The Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) share price has gone up by more than 6% after the payments business announced more growth in the final quarter of its 2022 financial year. Meantime, Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares are not having a strong finish to the week – they’re down 1.89%.

It has been a very different 12 months for two of the biggest buy now, pay later (BNPL) businesses in the world. Let’s check Block’s share price movement, shown in the chart below.

Amazingly, the Block share price is at the same level as it was 12 months ago. That’s largely thanks to a 25% rise in 2023 to date.

However, the Zip share price is down around 75% over the past year, including a 6% fall in 2023 to date.

Block’s fourth quarter

The ASX payments share announced that in the fourth quarter, it generated gross profit of $1.66 billion, which was an increase of 40% year over year.

Square’s gross profit increased 22% to $801 million, while the cash app gross profit jumped by 64% year over year to $848 million.

Block’s adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) jumped 53% to $281 million.

However, it did report a net loss of $114 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. That compares to the $15 million loss in the third quarter of 2022 and the $77 million loss in the fourth quarter of 2021.

This meant that while 2022 gross profit jumped 36% to $5.99 billion, adjusted EBITDA dropped 2% to $991 million, while the net loss came in at $541 million.

Adjusted EBITDA didn’t increase; it’s still close to that $1 billion level.

Zip still making cash losses

Zip’s latest result – for the six months to 31 December 2022 – didn’t quite reignite investor interest. Indeed, the Zip share price is down more than 25% in the past month.

While it revealed revenue growth of 19% to $351 million and cash gross profit up 20%, its ‘core cash EBITDA’ came in at a loss of $33.2 million, though this was an improvement of $27.3 million from the $60.5 million loss in the FY22 first half.

But, there were some positive signs, including the revenue margin improving by 50 basis points year over year to 7.1%. Credit losses were 1.9% of total transaction value (TTV), an improvement from 2.4% in the HY22 result.

Zip also said it’s going to take actions to divest, restructure, or wind down these businesses, which is expected to “neutralise cash burn and deliver additional cash inflows during the second half of FY23″.

The company believes it has the strategy and funding runway to deliver group positive cash flow during the FY24 first half.

Zip said that it had $78.5 million of available cash and liquidity at 31 December 2022.

Block is winning the race

Not only is Block’s cash profit improving at a faster rate, but it’s also making substantial profit while it grows. Zip is still trying to make itself sustainable, and it doesn’t have a lot of spare liquidity, though the numbers are trending in the right direction.

Ultimately, I think businesses should be valued based on how profitable they can be in the future. Block seems to be doing a better job at being sustainable than Zip, for now. The changing interest rate environment has really pulled the rug out from under Zip’s momentum.

I also think Block’s underlying earnings make Block shares more attractive than Zip shares.

The post Is Block one-upping Zip shares with its double-digit growth? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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More reading

• Block share price jumps 7% on Q4 profit beat
• Earnings preview: Here are the ASX shares reporting on Friday
• Why Platinum, Qantas, Red 5, and Zip shares are dropping today
• Zip share price lower on $243m first-half loss
• Earnings preview: Here are the ASX shares reporting on Thursday

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 positions in and has recommended Block and Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block. 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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Well, it’s looking like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) will have a positive end to the trading week after all. After three days of falls in a row, the ASX 200 has turned a corner so far this Friday, with the index currently up a healthy 0.27% at just over 7,300 points.

So let’s now dig a little deeper into these share market gains by taking stock of the ASX 200 shares that are currently topping the share market’s trading volume charts at present, according to investing.com.

The 3 most traded ASX 200 shares by volume this Friday

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH)

Our first share this Friday is ASX 200 gaming company Tabcorp holdings. So far today, a hefty 30.5 million Tabcorp shares have made their way across the ASX boards. There’s been no official news or announcements out of Tabcorp today. But saying that, the Tabcorp share price has had a very positive day indeed.

The company has gained a healthy 2.87% so far, putting Tabcorp at $1 a share at present. Tabcorp has had a bouncy week ever since reporting its latest earnings on Tuesday, so no doubt investors will welcome this happy end to the week (touch wood).

Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA)

ASX 200 lithium stock Sayona is next up this Friday. So far this session, a sizeable 32.84 million Sayona shares have swum through the share market. There’s been no news out of Sayona today either.

But that hasn’t stopped this company’s shares from rocketing a pleasing 5.44% so far to just over 24 cents per share. Some big news from a fellow lithium stock (stay tuned) could be the reason why Sayona is spiking, and we are seeing so many shares flying around.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

Our third, final and most traded ASX 200 share today is another lithium stock in Pilbara Minerals. This Friday has had a notable 33.33 million Pilbara shares trade hands as it currently stands. Pilbara has revealed its latest earnings today, and (as we just flagged), they contained some big news.

The company has just announced its maiden dividend payment. Investors will be receiving Pilbara’s first-ever dividend of 11 cents per share on 24 March. The market is evidently very excited by this news, as well as the impressive metrics Pilbara reported this morning, and has sent the company’s shares up a meaty 3.24% so far today to $4.62 each.

All of these factors are probably why Pilbara is topping out ASX 200 volume charts this Friday.

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

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More reading

• Why Accent, Brambles, Infomedia, and Pilbara Minerals shares are pushing higher
• Pilbara Minerals share price charging higher on maiden dividend
• Which ASX 200 lithium share takes the crown for dividend yield right now?
• Everything you need to know about the inaugural Pilbara Minerals dividend
• Pilbara Minerals share price on watch amid 989% profit surge

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

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ASX dividend shares might be looking particularly tempting this year amid still-high inflation and the cost of living. After all, dividend stocks typically provide inflation protection and extra cash a few times each year.

But not all ASX dividend shares are built equal. Not to mention, picking those worth buying might appear particularly difficult after the market rallied last month.

However, I believe that looking for a few key qualities could help to determine if a passive income stock is really a buy in 2023.

Three factors I think can point to a quality ASX dividend share

Competitive advantages

Buying ASX dividend shares with competitive advantages could prove a winning tactic. Companies with competitive advantages are often set up to push through tough times relatively unscathed compared to their peers.

Such advantages could be a loyal customer base, strong pricing power, a unique product, or a recognisable brand, to name a few.

Defensive characteristics

Another green tick I’d look for in shares in 2023 is defensive qualities. Of course, a company with competitive advantages will generally also be more defensive than one without.

However, truly defensive stocks offer products or services that are indispensable to their customers.

Thus, their revenue and profits will largely be protected no matter the economic environment. That might be particularly important in 2023 as Australians bear the brunt of consecutive interest rate hikes and inflation.

Examples of arguably defensive dividend shares include Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), CSL Limited (ASX: CSL), and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).

An affordable payout ratio

Finally, I’d look for ASX dividend shares with an affordable payout ratio.

While it might seem counterintuitive for passive income investors to buy ASX shares with lower dividend payout ratios, I think it could be a prudent move.

That’s because a company handing nearly all its profits to investors probably won’t have nearly as much left over to fund growth. And growth could very well equal bigger dividends in the future.

Not to mention, whopping payout ratios or dividend yields might indicate a share is cyclical.

While there’s nothing wrong with buying cyclical shares, they very, very rarely hold the defensive characteristics I tend to look for.

Though, it is worth noting that no investment is guaranteed to provide returns, no matter how well-considered they are.

Bonus: ASX dividend shares trading for good prices

Imagine I’d just found a share housing all three qualities I’m looking for. There’s just one more question to ask. And it’s potentially the most important.

Is the stock trading at a good price?

Buying ASX dividend shares – or any share for that matter – for more than their worth is a reliable way to slow down returns.

Some simple ways to help determine if a share is trading for a good price include its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio or price-to-book (P/B) ratio.

The post How I’d determine the best types of ASX dividend shares to buy in 2023 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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More reading

• 3 ASX All Ords shares making moves today following earnings, one up 16%
• Why Clinuvel, Cogstate, Omni Bridgeway, and Westgold shares are sinking
• 7 ASX 200 shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• 3 ASX 300 shares soaring to new 52-week highs on Friday
• Why Accent, Brambles, Infomedia, and Pilbara Minerals shares are pushing higher

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 positions in and has recommended CSL. 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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These three S&P/ASX All Ords (ASX: XAO) shares are having a mixed day on the market after the release of their latest results today.

Helia Group is the standout of these ASX All Ords shares after the company announced a big lift in earnings per share (EPS) and a sizeable combined interim and special dividend of 41 cents per share.

Let’s take a look.

Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI)

Helia shareholders are throwing a party today after the company declared a combined 41-cent interim and special dividend and a 53% increase in undiluted earnings per share (EPS).

The ASX All Ords share is soaring today, up 16.25% to $3.255 apiece at the time of writing.

The mortgage insurance provider released its 2022 annual report today. It revealed a statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $186.8 million, down 3.1% on the prior corresponding period (pcp), and an underlying NPAT of $288.4 million, up 21.3% pcp. Statutory NPAT was materially lower as a result of pre-tax unrealised mark-to-market investment losses of $140.3 million due to rising bond rates.

The separation from Genworth Financial Inc (NYSE: GNW) was completed on time and under budget in H2 FY22. The company noted that it retained all its customers in the changeover process.

Both the interim and special dividends will be fully franked and payable on 24 March.

Impedimed Limited (ASX: IPD)

This ASX All Ords share fell to an intraday low of 5.6 cents, down 3.45%, before rebounding to be flat for the day at 5.8 cents at the time of writing.

In its half-year results, the medical devices company announced a 10% increase in revenue to $5,655,000 and a net loss attributable to members of $10,815,000 — up 21% pcp.

Impedimed said the oncology division would be its primary focus for 2H FY23. The company noted a need to look at private payer reimbursement, expanding the sales platform in advance of reimbursement, and completing the SOZO II hardware development and submitting it for US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance.

Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT)

This ASX All Ords share is up 5.24% to $6.935 at the time of writing.

The semiconductor technology company also released its half-year results today. It reported no revenue and a $22,276,150 loss due to research and development costs. This is up 3.5% pcp.

The company said it had “achieved several key technical and commercial milestones” during the half.

Weebit expects to achieve its first revenue later in 2023. The company says it is “well positioned to productise its ReRAM technology”.

The post 3 ASX All Ords shares making moves today following earnings, one up 16% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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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In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has followed Wall Street’s lead and is on course to end the week on a positive note. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.3% to 7,308.4 points.

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

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV)

The Clinuvel share price is down 3% to $23.33. This is despite the release of the pharmaceutical company’s half-year results, which revealed explosive earnings growth. Clinuvel reported a 19% increase in revenue and a 94% jump in profit after tax. This was driven by growth in prescriptions and expert centres administering the Scenesse therapy.

CogState Limited (ASX: CGS)

The CogState share price is down 25% to $1.22. This neuroscience technology company advised that it expects to report a 12% decline in first-half clinical trials revenue to $17.1 million and breakeven profit before tax. This soft performance has been driven by a slower than expected enrolment of patients by pharmaceutical companies in a small number of their large Alzheimer’s trials.

Omni Bridgeway Ltd (ASX: OBL)

The Omni Bridgeway share price has crashed 18% to $2.97. Investors have been selling this class action funder’s shares since the release of its half-year results on Thursday. As well as a poor result, which saw Omni Bridgeway report a net loss after tax of $30.1 million, the company revealed that its long-serving CEO would be retiring from the role later this year.

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX)

The Westgold share price is down 5% to 91 cents. This morning, this gold miner released its half-year results and reported a 1% increase in revenue to $315 million but an $11.1 million loss after tax. This is down from a $19.9 million profit a year earlier.

The post Why Clinuvel, Cogstate, Omni Bridgeway, and Westgold shares are sinking appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 ASX All Ord shares being hammered on earnings today
• Why A2 Milk, Altium, Cogstate, and Ingenia shares are sinking today
• 3 small-cap ASX shares Celeste is riding off into the sunset on

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 Cogstate. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Cogstate. 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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Well, the ASX earnings season is in full swing. We’ve now heard from many ASX 200 shares as to how their finances are looking after the first half of FY2023. And, as most income investors would know, earnings season means dividend season.

Many ASX 200 shares like to pay out their dividends fairly soon after reporting their most recent numbers. But before a company can pay out a dividend, it must first choose an ex-dividend date, cutting off new investors from receiving the said dividend.

Loads of ASX 200 shares have already traded ex-dividend for their latest dividend payments. But there are quite a few that are scheduled for next week.

So let’s discuss seven such shares that are about to cut investors off from their latest shareholder payments and trade ex-dividend for their next dividend.

7 ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend next week

Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)

ASX 200 iron ore miner Fortescue is first up. Fortescue shares will go ex-dividend on Monday, 27 February, for the upcoming interim dividend. Investors will receive a reduced 75 cents per share, fully franked dividend payment on 29 March next month.

Santos Ltd (ASX :STO)

ASX 200 energy share Santos is next up. Santos will cut investors off from eligibility for its next interim dividend on Monday as well. Investors will then receive the 21.9 cents per share fully franked dividend on 29 March as well.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra delighted its investors with a dividend hike earlier this month. Investors will be bagging an 8.5 cents per share dividend, fully franked of course, on 31 March. But Telstra is going ex-dividend for this payment on Wednesday 1 March.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Next up is ASX 200 blue chip Woolworths. Woolies was another share that gave investors a dividend pay rise this earnings season. Shareholders can circle 13 April as payday for Woolworths’ interim dividend of 46 cents per share, fully franked.

But investors will need to own the company’s shares before the ex-dividend date of 2 March if they wish to receive it.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Not to be outdone by its arch-rival, Coles is also trading ex-div next week. Coles upped its own interim dividend as well this earnings season.

Coles owners will receive their payout a bit earlier than Woolies too, with 30 March as the date set for dividend payment of Coles’ 36 cents per share, fully franked dividend. But the companies are sharing 2 March as their ex-dividend date.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

Much to the delight of investors, AMP is returning to paying dividends in 2023 after a four-year drought. 1 March is the ex-dividend date for AMP’s next dividend payment.

Investors will then have to wait until 3 April to bag the 2.5 cents per share payment. This dividend will be only partially franked at 20%.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Finally, let’s talk about Treasury Wine. Treasury will give investors its next payment on 4 April – a fully franked interim dividend of 18 cents per share. But new shareholders will be cut off from this dividend when the company goes ex-dividend on 3 March.

Foolish takeaway

These aren’t the only major ASX 200 shares going ex-div next week though.

Watch out for Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), Amcor plc (ASX: AMC), Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP), Ampol Limited (ASX: ALD), Platinum Asset Management Ltd (ASX: PTM), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) and NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF) as well.

The post 7 ASX 200 shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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More reading

• Is Wesfarmers looking to sell off its remaining Coles shares?
• Own Woolworths shares? Supermarket giant moves to team up with Coles on recycling blitz
• Passive income watch: 4 ASX 200 shares that announced boosted dividends this week
• Looking to get in on the boosted Santos dividend? You better hurry!
• 7 more ideas for buying ASX shares this reporting season: expert

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc, Coles Group, Pro Medicus, and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, NIB Holdings, and Treasury Wine Estates. 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 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is back in the green for the first time since Monday, helped along by these three shares. They’ve each posted notable gains today, driving their share prices to their highest points in more than a year.

Right now, the ASX 300 is 0.27% higher at 7,265.3 points.

Let’s take a closer look at what might be boosting these ASX stocks to long-forgotten heights on Friday.

3 ASX 300 shares leaping to 52-week highs today

First up, the Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) share price leapt 1.9% to peak at $13.75 earlier today – the highest it’s been since late 2013.

Stock in the company behind retailers like Supercheap Auto and BCF has been on a roll since the release of its half-year earnings last week.

It posted a record half-year of sales, coming in at nearly $2 billion, while its profit for the period jumped 30% to $144 million.

The share price of fellow ASX 300 retailer Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1) is also in the green, roaring 10% to a new 52-week high of $2.36 on the release of its first-half earnings today.

The fashion and footwear retail group posted a 290% jump in profits for the half, reaching $58.3 million. That saw it boosting its interim dividend by 380% to 12 cents per share.

But “most pleasing”, according to CEO Daniel Agostinelli, was the performance of the company’s core brands, including Skechers, Platypus, Hype DC, The Athlete’s Foot, Vans, and Dr Martens.

Finally, shares in ASX 300 insurance broker network Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF) popped 0.5% to an all-time high of $5.88 earlier today before slipping into the red.

Like Super Retail and Accent before it, the company is a recent reporter. It dropped its first-half earnings on Tuesday.

Within them, it reported a 27% jump in underlying revenue – reaching $662.8 million – and an 18.2% increase in underlying net profit after tax (NPAT).  

The post 3 ASX 300 shares soaring to new 52-week highs on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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More reading

• Why Accent, Brambles, Infomedia, and Pilbara Minerals shares are pushing higher
• Accent share price races 10% higher after half-year profits triple
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why A2 Milk, Piedmont Lithium, QBE, and Super Retail shares are racing higher

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 positions in and has recommended Steadfast Group and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Steadfast Group and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group. 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 end the week with a small gain. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.2% to 7,301.6 points.

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

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

The Accent share price is up 6.5% to $2.28. Investors have been buying this fashion and footwear retailer’s shares following the release of a stellar half-year update. Accent reported a 39% increase in sales and a 290% jump in net profit after tax to $170.2 million. Another positive was that Accent increased its interim dividend by 380% to a fully franked 12 cents per share.

Brambles Limited (ASX: BXB)

The Brambles share price is up 8% to $13.00. This follows the release of the logistics solutions company’s half-year results. Brambles reported a 7% increase in sales revenue and a 9% lift in profit after tax. Looking ahead, management has upgraded its FY 2023 guidance. It now expects revenue growth of between 12% to 14% and underlying profit growth of between 15% to 18%.

Infomedia Limited (ASX: IFM)

The Infomedia share price is up 11% to $1.31. Investors have been buying this automotive industry software provider’s shares after it delivered a solid half-year result. Infomedia reported a 6.7% increase in revenue to $62.9 million and a 38.5% jump in net profit after tax to $4.8 million.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The Pilbara Minerals share price is up 3.5% to $4.63. This has been driven by the release of the lithium miner’s half-year results. Pilbara Minerals posted a 647% increase in revenue to $2.18 billion and a 989% increase in profit after tax to $1.24 billion. This allowed the company to declare its inaugural 11 cents per share fully franked interim dividend.

The post Why Accent, Brambles, Infomedia, and Pilbara Minerals shares are pushing higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Pilbara Minerals share price charging higher on maiden dividend
• This ASX 200 share is leaping 8% on bumper profits and a boosted dividend
• Infomedia share price shifts up a gear as profits surge almost 40%
• Which ASX 200 lithium share takes the crown for dividend yield right now?
• Everything you need to know about the inaugural Pilbara Minerals dividend

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 Infomedia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group and Infomedia. 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 Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is up 4.8% in afternoon trade on Friday. Shares are currently swapping hands for $4.69 apiece.

This comes following a 5.1% gain yesterday for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium stock.

Investors are bidding up the Pilbara Mineral share price following some very strong half-year results, released after market close yesterday.

Here’s what’s drawing investor interest.

What did the ASX 200 lithium stock report?

Pilbara Minerals reported growth across all the major financial metrics.

The miner’s spodumene concentrate production increased 83% from the first half of the 2022 financial year. This helped drive a 305% increase in revenue, which reached $2.2 billion.

Statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) leapt 989% from the prior corresponding half-year to $1.2 billion. The profit for the company’s half-year represents earnings per share (EPS) of 41.59 cents.

And the company strengthened its balance sheet to the tune of $1.6 billion, reporting a 31 December cash position of $2.2 billion.

“The stage is set for Pilbara Minerals to take massive growth steps in the months and years ahead. This is just the beginning,” a clearly pleased CEO, Dale Henderson said.

On the back of these strong results, and offering tailwinds to the Pilbara Minerals share price today, the board also declared its first-ever dividend of 11 cents per share, fully franked.

Pilbara Minerals shares trade ex-dividend on 2 March. If you own shares before then, you can expect payment on 24 March. At the current share price, the maiden dividend gives the company a trailing yield of 2.4%.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) is the only ASX 200 lithium stock that pays a higher trailing yield, currently at 2.6%.

Pilbara Minerals share price snapshot

With today’s intraday gains factored in the Pilbara Minerals share price – pictured below – is up 79% over the past 12 months.

The post Pilbara Minerals share price charging higher on maiden dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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More reading

• Why Accent, Brambles, Infomedia, and Pilbara Minerals shares are pushing higher
• Which ASX 200 lithium share takes the crown for dividend yield right now?
• Everything you need to know about the inaugural Pilbara Minerals dividend
• Pilbara Minerals share price on watch amid 989% profit surge
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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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ASX 200 shares are up a collective 0.37% today, with Brambles Limited (ASX: BXB) a shining outlier after the company released its 1H FY23 report.

Shares in the pallets, crates, and containers provider opened at $12.52, up 3.7% on yesterday’s close. The stock then gradually rose to an intraday high of $13.10, up 8.5%. The ASX 200 share is currently trading for $13.08, up 8.4%.

Let’s look into the detail of the company’s report.

ASX 200 share soars on big profit rise

Here are the highlights of 1H FY23 for Brambles:

• Sales revenue from continuing operations of US$2,931.5 million, up 7% on the prior corresponding period (pcp) of 1H FY22
• Underlying profit and operating profit from continuing operations of US$548.8 million, up 14% pcp
• Profit after tax US$331.1 million, up 9% pcp
• Basic earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations up 13% pcp to 24.1 US cents
• Cash flow from operations of US$140.4 million
• 35% franked interim dividend of 12.25 US cents payable on 13 April.

The dividend represents a 14% bump on the ASX 200 share’s last interim dividend of 10.75 US cents.

The EPS boost reflects earnings growth and the impact of the share buyback completed in June 2022.

What did management say?

Brambles CEO, Graham Chipchase commented:

This is an outstanding result for Brambles, with the business delivering strong revenue and profit growth with operating leverage despite the challenging external environment and ongoing inflationary pressures.

This performance reinforces the defensive nature of our business and highlights the critical role our pooled solutions play in supply chains today.

Chipchase said the company’s performance “demonstrates our ongoing financial discipline, including recovery of cost-to-serve increases, and delivery of benefits from the transformation programme”.

What’s next?

Brambles has upgraded its full-year guidance for revenue growth to between 12% and 14%. It also expects underlying profit growth of between 15% and 18%.

Brambles also announced the retirement of its chief financial officer (CFO), Nessa O’Sullivan today. O’Sullivan will step down as CFO and an executive director in the first quarter of the 2024 calendar year.

Recent history of this ASX 200 share

Over the past 12 months, the Brambles share price has increased by 31%.

The ASX 200 share has vastly outperformed the broader market, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) up by 4.5%.

The post This ASX 200 share is leaping 8% on bumper profits and a boosted dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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More reading

• Infomedia share price shifts up a gear as profits surge almost 40%
• Is Wesfarmers looking to sell off its remaining Coles shares?
• Star Entertainment shares return to trade after raising $595 million. What’s next?
• 3 ASX All Ord shares being hammered on earnings today
• Which ASX 200 lithium share takes the crown for dividend yield right now?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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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