Category: Stock Market

  • Why is the Vital Metals (ASX:VML) share price is in a trading halt today?

    a woman in a business suit makes the hand signal in the shape of a time to represent time out, representative also of a trading halt

    The Vital Metals Limited (ASX: VML) share price isn’t going anywhere on Wednesday. This comes after the rare earths mining company requested a trading halt before market open.

    As such, Vital Metals shares remain frozen at 6.1 cents apiece. It’s worth noting that the company’s shares have gained almost 25% in the past week.

    Why are Vital Metals shares in a trading halt?

    The Vital Metal share price was placed in a trading halt this morning pending an important acquisition announcement.

    While no details have been given by the company, several media outlets have indicated what’s happening behind the curtain.

    According to the Australian Financial Review, Vital Metals is set to acquire two projects from Quebec Precious Metals Corporation. Reportedly, both parties have signed a binding term sheet involving the C$8 million (A$8.5 million) purchase.

    The first takeover relates to the Kipawa Rare Earth project in which Vital Metals will buy a 68% stake. The remaining 32% interest is held by joint venture partner Investissement Quebec.

    Meantime, the second investment is for a 100% interest in the Zeus Rare Earth project.

    Both heavy rare earth projects are expected to complement Vital Metals’ light rare earth operations at Nechalacho in Canada’s Northwest Territories. This could potentially make the company the only producer of both heavy and light rare earth materials in North America.

    Just last week, Vital Metals completed its first rare earths production at its Nechalacho project.

    About the Vital Metals share price

    Since this time last year, Vital Metals shares have risen sharply by more than 280%. In 2021 alone, the company’s share price is up 90%, reflecting positive investor sentiment.

    Vital Metals presides a market capitalisation of roughly $253.4 million with approximately 4.1 billion shares on its registry.

    The post Why is the Vital Metals (ASX:VML) share price is in a trading halt today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Vital Metals right now?

    Before you consider Vital Metals, 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 Vital Metals 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 May 24th 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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  • IAG (ASX: IAG) share price falls after earnings despite dividend boost

    ASX tech share price rollercoaster

    The Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) share price has pared back early gains following the insurer’s latest full year results release.

    IAG share price falls despite increased dividends

    The Aussie insurer announced its full year results for the period ended 30 June 2021 (FY2021) prior to market open.

    Cash earnings jumped 170% to $747 million compared to last year with insurance profit climbing 35.9% to $1,007 million.

    The IAG share price shot higher at the open following this morning’s update but has since fallen into the red. Other highlights included a 3.8% growth rate for Gross Written Premium (GWP) and a full year dividend up 100% to 20 cents per share.

    Despite reporting a $427 million net loss after tax due to one-off costs, there were some positives for IAG. An improved insurance margin of 13.5% was notably boosted by robust customer retention numbers and lower natural peril costs.

    Today’s announcement saw the IAG share price climb higher at the open before falling later in the morning. That’s despite the Board doubling the FY2020 dividend on the back of stronger cash earnings.

    The 20 cents per share distribution represents a 66% payout ratio of cash earnings, within the target range of 60-80%.

    What’s the outlook for FY2022?

    The IAG share price started the day strongly before edging into the red this morning. Investors are interested in not just FY2021 numbers but also what lies ahead.

    IAG is forecasting “low single-digit GWP growth” and an insurance margin of between 13.5-15.5% for FY2022.

    Management was bullish on the outlook for this year with Managing Director and CEO Nick Hawkins saying the below:

    We are optimistic about the outlook for IAG and are reintroducing guidance for FY22.

    The strength of our core business and its sound underlying performance in FY21, our new operating model with clear, embedded executive responsibilities, as well as greater certainty in the economic outlook, mean that we are confident that IAG’s underlying performance will continue to improve.”

    How has the IAG share price performed in 2021?

    Shares in the Aussie insurer are falling late on Wednesday morning following today’s results. The ASX insurer’s shares are up more than 10% in 2021 but still lag the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    The post IAG (ASX: IAG) share price falls after earnings despite dividend boost appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider IAG, 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 IAG 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 May 24th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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 owns shares of and has recommended Insurance Australia Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why the Rhinomed (ASX:RNO) share price is rocketing 90% higher today

    Sonic Healthcare share price represented by man receiveing nasal swab from medical professional

    The Rhinomed Ltd (ASX: RNO) share price is rocketing higher on Wednesday.

    In morning trade, the medical device company’s shares are up a massive 90% to a 52-week high of 38 cents.

    This means the Rhinomed share price is now up approximately 125% since the start of the year.

    Why is the Rhinomed share price rocketing higher?

    The catalyst for the rise in the Rhinomed share price on Wednesday has been the announcement of a major purchase order from the government.

    According to the release, the company has received purchase orders and begun supplying NSW Health Pathology with an initial one million Rhinoswabs. This is part of NSW Health Pathology’s program to support testing capability.

    The company has commenced deliveries, with these initial orders being fulfilled over the coming weeks. It notes that the revenue associated with the initial order represents between approximately 25% and 35% of its unaudited FY 2021 revenues of $3.9 million.

    What is Rhinoswab?

    The company highlights that its Rhinoswab nasal swab technology improves the sample collection process.

    Rhinoswab is reportedly substantially more comfortable and easier to use than the standard nasal swab, captures a larger sample, can accelerate the sample collection process, and significantly reduce queues and waiting times.

    The technology works with existing PCR pathology workflows and equipment and has equivalent cost and quality to the US and European standard of care nasopharyngeal swabs.

    In order to respond to increasing demand both at home and abroad, Rhinomed is now scaling up its manufacturing facilities.

    Rhinomed’s CEO, Michael Johnson, said: “We are thrilled to receive this support for this Australian innovation. The Rhinoswab can make a meaningful impact on the SARS-CoV-2 testing process and enable more people to be tested quickly and easily. With approximately 2 billion SARS-CoV-2 tests having been carried out globally over the last 18 months (close to 26 million in Australia alone), there is a major opportunity for Rhinoswab to radically improve the testing process, clinical outcomes and user experience.”

    The post Why the Rhinomed (ASX:RNO) share price is rocketing 90% higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Rhinomed, 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 Rhinomed 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 May 24th 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. 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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  • Neometals (ASX:NMT) share price rockets 7% after pilot trial update

    Two fists connect in a surge of power, indicating strong share price growth or new partnerships for ASC mining and resource companies

    The Neometals Ltd (ASX: NMT) share price is soaring today following news of the company’s vanadium recovery pilot plant.

    Neometals reported that trials were complete and had resulted in excellent product purity with higher vanadium concentrates.

    Right now, the Neometals share price is 80 cents, 6.67% higher than its previous close.

    Let’s take a closer look at today’s news from the mineral exploration and development company.

    Successful trials

    The Neometals share price is gaining after the company advised it has completed pilot trials for its Vanadium Recovery Project.

    During the trials, the project processed around 14 tonnes of vanadium-bearing steel by-product (slag) from 3 Scandinavian steel mills.

    Neometals said the processed slag consistently had a purity of more than 99.5% vanadium pentoxide. As a result, the project’s operational costs would be less than they would have otherwise been.

    Additionally, the process was found to have recoveries of more than 75%.

    According to today’s release, the process in which Neometals recovered vanadium from slag uses carbon dioxide. The company plans to get future carbon dioxide from emissions sources. Therefore, it anticipates the final project may have net-zero carbon emissions.

    Neometals managing director Chris Reed said the trial results had “significantly de-risked the project”.

    What next?

    Neometals funded and managed the project’s evaluation activities with the hopes of securing a 50% joint venture interest with Scandinavian mineral development company, Critical Metals. The Neometals share price gained 6% when the company announced the planned joint venture in April 2020.

    Neometals now plans to select engineers for the project and begin a feasibility study. It will also work to provide larger samples for product evaluation and offtake discussions.

    Potential off-take partners in Europe and Japan have already been sent samples of Neometals’ ammonium metavanadate and vanadium pentoxide. They will now determine if the products are suitable for use in high tech and battery applications.

    One of Neometals’ by-products, stabilised slag material, may also be useful to concrete or building materials manufacturers. Potential customers will test samples of the by-product.

    The company expects to complete the project’s feasibility study by the end of June 2022.

    Neometals share price snapshot

    The Neometals share price is having a good run on the ASX.

    It has gained 167% year to date. It is also currently 307% higher than it was this time last year.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $411 million, with approximately 548 million shares outstanding.  

    The post Neometals (ASX:NMT) share price rockets 7% after pilot trial update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Neometals, 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 Neometals 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 May 24th 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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  • Seek (ASX:SEK) share price slides after growth fund spin off

    unhappy investor considering computer screen

    The Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK) share price has slipped into the red in early trade. Seek shares are now exchanging hands at $29.07 apiece, a 3.1% drop from the open.

    Earlier, the digital job advertising company released the outcomes of its strategic review into its Asia Pacific & Americas (AP&A) and Investments businesses.

    The share price dip comes on the back of Seek’s announcement to the market before the open.

    Quickly adding some colour

    To quickly recap, the purpose of Seek’s strategic review was to “provide greater independence” to its AP&A and Investments businesses.

    Seek announced back in February that it has a two-pronged strategy.

    The first aim, regarding AP&A, is to “focus on growth opportunities” while concurrently “retaining exposure to Investments”.

    Secondly, Seek wants its Investments business to operate “independently and access third party capital”. Ultimately, the company’s strategic play permeates the Investments arm as an “investor and business builder”.

    As such, the company created an independent unit trust, known as the SEEK Growth Fund, to achieve these primary goals of independence and access to capital.

    What did Seek announce today?

    Seek confirmed the creation of the Fund, in addition to the particulars around its operations as a going concern.

    Firstly, Seek will transfer its holdings in online education services and “14 early-stage ventures” as seed assets in exchange for units in the Fund.

    The exchange will occur at “an independently assessed” fair value of $1.215 billion.

    In addition, the new firm will be headed by Seek co-founder Andrew Bassat who will remain independent and act autonomously of Seek.

    Moreover, the fund has secured a further $460 million capital raise to “fund future investments”, as per the company’s announcement. The breakdown includes a $260 million round from investors with the remaining $200 million coming from Seek directly.

    As a result of the changes, Seek’s FY21 and FY20 results will show adjustments to recognise the divested assets as “discontinued operations” for accounting purposes.

    Seek will now recognise revenue from the two entities in a single ledger on its consolidated income statement instead.

    Speaking on the release, Seek chair Graham Goldsmith said:

    As an independent entity, the Fund can make the long-term investment decisions required to build large and sustainable businesses. With greater access to capital, the team can support the existing portfolio and make new investments in the human capital management sector. SEEK is pleased to retain all of its existing economic exposure to these high growth businesses.

    Seek share price snapshot

    The Seek share price has posted a year to date return of 1.65%, extending the previous 12 months’ gain of 35%.

    Whilst it has lagged the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) this year to date, Seek shares have outpaced the broad index’s return of around 25% over the past year.

    The post Seek (ASX:SEK) share price slides after growth fund spin off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    These 5 Cheap Shares Could Be Set For Huge Gains (FREE REPORT)

    We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Altium or Afterpay when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true.

    And while Altium and Afterpay have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can find out the names of these stocks in the FREE stock report.

    *Extreme Opportunities returns as of February 15th 2021

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    The author Zach Bristow has no positions 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 SEEK 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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  • Core Lithium (ASX:CXO) share price rockets 20% on capital raising efforts

    Man with a rocket strapped to his back on a tiny bicycle ready to take off.

    The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price has come out of a trading halt today and shot straight to a record high. This comes after the emerging lithium producer announced an update to its capital raising efforts.

    Core Lithium shares rocketed 20.83% at market open to an all-time high of 43.5 cents. In comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.46% to 7,866 points.

    Core Lithium shares have since retreated to 40 cents apiece, 9.72% higher than yesterday’s close.

    What’s driving the Core Lithium share price higher?

    Investors are buying Core Lithium shares as the company prepares to fund its Finniss Lithium Project.

    According to its release, Core Lithium advised it has received strong support to raise $91 million through an institutional placement. The offer was presented to domestic and global investors at an issue price of 31 cents per share. This represents a 13.9% discount on the closing price on 6 August 2021, and a 2.4% discount on the 5-day volume-weighted average price.

    In total, the company’s registry will gain 293 million new ordinary shares.

    Core Lithium will use its existing placement capacity to create the new shares. Under listing rule 7.1, this allows the company to issue up to an additional 15% of its total shares without shareholder approval. The company will use an extension to the listing rule (7.1A) to issue the remaining shares (117.3 million).

    With the $34 million equity investment from Ganfeng Lithium Co Ltd, Core Lithium will use the combined funds to develop its Finniss Lithium Project. This includes upfront capital expenses such as plant construction, the Grants open pit pre-strip, and other mine establishment costs.

    In addition, the company will make an environmental bond payment to the Northern Territory government.

    Core Lithium will also use some of the monies for a drilling program to accelerate reserve and resource growth.

    A share purchase plan (SPP) is on offer to raise an additional $15 million. The SPP applies to retail investors at the same price as the placement. The closing date of the SPP is 2 September 2021.

    What did the managing director say?

    Core Lithium managing director Stephen Biggins commented:

    We are very pleased with the overwhelming support received in the Placement in this transformational moment for Core.

    Together with the Ganfeng equity investment and the share purchase plan, we are now fully funded to complete Stage 1 development of Finniss and have the financial flexibility to assess future growth initiatives.

    … We look forward to executing on our plan to commence anticipated first production in late 2022.

    The Core Lithium share price has gained more than 700% over the past 12 months and is up 165% year to date.

    The post Core Lithium (ASX:CXO) share price rockets 20% on capital raising efforts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Core Lithium right now?

    Before you consider Core Lithium, 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 Core Lithium 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 May 24th 2021

    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.

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  • Why the Lake Resources (ASX:LKE) share price is jumping 11% today

    rising asx share price represented by happy woman dancing excitedly

    The Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE) share price has been a very strong performer on Wednesday.

    In morning trade, the lithium explorer’s shares are up a sizeable 11% to 64 cents.

    This means the Lake Resources share price is now up a massive 700% since the start of the year.

    Why is the Lake Resources share price charging higher?

    Investors have been bidding the Lake Resources share price higher today after it released an update on the funding of its flagship Kachi Lithium Project. This clean lithium project is based in the Catamarca Province within the Lithium Triangle in Argentina.

    According to today’s announcement, UK Export Finance has provided a strong expression of interest to support approximately 70% of the total finance required for the Kachi Lithium Project. This is subject to standard project finance terms.

    The UK Export Finance is the Export Credit Agency of the United Kingdom. In the last five years it has provided 14 billion pounds (A$26.4 billion) of support for UK exports and international trade.

    The release notes that the project finance would deliver a significantly lower cost of capital than traditional financing structures, with the principal repaid over an 8.5 year period post-construction.

    Though, it is worth noting that the expression of interest is not a binding commitment and is subject to a series of standard project finance terms and due diligence. This includes suitable structured offtake contracts, the successful completion of Kachi’s Definitive Feasibility Study, and an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to Equator Principles.

    A “watershed moment”

    Lake’s Managing Director, Steve Promnitz, believes this is a major milestone, which goes some way to explaining why the Lake Resources share price is charging notably higher today.

    He said: “This offer is a watershed moment for Lake – to have a leading ECA willing to indicate financial support for Kachi provides an enormous vote of confidence in our clean energy project. The support reflects not only Kachi’s robust financials but also its considerable ESG benefits such as a small environmental footprint, satisfying a number of defined Sustainable Development Goals.”

    Mr Promnitz isn’t resting on his laurels, though. He will be working hard to turn this expression of interest into committed funding.

    He explained: “We acknowledge that we have significant work to convert this EOI into a committed funding arrangement. We are pleased that a number of international banks have already approached us who have expressed an interest to be part of Kachi’s development and their interest is dependent on having a strong ECA like UKEF.”

    “Essentially this EOI is stating that if Lake does what it says it’s going to do in the DFS and ESIA, the project will be funded. Combined with backing from potential international off-takers, investors will increasingly see progress towards successful production and expansion of Kachi, perfectly timed to meet the needs of a decarbonising world,” he concluded.

    The Lake Resources share price is now trading within sight of its record high.

    The post Why the Lake Resources (ASX:LKE) share price is jumping 11% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Lake 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 Lake Resources 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 May 24th 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 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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  • Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) share price record high after dividend boost

    happy group of people

    The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price has hit a new landmark high.

    At the time of writing, shares in Australia’s largest bank are trading for $107.31 – up 0.70%. At the open today, shares hit a record high of $109.03.

    The positive price movement comes after the company released its full-year earnings results, a full-year, fully franked dividend of $3.50 per share, and a $6 billion off-market share buyback.

    Let’s take a closer look.

    Commonwealth Bank’s FY21 results

    For the FY21 financial year, Commonwealth Bank declared a net profit of $8.8 billion. That’s up 19.7% on the prior corresponding period (pcp). Operating income rose 1.7% on the pcp to $24.2 billion but operating expenses were up 3.3% on the pcp to $11.4 billion.

    As a result, the company announced a final dividend of $2.00 per share, fully franked. Added to the interim dividend paid of $1.50 per share, that equates to a full-year dividend of $3.50 per share. At the current CBA share price, this is a 3.24% yield.

    In FY20, Commonwealth Bank paid a full-year dividend of $2.98, fully franked – a 4.0% yield at the time.

    While today’s dividend announcement is a rise on the pcp, it is not a record. In FY19, for example, the company paid a full-year dividend of $4.31, fully franked.

    As well, Commonwealth Bank will buy back about $6 billion worth (or 3.5%) of its shares in an off-market purchase.

    CBA share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the CBA share price has increased 43.4%. Over the same period, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 23.7%.

    Commonwealth Bank has a market capitalisation of around $190 billion.

    The post Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) share price record high after dividend boost appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Commonwealth Bank 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 May 24th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Marc Sidarous 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 the ANZ (ASX:ANZ) share price is pushing higher today

    share price gaining

    The Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ) share price is pushing higher on Wednesday.

    In morning trade, the banking giant’s shares are up 1% to $29.19.

    Why is the ANZ share price pushing higher today?

    Today’s gain by the ANZ share price is likely to have been driven by the release of a strong full year result by rival Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) this morning.

    That result appears to have given investor sentiment in the banking sector a major boost, helping to drive all of the big four banks higher today.

    But also potentially giving the ANZ share price a lift has been the announcement of a key appointment in the C-suite.

    What did ANZ announce?

    This morning ANZ announced the appointment of Farhan Faruqui as its new Chief Financial Officer.

    According to the release, Mr Faruqui joined ANZ in 2014 and is currently its Group Executive International. In this position he is responsible for ANZ’s institutional business in 19 markets across Asia, Europe, Middle East and America.

    Prior to joining ANZ, Mr Faruqui had an extensive international banking career at Citigroup, where he held senior roles. This includes Head of Citi’s Corporate and Investment Bank in Asia Pacific, as well as its Global Loans and Capital Markets business in the region. He was also country officer for several countries in Africa and Europe.

    In his new role as ANZ’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr Faruqui will have responsibility for all aspects of Finance as well as Treasury, Mergers and Acquisitions and Investor Relations. He will remain a member of the Group Executive Committee.

    ANZ’s CEO, Shayne Elliott, commented: “After a comprehensive global search, I’m pleased to be able to appoint one of our most experienced executives with a long history of delivering outstanding results in highly-complex environments to this important leadership position.”

    “Farhan has played a crucial role in the re-shaping of ANZ’s institutional and international business as a critical part of our overall franchise. I’m confident his strong financial acumen, strategic insight and fresh thinking will be of great benefit to our shareholders and our customers,” he added.

    The ANZ share price is now up over 26% in 2021.

    The post Why the ANZ (ASX:ANZ) share price is pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider ANZ, 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 ANZ 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 May 24th 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. 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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  • When was the best day on the Sydney Airport (ASX:SYD) share price chart?

    A man sits in the airport terminal with a laptop and credit card, ready to make a travel booking.

    The Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) share price was first listed on the ASX in mid-August 2002.

    With nearly two decades to sift through, finding the biggest percentage move for Sydney Airport shares is nigh impossible.

    In the past 18 months alone, the Sydney Airport share price has reacted sharply to several catalysts.

    One of the best days for shares in Sydney Airport can be traced back to early July of this year.

    Sydney Airport share price boosted by takeover offer

    The Sydney Airport share price received a huge boost early last month.

    Shares in the company surged more than 34% for the day, following a $22.6 billion buyout offer.

    A consortium of infrastructure investors – IFM Investors, Global Infrastructure Management, and QSuper – launched the takeover offer, valuing Sydney Airport at $8.25 per share.

    Sydney Airport’s management initially noted that the takeover offer of $8.25 per share was below where shares in the company were trading pre-pandemic.

    Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sydney Airport share price was trading at around $8.95.

    Since then, the company has raised approximately $2 billion in equity and seen its share price peak and trough.

    In addition, rumours began to swirl that another consortium led by Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) was considering a counter bid.

    Sydney Airport formally rejected the takeover offer for 100% of its shares in mid-July.

    Outlook for Sydney Airport shares

    Sydney Airport is Australia’s largest international gateway. The company generates revenue through aeronautical, retail, property, car rental and parking operations.

    With widespread COVID-19 lockdowns hampering the Australian travel sector yet again, Sydney Airport could receive extra attention this reporting season.

    Investors have long favoured shares in Sydney Airport for their dividend yield.

    However, the infrastructure giant has approximately $10 billion in debt attached to its balance sheet.

    In addition, Sydney Airport recently flagged a 56.8% decline in domestic traffic compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

    These factors could raise the concerns of some investors, especial given the indefinite reopening of free travel.

    Sydney Airport will release its 2021 half-year results on Friday 20 August.

    The post When was the best day on the Sydney Airport (ASX:SYD) share price chart? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Nikhil Gangaram 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 owns shares of and 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.

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