The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Lovisa, Pro Medicus, and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aurizon, Bapcor, CSL, Eagers Automotive Ltd, Jb Hi-Fi, Lovisa, Pro Medicus, and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) results are due out Tuesday morning, and it could be a huge day of trading for the healthcare stock.

Already on Monday CSL shares plunged more than more than 5% at one stage after unfavourable test results for its CSL112 drug was disclosed.

History suggests, though, that if the latest financial figures look good, CSL shares could more than wipe out that loss plus more.

Biotech stocks can swing wildly

This time two years ago, CSL’s report revealed that it had implemented efficiencies in its plasma collection network while it was dormant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That news, a US$1.7 billion half-year profit, and a confirmation of its forward guidance sent the share price soaring 8.5% that day.

For a huge biotechnology company like CSL, it doesn’t take much to get the market excited enough to move the dial on valuation.

So there is no reason why this can’t happen again this Tuesday.

eToro market analyst Josh Gilbert noted that CSL’s 2023 financial results had been well received by investors, sending the share price 10% higher since last reporting season.

“Shareholders were pleased with the healthcare giant’s FY23 results, where revenue growth went up 31% year-over-year to US$13.31 billion, and the company’s FY24 guidance continued to hold firm,” he said.

“CSL’s projected underlying profit range of US$2.9 billion to US$3 billion for FY24 has provided reassurance to investors eagerly anticipating the company’s half-year results.”

Everyone craving direction on CSL shares

One risk highlighted recently was regulatory developments coming out of Europe.

“The company’s share price faced a decline [last] week following news of a UK investigation into alleged anti-competitive behaviour from CSL Vifor. 

“If found guilty, CSL faces potential fines and reputational damage, which may impact the company’s FY24 results.”

Considering the mixed signals, investors will be seeking some sort of firm direction on Tuesday morning.

“They are keen to ascertain whether CSL has sustained its course toward recovery following the turbulence its share price experienced in 2023.”

Professional investors are still pretty keen on CSL shares, with 12 out of 14 analysts currently rating the healthcare giant as a buy.

The post CSL shares could pop 9% on surprising results if history repeats itself appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why CSL, Fletcher Building, Skycity, and Wildcat shares are falling today
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• 3 things ASX investors should watch this week
• Own CSL shares? What to expect from its half-year results
• Here’s how the ASX 200 market sectors stacked up this week

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price has sunk like a stone in the last few months, dropping over 60% in four months. Is Gina Rinehart about to ride to the rescue of the ASX lithium share?

Readers may remember that a few months ago, Liontown was the target of a takeover bid by a global lithium giant. But, Rinehart’s entity called Hancock Prospecting decided to come in and buy a fifth of the business. Thus, Albemarle Corp (NYSE: ALB) decided to walk away.

Now it’s being speculated that Rinehart may want to buy the whole of Liontown Resources.

Takeover talk intensifies

According to reporting by The Australian, some investors think a takeover is more likely by the mining billionaire. Interestingly, the Liontown share price rose by 14% last week, though it gave up some of those gains today.

Rinehart’s entity bought those shares a few months ago at a share price of approximately $3.

The newspaper reported that under the Corporations Act’s minimum bid provisions, 11 February 2024 was the end of the period that Hancock Prospecting was forced to wait to buy Liontown for less than the price paid for that 19.9% stake.

The Australian then said that market speculation about a possible takeover move “has intensified in recent days.”

What’s happening with the lithium price?

As an ASX mining share, the commodity price plays a big part in how much investors are willing to pay for Liontown shares because it influences how much profit it could make in the future.

Increasing supply and stuttering demand growth (particularly from China) have seen the lithium price fall substantially over the past 15 months.

Forecasts for the lithium price suggest it’s not going to improve much for years. However, forecasts can change – investors may have been too optimistic in 2022 and may have become too pessimistic in 2024, or they could be right. Time will tell.

Liontown is assessing what it’s going to spend its money on so that it can preserve capital and reduce the near-term funding requirements of the project. There’s no change to the 3 million tonnes per annum plant capacity design that the company is currently constructing. The fall in the lithium price has led to the ASX lithium share needing to change to a smaller debt facility.

Liontown share price snapshot

Over the past year, the Liontown share price is down by 31%.

The post Rinehart’s next move: Why Liontown shares could be on the menu appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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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. 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 Scott Phillips.

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Income investors looking for dividend options might want to read on.

That’s because listed below are two ASX dividend stocks that analysts are recommending as buys.

Here’s what you need to know about them:

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

If you’re not averse to investing in the mining sector, then Rio Tinto could be worth a look.

It is one of the world’s largest miners with world class operations across multiples commodities. This includes copper, iron ore, and even lithium.

Goldman Sachs thinks that Rio Tinto could be an ASX dividend stock to buy right now.

The broker highlights that “Rio is a FCF and production growth story in our view, with forecast Cu Eq production growth of ~5-6% in 2024 & 2025.”

It expects this to underpin fully franked dividends per share of US$4.61 (A$7.07) in FY 2024 and then US$4.62 (A$7.09) in FY 2025. Based on the latest Rio Tinto share price of $129.02, this will mean yields of 5.5% in both years.

Goldman has a buy rating and $140.50 price target on its shares.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Another ASX dividend stock that could be a buy according to analysts is youth fashion retailer Universal Store.

It is the owner of the eponymous Universal Store brand, as well as the Thrills and Worship brands.

Combined, Morgans believes the company has an “attractive array of medium-term growth prospects.”

It also believes Universal Store will be well-positioned to pay some very attractive dividends in the near term. It is forecasting forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 26 cents in FY 2024 and 29 cents in FY 2025. Based on the current Universal Store share price of $4.21, this will mean yields of 6.2% and 6.9%, respectively.

Morgans has an add rating and $4.55 price target on its shares.

The post Buy Rio Tinto and this ASX dividend stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. 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 Scott Phillips.

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If you have space in your portfolio for some new ASX growth shares, then it could be worth checking out the three listed below.

That’s because they have all recently been named as buys and tipped to rise meaningfully from current levels.

Here’s what you need to know about these growth shares:

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

Morgans thinks that Flight Centre could be an ASX growth share to buy right now.

The broker believes the “benefits of FLT’s transformed business model” means that the company is “well placed over coming years.”

Morgans currently has an add rating and $26.00 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 20% for investors from current levels.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Goldman Sachs believes that location technology company Life360 is another ASX growth share to buy right now.

It highlights that the company’s “US$12bn global TAM with a large opportunity to expand its product suite, grow average revenue per paying circle (ARPPC), increase payer conversion, and lift penetration rates outside of the US.”

In addition, the broker sees “potential structural profitability tailwinds on the horizon from a reduction in effective app store fees.”

Goldman has a buy rating and $10.50 price target on its shares. This suggests potential upside of 34% from current levels.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

Goldman Sachs also thinks that enterprise software provider TechnologyOne could be an ASX growth share to buy this month.

Its analysts believe the company is well-placed for growth and trading on attractive multiples. They highlight that “TNE trades at a discount to SaaS peers when adjusting for its growth outlook.”

This is despite its dominant market position, defensive end markets, and mission-critical systems deserving to “command a premium valuation.”

Goldman has a buy rating and $18.05 price target on Technology One’s shares. This would mean 11% upside for investors if the broker is on the money with its recommendation.

The post Analysts tip 10% to 30% returns for these ASX growth shares in 2024 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group, Life360, and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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It’s usually one of the biggest setpieces of the ASX earnings season, and this February, it’s likely that Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)’s latest report won’t fail to live up to that reputation. And, as usual, the next CBA dividend is set to be centre stage.

CBA is scheduled to deliver its next half-yearly earnings report this Wednesday, 14 February. That’s when we’ll get the measure of how the six months to 31 December 2023 have treated the largest ASX 200 bank share.

It’s also when we’ll know just how big CBA’s 2024 interim dividend is going to be. No doubt CBA’s army of shareholders will be hoping for a very loving Valentine’s gift from the bank.

Like most ASX blue-chip shares, CBA tends to pay out a dividend every six months.

Last year, investors were delighted when the bank dramatically upped its dividends over the previous year’s payouts. The March interim dividend of $2.10 per share (fully franked of course) was a big jump over 2022’s equivalent payout worth $1.75 per share. Likewise, CBA’s September final dividend of $2.40 was another big leap higher compared to the prior payment of $2.10.

2023 was also a record year for CBA. The bank finally exceeded its previous record set in pre-COVID 2019 by forking out an annual $4.50 in dividends per share.

So could 2024 set an even fresher record? Will the cash flows from this dividend fountain of a stock get even stronger?

CBA dividend in focus this Valentine’s Day

Sadly for investors, one ASX expert reckons it’s not likely. As reported in The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) this week, Brendan Sproules, banking analyst at Citi Group, is very wary of all of the bank stocks right now. And CBA in particular.

Sproules is expecting a mixed showing from the ASX bank on Wednesday. He told the SMH that he was anticipating CBA profits would beat consensus and “crack the $5 billion mark” thanks to lower bad debts.

However, he is going the other way when it comes to the bank’s dividend. Sproules is pencilling in an interim dividend of $2.10 per share for 2024. That is 3% below the prevailing consensus amongst analysts and would mirror 2023’s interim payment. Here’s what he said on the matter:

We think the board will be wary of lifting the dividend when core earnings are falling [and as the bank heads] into a deteriorating credit quality environment.

For what it’s worth, the report also quoted Andrew Triggs of JPMorgan. Triggs warned investors to watch out for falling margins at CBA, and also described the current CBA share price as “impossible to justify” at its current valuation.

Probably not the Valentine CBA investors are hoping for this Wednesday. But let’s see what the bank comes out with.

The post Why the CBA dividend fountain will be in focus this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 top ASX bank shares hit 52-week highs today: Is there still value to be found?
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JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended JPMorgan Chase. 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 Scott Phillips.

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The Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ) share price is pushing higher on Monday afternoon.

At the time of writing, the rail freight operator’s shares are 3% to $3.87.

Investors have been buying Aurizon’s shares following the release of its half-year results.

Aurizon share price higher on results release

Here’s a summary of how the company performed during the six months ended 31 December:

• Revenue up 16% to $1,972 million
• Underlying EBITDA up 26% to $847 million
• Underlying net profit after tax up 40% to $237 million
• Underlying earnings per share up 40% to 12.9 cents
• Interim dividend per share up 39% to 9.7 cents

What happened during the half?

During the first half, Aurizon was on form and delivered a 16% increase in revenue to $1,972 million and a 26% jump in underlying EBITDA to $847 million.

The latter was driven by growth across all businesses.

Coal EBITDA increased 23% to $283 million, with higher revenue resulting from increased volumes (up 4%) and improved revenue yield due to the mix of volume between corridors and customers, in addition to CPI indexation.

Aurizon’s Bulk EBITDA increased 12% to $112 million. This was driven by volume recovery and new contracts, offset by customer specific production issues and lower grain volumes

The star of the show was its Network business. Network EBITDA increased 34% to $486 million thanks to a recovery in volumes (up 3%) and an uplift in the Maximum Allowable Revenue.

On the bottom line, underlying net profit after tax was up 40% to $237 million, which allowed the Aurizon board to lift its interim dividend by 39% to 9.7 cents per share.

How does this compare to expectations?

This result was slightly ahead of expectations, which explains why the Aurizon share price is lifting today.

Here’s what Goldman Sachs is saying about the result:

Group Revenue of A$1,972m was +1% vs. GSe and +3% vs. Visible Alpha Consensus Data. Group EBITDA of A$847m was +3% vs. GSe and consensus. Assuming a 50% 1H/2H skew, this run rate is ~3.6% above the FY24 guidance midpoint (range A$1,590-1,680m).

Management commentary

Aurizon managing director and CEO, Andrew Harding, was pleased with the half. He said:

This was a strong result for the half, underpinned by solid performance in the Network and Coal businesses and with continued revenue and volume growth in Bulk and Containerised Freight. Further investments were made during 1HFY2024 in new rollingstock, port and terminal equipment across our national footprint and will continue in 2HFY2024 aligned with equipment delivery. This will ensure Aurizon is well-positioned for current growth opportunities, as well as emerging markets.

Outlook

Management has maintained its guidance for FY 2024. It expects group underlying EBITDA in a range of $1,590 million to $1,680 million.

It is also guiding to sustaining capex of $600 million to $660 million (including ~$40 million of transformational project capital) and growth capex of $250 million to $300 million.

The Aurizon share price is now up 12% over the last 12 months.

The post Aurizon share price charges higher on half-year earnings beat appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aurizon. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the week with a small decline. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.2% to 7,630.5 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is down 5% to $290.02. Investors have been hitting the sell button after the biotechnology company released disappointing results from a major trial. CSL was running the Phase 3 AEGIS-II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of CSL112 compared to placebo in reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Unfortunately, the study did not meet its primary efficacy endpoint of MACE reduction at 90 days.

Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU)

The Fletcher Building share price was down 6% to $3.70 before being paused from trade. There has been speculation that the building products company could be planning an equity raise. Fletcher Building will reveal all once its shares return to trade.

Skycity Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SKC)

The Skycity share price is down 2.5% to $1.92. This morning, it was revealed that the Department of Internal Affairs intends to commence civil proceedings against the company for non-compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat share price is down 12% to 47. 5 cents. This is despite there being no news out of the lithium explorer on Monday. Though, it worth noting that a number of ASX lithium shares are falling today. And with Wildcat’s shares rocketing higher last week, they seems to be falling more than most during today’s session.

The post Why CSL, Fletcher Building, Skycity, and Wildcat shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 things ASX investors should watch this week
• Own CSL shares? What to expect from its half-year results
• Here’s how the ASX 200 market sectors stacked up this week
• Morgans says these ASX 50 shares are strong buys

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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It’s been an interesting day on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) so far this Monday. At the present time, the ASX 200 has slipped by 0.15%, leaving the index at just above 7,630 points. But, unusually, we are still seeing some healthy rises from the big four ASX 200 bank shares today.

Because the banks form such a large chunk of the overall ASX 200 Index, it’s common to see their collective movements dictate what the broader market is doing. But not so today.

Right now, all four of the major banks are enjoying decent share price rises.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are presently up 0.36% to $116.66.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) stock has risen 0.7% to $24.54.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares have gained 1.25% to $32.78.

And the ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price has lifted 1.37% to $28.06.

But it gets even better.

ASX 200 banks see a flurry of new 52-week highs

Three of those big four banks have also hit new 52-week highs today.

ANZ touched a new high watermark of $28.06 a share around midday.

NAB stock hit $32.80 around the same time.

As did Westpac, for its own fresh high of $24.56.

CBA is the odd one out today. Saying that, it was only last month that we saw the ASX 200’s largest bank clock a new all-time, record high of $118.24.

The ASX 200 banks are some of the most popular shares on our stock market, thanks in no small part to the generous (and usually fully franked) dividends these stocks usually fork out every year.

So should investors still be considering investing in these ASX bank shares when they’re at these fresh highs?

Are the bank shares still buys at new 52-week highs?

Well, I think it’s rather subjective, with no right answer. Personally, I’m not too tempted by any of the banks right now.

CBA shares look expensive, as they always do.

My pick of the rest of them is NAB. I already own NAB shares, but I’m not even thinking about picking up any more at these kinds of prices.

As we discussed earlier this month, the recent (and significant) gains in the NAB share price have resulted in the dividend yield you can get for NAB shares dropping more than 20% over the past eight months. Today’s fresh highs for the bank would have ensured an even larger drop.

Back in June last year, you could snag a trailing dividend yield of 6.65% when buying NAB shares. But today, that yield has fallen to just 5.09%. In CBA’s case, we’re looking at a very un-banklike yield of just 3.86%. In the latter’s case, a significantly higher yield is available from a CBA term deposit right now.

While I’m not normally a proponent of timing the market when buying your shares, I do think that an investment in an ASX bank right now isn’t the most compelling value proposition.

If you’re a dividend investor who lives off of your portfolio income, then perhaps an investment in ANZ shares is still a decent idea. ANZ is currently leading the banks in terms of yield, with its 6.23% offering today. Westpac is also looking relatively attractive, with its yield of 5.78%.

Further, ANZ has today just given investors a well-received trading update. In contrast, we’re still waiting for some 2024 data from the other big four banks. I don’t normally like buying a share in the run-up to earning season, given there is usually a fair bit of market speculation going on.

But for anyone else, there are probably better places to look in my view.

The post 3 top ASX bank shares hit 52-week highs today: Is there still value to be found? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in National Australia Bank. 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 Scott Phillips.

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In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the week with a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.2% to 7,629.5 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

Audinate Group Ltd (ASX: AD8)

The Audinate share price is up 20% to $19.20. This morning, this media networking solutions provider released its half year results and reported record revenue and EBITDA. Revenue was up 47.7% to US$30.4 million (A$46.6 million) and EBITDA jumped 137% to A$10.1 million. The company’s key Chips, Cards and Modules (CCM) business reported a 45.6% increase in revenue to US$22.7 million.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

The Beach Energy share price is up 4.5% to $1.73. Investors have been buying the energy producer’s shares after it posted a 16% increase in revenue to $941 million for the first half. And while its underlying EBITDA fell 1% to $488 million, this appears to have still been better than expected.

Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL)

The Calix share price is up 6.5% to $2.26. This morning, this environmental technology company announced the completion of a Front-End Engineering and Design (FFED) study for a 30,000 tonne per annum Zero Emissions Steel Technology (ZESTY) Hydrogen Direct Reduced Iron (H-DRI) demonstration plant. The study was supported with funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH)

The JB Hi-Fi share price is up almost 7% to $60.41. This follows the release of the retailer’s half year results this morning. JB Hi-Fi’s total sales were down 2.3% to $5.16 billion and its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) were down 20% to $386.7 million. However, the market was expecting EBIT of $358.2 million, which means the company smashed expectations.

The post Why Audinate, Beach Energy, Calix, and JB Hi-Fi shares are charging higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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More reading

• Everything you need to know about the reduced JB Hi-Fi dividend
• Guess which ASX 300 stock is rocketing 17% after record half
• JB Hi-Fi share price jumps 5% after smashing first-half earnings estimates
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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 positions in and has recommended Audinate Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Audinate Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Jb Hi-Fi. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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