• Pushpay (ASX:PPH) share price higher on US$150 million Resi Media acquisition

    The Pushpay Holdings Ltd (ASX: PPH) share price is pushing higher on Monday morning.

    In early trade, the donor management platform provider’s shares are up 3% to $1.61.

    Why is the Pushpay share price charging higher?

    Investors have been bidding the Pushpay share price higher today after it announced a major acquisition.

    According to the release, Pushpay has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the ownership interests in Resi Media for US$150 million in cash and shares. This represents 8.8x FY 2021 revenue.

    The consideration comprises US$110 million in cash and US$40 million in shares. The former will be funded by a combination of cash on hand and a senior secured debt facility of US$90 million.

    Management expects the acquisition to close by the end of August. This is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

    What is Resi Media?

    The release explains that Resi Media is a US-based market-leading streaming solutions provider. It services more than 70% of the Outreach 100 largest churches in the US. Its offerings comprise live streaming services to web, social media, mobile apps, and other locations and multisite streaming which delivers video to remote locations.

    Management believes Resi Media is well positioned to execute on a value proposition of high quality, reliable live streaming as streaming becomes a core part of faith-based and other organisations’ operations.

    It also notes that its Resilient Streaming Protocol (RSP) protects against audio and video quality loss during transmission regardless of network interruptions. The technology enables live streaming online across any platform, social media or the organisation’s own brand. Customers can automate, monitor and review streams to make events extremely effective.

    Resi Media’s executive team will continue leading the business.

    Pushpay’s CEO, Molly Matthews said, “Adding Resi’s top tier streaming solutions to our product suite will greatly enhance our value proposition to customers, allowing Pushpay to fully support churches’ digital engagement with their communities, and ensure Pushpay is staying at the forefront of church technology innovation. We welcome the Resi team to Pushpay and look forward to working together in providing market leading solutions to the faith sector.”

    The Pushpay share price is down 10.5% in 2021.

    The post Pushpay (ASX:PPH) share price higher on US$150 million Resi Media acquisition appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Pushpay, 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 Pushpay wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended PUSHPAY FPO NZX. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended PUSHPAY FPO NZX. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Qantas (ASX: QAN) share price falls amid campaign to reward vaccination

    Woman smiling while looking out of aeroplane window and listening to headphones

    The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price is down this morning after the airline announced it will launch incentives for vaccinated Australians tomorrow.

    Qantas has a number of goodies lined up for Australians who have rolled up their sleeves for a COVID-19 jab. Additionally, those who claim a prize will automatically go into the draw to win 12 months of free travel.  

    Right now, the Qantas share price is $4.22, 0.71% lower than Friday’s close.

    Let’s take a closer look at the rewards Qantas will be handing out to vaccinated Australians tomorrow.

    Qantas rewards vaccinations

    The Qantas share price is falling amid news it will be giving vaccinated Australians 1000 Qantas points, 15 status credits, or a $20 flight voucher from tomorrow.

    Additionally, those who claim a reward will be entered into the “mega prize draw”.

    Qantas has put 10 mega prizes up for grabs. There will be a winner from each of Australia’s states and territories. Another 2 winners will be crowned as part of a national television campaign.

    The winners will be able to travel with Qantas and Jetstar to more than 60 destinations around Australia. Once they arrive at their destination (or destinations), they’ll stay for free at Accor hotels, resorts, or apartments. Additionally, they’ll be able to top up their car for free at a BP service station.

    Winners will also be able to get on board international flights when Australia’s borders reopen.

    Australians living in Australia, aged over 18, and a member of Qantas’ Frequent Flyers program will be eligible to enter the giveaway. Eligible Australians can claim their rewards through the Qantas app, available on the Apple app store and Google Play store.

    Management’s comments

    Qantas CEO Alan Joyce spoke of the news potentially driving the Qantas share price today. He said:

    This is one of the biggest giveaways we’ve ever done. The impact of the pandemic on the travel industry and our own Qantas Group team members means we have a clear vested interest in the success of the vaccine rollout.

    For us, getting the vaccine rate up to 70 and 80 per cent means thousands of people can go back to work.

    With the Federal Government’s vaccine program ramping up across the country, now is the ideal time to say thank you to Australians for stepping up and protecting themselves and others.

    Qantas share price snapshot

    The Qantas share price has slipped 13% year to date. However, it is 9% higher than it was this time last year.

    The post Qantas (ASX: QAN) share price falls amid campaign to reward vaccination appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Qantas Airways right now?

    Before you consider Qantas Airways, 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 Qantas Airways wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and Apple. 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 recommended Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why the Vulcan Energy (ASX:VUL) share price is jumping 7% today

    Woman attached to rocket flies into air

    The Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price is storming higher on Monday.

    In early trade, the lithium developer’s shares are up 7% to $12.98.

    Why is the Vulcan Energy share price storming higher?

    The catalyst for the rise in the Vulcan Energy share price today has been an announcement relating to its Zero Carbon Lithium Project.

    According to the release, Vulcan has appointed BNP Paribas as its financial advisor. It notes that the bank is a leader in sustainability with a strong track-record in advisory and financing of battery and renewable projects. This includes the 1.3 billion euros Northvolt’s Gigafactory in Sweden and the 5.5 billion pounds Dogger Bank project in the UK.

    The release explains that Vulcan and BNP Paribas will work together on a bankability review in the lead up to the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and, upon its completion, on the structuring and execution of the financing of the Zero Carbon Lithium Project.

    This Project aims to decarbonise the production of batteries for electric vehicles, by developing the world’s first zero carbon lithium project. Excitement around this project has been a key driver of the staggering gains made by the Vulcan Energy share price over the last 12 months.

    Management commentary

    Vulcan Energy’s Managing Director, Dr. Francis Wedin, was very pleased to be working with BNP Paribas.

    He commented: “It is important to work with partners who share our sustainability goals and values. BNP Paribas is a leader in financing and advisory in the renewables and battery supply chain sector in Europe, with a strong focus on ESG. The combination of values, market presence and drive will be important factors in assisting us with the successful preparation and execution of financing our globally unique Zero Carbon Lithium Project.”

    This sentiment was echoed by BNP Paribas.

    BNP Paribas’ Head of Energy, Resources & Infrastructure, Séverine Mateo, said: “We are delighted to be appointed by Vulcan to assist in the Zero Carbon Lithium Project and help realising this significant step towards carbon neutrality in electric vehicle battery production. The road to energy transition requires significant increases in mineral consumption at the lowest possible level of carbon intensity, and BNP Paribasis committed to accompanying companies and economies in combating climate change.”

    The Vulcan Energy share price is up 325% since the start of the year.

    The post Why the Vulcan Energy (ASX:VUL) share price is jumping 7% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Vulcan, 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 Vulcan wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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  • Ampol (ASX:ALD) share price sinks on half year results and acquisition news

    Driver sitting in car, holding phone and looking frustrated

    The Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price is falling on Monday following the announcement of its half year results and a major acquisition.

    At the time of writing, the fuel retailer’s shares are down 5% to $26.20.

    Ampol share price falls on results and acquisition announcement

    • Fuels & Infrastructure EBIT up 86% to $208 million
    • Convenience Retail EBIT increased 19.2% to $149 million
    • Corporate costs lifted 12.5% to $18 million
    • Group RCOP EBIT jumped 53.8% to $340 million
    • RCOP net profit after tax up 70.8% to $205 million
    • Fully franked interim dividend of 52 cents per share
    • NZ$2 billion offer to acquire Z Energy

    What happened during the first half for Ampol?

    The Ampol share price is trading lower today despite the company reporting a significant jump in profits and a potential acquisition.

    For the six months ended 30 June, the fuel retailer reported a 70.8% increase in RCOP net profit after tax to $205 million. A key driver of this was its Fuels & Infrastructure business, which delivered an 85% increase in EBIT for the period. However, this was largely due to the improvement in profitability of the Lytton refinery and the receipt of the Federal Government’s Temporary Refining Production Payment of $40 million.

    This was supported by a 19.2% increase in Convenience Retail EBIT to $149 million. Management advised that this reflects continued improvement in shop performance and the $14 million benefit of lower depreciation due to the impairment of Convenience Retail sites a year earlier. This helped offset compressed fuel margins during the period.

    Also failing to give the Ampol share price a boost today was news that it has tabled a non-binding indicative proposal to acquire Z Energy Ltd (ASX: ZEL) for a cash offer price of NZ$3.78 per share. This represents a 35% premium to its close price on 26 July 2021, which is the day prior to the first media speculation in relation to corporate activity involving Z Energy. It values Z Energy’s equity at NZ$2 billion.

    The Z Energy Board has granted Ampol a four-week period of exclusivity for it to undertake confirmatory due diligence.

    What did management say?

    Ampol’s Managing Director and CEO, Matt Halliday, said: “The first half of 2021 has been pivotal for Ampol. We finalised our Lytton review, with a commitment to continue operating to support the dual objectives of fuel security and energy transition in partnership with government. In addition, the launch of our Future Energy and Decarbonisation strategy provides a pathway to build new lower emissions energy solutions for our customers into the future.”

    “The business also continues to perform strongly as we execute the delivery of our growth strategies in challenging conditions. In addition to improved performance in our core Australian fuels business, we continue to grow earnings in our International and Convenience Retail businesses in line with our earnings growth targets,” he added.

    Commenting on the proposed acquisition of Z Energy, Mr Holiday said: “Z Energy is a logical growth opportunity for Ampol as both companies are market leaders in their respective home markets and have very similar business models. A successful acquisition would create an A&NZ leader in fuel, with significant regional scale and trusted and iconic brands on both sides of the Tasman.”

    What’s next for Ampol?

    One thing that could be weighing on the Ampol share price today was its outlook commentary.

    Management revealed that it has had a difficult start to the second half due to lockdowns. So much so, fuel volumes were down 15% in July and down 18% in August through to 15 August.

    As a result, it notes that its current run rate suggests Australian fuel volumes will be below the previous guidance range of 13.5 billion to 14.0 billion litres.

    Furthermore, shop sales were down 16% in July and 17% in August through to 15 August.

    Nevertheless, management appears positive on its longer term outlook. It notes that the market has shown that demand and sales recover quickly when restrictions ease and there are signs that retail margins are providing a partial offset to the volume weakness.

    The post Ampol (ASX:ALD) share price sinks on half year results and acquisition news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Ampol, 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 Ampol wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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  • The Boral (ASX:BLD) share price fell 8% last time the company reported

    Construction workers on site

    The Boral Ltd (ASX: BLD) share price is on watch today as it plans on reporting its FY21 earnings on Tuesday.

    Boral shares have climbed into the green since January 1. As such, it’s worthwhile investigating investors’ reaction last time the company reported.

    Let’s peel back the layers to find out exactly what happened in the week when Boral reported its FY21 half year results back in February.

    What happened after Boral’s last earnings report?

    Boral recognised several tension points in its FY21 half-year earnings report, including:

    • 8% year on year revenue decrease to $1.6 billion
    • Boral North America also absorbed a 9% decline in revenue behind the year prior
    • Net profit after tax (NPAT) of $156 million, which was flat compared to the same time last year
    • No dividend payment for 1H 2021
    • Free cash flow growth from $35 million to $333 million in 1H FY21, in line with its peers free cash flow growth

    In addition to these points, Boral outlined uncertainties in the market going forward and expects further impacts from COVID-19.

    Management also said the USG Boral and Meridian Brick divestments will be completed in FY21. Moreover, it had appointed a new CEO and CFO to its ranks in order to achieve its growth vision for the future.

    What happened next?

    In an unfortunate turn of events the Boral share price, investors failed to welcome the company’s performance with open arms. Particularly the haircut to its FY21 dividend.

    Boral reported its earnings on Tuesday 9 February and, by the Friday, Boral shares had sunk 8% into the red from Monday’s close. On 9 February alone, shares in the construction materials company had sunk around 5%.

    The downward pressure on the Boral share price was relatively short-lived, however.

    To illustrate, there have been several external catalysts in Boral’s growth engine since February that have pushed its shares back towards its all-time highs.

    For instance, Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SVW) has been on the chase to acquire Boral since May this year.

    Boral shareholders originally rejected the bid of $6.50 per share to acquire all remaining outstanding Boral shares. Seven then revised the offer to $7.30 per share, which was again rejected.

    However, on 29 July, the conglomerate finished its takeover bid and now holds approximately 70% of Boral’s voting power.

    Moreover, Seven Group immediately appointed its CEO Ryan Stokes as chair of the Boral board.

    It is reasonable to say the Boral share price sunk last earnings on the back of the company’s lacklustre first-half performance.

    Undoubtedly, Boral shareholders will be hoping for a different outcome on Tuesday and are seeking further clarity on the future of its dividend.

    Boral share price snapshot

    The Boral share price has climbed 36% into the green since January 1, extending the previous 12 months’ gain of 84%.

    Despite this, Boral shares are 9% in the red over the last month.

    These results have outpaced the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO)’s return of around 25% over the past year.

    The post The Boral (ASX:BLD) share price fell 8% last time the company reported appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Boral, 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 Boral wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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    The author Zach Bristow has no positions 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • What could Sydney Airport’s results mean for Webjet (ASX:WEB) shares?

    paper plane crashed in sand representing falling nearmap share price

    Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) shares have been under pressure once again in 2021. Shares in the online travel agent have fallen 7.2% lower this year as COVID-19 restrictions continue to disrupt business.

    Investors want to know that there’s light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. That’s where the August earnings season, including the recent Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) results, could be helpful to see what’s happening in the travel industry.

    What could Sydney Airport’s results mean for Webjet shares?

    For those who missed it, Sydney Airport released its latest half-year result on Friday. Some of the big takeaways were:

    Webjet shares fell 1% lower on Friday with ASX travel shares across the board being hit hard. One notable item from Sydney Airport’s results was the overall passenger numbers. Australia’s busiest airport reported a 36.4% decline in pcp with a 91% drop in international arrivals.

    In what Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert described as a “challenging six months”, there were a couple of positives. One of those was the trend of increasing passenger numbers once border restrictions do ease in between lockdowns. That implies that there is still demand for domestic and limited international travel when available.

    Webjet makes the majority of its earnings in commissions on travel bookings. That means investors looking ahead to post-pandemic life could be encouraged by trends of increasing demand and the potential impact on earnings.

    Webjet shares have been smashed during the pandemic as the broader travel industry looks to re-invent itself. One possible saving grace that Sydney Airport is holding onto is the vaccine rollout programme.

    Webjet investors will be hoping the country hits its vaccination targets sooner rather than later to reduce disruption and increase earnings potential.

    The post What could Sydney Airport’s results mean for Webjet (ASX:WEB) shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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  • Lynas (ASX:LYC) share price on watch following Malaysia update

    A woman stares at a computer with her face just inches from the screen, watching the share price.

    The Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) share price could be a mover on Monday after the company provided an update on its Malaysian operations.

    The Lynas Malaysia plant treats concentrate from Mt Weld in Western Australia. It also produces separated rare earth oxide products for sale to customers across Asia, Europe and North America.

    What might move the Lynas share price on Monday?

    Malaysia COVID-19 update

    Lynas advised that its Malaysia plant continues to operate at a reduced rate. This is in line with its commitment to the health and safety of its employees. It is also to comply with local government standard operating procedures.

    The company highlighted the vaccination of team members as an important step in protecting the health and safety of local workers. Participation in vaccination is part of the Malaysian Government’s recovery plan, on the path to relaxing certain lockdown policies.

    Lynas advised that 98% of its staff in Malaysia have received their first vaccination dose. And 94% have received their second dose.

    Today’s announcement provided no specific production guidance.

    Lynas’ update for the quarter ending in June flagged that staff numbers on site were limited to 40% of the total workforce. Despite various COVID-19 and resource-related challenges, Lynas Malaysia was operating at approximately 75% of production rates.

    New Malaysia facility approvals

    Another potential catalyst for the Lynas share price is its update related to construction commencing on the Permanent Disposal Facility. This facility treats low-level radioactive waste in Malaysia.

    Lynas advised that local regulators have extended the deadline for the satisfaction of the licence condition by 6 months to 2 March 2022. The company said that it continues to engage productively with the relevant government and regulatory authorities to progress approvals for the facility.

    Anti-Lynas activists appeal

    The prospect of radioactive waste has concerned many locals. This is following the government’s decision to renew the company’s rare earth plant licence.

    On 28 July, the High Court of Malaya dismissed the judicial review proceedings commenced by the anti-Lynas activists. The activists are seeking a review of processes after the Government of Malaysia renewed Lynas Malaysia’s fourth operating licence in August 2019.

    According to today’s announcement, Lynas received a notice of appeal by anti-Lynas activists.

    Lynas said that it intends to defend the appeal.

    Lynas share price snapshot

    The Lynas share price has tumbled 18% in a week to a close of $6.33 on Friday.

    Still, Lynas shares are up a pleasing 59% year to date and 155% over the last 12 months.

    The post Lynas (ASX:LYC) share price on watch following Malaysia update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Lynas Rare Earths right now?

    Before you consider Lynas Rare Earths, 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 Lynas Rare Earths wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Sonic Healthcare (ASX:SHL) share price on watch after 149% profit boost in FY21

    female nurse in scrubs

    The Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX: SHL) share price will be in the spotlight on Monday after the company released its FY21 full-year results this morning.

    Sonic Healthcare share price in focus after bumper profit result

    The Sonic Healthcare share price could be a mover following a well-rounded financial performance in FY21. Key highlights include:

    What happened to Sonic Healthcare in FY21?

    The Sonic Healthcare share price has rallied strongly in FY21, thanks to its resilient base business and active role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The company has performed approximately 30 million COVID-19 PCR tests to date across ~60 Sonic laboratories globally.

    The results noted that COVID-19 PCR volumes were lower in the second half of the year versus the first half, but have been increasing post-year end with the spread of the Delta variant.

    Its base business revenue (excluding COVID testing) grew 6% compared to FY20 and was up 4% versus FY19.

    Sonic Healthcare’s EBITDA surged 81%, again enhanced by COVID-19 testing and leveraging existing infrastructure. The company’s laboratory businesses across ANZ, USA and Europe contribute approximately 88% of Group revenues, and the company was pleased to highlight a significant improvement in EBITDA margins

    EBITDA margins for its Laboratory division increased from 21.3% to 30.8%. At the same time, Sonic Healthcare’s medical imaging business reported 24% EBITDA growth and 108 basis points of margin improvement.

    Management commentary

    Sonic Healthcare’s CEO Dr Colin Goldschmidt commented on the results, saying:

    As a global healthcare organisation, we have continued to play a major role in combating the COVID19 pandemic, by providing 30 million PCR tests and over 2 million serology tests to date. We are also proud to be the largest non-government provider of COVID-19 vaccinations in Australia.

    Goldschmidt also shed light on the company’s strategic focus on acquisitions:

    In addition to organic growth, Sonic continues to focus on synergistic acquisitions and other growth opportunities, supported by our current record low gearing levels, geographic footprint, leading market positions and brands, and our deeply embedded Medical Leadership culture. We were delighted to recently announce the pending acquisition of Canberra Imaging Group, following on from our move in March 2021 to majority ownership of Epworth Medical Imaging. We are actively considering further acquisition opportunities, as well as bidding for a number of outsourcing contracts.

    What’s next for Sonic Healthcare?

    The Sonic Healthcare share price has rallied strongly this year, up 30% year-to-date.

    The company advised that it will not provide earnings guidance for FY22 due to COVID-19 related unpredictability:

    “The pandemic has the potential to cause fluctuations in both COVID-19 testing revenues and the base business, although the base business has become increasingly resilient to the impacts of pandemic waves. The underlying growth drivers for healthcare services remain unchanged. Base business fluctuations are also mitigated by geographical and business sector diversity. The COVID-19 Delta variant is currently driving increases in COVID-19 testing revenues.”

    The post Sonic Healthcare (ASX:SHL) share price on watch after 149% profit boost in FY21 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Sonic Healthcare right now?

    Before you consider Sonic Healthcare, 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 Sonic Healthcare wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun 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 Sonic Healthcare Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • What happened to the Oil Search (ASX:OSH) share price last earnings season?

    oil and gas worker checks phone on site in front of oil and gas equipment

    The Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH) share price will be on watch when the company releases its half-year results tomorrow.

    Let’s take a look to see how the Oil Search shares performed the last time it reported during February.

    What did Oil Search report for FY20?

    Oil Search delivered its FY20 full-year result in late February, revealing disappointing numbers across key metrics.

    Here’s a summary of the financial details that Oil Search posted for its last earnings season.

    • Total revenue of US$1,074.2 million, down 32% on the prior year (FY19 US$1,584.8 million)
    • Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and exploration (EBITDAX) of US$721.1 million, down 37% on the prior year (FY19 US$1,145.9 million)
    • Full year net loss after tax of US$320.7 million, down 203% on the prior year (FY19 net profit after tax US$312.4 million)
    • Unfranked final dividend declared of US5 cents per share, down 89% on the prior year (FY19 US4.5 cents per share)

    Following the release, Oil Search shares levelled between the $4.20 mark and $4.50 in the aftermath of its FY20 results. The weak result was in line with what investors were expecting Oil Search to report, hence the subtle movement.

    However, the company’s shares picked up in early March as OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) held a meeting to discuss cutting oil production levels.

    What should investors look out for this earnings season?

    Goldman Sachs expects Oil Search to report a bumper first-half, with its analysts forecasting the following:

    • H1 FY21 revenue of US$673 million, up 7.5% on the prior corresponding period (H1 FY20 US$626 million)
    • EBITDAX of US$448 million, down 1% on the prior corresponding period (H1 FY20 US$453 million)
    • Net profit after tax of US$107 million, up 348% on the prior corresponding period (H1 FY20 net loss of US$266 million)
    • Interim dividend of US1.8 cents per share, up 100% on the prior corresponding period (H1 FY20 nil dividend declared).

    The broker noted that Oil Search has retained production and capital expenditure guidance for 2021 so far. However, other operating costs such as royalties, levies, and fuel costs are predicted to weigh down future profits.

    Key downside risks include new project and expansion delays, production, LNG and oil prices, drilling results, or instability in PNG.

    Nonetheless, Goldman Sachs slapped a “buy” rating on the company’s shares with a 12-month price target of $5.15. Based on Friday’s closing Oil Search share price of $3.69, this implies an upside of almost 40%.

    Oil Search share price snapshot

    Over the last 12 months, Oil Search shares have gained 20%, but are flat year to date. The company’s share price is in the middle of its 52-week range of $2.50 and $4.62.

    Oil Search commands a market capitalisation of roughly $7.6 billion, with approximately 2 billion shares on issue.

    The post What happened to the Oil Search (ASX:OSH) share price last earnings season? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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