• Why Cettire, Core Lithium, Northern Star, and Step One shares are charging higher

    A woman with strawberry blonde hair has a huge smile on her face and fist pumps the air having seen good news on her phone.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a strong session today. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.9% to 8,071.4 points.

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

    Cettire Ltd (ASX: CTT)

    The Cettire share price is up 4% to $1.56. This follows the release of additional financial metrics relating to the online luxury products retailer’s performance in FY 2024. Cettire advised that gross revenue is expected to be $975 million to $980 million, up 81% to 82% year on year. This was driven by a 6% to 7% increase in average order value and a 64% jump in active customers to 692,000. Cettire’s shares remain down over 30% since this time last month despite today’s gain.

    Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)

    The Core Lithium share price is up 9% to 12 cents. Investors have been buying this lithium miner’s shares following the release of its quarterly update. Core Lithium reported that it achieved record quarterly shipments of 33,027 dry metric tonnes (dmt) of spodumene concentrate during the three months ended 30 June. This was sold at an average price of US$1,078 per dmt, which is 16.5% higher than the prior quarter. However, all mining and processing activities are now suspended due to low lithium prices.

    Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

    The Northern Star share price is up 4% to $14.55. Investors have been buying Northern Star and other ASX gold stocks today after the price of gold surged to a record high overnight. Traders were bidding the precious metal higher after the market started to price in a 100% probability of an interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve in September. The S&P/ASX All Ords Gold index is up 2.7% at the time of writing.

    Step One Clothing Ltd (ASX: STP)

    The Step One share price is up 17% to $1.71. This online underwear retailer’s shares are racing higher today after it released a trading update for FY 2024. Step One revealed that it has returned to form and expects to report revenue of $84 million for the year. This is up 29% on FY 2023’s revenue and 16.3% on what it recorded in FY 2022. Growing even quicker was the company’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA). Management expects its EBITDA to increase by 42% year on year to $17 million.

    The post Why Cettire, Core Lithium, Northern Star, and Step One shares are charging higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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  • ASX 200 hits record high, UBS keeps end of year target steady

    Stock market chart in green with a rising arrow symbolising a rising share price.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is showing no signs of exhaustion in 2024, having nudged to a new all-time high in Tuesday’s session.

    On July 15, the Australian benchmark index poked its head above the 8,000 mark for the first time in history. It now rests at 8,049 points just before lunch time today.

    Despite the rush hour of gains, investment bank UBS has maintained its end-of-year target for the ASX 200 at 8,000 points.

    This means the index would track sideways until yearend, if UBS is correct. Let’s take a look.

    ASX 200 hits new highs

    The ASX 200 soared to its second new record high this week, surpassing 8,000 points for the first time in history.

    As my colleague Seb reported, it was a “momentous session” for Australian equities – and rightly so. The Aussie index has braved off inflation, higher interest rates, geopolitical risks, and whatever else to notch this milestone.

    It has climbed over 18% since October last year when it was below 6,800 points. This surge has been driven by strong performances from key sectors, particularly financials and mining.

    UBS’ take on the ASX 200

    UBS strategist Richard Schellbach remains optimistic about the ASX 200, despite keeping an end-of-year target at 8,000 points on the benchmark.

    Schellbach notes that the index is trading at a higher valuation multiple, yet the dividend yield remains comparable to historical levels. According to The Australian, he noted:

    Right now the [price-to-earnings-ratio (P/E)] relative of Australian stocks versus global [stocks], sits roughly in the range they have maintained over the last two decades.

    At 8000, the ASX200 sits on a richer than usual valuation multiple, whilst the current dividend yield still seems comparable to history…The weighting split between key sectors seen now does not indicate any huge shift within the composition of the equity market.

    Schellbach also addresses concerns about market concentration. He asserts that the ASX market capitalisation hasn’t become overly concentrated among the biggest stocks.

    The top 5, 10, and 20 companies hold similar market cap weights in the index as they did in 2000.

    Given what happened in the year 2000 – the “tech bubble” bursting, resulting in one of the sharpest bear markets in history — I’m not sure if this is a good or bad omen. Time will tell.

    Future outlook

    UBS says the ASX 200 is trading on the expensive side compared to historical averages. But, it notes this trend is consistent with global equity markets.

    When adjusting for long-term market cycles, using a ratio called the “cyclical adjusted PE ratio” or “CAPE”, it says there are no signs of an “earnings bubble.”

    Schellbach acknowledges that the period of “peak margins” is over, but Australian companies aren’t “overlearning” based on their return on equity (ROE).

    Takeout

    The ASX 200’s record high is a testament to the resilience of the Australian economy at large. UBS’ steady end-of-year target is interesting. Whilst it is flat on today’s index value, it also implies no downside either.

    Despite this, valuations do matter, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. It’s critical to consider your own personal risk tolerances.

    The post ASX 200 hits record high, UBS keeps end of year target steady appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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.

  • Citi names these 3 ASX shares to buy now

    Two brokers analysing stocks.

    Now that the new financial year is in full swing, ASX shares continue their ascent, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) marching to new all-time highs on Tuesday.

    Brokers are in full swing too. Citi has rated three ASX shares as buys in various reports to clients this week.

    Here’s a closer look at what the broker said and what it could mean for investors.

    Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC)

    Nickel Industries is the first stock Citi upgraded to a buy this week. Analyst Kate McCutcheon noted the nickel player’s share price dropped 14% over the past 10 weeks, creating an attractive entry point.

    The analyst sees positive earnings per share (EPS) growth from consensus upgrades and believes the company’s H1 FY24 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) trough is “now cleansed”, according to The Australian.

    The ENC HPAL project, in which it owns 55%, is also ahead of schedule. First production is expected in the third quarter of CY25. McCutcheon says that most consensus estimates haven’t yet factored in ENC to the company’s pre-tax earnings.

    Citi also believes the market’s cost expectations for NIC’s newer rotary kiln-electric-furnace (RKEF) projects, Oracle Nicke (ONI) and Angel Nickel (ANI), are too high.

    NIC is a bottom quartile producer and has demonstrated profitability through cycle with committed production growth to capture pricing upside.

    With nickel sub 17,000 a tonne, nickel production cuts, should support sentiment/price. NIC is now the only pure-play nickel producer left on the ASX.

    Citi has set a target price of $1.05 for the ASX share. Bell Potter also rates the stock a buy with a $1.54 price target.

    These targets represent an upside potential of 22% and 78% from the current price of 80.6 cents per share, respectively.

    CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

    Citi sees significant potential in CAR Group. The broker upgraded its rating to buy and increased its target price on the ASX share to $39.80.

    At the time of writing, stock in CAR Group —formerly known as Carsales.com — is fetching $35.70 apiece, up nearly 15% this year to date.

    Analyst SIraj Ahmed said the bank expects double-digit earnings growth from CAR over the medium term.

    Ahmed projects that FY24 earnings per share (EPS) growth should accelerate to 17% from 13.2% in FY23. CAR’s international business, particularly in Brazil and the US, should benefit from rate cuts, he also noted.

    While another RBA rate rise and weakening demand are risks to the Australian business, we see Car Group having a very strong position and expect it to deliver solid growth even in a tough environment.

    Potential bolt-on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) could further boost growth, especially in the US, Ahmed says.

    Citi values the ASX share at $39.80 apiece, implying an 11.7% upside from the current price.

    BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL)

    Citi’s Paul McTaggart also upgraded BlueScope Steel to buy from the firm’s previous neutral rating.

    He expects US steel prices have hit their lows and will rise post-Northern summer. McTaggart also noted that US monetary conditions are set to turn expansionary, which could benefit BlueScope.

    We think US steel prices are now near their lows with a post Northern summer uptick expected and with US monetary conditions set to turn expansionary.

    We trim our target price to $23.70 from $24 but raise our rating to Buy as we look through near term earnings weakness and likely consensus earnings downgrades.

    Despite trimming FY25 earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to $1.11 billion due to falling export spreads, Citi sees EBIT lifting to $1.73 billion by FY27.

    Shares in the ASX mining stock are currently swapping hands at $21.41 apiece, meaning Citi’s price target implies around 11% upside potential.

    ASX shares Foolish takeout

    Citi’s positive outlook on Nickel Industries, CAR Group, and BlueScope Steel suggests it sees strong growth potential in each of these ASX shares.

    Investors looking to diversify their portfolios with promising ASX stocks may find these upgrades compelling. As always, consider your investment goals and risk tolerance before making any decisions.

    The post Citi names these 3 ASX shares to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Car Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Zip shares frozen amid $267 million debt wipe plans

    A person wrapped in warm clothing with head, eyes and face covered by a hat, glasses and a scarf is coated in a layer of snow and ice. representing Strike Energy's trading halt today

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares are motionless this morning despite releasing a fourth-quarter update.

    Whether you want to buy or sell, a trading halt prevents shareholders from doing either this morning. The need to hit pause on the company’s share price stems from another announcement released alongside Zip’s quarterly figures.

    In addition to the buy now, pay later provider’s results, Zip has unveiled a capital raise. Not to make an acquisition or fund an expansion. No… Zip is rattling the tin to retire its existing corporate debt facility early.

    Debt demolition with Zip shares

    It appears that management hopes to tap into the enthusiasm following a sensational 273% ascension in the Zip share price over the past year.

    Now valued at a market capitalisation of $1.8 billion, the company proposes raising roughly 15% of that by selling new shares in two parts.

    The first part is a fully underwritten equity placement for $217 million. The second is a non-underwritten share purchase plan for eligible shareholders that will seek to raise a further $50 million, amassing a grand total of $267 million before costs if all goes to plan.

    Shares will be issued at the higher option between $1.52 per share or ‘the price determined by a bookbuild process to be undertaken in respect of the placement’. Zip shares last traded at $1.605, meaning the $1.52 would represent a 5.3% discount.

    According to Zip, the transaction will strengthen its balance sheet and reset its capital structure. Furthermore, paying down hundreds of millions worth of debt will provide flexibility and liquidity to ‘pursue further growth’.

    The corporate debt facility has a limit of $150 million, and Zip had drawn down $130 million of it as of 30 June 2024. The debt’s maturity is set for December 2027, more than three years away.

    What about the fourth-quarter results?

    Defying the high interest rate environment, Zip achieved growth in the fourth quarter ended 30 June 2024. Financial accomplishments during the quarter include:

    • Transaction volume up 19% year-on-year to $2.6 billion
    • Revenue up 22.1% to $223.6 million
    • Monthly transacting users up 6.1% to 2.1 million

    As usual, most of Zip’s revenue growth came from the United States, increasing 46.8% to $121.5 million. For comparison, the Australia and New Zealand region only grew 1.8% to $102.1 million. Similar differences in growth were apparent for transaction volume and number of transactions.

    Conversely, Zip saw its number of active customers slip in both regions. Consequently, total active customers decreased by 2.9% to 6 million.

    Additionally, bad debts rose to 4.7% of Australian consumer receivables in Q4 — its second-highest level since June 2022. Despite this, cash earnings before tax, depreciation, and amortisation for FY24 are expected to be between $67 million and $70 million.

    Zip held $353 million in total cash on its balance sheet at the end of June.

    Zip shares are up 159% since the start of the year.

    The post Zip shares frozen amid $267 million debt wipe plans appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    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 Zip Co. 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.

  • Down 48% in 2024, why did this ASX 300 stock just surge 10%?

    a woman wearing fashionable clothes and jewellery checks her phone with a satisfied smile on her face in a luxurous home setting.

    The S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is up 0.6% today, with one beaten-down ASX 300 stock doing a lot of the heavy lifting.

    The surging stock in question is online luxury goods retailer Cettire Ltd (ASX: CTT).

    The Cettire share price closed yesterday trading for $1.50. In morning trade on Wednesday, shares leapt to $1.65 apiece, up 10%. After some likely profit-taking, shares are currently changing hands for $1.58, up 5.5%.

    Here’s what’s piquing investor interest in the ASX 300 stock today.

    Why is the ASX 300 stock flying higher today?

    The Cettire share price is charging higher after the ASX 300 stock released additional financial disclosures for its full FY 2024 operations, covering the 12 months through to 30 June.

    The company reported on its preliminary expectations for the full year on 24 June. That update saw investors overheat their sell buttons, with the ASX 300 stock closing the day down a precipitous 49.3% at $1.135 a share.

    Today, Cettire said it is in a position to confirm gross revenue, average order value, active customers and gross revenue from repeat customers.

    These unaudited, now-confirmed metrics are as follows:

    • Gross revenue of $975 million to $980 million, up 81% to 82% from FY 2023
    • Average order value of $795 to $800, up 6% to 7% year on year
    • Active customers of just over 692,000, up 64% from the prior year
    • Gross revenue from repeat customers represented 61% of the total, up 3% from FY 2023

    Cettire expects to release its full-year FY 2024 results in the second half of August.

    What is management saying?

    Commenting on the headwinds dragging on the ASX 300 stock in June, Cettire CEO Dean Mintz said that a softening demand environment and an increase in promotional activity “has been visible across our footprint, particularly in the last several weeks as the market has entered the Spring Summer 24 sale period”.

    Mintz added:

    Additionally, we believe the market is currently being impacted by clearance activity as certain players exit parts of the market.

    To continue to expand our market share, Cettire has selectively participated in the promotional activity, leading to an increase in marketing costs relative to sales and a decline in delivered margin percentage.

    But all is not doom and gloom for the online retailer.

    “The company continues to grow rapidly, is profitable and cash generative,” Mintz stressed.

    Cettire share price snapshot

    Despite today’s welcome lift, shares in the ASX 300 stock remain down 46% year to date.

    The post Down 48% in 2024, why did this ASX 300 stock just surge 10%? 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 recommended Cettire. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models and recommendations again. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes this week.

    Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

    Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

    According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $53.20 price target on this investment platform provider’s shares. This follows the release of a fourth quarter update which revealed that total funds under administration (FUA) increased 30% year on year to $104.7 billion. This comprises platform FUA of $84.4 billion and non-custodial FUA of $20.3 billion. Bell Potter was pleased with Hub24’s performance and believes its shares look cheap relative to other high growth specialist platform providers. Especially given its belief that the positive outlook for principal net flows should underpin incremental earnings growth. It also highlights that it likes the company due to its large exposure to superannuation assets and its ability to deliver complex integrations. The Hub24 share price is trading at $47.44 on Wednesday.

    Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

    A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have upgraded this mining giant’s shares to an add rating but trimmed their price target on them slightly to $130.00. This follows the release of the miner’s second quarter update, which revealed a strong performance from the key Escondida copper operation and improved productivity. And while there are risks emerging for its iron ore production growth in the Pilbara and costs are rising, Morgans remains positive and sees plenty of value in its shares at current levels. The Rio Tinto share price is fetching $117.25 at the time of writing.

    Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)

    Analysts at UBS have retained their buy rating on this job listings company’s shares with a reduced price target of $27.10. According to the note, the broker has been busy reviewing the online classifieds space and likes what it has seen. It continues to believe that the industry is well-placed for underlying growth thanks to improving yields and price increases. And while it has trimmed its expectations for Seek slightly for FY 2025, it believes its shares remain undervalued at current levels and sees scope for them to rise strongly over the next 12 months. The Seek share price is trading at $21.31 this morning.

    The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Seek. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 and Seek. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • ASX small-cap stock rockets 25% on ‘another period of profitable growth’

    Step One Clothing Ltd (ASX: STP) shares are catching the eye on Wednesday morning.

    At the time of writing, the ASX small cap stock is up a massive 25% to $1.82.

    What’s going on with this ASX small cap stock?

    Investors have been buying the direct-to-consumer online underwear retailer’s shares this morning after it released a strong trading update.

    This will no doubt be a welcome relief to shareholders that have endured some hard times since Step One’s IPO in 2021.

    After listing at $1.53 per share in November 2021, the company’s shares climbed as high as $3.00 in the first few weeks. However, it wasn’t too long until its shares were down in the low 20s, losing over 90% of their value from top to bottom.

    Investors were selling the ASX small cap stock down following a sudden deterioration in its performance caused by challenging trading conditions.

    However, it seems that the company has found its legs again and is predicting strong growth in FY 2024.

    Strong FY 2024 growth

    According to a trading update released this morning, it expects to report revenue of $84 million in FY 2024. This is up 29% on FY 2023’s revenue and 16.3% on what it recorded in FY 2022.

    Getting investors even more excited, though, was its earnings growth. Management expects its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to increase at the even quicker rate of 42% year on year to $17 million.

    This is now higher than the prospectus forecast of $15.1 million for FY 2022, which it previously failed to achieve. Better late than never.

    No further financial information was provided by the ASX small cap stock. So, investors will have to wait and see what the above means for net profit and dividends when it releases its full-year results next month. This release is expected to be made on 21 August.

    Step One’s founder and CEO, Greg Taylor, was pleased with the company’s performance in FY 2024 and highlights its expanding customer base. He said:

    I am pleased to report another period of profitable growth for Step One. Our high-quality sustainable innerwear products, in-house marketing capabilities and brand ownership continue to resonate well with customers. With a strong financial position, we are well positioned to continue expanding our customer base, establish new retail partnerships and grow our brand presence globally. I remain very confident that Step One is in a strong position to continue its profitable growth.

    The post ASX small-cap stock rockets 25% on ‘another period of profitable growth’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Trump called Tim Cook a ‘very good businessman’ and described a private meeting between the 2 when he was president

    Tim Cook and Trump
    Trump has previously said Apple's Tim Cook called him directly when he had a problem, unlike other CEOs.

    • Trump praised Apple CEO Tim Cook in a Bloomberg Businessweek interview published Tuesday.
    • Trump said Cook directly approached him in 2019 to discuss tariffs on Chinese imports.
    • Trump has previously said that Cook would call him directly, unlike other CEOs.

    Former President Donald Trump had some nice things to say about Apple CEO Tim Cook in a recent interview with Bloomberg Businessweek.

    The interview, which was published Tuesday, took place at Mar-a-Lago in late June, before the debate that was a disaster for his opponent, President Joe Biden, and before Trump survived an assassination attempt.

    During the interview, Trump recounted an interaction he had with Cook back in 2019, when Trump announced tariffs of 25% on imports from China.

    After Bloomberg reported that Apple asked for a waiver for parts made in China that were used in Mac Pro computers, Trump publicly dismissed the idea.

    "Apple will not be given Tariff wavers, or relief, for Mac Pro parts that are made in China," Trump said in a Twitter, now X, post. "Make them in the USA, no Tariffs!"

    In the recent interview with Bloomberg, Trump said he backed down after Cook reached out to him directly to meet. Trump said it was "impressive" and that he told him to come meet him.

    "He said to me, 'I need help, you have tariffs of 25% and 50% [on Apple products imported from China],'" Trump remembered, according to Bloomberg. "He said, 'It would really hurt our business. It would destroy our business, potentially.'"

    Trump said that he countered Cook by pressing Apple to manufacture in the US.

    "I said, 'I'm gonna do something for you guys,'" Trump said, "'but you have to build in this country.'"

    Representatives for Trump and Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

    Months later Apple announced it would begin construction on an Austin campus, though Bloomberg noted plans to build the campus were announced a year earlier, and it's unlikely Trump was responsible for getting it built.

    Cook later gifted Trump a $6,000 Mac Pro.

    While they maintained a good working relationship during the Trump presidency, it hasn't been all love between the two billionaires. Cook appeared to distance himself following the January 6 Capitol riot. He called the riot "sad and shameful" and said he thought those responsible needed to be held accountable.

    Still, Trump has previously called Cook a "great executive because he calls me and others don't" when there is a problem.

    "Others go out and hire very expensive consultants," Trump said in 2019, CNBC reported. "Tim Cook calls Donald Trump directly."

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Sam Altman’s infinity pool flooded his $27 million Russian Hill mansion, lawsuit says

    Sam Altman and Lombard St
    Sam Altman and a photo of the iconic block of Lombard St, which is near Altman's $27 million mansion

    • Sam Altman's $27 million mansion is riddled with defects, a lawsuit claims.
    • The lawsuit also claims developer Troon Pacific knew of significant issues before selling the home.
    • Altman had to deal with sewage spills, water leaks, and mold, per the suit.

    Sam Altman is not pleased with his $27 million mansion.

    A recent lawsuit filed in San Francisco Superior Court on behalf of a home on 950 Lombard St. — which public records indicate is connected to the OpenAI CEO — accuses local developer Troon Pacific of overselling one of San Francisco's most expensive homes.

    The complaint alleges that developers did not disclose that the house was riddled with construction flaws. It also claims that the CEO of Troon Pacific was "aware of pervasive and significant defects" with the home but sold it to Altman anyway.

    The San Francisco Chronicle was the first to report on the lawsuit, and the SF Standard reported on Altman's connection to the home.

    The OpenAI CEO suffered multiple incidents at the home, including raw sewage being dumped at the side of his home, "a crushed sewer pipe running from the laundry system that created a back-up and spillage," and multiple water leaks, the lawsuit says.

    In August, a flood intruded the "entire subfloor of the lower level" of the home, causing widespread mold, the complaint stated. The lawsuit said it would cost $4 million to repair the home.

    Per the complaint, the water source was the highly advertised infinity pool, which had a "poor and substandard waterproofing design and installation."

    "In sum, owner was misled into buying a $27,000,000 'lemon'," the lawsuit states.

    The flashy San Francisco mansion has been featured in multiple news and magazine articles. It includes a Batcave-like garage with an automobile turntable and views as far as Alcatraz Island.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGkVxIyKnEA?si=L60PlbPIm9JYK6Jq&w=560&h=315]

    The home also has a coyote problem.

    "This coyote moved into my house and scratches on the door outside," Altman told Time in a December interview. "It's very cute, but it's very annoying at night."

    Representatives for Altman, 950 Lombard LLC, and Troon Pacific did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Core Lithium share price rockets 14% amid ‘positive achievements’

    Miner looking at a tablet.

    The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price is surging higher today.

    Shares in the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) lithium stock closed yesterday trading for 11 cents. In morning trade on Wednesday, shares are swapping hands for 12.5 cents apiece, up 13.6% at the time of writing.

    This comes following the release of the lithium miner’s quarterly update covering the three months to 30 June.

    Read on for the highlights.

    Record quarterly shipments boost Core Lithium share price

    Investors are bidding up the Core Lithium share price after the miner reported it had achieved record quarterly shipments of 33,027 dry metric tonnes (dmt) of spodumene concentrate.

    The Spodumene concentrate, at 4.8% grade was sold at an average price of US$1,078/dmt. That’s 16.5% higher than the prior quarter, which management said reflected “the marginal increase” in spodumene concentrate price over the three-month period.

    As expected, spodumene concentrate production declined by 18% to 20,563dmt as the Core’s Run-of-Mine (ROM) stockpiles are now fully depleted, with all processing activities completed as planned.

    The company’s operational sites are now being maintained in a state of readiness until such time as market conditions (lithium prices) improve.

    The miner reiterated its revised FY 2024 guidance for production of 95,020dmt and operating costs of $1,396/dmt.

    The quarter just past also saw Paul Brown take over as CEO, commencing on 4 June.

    As at 30 June, Core Lithium had $87.6 million in cash.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the results lifting the Core Lithium share price today, Brown said:

    We are pleased that we have managed a difficult FY24 with several positive achievements to carry forward into FY25. The June quarter saw record quarterly spodumene concentrate shipments and our lowest quarterly operating costs.

    Brown added:

    With the suspension of operations and the site moving to care and maintenance, the Company has significantly reduced its cost base across the business…

    Looking ahead, we intend to put Finniss in a position where it can restart as a longer life lower cost operation and restore shareholder value through sensible exploration and potential corporate opportunities.

    The miner also said that discussions with interested parties are continuing regarding the potential sale of 5,178 wmt of spodumene concentrate in FY25.

    Core said its FY 2025 exploration will be focussed on advancing and testing targets with the potential to host lithium deposits “of meaningful scale” within trucking distance of its Finniss lithium processing plant.

    The company’s FY 2025 exploration program also includes advancing gold, uranium, niobium, and REE prospects within its Central Australian tenement holdings outside the Finniss region.

    Core Lithium share price snapshot

    With today’s intraday gains factored in, the Core Lithium share price remains down 87% over 12 months.

    The post Core Lithium share price rockets 14% amid ‘positive achievements’ 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.