Category: Stock Market

  • WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) share price bounces back to finish in green

    Young woman feeling relieved at laptop

    The WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)’s share price ended the week in the green, recovering from a 4.4% dip into the red after the market open today.

    WiseTech shares bounced back to reach an intraday high of $32.06, before ending the day up 0.44% at $31.93.

    What happened today?

    There was no market-sensitive information specific to the company released today that would have a direct impact to WiseTech’s share price.

    Currently, WiseTech shares are trading off a 52-week high of $34.42, but are aloft their 52-week low of $18.91, which occurred back in August 2020.

    The company’s share price has gained 62% over the previous 12 months, above the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX:XJO)’s return of about 21% over this same time.

    However, after a bumpy year to date, WiseTech shares are in the green by 3.8%, lagging the S&P/ASX 200 Index’s return of nearly 11% since January 1.

    Over the previous 5 trading sessions, WiseTech finished up by 2.6%, beating the broad index which had only a 0.3% gain over the same time.

    Back in June, analysts at Morgan Stanley maintained their overweight rating on the WiseTech shares, assigning a price target of $35.00, which implies an upside potential of 9.6% from the current share price.

    The investment bank believes recent secular tailwinds in WiseTech’s end markets will help drive earnings growth into the coming years.

    Macquarie Bank also has an outperform rating on the company’s shares, with a price target of $34.00.

    WiseTech Global share price snapshot

    With a current share price of $31.93, WiseTech has a market capitalisation of $10.3 billion and trades at a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 70.

    The company also posted earnings per share of 45.2 cents at its last earnings release, and pays a dividend of 0.4 cents per share, fully-franked.

    The current dividend yield is 0.13%, and the company has made good on each dividend payment since March 2017.

    The post WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) share price bounces back to finish in green appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider WiseTech, 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 WiseTech 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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    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended WiseTech Global. 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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  • 2 explosive ASX growth shares named as buys

    exploding asx share price represented by cloud coming out of man's brain

    The Australian share market is home to a number of quality companies with solid growth prospects.

    Two that have been tipped to grow strongly over the long term are listed below. Here’s why analysts think investors should be buying their shares:

    ELMO Software Ltd (ASX: ELO)

    ELMO could be a growth share to get better acquainted with. It is a cloud-based human resources and payroll software company with operations in the ANZ and UK markets.

    It has been a strong performer over the last few years thanks to the shift to the cloud, its expansion, and the acquisition of Breathe and Webexpenses. Pleasingly, its positive form has continued largely unabated during the pandemic.

    For example, in May ELMO released a trading update and upgraded its annualised recurring revenue (ARR) guidance for FY 2021 to be between $83 million and $85 million. This will be up 50.5% to 54.2%, respectively, on FY 2020’s ARR of $55.1 million.

    Looking ahead, the company still has a very large market opportunity to grow into. Management estimates that it has a $12.8 billion opportunity across just the ANZ and UK markets.

    Morgan Stanley currently has an overweight rating and $9.70 price target on its shares. The ELMO share price ended the week at $4.50.

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P)

    Another ASX growth share that is highly rated is Zip. It is a leading buy now pay later (BNPL) provider with operations across several continents.

    Thanks to the growing popularity of the payment method, its strong market position, and its international expansion, Zip has been tipped to grow strongly in the coming years. This is particularly the case for its US-based QuadPay business. The latter has been growing at a rapid rate. But given that only an estimated 10% of Americans have tried BNPL, it clearly has a long runway for growth in the $5 trillion market as penetration rates increase.

    Shaw and Partners is very positive on the company. The broker has a buy rating and $16.00 price target on its shares. This compares to the latest Zip share price of $7.61.

    The post 2 explosive ASX growth shares named as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Zip, 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 Zip 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. owns shares of and has recommended Elmo Software and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Elmo Software. 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 GWR Group (ASX:GWR) share price soared 9% today

    Businesspeople throwing paper airplanes in office

    The GWR Group Ltd (ASX: GWR) share price went gangbusters today. At close of trade, shares in the mineral exploration company were swapping hands for 36 cents each – up 9.09%.

    The positive price movement comes as the company updates investors on recent iron ore production and its gold mining spin-off.

    Let’s take a closer look at today’s news.

    What’s been driving the rocketing GWR share price?

    Iron ore production

    In a statement to the ASX, GWR Group told investors of recent developments in its iron ore production.

    Last month, the company exported more than 116,000 wet metric tonnes of iron ore, which GWR Group labelled as a “significant milestone”. The average realised price for its iron ore in June was about US$214 a tonne.

    In further good news for the GWR share price, the company says it expects to ship more than 1 million tonnes of iron ore by the end of this year.

    GWR Group chair Gary Lyons said:

    With the financial year coming to a close I am very proud of the entire GWR team and our Alliance partners PRG, with the many challenges we have and continue to overcome. It was a fantastic achievement to export more than 325,000 WMT of iron ore mined from our flagship C4 Iron deposit.

    The first month of the new financial year is shaping up to be a rewarding one for GWR shareholders.

    …we already secured our first ship for the month of July which is due to commence loading at the Port of Geraldton between 16 and 20 July 2021.

    The price of iron ore is 37.5% higher year-to-date.

    Gold production spin-off

    In other news, the company gave an update on its planned demerger of its gold assets into a new, ASX-listed company.

    In what GWR says will “enable” it to focus on its more lucrative iron ore production, the Western Gold Resources (WGR) spin-off will occur on 19 July. Eligible shareholders will receive 1 WGR share for every 8.38 GWR Group shares they own.

    In addition, gold projections at the company’s Wiluna West site have been increased to approximately 300,000 ounces of gold.

    GWR share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the GWR share price has increased by 490%. However, since reaching its 5-year high of 47 cents per share, the company’s value has decreased by 23%.

    Given its current valuation, GWR Group has a market capitalisation of about $110 million.

    The post Why the GWR Group (ASX:GWR) share price soared 9% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Man who said buy Kogan shares at $3.63 says buy these 3 ASX stocks 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.*

    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 15/2/2021

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  • Galaxy (ASX:GXY) and Orocobre (ASX:ORE) shares rise on merger update

    two businessmen shake hands amid a backdrop of tall buildings, indicating a share price movement or merger between ASX property companies

    The Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY) share price and the Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) share price were on form on Friday.

    Both lithium miners finished the day almost 3% higher and within sight of their 52-week highs.

    Why did Galaxy and Orocobre shares storm higher?

    Investors were buying Galaxy and Orocobre shares on Friday after their mega-merger took a big step forward.

    According to a joint announcement, the Supreme Court of Western Australia has made orders for Galaxy to convene a meeting of shareholders to consider and vote on the proposed merger that will see Orocobre acquire all of the shares in Galaxy by way of a scheme of arrangement.

    The Court has also approved the dispatch of an explanatory statement providing information about the scheme, together with the scheme meeting notice to Galaxy shareholders.

    What are the merger terms?

    In April, the two companies agreed to a proposed $4 billion merger of equals, which they believe establishes a new force in the global lithium sector.

    Management notes that the merger would create the fifth largest global lithium chemicals company, with a diversified production base and exciting growth platform. It also sees potential to unlock significant synergies and realise value to be shared by all shareholders.

    The merger will see Galaxy shareholders receive 0.569 Orocobre shares for each Galaxy share held at the scheme record date. Based on the current Orocobre share price of $6.62, this represents approximately $3.77 per share.

    The scheme continues to be unanimously recommended by each director of Galaxy, subject to no superior proposal emerging and the independent expert continuing to conclude that the scheme is in the best interests of shareholders. Each Galaxy director intends to vote in favour of the scheme, subject to those same qualifications.

    What now?

    Galaxy shareholders will be given the opportunity to vote on the proposed scheme in just over a month on 6 August.

    If all goes to plan, the scheme will become effective on 16 August and new Orocobre shares will commence trading on the ASX on 17 August.

    The post Galaxy (ASX:GXY) and Orocobre (ASX:ORE) shares rise on merger update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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  • Thorn Group (ASX:TGA) share price closes 6% lower as it goes ex-dividend

    shocked man looking at laptop with declining arrows in the background showing a falling share price

    The Thorn Group Ltd (ASX: TGA) share price closed 6.67% lower at 21 cents. This came as shares in the household goods operator went ex-dividend today.

    Let’s take a look at what investors can expect with the company’s dividend.

    Thorn Group dividend summary

    Thorn Group will pay shareholders a fully franked 1 cent per share final dividend on 21 July.

    At the current share price of 21 cents, the dividend yield of the 1 cent payment is 4.44%.

    The company reinstated the dividend distribution schedule from October 2020, after it was periodically terminated in January 2018.

    Prior to this, the company had made good on each payment from December 2012 to January 2018.

    Time extension on target statement

    Yesterday, Thorn Group released a statement referring to the unsolicited on-market takeover offer made by Somers Limited on 18 June.

    Somers has offered to acquire all shares in Thorn that it does not already own for 21 cents per share all cash.

    In the statement, Thorn outlined it had received a declaration from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) granting an extension of time to provide its target’s statement in respect of the offer.

    Thorn states the extension permits the company to include an independent expert’s report, and the target’s statement shall be made to the ASX, ASIC and Somers and Thorn shareholders on or before Friday 16 July 2021.

    Thorn has confirmed it will provide the documentation on or before this date.

    In the statement, Thorn said:

    Thorn reiterates its previous recommendation that shareholders TAKE NO ACTION in relation to the Offer
    until they have received and considered Thorn’s target’s statement.

    Thorn Group share price snapshot

    The Thorn Group share price is around 13% in the green this year-to-date. Over the previous 1 month, Thorn’s share price has increased 2.38%.

    This week, the Thorn share price is 2.27% in the red, and on a current share price of 21 cents, Thorn Group has a market capitalisation of $75.9 million.

    The post Thorn Group (ASX:TGA) share price closes 6% lower as it goes ex-dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Thorn Group right now?

    Before you consider Thorn Group, 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 Thorn Group 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

    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 blue chips set to unleash buybacks and dividends! But which is better?

    asx blue chip shares represented by pile of blue casino chips in front of bar graph

    ASX investors love a good dividend, that much is certain. With Australia’s unique system of franking credits now entrenched, the benefits of owning dividend paying shares are well known. That might be why some of the most popular ASX shares in the average investors’ portfolio are big, dividend paying blue chips like the ASX banks, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

    Dividends are returning to the ASX

    As most ASX investors would know, 2020 was an absolutely disastrous year for ASX dividends. Last year saw the ASX banks slash their payouts by more than 50%, with Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) failing to pay a bi-annual dividend for the first time in decades.

    But 2021 has seen dividends return, and dramatically so. We’re only half way through the calendar year, but already there are strong signs that ASX 200 dividends are returning to levels ASX investors were used to. But alongside the prospect of increasing dividends, another form of capital return has been growing in discussion, that of share buybacks. Telstra’s recent sale of half of its mobile towers business is one such example. In its market announcement detailing this sale, Telstra CEO Andy Penn said the following:

    We then expect to return 50 per cent of net proceeds to shareholders. We anticipate providing further details about the manner in which we will return those proceeds, including a potential share buy-back in FY22, at our full-year results in August.

    Buybacks as well?

    Further, we also recently discussed the prospects of share buybacks for the ASX banks. The banks’ boards are also considering returning excess capital to shareholders. They might do this with a combination of dividends and buybacks. But, with all of this ‘floating’ going on, investors in these companies might be wondering: which is preferable? Well, that’s a good question.

    We probably all know how a dividend works, but here’s a quick refresher. A dividend is a cash payment made by a company to its shareholders. As we touched on before, many ASX shares’ dividends also come with franking credits. These credits further enhance shareholder returns by essentially attaching a tax deduction to the dividends, which investors can use to offset other taxable income. Or else claim as a cash refund. For most people, dividend income is assessed as normal income on your tax return.

    A share buyback works in a completely different way though. Instead of sending cash out the door as a dividend, a company instead uses the cash to ‘buy back’ its own shares on the share market. This obviously reduces the number of shares in circulation, which gives existing shareholders increased ownership of the company. All other things being equal, this buyback will increase the earnings per share (EPS) of the company, seeing as earnings (and potential dividends) are divided between fewer shares.

    As such, a share buyback will normally result in a proportionate increase in the price of each share (under the laws of supply and demand, less supply means higher prices). As such, a share buyback also benefits existing shareholders.

    But which is better?

    But share buybacks have a distinct advantage here. They increase the wealth (at least on paper) of existing investors, without increasing said investors’ tax liability. The same can’t be said of a dividend. It’s for this reason that the legendary investor Warren Buffett has always preferred to give his investors a share buyback rather than a dividend. Indeed, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B) hasn’t even paid a dividend since the 1960s. But then again, some investors would be happier with cash in their pocket.

    So long story short, when it comes to dividends and buybacks, the investor wins either way. These two mechanisms just take different roads to get there.

    The post ASX blue chips set to unleash buybacks and dividends! But which is better? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    These Dividend Stocks Could Be Your Next Cash Kings (FREE REPORT)

    Motley Fool Australia’s Dividend experts recently released a brand-new FREE report revealing 3 dividend stocks with JUICY franked dividends that could keep paying you meaty dividends for years to come.

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    Don’t miss out! Simply click the link below to grab your free copy and discover these 3 high conviction stocks now.

    Returns As of 15th February 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Berkshire Hathaway (B shares). The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2023 $200 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), short January 2023 $200 puts on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), and short January 2023 $265 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares). The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway (B shares). 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 BWX, IPH, Novatti, & QBE shares are dropping

    A businessman holds his glasses in concern, indicating uncertainly in the ASX share price

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week on a high. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.5% to 7,301.7 points.

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

    BWX Ltd (ASX: BWX)

    The BWX share price is down over 2% to $5.11. This morning the personal care products company announced the completion of the acquisition of vegan-focused online retail platform operator Flora & Fauna. Investors may be disappointed that the new acquisition is only on track to achieve the low end of the guidance range BWX provided when first announcing the deal.

    IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

    The IPH share price is down 5% to $7.56. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Goldman Sachs this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the intellectual property services company’s shares to a neutral rating with an $8.35 price target. Goldman made the move on valuation grounds.

    Novatti Group Ltd (ASX: NOV)

    The Novatti share price has sunk 9% to 58 cents. The catalyst for this decline was the company raising $45 million at a 14% discount of 55 cents. This comprises a $40 million placement and a $5 million share purchase plan. These funds will be used to expand the company’s presence in existing markets, enter new markets, and acquire a 19.9% interest in Reckon Limited (ASX: RKN).

    QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

    The QBE share price is down 1% to $10.62. This morning the insurance giant revealed that Strand Fitness and others have filed a representative proceeding against QBE Insurance in the Federal Court of Australia. Those proceedings allege that QBE wrongfully denied cover to certain policyholders during the COVID 19 pandemic for losses arising from business interruption. QBE advised that the allegations will be defended. Nevertheless, it is satisfied that its reserving in respect of Business Interruption claims remains robust.

    The post Why BWX, IPH, Novatti, & QBE shares are dropping 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 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 recommended IPH Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended BWX Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended IPH 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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  • Province Resources (ASX:PRL) share price rockets 1000% in 2021

    Businessman doing superman and rocketing into the sky

    The Province Resources Ltd (ASX: PRL) share price has had a bumper year thus far. Shares in the natural resources company are up by more than 1000% since the start of the year.  

    Province Resources shares opened the year at around 1.3 cents, hitting a high of 25 cents in late April. Since then, shares in the company have consolidated, and are currently trading in the range of 14 to 15 cents per share.

    At the time of writing, the shares were swapping hands for 14.8 cents, up 13.46% on yesterday’s close.

    Lets take a closer look at what’s been happening.

    What’s been fuelling the Province Resources share price?

    The initial catalyst for the ballistic move in Province Resources shares can be traced back to mid-February. Around this time, Province Resources announced the acquisition of its Industrial Minerals and Renewable Green Hydrogen project.

    After trending higher, Province Resources shares went on to hit a high of 25 cents in late April.

    Shares in the company surged on news that Province Resources had entered a binding memorandum with French-based company Total Eren.

    The announcement noted both companies were to perform a feasibility study in view of potentially developing a major green hydrogen project in Western Australia.

    Following the announcement, the Province Resources share price began to wane.

    In addition, the company also launched an $18 million equity raising in May. In total, it issued 120 million shares at 15 cents.

    Province Resources said funds raised will be put towards advancing the scoping and feasibility studies at its HyEnergy Zero Carbon Hydrogen project.

    In addition, Province will also seek to further its mineral exploration portfolio.

    More on Province Resources

    Province is an ASX-listed natural resources company focused on mineral exploration, with projects in Australia and Sweden.

    The company is currently investigating the growing green energy market and the potential of renewable green hydrogen in Australia.

    In addition to launching projects and partnerships, Province Resources has been on the receiving end of favourable tailwinds in the green hydrogen sector.

    The post Province Resources (ASX:PRL) share price rockets 1000% in 2021 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Province 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 Province 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

    More reading

    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 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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  • Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price jumps on new four-step COVID-19 plan

    A smiling travel agent sitting at her desk working for Flight Centre

    The Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price is charging higher this afternoon. Shares in the booking platform provider are up 4.6% to $5.12.

    Webjet is not alone though, with other travel companies also gathering optimism. At the time of writing, Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT), Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD), and Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) are 4.8%, 2.4%, and 3.5% higher respectively.

    This follows the announcement of a new COVID-19 plan, shared at the government’s National Cabinet meeting today. Prime Minister Scott Morrison shared the plan which hopes to better manage the pandemic.

    New COVID-19 plan

    It appears investors are looking upon travel shares with a more optimistic lens today following the announcement of a new COVID-19 plan from the National Cabinet.

    The four-phase plan will be delineated by percentages of the eligible population vaccinated. Currently, we are in the first phase of this new endeavour to return to ‘normal’. This phase is all about ‘Vaccinate, prepare, and pilot’, according to Morrison.

    During this step, the government plans to temporarily reduce commercial inbound passenger international arrivals by 50% to ease pressure on quarantine facilities due to increased risks from the delta strain.

    Further to this, the National Cabinet agreed lockdowns in the current phase of the plan would only be used as a ‘last resort’. Although some states have responded that they are already implementing this approach. The problem is ‘last resort’ isn’t exactly a quantifiable distinction.

    Additionally, the government plans to adopt the Medicare digital vaccination certificate. The PM suggested that by the end of the month it would be able to be incorporated into Apple Wallets, “and the like”.

    A beacon of light for the Webjet share price

    The next phase (post-vaccination) of the plan poses lockdowns to occur only in extreme circumstances. In addition to this, arrival caps would be increased – particularly for vaccinated persons.

    Where it starts to look interesting for travel shares such as Webjet is the third phase. This is where the plan would remove lockdowns as a control measure entirely and vaccinated persons be exempt from all restrictions, that includes outbound travel.

    Hence, if/when we get to this phase, travel companies may start to see international segments come back to life. Mr Morrison pointed out that this would be the phase where travel bubbles may be extended to Singapore and other destinations.

    Speaking to the press today, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said:

    What it means is, Australia gets vaccinated, Australia is able to live differently. Winning in the post-vaccination phase looks very different to winning in the phase we are in now. Winning now, means we suppress the virus as best as we can.

    The announcement follows Webjet CEO, John Guscic’s calls for clear frameworks governing when international borders will open and close, in order to give travellers booking confidence.

    We’ve seen significant long-lead time bookings for markets that are currently amber, where they’re making a prediction they will go to green.

    From here the plan will go to the COVID-19 Risk Analysis and Response Taskforce to make recommendations for finalisation. The PM anticipates this will be done over the course of the month.

    Webjet share price in the rearview

    The Webjet share price has endured a volatile year so far in 2021. Between February and March, the company’s shares rallied while domestic restrictions were minimal.

    However, the impact of the more virulent delta strain has taken a toll on many travel shares. Even with today’s gain, the Webjet share price year-to-date remains flat.

    The post Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price jumps on new four-step COVID-19 plan 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 May 24th 2021

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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 owns shares of and has recommended Corporate Travel Management Limited and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel 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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  • ACCC fines Nine Entertainment (ASX:NEC) for ‘excessive’ surcharges

    asx share penalty represented by lots of fingers pointing at disgraced businessman Crown royal commission WA

    Shares in Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) fell from their good start today following news the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) is fining the media company for overcharging its customers.

    After the news broke, the Nine Entertainment share price dropped 2.05% into the red to trade at $2.85 apiece. However, it has since recovered and is currently bumping along close to its previous closing price of $2.88.

    The penalties imposed by the watchdog total $159,840 and are spread across 6 of the conglomerates’ subsidiaries.

    Let’s take a closer look at Nine’s journey into the ACCC’s bad books.

    Infringements issued

    According to an ACCC release, Nine Entertainment has been handed 12 infringement notices for allegedly charging “excessive” payment surcharges.

    On top of the fine, Nine will be returning around $450,000 to affected advertisers, home delivery and digital subscription customers.

    According to the ACCC, it holds concerns that Nine has been overcharging some customers since it merged with Fairfax Media in 2018.

    The infringement notices regarded surcharges on Mastercard Inc (NYSE: MA) and Visa Inc (NYSE: V) payments between August 2020 and December 2020.

    During this time, surcharges of between 0.9% and 1.55% were added to Nine’s customer’s payments. The ACCC noted the surcharges imposed were between 0.09% and 0.84% more than it cost Nine to process the transactions.

    The ACCC sent infringement notices to Fairfax Media Management, Nine Radio Operations, Fairfax Media Publications, NBN, Nine Digital, and Nine Network Australia.

    As a result, Nine will return to around 220,000 subscribers a cash adjustment of $1.92 – the average excess payment surcharge. In some cases, it will offer subscribers an extension of their subscription. It will also offer to refund the surcharge to affected advertising clients.

    According to the ACCC, Nine has now fixed the disparity in its surcharges.

    Commentary from ACCC

    ACCC’s deputy chair Mick Keogh commented on Nine’s infringements, saying:

    A payment surcharge is excessive and in breach of the law if it exceeds the costs to the business of processing the payment.

    While the average over-charge per consumer was relatively small, given the number of transactions processed by Nine, this added up to a significant amount.

    Nine Entertainment share price snapshot

    The Nine Entertainment share price has been performing well in 2021 – gaining 24% since the beginning of the year.

    It’s also 107% higher than it was this time last year.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $4.9 billion, with approximately 1.7 billion shares outstanding.

    The post ACCC fines Nine Entertainment (ASX:NEC) for ‘excessive’ surcharges appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Nine Entertainment right now?

    Before you consider Nine Entertainment, 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 Nine Entertainment 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. owns shares of and has recommended Mastercard and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Mastercard. 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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