• Which agricultural share is leading the ASX 200 today?

    A farmer stands in a field using his mobile phoneA farmer stands in a field using his mobile phone

    The Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) share price is among the top performers of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) at the time of writing.

    The Elders share price is currently up 1.81% to $8.99 in late afternoon trading.

    Earlier today, it reached an intraday high of $9.21, up 4.3%.

    Hang on, didn’t Elders stock crash yesterday?

    Yes, it did. The ASX 200 agricultural share fell 7.4%, and the dramatic dip even prompted an ASX query.

    Elders responded quickly, saying it didn’t know why its share price had dropped so far, nor why its trading volume had spiked.

    The company didn’t release any price-sensitive news to the ASX yesterday.

    However, Elders did note in its response to the ASX that it had held two institutional investor briefings on Tuesday.

    While no price-sensitive information was discussed at the briefings, a bunch of sector-wide issues were covered, the company said.

    This included current livestock prices declining but remaining well above historical averages.

    They also discussed unseasonably wet conditions being likely to impact competitors, softer real estate sales activity, and a strong outlook for winter cropping due to good soil moisture and water availability.

    Elders said these factors “suggest that ELD’s second half performance will be stronger than first
    half performance in FY23″.

    So, the cause of the drop in the Elders share price to a two-year low of $8.69 remains a mystery.

    What’s got the Elders share price rising today?

    Well, there’s probably some buying the dip action afoot, for starters.

    In addition, Elders released an investor presentation to the ASX today.

    This presentation was delivered to investors at an event hosted by top broker Goldman Sachs today.

    Goldman is bullish on Elders and currently has a buy rating on the ASX 200 agricultural share. It also expects the Elders share price to more than double to $18.40 over the next 12 months.

    The presentation includes a chart documenting how Elders has continued to grow its underlying earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) despite major natural disasters and world events.

    For example, during the COVID pandemic period, which includes the Russian invasion of Ukraine and rising inflation and interest rates, Elders has grown its EBIT from $74 million in FY19 to $121 million in FY20 (Black Summer fires), $167 million in FY21 (NSW and Queensland floods), and $232 million in FY22 (more floods in NSW and Queensland, and 45% of Queensland in drought).

    Such information is useful and likely comforting to investors in ASX 200 agricultural shares. One of the key risks of investing in ag shares is the unpredictable nature of the weather and its impact on crops.

    The post Which agricultural share is leading the ASX 200 today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Elders Limited right now?

    Before you consider Elders Limited, 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 Elders Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over 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.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of February 1 2023

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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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders. 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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  • Macquarie has these ASX 200 dividend shares in its income portfolio

    Calculator on top of Australian 4100 notes and next to Australian gold coins.

    Calculator on top of Australian 4100 notes and next to Australian gold coins.

    Earlier today, I looked at the top ASX 200 growth shares that Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) has in its growth portfolio. You can read about those shares here.

    The investment bank also has an income version that it notes represents a starting point to form a portfolio with income characteristics.

    It also highlights that this portfolio is created with a focus on a higher degree of earnings certainty, backed by strong cash flows, and highly tax effective dividend income.

    Among its top ASX 200 dividend share picks right now are the shares listed below:

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    This telco giant takes the top spot in Macquarie’s income portfolio with a weighting of 8.8%. It currently has an outperform rating and $4.50 price target on Telstra’s shares. The broker is also forecasting a fully franked 17 cents per share dividend in FY 2023. Based on the current Telstra share price of $4.11, this represents a 4.1% dividend yield.

    National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

    The next biggest holding in the portfolio with a weighting of 8.4% is this ASX 200 banking share. However, it is worth noting that on this occasion, the broker only has a neutral rating and $31.00 price target on its shares. Nevertheless, with Macquarie forecasting a $1.61 per share fully franked dividend in FY 2023, which yields 5%, its analysts appear to believe NAB still deserves a spot in the portfolio.

    Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

    Another top holding in its income portfolio is Suncorp with a 7.1% weighting. Macquarie has an outperform rating and $16.30 price target on the banking and insurance giant’s shares. As for dividends, it is forecasting an 81 cents per share fully franked dividend in FY 2023. This represents a 6.35% dividend yield based on the current Suncorp share price of $12.75.

    The post Macquarie has these ASX 200 dividend shares in its income portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of February 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Telstra 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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  • 2 ASX stocks I’ll be buying hand over fist in 2023

    hand with two fingershand with two fingers

    We’re only one and a bit months into 2023, but I can already tell you how I’m going to be investing this year. I’ll be doing the same thing I did in 2021 and 2020 – buying as many ASX stocks as I can, hand over fist.

    Since ASX shares tend to go up over time, I usually try to live by the philosophy that the best time to invest was yesterday. Sure, the markets have periods of irrational exuberance, and times where investors can’t wait to get out fast enough. But although these events tend to get the most headlines, they are rare events.

    So I tend to just invest any cash that I have into the markets sooner rather than later. That way, the stress of trying to ‘time the markets’ is taken out of the equation. Now, let’s now talk about two ASX stocks that I plan to keep buying in 2023.

    2 ASX stocks I want to buy more of in 2023

    Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

    Wesfarmers isn’t a hugely well-known company in Australia (outside the investing world, anyway). But the myriad of companies and brands that Wesfarmers owns certainly are. There’s the company’s crown jewel, Bunnings, of course.

    However, Wesfarmers also owns a rather staggering number of other companies too. The most well-known are the likes of Kmart, OfficeWorks, and Target. But Wesfarmers also owns businesses ranging from mines, gas, and lithium to clothing, e-commerce, and pharmacies.

    This company has a long and proud record of delivering strong capital growth and solid dividends to its investors. With Wesfarmers shares still down around 25% from their 2021 all-time highs, this is an ASX stock that I’ll be hoping to top up on this year.

    Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VSO)

    This exchange-traded fund (ETF) from provider Vanguard is another ASX investment I’d like to have more of by the end of 2023. This ETF is an index fund. But it doesn’t mirror the popular S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). Instead, it holds a basket of shares sourced from the bottom end of the market.

    So instead of the big ASX bank shares and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), the largest shares in this ETF are the likes of Carsales.com Ltd (ASX: CAR), OZ Minerals Ltd (ASX: OZL), and Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY). I like this ETF for the diversified exposure to the ASX it gives.

    The Vanguard Small Companies ETF has returned an average of 8.15% per annum over the past five years (as of 31 January). It also currently has a trailing dividend distribution yield of 5.59%:

    The post 2 ASX stocks I’ll be buying hand over fist in 2023 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 over ten 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of February 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Wesfarmers and Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF. 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 positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. 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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  • Guess which ASX biotech stock is rocketing 28% on ‘extremely encouraging’ Alzheimer’s data

    A group of medical researchers stands side by side with each other wearing white coats in their research laboratory with scientific equipment in the background.A group of medical researchers stands side by side with each other wearing white coats in their research laboratory with scientific equipment in the background.

    ASX biotech stock Argenica Therapeutics Ltd (ASX: AGN) is off to the races today.

    Shares in the biotechnology company closed yesterday trading at 41 cents and are currently swapping hands for 52 cents apiece, up 28.4%.

    Here’s what’s piquing ASX investor interest today.

    What did the ASX biotech stock report?

    Argenica Therapeutics shares are rocketing after the ASX biotech stock reported promising results with its lead neuroprotective peptide candidate, ARG-007, in an in vitro preclinical study.

    According to the company’s release, the preclinical results indicated ARG-007 “significantly inhibits the aggregation of human recombinant Amyloid-Beta (Abeta) in a cell-free Abeta aggregation assay model”.

    That could prove to be great news for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, which accounts for 60% to 70% of all cases of dementia. Abeta aggregation is believed to be one of the main causes of Alzheimer’s, with the Abeta accumulation in senile plaques causing memory loss and confusion.

    Argenica reported that Abeta aggregation was reduced by more than 50% compared to vehicle controls 16 hours following a 25 µM dose of ARG-007.

    Commenting on the results sending the ASX biotech stock soaring today, Argenica managing director Liz Dallimore said:

    This is extremely encouraging data showing a potential new indication for ARG-007. It is well recognised that Abeta aggregation in the brain plays a key role in initiating Alzheimer’s Disease, and therefore a safe therapeutic drug that can reduce Abeta aggregation is a huge opportunity.

    We look forward to continuing to progress this exciting opportunity into further animal studies.

    Argenica noted that the global Alzheimer’s Disease therapeutics market size was valued at some US$4 billion in 2021. That’s expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.2% from 2022 to 2030.

    Argenica Therapeutics share price snapshot

    Today’s big leap has put the Argenica Therapeutics share price back in the green for 2023, up 16%. As you can see in the chart below, the ASX biotech stock remains down 28% over the past 12 months.

    The post Guess which ASX biotech stock is rocketing 28% on ‘extremely encouraging’ Alzheimer’s data 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 over ten 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of February 1 2023

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    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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  • Why AGL, Dicker Data, Megaport, and Suncorp shares are dropping

    A young male investor wearing a white business shirt screams in frustration with his hands grasping his hair after ASX 200 shares fell rapidly today and appear to be heading into a stock market crash

    A young male investor wearing a white business shirt screams in frustration with his hands grasping his hair after ASX 200 shares fell rapidly today and appear to be heading into a stock market crash

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has followed Wall Street’s lead and dropped into the red. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.4% to 7,498.1 points.

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

    AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL)

    The AGL share price is down 11% to $7.04. This follows the release of a disappointing half year result this morning. For the six months ended 31 December, AGL reported underlying net profit after tax of $87 million, which is a 55% decline on the prior corresponding period. This led to AGL slashing its dividend by half to 8 cents per share.

    Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)

    The Dicker Data share price is down a further 6.5% to $8.70. Investors have been selling the shares of this wholesale computer hardware and software distributor since the release of its unaudited full year results yesterday. Dicker Data reported a 25% increase in revenue to $3.1 billion but a small decline in net profit after tax to $73.4 million.

    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

    The Megaport share price is down 6% to $5.83. This has been driven by the release of the network as a service provider’s half year results. Megaport reported a loss of $9.2 million and a reduction in its cash balance from $56.9 million to $39.2 million.

    Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

    The Suncorp share price is down 2.5% to $12.74. That’s despite a large number of brokers responding positively to the banking and insurance giant’s half year results from yesterday. For example, Morgans has retained its add rating and lifted its price target to $14.44, whereas Macquarie reaffirmed its outperform rating and increased its price target to $16.40.

    The post Why AGL, Dicker Data, Megaport, and Suncorp shares are dropping appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of February 1 2023

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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 Dicker Data and Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Dicker Data. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Megaport. 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 investors: A big bank stock that pays 5% dividend income

    a smiling woman sits at her computer at home with a coffee alongside her, as if pleased with her investments.a smiling woman sits at her computer at home with a coffee alongside her, as if pleased with her investments.

    This year might be an interesting ride for those invested in S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks. The market could face plenty of volatility, with recessions tipped to occur in major global economies and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) continuing its battle against inflation.

    Fortunately, blue chip shares – like big four bank Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) – could offer some reprieve from the chaos. Not to mention, the ASX 200 staple is also a dividend powerhouse.  

    Are Westpac shares a winning dividend income buy?

    The Westpac share price has been on a roll lately, gaining 5% so far this year and 7% over the last 12 months to trade at $23.91 today. Meanwhile, both its earnings and dividends have remained strong.

    The bank posted a near-$5.7 billion profit for financial year 2022 – a 4% year-on-year improvement.

    That led it to declare a fully franked 64 cent per share final dividend – marking a 6% jump on that of the prior financial year.

    That brought its full-year offerings up to $1.25 per share – leaving it with a 5.2% dividend yield at the time of writing.

    At such a level, a $5,000 investment in the ASX 200 big bank stock would pay out $261 of passive income annually.

    The only ASX 200 big bank to best that yield is ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ). It currently offers a 5.6% dividend yield.

    And Westpac’s offerings are on track to grow, according to experts.

    ASX 200 big four bank tipped to grow dividends in FY23

    Both Goldman Sachs and Morgans believe Westpac shares are a buying opportunity amid plenty of hope for the bank’s dividends.

    The former tips the stock as the best ASX 200 big four bank to buy. It also expects it to pay out $1.484 in dividends this fiscal year.

    Factoring in Goldman Sachs’ target price of $27.68, Westpac could soon trade with a 5.36% dividend yield.

    The latter broker, meanwhile, is less bullish on the Westpac share price but more hopeful of the bank’s dividends.

    It tipped the ASX 200 bank to pay $1.53 per share in dividends this financial year, while its share price has been slapped with a $25.80 price target.

    If both of Morgans’ forecasts come to fruition, Westpac shares could offer a whopping 5.9% dividend yield. That’s what I’d call an opportunity!

    The post ASX 200 investors: A big bank stock that pays 5% dividend income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of February 1 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Westpac Banking. 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 AGL dividend has just been slashed. Here’s what you need to know

    A woman sits at a computer with a quizzical look on her face with eyerows raised while looking into a computer, as though she is resigned to some not pleasing news.

    A woman sits at a computer with a quizzical look on her face with eyerows raised while looking into a computer, as though she is resigned to some not pleasing news.

    The AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) dividend that management just declared is likely to leave investors feeling underwhelmed.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy provider reported its half-year results for the six months ending 31 December this morning (1H FY23).

    With the company struggling with plant closures amid what CEO Damien Nicks called “challenging energy market conditions”, AGL saw its underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) fall 55% from the prior corresponding half year (1H FY22) to $87 million.

    And that big drop in profits was reflected by a much lower AGL dividend payout.

    What’s happening with the AGL dividend?

    The AGL board declared an interim unfranked dividend of 8 cents per share.

    That’s half the 16 cents per share dividend the company paid out in 1H FY22. And, if you’re keeping track, it’s 74% less than the 31 cents per share interim dividend paid in 1H FY21.

    Management said the interim dividend is consistent with its policy to target a full-year payout ratio of 75% of underlying profit after tax.

    Indeed, with 672.75 million shares outstanding and NPAT of $87 million, it falls close to that ratio.

    The AGL dividend will be paid on 24 March.

    The company’s dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) is available to shareholders as an alternative to receiving cash payments. Investors wishing to participate in the DRP need to do so by 24 February.

    Factoring in the intraday 10.7% fall in the AGL share price to $7.09 per share, the stock currently pays a trailing, unfranked dividend yield of 2.5%.

    The post The AGL dividend has just been slashed. Here’s what you need to know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of February 1 2023

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    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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  • How I’d aim to build a $53,600 annual passive income from ASX shares and never work again!

    a couple look dumbfounded with exaggerated looks of surpirse on their faces as te mman holds a phone in his hand.

    a couple look dumbfounded with exaggerated looks of surpirse on their faces as te mman holds a phone in his hand.

    Imagine having a passive income stream of $53,600 per year. Work would become optional, you could travel more, finally do that long-overdue renovation perhaps, or even help in purchasing an investment property.

    Achieving this level of passive income is not easy. But it can be done with ASX shares. All you need is a consistent investing strategy and time.

    So many ASX shares pay dividends to their investors, which is the primary source of passive income you can get from this asset class. There are also franking credits to consider as well, of course. But it’s dividends that are the true breadwinner.

    Some ASX dividend shares are inconsistent dividend payers, or perhaps have reduced the income they pay to their investors over time. But the best ASX dividend shares periodically increase their payouts, the more consistently the better.

    So let’s look at how ASX shares can get you to a passive income stream worth $53,600 per year.

    Getting a portfolio to a point where it is throwing off that kind of cash is tricky. Say an ASX share portfolio yields 5% per annum in dividend income. That would mean we’d have to get to a portfolio worth approximately $1.07 million to receive $53,600 in dividends every year.

    Now, this might seem like a hard ask. But let’s break down the numbers on how one might get there.

    How to get to a passive income of $53,600 per year

    Over the past two decades or so, an index fund tracking the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which comprises the 200 largest companies on the ASX, has averaged an annual return of around 8%.

    If an investor put $50,000 in an ASX 200 index fund today, invested an additional $500 per month, and managed to get an average 8% per anum going forward, it would take them just under 28 years to get to a portfolio capable of throwing off $53,600 per year in dividends at a 5% yield. That’s assuming our investor reinvests any dividend returns received along the way too.

    If that investor started from scratch and just invested $500 per month, this would stretch out to around 37 years.

    So that’s a lot of years to consider. But it certainly shows that a young investor starting out today can just invest in a simple index fund over their working life, and achieve a retirement income that is well above the aged pension. And that’s without considering their superannuation either, which could boost their retirement income even further.

    But say an investor actively invests their money instead of going down the index fund route. It will be tricky but say our investor achieves a 10% annual return on average instead of the market’s 8%. Well, then our time taken to hit the magic $1.07 million figure would fall to 25 years for our investor with $50,000 to start, and just under 30 years if they start from scratch.

    This is the magic of compound interest, and what it can do for your retirement. Successful investing takes time, patience, and a lot of capital. But your older self will certainly thank you if you get the ball rolling – the earlier the better.

    The post How I’d aim to build a $53,600 annual passive income from ASX shares and never work again! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    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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  • Guess which ASX 300 share is soaring 13% on a major earnings boost

    Woman looks amazed and shocked as she looks at her laptop.

    Woman looks amazed and shocked as she looks at her laptop.

    The Maas Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MGH) share price is having a very strong day.

    In morning trade, the ASX 300 construction material, equipment and service provider’s shares were up 13% to $3.26.

    The Maas share price has since pulled back a touch but remains up 9% to $3.13 at the time of writing.

    Why is this ASX 300 share charging higher?

    Investors have been scrambling to buy the company’s shares on Thursday following the release of a trading update.

    According to the release, Maas expects to report pro forma first half EBITDA in the range of $64 million to $66 million. This represents an approximate 60% increase on the pro forma EBITDA of $40.1 million it achieved in the corresponding period.

    Looking further ahead, for the full year, management has reconfirmed its guidance for pro forma EBITDA in the range of $150 million to $180 million. This represents growth of approximately 20% to 44% on the pro forma EBITDA recorded in FY 2022.

    This is also in line with the guidance it provided back in November, which was a downgrade from $180 million to $200 million due to wet weather impacts. Investors appear relieved that the downgrades are over for this ASX 300 share and that normal operating conditions have returned.

    Maas CEO, Wes Maas, notes that “a solid first half result and year on year earnings growth had been delivered despite the significant impacts of weather to the group’s operations during the period.”

    He also points out that “the FY23 result will be strongly second half weighted, driven by the expected return to normal operating conditions for several major infrastructure projects with more favourable weather conditions expected in the second half, and the group continuing to take advantage of its strong market positions.”

    The post Guess which ASX 300 share is soaring 13% on a major earnings boost 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 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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  • Why has the Core Lithium share price tumbled 15% in under 2 weeks?

    A man sits uncomfortably at his laptop computer in an outdoor location at a table with trees in the background as he clutches the back of his neck with a wincing look on his face.A man sits uncomfortably at his laptop computer in an outdoor location at a table with trees in the background as he clutches the back of his neck with a wincing look on his face.

    The share price of S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium favourite Core Lithium Ltd (AX: CXO) has struggled in recent weeks.

    It has fallen 15% since late last month when it hit its highest point of the year so far. The stock peaked at $1.23 on 30 January. Today, it’s trading for just $1.045.

    For comparison, the ASX 200 has gained 0.3% in that time.

    So, what appears to have weighed on the Core Lithium share price lately? Let’s take a look.

    What’s gone wrong for the Core Lithium share price?

    Interestingly, the only price-sensitive news from Core Lithium in recent weeks drove its stock to its aforementioned peak.

    The company dropped its results for the three months ended 31 December in late January, sending its shares to close 8.85% higher.

    It revealed a $125 million cash balance and noted it’s on track to produce its first spodumene concentrate this quarter.

    However, it was not all positive. The company said a particularly wet December left “a significant volume of water” in the base of Grants pit.

    That was also mentioned by broker Goldman Sachs as it doubled down on its sell rating, tipping the Core Lithium share price to fall to 95 cents.

    The stock tumbled 5.69% in the session following the release of the broker’s most recent note. Though, that fall might also have represented profit-taking following the prior session’s surge.

    More recently, the company announced the appointment of chief financial officer (CFO) Doug Warden. Warden has previously held CFO positions at Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG) and Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU).  

    He will take up the position in April, filling the shoes of interim CFO Andrew Forman, who took up the post following the resignation of Simon Iacopetta.

    Fortunately, the Core Lithium share price is still in the long-term green despite its recent slump.

    The stock has gained 4% so far this year and 28% over the last 12 months. For comparison, the ASX 200 has risen 8% year to date and 3% since this time last year.

    The post Why has the Core Lithium share price tumbled 15% in under 2 weeks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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