Some intriguing ASX shares exposed to useful ‘megatrends’ right now are worth investigating, in my opinion, as an excellent way to diversify and strengthen your investment portfolio.

Megatrends (a fancy word for trends on steroids) and other tailwinds can help boost revenue and earnings over the coming years. But they don’t automatically mean that an investment is going to perform well.

I believe that the two ASX shares below look compelling for the long-term based on their specific megatrend tailwinds — particularly at their current prices. Let’s take a look.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

This is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that is focused on the global cybersecurity sector.

Sadly, cybercrime is on the rise. For example, over the 2021 financial year, the ACSC (Australian Cyber Security Service) received more than 67,500 cybercrime reports, an increase of nearly 13% from the previous financial year. The ACSC said:

The increasing frequency of cybercriminal activity is compounded by the increased complexity and sophistication of their operations.

The accessibility of cybercrime services – such as ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) – via the dark web increasingly opens the market to a growing number of malicious actors without significant technical expertise and without significant financial investment.

On the good side of the cyber fight are cybersecurity businesses. Some of those names include Palo Alto Networks, Cisco Systems, Crowdstrike, Zscaler, Mandiant, Booz Allen Hamilton and VMware.

Organisations and individuals will continue to want their data, digital assets and so on protected, so I think the HACK ETF is a pretty defensive idea as well.

In my opinion, it looks like a more attractive opportunity after a 20% drop of the valuation since the start of the year.

Australian Ethical Investment Limited (ASX: AEF)

The second ASX share with a megatrend behind it is Australian Ethical. This is a fund manager that provides investors with exposure to investments that align with their ethical viewpoint.

The company’s investment strategy involves avoiding some sectors, such as coal, and focusing on opportunities in areas like healthcare where it finds good ideas.

Australian Ethical is benefiting from the growing demand of investors wanting compelling investments that tick the environmental, social and governance (ESG) box.

It benefits from regular contributions of the superannuation guarantee from members, as well as balance transfers from new members.

In its latest quarterly update for the three months to 31 March 2022, the fund manager said that it experienced positive net inflows of $240 million and a 4% increase in customers.

The ASX share ended the last quarter with funds under management (FUM) of $6.83 billion. In the nine months to March 2022, Australian Ethical saw a rise of 13% of FUM.

I believe the Australian federal election was another example of how climate change is becoming increasingly important in some people’s minds. So it’s not much of a surprise to see funds flowing Australian Ethical’s way.

Over the long-term, I think Australian Ethical can continue to achieve growing FUM, good investment returns and offer more investment options that attract more funds. I also believe that as Australian Ethical lowers its management fees, it can attract more customers for whom the management cost is a sticking point.

And finally, I think the Australian Ethical share price looks much better value after a 61% fall this year.

The post Why I’d buy these 2 excellent ASX shares exposed to megatrends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 beaten down ETFs for investors to buy now
• 2 high quality ETFs for ASX investors to buy
• Here are 2 ASX-listed ETFs that might be able to fend off inflation
• 3 top ASX growth shares I’d buy next week
• Here are 2 quality ETFs that are now a lot cheaper

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 Australian Ethical Investment Ltd., BETA CYBER ETF UNITS, Cisco Systems, and CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended VMware. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BETA CYBER ETF UNITS. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. and CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. 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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Friday has brought good news for embattled investors. DeVere Group CEO and founder Nigel Green has tipped that major global indexes – such as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) – could be nearing their lowest point and getting ready to rally.

“The markets have been shaken in recent months, but now I’m calling it: the bottom is very close,” Green says.

And he’s flagged the sectors he thinks will provide buyers the biggest bounce. So, where does Green suggest investors put their money to best ride the recovery wave? Let’s take a look.

Is the ASX 200 gearing up for a rebound?

The ASX 200 has tumbled 6.38% since the start of 2022. While its downturn has likely disappointed many Australian investors, it’s fared better than other global markets.

As deVere Group’s Nigel Green points out, Wall Street has endured far greater suffering. The S&P 500 has tumbled 15% year to date while the Nasdaq Composite has fallen nearly 26%.

“The market downturn has been pretty brutal,” Green admits, “but I’m confident that we’re close to the bottom.”

“With a bounce on its way, investors should be positioning portfolios to take advantage of the rally.”

The deVere boss says it “makes sense” for investors to get exposure to sectors like energy, infrastructure, commodities, pharmaceutical, and consumer staples with strong branding ability.

Of course, those sectors are represented on the ASX 200 by the likes of energy share, Woodside Energy Group Limited (ASX: WDS) and, in infrastructure, toll road operator Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) is the ASX 200’s largest commodity play while healthcare stock Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) represents the pharmaceutical sector.

Finally, ASX 200 retail giant Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) is behind both Bunnings and Kmart. The pair both sit among Australia’s most trusted brands.

While Green’s predictions of an upcoming rally will likely be met with excitement, he warns it’s not the time to throw caution to the wind.

“It’s not just about piling into lower-priced, high-quality investments; it is also about buying judiciously and being aware of the shifting economic landscapes and trends,” he said.

“Portfolio diversification is key and plays an essential role in managing volatility.”

The post ‘We’re close to the bottom’: Expert flags share market sectors to buy before the rally appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Experts name 2 ASX 200 shares with high quality management teams to buy
• How do ASX shares typically perform following a demerger?
• Top broker gives its verdict on the BHP share price post-demerger
• What’s the outlook for ASX 200 dividend shares in the second half of 2022?

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 positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers Limited. 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 Talga Group Ltd (ASX: TLG) share price is ending the week strongly.

In morning trade, the battery and advanced materials company’s shares are up 8% to $1.41.

Why is the Talga share price shooting higher?

Investors have been bidding the Talga share price higher on Friday after the company released an update on the Vittangi Graphite Project in northern Sweden.

According to the release, the Vittangi graphite resource has been boosted by 54% to 30.1 million tonnes of graphite ore at 24.1% Cg. This cements its position as Europe’s largest graphite resource.

The release explains that this estimate includes a maiden mineral resource for the new Nunasvaara East discovery, the delineation of which continues to support the high continuity of graphite grade between known deposits.

But it may not end there. The Vittangi graphite deposits remain open along strike and at depth, with further drilling planned to underpin continued resource growth.

Management believes the updated Vittangi mineral resource could potentially provide Li-ion battery anode material for the production of approximately 60 million electric vehicles.

What’s next?

Talga confirmed that it is progressing towards commercial production of its flagship green active anode material, Talnode-C. This follows the recent opening of the first Li-ion battery anode plant in Europe and receipt of a crucial permit for its initial 19,500tpa operation.

In addition, by further defining the Vittangi deposit, Talga believes it is boosting the expansion potential of its vertically integrated battery anode business to match future market demand.

Talga’s Managing Director, Mark Thompson, is very positive on the company’s future. He said:

Currently, there is more than 960GWh2 of Li-ion battery capacity using graphite anode technology planned in Europe. In boosting our graphite mineral resource, we are also boosting our ability to supply sustainable anode products and setting Talga up to become a major supplier to the world’s fastest growing Li-ion battery markets.

The post Here’s why the Talga share price is charging 8% higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why the CSR share price is backtracking today
• Infomedia share price leaps higher on new unsolicited takeover proposal 
• Appen share price crashes 25% after Telus withdraws takeover offer
• Why Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Shiba Inu are falling today
• ‘The stock can double’: Expert names 2 ASX shares market hasn’t woken up to

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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CSR Limited (ASX: CSR) shareholders might be wondering why the share price is falling 2.25% to $4.79 today.

The building products company released its full year results on 11 May, reporting solid growth across key financial metrics.

Nonetheless, the board opted to ramp up its upcoming final dividend to eligible investors.

Let’s take a look below at why CSR shares are falling during early morning trade.

Shareholders set eyes on CSR’s final dividend

The CSR share price is in reverse after trading ex-dividend today.

This means if you didn’t purchase the company’s shares before this date, the upcoming dividend will go towards the seller.

Historically, when a company reaches its ex-dividend day, its shares tend to fall in proportion to the dividend paid out.

If you’re wondering why, eligible shareholders tend to quickly offload after securing the dividend, looking for other alternative investments.

In addition, the company’s value is worth a tad less after paying out a portion of its profits to shareholders.

When can shareholders expect to be paid?

For those eligible for CSR’s final dividend, shareholders will receive a payment of 18 cents per share on 1 July.

The dividend is also fully franked.

Franking credits or otherwise known as imputation credits, are highly regarded in the investing world. This is a type of tax credit that is passed onto shareholders when dividend payments are made by a company.

Essentially, the company is paying the tax on the dividends received by the shareholders.

Also, investors who elect for the dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) will see a number of shares added to their portfolio. This will be based on a 10-day volume weighted average price from 6 June to 20 June.

There is no DRP discount rate and the last election date for shareholders to opt-in is on 31 May.

CSR share price summary

Since the beginning of 2022, CSR shares have lost 16% on the back of weakened investor sentiment following inflationary movements.

Notably, CSR shares are touching a 52-week low of $4.79 today.

In comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) surged in the earlier months of 2022, but has reversed its gains.

The ASX 200 benchmark index remains relatively flat year to date.

Based on valuation grounds, CSR commands a market capitalisation of roughly $2.41 billion, and has a trailing dividend yield of 5.51%.

The post Why the CSR share price is backtracking today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Hoping to bag the next CSR dividend? Here’s what you need to know
• Why is the CSR share price lagging the ASX 200 on Friday?
• Why is the CSR share price plunging 9% today?
• CSR share price lifts as company constructs 20% more profit
• Do CSR shares have a dividend reinvestment plan?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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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The Infomedia Limited (ASX: IFM) share price is marching higher, up 4.6%.

Infomedia shares closed yesterday at $1.62 and are currently trading for $1.69.

This comes after the company, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider for the automotive industry, reported it has received a new and unsolicited takeover proposal.

What was reported on the new takeover proposal?

The new “conditional non-binding indicative” proposal comes from Battery Ventures, a United States based, global technology-focused investment firm.

And the Infomedia share price looks to be getting a boost from Battery Ventures’ offer of $1.75 per share, payable in cash.

The proposal remains subject to a number of conditions. These include receiving approval from the Board and from Infomedia shareholders, entry into an exclusivity agreement, and of course the customary regulatory approvals.

Battery Ventures reported it can finance the takeover from committed capital within its existing investment funds.

With 375.76 million Infomedia shares outstanding, that’s approximately $657.6 million.

Infomedia said it “will consider the Battery Indicative Proposal in the context of its ongoing preliminary discussions with other interested parties, including the TA Associates / Viburnum consortium”.

The company first reported on the offer from TA Associates and Viburnum on 16 May, having gone into a trading halt the prior trading day, 13 May.

The offer from the consortium, which values the Infomedia share price at $1.70, came shortly after it became a new substantial shareholder with a 14.5% stake.

The Infomedia share price closed 28.9% higher on the day.

As for the latest proposal, Infomedia said its shareholders don’t need to take any action in response at this time.

Infomedia share price snapshot

After sliding for much of 2022, the Infomedia share price is up 6.1% in 2022, buoyed by the series of takeover proposals.

Bu comparison the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down 6.3% year-to-date.

The post Infomedia share price leaps higher on new unsolicited takeover proposal  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Brambles, Core Lithium, Infomedia, and Qube shares are charging higher
• Infomedia share price rockets 30% following takeover approach
• Infomedia share price halted amid takeover approach

The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Infomedia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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 Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price has come under significant pressure on Friday morning.

In early trade, the artificial intelligence data services company’s shares are down 25% to $6.22.

This compares to the Appen share price pre-takeover offer of $6.40.

Why is the Appen share price sinking?

Investors have been selling down the Appen share price on Friday in response to news that Telus International has withdrawn its takeover proposal.

In case you missed it, on Thursday, Canada’s Telus International made a $9.50 per share takeover proposal. Telus International is the owner of one of Appen’s key competitors, Lionbridge.

Its offer represented a 48% premium to Appen’s last close price and valued the company at approximately $1.2 billion.

And while Appen was keen to engage with Telus International, it wasn’t overly keen on the price offered. Management explained that it was “in discussions with Telus to seek an improvement in the terms of the Indicative Proposal.”

But rather than improving the offer, Telus walked away immediately from the table, taking its proposal with it.

Why did the takeover proposal collapse?

Unfortunately, Telus walked away from takeover talks without comment, which isn’t very helpful.

However, it is worth noting that both companies were in the process of signing a confidentiality agreement prior to the takeover news leaking to the press. It is therefore possible that Telus wanted to keep talks private and has walked away now they have become public.

At its annual general meeting (AGM), management commented:

As you would be aware, details of their proposal leaked just prior to the AGM. As a result of the loss of confidentiality, we were required to disclose the proposal. Yesterday afternoon Telus sent us a letter that indicated they were revoking their offer, without providing any rationale or explanation. We sought to reach out to Telus through their advisers but have not been able to establish contact.

Alternatively, Telus may have been alarmed by Appen’s poor performance so far in FY 2022.

As no material non-public information had been provided to Telus, it will have seen Appen’s trading update at the same time we did yesterday. And it wasn’t pretty.

That update revealed that Appen’s year-to-date revenue at the end of April was lower than it was during the prior corresponding period. In light of this, the company expects its first half earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to be “materially lower than the prior corresponding period.”

Telus may believe its offer was too generous given this abject performance and therefore withdrew it.

Potential second strike at the AGM?

In other news, Appen is holding its annual general meeting today. Last year, the company’s remuneration report was given its first strike by angry shareholders. Almost 50% of votes were cast against it.

If shareholders deal the report a second strike today, it could lead to a board spill. This will make it a very interesting vote and one to keep an eye on.

The post Appen share price crashes 25% after Telus withdraws takeover offer appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Appen share price on watch amid takeover offer collapse
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Action aplenty: Here’s why the Appen share price has now been halted
• Will the CA$8.1 billion Telus International up its bid for ASX-listed Appen?
• Why ALS, Appen, Objective Corp, and WiseTech shares are pushing higher

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 Appen Ltd. 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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This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

What happened

Despite a good start for the stock market today, cryptocurrencies struggled as investors digested the Federal Reserve’s recently released minutes from its May meeting.

At 10:53 a.m. ET, the price of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) had fallen roughly 2.2% over 24 hours. Meanwhile, the price of Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) was trading 5.7% lower, and the price of Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB) was trading 5.5% down. 

So what

Yesterday, minutes were released from the Fed’s May meeting, which revealed the Fed may be willing to raise its benchmark overnight lending rate, the federal funds rate, potentially more aggressively than the market initially thought. The market has been expecting the federal funds rate to end the year in a range of 2.5% to 2.75%. It’s currently in a range of 0.75% to 1% after the 0.25% rate hike in March and then a half-point hike earlier this month.

“Most participants judged that 50 basis point (0.50%) increases in the target range would likely be appropriate at the next couple of meetings,” the minutes stated, adding that “a restrictive stance of policy may well become appropriate depending on the evolving economic outlook and the risks to the outlook.”

If the Fed raises rates higher than the market expects, that may not be so great for the likes of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies because higher interest rates make safer assets more appealing and riskier assets less appealing.

But there have been several recent voices from the Street saying that Bitcoin may be ready to turn the corner, which is likely good for other cryptocurrencies. JPMorgan Chase analyst Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou and his team have recently come out and said the fair value of Bitcoin is currently $38,000, which implies some good upside from Bitcoin’s current price of roughly $29,280 as of this writing. Panigirtzoglou in a research note called Bitcoin a “preferred alternative asset.”

“The past month’s crypto market correction looks more like capitulation relative to last January/February and going forward we see upside for bitcoin and crypto markets more generally,” he added in the note.

Furthermore, Yves Lamoureux, who heads his own macroeconomic research firm and who advised clients on Bitcoin’s impending fall last November, now believes Bitcoin could reach $100,000 by the end of 2023.

“I’m interested in Bitcoin because it is the king and that’s where institutional money will flow first. So always stick with the best. Everybody wants to be Bitcoin, but they’re not…don’t make it complicated, stick with Bitcoin,” Lamoureux recently told MarketWatch.

The main trigger event Lamoureux is watching for is Bitcoin miners seeing their rewards for mining new tokens cut in half, which could trim the overall supply, an event that occurs every four years and is slated to happen sometime in early 2024. 

Now what

Dogecoin and Shiba Inu appear to be following Bitcoin like most of the crypto markets today. I do not know whether JPMorgan and Lamoureux’s calls will be right or when Bitcoin will bottom. But I do think the world’s largest cryptocurrency is here to stay and do consider it a long-term buy and hold.

I don’t see any real reason to invest in Dogecoin and Shiba Inu, but given their current place in the crypto world, they will likely continue to move with the broader crypto market, at least in the near term. 

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

The post Why Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Shiba Inu are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This is the top performing crypto in 2022 so far, and it sure isn’t Bitcoin
• What do NFTs mean for the gaming industry?
• Looking to spend your crypto? Here are 5 things you can buy in 2022
• What to expect for the Bitcoin price heading into June
• Can Bitcoin play a role in a diversified ASX share portfolio?

Bram Berkowitz has positions in Bitcoin. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Bitcoin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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With the world and share markets in turmoil, all the professional investors are warning that caution needs to be exercised.

Being selective about the ASX shares that you buy is absolutely critical at the moment.

This is why it’s fascinating to hear a fund manager actually name some companies that they are backing.

Right now, many of those businesses are ones that have tailwinds unaffected by macroeconomic forces — such as rising interest rates, persistent inflation and supply chain constraints.

Wilson Asset Management portfolio manager Oscar Oberg this week had a couple of ideas:

Earnings upgrade coming

Rural construction equipment and services provider Maas Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MGH) currently looks hot to Oberg’s team.

“It’s one of our largest positions in the portfolio,” he said at the WAM Vault Live event in Sydney.

“Over 60% of the shares upon issue were owned by the board and the founders, which is always a good sign.”

He likes that Maas Group operates in regional Australia, which has been a major beneficiary of the population shift out of big cities like Sydney and Melbourne over the past couple of years.

“We think that alone can drive a 10% to 15% earnings upgrade into the August result,” he said.

“It has a very strong balance sheet. It’s got a lot of property on the balance sheet.”

All this adds up to a bullish view of the Maas share price, despite the skittishness of the market.

“We think the stock can double over the next two or three years.”

Maas Group shares have fallen 11.9% for the year so far.

ASX shares trading at less than what assets are worth

Oberg’s second nomination, AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP), drew audible gasps from the crowd.

“I was talking to a gentleman outside and I saw his expression when I mentioned it,” he said.

“But we like it.”

The Wilson team likes that the sale of AMP Capital is now behind it, and what’s left behind seems to present decent value, considering its depressed share price.

“If you have a look at the net tangible assets of the business, it’s around $1.35 per share — we think that’s the worst case.”

AMP shares closed Thursday at $1.08.

“It’s trading at a 20% discount to its NTA, which is fantastic.”

But the biggest positive about the stock is what’s coming up for investors.

“Due to the sale of AMP Capital, they’re going to return all that money to shareholders, which will equate to about 50% of the current valuation of the company,” said Oberg.

“And there’s more asset sales to come, so we like that. It’s one of our largest [positions].”

The post ‘The stock can double’: Expert names 2 ASX shares market hasn’t woken up to appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• The board has acknowledged a ‘disappointing experience’ in relation to the AMP share price. What now?
• The ONE THING that could rock ASX shares from the election result: expert
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Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo 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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The Novonix Ltd (ASX: NVX) share price is on course to end the week on a high.

In morning trade, the battery materials and technology company’s shares are up 6.5% to $3.98.

Why is the Novonix share price surging higher?

Investors have been bidding the Novonix share price higher today despite news that a key director is exiting the board. This appears to have been driven by improving investor sentiment in the battery materials sector, which has seen a number of lithium shares shoot higher today and offset this news.

According to the release, billionaire coal magnate Trevor St Baker AO has retired from the Novonix board with immediate effect.

The release explains that Mr St Baker is exiting the role due to excessive company board representations on behalf of the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund (SBEIF). This relates to a number of the companies in which the SBEIF has invested, including Novonix.

In addition, the exiting director advised that he will be devoting more time to the establishment of a second St Baker Energy Innovation Fund.

Mr St Baker explained:

I am really very pleased to have been able to contribute as a Director of NOVONIX in its exciting establishment as such an important player in the decarbonisation transformation of global energy and transport businesses.

He also revealed that he remains a firm believer in Novonix’s growth story and it will remain a key part of his investment portfolios.

I am also excited about the Company’s continuing growth as a significant battery material and energy storage solution provider as these sectors grow to serve these transformations, and my resignation should not reflect any diminution of interest by SBEIF or of the St Baker family in NOVONIX as a serious growth stock in our investment portfolios.

What’s next?

Novonix’s Chairman, Admiral Bob Natter, thanked St Baker for his service and revealed that a succession plan is in place. He said:

The Board of NOVONIX greatly appreciates Trevor’s contribution to the growth and development of NOVONIX, as well as the continued commitment of SBEIF and the St Baker Family as shareholders and investors in NOVONIX. We have a strong Board succession plan in place, and together we look forward to the continued growth of the company.

The post Novonix share price surges higher despite billionaire’s board exit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Novonix up 15% on Friday as the market recovers
• ASX 200 midday update: BHP, IGO, and Woolworths charge higher
• Why is the Novonix share price sinking 8% today?
• ASX 200 midday update: Aristocrat’s earnings beat, Webjet flops, retailers smashed
• Novonix share price fights to stay in the green on Monday

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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So far 2022 has not been a year of positive returns for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). With the benchmark index down around 6% year-to-date, many well-known ASX shares within the top 200 have suffered.

For some, the damage means share prices are now flirting with the lowest levels witnessed in the past year. While this is might be painful, there’s a chance this could represent an opportunity for investors to pick up some quality companies at bargain-bin prices.

Here’s a look at three established ASX 200 shares that have been beaten up.

Profitable ASX 200 shares on the low

Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

Bapcor is an ASX 200 share that has been around for more than 50 years. What initially started out as Burson Group in 1971, Bapcor has grown to include automotive brands Autobarn, Midas, and Toperformance.

Importantly, the company maintained commendable high single-digit growth in revenue and earnings last year. Simultaneously, Bapcor has been lifting its dividends to shareholders consistently for the last five years.

The Bapcor share price is down approximately 24% over the past year. At present, shares are fetching a $6.07 price, slightly above the 52-week low of $6.00 per share.

ARB Corporation Limited (ASX: ARB)

After several years of steady growth, this ASX 200 share has enjoyed a rapid acceleration over the past 18 months. The 4X4 accessories manufacturer avoided getting bogged in 2020 — and instead, scaled its sales like a beast.

To put the company’s growth into context, revenue for the last 12 months ending June 2020 came in at $466.9 million. Fast forward to the 12 months ending December 2021, and that figure had grown by 50% to $701.2 million.

The ARB share price is 25% underwater compared to where it was a year ago. Right now, investors can snap up ARB shares at $30.55 apiece, 5 cents above its 52-week low.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

Lastly, another ASX 200 share that has stood the test of time — operating for more than 50 years — is automotive retailer Super Retail Group. To cut to the chase, the group owns a well-known competitor to Autobarn, Supercheap Auto. However, it also mixes in a variety of other outdoor-centric businesses including Rebel, BCF, and Macpac.

Much like the other companies listed above, Super Retail Group experienced a rush of growth during the FY2021 financial year. In turn, profit margins expanded from 3.9% to 8.7%, as cashed-up shoppers unloaded a spending flurry. Since then, revenue and earnings have begun to retrace to an extent. Yet, both metrics are still significantly above pre-pandemic levels.

The Super Retail Group share price is licking its wounds having tumbled 28% in the space of a year. For opportunistic investors, this presents a chance to grab shares in the company at $9.22 — 5 cents above its 52-week low.

The post Are these 3 ASX 200 shares trading around 52-week lows a buying opportunity? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• These were the worst performers on the ASX 200 last week

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation Limited and Bapcor. 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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