• Why ApeCoin was trouncing other cryptos on Thursday

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

    Apecoin animation.

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

    What happened

    The hot cryptocurrency of the moment, ApeCoin (CRYPTO: APE), got even hotter on Thursday. As of late afternoon, the token tightly linked to the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) non-fungible token ecosystem was up by nearly 20% over the previous 24 hours. That made it a 300-pound gorilla when contrasted with the modest gains of a great many fellow tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Polkadot.

    So what

    Unlike nearly all of those coins, ApeCoin is on the brink of entering a new stage of evolution. This Saturday, BAYC is slated to launch Otherside, its metaverse project in which the anchor currency is that furry animal token. And it’s not like there was a long ramp-up to the launch — it was officially announced last Saturday.

    While enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies has generally cooled lately, investors are still excited about the prospects of the metaverse. Compounding this, BAYC has provided few details about Otherside, helping to burnish that cyberworld’s mystique and keep people interested.

    A brief animated video posted on the recently established (and apparently official) OthersideMeta Twitter account, soundtracked with The Doors’ Break on Through, presents an odd, colorful world with an aesthetic similar to BAYC’s popular NFTs. The main characters in Otherverse seem to be (you guessed it) BAYC-styled apes, although it’s anyone’s guess whether Otherside participants actually get to play as those creatures.

    Now what

    Another big question is what exactly is going to be sold upon Otherside’s launch (there is a “first mint” for NFTs connected to that metaverse), but in Apeworld fashion, precious few specifics have been provided.

    So what we’re dealing with in ApeCoin is not only a very proprietary token, but also one whose future is full of question marks. It might be loaded with potential, but then again it could represent a rickety-foundation trap for incautious investors. To me, this uncertainty makes it an asset to avoid for now. 

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

    The post Why ApeCoin was trouncing other cryptos on Thursday 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.

    *Returns as of January 12th 2022

    More reading

    Eric Volkman has positions in Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. 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/f7IUVNx

  • Bank of America tips 38% upside for Block shares. Here’s why

    A businessman stacks building blocks while smiling about the anticipated 7% dividend yield that CSR is expected to pay based on its current share price

    A businessman stacks building blocks while smiling about the anticipated 7% dividend yield that CSR is expected to pay based on its current share price

    Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) shares are edging higher today, up 0.84% to $145.57 per share.

    While it’s early hours yet, Block shares trading on the ASX are trailing yesterday’s (overnight Aussie time) performance of their US-listed counterparts. Block closed 4.6% higher on the NYSE, at US$104.65 per share.

    While that was a strong day for the global buy now, pay later (BNPL) giant, Bank of America forecasts more strength ahead.

    Why investors will be eyeing the Afterpay integration

    As you’re likely aware, United States-based Block acquired Aussie BNPL company Afterpay in January this year.

    And how well that integration works will have a material impact on Block shares.

    As the Australian Financial Review (AFR) reports, Bank of America believes that, among other core factors, “investor focus will also be on the integration of Afterpay, and we will be looking for more specifics regarding potential quantification of revenue synergies”.

    Block will report its quarterly results on 5 May, with an investor day presentation scheduled for 18 May.

    Tailwinds ahead?

    Bank of America believes the quarterly results will offer some fresh tailwinds for Block shares.

    “We continue to believe [Block] is well-positioned to be a long-term leader in the Super App race among various Fintechs,” it said.

    The bank retained its buy rating on Block shares, though it cut its price target from US$157 to US$144 per share. Still, that’s 38% above yesterday’s closing price on the NYSE.

    According to Bank of America (as quoted by the AFR):

    We see ample synergies between Afterpay and SQ, particularly the ability to cross-pollinate the respective active user base at Cash App and Afterpay. For example, we note that Afterpay’s 19 million annual active customers (65% in US) will be able to make BNPL instalment payments directly in Cash App.

    Meanwhile, Cash App customers will have the ability to discover Afterpay’s 122,000 merchants, while engaging in BNPL transactions within the Cash App platform.

    How have Block shares been tracking?

    It’s been a rough month for Block shares, down 28.8% since 29 March. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.6% for the month.

    The post Bank of America tips 38% upside for Block shares. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Block right now?

    Before you consider Block, 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 Block 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc. 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/M9eBinr

  • Why has this ASX materials share plummeted 28% today?

    Two men react in shock at Evolution share price drop record profitTwo men react in shock at Evolution share price drop record profit

    The SciDev Ltd (ASX: SDV) share price is having a woeful morning on the ASX following a company announcement.

    At the time of writing, the chemical engineering company’s shares are down a sizeable 29%, trading at a multi-year low of 28 cents. In comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is tracking 0.79% higher at 7,703 points.

    What did the ASX materials share announce?

    Investors are selling off SciDev shares following an unexpected announcement regarding its most senior leader. SciDev advised that its CEO and managing director Lewis Utting has tendered his resignation due to personal reasons.

    SciDev commercial director of water services Sean Halpin has been appointed to the top job in the interim.

    SciDev chair Vaughan Busby said:

    The Board thanks Lewis for his leadership, commitment and hard work transforming and growing the company from a start up to where it is today.

    We understand and respect Lewis’ decision to resign so he can focus on family matters. Over the next few months, Lewis will be available on a limited basis to assist with the transition.

    While the sudden notice has rattled shareholders, SciDev said that it would begin its search for a new permanent CEO.

    About the SciDev share price

    Adding to today’s losses, the SciDev share price has fallen almost 70% over the last 12 months.

    Since reaching a 52-week high of 97.5 cents in mid-2021, the ASX materials shares have been on a downward trend.

    The company commands a market capitalisation of roughly $52.5 million based on today’s price.

    The post Why has this ASX materials share plummeted 28% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in SciDev right now?

    Before you consider SciDev, 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 SciDev 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    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/HWLrZqw

  • Could AFIC shares be an ASX inflation hedge?

    A sharp cactus beneath a deflated balloon, indicating the fight against inflation.

    A sharp cactus beneath a deflated balloon, indicating the fight against inflation.

    As the ASX’s largest Listed Investment Company (LIC), the Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (ASX: AFI) share price is a popular choice for many passive investors. A LIC is a share market investment that functions more similarly to a managed fund than your traditional ASX share. It is a company. But one that invests in its own portfolio of other ASX shares for the benefit of its shareholders.

    Thus, many investors hold AFIC shares seeking an easy, broad-based, diversified and dividend-paying investment. One that will hopefully deliver a sprinkle of market outperformance over a long time frame. Its current top shares mostly consist of blue-chips like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

    But as we approach the halfway mark of 2022, it is inflation that is at the top of many investors’ concerns right now. Earlier this week, we got the shocking news that Australia’s annual inflation rate is now running at 5.1%, a two-decade high.

    So are AFIC shares an effective inflation hedge?

    Well, inflation of 5.1% means that an investment has to have grown by 5.1% just to keep an investor’s capital level in real terms.

    That means that AFIC’s dividend alone doesn’t cut the mustard. The company presently offers a dividend yield of 2.9% on current pricing. This dividend, including the full franking credits, grosses up to 4.14%. AFIC hasn’t increased its dividend for a few years now. Its interim payment that investors saw in February was 10 cents a share, the same interim dividend it paid in 2016.

    However, over the past year, AFIC shares have increased by 10.56% in value. Adding that to the grossed up dividend yield of 4.14% and we get a total trailing return of 14.7%. Subtracting inflation of 5.1% and we get a real return of 9.6% for the past 12 months.

    So over the past year, AFIC has indeed been an inflation-busting hedge. But past performance is no guarantee of future returns, so take that with a grain of salt. 

    The post Could AFIC shares be an ASX inflation hedge? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in AFIC right now?

    Before you consider AFIC, 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 AFIC 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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/LgfCrRy

  • ASX 200 midday update: ResMed disappoints, PointsBet rockets higher

    A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements

    A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements

    At lunch on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week on a positive note. The benchmark index is currently up 0.75% to 7,412.7 points.

    Here’s what is happening on the ASX 200 today:

    ResMed share price falls on quarterly update

    The ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) share price is sinking on Friday after the sleep treatment company’s quarterly update fell short of expectations. ResMed reported a 12% increase in revenue to US$864.5 million and a 2% lift in earnings per share to US$1.32. Goldman Sachs notes that the company’s revenue and earnings per share missed by 5% and 9%, respectively, versus consensus estimates.

    PointsBet shares jump

    The PointsBet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) share price is racing higher today thanks to a rebound in the tech sector and a positive reaction to the sports betting company’s quarterly update. In respect to the latter, PointsBet reported a 54% increase in turnover to $1,398 million. This reflects a 37% increase in Australian turnover to $579.4 million and a 70% jump in US turnover to $818.6 million.

    COVID weighs on Ramsay profits

    The Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC) share price is trading lower today after the hospital giant revealed that its profits have been hit by COVID restrictions. Ramsay reported third quarter revenue growth of 5.7% to $3,449.2 million but a 59% reduction in net profit to $42.7 million. The latter reflects COVID-related absenteeism, surgical restrictions, and higher operating costs.

    Best and worst ASX 200 performers

    The best performer on the ASX 200 on Friday has been the PointsBet share price with a gain of 11%. This follows the release of the sports betting company’s quarterly update and a rebound in the tech sector. The worst performer has been the ResMed share price with a 5% decline after the sleep treatment company’s quarterly update missed expectations.

    The post ASX 200 midday update: ResMed disappoints, PointsBet rockets higher 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.

    *Returns as of January 12th 2022

    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 positions in and has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd, Ramsay Health Care Limited, and ResMed Inc. 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/23Datvp

  • This ASX 200 healthcare share has a fully franked dividend yield over 4% right now

    Stethoscope with a piggy bank and hundred dollar notes.

    Stethoscope with a piggy bank and hundred dollar notes.

    Sure there are a lot of ASX dividend shares on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) to choose from. There are the big banks like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA). Then there are the mining giants like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). Other dividend investors look to blue-chips like Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS), or Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) for income. But dividend-paying ASX healthcare shares?

    Traditionally, the healthcare space is not one where many investors traditionally search for income. The market’s largest healthcare share is CSL Limited (ASX: CSL). But even though CSL shares have fallen more than 8% this year so far, the company still has a dividend yield under 1%.

    But there is a healthcare share on the ASX that currently offers a fully franked dividend yield of over 4% right now. That would be Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL).

    Medibank Private is the ASX’s largest healthcare insurer. Many of us would know its flagship Medibank brand, as well as its AHM subsidiary.

    Well, right now, Medibank Private shares offer a dividend yield of 4.06%. Since this yield comes fully franked too, it grosses up to a meaty 5.8% with those franking credits. 

    How do Medibank shares offer a 4% yield today?

    Where does this yield come from? Well, Medibank’s last two dividend payments. The company paid out its interim dividend for FY2022 last month This was a payment of 6.2 cents per share, a healthy rise on the previous interim dividend of 5.8 cents per share. Before that, Medibank doled out a final dividend of 6.9 cents per share in September last year. Again, that was an increase on its 2020 final payment of 6.3 cents per share.

    Medibank actually had a bit of a streak going before COVID. From its first ever dividend in 2015, Medibank gave its investors an annual dividend pay raise every year until 2019. 2019 saw the company payout 15.6 cents per share in dividends, but this was reduced to 12 cents in 2020 largely thanks to the effects of the pandemic. 2021 saw the company begin to increase its shareholder payouts once again, which it has continued to do in 2022 so far.

    So that’s how we get to a 4.06% yield for Medibank shares today. Not too common for an ASX healthcare share at all.

    At the current Medibank Private share price, this ASX 200 healthcare share has a market capitalisation of $8.81 billion. 

    The post This ASX 200 healthcare share has a fully franked dividend yield over 4% right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Medibank Private right now?

    Before you consider Medibank Private, 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 Medibank Private 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Corporation Limited and 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/xpUFDGk

  • TGIF: Why is the Zip share price rocketing 10% today?

    a small boy dressed in a superhero outfit soars into the sky with a graphic backdrop of a cityscape.a small boy dressed in a superhero outfit soars into the sky with a graphic backdrop of a cityscape.

    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) share price seems to be pulling itself together after a disastrous week, surging nearly 10% on Friday morning.

    And its timing couldn’t be better. The buy now, pay later (BNPL) giant’s stock tumbled 2.7% on Tuesday and 5.1% on Wednesday before ending yesterday’s session flat.

    At the time of writing, the Zip share price is trading at $1.09, 7.39% higher than its previous close.

    For context, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) and the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) are both in the green on Friday. They’ve gained 0.8% and 0.75% respectively.

    Let’s take a look at what might be pushing the BNPL stock to a strong week’s end.

    Zip share price soars towards the weekend

    The Zip share price is the ASX 200 financial sector’s top performer on Friday.

    But another sector is likely helping to boosting it higher. The BNPL stock generally tracks more in line with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) ­– and that’s good news today.

    The tech sector is currently the ASX 200’s best performing sector, recording a gain of 2.09%.

    Today’s top performing ASX 200 tech shares include Life360 Inc (ASX: 360), EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML), and Tyro Payments Ltd (ASX: TYR).

    Its strong performance on Friday is likely a reaction to yesterday’s session on the tech-heavy NASDAQ exchange.

    While most of Australia slept last night, the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) gained 3%. And while its nice to wake up to a sea of green, we probably shouldn’t get used to it.

    Nasdaq futures have slipped on Thursday night (Friday, Aussie time), after Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) posted results.

    Sadly, today’s gains haven’t been enough to boost the Zip share price into the green.

    The BNPL stock has tumbled nearly 75% since the start of 2022. It’s also around 87% lower than it was this time last year.

    The post TGIF: Why is the Zip share price rocketing 10% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Zip right now?

    Before you consider Zip, 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 Zip 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, EML Payments, Life360, Inc., Tyro Payments, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long March 2023 $120 calls on Apple and short March 2023 $130 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended EML Payments. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, and Tyro Payments. 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/1MAT6Hc

  • Can the CBA share price maintain its premium to the other ASX banks?

    Gold piggy bank on top of Australian notes.

    Gold piggy bank on top of Australian notes.

    The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is seen as the most expensive compared to the other major banks. But can that continue?

    Experts are not just talking about the market capitalisation when they say one bank is more expensive than the other. But, just for the record, the CBA market cap is almost $176 billion according to the ASX.

    One of the main ways that different businesses can be compared is with the price to earnings (P/E) ratio.

    So, let’s look at the projected earnings multiples for FY22.

    CBA share price valuation

    Using Commsec data, which is provided by independent third-party data providers, CBA is expected to generate $5.23 of earnings per share (EPS).

    If CBA does generate EPS of $5.23, that would mean the CBA share price is valued at around 20 times FY22’s estimated earnings.

    How does that compare to the other big four banks?

    The National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) share price is valued at under 16 times FY22’s estimated earnings.

    Next, the Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is valued at 15 times FY22’s estimated earnings.

    The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price is valued at 13 times FY22’s estimated earnings.

    So, there is a material gap in the P/E ratio between CBA and the other banks based on this year’s forecast earnings. ANZ has the lowest projected earnings multiple.

    Can the CBA keep up this valuation gap?

    Michelle Lopez is head of Australian equities at Aberdeen Standard Investments.

    The Australian Financial Review quoted her thoughts on CBA:

    Commonwealth Bank, while looking expensive on an earnings multiple, is trading broadly in line with its five-year average premium to peers. We believe CBA has the leading retail franchise, leading tech infrastructure and momentum in its SME book, which enables them to continue generating a return on equity well in excess of its peers. Hence, the premium can be maintained, but admittedly, it can overshoot.

    Which ASX bank is the best one to pick?

    Every analyst has a different opinion on the banks. For Ms Lopez, it isn’t CBA that is the most attractive bank. She commented on her favourite bank idea:

    We are seeing NAB execute on its turnaround strategy and the valuation does not yet reflect the upside potential in our view given the strong earnings momentum across both its retail and SME franchises.

    Recent CBA performance

    The most recent operational update investors heard was the FY22 half-year result for the six months to 31 December 2021. Investors like to look at profit generation, which can have an impact on the CBA share price.

    In that result, CBA said that it generated a 23% growth of its cash net profit after tax (NPAT) to $4.75 billion. It said that NPAT was supported by “strong business outcomes, reduced remediation costs and lower loan loss provisions due to an improved economic outlook but impacted by lower margins”.

    The post Can the CBA share price maintain its premium to the other ASX banks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CBA right now?

    Before you consider CBA, 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 CBA 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/TB3qGiz

  • Here’s why the ResMed share price is sinking 6% today

    a woman looks distressed as she stares dramatically at her phone watching the Megaport share price crashing today

    a woman looks distressed as she stares dramatically at her phone watching the Megaport share price crashing today

    The ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) share price is ending the week deep in the red.

    In late morning trade, the sleep treatment focused medical device company’s shares are down 5% to $28.87.

    This is an improvement from early on when the ResMed share price was down as much as 6.5% to $28.36.

    Why is the ResMed share price sinking?

    Investors have been selling down the ResMed share price after the company’s third quarter update fell short of the market’s expectations.

    According to the release, the company delivered a 12% increase in revenue to US$864.5 million, a 5% lift in operating income to US$234.3 million, and a 2% rise in its earnings per share up 2% to US$1.32.

    Management advised that its top line growth was driven by increased demand for its sleep and respiratory care devices. Whereas its softer profit growth reflects margin pressure from higher freight, manufacturing, and employee costs.

    How does this compare to expectations?

    As mentioned above, the ResMed share price is falling today after its quarterly result fell short of expectations.

    Goldman Sachs was quick to respond to the result, highlighting that the company’s revenue and earnings per share missed by 5% and 9%, respectively.

    It commented: “3Q22 revenue came in -5% below consensus (Visible Alpha Consensus Data), driven primarily by a -15% miss in ex-US devices (largely a reflection of persisting supply chain challenges, which were well flagged in advance but clearly still underestimated).”

    “Gross margins declined (-150bps non-GAAP; -140bps GAAP) as widely anticipated freight and supply pressures continue to impact the business. These cost pressures were exacerbated by an increase in SG&A expenses above and beyond revenue growth, in contrast to prior quarters (SG&A increased +17% CC, above Group revenue of +14% CC).”

    At present, Goldman Sachs has a buy rating and $35.80 price target on the ResMed share price. However, this could change in the coming days once it has fully absorbed this update.

    The post Here’s why the ResMed share price is sinking 6% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in ResMed right now?

    Before you consider ResMed, 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 ResMed 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    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 recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ResMed Inc. 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/iAHMTpR

  • Origin share price gains as surging commodity prices boost revenue to $2.5b

    Man wearing green shirt and pink watch flexes his muscle. representing the strength in the ASX iron ore shares at the momentMan wearing green shirt and pink watch flexes his muscle. representing the strength in the ASX iron ore shares at the moment

    The Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) share price is in the green today after the company released its latest quarterly report.

    At the time of writing, the Origin share price is $6.86, 2.24% higher than its previous close.

    Origin share price lifts as revenue doubles

    Highlights for the quarter ending 31 March 2022 include:

    • APLNG revenue increased 15% to $2,577.5 million  – 104% year-on-year increase
    • Its sales for the period fell 5% quarter-on-quarter
    • Its average commodity price rose 21% to $16.10 per gigajoule
    • Production dropped 4% to 170.6 petajoules
    • Electricity market sales volume increased 7%

    Origin’s Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG)’s revenue surged alongside gas and oil prices last quarter, more than double that of the same quarter of last financial year.

    That’s despite the company’s recording lower production levels due to wet weather and a shorter quarter. The company’s fall in sales reflected its lower production volumes.

    APLNG delivered seven spot cargoes last quarter, with North Asian LNG market prices averaged around US$31 per million British thermal units (mmbtu).

    APLNG’s effective oil price came to $108 per barrel in the March quarter – up 10% quarter-on-quarter and 89% higher than the same period of last year. APLNG’s realised gas price was A$16.10 per gigajoule last quarter.  

    Turning to energy markets, Origin’s electricity sales rose 7% quarter-on-quarter. New customer wins saw business volumes surge 16%, while retail volumes dropped 4% on lower usage.

    Its gas sales volumes also rose 2%, and its gas sales to generation rose 46%. Though, natural gas sales fell 11% quarter-on-quarter.

    The average national energy market spot electricity price was $90.88 per megawatt house last quarter. That represents a 58% quarter-on-quarter increase.

    The average east coast spot gas price for the quarter was $9.97 per gigajoule – down $0.71 on that of the December quarter.

    What else happened last quarter?

    Last quarter was a big one for Origin Energy and its share price.

    In February, the company officially offloaded a 10% interest in Australia Pacific LNG for net proceeds of $2 billion. The company still boasts a 27.5% holding in — and control over — the venture.

    It also completed its acquisition of WINconnect in the March quarter.

    Origin acquired two solar farm projects last quarter: NSW’s Yarrabee Solar Farm project and Victoria’s Carisbrook Solar Farm.

    The company also announced its plan to close the power station earlier than previously expected in February. Eraring is now set to shut its doors in August 2025.

    Output from the company’s Eraring Power Station is down 16% for the financial year so far compared to the same point of last financial year. The drop is mainly due to coal delivery constraints.

    The company also released news of a $250 million on-market share buyback. It began in April.

    The Origin share price gained nearly 19% last quarter.

    What did management say?

    Origin CEO Frank Calabria commented on the company’s latest quarterly results, saying:

    Australia Pacific LNG was able to capitalise on strong commodity prices, shipping seven JKM-linked spot cargoes during the quarter, with a further four sold into the tight Asian LNG market for delivery in the coming months.

    In Energy Markets, customer wins in the business segment drove an increase in volumes, more than compensating for a small drop in retail demand as the wet summer experienced by much of the east coast resulted in mostly milder temperatures and lower consumer demand.

    Wholesale prices across the [national energy market] have risen significantly compared with the prior period driven by higher coal prices, lower solar output associated with the La Nina summer and baseload outages across the NEM.

    Origin Energy share price snapshot

    2022 has been a good year so far for the Origin share price.

    Shares in the company have gained 28% since the start of the year, and are 67% higher than this time last year.

    The post Origin share price gains as surging commodity prices boost revenue to $2.5b appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Origin right now?

    Before you consider Origin, 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 Origin 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    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/p5GPt0O