• Kathmandu (ASX:KMD) share price slumps despite 36% earnings surge

    a woman in full hiking gear carrying a backpack and camping equipment on her back takes a large step between two sections of a rocky pathway in a misty outdoor setting.

    The Kathmandu Holdings Ltd (ASX: KMD) share price is falling this morning despite reporting a 35.9% surge in full-year underlying earnings.

    Kathmandu share price slumps as earnings surge 36%

    The Kiwi retailer this morning reported its results for the year ended 30 June 2021 (FY21). Some of the key takeaways include:

    • Sales up 15.1% on the prior corresponding period (pcp) to $922.8 million
    • Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) up 35.9% to $113.3 million
    • Gross margin up 40 basis points (bps) on pcp to 58.7%
    • Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) up 110.2% on pcp to $66.3 million
    • Underlying operating cash flow of $93.3 million

    The Kathmandu share price is falling this morning amid a broader market decline, even as the company announced a 3 cents per share final dividend after declining to pay anything in FY20.

    What happened in FY21 for Kathmandu?

    FY21 was a big year for the Kiwi retailer as it grappled with the knock-on effects of COVID-19. The Kathmandu share price has managed to climb higher in the past 12 months despite the pandemic.

    The company reported a 31.3% jump in online sales growth for its Ripcurl brand during the year. That strong performance came in the first full year of operations following the November 2019 acquisition.

    Kathmandu launched its Oboz footwear brand in April 2021 and recorded double-digit growth in its forward wholesale order book in FY21. The company also reported the successful relaunch of its flagship Kathmandu in May 2021.

    The company also committed to the largest sustainability-linked loan in New Zealand as part of its core environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitment during the year.

    What did management say?

    CEO and Managing Director Michael Daly said:

    We are proud of the results we have been able to produce over the past 12 months in the face of ongoing COVID challenges, delivering strong sales and positioning the business for sustained growth.

    While Kathmandu has felt the impacts of COVID related travel restrictions, we were pleased with the early momentum following the brand relaunch in May 2021.

    Our refreshed Group strategy ensures we are focused on the things that matter most as we move into FY22 — building global brands focused on active outdoor activities, investing in digital platforms to provide consumers with a truly world class unified commerce experience, operational excellence and sustainability [ESG] leadership.

    How has the Kathmandu share price performed recently?

    2021 has been a good year for shareholders so far. The Kathmandu share price is up more than 15% year to date including almost 12% in the last month alone.

    At the time of writing, Kathmandu shares are trading hands for $1.375, a fall of 3.85% on yesterday’s closing price.

    The company has a market capitalisation in excess of NZ$1 billion at the time of writing.

    The post Kathmandu (ASX:KMD) share price slumps despite 36% earnings surge appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Kathmandu, 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 Kathmandu 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 Ken Hall 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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  • Bank of Queensland (ASX:BOQ) share price dips on key appointments

    Older businessman sits slumped with head down and hands on either side of his head.

    The Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) share price is starting the day off in the red today. This comes despite the regional bank announcing a reshuffle of its management team.

    At the time of writing, Bank of Queensland shares are swapping hands for $9.03, down 1.42%.

    Key appointments

    In a statement to the ASX, Bank of Queensland advised it has made two new executive appointments to its leadership team.

    First, David Watts will become the bank’s new chief risk officer, effective in early 2022.

    Bank of Queensland noted Watts brings more than 25 years of senior executive experience in financial services. This includes several appointments as a chief risk officer across leading Australian and New Zealand financial institutions.

    Watts comes directly from Australia’s largest general insurer, Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG). He served as chief risk officer there from 2018. Prior to this, he held senior executive roles with National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) for 17 years and 9 years, respectively.

    Current chief risk officer Adam McAnalen will remain an executive within the group and will move to a new role. Bank of Queensland said, “the new position will lead key elements of the integration and transformation program”.

    Furthermore, the company’s chief product officer Chris Screen will become group executive business banking.

    Since joining in 2019, Screen has supported key turnaround programs and was the interim group executive for retail banking. He has extensive business banking experience and has held executive roles at WestpacSt. George, and NAB.

    Screen’s appointment is effective from 1 October 2021.

    Soon-to-be former executive Bank of Queensland executive Fiamma Morton will depart the company to pursue other opportunities.

    About the Bank of Queensland share price

    Over the last 12 months, Bank of Queensland shares have moved on an upwards trajectory, posting a gain of 60%. Year-to-date, its shares are hovering above the 20% mark.

    Bank of Queensland presides a market capitalisation of roughly $5.9 billion and has approximately 640 million shares outstanding.

    The post Bank of Queensland (ASX:BOQ) share price dips on key appointments appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bank of Queensland right now?

    Before you consider Bank of Queensland, 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 Bank of Queensland 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 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 owns shares of and has recommended Insurance Australia Group 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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  • The final BHP (ASX:BHP) dividend will be paid to shareholders today. Here’s what to expect

    a happy child dressed in full business suit gives the thumbs up sign while sitting at a desk featuring a piggy bank and a sack of money with a dollar sign on it.

    The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) dividend will be finally landing into shareholder accounts today. This comes at an opportune time as investors would have seen their wealth fall significantly in the past few weeks.

    At the time of writing, BHP shares are fetching for $37.34, down 0.51%. A far cry from when the world’s second largest mining company’s shares were touching record highs of $54.55.

    What’s happened to BHP shares recently?

    The plunging spot price of iron ore has had a detrimental effect on the miner’s shares.

    In May, the steel-making ingredient reached an all-time high of US$229.50 per tonne. BHP shares accelerated on the back of bumper revenues over the period.

    However, a slowdown in Chinese demand amid political pressure has led iron ore prices to tumble in recent months. As Australia’s rift grows with China, policymakers in the Asian giant introduced new rules for its steel producers. This is seen as an effort to curb reliance on Australian iron ore and boost domestic supply and demand.

    Chinese mills were instructed to limit 2021 output to no more than 2020 levels, or face harsh consequences.

    Deep cuts have been made over the months of July and August, 8% and 12% respectively. Further reductions are expected for the remainder of 2021, as current iron ore levels are up 5% year-to-date compared to 2020.

    At the most recent price, iron ore is trading around US117.01 per tonne, falling another 4.87% overnight.

    What about the BHP dividend?

    After reporting a robust full-year result, the board declared a record fully-franked final dividend of US$2 (A$2.7152) per share. This brings the full-year dividend to US$3.01 when factoring in the interim dividend, up 151% year-on-year.

    While investor holdings in the company will be down for the moment, the BHP dividend has come at an opportune time. Depending on what eligible shareholders opted for, the dividend could be paid to shareholders today or reinvested back into the company for more BHP shares.

    In hindsight, for every 100 BHP shares owned, you can expect to receive roughly $271.52 (100 shares x $2.7152). However, if you elected to be in the dividend reinvestment plan (DRP), you will be receiving 7 new BHP shares ($271.52 / $37.34 (current BHP share price)).

    BHP share price snapshot

    It has been a rollercoaster ride for BHP investors, with its shares reaching an all-time high in August.

    Over the last 12 months, the company’s share price is flat, with year-to-date down by more than 10%.

    BHP commands a market capitalisation of roughly $110.7 billion and has approximately 2.95 billion shares on its registry.

    The post The final BHP (ASX:BHP) dividend will be paid to shareholders today. Here’s what to expect appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider BHP, 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 BHP 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 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • AusNet (ASX:AST) share price to rise after APA (ASX:APA) starts bidding war

    A graphic showing three hands holding red paddles with the word BID, indicating a bidding war for an ASX share company

    The AusNet Services Ltd (ASX: AST) share price was the best performer on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) on Monday.

    The electricity distributor’s shares rocketed higher after it received a takeover approach from Brookfield Asset Management.

    The good news for shareholders is that the AusNet share price is likely to be rising again on Tuesday after a second suitor tabled an offer.

    What’s happening?

    On Monday Brookfield Asset Management made a non-binding offer to acquire the company for $2.50 per share.

    This was a 26% premium to AusNet’s closing price of $1.98 on Friday. AusNet decided to provide Brookfield with the opportunity to conduct exclusive due diligence.

    In response to this, rival electricity distributor APA Group (ASX: APA) has tabled an offer of its own.

    What offer has been made?

    According to the release, APA has made a non-binding indicative proposal to acquire AusNet by way of a scheme of arrangement for $2.60 per share in cash and scrip.

    The release notes that the proposal would bring together two high quality businesses. It would also create a listed flagship Australian company with the scale and capability to accelerate the $20 billion growth in electricity transmission infrastructure needed to support the decarbonisation of Australia’s economy.

    APA advised that it has been circling for a few weeks. The company made its first confidential offer of $2.32 per share on 1 September. After which, it made AusNet aware last Thursday that it would be making an improved offer. In light of this, it was disappointed that AusNet granted Brookfield an eight-week period of exclusivity.

    Nevertheless, APA’s CEO, Rob Wheals, appears optimistic that the combination of the two companies will be possible.

    He commented: “Unlike many OECD countries, Australia lacks a locally owned and controlled energy utility with capabilities across critical energy infrastructure and with the size and strength to partner with government and the community to deliver the energy transition.”

    “The combination of APA and AusNet is a unique opportunity to deliver that vision and retain a proudly Australian controlled combined group listed on the ASX,” the CEO added.

    The APA share price is down 2.5% on the news.

    The post AusNet (ASX:AST) share price to rise after APA (ASX:APA) starts bidding war appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider APA, 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 APA 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

    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 owns shares of and has recommended APA Group. 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 this broker downgraded the Domino’s (ASX:DMP) share price

    asx pizza share price represented by hand taking slice of pizza

    The Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) share price is pushing higher on Tuesday.

    In early trade, the pizza chain operator’s shares are up 1.5% to $157.80.

    This means the Domino’s share price is now up 79% since the start of the year.

    Can the Domino’s share price keep rising?

    Unfortunately, the Domino’s share price could be fully valued now according to one leading broker.

    According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have downgraded the company’s shares to a hold rating with a $155.00 price target.

    The broker is a big fan of the company and believes it is well-placed for growth over the medium term. This is due to its significant organic growth prospects, with management aiming to more than double its store network to 6,650 by FY 2033 across existing territories.

    Bell Potter also expects the company to make acquisitions in adjacent markets, expanding its store network further.

    However, it felt its valuation was getting stretched after its recent run. For example, it notes that the Domino’s share price was trading at 50x estimated FY 2023 earnings and 40x estimated FY 2024 earnings prior to today’s session.

    Bell Potter commented: “DMP has been one of our preferred stock picks through the pandemic amongst our consumer facing coverage. Following DMP’s strong share price performance, we recently removed DMP as a preferred pick in our retail sector note dated 3 September.”

    “With the stock trading at FY23e/FY24e PE ~50x/~40x, we have also now downgraded our rating from Buy to Hold with an unchanged 12-month price target of $155.00,” the broker added.

    All in all, the team at Bell Potter appear to believe that investors would be best waiting for a decent pullback in the Domino’s share price before considering an investment.

    The post Why this broker downgraded the Domino’s (ASX:DMP) share price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Domino’s right now?

    Before you consider Domino’s, 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 Domino’s 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

    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 recommended Dominos Pizza Enterprises 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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  • Worried about a stock market crash? Here’s what you should know

    a woman bites on her fingernails in an anguished pose of fear and dread.

    The prospect of a stock market crash is likely creeping into the minds of investors this week as China’s second-biggest property developer Evergrande spooks the global financial markets.

    Evergrande has around US$300 billion of liabilities to banks and bondholders. Last month, it warned that it may fail to pay its creditors.

    Fitch Ratings downgraded Evergrande’s credit rating to ‘CC’ in early September, suggesting “a default of some kind appears probable”.

    The real estate conglomerate has a looming US$83.5 million bond interest payment due on Thursday, a major test as to whether or not it has conjured up enough cash to pay bondholders.

    Could this cause a stock market crash?

    Evergrande’s liabilities are far-reaching and involve more than 128 banks and 121 non-banking institutions, including household names such as BlackRock and Allianz.

    Fitch Ratings reported that Evergrande’s credit risk could have broader implications, affecting home builders through to the banking sector.

    Fitch said:

    In the unlikely event that a default unsettles the broader property market, significantly disrupting sales and investment, this could have farther-reaching macroeconomic effects. We estimate the sector accounts for approximately 14% of GDP.

    Risks to our growth outlook on China are mitigated by the government’s capacity to intervene with policies to shore up the housing market, but we believe the threshold for such support will be high — as it might set back other priorities such as reducing real-estate lending concentration and tackling the high cost of housing.

    Wall Street cratered overnight, with major indices the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq sliding 1.78%, 1.70% and 2.19% respectively.

    Encouragingly, Markets Insider reported that many market experts believe Evergrande is “too big to fail and is likely to be rescued by the Chinese government, limiting the economic impact on China and the world”.

    What does this mean for the ASX?

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) couldn’t escape the gloom and doom on Tuesday, down 1.3% to a 4-month low of 7,118.

    While it might feel like the beginning of a stock market crash, the ASX 200 is still up a comfortable 9% year-to-date.

    Investors might want to keep an eye out for the resources sector, given the fact the Chinese real estate and building sector are the main drivers of steel and copper usage, according to Mining.com.

    ASX 200 mining heavyweights BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) have cratered under the recent slump in iron ore prices, down 12%, 17% and 40% respectively year-to-date.

    The post Worried about a stock market crash? Here’s what you should know 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 more than eight 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 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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  • The US stock market plunged overnight. What could this mean for ASX shares?

    Concept image of US dollar in front of a graphic showing shares and an downward arrow.

    While Australia slept last night, the US stock market faced a tough selloff for a variety of potential reasons.

    Some media outlets have blamed the US stock market’s awful day’s trade on worries surrounding the Chinese property market. Others are pointing to uncertainty regarding an upcoming US Federal Reserve meeting or proposed tax increases and policy changes as the reason for the drop.

    Whatever the reason, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX: .DJI) fell 1.8%, or 614 points, overnight.

    The S&P 500 (INDEXSP: .INX) also dropped 1.7%, or 75 points.

    Additionally, the Nasdaq Composite Index CAD (INDEXNASDAQ: COMPCAD) plunged 2.2%, that’s 14,714 points.

    So, what caused the US stock market’s suffering, and what does it mean for the ASX? Let’s take a look.

    What sent the US stock market tumbling overnight?

    The US stock market has taken a beating overnight with some pointing to a Chinese property giant as the major catalyst.

    According to reporting by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the Hong Kong-listed China Evergrande Group might be to blame for the US stock market’s struggles.

    The Evergrande share price plunged 10.2% overnight.

    The outlet states the company, which has more debt than any other listed real estate development or management company, noted it was struggling last week.

    The WSJ claims there’s a risk China’s government will let the company fail. Additionally, it stated Evergrande’s challenges may negatively affect the Chinese economy, thereby damaging other global economies in its wake.

    However, as the Australian Financial Review (AFR) reports, some experts believe the US stock market is being hit by an overdue correction.

    Other experts told the AFR the dip was exacerbated by deadlocks in US Congress and proposed tax increases. Additionally, some pointed to the US Federal Reserve’s upcoming November meeting as the cause of the selloff.

    Either way, the ASX might be in for a day of carnage.

    What does this mean for ASX shares?

    As The Motley Fool Australia has previously reported, the ASX largely follows the US stock market’s activities.

    There are ample reasons as to why this is the case. Here are 3 of big ones:

    The New York Stock Exchange is the largest in the world, with the US’s NASDAQ exchange coming in second. Due to the amount of money that passes through these 2 exchanges, they have a huge global influence.

    Further, plenty of investment and cultural sentiment overlaps between Australia and the US and it’s no different on our stock market.

    Finally, 23.3% of all foreign investment into Australia in 2020 came from the US, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This likely solidifies the link between our economies and, as a result, our stock markets.

    The post The US stock market plunged overnight. What could this mean for ASX shares? 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 more than eight 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 August 16th 2021

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  • How could a stock market correction impact ASX 200 bank shares?

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was the talk of the town on Monday after a 2.1% slump to start the week and kickstarted fears of a stock market correction. Shares in Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) fell 2.0% lower while Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) finished the day down 2.2%.

    Markets wobbled on Monday as news of Chinese property developer Evergrande‘s struggles emerged. That has put pressure on the Aussie market as some investors get skittish about the potential knock on effects.

    While there’s no signs that a stock market correction is on the way just yet, let’s take a look at how ASX 200 bank shares have performed under similar circumstances.

    How could a stock market correction impact ASX 200 bank shares?

    Rewinding the clock back to March 2020, the ASX 200 was in a bear market. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares slumped 41.2% and 42.9%, respectively, in the space of a month.

    That was fuelled by the emerging COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented restrictions on global movements. Investors feared an economic collapse and severe damage to the global and Aussie economies.

    However, that stock market correction was shortlived. In fact, ANZ and NAB shares have rocketed 69.4% and 74.6%, respectively, since March 20 2020.

    Before COVID, there was the 2015 crash in ASX 200 bank shares. The CBA share price lost 25% between March and September 2015 amid fears of slowing economic growth in China. Similarly, Westpac shares also shed more than 25% as investors sold down once again with expectations of an economic flow on effect for Australia.

    Who can forget the 2007/2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC). The GFC represented one of the largest stock market corrections of all time. ANZ shares slumped 60.9% between October 2007 and February 2009 as ASX 200 bank shares were hit hard.

    However, despite bottoming out at around $12 per share, the ANZ share price has recovered to its current $27 per share mark.

    Foolish takeaway

    Stock market corrections are part of the investing life cycle. Investors may be jittery at the moment as the world waits to see what happens with Evergrande.

    However, ASX 200 bank shares have crashed before, and recovered. No one knows when the next stock market correction will occur, and whether this will be just a blip on the 10-year share price performance chart or the start of something bigger.

    Experienced investors know to keep their eyes on the prize and align with their investing strategy to drown out the noise and make informed decisions.

    The post How could a stock market correction impact ASX 200 bank shares? 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 more than eight 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 August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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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  • Are ASX uranium shares fully valued?

    ASX shares value buy An orange sign with the word value against a blue cityscape, representing ASX value shares

    ASX uranium shares have taken the spotlight after uranium prices skyrocketed more than 60% in the past month to over US$50/lb.

    Uranium shares were quick to rerate, many of which have doubled in the past month.

    The largest ASX-listed uranium player Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) is up 95% in the past month, even after sliding 16% on Monday.

    Prospective explorers have also boomed, with names such as Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE), Deep Yellow Limited (ASX: DYL) and Peninsula Energy Ltd (ASX: PEN) up between 70% and 115% since mid-August.

    As both ASX uranium shares and the underlying commodity surge in such a short span of time, experts are questioning whether or not this new price rally is sustainable.

    Uranium boom “hard to maintain” says Morgan Stanley

    Uranium prices are running hot largely thanks to Sprott’s Physical Uranium Trust.

    The fund has been aggressively buying physical uranium off the spot market, sparking a renewed interest in the energy metal and tightening the market.

    ASX uranium shares are looking to capitalise on the recent jump in prices, with Paladin Energy eyeing a restart of its “globally significant” Langer Heinrich project and Boss Energy looking to fast track its Honeywell project.

    Last Friday, Sprott’s Twitter said that it added more than 10 million pounds of physical uranium since 17 August. Now amassing more than 28 million pounds.

    Unfortunately, Morgan Stanley questions whether or not Sprott’s uranium shopping spree can continue into 2022.

    According to Business Insider, the broker said:

    It needs to be seen how long the current rate of investment demand can be maintained, but some bulls argue that we won’t see the price dipping if fund buying slows, as improved market liquidity has aided price discovery and revealed the ‘true’ spot price.

    Morgan Stanley flags that commodities such as coal and natural gas prices have rallied due to “actual market tightness” whereas uranium’s underlying “supply-demand fundamentals haven’t meaningfully changed over the last few months to warrant this price surge.”

    “Only when these utility inventories are worked off materially, the real need for a higher price to incentivise the return of idled supply will become more pressing, we think” Morgan Stanley added.

    What does this mean for ASX uranium shares?

    The current run-up in uranium prices doesn’t necessarily spell big profits for ASX uranium shares.

    In the case of Paladin Energy, the company requires US$81 million of pre-production capital expenditure to restart its uranium operations.

    Once things get going, life of mine production cash costs come in at US$27/lb in addition to freight and logistics of US$0.95/lb and sustaining capex of US$2.90/lb.

    Business Insider said that commodity strategists remain bullish on uranium in the medium-to-long term with a price forecast of US$49/lb by 2024.

    If true, this means that the current uranium bull market might need to take a small breather.

    The post Are ASX uranium shares fully valued? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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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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  • Why the Polynovo (ASX:PNV) share price is sitting at a 52-week low

    laboratory workers looking disappointed

    Monday was a day to forget for the Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) share price. Shares in the Aussie biotech company finished 4.3% in the red at a new 52-week low of $1.91 per share.

    Unfortunately for shareholders, 2021 has been a year of consistent declines for Polynovo’s valuation. So, what’s driving the recent share price moves, and what is on the horizon for the company?

    What’s up with the Polynovo share price?

    There were no new announcements from Polynovo but that didn’t stop the losses on Monday. That’s largely because the broader market was smashed as investors feared the knock-on effects of Chinese property giant Evergrande‘s current struggles.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) slumped 2.1% lower on Monday and the Polynovo share price was far from immune. Troubles in China are clearly not good news for the broader global economy nor those companies that have a lot of future growth already priced in.

    However, leaving Evergrande aside, the Polynovo share price has been sliding lower throughout the year. In fact, shares in the Aussie biotech are down 51.4% since the start of the year to $1.91 per share.

    That’s despite what appeared to be a strong financial result for the year ended 30 June 2021 (FY21). Polynovo reported a 32% jump in revenue to $29.3 million with strong growth in the United States and Europe.

    Polynovo’s net loss after tax of $4.6 million including non-cash items and the result as a whole fell short of market expectations and couldn’t spark the Polynovo share price higher.

    The company also announced the departure of chief operating officer Dr Anthony Kaye, on September 10. Dr Kaye has taken up a more senior role with fellow Aussie biotech, CSL Limited (ASX: CSL).

    Foolish takeaway

    All in all, 2021 has not been a good year for the Polynovo share price. However, shares in the company had been surging higher in recent years before the 2021 pullback.

    Investors will be hoping strong research and development results and continued product development can turn around the company’s valuation in the near term.

    The post Why the Polynovo (ASX:PNV) share price is sitting at a 52-week low appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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 CSL Ltd. and POLYNOVO FPO. 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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