• This WAM ASX LIC just posted record profits and dividends

    man happily kissing a $50 note

    Wilson Asset Management (WAM) ASX Listed Investment Company (LIC) WAM Global Ltd (ASX: WGB) shares are rising today, up 0.75% at the time of writing to $2.67 a share.

    This move comes as the company unveiled its FY2021 full-year earnings results this morning. And it makes for some interesting reading.

    WAM Global is one of the more recent WAM ASX LICs to hit the share market, only listing back in 2018. But in the past 3 or so years, this company has certainly made a reputation for itself as a top performer in the ASX LIC space. Its investment portfolio has managed to deliver an average return of 16% per annum over the past 2 years, and 30.7% over the past 12 months.

    ASX LIC WAM Global delivers record profits, ups dividends

    Today’s numbers probably won’t do anything to dent this reputation either. WAM Global reported that it has delivered a record operating profit before tax of $137 million for FY2021. That’s up quite a bit from FY2020’s profit before tax of $7.1 million. After tax, the company reported a profit of $95.9 million. That’s also up substantially from FY2020’s $5 million profit after tax.

    WAM Global’s management tells us that including the dividends paid out, as well as the Net Tangible Asset (NTA) to share price gap of WAM Global narrowing from 18.2% at the start of FY21 to 3.9% at its conclusion, total shareholder return for the financial year stands at 45.9%.

    WAM Global had previously flagged that it would be paying out an annual dividend of 10 cents per share in FY2021. And today’s results have confirmed it. Investors will be receiving the 5 cents per share final dividend (which comes fully franked) on 4 November this year. That’s a 25% increase on FY2020’s final dividend of 4 cents per share.

    WAM Global will be paying out 10 cents a share for FY21. This represents a 42.9% increase in dividend payments from FY2020’s 7 cents per share.

    Some of this LIC’s top shares

    The company also gave investors a glimpse into its current investment portfolio (as of 30 June anyway). WAM Global’s largest holding is Irish pharmaceutical company Icon plc (NASDAQ: ICLR), at 3.9% of the portfolio. Other significant holdings include payments giant Visa Inc (NYSE: V) and Avantor Inc (NUSE: AVTR). As well as Electronic Arts Inc. (NYSE: EA) and Chinese e-commerce titan Tencent Holdings Ltd (HKG: 0700).

    At the current WAM Global ASX share price, the company has a market capitalisation of $627.5 million. With investors receiving 10 cents per share in dividends in 2021, WAM GLobal’s ASX shareholders can expect a forward dividend yield of 3.75% on current pricing, or 5.35% grossed-up with full franking.

    The post This WAM ASX LIC just posted record profits and dividends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in WAM Global right now?

    Before you consider WAM Global, 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 WAM Global 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 May 24th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Visa and WAM Global Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Electronic Arts. 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 Core Lithium (ASX:CXO) share price is advancing 6% today

    asx share price growth represented by cartoon man flexing biceps in front of charged battery

    The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price is racing higher today following a grant from the Australian Federal government.

    During afternoon trade, the lithium producer’s shares are swapping hands for 26 cents, up 6.12%. In comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is also travelling higher at 7,652 points, up 0.9%.

    Core Lithium receives Modern Manufacturing Initiative Grant

    Investors are snapping up Core Lithium shares after the company announced it has been successful in its application.

    According to the update, Core Lithium received a $6 million Modern Manufacturing Initiative Grant from the Australian Federal government. The award was in recognition of the future commercial potential for Core Lithium to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide (LiOH).

    The company is developing its Finniss Lithium Project, located near Darwin in the Northern Territory. A Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) is due to be completed shortly, followed by a Final Investment Decision (FID). Construction is expected to commence before the end of this year, with first production by late 2022.

    Once online, the Finniss Lithium Project will be the first Australian lithium-producing mine outside of Western Australia.

    The Australian government is focused on increasing the capabilities of onshore refinement of critical minerals. With this in mind, the funds will be used in building a pilot processing facility to produce LiOH at Darwin Harbour’s Middle Arm Industrial Precinct.

    Recently, Core Lithium accepted a 3-year Major Project Status (MPS) award which provides a number of benefits. This includes a single-entry point for Australian Government approvals, mapping critical approval pathways and processes, as well as monitoring approval milestones for projects, and addressing any issues.

    What did management say?

    Core Lithium managing director, Stephen Biggins commented:

    We’re thrilled to have received this $6 million grant and we thank the Federal Government and the Territory Government for their continued support of Core and our Finniss Project, which is firmly on track to become Australia’s next lithium mine.

    Core believes that it has a key role to play in meeting the future lithium supply gap, which is expected to grow at a rapid rate as the demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy ramps up over the next decade.

    With this grant secured, we look forward to potentially realising the long-term value of developing a lithium hydroxide plant in the Northern Territory.

    Core Lithium share price summary

    It’s been an impressive 12 months for Core Lithium shares, rising by more than 460%. Year-to-date performance has also presented strong gains, up 75% in 2021.

    Core Lithium has a market capitalisation of roughly $299.4 million, with approximately 1.1 billion shares on its registry.

    The post Why the Core Lithium (ASX:CXO) share price is advancing 6% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Core Lithium right now?

    Before you consider Core Lithium, 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 Core Lithium 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 May 24th 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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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today

    woman looks shocked at mobile phone

    Yesterday I looked at three ASX shares brokers have given buy ratings to this week.

    Unfortunately, not all shares are in favour with them right now. Three ASX shares that have just been given sell ratings by brokers are listed below. Here’s why these brokers are bearish on them:

    A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

    According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their sell rating and $6.05 price target on this infant formula company’s shares. Although the broker acknowledges that China’s new three-child policy will be a positive for the infant formula market, it doesn’t believe investors should get overly excited. This is because it believes the birth increases are likely to be occurring in lower tier cities. These are areas that Chinese infant formula producers generally have stronger market positions. The A2 Milk share price is fetching $6.93 on Thursday.

    Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

    A note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have downgraded this pizza chain operator’s shares to an underperform rating and cut the price target on them to $103.50. The broker made the move amid concerns over its current valuation and the prospect of a softer than expected performance in FY 2022. And while Macquarie remains positive on the long term, it isn’t enough for it to retain its neutral rating. The Domino’s share price is trading at $117.06 this afternoon.

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P)

    Analysts at UBS have retained their sell rating and $5.60 price target on this buy now pay later provider’s shares following a quick review of its fourth quarter update. According to the note, UBS was disappointed with the update, noting that it fell short of expectations in both the ANZ and US markets. The Zip share price is falling heavily on Thursday and fetching $7.05 at the time of writing.

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

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

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for 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 May 24th 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 ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended A2 Milk and 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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  • Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) shares higher as bank moves into broadband business

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are moving higher today, up 1.0% to $99.39 per share.

    That’s largely in line with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) today, up 0.9% at time of writing.

    CBA is back in the media spotlight after the big four bank revealed it is acquiring a 25% ownership stake in national broadband network (NBN) retail service providers, More Telecom and Tangerine.

    Why is CBA taking a stake in 2 NBN providers?

    Australians pay some of the highest prices in the world for their internet service. And that includes the costs of using your banking apps.

    Now, as itNews reports, CBA is planning to use its clout to offer its 11 million customers “discounted NBN and broadband services“.

    According to CBA’s group executive for retail banking services Angus Sullivan:

    The average monthly cost of internet in Australia is one of the most expensive in the world, and we are uniquely positioned to help customers manage these costs. We will do this by utilising our technology to provide personalised offers via the CommBank app to those customers we know will benefit from switching broadband providers.

    CommBank reported that once its app is rolled out, customers would also be able to “view their NBN or broadband plan, usage and upcoming bills”.

    Sullivan added that the bank is “reimagining banking for our customers, creating more value for them, putting more money back in their pockets, and helping them save money by exposing them to new ways of doing things and new quality products and services.”

    Commonwealth Bank earlier this year revealed it plans to invest $1 billion in technology in the next 5 years.

    In May CBA invested $30 million in ecommerce startup Little Birdie. With online shopping continuing to grow rapidly, CommBank’s mobile banking app will enable its customer direct access to Little Birdie’s 70 million plus products.

    CBA share price snapshot

    CommBank’s share price is up 34% over the past 12 months, compared to a gain of 21% on the ASX 200.

    Year-to-date CBA shares have continued to beat the benchmark, up 19%.

    Commonwealth Bank pays a 2.54% dividend yield, fully franked.

    The post Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) shares higher as bank moves into broadband business appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 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 Commonwealth Bank of Australia 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 May 24th 2021

    More reading

    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 De Grey (ASX:DEG) share price is soaring today. Here’s why

    Closeup of a smiling man holding a jar containing nuggets of gold

    The De Grey Mining Limited (ASX: DEG) share price has jumped 6.7% higher on Thursday. This comes after a positive update from the Aussie gold miner.

    At the time of writing, De Grey shares are changing hands for $1.19.

    What did De Grey announce?

    De Grey provided an update to the market on “compelling new results” which seems to have investors excited.

    The Aussie miner said recent results have “clear potential” to increase its 6.8 million ounce (Moz) Hemi resource in Western Australia.

    De Grey managing director Glenn Jardine was bullish on the updated drilling results. He said: “The new drilling results at Diucon provide clear evidence that increases to the current Hemi resource can be expected with further drilling.”

    He added: “The higher grade zones within these broad gold zones are also encouraging, as we continue to extend mineralisation to the west and conduct closer spaced drilling within the existing resource footprint.”

    Extensional results on section 28720E and 28880E indicate a significant resource at De Grey’s Diucon deposit. That includes 173.7 metres at 1.5 grams per tonne of gold from 271.3 metres. That is 80 metres below the current resource.

    That’s good news given the depth and width that could be available to mine from the key deposit.

    Today’s release said the results show “clear potential to grow and upgrade” the current inferred mineral resource estimate. The ability to quickly and efficiently mine these resources is key to growing profitability for De Grey.

    Foolish takeaway

    The De Grey share price has been on fire in today’s trade. Shares in the Aussie gold miner have soared thanks to high-grade drilling results indicating a greater than anticipated Hemi resource in Western Australia.

    The De Grey share price is up 54% in the last 12 months but remains up just 6% in 2021.

    The post The De Grey (ASX:DEG) share price is soaring today. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in De Grey Mining right now?

    Before you consider De Grey Mining, 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 De Grey Mining 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 May 24th 2021

    More reading

    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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  • MoneyMe (ASX:MME) share price rallies 10% on record quarterly growth

    A drawing of a rocket follows a chart up, indicating share price lift

    The MoneyMe Ltd (ASX: MME) share price is surging on Thursday after the company announced a record fourth quarter trading update.

    MoneyMe is a tech-savvy non-bank lender, offering fast online loans of up to $50,000.

    At the time of writing, shares in the fintech company have rallied 10% to $2.09.

    MoneyMe share price surges on record performance

    MoneyMe delivered near-triple digit growth across the board with loan originations of $161 million in the fourth quarter, up 391% on the prior corresponding period (pcp) and up 49% on the previous quarter.

    The strong fourth quarter performance has led to full year FY21 loan originations lifting 115% on the pcp to $384 million, underpinned by accelerating growth across the company’s product suite.

    The company’s gross customer receivables came in at $333 million at the end of FY21, topping its expectations and up 149% on the pcp.

    MoneyMe said that the “high growth in gross customer receivables is a reflection of the diversified product strategy being successfully implemented” and expects average customer loan value to continue to increase.

    Record loan originations has trickled down to the company’s financial performance, with record revenue of $19 million in the fourth quarter, up 73% on pcp and up 27% on the previous quarter.

    From a full year perspective, revenues have increased 21% on pcp to $58 million.

    What did management say?

    MoneyMe CEO Clayton Howes said:

    We are extremely pleased to report incredible growth and momentum in MoneyMe. The record revenue, originations and customer receivables demonstrate our business is accelerating. At the same time credit quality is increasing and we’re seeing strong take-up from customers across diversified products and distribution channels. This quarter’s results include significant momentum in our first secured product, Autopay, the breakthrough innovation in car lending with dealerships signing up to the new platform and a faster than expected take-up from car purchasers.

    MoneyMe share price finally breaks out

    The MoneyMe share price was trading sideways between September 2020 and June this year, struggling to get over $1.80 but finding support around $1.30.

    It wasn’t until a trading update on 15 June, that the company’s shares managed to surge 18.75% to $1.90, before hitting a record high of $2.480 on 5 July.

    The post MoneyMe (ASX:MME) share price rallies 10% on record quarterly growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider MoneyMe, 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 MoneyMe 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 May 24th 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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  • Why BHP, Damstra, Galaxy, & Piedmont Lithium shares are racing higher

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on form again and charging higher. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up a sizeable 1% to 7,380.2 points.

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

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

    The BHP share price is up 3% to $51.50. Today’s gain appears to have been driven by the announcement of the signing of a nickel supply agreement with electric vehicle giant Tesla. The mining giant will supply Tesla with nickel from its Nickel West asset in Western Australia. This is one of the most sustainable and lowest carbon emission nickel producers in the world.

    Damstra Holdings Ltd (ASX: DTC)

    The Damstra share price has surged 18% higher to 94 cents. This follows the release of the workplace management solutions company’s quarterly update. Damstra revealed that its annual recurring revenue reached $35 million at the end of the quarter. This is 65% higher than the prior corresponding period. Damstra’s EBITDA margin for the quarter was 30%, which is another record figure.

    Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY)

    The Galaxy share price has jumped 11% to $4.44. Investors have been buying the lithium miner’s shares following the release of a strong second quarter update. According to the release, Galaxy achieved record quarterly production of 63,321 dmt of lithium concentrate during the three months. This was in line with customer requirements. Galaxy achieved this with a unit cash operating costs of US$328/dmt, which represents a 17% reduction on the prior quarter.

    Piedmont Lithium Inc (ASX: PLL)

    The Piedmont Lithium share price has stormed 12% to 77 cents. This morning the lithium explorer’s shares returned from a trading halt after responding to an ASX Price Query. This followed a 20% decline in its share price yesterday amid concerns over its operation in Gaston County in the United States. Management appears to have eased investor concerns with its response this morning.

    The post Why BHP, Damstra, Galaxy, & Piedmont Lithium shares are racing 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 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 May 24th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of Galaxy Resources Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Damstra Holdings Ltd and Piedmont Lithium Inc. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Damstra Holdings Ltd. 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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  • Weebit Nano (ASX:WBT) share price jumps 7% on update

    happy child jumping for joy

    The Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT) share price is on fire today. Shares in the data memory technology business have surged 7.5% higher on Thursday after an ASX update.

    Why has the Weebit Nano share price surged?

    Interestingly, shares in the tech group are up despite no real news. This morning’s ASX announcement was that the company would release its fourth quarter (Q4 FY2021) business update tomorrow.

    The semiconductor memory technology developer will release its quarterly activities and Appendix 4C report tomorrow. That means there was no real information to be gleaned from today’s update, but some investors appear to be expecting good news.

    One other piece of news that may explain today’s surge is an update from Crossbar Inc. Crossbar is a California-based company that also focuses on applications of ReRAM technology.

    CrossBar yesterday announced a new ReRAM Application for hardware security and secure computing. Given Weebit Nano’s focus on the technology, a new rumoured application could be enough to move the company’s share price.

    The Weebit Nano share price shot higher on the back of the announcement, climbing 7.5% at the time of writing. Tomorrow’s update is much anticipated given Weebit Nano’s recent success.

    Shares in the Aussie tech group surged higher in early July. That followed a June 25 announcement where the company confirmed it had successfully demonstrated the integration of a selector with a ReRAM cell, for the standalone memory market.

    Interestingly, the company’s share price is actually down 46% in the last 6 months. However, momentum appears to be gaining given that the company’s value has soared 30.1% in the last month.

    More on Weebit Nano

    The Aussie tech company, founded in 2010, focuses heavily on developing next-generation memory technology. Its primary activity is on commercialising its ReRAM silicon oxide technology – which is why recent breakthroughs have translated to large share price moves.

    Weebit Nano’s market capitalisation sits at $262 million but was nearly double that amount as recently as January.

    Foolish takeaway

    Based on today’s moves, the Weebit Nano share price will be one to watch. Whether it’s a new potential application of technology or anticipation of a strong business update, Weebit Nano is one to watch on Friday.

    The post Weebit Nano (ASX:WBT) share price jumps 7% on update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Weebit Nano right now?

    Before you consider Weebit Nano, 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 Weebit Nano 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 May 24th 2021

    More reading

    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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  • Why the Syrah (ASX:SYR) share price is surging 12% in 2 days

    investor wearing a hard hat looking excitedly at a mobile phone representing rising boral share price

    The Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX: SYR) share price is surging higher today, up by 8.3% to $1.23. This comes after Syrah’s share price closed up 3.6% yesterday.

    Below we take a look at the industrial minerals and technology company’s quarterly update (released yesterday) for the 3 months ending 30 June.

    What did Syrah report?

    The Syrah share price is soaring after the company released a positive quarterly update. The company says it is ahead of expectations with strong operational performance during the first full quarter following restart of production.

    Syrah’s flagship Balama graphite operation is located in Mozambique. Additionally, the company has a downstream active anode material facility in the United States.

    According to the release, natural graphite production at its Balama operation ramped up during the past quarter, reaching 29,000 tonnes.

    The company reported C1 cash costs of US$537 per tonne during the quarter with an average production of roughly 10,000 tonnes per month. This puts it on track to reach its target C1 cash costs of US$430-460 per tonne with a 15,000 tonne per month production rate.

    Syrah reported a weighted average sales price of US$474 per tonne (cost, insurance, and freight).

    The Syrah share price may also be getting a boost from the company’s report on the strong, continuing growth in electric vehicles (EVs), which use graphite in their batteries. It cited a 165% increase in EV sales in H121 compared to H120.

    The company sold and shipped 15,000 tonnes of natural graphite. It reported that “practically all” of its 20,000 tonnes of finished product inventory had been contracted to customers, “demonstrating strong demand “. It ended the quarter with a cash balance of US$85 million.

    In a nod to these pandemic times, Syrah noted its excellent safety levels for the quarter. These included the “robust COVID-19 protocols in place at Balama”. It said it had been able to increase operations with no positive cases reported.

    Syrah share price snapshot

    Syrah’s shares have gained 260% over the past 12 months. This trumps the 24% gains posted by the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

    Year-to-date the Syrah share price has continued to outperform, up 26%.

    The post Why the Syrah (ASX:SYR) share price is surging 12% in 2 days appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Syrah Resources right now?

    Before you consider Syrah Resources, 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 Syrah Resources 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 May 24th 2021

    More reading

    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 4DS (ASX:4DS) share price is rallying today

    4DS share price

    The 4DS Memory Ltd (ASX: 4DS) share price is partaking in the broader market rally after it released its quarterly update.

    Shares in the computer chipmaker jumped 3.5% to $0.15 during lunch time trade and is outperforming the IT sector.

    In contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) gained 0.9% on the back of gains on Wall Street as worries about COVID-19 lockdowns receded.

    4DS share price jumps on research update

    Management announced it received two lots of wafers from its research partner imec. First is the Second Platform Lot of 18 wafers, while the other was the Third Non-Platform Lot consisting of 23 wafers.

    It’s a good thing that imec had spare capacity at its state-of-the-art production facility to producer the Non-Platform Lot.

    This will ensure 4DS can continue to build an extensive data set around the process parameters for its Interface Switching ReRAM technology.

    Key results next month to watch for

    “As expected, the analysis of both sets of wafers is extremely time-consuming due to the large amount of different test structures available on these two types of Lots,” said 4DS.

    “The Company is pleased to advise the results of both sets of wafers will be released by the middle of August 2021 barring any unforeseen equipment or other technical difficulties.”

    4DS is in the process of developing the next generation of system memory chips by combining the best of both DRAM and NAND silicon storage.

    Its memory chips have the potential to improve system memory used in mobile phones to laptop computers.

    4DS share price outperforming its peers

    ASX technology shares have been hot property over the past year or so, but the 4DS share price has stayed under the radar for most.

    This is despite the fact that the 4DS share price has increased by three-fold over the past year.

    In comparison, the Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price and Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price have “only” jumped by 40% plus each.

    It helps that one of the world’s leading hard drive makers, Western Digital Corp (NASDAQ: WDC) is backing 4DS.

    The ASX small cap tech company signed a joint development agreement with Western Digital’s subsidiary HGST. This agreement was renewed in May this year.

    More patents granted

    Further, 4DS announced in the quarter that it was granted additional US patents for its technology. This brings its portfolio of US patents to 31. All of the intellectual property is fully owned by 4DS.

    “The Company has also filed two (2) USA patent applications to protect its stream of innovations and to strengthen its intellectual property portfolio in the field of Interface Switching ReRAM for Storage Class Memory,” said the company.

    4DS has $4.3 million in the bank as of 30 June this year to fund its research and development program.

    The post Why the 4DS (ASX:4DS) share price is rallying today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Connect with me on Twitter @brenlau.

    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO and Xero. 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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