• Why is the Race Oncology share price soaring 13% today?

    Photo of a group of scientists cheering while working in a lab as the Race Oncology share price skyrockets today on positive study resultsPhoto of a group of scientists cheering while working in a lab as the Race Oncology share price skyrockets today on positive study results

    The Race Oncology Ltd (ASX: RAC) share price is surging today on anti-cancer drug news.

    Shares in the oncology company reached $2.10 in early trading, a 13% gain. For perspective, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XJO) is 0.87% in the red today.

    So, what scientific news did Race Oncology announce to the ASX today?

    News of successful trial boosts Race Oncology share price

    Investors appear to be buying up Race Oncology shares after the company released results from its latest trial.

    The results showed that Race Oncology’s anti-cancer drug Zantrene protected the hearts of mice from chemotherapy damage.

    Their hearts were protected from the impact of anthracyclines when the chemotherapeutic dose of Zantrene was boosted. Anthacyclines are chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat cancer.

    No further toxicity or bone marrow suppression was identified with this higher dose.

    Race Oncology is working with the University of Newcastle on this trial, as announced in April last year.

    Race Oncology CEO Phillip Lynch said Zantrene is a “large commercial opportunity” with significant potential to improve modern chemotherapy.

    He added: “We are committed to producing further preclinical data that will continue to prove the case for this opportunity for Zantrene.”

    The company said the results support further clinical trials using Zantrene with anthracyclines to improve cancer treatment.

    Further commenting on the trial, associate professor Aaron Sverdlov said: “To date, there are no widely used or well established strategies to protect the heart against chemotherapy-induced damage.”

    Share price snapshot

    Race Oncology shares have tumbled nearly 44% in the past year.

    In the year to date alone, they have lost nearly 43%.

    For perspective, the All Ords index has shed nearly 9% in a year.

    Race Oncology has a market capitalisation of $329 million based on the current share price.

    The post Why is the Race Oncology share price soaring 13% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Race Oncology Limited, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Race Oncology Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of June 1 2022

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    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 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/ItW086T

  • Why is the Ardent Leisure share price jumping 9% today?

    An older couple holding hands as they laugh while bouncing on a trampoline feeling happy that the Ardent Leisure share price is going up todayAn older couple holding hands as they laugh while bouncing on a trampoline feeling happy that the Ardent Leisure share price is going up today

    The Ardent Leisure Group Ltd (ASX: ALG) share price soared shortly after the market open on Thursday.

    This came after the company announced an update on the divestment of its United States business.

    At the time of writing, the entertainment company’s shares are up 4.07% to $1.41. But earlier, they reached $1.48 — up 9.6% on yesterday’s closing price.

    Ardent Leisure concludes divestment

    In its release, Ardent Leisure advised it has completed the sale of its main event business to Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.

    Established in 1982, Dave & Buster’s owns and operates a number of entertainment venues and dining facilities in North America. The concept revolves around playing games and watching live sports and other televised events within a restaurant and bar venue.

    Shareholders approved the sale at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) yesterday. This means all conditions have now been satisfied.

    This paves the way for Ardent Leisure to receive US$835 million in the all-cash transaction.

    Subsequently, management will return $455.7 million to shareholders in the form of a capital return and unfranked special dividend.

    This means eligible shareholders will receive 95 cents per share on 13 July.

    However, to participate in the scheme you’ll need to own Ardent Leisure shares on or before next Monday 4 July.

    Update on theme parks & attractions business

    Furthermore, Ardent Leisure provided an update regarding its theme parks & attractions business.

    Ardent said the cash retained from the main event sale will be used to support and unlock potential value.

    This includes investing in new major rides and attractions, the redevelopment of existing attractions, and costs associated with preliminary town planning work and council approvals.

    Ardent Leisure also noted changes to key management personnel.

    Main event president and CEO, Chris Morris, as well as group chief financial officer, Darin Harper, have left the company.

    Both of their departures are effective from today.

    Ardent Leisure share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the Ardent Leisure share price has gained 43%.

    When looking at year to date, its shares are 4% in the green.

    Based on today’s share price, Ardent Leisure commands a market capitalisation of around $647 million.

    The post Why is the Ardent Leisure share price jumping 9% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* Scott just revealed what he believes could be the “five best ASX stocks” for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of June 1 2022

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/NFwqD9U

  • CSR share price lights up amid mega $100 million buyback

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

    The CSR Limited (ASX: CSR) share price has walked out of the gates and is rangebound in early trade on Thursday.

    Investors are bidding up the CSR share price in response to a company release where it announced the commencement of a $100 million share buyback.

    At the time of writing, CSR is drifting less than 1% higher at $4.14 apiece. It is down 30% this YTD, seen below.

    TradingView Chart

    CSR to commence buyback

    The company said it will begin an on-market share buyback of up to $100 million in order to unlock long-term shareholder value.

    CSR said it was well-positioned with a strong balance sheet and highlighted ongoing strengths in its building products business.

    The combination of factors illustrates “CSR’s strength and prospects for the coming years,” chairman John Gillam said.

    “We are also progressing major property development projects that will deliver short and long-term earnings, alongside the hedged Aluminium position,” he added.

    Meanwhile, CSR CEO Julie Coates said the building products segment continued to improve outcomes “across diversified market positions”.

    Coates also remarked that the investment strategy is intended to promote growth and increase capacity for the business.

    “Given our robust balance sheet and strong operational performance, CSR is able to invest in growth while also increasing returns to our shareholders via implementing an on-market share buyback,” she added.

    CSR also hosted its Annual General Meeting today. In the last 12 months, the CSR share price has lost more than 28%.

    The post CSR share price lights up amid mega $100 million buyback appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* Scott just revealed what he believes could be the “five best ASX stocks” for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of June 1 2022

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/FY8kX2U

  • AGL share price lifts as Brookfield caught buying

    busy trader on the phone in front of board depicting asx share price risers and fallersbusy trader on the phone in front of board depicting asx share price risers and fallers

    The AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) share price performed a U-turn this morning. Its return to the green came on the back of news an entity that previously aimed to acquire the energy giant appears to have snapped up a notable stake.

    At the time of writing, the AGL share price is $8.44, 0.54% higher than its previous close, having been deep in the red in early trading.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.59% right now while the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has slipped 0.58%.

    Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on with AGL on Thursday.

    What’s driving the AGL share price today?

    The AGL share price is launching higher despite the market’s continued downturn this morning.

    It comes after the energy producer and retailer announced it appears to have caught Brookfield Asset Management buying into the company, snapping up a 2.56% stake in AGL under an apparent subsidiary.

    Brookfield was part of a consortium offering AGL $8.25 per share to take over the energy provider earlier this year.

    AGL told the market this morning an entity named Australian 123456789 4 Pty Limited had acquired around 17.2 million shares in AGL as of 24 June.

    The company subsequently performed an ASIC search, finding the generically named entity looks to be a subsidiary of Brookfield. AGL continued:

    AGL became aware of this information through routine registry analysis responses, and therefore the information is historical. It is possible that subsequent trading may have altered the position.

    AGL has not received any updated acquisition proposal from Brookfield.

    AGL rejected the offer posted by the Brookfield Consortium in March. The consortium was made up of Brookfield and Mike Cannon-Brookes’ Grok Ventures.

    Of course, market watchers will likely remember Cannon-Brookes snapped up a majority hold in the company and mounted a campaign against its now-scrapped demerger plan in May.

    The AGL share price has gained a notable 34% since the start of 2022. It’s also 3% higher than it was this time last year.

    The post AGL share price lifts as Brookfield caught buying appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* Scott just revealed what he believes could be the “five best ASX stocks” for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of June 1 2022

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/nvIeV4W

  • HRL share price jumps 10% as board backs takeover from ALS

    Two men shaking hands on a merger.

    Two men shaking hands on a merger.The HRL Holdings Ltd (ASX: HRL) share price has climbed to a 52-week high on Thursday.

    In morning trade, the testing services company’s shares jumped a further 10% to 16.5 cents.

    When the HRL share price reached that level, it had doubled in value over the last two trading sessions.

    Why is the HRL share price surging higher?

    Investors have been bidding the HRL share price higher today after the company announced an agreement with industry giant ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) regarding a takeover.

    According to the release, the two parties have entered into a bid implementation agreement under which ALS will acquire all of the HRL shares it does not already own by way of an off-market takeover at 16 cents cash per share.

    This follows yesterday’s announcement, which revealed that ALS had tabled an unsolicited, non-binding indicative offer.

    The two parties have also agreed to a deal protection regime that includes no shop and no talk rights. Furthermore, ALS has a right to match any superior offers and HRL has agreed a break fee of $800,000.

    ‘A very good outcome’ for shareholders

    The HRL board is advising shareholders to accept the offer, subject to there being no greater offer made from a third party.

    HRL’s non-executive chair, Greg Kilmister, believes the offer is a very good outcome for shareholders. He commented:

    The HRL Board is unanimous in its view that this transaction is in the best interests of HRL shareholders. In making this assessment, the Board has carefully considered a range of matters including its view of the intrinsic value of HRL taking into account the company’s current position and future prospects, and the certainty for shareholders of this all-cash offer. We believe this transaction is a very good outcome for HRL’s shareholders, and for stakeholders more broadly, including our customers, staff and suppliers.

    The post HRL share price jumps 10% as board backs takeover from ALS appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Als Ltd right now?

    Before you consider Als Ltd, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Als Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of June 1 2022

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/4N1EuXj

  • Is it time to load up on beaten-down growth stocks (like Tesla)?

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

    Woman on her laptop thinking to herself.

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

    It’s been a challenging year for investors, with the S&P 500 index down more than 22%. In such an environment, growth investors inevitably may ask whether it’s time to start loading up on some growth stocks like Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA). Here are some thoughts on the matter.

    What happened in 2022

    Going into 2022, the general narrative around the market was as follows:

    • Raw-material cost inflation would persist but ease in the second half as supply chain issues ironed out.
    • Smoothing supply chain issues would ease cost pressures — with no more high spot prices for components or transportation.
    • In concert with an opening of the economy, labor shortages would ease alongside a gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions. 
    • Strong demand, rising backlogs, and price increases would lead to stronger substantial profit margins in the second half.

    That was the game plan. However, as Mike Tyson famously observed, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. The unfortunate reality is that raw material prices remain elevated, supply chain pressures persist, and companies struggle to secure components. Labor shortages are ongoing (witness the high-profile issues at airports); COVID-19 lockdowns have continued longer than most expected (notably in China), and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (along with the policy response to it) has exacerbated many of these issues.

    The year in charts

    These adverse developments have caused a slew of full-year guidance earnings downgrades. Given the persistence of these headwinds, it’s reasonable to expect more to come in the second-quarter earnings season.

    It gets worse. The persistent inflation caused the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates. It was a move widely anticipated by the market, and as you can see below, market rates (the 10-year Treasury) increased, taking mortgage rates higher too. That’s bad news for interest rate-sensitive sectors like housing and autos.

    Data by YCharts

    What does this mean for Tesla?

    Industry analysts have rushed to downgrade global industry production forecasts in 2022 due to supply chain pressures. Tesla is not immune to such challenges, and there’s an open debate on whether the company will meet its target of 1.5 million units in 2022. And in a leaked email, CEO Elon Musk appeared to call on employees to rally back from a tough second quarter. After only 305,000 units were produced in the first quarter (and possibly fewer in the second quarter), Tesla’s target goal is in question.

    Also, Tesla is in one of the interest rate-sensitive sectors mentioned above. Rising interest rates will inevitably make it harder for consumers to take on debt to buy electric vehicles.

    The case for buying growth stocks like Tesla

    That said, there’s still a robust case for buying growth stocks, Tesla included. 

    First, the Federal Funds rate hike appears to have taken some speculative fervor away from commodities investors. The Thomson Reuters/CoreCommodity Commodity Research Bureau (TR/CC CRB) index follows 19 commodities, including aluminum, copper, and other industrial metals; precious metals; crops; livestock; and energy commodities.

    As you can see below, although still at relatively high levels, it’s corrected slightly. Moreover, as the economy continues to open up and labor shortages get ironed out, the supply chain issues will likely ease eventually.

    Data by YCharts

    Second, just as the bond market wasted no time in pricing higher rates, the stock market sell-off means equities look like a much better long-term value than in January. 

    Third, growth stocks like Tesla will, by definition, generate the overwhelming bulk of their earnings in the future. Therefore, investors shouldn’t overly stress over one year’s earnings or failure to meet production targets.

    Fourth, Tesla is a growth company with relatively secular growth drivers (not reliant on economic growth). Indeed, many investors favor it precisely because it sells EVs and therefore has an opportunity to outgrow light vehicle sales growth significantly.

    Time to buy growth stocks?

    Suppose you believe that these trends — higher inflation, interest rates, mortgage rates, and supply chain issues — will persist. In that case, you’d want to stay away from growth stocks because their outlooks would be muted. And that would include Tesla.

    However, if you believe the economy will muddle through and supply chain issues will eventually ease, then it’s an excellent time to get exposure to growth stocks like Tesla.

    History suggests that the economy will muddle through, but the upcoming second-quarter earnings season will likely feature a slew of earnings downgrades. As a result, cautious investors might want to wait until it’s over before trying to find an entry point. However, if the “muddle through” thesis is correct, the recent dip looks like a good buying opportunity. 

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

    The post Is it time to load up on beaten-down growth stocks (like Tesla)? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* Scott just revealed what he believes could be the “five best ASX stocks” for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of June 1 2022

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    Lee Samaha 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 Tesla. 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.

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

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/0x7TVA2

  • Can the Beach Energy share price hit $1.95?

    Oil miner holding a laptop and mobile phone looks at his phone and sees the falling oil price and falling Woodside share priceOil miner holding a laptop and mobile phone looks at his phone and sees the falling oil price and falling Woodside share price

    Energy markets continue to rally despite recent pullbacks and investors have been rewarding ASX energy shares accordingly — including the Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price.

    The benchmark for the sector, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ), is up 28% this year to date after a volatile June.

    The Beach Energy share price has been a benefactor of this rally. The ASX gas and oil share has been a consistent gainer these past 12 months, up 41% in that time, or 39% this year to date, as seen below.

    TradingView Chart

    How high can the Beach Energy share price go?

    Analysts at UBS reiterated their buy rating on Beach Energy last week. The UBS team now reckons that Beach can reach a valuation of $1.95 per share.

    That’s up 8% from UBS’ last rating of $1.80 per share.

    Surging gas prices are the key element underlining the broker’s upgrade. And it’s quite easy to see why.

    US natural gas has reversed from lows to trade at US$6.45/MMBtu, while Dutch and UK gas are up 303% and 103% year on year respectively.

    Returns for each of these contracts are plotted alongside the Beach Energy share price below.

    TradingView Chart

    Compared to the other ASX energy giants, “Beach Energy has the most production exposure (56%) to east coast domestic gas”, the broker wrote in its research note.

    Although, it also acknowledged that Beach has “some sales restrictions on a material portion of uncontracted gas from H2 2023”.

    Those at UBS join another 13 brokers in rating the Beach Energy share price a buy right now, according to Bloomberg data.

    Curiously, Macquarie and Canaccord Genuity are both neutral, whereas Morgan Stanley is underweight.

    The consensus price target from this list is $1.92 per share, not too far off UBS’ objective. Time will tell if it continues its upward ascent to $1.95 per share.

    At the time of writing on Thursday, Beach Energy shares are down 3.21% to $1.73.

    The post Can the Beach Energy share price hit $1.95? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Beach Energy Ltd right now?

    Before you consider Beach Energy Ltd, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Beach Energy Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of June 1 2022

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    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 recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/Uzet2pJ

  • Starphama share price lunges 5% on product relaunch

    Rising arrow on a blue graph symbolising a rising share price.Rising arrow on a blue graph symbolising a rising share price.

    The Starpharma Holdings Ltd (ASX: SPL) share price has jumped out of the gates and is trading higher on Thursday.

    At the time of writing, investors are bidding Starpharma 5% higher to 70 cents apiece.

    Support comes following a company announcement on sales of its Viraleze label in the UK after a temporary pause.

    What did Starpharma announce?

    The company advised that its Viraleze nasal spray has been relaunched by LloydsPharmacy in the UK.

    According to Starpharma, the Viraleze nasal spray physically traps and blocks cold/respiratory viruses in the nasal cavity. It is registered in over 30 countries but is not approved for sale or supply in Australia.

    Sales of the product were paused in the UK back in 2021. It was to address correspondence from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in relation to promotional claims.

    After successful resolution of the issues raised, Viraleze is now ready to be stacked back onto UK shelves.

    The relaunch will see Starpharma supply LloydsPharmacy exclusively with Viraleze under its existing sales and distribution agreement.

    Management commentary

    Speaking on the announcement, CEO of Starpharma, Dr Jackie Fairley said:

    We are delighted to relaunch Starpharma’s innovative nasal spray, Viraleze, in the UK through LloydsPharmacy’s extensive online and retail network. Viraleze will be particularly useful in the winter cold and flu season given its broad-spectrum of activity against multiple cold and respiratory viruses. Viraleze is supported by multiple publications in peer-reviewed, international journals and was presented at leading, international antiviral conference, CROI, earlier this year.

    In the last 12 months, the Starpharma share price has slipped more than 53% into the red.

    The post Starphama share price lunges 5% on product relaunch appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* Scott just revealed what he believes could be the “five best ASX stocks” for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of June 1 2022

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    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 positions in and has recommended Starpharma Holdings Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Starpharma Holdings Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/592KJuA

  • Why I think the current Wesfarmers share price is a steal

    Older woman considering buying ASX sharesOlder woman considering buying ASX shares

    The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price is at a very attractive level, in my opinion.

    Wesfarmers shares have fallen by almost 30% in 2022 to date. Is the long-term value of Wesfarmers really worth almost a third less than it was at the start of the year? I don’t think so.

    Economic cycles happen. They’re happening all the time. We’re in a cycle right now. I believe that it’s a good time to invest when there’s pessimism about the outlook.

    A lot of Wesfarmers’ earnings come from retailers such as Bunnings, Officeworks, Catch, Kmart, and Target. It’s true that retailers can find it difficult to grow earnings if their customers are doing it tough during a downturn.

    However, I believe Wesfarmers is higher-quality than what some investors are giving it credit for. Short-term pain could be a long-term opportunity.

    After the current volatility, I think the Wesfarmers share price looks good value for a few key reasons.

    Wesfarmers share price at an attractive valuation

    One of the easiest ways to value a business is by looking at the share price in relation to the multiple of earnings that it’s priced at.

    After such a big drop in the Wesfarmers share price, the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio now looks much more manageable.

    According to CMC, the company is valued at 22 times FY22 estimated earnings and 20 times FY23 estimated earnings.

    Based on the earnings projections, Wesfarmers is expected to grow its profit in FY23 and then again in FY24. Profit growth could help the company regain investor sentiment.

    While it could certainly drop further, the Wesfarmers share price is currently close to a multi-year low.

    Besides being cheaper, another benefit of a lower share price is that it also boosts the potential dividend yield on offer.

    Based on dividend estimates on CMC, Wesfarmers is predicted to pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.5% in FY22 and 6% in FY23.

    Market-leading retailers

    Bunnings, Officeworks, and Kmart are all very strong competitors in their respective categories.

    Bunnings is very strong in the home improvement and hardware segment. It earns big returns for Wesfarmers every year. In the FY22 half-year result, Bunnings generated a return on capital (ROC) of 79%.

    It proved its strength a few years ago when Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Lowe’s Companies Inc (NYSE: LOW) tried to challenge Bunnings with the Masters business. But Bunnings was too strong and Masters was closed.

    Officeworks and Kmart are both good earners for Wesfarmers as well, but don’t earn as much. In HY22 the Officeworks ROC was 19.6% and the Kmart Group ROC was 24.5%.

    Bunnings continues to be improved through acquisitions (including Beaumont Tiles) and growth through e-commerce.

    Diversification plays

    I like that Wesfarmers is a diversified business with operations across several sectors.

    I think this makes Wesfarmers more resilient in downturns, while also giving management a wider array of potential investments to look at.

    Lithium is one of the promising areas of the business with the Mt Holland project.

    Healthcare and beauty is now another possible area of growth for the business after the acquisition of Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API). This business, which is the owner of the Priceline Pharmacy network, is the foundation of the new health segment.

    It will be interesting to see what other opportunities Wesfarmers finds in the healthcare space.

    The Wesfarmers share price is $42.34 in early trading on Thursday, down 0.77%

    The post Why I think the current Wesfarmers share price is a steal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Wesfarmers Ltd right now?

    Before you consider Wesfarmers Ltd, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Wesfarmers Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of June 1 2022

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#0095C8”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    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 recommended Lowe’s. 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/lSFfWQM

  • Why is the Paradigm share price rocketing 20% higher today?

    Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.

    Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.

    The Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: PAR) share price isn’t letting the market weakness hold it back today.

    In morning trade, the biopharmaceutical company’s shares are up 20% to $1.15.

    Why is the Paradigm share price surging higher?

    The catalyst for the strong rise by the Paradigm share price on Thursday has been the release of a positive announcement.

    According to the release, the company has received official acceptance of an Australian patent application for the “treatment of bone marrow pathologies with polysulfated polysaccharides.”

    Paradigm’s patent will expire in over 15 years on 6 August 2038.

    The release notes that the first claim of the accepted patent refers to a method of improving knee function where the subject has a bone marrow lesion and osteoarthritis in a knee by administering pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS).

    It is also worth noting that there is only one FDA approved manufacturer of PPS, Bene pharmaChem. Pleasingly, Paradigm has an exclusive, sub-licensable, global supply agreement with Bene pharmaChem for the manufacture and commercial use of PPS for multiple indications extending for 25 years post first marketing approval.

    What about in the US?

    Readers may recall that earlier this year the company revealed that the US patent office rejected its patent application.

    However, the release notes that this Australian patent was the same one the US rejected. Furthermore, the US rejection was not a final rejection.

    In light of this, the market appears optimistic that Paradigm’s next attempt to get its US patent application accepted may be successful. Paradigm intends to file its response to the US patent and trademark office by the end of July.

    Paradigm’s Chairman, Paul Rennie commented:

    It is very exciting for the Company’s strategic plans to have a patent which claims the treatment of people with osteoarthritis and bone marrow lesions with pentosan polysulphate sodium (PPS) and we expect further acceptance and grants in other territories in the coming months. We continue to work in partnership with our patent attorneys to proactively prosecute new patents to extend our protection on the use of PPS in disease indications with unmet medical needs.

    The post Why is the Paradigm share price rocketing 20% higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals Ltd right now?

    Before you consider Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals Ltd, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of June 1 2022

    (function() {
    function setButtonColorDefaults(param, property, defaultValue) {
    if( !param || !param.includes(‘#’)) {
    var button = document.getElementsByClassName(“pitch-snippet”)[0].getElementsByClassName(“pitch-button”)[0];
    button.style[property] = defaultValue;
    }
    }

    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#43B02A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
    setButtonColorDefaults(“#fff”, ‘color’, ‘#fff’);
    })()

    More reading

    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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/FGeOr0v