• Afterpay & Zip shares: Brokers react to Apple and PayPal BNPL news

    hand restin g on laptop computer keyboard with stock prices on screen

    The big news this week that is rocking the Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price and the Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price is that Apple is reportedly planning to enter the buy now pay later (BNPL) market.

    Over the last two trading sessions, these two BNPL shares have lost 11.5% and 16% of their value, respectively. That’s over $4 billion collectively wiped from their market capitalisations in less than 48 hours.

    Why is Apple entering the BNPL market?

    According to Bloomberg, Apple is interested in entering the BNPL market to help drive Apple Pay adoption and convince more iPhone users to pay for items using their phone instead of traditional debit or credit cards.

    As Apple receives a slice of transactions made with Apple Pay, if the tech behemoth can achieve this, it would be another boost for its US$50 billion per year services business.

    The new Apple Pay Later service is understood to have two options for consumers to choose from when paying in store and online. These are known internally as Apple Pay in 4 and Apple Pay Monthly Instalments.

    As the name implies, Apple Pay in 4 will allow consumers to pay across four interest-free payments made every two weeks. Whereas Apple Pay Monthly Instalments will allow users to pay across several months with interest. Investment bank Goldman Sachs is reportedly the lender for the instalment loans.

    Also weighing on the Afterpay share price and Zip share price yesterday was news that PayPal is removing late fees for its BNPL service. Competition certainly is heating up in the space!

    How did brokers react?

    Analysts at Macquarie were quick to react to the news of intensifying competition in the BNPL market.

    In response, the broker has retained its outperform rating on Afterpay’s shares but trimmed its price target down by 7% to $130.00. This compares to the current Afterpay share price of $104.79. The broker suspects there will be a period of industry consolidation before a stronger outlook emerges.

    Over at Citi, its analysts believe the bigger threat to Afterpay and Zip comes from PayPal. Though, it sees Afterpay as better positioned to fend off the increasing competition.

    It commented: “We continue to see a future state where the ability to Pay-in-4 will become a commodity, and see the key to success for Afterpay and Zip being their ability to be more than a payment option and own the consumer’s shopping experience.”

    It feels Afterpay’s strong consumer engagement and usage levels are key to its success in the market. And with the Afterpay share price faring a bit better over the last couple of days, it appears as though the market agrees.

    The post Afterpay & Zip shares: Brokers react to Apple and PayPal BNPL news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Zip, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Zip wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for 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 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 AFTERPAY T FPO, Apple, PayPal Holdings, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2022 $75 calls on PayPal Holdings, long March 2023 $120 calls on Apple, and short March 2023 $130 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple and PayPal Holdings. 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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  • Short-lived $10 party for the Vulcan Energy (ASX:VUL) share price

    good news and bad for asx shares represented by same man pictured happy and then sad

    The Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price performance has had its ups and downs this week.

    Shares in the emerging lithium producer rallied 10.87% on Wednesday to close at $10.20 apiece.

    However, the Vulcan Energy share price has come under heavy selling pressure today, losing most of yesterday’s gains in a 9.61% slide to $9.22 at the time of writing.

    Despite a brief euphoric moment above the $10 mark, the company’s shares are still up an impressive 20.5% in July and 235% year-to-date.

    Vulcan Energy share price rallies in July

    The lithium sector is a hot space right now, with Forbes warning of a potential “perpetual deficit” in lithium supply on the back of surging electric vehicle and battery storage demand.

    The Global X Lithium & Battery Tech exchange-traded fund (ETF), comprising companies in lithium mining and refining through to battery production, surged to a new record all-time high on Monday.

    Coinciding with the selloff in Vulcan Energy shares today, the Lithium ETF slumped 2.38% overnight, but is still up a solid 26.85% year-to-date.

    Within the Lithium ETF’s holdings are ASX-listed lithium heavyweights Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS), Orocobre Ltd (ASX: ORE) and Galaxy Resources Ltd (ASX: GXY).

    These household ASX lithium miners account for 1.11%, 0.93% and 0.71% respectively, of the ETF’s net assets.

    Positive milestones ahead

    Despite hitting a $1 billion market capitalisation, Vulcan Energy has yet to produce any of its zero-carbon lithium product.

    The company is currently busy finalising pre-production milestones such as further exploration, a bankable feasibility study, securing offtake agreements and permitting.

    According to Vulcan’s project timeline, construction of its zero-carbon lithium project should begin by the end of 2022 with a maiden lithium production by mid-2024.

    Last Monday, the company announced that it appointed two companies to assist with the project’s definitive feasibility study (DFS).

    Vulcan said it aimed to complete the DFS within the next 12 months.

    In other news on Monday, Vulcan Energy announced a new exploration license for geothermal energy, geothermal heat, brine and lithium in the Upper Rhine Valley in Germany.

    The post Short-lived $10 party for the Vulcan Energy (ASX:VUL) share price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Vulcan Energy, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Vulcan Energy 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 owns shares of Vulcan Energy Resources Limited. 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 Medibank (ASX:MPL) share price just hit a new 52-week high

    red arrow representing a rise of the share price with a man wearing a cape holding it at the top

    The Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) share price hit another 52-week high today, despite no news having been released by the company.

    Right now, the Medibank share price is $3.28, 0.15% lower than its previous close.

    However, earlier today it reached $3.39. That represents a gain of 3.24%.

    Let’s take a look at what Medibank has been up to lately.

    The latest from Medibank

    The last time the market heard price-sensitive news from Medibank was way back on 19 April.

    Then, the healthcare and health insurance company announced it had found its new chief executive officer (CEO), David Koczkar.

    News of Koczkar’s appointment was met with indifference from the market. The Medibank share price ended the session at the exact same point it had ended the previous day’s.

    Koczkar seated himself behind Medibank’s biggest desk on 17 May, after Medibank’s now former-CEO Craig Drummond cleared it out.

    Before he took the role of CEO, Koczkar had been Medibank’s chief customer officer – a role in which Medibank’s chair, Mike Wilkins, said he was “instrumental”.

    Koczkar commented on his appointment, saying:

    I am thrilled to be able to continue this work, working with the amazing team at Medibank to continue to ensure our focus remains on meeting the needs of our customers and transforming the way we work as we become a broader healthcare company.

    Koczkar has also previously been the group chief commercial officer at Jetstar.

    Despite not moving from news of a new CEO, the Medibank share price has gained 13.7% since.

    Medibank share price snapshot

    The Medibank share price has been having a good roll on the ASX lately.

    Right now, it’s 7.7% higher than it was at the start of this year. It has also gained 9.9% since this time last year.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $9 billion, with approximately 2.7 billion shares outstanding.

    The post The Medibank (ASX:MPL) share price just hit a new 52-week high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Medibank, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Medibank 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 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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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today

    Business man marking Sell on board and underlining it

    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:

    AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL)

    According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts have retained their underweight rating and $8.88 price target on this energy company’s shares. The broker has been looking at the sector and continues to prefer its rival Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG), particularly given the uncertainty with AGL’s demerger. Morgan Stanley notes that the new AGL business is attractive, but the Accel business wouldn’t be for ESG reasons. The AGL share price is fetching $8.05 on Thursday.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    A note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have downgraded this banking giant’s shares to an underperform rating but lifted their price target on them to $88.50. The broker made the move largely on valuation grounds after a strong gain this year. Speaking of which, it suspects that the outperformance could be over. The broker suggests that investors expecting bank share prices to outperform as interest rates rise may be disappointed. Macquarie’s analysis found that any rate increase benefit is less than what is commonly expected. The CBA share price is trading at $98.33 today.

    Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

    Analysts at Credit Suisse have retained their underperform rating and $16.50 price target on this investment platform provider’s shares. According to the note, the broker has been impressed with its fund inflows but feels its shares are fully valued now. It also highlights that its price target already factors in upside from a rise in the cash rate and a recovery in deposit spreads in the coming years. The Netwealth share price is fetching $16.77 this afternoon.

    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?

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    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 Netwealth. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Netwealth. 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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  • Fresh blow to ASX 200 travel shares as Victoria lockdown looms large

    ASX 200 travel shares A man sits on a suitcase with his head in his hands as a plane flies overhead

    Victoria looks set to follow the country’s largest state into lockdown, which will deliver a big blow to the economy and travel-related ASX 200 shares.

    The Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) share price slumped 3.5%, Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price dived 2% and Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) descended 1.5% at the time of writing.

    In contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) dipped 0.3% in the red as news of the potential lockdown broke.

    ASX 200 travel shares hit by new lockdown

    Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is expected to announce that the snap lockdown will start from midnight tonight, reported the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

    The drastic move comes as the state recorded two cases of COVID-19 infections that were transmitted at the AFL game at the MCG on Saturday.

    A COVID-positive case linked to the NSW removalists at the Ariele apartment attended the match and is believed to be the source of the infection. The 60-year-old man was asymptomatic but carries the highly transmittable Delta variant.

    Uncertainty clouds ASX 200 travel shares

    The ABC reported that one of the two new cases sat close to the man at the MCG, while the other was further away but in the same section.

    It’s not known how long the Victorian lockdown will last as authorities are said to be still in discussions.

    Victoria takes the unenviable title of being the most locked-down and restrictive state in Australia as this snap lockdown will be its fifth.

    Victoria adds to Sydney-induced economic contraction

    These are nervous times for shareholders of ASX 200 travel shares. These shares have been whipped sawed as states move in and out of lockdowns to contain the virus.

    As it stands, the lockdown in Sydney that started three weeks ago will likely cause Australia’s GDP to contract in the third quarter, reported Reuters.

    This was before the news of the likely Victorian lockdown broke. If our economy was to shrink as forecast, it would be the first time it contracted since the June 2020 quarter.

    ASX travel shares heading for more turbulence

    ASX 200 travel related shares will take the brunt of the lockdowns as borders slam shut to Aussies living in the two biggest states in the country.

    Interestingly, the Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price is just able to keep its head above breakeven today. But it’s down by around 17% from last November’s peak.

    The Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) share price is another holding up better than most today. A takeover battle to seize control of our largest airport is helping.

    This makes me wonder if any sell-off in ASX 200 travel shares are a buying opportunity. Activity tends to rebound sharply once the lockdown is lifted and M&A interest provides a second safety net.

    The post Fresh blow to ASX 200 travel shares as Victoria lockdown looms large 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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of Webjet Ltd. Connect with me on Twitter @brenlau.

    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 Corporate Travel Management Limited and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel 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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  • Why ARB, Rhythm Biosciences, Sezzle, & Spark shares are storming higher

    rising asx share price in food and consumer staples sector represented by happy face made from cut up banana

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.25% to 7,334.5 points.

    Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are storming higher:

    ARB Corporation Limited (ASX: ARB)

    The ARB share price is up 8% to $44.68. Investors have been buying the 4×4 parts manufacturer’s shares following the release of a market update. According to the release, ARB achieved a 33.9% increase in unaudited sales revenue to $623 million in FY 2021. Things were even better on the bottom line thanks to margin expansion. The company expects its profit before tax to be within the range of $145 million to $150 million. This will be an increase of 85.5% to 92% on FY 2020’s profit before tax of $78.1 million.

    Rhythm Biosciences Ltd (ASX: RHY)

    The Rhythm Biosciences share price is up 4% to 88.5 cents. This morning the diagnostics company announced the creation of a wholly owned US domiciled entity, IchorDX. This will enable Rhythm to pursue its international expansion activities for ColoSTAT in one of its largest priority markets. ColoSTAT is intended to be a simple, affordable, minimally invasive and effective blood test for the early detection of bowel cancer. Management notes that the US market represents one of the largest diagnostic markets in the world, with a current addressable market of over 94 million people.

    Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL)

    The Sezzle share price has jumped 7% to $8.53. This morning the buy now pay later (BNPL) provider revealed that Discover Financial Services has agreed to invest US$30 million into Sezzle. Discover has 48 million merchant locations and generated US$417 billion in total network volume last year. In addition to the investment, the two parties plan to work on a buy now, pay later network solution on the Discover Global Network.

    Spark Infrastructure Group (ASX: SKI)

    The Spark share price has stormed 7.5% higher to $2.66 after receiving and then rejecting a takeover approach. This morning the energy network operator revealed that it received a conditional and non-binding indicative proposal from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (OTPP) and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR) of $2.70 cash per share. The Spark Board believes it undervalues the company.

    The post Why ARB, Rhythm Biosciences, Sezzle, & Spark shares are storming 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 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 ARB Corporation 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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  • Myer (ASX:MYR) share price rallies to 52-week high despite lockdowns

    Happy woman holding up shopping bags

    The Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR) share price has rallied 15% in the past week, cruising to a 52-week high of 50 cents during trading today.

    However, at the time of writing, Myer shares have retreated to 48 cents — 2% down on yesterday’s closing price.

    The strength behind the Myer share price comes in the wake of the decision to extend lockdown in Sydney by at least another 14 days until 30 July.

    Why the Myer share price is ignoring lockdown concerns

    Myer shares have been resilient in the past few weeks. This is likely propped up by news on 6 July Solomon Lew had been accumulating Myer shares through his Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV).

    It has been reported Lew has increased his substantial shareholding in Myer from 10% to more than 15%.

    According to the Australian Financial Review, the rationale behind Lew’s interest is to “bring about change at the struggling retailer”.

    Myer responded to Lew’s increased shareholding on 8 July. The company said it was “open to discussing appropriate board representation of Premier Investments through nomination to the Myer board.”

    Despite this, Myer was reluctant to change the direction of its business strategy.

    Myer’s acting chairman JoAnne Stephenson reiterated the business is performing well:

    We have a well-articulated strategy in the Customer First Plan and it is delivering positive results, as seen at our 1H results despite the ongoing challenges that lockdowns and CBD traffic limitations present.

    However, Premier Investments was ruthless with its reply, saying:

    In Premier’s view, Myer’s three remaining non-executive directors should for once put its shareholders first and resign immediately. Any other action would be futile, and costly for Myer shareholders who have endured enough.

    With both Myer and Premier Investments fighting for what they think is best for the company, the Myer share price has rallied 32.4% during this time from 37 cents to 49 cents at the time of writing.

    The post Myer (ASX:MYR) share price rallies to 52-week high despite lockdowns appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Myer, 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 Myer 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. 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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  • CSL (ASX:CSL) share price lower amid reported mRNA vaccine delays

    falling healthcare asx share price Mesoblast capital raising

    The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price is falling amid reports Australia might not be capable of producing mRNA vaccines until 2023.

    Right now, shares in CSL are swapping hands for $276.09 – 1.33% less than yesterday’s closing price.

    The fall in the CSL share price comes alongside a fairly lacklustre day for the broader market. However, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently only down by 0.15%. The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has also fallen by only 0.11% today.

    Let’s take a closer look at what’s being reported today.

    Is CSL winning the race for Moderna?

    According to reporting by The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH), the Federal Government is preparing to receive commercial bids from companies hoping to build Australian facilities capable of creating mRNA vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines by Moderna and Pfizer are both examples of mRNA vaccines.

    However, the publication claims scientists believe funding for the vaccines’ production is markedly less than what’s needed. Additionally, it reported some estimates put to the government claim it could take 3 years to build a facility capable of producing mRNA vaccines.

    Whether delays in creating mRNA vaccines locally are helping drive the CSL share price lower isn’t clear, particularly since it’s already been out of form lately.

    SMH reports that CSL is said to be a strong bet to win the bidding process, spurred by its proven capabilities in manufacturing the AstraZeneca vaccine.

    One unnamed scientist reportedly said expanding CSL’s facilities to produce mRNA vaccines would be a “no-brainer”.

    However, SMH claims the government’s funding promise is far too low for Moderna to consider allowing manufacturing in Australia.

    According to SBS, companies interested in receiving funding to create mRNA vaccines must lodge a fully costed approval for a facility to the Federal Government. The facility must be capable of making mRNA vaccines and therapeutic goods over the next decade.

    CSL share price snapshot

     The CSL share price has been having a tough time on the ASX lately.

    It has fallen by around 3% year to date and is also almost 4% lower than it was this time last year.

    The post CSL (ASX:CSL) share price lower amid reported mRNA vaccine delays appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider CSL, 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 CSL 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 Brooke Cooper 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. 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 Ookami (ASX:OOK) share price is up 1,000% today, but don’t be fooled

    man happily kissing a $50 note

    The Ookami Ltd (ASX: OOK) share price appears to be skyrocketing today. However, this is deceiving from what has really gone on behind the scenes. Before jumping in due to the fear of missing out (FOMO), have a read of what is really going on here.

    At the time of writing, the Ookami share price is up 1127.27% to 27 cents. However, this shouldn’t be taken for face value, as you’ll see below.

    The Ookami share price 10 bagger isn’t what it seems

    At first glance, it would be easy to think this company has become a 10 bagger in a single day. Don’t as the saying goes… judge a book by its cover.

    A while ago, Ookami operated in the software-as-a-service and digital asset space. The company had previously been developing an ecosystem of technology solutions involving blockchain-based smart contracts.

    However, now the company has re-listed with a change in direction. In a major shift, the company acquired interests in two African exploration projects in March 2021. Specifically, this involved a 57% interest in Valhalla Minerals and a 100% interest in Cameroon Cobalt.

    In the process of re-listing, the company undertook a consolidation of shares on issue. As a result, the number of shares on issue reduced from ~340.74 million to ~4.26 million. Doing some quick math, that is a 1 for every 80 share consolidation.

    Essentially, if the market capitalisation of the company was to remain unchanged – the share price would need to be 80 times greater due to the reduction in share count.

    Prior to relisting and consolidation, the Ookami share price was 2.2 cents. Therefore, to represent the same value post-consolidation, the new Ookami share price would need to be $1.76.

    Based on this, the company’s share price has actually fallen 84% upon relisting.

    Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the company plans on changing its name to Panthera Metals Limited.

    The post The Ookami (ASX:OOK) share price is up 1,000% today, but don’t be fooled appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Ookami, 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 Ookami 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. 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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  • Australian Ethical (ASX:AEF) share price climbs on FUM update

    Hands grabbing for high rung on a ladder pointing to the sky

    The Australian Ethical Investment Limited (ASX: AEF) share price is bucking today’s general market weakness. Shares in the fund manager have remained relatively positive after it released an update earlier today.  

    At the time of writing, Australian Ethical shares are trading 1% higher at $8.10. Let’s take a look at what the company announced and how it’s been performing.   

    Australian Ethical grows funds under management

    Earlier today, Australian Ethical provided the market with an update on its funds under management (FUM) for the quarter and full year.

    The announcement was highlighted by a 56% increase in net flow of $1.03 billion for the full year ending 30 June 2021. Combined with strong investment performance, Australian Ethical’s FUM increased to $6.07 billion. 

    Australian Ethical reported a 12% increase in quarterly FUM, equating to roughly $0.66 billion.

    The company’s superannuation holdings accounted for the largest portion of its FUM, representing $5.41 billion.

    In a previous update released in late May, Australian Ethical CEO John McMurdo cited the “unprecedented interest and demand for ethical investing” and that the company expects “this growth in ethical investing to accelerate”.

    Australian Ethical share price snapshot

    Australian Ethical is a funds management company that specialises in environmentally and socially responsible investing. Its business is divided into managed funds and superannuation funds.

    The company’s managed funds segment provides investors with 8 different investment options. In addition, Australian Ethical’s superannuation business allows investors to build a retirement plan by investing in ethically sustainable businesses.

    The Australian Ethical share price has had a stellar year thus far, surging by more than 60% since the start of 2021.

    Shares in the fund manager were trading at all-time highs of almost $10 in late May. Since then, the Australian Ethical share price has sold off, falling by around 18% to its current level.

    Part of these falls occurred after Australian Ethical provided updated earnings guidance for FY21.

    The company advised investors it expected to deliver an underlying profit after tax before performance fees of between $8.8 million and $9.3 million for FY21.

    Earlier this month, Australian Ethical announced that its Emerging Companies Fund outperformed its benchmark, the S&P ASX Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) over the last 12 months.

    The post Australian Ethical (ASX:AEF) share price climbs on FUM update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Nikhil Gangaram owns shares of Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Australian Ethical Investment 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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