• Which ASX 200 shares are winning from latest retail trade figures?

    Family having fun while shopping for groceries

    Australian retail turnover decreased 1.8% in June 2021, seasonally adjusted, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) preliminary retail trade figures released on Wednesday.

    This follows a 0.4% increase in May, which saw a strong performance out of food retailing, offset by declines across household and retailing sectors.

    Let’s take a closer look at last month’s retail trade and how related ASX 200 shares are performing.

    June retail trade results

    Sweeping lockdown measures across the country saw retail turnover slide 3.5% in Victoria and 2% in New South Wales.

    The ABS said that “Victoria’s fall this month is larger than the fall seen in May when the state commenced Stage 4 COVID-10 restrictions”.

    The preliminary figures highlight food retailing as the only industry to deliver an increase in June. While every other industry fell, as “COVID-19 restrictions curtailed foot traffic and household movements, while retailers moved back to online distribution channels.”

    The ASX 200 shares winning are …

    Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

    The Woolworths share price has been a solid performer this year, up 14.87%.

    Shares in the supermarket giant managed to set new record highs in both June and July, with a record close on Tuesday of $38.93.

    Perhaps what’s more impressive is the fact that the Woolworths share price has tipped higher in every single trading session this week.

    Woolworths has managed to swim against the tide, where the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tumbled 1.31% between Monday and Tuesday.

    More recently developments for Woolworths include a significant push towards digitalisation, including the launch of its stand-alone payments system, Wpay and trailing a new digital feature called “Everyday Pay”.

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

    The Coles share price is making a slow and steady resurgence back to positive year-to-date territory.

    Coles shares are still down 6.32% year-to-date but have so far managed to push 4.41% higher since June.

    The main catalyst behind the weakness in Coles was during the February reporting season, where the company flagged that:

    Depending on COVID-19, vaccine roll out and efficacy, and other factors, sales in the supermarket sector may moderate significantly or even decline in the second half of FY21 and into FY22.

     

    The post Which ASX 200 shares are winning from latest retail trade figures? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Woolworths, 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 Woolworths 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 owns shares of and has recommended COLESGROUP DEF SET. 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 Prospa (ASX:PGL) share price is up 12% today. Here’s why

    Man looking excitedly at ASX share price gains on computer screen against backdrop of streamers

    The Prospa Group Ltd (ASX: PGL) share price is gaining today following the company’s release of a positive trading update.

    The financial technology company detailed its performance during the fourth quarter of the 2021 financial year.

    At the time of writing, the Prospa share price is trading 12.21% higher at $1.195 after hitting a new 52-week high of $1.20 earlier today.

    Let’s take a closer look at today’s news from Prospa.

    The quarter that’s been

    In its release, Prospa reported record originations and revenue growth. The company’s revenue for the quarter just been was $33.4 million – 17% higher than the previous quarter.

    However, due to increased investments in its technology, products, sales, and marketing, Prospa’s operating expenses were $20.9 million – up 17.4% on the previous quarter.

    Over the quarter ended 30 June 2021, Prospa saw originations of $182.7 million. That’s up 38.2% on the previous quarter’s originations and 798% more than the prior corresponding quarter.

    Nearly three quarters of its originations came from the company’s small business loan and the rest was from its line of credit product.

    In New Zealand, the company’s originations increased by 72% quarter on quarter.

    Additionally, 50% of Prospa’s customers were returning customers.

    Right now, Prospa has $458.6 million of available third-party debt facilities, of which, $97.2 million is undrawn. The company also has $80.4 million of cash.

    Commentary from management

    Prospa CEO Greg Moshal commented on the news, saying:

    Prospa is now benefiting from the rapid recovery in the Australian, New Zealand and global economies. This quarter, Prospa surpassed many of our all-time record results…

    Prospa’s success and identity is built on the power of technology. It enables us to efficiently and rapidly service the financial needs of small-to-medium enterprises both within Australia and New Zealand, particularly as many are now reinvesting in the growth of their businesses.

    We have further increased our investment in technology this quarter to support our strategy to provide a broader suite of cashflow management products meeting the needs of our customers.

    Prospa share price snapshot

    Today’s gains have seen the Prospa share price lifting almost 38% higher than it was at the start of 2021.

    It has also gained 33.3% since this time last year.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $175 million, with approximately 164 million shares outstanding.

    The post The Prospa (ASX:PGL) share price is up 12% today. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Prospa Group right now?

    Before you consider Prospa Group, 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 Prospa Group 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 Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Wisr (ASX:WZR) share price remains flat despite positive update

    bored man looking at his iMac

    The Wisr Ltd (ASX: WZR) share price is having an uneventful day despite announcing a positive update to the ASX today.

    At the time of writing, the non-bank lender’s shares are unchanged at 28 cents apiece.

    What did Wisr announce?

    Investors appear mixed upon the company’s latest release, leaving Wisr shares flat during afternoon trade.

    According to its statement, Wisr advised it has launched its first major national brand campaign, supporting its recent brand redesign.

    The campaign title, ‘For your smart part’ aims to deliver a clear and simple message around improving financial wellness. This is in relation to engaging with the ‘smart part’ of the brain to make better personal financial decisions. The project is running across the entire company’s brand design, product and communication channels.

    In addition, the refreshing of the new Wisr website that was updated in May has resonated strongly with consumers. The website integrates the full suite of products, tools and resources on the Wisr Financial Wellness platform.

    The company also revealed that it will be a broadcast and digital sponsor at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 with Seven West Media Ltd (ASX: SWM). This gives unapparelled exposure to Australian households throughout the event.

    Wisr CEO, Anthony Nantes commented:

    There is no greater audience, or event, that delivers a better return on investment than the Olympic Games, with a huge reach into Australian homes, concentrated in a few action-packed weeks of high excitement and emotion. From a brand perspective, it offers a rare, ultra-impactful and cost-effective outcome, as we introduce millions of Australians to a smarter, fairer experience underpinned by a ground-breaking customer experience that improves financial wellness.

    The release comes just days after Wisr announced it achieved 20 consecutive quarters of uninterrupted growth. For the fourth quarter, new loan originations jumped to $123 million, a 27% increase on Q3 FY21 ($97 million).

    Wisr share price summary

    Until recently, Wisr shares have moved sideways for most of the year. The company’s shares price spiked at the end of May to a 52-week high of 34 cents on positive investor sentiment. However, since then, profit-taking has occurred, leading its shares to fall back to early May levels.

    Wisr commands a market capitalisation of roughly $375 million, with approximately 1.3 billion shares on its registry.

    The post Wisr (ASX:WZR) share price remains flat despite positive update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Wisr, 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 Wisr 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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  • Why the Peak Resources (ASX:PEK) share price is soaring 37% today

    Man in overalls at mine cheering

    The Peak Resources Ltd (ASX: PEK) share price has surged into the green today. The gains come after a key update to Peak’s Ngualla rare earth project in Tanzania.

    Let’s walk through today’s announcement.

    What did Peak announce?

    Following yesterday’s trading halt, Peak announced it had received regulatory approval from the Tanzanian Cabinet for a special mining licence at Ngualla.

    Investors seemed to have relished the news, sending the Peak Resources share price soaring. At the time of writing, Peak Resources shares are exchanging hands for 12.5 cents a piece, a 37.36% gain from the market open.

    The company has been in talks with the Tanzanian government on the special mining licence for more than 18 months.

    As such, this “transformational milestone” is the final stage of approval before planned construction in September 2022.

    The company said the Ngualla site is “one of the largest, highest grade and low cost Neodymium and Presodymium (NdPr) rare earth projects in the world”.

    According to the release, China currently produces 90% of the world’s NdPr Oxide. Peak are therefore confident Ngualla “will position Tanzania as one of the major rare earth suppliers outside of China”.

    The approval also follows Peak exercising its option for a 250-year lease over its Teesside Refinery site in the U.K. Peak’s Teesside facility will be built out to process Ngualla’s “high-grade rare earth concentrate”.

    Speaking on the approval, Peak managing director Bardin Davis stated:

    This is a landmark moment for Peak and will position Ngualla among the most advanced rare earth development projects … Peak is ideally placed to benefit from the growing global focus on electric vehicles and decarbonisation technologies, as well as international initiatives to diversify the supply of rare earths.

    Peak Resources share price snapshot

    The Peak Resources share price has posted a year-to-date return of 94%, extending the previous 12 month’s return of 442%.

    For context, the S&P / ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has posted a return of 20% over the last year.

    Peak has a market capitalisation of $148 million at the time of writing.

    The post Why the Peak Resources (ASX:PEK) share price is soaring 37% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Peak 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 Peak 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 Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) share price is up 9% this Thursday

    an arrow with sparks shoots up

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is on fire today. Pilbara shares are up 9.9% so far this Thursday and are currently trading at $1.69 a share after closing at $1.54 yesterday and opening at $1.58 this morning.

    $1.69 a share is a new 52-week, and an all-time high share price for Pilbara. The company is now up an incredible 93.1% year to date in 2021 so far, and up an even more astonishing 425% over the past 12 months.

    Pilbara shares are also topping the ASX boards in terms of trading volume today. Out of all the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares on the markets today, Pilbara shares have swapped hands the most frequently so far, with more than 20 million shares traded already (and it’s only lunchtime).

    So what on earth is going on with this lithium producer this Thursday?

    Why is the Pilbara Minerals share price on fire today?

    Well, it’s hard to say. There has been no real news or announcements out of the company today. Well, save for some routine paperwork that was released yesterday afternoon after market close. This informed investors that Pilbara will be delivering a quarterly business trading update on 29 July. But that’s probably not what’s getting investors hot under the collar today.

    One possible source of optimism here might be the update from fellow ASX lithium producer Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY) that we saw delivered this morning. As my Fool colleague James covered earlier today, Galaxy reported record quarterly production for the second quarter.

    Management also stated that the company “continues to experience strong demand” for lithium products amid rising global electric vehicle sales and strong demand from the Chinese market in particular.

    Galaxy shares are also up big today, rising 10% so far to $4.40 a share, as well as hitting a new all-time high of its own.

    Galaxy and Pilbara are essentially competing in the same market with the same commodity. So what is good for the goose is generally good for the gander here. As such, it’s not too surprising that goodwill from Galaxy’s results would spill over into the Pilbara Minerals share price.

    Where Pilbara shares currently stand, the company has a market capitalisation of $4.44 billion.

    The post Why the Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) share price is up 9% this Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pilbara Minerals right now?

    Before you consider Pilbara Minerals, 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 Pilbara Minerals 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 Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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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  • Next Science (ASX:NXS) share price jumps on record revenue growth

    medical doctor performing surgery using surgical instruments

    The Next Science Ltd (ASX: NXS) share price is charging higher today.

    At the time of writing, the medical technology company’s shares are up 4.05% to $1.54.

    Why is the Next Science share price rallying today?

    Investors are looking at the Next Science share price more optimistically following the release of its second quarter update.

    According to the release, the company pulled in US$3.9 million in revenue for the first half. This reflected an increase of 271% on the prior corresponding period.

    Pleasingly for shareholders, this was a record rate of growth from Next Science.

    Additionally, its XPerience No Rinse Antimicrobial Solution was cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

    The solution helps prevent surgical site biofilm based infections.

    The approval process for use in US hospitals is now underway.

    https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

    Furthermore, Next Science’s antimicrobial wound gel, BlastX returned to the company and sales commenced.

    Next Science regained the global distribution rights to BlastX from 3M (NYSE: MMM) in April 2021.

    The patented medical product has also received approval from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

    After burning through US$1.9 million in cash during the first half, the company maintains US$13.2 million cash on hand.

    Managing Director commentary

    Managing Director, Judith Mitchell spoke about the record result for the company:

    The strategies we are executing to commercialise our proprietary Xbio technology platform are delivering record results. The 271% revenue growth we have reported for 1H was driven by sales from our existing products.

    Following the approval of our market leading “no rinse antimicrobial solution”, XPerience, by the FDA on 23 April, we are building an excellent platform for future growth. Our focus has been to secure VAC approvals across US hospitals to facilitate commercial sales in the US. As at mid-July, we had made 123 VAC submissions covering 211 hospitals and we had received 20 approvals.

    Next Science share price snapshot

    Thanks to today’s gains, the Next Science share price is 18.46% higher over the past year.

    However, investors who bought at the 52-week high of $2.06 in June are still down 25.24%.

    The post Next Science (ASX:NXS) share price jumps on record revenue growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Next Science right now?

    Before you consider Next Science, 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 Next Science 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 Mitchell Lawler 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 Next Science Limited. 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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  • Here’s why the Cogstate (ASX:CGS) share price is up 5% today

    Group of scientists cheering

    The Cogstate Limited (ASX: CGS) share price is flying 4.53% high in trade today.

    Shares in the biotech company have received a boost after releasing a business update earlier today.

    Here’s what the company announced and why investors are jumping for shares in Cogstate.

    Cogstate shares rise on business update

    Earlier today, Cogstate released a business update and cash-flow statement for the quarter ending 30 June 2021.

    Cogstate highlighted a record revenue result for FY21 of $32.7 million, a 44% increase from the prior corresponding period (pcp).

    For the fourth quarter, the company recorded total revenue of $10 million, up 30% on pcp and 14% higher than the prior quarter.

    In its investor briefing, Cogstate highlighted that revenue from clinical trials was the main driver for the quarter and financial year.

    Clinical Trials revenue in the fourth quarter was $8.8 million, up 25% on pcp. Cogstate noted a substantial increase in new clinical trial sales contracts and an increased level of trial activity through the period.

    Cogstate also highlighted a strong balance sheet, with $22.4 million net cash at 30 June 2021.

    The company also cited its US$2.44 million loan from Citibank under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  

    Cogstate also provided earnings guidance for the full-year. The company expects to record a profit before tax in a range of $5.2 million to $5.7 million. This figure includes the gain related to the PPP loan forgiveness.

    Profit before tax from ordinary operations, excluding the PPP loan forgiveness, is expected to be in the range of $2.8 – $3.3 million.

    Cogstate expects to release audited financial reports on Wednesday 25 August 2021.

    Snapshot of the Cogstate share price

    Cogstate is a neuroscience technology company that specialises in brain health assessments, with the aim of advancing the development of new medicines and clinical insights.

    The company’s technologies allow for rapid and reliable computerised cognitive tests, which are designed to replace traditional costly and error-prone paper assessments.

    In early June, shares in Cogstate received a boost after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Accelerated Approval for its aducanumab treatment targeting Alzheimer’s disease.

    The Cogstate share price has surged more than 38% since the start of the year.

    At the time of writing, the Cogsate share price is trading more than 4.5% higher for the day at around $1.50. Shares in the biotech company were up more than 5% earlier, having hit an intra-day high of $1.52.

    The post Here’s why the Cogstate (ASX:CGS) share price is up 5% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Cosgate, 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 Cosgate 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 Nikhil Gangaram 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 BHP (ASX:BHP) share price up 3% on Thursday

    man holding hard hat and giving thumbs up representing rising mining asx share price

    The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is almost back to break even for the week, after sliding 5.07% to $49.24 between Monday and Tuesday .

    At the time of writing, the BHP share price has added another 2.87%, and is trading at $51.32.

    BHP shares price bounces higher, eyeing record highs

    The BHP share price closed at a record high last Friday, at $51.87.

    However, global equity markets tumbled at the beginning of the week, sparked by concerns regarding economic growth against the backdrop of increasing COVID-19 cases and the Delta variant.

    The market selloff was short-lived, with major indices such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average lifting 2.40% in the last two trading sessions.

    Similarly, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is now 0.05% higher since last Friday.

    Any recent developments for the BHP share price?

    On Tuesday, BHP delivered its fourth-quarter and full-year update, with production in line with guidance and strong pricing for its commodities.

    The positive update was announced amid a broader market selloff however, dragging the BHP share price down 2.71% on the day.

    On Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that the “world’s biggest miner was reviewing its petroleum business and considering options including a trade sale”.

    There is speculation that Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) might be interested in buying some or all of BHP’s oil and gas assets, according to Reuters.

    BHP reveals nickel supply deal with Tesla

    This morning, BHP announced the signing of a nickle supply agreement with Tesla.

    BHP said that the two companies would collaborate on ways to make the battery supply chain “more sustainable”, with a focus on end-to-end raw material traceability using blockchain. Other focus areas would be in the technical exchange for battery raw materials production and promoting “the importance of sustainability in the resources sector”.

    BHP chief commercial officer Vandita Pant said:

    We are delighted to sign this agreement with Tesla Inc, and to collaborate with them on ways to make the battery supply chain more sustainable through our shared focus on technology and innovation.

    While the quantity of nickle to be supplied was not specified, this could be another factor propping up the BHP share price on Thursday.

    What about iron ore prices?

    According to Market Index, iron ore prices remain steady at US$218.37/tonne.

    However, iron ore futures on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange have tumbled 3.4% this morning to about 1,160 yuan (US$179) a tonne.

    The post The BHP (ASX:BHP) share price up 3% on Thursday 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 May 24th 2021

    More reading

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

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  • Iluka Resources (ASX:ILU) share price jumps 7% on quarterly results

    Rising mining ASX share price represented by man in hard hat making excited fists

    The Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU) share price has leapt firmly into the green on Thursday. At the time of writing, Iluka shares are exchanging hands at $9.28, 6.67% higher than at yesterday’s close.

    Today’s gains come after the company released its results for the second quarter.

    Let’s take a look at how Iluka has been performing.

    Quarterly results

    Investors are driving the Iluka share price higher on Thursday after the company reported revenue from mineral sands of $391 million, a 75% year-on-year gain.

    It also recorded a combined output of 175,300 tonnes for zircon/rutile/synthetic rutile, signifying a 30% increase from the same time last year.

    Specifically, zircon production was 71% up on the year at 71,800 tonnes.

    Iluka’s zircon sales reflected “a return to pre-pandemic production levels amongst Chinese tile manufacturers”.

    A rise in zircon prices by US$70 per tonne over the quarter also helped to boost the company’s zircon revenue.

    A “further US$125 per tonne increase [in zircon prices was] effective 1 July”, according to the company.

    In addition, rutile production grew 25% year on year to 43,600 tonnes. Synthetic rutile production also expanded by ~3% to just under 60,000 tonnes.

    Additional takeouts

    The company benefitted from high demand for synthetic rutile this quarter.

    This was driven by “increased concern around the future supply of high-grade feedstocks”, coupled with the settlement of a contractual dispute with American chemicals company Chemours.

    Iluka and Chemours settled their contractual dispute in confidence but the outcome sees the latter “taking all of the synthetic rutile not taken in 2020”.

    An update on its Sierra Leone operations was also provided in the release, in which Iluka stated:

    In May, Iluka provided the Government of Sierra Leone six months’ notice of its intention to temporarily suspend operations at Sierra Rutile, effective 19 November 2021. The company is currently exploring ways to reset the cost base of these operations and attract new investors to pursue the Sembehun development.

    Investors can expect Iluka’s 2021 half-year results to be released on 25 August.

    Iluka Resources share price snapshot

    The Iluka Resources share price has posted a year-to-date return of around 44%, extending the previous 12 months’ returns of approximately 92%.

    These returns have significantly outperformed those of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has gained around 21% over the past 12 months.

    Iluka has a market capitalisation of around $3.95 billion at the time of writing.

    The post Iluka Resources (ASX:ILU) share price jumps 7% on quarterly results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Iluka 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 Iluka 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 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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  • Why the Service Stream (ASX:SSM) share price is heading south today

    A stockmarket chart on a red background with an arrow going down, indicating falling share price

    The Service Stream Limited (ASX: SSM) share price has come out of a trading halt today following a successful placement and institutional entitlement offer.

    During afternoon trade, the essential network services provider’s shares are down 4.17% to 92 cents.

    What’s driving the Service Stream share price lower?

    A catalyst for today’s fall in Service Stream shares is that investors may be concerned about an impending share dilution.

    According to its release, Service Stream advised that it has successfully received commitments to raise roughly $130 million (before costs). The placement gathered support from institutional and sophisticated investors from Australia and overseas.

    Approximately 144 million new ordinary Service Stream shares will be issued at a price of 90 cents apiece to successful applicants. Those funds are expected to settle on Friday 30 July 2021.

    In addition, the company is conducting a retail entitlement offer to raise a further $55 million. This component will be opened up to everyday investors next week on Tuesday 27 July 2021.

    Under the retail offer, eligible shareholders can apply for 1 Service Stream share for every 3 Service Stream shares owned. A top-up facility will also be available for investors who take up their full entitlement, up to a maximum of 100% in excess.

    The proceeds from the equity raising will be used to partly fund the acquisition of Lendlease Services. The enterprise value has been agreed for a price of $310 million, less adjustments for debt and debt-like items.

    While this represents a shortfall, Service Stream will fund the remaining amount through its expanded debt facilities and available cash.

    Service Stream share price summary

    It’s been a tough ride for Service Stream shareholders, with the company’s shares falling by almost 50% year to date. Looking at a longer time frame, the Service Steam share price is down also 50% since this time last year.

    Based on today’s price, Service Stream presides a market capitalisation of around $378.5 million, with roughly 410 million shares outstanding.

    The post Why the Service Stream (ASX:SSM) share price is heading south today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Service Stream right now?

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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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3BsUcWN