• CBA share price hits new record high again on Tuesday

    Team celebrating corporate success screaming with joy.Team celebrating corporate success screaming with joy.

    The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is going from strength to strength.

    CommBank shares closed yesterday trading for $109.76 and are currently changing hands for $110.32.

    As you can see in the chart below, that puts the CBA share price up 0.5% as we head into the lunch hour, setting another new record high.

    What’s driving the CBA share price gains?

    There’s been no price-sensitive news out from the big four bank since early December.

    So, why is the CBA share price up 9% in 2023 and notching new all-time highs today?

    Well first, like the other banks, CBA has benefited from the series of interest rate hikes over the past half year. By increasing the rates that it charges on loans faster than lifting the rates it offers on deposits, CommBank has been able to increase its net interest margins.

    Now, higher rates from the RBA could backfire and work against CommBank, should the central bank hike too aggressively. That’s because the RBA could tip Australia into recession and see a spike of bad debts and lower volumes of new home loans.

    But the CBA share price gains appear to indicate investors are confident that we’re approaching an end to the rate hike cycle and that the RBA can engineer the so-called ‘soft landing’.

    Income investors may also be snapping up CBA shares based on the outlook for the bank’s 100% franked dividends.

    Morgan Stanley expects CommBank to boost its full-year dividends to $4.50 per share. That would be an increase of 17% from the $3.85 per share the bank paid out over the past 12 months.

    At the current CBA share price, that forecast dividend works out to a yield of 4.1%.

    CommBank is scheduled to release its next quarterly financial update on 15 February.

    The post CBA share price hits new record high again on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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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  • BWX share price tumbles 10% on revenue and earnings guidance downgrade

    Close up of a sad young woman reading about declining share price on her phone.

    Close up of a sad young woman reading about declining share price on her phone.

    The BWX Ltd (ASX: BWX) share price is having another difficult day.

    At the time of writing, the embattled personal care products company’s shares are down over 10% to 21.5 cents.

    Why is the BWX share price sinking?

    Investors have been hitting the sell button on Tuesday following the release of a trading update from the Sukin skincare owner.

    According to the release, the company has downgraded its FY 2023 guidance a little over a month after last downgrading it. This follows a lower than expected performance in both December and January.

    BWX now expects:

    • FY 2023 revenue of $170 million to $190 million (from $205 million to $230 million)
    • FY 2023 EBITDA of $10 million to $15 million (from $25 million to $30 million)

    What caused the underperformance?

    Management blamed a number of factors on its underperformance during December and January.

    One is the cash constrained environment which has impacted its ability to trade effectively and led to a temporary increase in out of stocks and a need to reduce promotions to conserve cash and protect stock levels.

    In addition, the company’s online businesses are struggling with higher customer acquisition costs, reduced web traffic, and product availability.

    Over in the United States, the company has noted a more cautious consumer, particularly in the natural channel and online. Unfortunately, management expects this to continue.

    Finally, the company’s previous channel stuffing activities have come back to haunt it. It notes that this strategy continues to have an impact on profitability as it runs down customer held inventory.

    One positive, though, is that it has received a waiver from its lender for its debt covenants through to the end of February. At present, BWX would be breaching these covenants if they have not been waived.

    Management is in the process of securing a longer-term restructuring of its finance facilities to seek further funding in the second half.

    The post BWX share price tumbles 10% on revenue and earnings guidance downgrade 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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  • ASX 200 tech stock Megaport tumbles 20% following quarterly update

    Stock market crash concept of young man screaming at laptop on the sofa.Stock market crash concept of young man screaming at laptop on the sofa.

    The Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price is sinking today amid the company’s quarterly update.

    Megaport shares are currently down 20.18% and are fetching $6.13. The company’s share price rose 22% between market close on 30 December and 30 January and has today shed most of those gains.

    For perspective, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is sliding 0.52% today.

    Also, the technology-heavy NASDAQ-100 (NASDAQ: NDX) in the USA fell 2.09% overnight amid a potential US Fed Reserve rate rise and multiple big technology companies reporting.

    So what did the ASX tech share report to the market today?

    Megaport share price falls

    In today’s FY23 quarterly results, Megaport reported:

    • Cash from operations of $0.2 million in 2Q FY23, down from $0.3 million in the previous quarter
    • Normalised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and, amortisation (EBITDA) of $2.4 million, up 159% on 2QFY22
    • Profit after direct network costs lifted by 50% on the prior corresponding quarter
    • Total net cash flow of -$11.9 million, compared to -$9.6 million in the prior corresponding quarter
    • Closing cash balance of $57.5 million

    What else?

    Megaport shares are falling today despite the company reporting EBITDA growth. It appears the results may have fallen short of the market’s expectations.

    Also of note, the company’s cash from operations fell to $0.2 million, down from $0.3 million in the first quarter of the financial year.

    Megaport said this was due to “lower receipts from customers”.

    Megaport reported a profit after direct network costs and partner commissions of $24.8 million, up by $3.1 million compared to the first quarter of FY23 and $8.3 million more than the prior corresponding quarter.

    Revenue lifted 10% on the previous quarter to $37 million. This was also a 39% lift on the prior corresponding quarter in FY22.

    What’s ahead?

    The company is forecasting annual capital expenditure of $33 million in FY23 and $28 to $30 million in FY24. The company is planning to engage external consultants to review the operational efficiency within the business. There will be a focus on “improved automation”.

    Commenting on the future outlook for Megaport, CEO Vincent English said:

    We will continue to stay focused on providing secure, scalable connections to the newest and industry-leading services our cloud partners bring to market to stay out in front of our customers’ evolving needs

    Magaport share price snapshot

    The Megaport share price has tumbled 54% in the last year and 27% in the past six months.

    Megaport has a market capitalisation of about $977 million based on the current share price.

    The post ASX 200 tech stock Megaport tumbles 20% following quarterly update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of January 5 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Monica O’Shea 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 Megaport. 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 jumps higher again, defying predictions the 2023 stock market rally could be about to come to a screaming halt

    Man holding phone to ear shouts while hjolding out hand in stop motionMan holding phone to ear shouts while hjolding out hand in stop motion

    1) After a difficult 2022, it has been a great start to the new calendar year for stock market investors, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) up more than 6% in January.

    US markets have been even stronger, especially the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQ: .IXIC), up close to 10% to start 2023.

    But the good times could be about to come to a screaming halt, with Morgan Stanley’s Michael Wilson warning “the stock market’s January rally could end this week”.

    Wilson says the January rally is “just another bear-market trap” as central banks in the US and here in Australia prepare to hike interest rates yet further as they attempt to tame inflation. 

    2) It appears the ASX 200 index didn’t get the Morgan Stanley memo, up a solid 0.46% to 7,516 in late morning trade on Tuesday. 

    So much for the oncoming economic slowdown here in Australia — the ASX 200 is up almost 8% over the past 12 months. 

    Perhaps it’s like the Aussie consumer – we know there are some tough times ahead, especially for those with mortgages but also for renters – but damn it if we’re not going to have some fun before reality bites.

    The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price is up 2.6% to $35.66 on Tuesday, whereupon it trades on 26 times earnings and on a 2.6% fully franked dividend yield. I get the defensive nature of its earnings, but I’d rather take 4% in a savings account than risk my money on Woolworths shares at today’s price. 

    3) Stock winner of the day

    Not many big winners to choose from today despite quarterly updates coming out faster than a Novak Djokovic serve.

    The Moneyme Ltd (ASX: MME) share price is up 16% to 32.5 cents after the consumer money lender said it delivered record revenue and a statutory profit in Q2, “beating analyst expectations”.

    It’s a welcome turnaround in the fortunes of the Moneyme share price, given it has fallen 83% in the past 12 months. Consumer lending faces some serious headwinds as the economy weakens, both from lower new loan originations and from higher defaults. As to whether that is already priced into Moneyme shares is anyone’s guess, while acknowledging the company is managing to the current macro environment and is committed to driving profitable growth.

    4) Stock loser(s) of the day

    Unlike the winner’s circle, we have plenty of losers to choose from for today’s stock flops.

    A trading update from former high-flyer BWX Ltd (ASX: BWX) was a shocker, with the owner of Sukin and other beauty and wellness products lowering revenue and profit guidance.

    “We are revising our forecast on the basis of our cash-constrained environment having impacted our ability to trade effectively and led to a temporary increase in out of stocks and a need to reduce promotions to conserve cash and protect stock levels.”

    The BWX share price has fallen 93.5% in the past 12 months. Steer well clear of this fallen knife. 

    I’ve long been mystified by the huge market capitalisation placed on Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) given its relatively modest size.

    The “global leading provider of Elastic Interconnection services” said total revenue for the Q2 was $37 million, up 10% quarter on quarter, and delivered earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) profit for the quarter. Although revenue is sticky due to low customer churn, Megaport did note the “current economic uncertainty seems to be delaying customer decision making, lengthening sales cycles”.

    The Megaport share price is down 16% to $6.45 in Tuesday trading, and off 52% over the past 12 months. With a market capitalisation of $1 billion, even after today’s fall, investors are being asked to pay a pretty price for a pretty modestly sized company. 

    The Pointerra Ltd (ASX:3 DP) share price is on the nose today, down 17% to 19 cents, after the company that “helps customers answer almost any physical asset management question” said program delays by some US customers impacted invoicing in Q2.

    The Pointerra share price went parabolic in early 2021, soaring at one stage over 30 times in value as investor enthusiasm went nuts. It’s been mostly downhill since February 2021, with the Pointerra share price plunging 77% from those epic highs. 

    The rubber now needs to hit the road for Pointerra, with investors no longer valuing the company on hope. With a cash balance of just $2.75 million and the most recent quarter showing operating outflow of almost $1 million, investors better hope the “expected rebound in Q3 and Q4” becomes a reality.

    The post ASX 200 jumps higher again, defying predictions the 2023 stock market rally could be about to come to a screaming halt appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of January 5 2023

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    Motley Fool contributor Bruce Jackson 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 Megaport and Pointerra. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Megaport and Pointerra. 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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  • Is this why investors are selling down the Core Lithium share price today?

    A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.

    A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.

    The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price has run out of steam on Tuesday.

    At the time of writing, the lithium developer’s shares are down 4% to $1.18.

    Why is the Core Lithium share price falling?

    There appears to be a couple of catalysts for the weakness in the Core Lithium share price today.

    One is broad selling in the lithium space this morning, which has seen the likes of Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) and Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) also drop into the red.

    The other reason could be a broker note out of Goldman Sachs today.

    According to the note, the broker has reiterated its sell rating and 95 cents price target on the company’s shares. Based on where Core Lithium shares currently trade, this implies potential downside of 20% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Why is Goldman bearish?

    While Goldman Sachs was pleased with the progress the company is making with its Finniss project, it isn’t enough for a more positive view. Particularly given the wet weather the company has been facing.

    In response to the wet weather, the broker has lowered its “expectations for additional DSO cargos.”

    But the main reason it is bearish is the Core Lithium share price, which Goldman believes is significantly overvalued. The broker explained:

    Our FY23 EPS is down -9% on minor adjustments to our FY23E production ramp up profile, where we also lower our expectations for additional DSO cargos, with our NAV down ~4% to A$0.80/sh and our 12m PT unchanged at A$0.95/sh. We rate CXO a Sell on: 1) Valuation at 1.5x NAV (peer average ~1.2x; on GSe LT US$1,000/t spodumene), pricing in ~US$2,250/t (peer average ~US$1,300/t) or implying current pricing persists for ~2 years (peer average ~1 year), while also having the lowest average operating FCF/t LCE, 2) Large resource upside required, and 3) Production risk.

    The post Is this why investors are selling down the Core Lithium share price today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Allkem. 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 invest $200 a month in ASX shares to make a $20,000 passive income for life

    A 1970s boss puts his feet up on his deck laden with money bags and gold bars, indicating the benefits of passive investing

    A 1970s boss puts his feet up on his deck laden with money bags and gold bars, indicating the benefits of passive investing

    I think that ASX dividend shares could be an excellent way for people to grow their passive income. Investing just $200 a month could eventually turn into $20,000 of annual income.

    Now, don’t get me wrong. Investing $2,400 in the first 12 months isn’t suddenly going to unlock $20,000 of annual dividends. It will take some time, but I believe that it’s possible.

    Compounding is a very powerful financial force, which can enable smaller amounts to grow into much larger amounts. Albert Einstein once supposedly said:

    Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it…he who doesn’t…pays it.

    For example, using a compound interest calculator, investing $200 a month for 40 years, returning an average of 10% per annum, turns into $1.06 million. That only requires $96,000 of money from the investor – the rest (in this example) comes from compounding returns.

    But, I don’t think someone needs $1 million to make $20,000 of annual income. A portfolio with a yield of 4% would only need to be half the size ($500,000) to make $20,000, while a 6% yield would only need to be $333,334 in size to make $20,000.

    How I’d invest in ASX shares

    There are a few principles that I’d take into this investing plan.

    First, I’d take a brave attitude when it comes to market crashes. Volatility regularly happens. If I’m invested in good businesses, a temporary dip (even a big one) won’t bother me. In fact, I would see lower prices as an opportunity to buy, rather than panic and sell. It’s during those times that the best prices can be found.

    Second, I would want to consistently invest, through the ups and downs into the best opportunities I could see with a dollar cost averaging (DCA) strategy. While share prices are always changing, I think there’ll always be at least one idea that could be a good opportunity.

    Third, I’d only invest in businesses that seem as though they have a good potential to grow earnings and dividends. I think it’s the businesses that are growing their underlying value that have the best chance of achieving share price growth and good dividends over time.

    For example, several years ago I invested in Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) shares when the dividend yield was more than 3%. Since then, the dividend (and profit) has grown enormously and my yield-on-coast is much higher. In 2014 it paid an annual dividend of 12 cents per share and in FY22 it paid an annual dividend of 47 cents per share.

    Some of the names I believe can provide a good combination of dividends and growth in the coming years include Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH), Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV), Beacon Lighting Group Ltd (ASX: BLX), Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV), Healthia Ltd (ASX: HLA), Bailador Technology Investments Ltd (ASX: BTI) and Propel Funeral Partners Ltd (ASX: PFP).

    The post How I’d invest $200 a month in ASX shares to make a $20,000 passive income for life appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Altium and Bailador Technology Investments. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adairs, Altium, Bailador Technology Investments, Healthia, and Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Adairs. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Bailador Technology Investments, Healthia, Lovisa, Premier Investments, and Propel Funeral Partners. 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 is the Bubs share price crashing 13% today?

    A woman holds her hands to the side of her face as she sits back in shock at something she is reading or seeing on her computer screen.

    A woman holds her hands to the side of her face as she sits back in shock at something she is reading or seeing on her computer screen.

    The Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX: BUB) share price is crashing on Tuesday morning following the release of the company’s quarterly update.

    At the time of writing, the junior infant formula company’s shares are down almost 13% to 31 cents.

    Bubs share price crashes on disappointing update

    • Quarterly revenue down 28% year over year to $14.3 million
    • Half year revenue down 1% to $37.9 million
    • Operating cash outflow of $13.5 million

    What happened during the quarter?

    For the three months ended 31 December, Bubs reported a disappointing 28% decline in revenue to $14.3 million. This reflects a massive 66% decline in China revenue, which offset a 28% lift in Australia revenue and a 26% increase in International revenue.

    Management blamed this poor performance on slower than expected consumer offtake in key markets and lockdowns in China causing a delay to its transition to a new manufacturer to consumer operating model in the country.

    This ultimately led to first half revenue falling 1% on the prior corresponding period to $37.9 million.

    While no earnings data was provided, Bubs’ cash flow statement doesn’t paint a pretty picture.

    For the second quarter, Bubs recorded cash receipts of $14 million and a cash outflow of $13.5 million. This means for every dollar the company received, it spent approximately two dollars to generate it.

    Unsurprisingly, this has led to Bubs recording an unspecified underlying EBITDA loss during the first half. It has also reduced the company’s cash balance from $64.6 million to $51.4 million at the end of December.

    Management commentary

    Bubs’ under-fire CEO, Kristy Carr, commented:

    As foreshadowed at the Company’s Annual General Meeting in November, group gross revenues for the first two quarters are largely consistent with the first half of last year, arising from strong year-on-year growth in Australia and the United States being offset by the impacts of China’s now abandoned COVID-zero policy on channel dynamics and consumer purchasing activity.

    China’s prolonged lockdowns during the quarter delayed our transition to Bubs’ new ‘Manufacturer to Consumer‘ (M2C) model in partnership with AZ Global, as we continue to sell through initial pipe-fill orders from previous quarters, leading to a 66 percent fall in gross revenues compared to the prior corresponding period.

    Nonetheless, the impact on group gross revenues from infant formula was limited to 10 percent for the quarter compared to the prior corresponding period, and strong pricing discipline was maintained across all markets. Group gross revenue for branded products in the first half of FY23 (excluding B2B and low margin bulk powder sales) was up 16 percent compared to the prior corresponding period.

    The Bubs share price is now down by approximately a third over the last 12 months and is trading within sight of a multi-year low.

    The post Why is the Bubs share price crashing 13% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of January 5 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 recommended Bubs Australia. 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 lithium share IGO slips despite record half-year profits and dividends

    a mine worker holds his phone in one hand and a tablet in the other as he stands in front of heavy machinery at a mine site.

    a mine worker holds his phone in one hand and a tablet in the other as he stands in front of heavy machinery at a mine site.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium share IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) is down 2.42% in early trade.

    Shares in the leading lithium stock closed yesterday trading for $15.68 and are currently changing hands for $15.30 apiece.

    This comes following the release of the company’s half-year results for the six months ending 31 December (H1FY23).

    Read on for the highlights.

    IGO share price slips despite profits hitting all-time highs

    The IGO share price is in the red despite the ASX 200 lithium share reporting a series of new financial records.

    Those included a record half-year of underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $834 million. That’s up 269% from the $226 million reported in the first half of the 2022 financial year.

    Net profit after taxes (NPAT) was also a new half-year record, coming in at $591 million, up from $91 million in H1FY22. That was driven by record production and earnings at the company’s Greenbushes project.

    Meanwhile, IGO’s revenue was up 43% year on year to $542 million. IGO reported its first revenue contribution from the Forrestania project during the half year.

    The ASX 200 lithium share held cash on its balance sheet of $590 million as at 31 December with net debt of $175 million.

    And investors will be pleased with the 14 cents per share, fully franked interim dividend that management declared. That’s also a new record.

    The period was marred by the death of former CEO Peter Bradford on 15 October, which IGO’s acting CEO Matt Dusci said was “a devastating shock to the IGO family”.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the results, Dusci said:

    Strong lithium prices combined with a growing production profile at Greenbushes, generating outstanding financial returns for shareholders, while the team continues to focus on expanding the mine and processing capacity to deliver on future production growth.

    At Kwinana, the declaration of commercial production from Train 1 was a key milestone for the half-year and we remain focused on progressing the ramp up of Train 1 and Financial Investment Decision on Train 2 over CY23.

    As for IGO’s nickel segment, Dusci added:

    Our group nickel business result was impacted by a fire at the Nova Operation in December, offset by improved nickel prices during the period. At Cosmos, we delivered a revised development plan in September and project development activity is progressing well.

    IGO share price snapshot

    The IGO share price has been a strong performer over the past 12 months, up 30% despite today’s dip.

    And investors who bought into the ASX 200 lithium share five years ago will be sitting on gains of 215%.

    The post ASX 200 lithium share IGO slips despite record half-year profits and dividends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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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  • Novonix share price plummets 6% as losses continue

    a man weraing a suit sits nervously at his laptop computer biting into his clenched hand with nerves, and perhaps fear.a man weraing a suit sits nervously at his laptop computer biting into his clenched hand with nerves, and perhaps fear.

    The Novonix Ltd (ASX: NVX) share price is in the red this morning following the release of the company’s latest quarterly update.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tech stock is currently down 5.94%, trading at $1.82.

    Novonix share price plummets on US$18m burn

    Here are the key takeaways from the company’s December quarter:

    • Customer receipts reached US$2.17 million
    • Novonix burned through US$18 million last quarter
    • Ended the period with US$99 million of cash
    • Announced US$150 million grant from the US Department of Energy

    Novonix operated in the red last quarter as it worked to expand its businesses in anode materials, battery technology solutions, and cathode activities.

    The major news from the tech favourite during the period was of a US$150 million government grant expected to go towards the expansion of its anode materials division.

    Novonix also progressed engagements with tier 1 cell and automotive manufacturers through material sampling and qualification and formally applied for a loan under the DOE Loan Programs Office.

    What else happened last quarter?

    Last quarter wasn’t so great for the stock. The Novonix share price tumbled 16.5% over the period.

    Meanwhile, the company continued work at its Riverside facility ahead of the start of production. It also officially opened its cathode pilot facility.

    At its battery tech business, it increased its cell prototyping capacity and launched a new proprietary cell testing and analytics software service for battery research and development efforts.

    What’s next?

    Its activities don’t appear to be slowing down.

    Novonix plans to increase Riverside’s production output targets from 10,000 tonnes per annum in 2023 to meet its supply agreement with KORE. That’s expected to begin at around 3,000 tonnes annually next year and ramp to around 12,000 tonnes annually in 2028.

    It also expects its new analytics software could be launched in beta for customers in the second quarter of 2023.

    Finally, all pilot equipment has been received at the company’s new facility. It’s now being commissioned for internal testing of cathode material using the company’s all-dry cathode synthesis technology in the first half.

    Novonix share price snapshot

    The Novonix share price has been on the up and up this year, gaining 30% year to date. For comparison, the ASX 200 has risen 8% in 2023 so far.

    However, the stock is still 75% lower than it was this time last year. Meanwhile, the index has jumped 7% over the last 12 months.

    The post Novonix share price plummets 6% as losses continue appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Trillion-dollar wealth shifts: first the Internet … to Smartphones … Now this…

    Tech billionaire Mark Cuban believes the world’s first trillionaires are going to come from it…

    And just like the internet and smartphones before it, this technology is set to transform the world as we know it. It’s already changing the way you work, how you shop… and it’s even helping to save lives — Perhaps that’s why experts predict it could grow to a market defying US$17 trillion dollar opportunity?

    If you’re wondering what could be the engine room of the next bull market… You’ll need to see this…

    Learn more about our AI Boom report
    *Returns as of January 5 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 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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  • 3 of the very best ASX 200 travel shares to buy according to Goldman Sachs

    A woman sits crossed legged on seats at an airport holding her ticket and smiling.

    A woman sits crossed legged on seats at an airport holding her ticket and smiling.

    With travel markets bouncing back strongly from the pandemic, investors may be wondering which ASX 200 travel shares are worth buying right now.

    The good news is that Goldman Sachs has been looking at the sector and recently named three of the best travel shares to buy now.

    According to notes, the broker believes that Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD), Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN), and Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) are the ASX 200 travel shares to buy right now.

    In fact, Goldman is so positive on these three shares that it has put them on its coveted conviction list.

    Here’s what the broker is saying about them:

    Corporate Travel Management

    This morning, Goldman has reiterated its conviction buy rating with a $20.30 price target on this corporate travel specialist’s shares. Ahead of its half year results, the broker commented:

    For CTD, we view the recent trends in market multiples and consensus momentum as being unwarranted. We expect reiteration of FY23 guidance, recovery in North America and cash flow as three key factors to watch for which could assist re-rating of the stock this earnings season.

    Qantas

    Goldman recently stated its belief that the Qantas share price was undervalued at the current level given its positive outlook. It has a conviction buy rating and $8.20 price target on its shares. The broker commented:

    With the market capitalization 10% above pre-COVID levels and EV (based on last reported net debt) 8% below pre-COVID, we believe the stock is not appropriately pricing QAN’s improved earnings capacity. Specifically, our FY23e EPS forecast is 58% above FY19a levels with group capacity still 21% below pro-COVID levels. Even as the yields moderate (with capacity restoration) our FY24e EPS (100% of FY19 capacity) is 46% above FY19 levels.

    Webjet

    Finally, the broker has a conviction buy rating and $7.20 price target on Webjet’s shares. While the company won’t be releasing results in February, Goldman sees scope for a re-rating. It said:

    WEB is an off-cycle earnings stock with the earliest company disclosed catalyst only expected in May 2023. However, we note that WEB continues to be a preferred pick for us in the travel space heading into the February results season as we expect the industry momentum and relative performance for Webjet’s OTA business vs. FLT will drive continued re-rating of the stock.

    The post 3 of the very best ASX 200 travel shares to buy according to Goldman Sachs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

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    See The 5 Stocks
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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 recommended Corporate Travel Management. 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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