2018.

    The company went through a tough time over the last few years, impacted by supply chain headwinds and weak agriculture conditions. Reduced earnings in Europe, its seed technologies business, and North America offset growth in Australia and New Zealand, and Asia.

    Nonetheless, management turned the company around, focusing on improving revenues, margins, and cash generation. Improved seasonal conditions, soft commodity prices, and a tight supply drove a significant uplift in earnings.

    About the Nufarm share price

    Over the last 12 months, the Nufarm share price has gained around 10%, with year-to-date up around 14%. The company’s share price reached a 52-week high of $5.60 in April, before treading lower.

    Nufarm has a market capitalisation of roughly $1.7 billion, with approximately 379 million shares on its books.

    The post Here’s why the Nufarm (ASX:NUF) share price is falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Nufarm, 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 Nufarm wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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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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  • ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: EML rockets, NAB given ACCC green light

    woman talking on the phone and giving financial advice whilst analysing the stock market on the computer with a pen

    At lunch on Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fought back from a mid-morning decline and trading slightly higher. The benchmark index is currently up 0.1% to 7,408.8 points.

    Here’s what is happening on the ASX 200 today:

    NAB’s Citi acquisition not opposed by ACCC

    The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price is falling on Thursday despite being given a boost in its quest to acquire the Australian consumer banking operations of Citi. This morning the ACCC advised that it will not oppose the proposed acquisition after a review found the transaction would not substantially lessen competition.

    EML Payments shares rocket

    The EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML) share price is rocketing higher today following an update on its dealings with the Central Bank of Ireland. According to the release, the central bank has taken action against EML’s Irish regulated subsidiary, PFS Card Services. However, the action is far less severe than the market was expecting. This is a big positive given how EML runs its European operations through this business. There were concerns it could lose its licence and a big chunk of its revenue.

    Fisher & Paykel Healthcare half year results

    The Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH) share price is pushing higher today after the release of its half year results. For the six months ended 30 September, the medical device company posted operating revenue of NZ$900 million and net profit after tax of NZ$226.9 million. This represents a 1% and 2% decline, respectively, over the prior corresponding period. However, it is worth recalling that the same period last year was boosted materially by COVID-19 demand for respiratory devices.

    Best and worst ASX 200 performers

    The best performers on the ASX 200 on Thursday has been the EML Payments share price by some distance. It is up 22% at the time of writing following its Ireland update. The worst performer has been the Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF) share price with a 3% decline on no news.

    The post ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: EML rockets, NAB given ACCC green light 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 more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes 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 August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of Collins Foods Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended EML Payments. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended EML Payments. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Collins Foods 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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  • EML (ASX:EML) share price rockets 17% on new programs green light from regulator

    A drawing of a rocket follows a chart up, indicating share price lift

    The EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML) share price is soaring on Thursday morning.

    In morning trade, the payments company’s shares are up 17.8% to $3.24. Although, it remains a distant 45% away from its 52-week high of $5.89.

    Let’s take a look at what is creating excitement among EML investors today.

    Thumbs up for Ireland operations sends EML share price flying

    In its latest update, EML Payments has informed investors of recent dialogue from the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI). This follows months of uncertainty for the company following the initiation of an investigation after CBI found regulatory concerns within the PFS Card Services (Ireland) Limited (PCSIL) business.

    According to the release, CBI has advised it will allow PCSIL to sign new customers and launch new programs whilst staying within the material growth restrictions. Positively, PCSIL expects it can meet the obligations. This removes any previous concern of EML’s subsidiary losing the ability to continue expansion.

    Additionally, broad-based reductions in limit controls on programs will not be imposed. This is also beneficial for the value of transactions processed by the company. Furthermore, CBI will continue to work with PCSIL to agree on appropriate limits under its risk management and controls framework.

    Lastly, the central bank intends to impose a material growth limitation over PCSIL’s total payment volumes. This will be in place for 12 months with the potential of it being removed earlier following third-party verification of PCSIL implementing its remediation plan effectively.

    The news has been well received by the market today, with EML Payments’ share price breaking above $3 again.

    What’s next?

    Following this, EML’s PCSIL intends to submit documentation to work with CBI on growth limits. The Ireland subsidiary intends to do this by 30 November 2021.

    Notably, the update also indicated PCSIL’s remediation plan is on track. The card services business has been high volume-low yielding programs to comply with a material growth restriction.

    Despite today’s recovery, the EML Payments share price is still down 22% year-to-date.

    The post EML (ASX:EML) share price rockets 17% on new programs green light from regulator appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in EML Payments right now?

    Before you consider EML Payments , 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 EML Payments wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler owns shares of EML Payments. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended EML Payments. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended EML Payments. 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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  • ASX retail shares in focus as CBA forecasts bumper Black Friday weekend

    a woman smiles over the top of multiple shopping bags she is holding in both hands up near her face.

    Analysis from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) suggests that ASX retail shares may be about to enjoy an important bump in sales for Black Friday.

    CBA has been looking at its merchant data over the four days from Black Friday to Cyber Monday in previous years to get a sense of how much sales might grow.

    In 2020, spending over the four days (27 November to 30 November) increased by 14% compared to the prior week.

    It was a similar story in 2019. In the four days of Black Friday sales (29 November to 2 December), sales also increased by 14% compared to the same four days of the prior week.

    It’s true that Black Friday sales in both 2019 and 2020 saw a bump compared to normal trading, but CBA also said it was interesting to note that overall spending increased by 10% in 2020’s Black Friday period compared to the 2019 Black Friday event.

    This might suggest good news for ASX retail shares.

    Does this mean 2021 Black Friday sales are going to be strong?

    Head of Consumer and Diversified Industries in CBA’s Business Banking division, Jerry Macey thinks that the upcoming Black Friday sales could be good for both customers and businesses:

    The increase in sales in 2020 in comparison to 2019 bodes well for the Black Friday sales this coming weekend. Shoppers across the country are increasingly taking advantage of the recent move towards pre-Christmas discounting and we would expect this trend to continue this year.

    Businesses are viewing the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend period as an opportunity for them to grow their customer base as spending patterns and behaviours change. It also presents an opportunity for retailers to bring forward sales, optimise their inventory and enhance performance for the year if they manage these sales events well.

    CommBank research shows that the majority of customers are keen to take advantage of discounted products and services. Those CBA shopping insights show 82% of Aussies will try to “make the most of any discount or rewards available to them”, whilst 80% said they are “encouraged to shop again at those retailers offering discounts or rewards.”

    Which ASX retail shares could see a bump of sales?

    There are plenty of retail shares on the ASX like Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) and Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH).

    CBA said that judging by spending trends of previous years, the big winners this year are expected to be clothing and cosmetic retailers (which saw growth of 34% and 46% respectively). In those spaces are ASX shares like Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV), City Chic Collective Ltd (ASX: CCX), Adore Beauty Group Ltd (ASX: ABY) and Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API).

    Furniture and electronic retailers saw sales growth of 33% and 26% respectively in 2020. Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) and Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK) are two of the largest furniture retailers whilst Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) and JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) are two large players in the electronics retailing sector.

    New CBA shopping offering

    CBA is also spruiking its new shopping offering for consumers which includes the newly launched deal discovery app, Cheddar, investment in gift card disrupter, Karta, its partnership with online shopping hub, Little Birdie, and its cashback program, CommBank Rewards.

    The post ASX retail shares in focus as CBA forecasts bumper Black Friday weekend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Wesfarmers, 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 Wesfarmers wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended ADAIRS FPO, Kogan.com ltd, and Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Adore Beauty Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended ADAIRS FPO, Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd., Kogan.com ltd, and Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adore Beauty Group Limited, Premier Investments Limited, and Temple & Webster Group 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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  • Avalanche crypto just dipped 8%. Is it a buy?

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    A picture of an avalanche.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    What happened

    Today, investors in Avalanche (CRYPTO: AVAX) are seeing some pretty consistent declines. Over the past 24 hours, the AVAX token had dropped more than 8% as of 1:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday. 

    Today’s move is a continuation of yesterday’s decline, which has seen AVAX drop from its high of more than $146 per token on Monday, to around $117 at the time of this writing.

    This decline comes on the heels of a widespread crypto market sell-off that many are linking to today’s news that India is moving forward with a bill to officially ban cryptocurrencies in that key market.

    So what

    Avalanche has been one of the fastest-rising cryptocurrencies of late. On Monday, this token took the No. 10 spot in the cryptocurrency rankings, before falling to 11th today after its latest declines.

    The key catalyst for Avalanche in hitting new all-time highs earlier this week was a high-profile partnership with consulting firm Deloitte. It appears Deloitte is fond of Avalanche’s underlying blockchain technology, and has sought it out as its partner of choice to support its work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

    What Deloitte is looking to do is find a way to aggregate and validate FEMA’s claims. Using blockchain technology, this is the latest value-added vertical that investors have pointed to as validation that blockchain creates real-world utility outside of being a decentralized means of transferring money.

    Now what

    This is certainly a big-name partnership. Avalanche’s profile in the crypto community is rightly elevated by this deal. Accordingly, there’s a tremendous amount of excitement building around Avalanche and the AVAX token right now.

    Today’s decline appears to be a more-technical, market-driven move. Thus, those looking for exposure to Avalanche have what appears to be a juicy dip to buy here.

    Ultimately, time will tell if this dip was one worth buying. But it sure looks attractive to those who think they might have missed the boat on Avalanche this past week. 

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The post Avalanche crypto just dipped 8%. Is it a buy? 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 more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes 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 August 16th 2021

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    Chris MacDonald 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.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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  • Here’s why the Serko (ASX:SKO) share price is crashing 10% lower today

    a woman looks nervous and uncertain holding a hand to her chin while looking at a paper cut out of a plane that she's holding in her other hand.

    The Serko Ltd (ASX: SKO) share price is back from its trading halt and deep in the red.

    At the time of writing, the travel booking technology company’s shares are down 10% to $6.65.

    Why is the Serko share price tumbling lower?

    The weakness in the Serko share price today has been driven by the completion of the company’s NZ$75 million placement.

    According to the release, the placement was fully subscribed at NZ$7.05 per share, representing a 10.2% discount to the closing price of NZ$7.85 on 23 November.

    Management advised that the placement was well supported, attracting bids well in excess of the NZ$75 million total offer amount from institutional and other select investors in both local and offshore markets.

    Serko will now push ahead with a retail offer aiming to raise a further NZ$10 million from retail shareholders.

    Why is Serko raising funds?

    Serko launched its capital raising to raise funds for three particular activities. These are investing for growth with Booking.com for Business, developing a global marketplace strategy, and for potential acquisitions that accelerate its global expansion opportunities.

    In respect to the former, the company notes that following the successful migration of Booking.com business customers onto the new Zeno powered Booking.com for Business platform, Serko will undertake targeted investment to optimise customer engagement and extend the offering across global markets to maximise the potential of the opportunity.

    As for the global marketplace strategy, Serko intends to transform from an online booking tool into a distributed marketplace. This will create an ecosystem of travel content suppliers and business travel market segments connected through the Zeno platform.

    Serko’s CEO, Darrin Grafton, was pleased with the success of the capital raising.

    He commented: “The capital raising enables Serko to continue to invest to capture the growth opportunities across key markets, and realise our vision of transforming from an online booking tool into a global marketplace. We are pleased with the level of support received for the raise from new and existing investors.”

    The post Here’s why the Serko (ASX:SKO) share price is crashing 10% lower today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Serko, 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 Serko wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    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 shares of and has recommended Serko Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Serko 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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  • The Biotron (ASX:BIT) share price just exploded 86% on COVID drug update

    healthcare asx share price rise represented by happy doctor

    The Biotron Limited (ASX: BIT) share price is rocketing upwards today after the company announced its lead clinical asset successfully treated COVID-19 symptoms in mice as part of a study.

    In the study, the drug, BIT225, was found to reduce viral load in the lungs when administered orally. BIT225 has also undergone a successful cell-based study, exhibiting its effectiveness against the virus.

    At the time of writing, the Biotron share price is 8.7 cents, 70.6% higher than its previous close. However, earlier this morning it reached 9.5 cents – representing an 86% gain.

    Let’s take a look at today’s news from the biotechnology company.

    Biotron share price leaps on positive COVID studies

    The Biotron share price is surging higher on news its drug – which is at mid-stage development for the treatment of HIV-1 and Hepatitis C virus – has demonstrated the ability to battle COVID-19 in animal and cell-based studies.

    As part of the studies, mice infected with COVID-19 were given BIT225 orally.

    The mice treated with BIT225 were found to have a significantly reduced virus load in the lungs and blood compared to the study’s controls.

    The drug was also shown to reduce the ‘cytokine storm’ associated with COVID-19. Generally, pro-inflammatory cytokines are linked to severe illness and death in people infected with COVID-19.

    Finally, treating COVID-19-infected mice with BIT225 was found to stop weight loss generally associated with COVID-19 infections in mice. In fact, the animals treated with BIT225 gained weight in line with growth expectations through the course of the study.

    Additionally, BIT225 has been tested in cell cultures to determine its effectiveness against COVID-19’s Delta strain.

    The data from the in-vitro study found BIT225 reduced the Delta virus in cell cultures by more than 99.99%.

    Biotron is now talking with its United States-based advisors and consultants to expedite BIT225’s progression into human trials for the treatment of COVID-19.

    BIT225 is an oral drug, suitable for once-a-day dosing, and has a well characterised safety profile. Formal pre-clinical studies have assessed safety over 24 weeks of dosing.

    Right now, the Biotron share price is around 8% higher than it was at the start of 2021.

    The post The Biotron (ASX:BIT) share price just exploded 86% on COVID drug update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Biotron, 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 Biotron wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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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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  • Investing for the future: why this fundie is optimistic on copper shares

    Open copper pipes

    Copper shares have been a winning investment for shareholders so far this year. The combination of an increased push towards clean energy technology and a constrained supply has resulted in upwards momentum in the copper price.

    Since the beginning of the year, ASX-listed companies such as OZ Minerals Limited (ASX: OZL), Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR), and 29Metals Ltd (ASX: 29M) have all rode the copper wave. To the delight of shareholders, this has meant returns in excess of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    Recently, one Sydney-based fund manager shared their optimism for copper shares with investors. In its October report, Perennial Partners highlighted their forecast of a positive outlook for copper in the long term. A key reason for this estimation is the growing push behind the green energy transition.

    Do copper shares still have room to grow?

    Perennial Partners have been managing money for over 20 years, endeavouring to deliver market-beating returns through its numerous funds. In the October report for the Perennial Value Australian Shares Trust fund, the team shared their take on the reddish-brown metal.

    During the month, the fund saw gains of more than 10% in its holdings of OZ Minerals and 29metals. Additionally, South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) gained 1.1% in October after it took a 45% stake in the Sierra Gorda mine in Chile. Despite the strong performance, the fund has maintained its overweight exposure to the materials sector relative to the index.

    The fund manager informed its investors that it is expecting a long-term positive outlook for copper shares. This is driven by an underlying increase in the demand for the metal due to the electrification theme. At the same time, Perennial expects supply will remain tight.

    Supporting this belief, research conducted by Jefferies analyst Christopher LaFemina, indicated marginal copper production growth in the September quarter. Of the mining giants that have reported production numbers, supply had increased only 0.9% year-on-year.

    Sharing in Perennial Partners’ assessment, LaFemina said:

    We are bullish copper over the medium term due to growing global demand and underappreciated supply constraints.

    In the short term

    Copper shares have largely traded sideways since October on demand fears stemming from China. The downfall of property development in the region has weighed on the metal.

    China is the world’s largest consumer of copper, with the real estate sector accounting for a significant portion of this use. Uncertainty around how China’s Evergrande fallout will play out has likely compounded these worries.

    The post Investing for the future: why this fundie is optimistic on copper shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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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