• The Boral (ASX:BLD) share price is up 9% in a month. What’s next?

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

    The Boral Limited (ASX: BLD) share price has been a surprise performer over the past month. Boral shares were trading at $6.79 a month ago. But today, they are commanding a price of $7.38 a share. That’s an 8.76% gain for the past 30 days.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has actually gone backwards by 0.42% over the same period. As such, Boral has emerged as a real ASX 200 winner. That’s good news for a company that is sitting at the same share price today as it was back in November 2005.

    Of course, the Boral share price performance over the month that was, had little to do with the company’s performance. Instead, it related to a rather dramatic saga that has been playing out since mid-June.

    Boral has a stalker in the form of Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SVW). Seven put up an offer of $6.50 a share for Boral back in May. It subsequently upped this offer to $7.30 after enough shareholders accepted the cash that allowed Seven to increase its ownership of Boral to above 29.5%.

    But Seven wasn’t done there. At the start of this month, Seven once again upped its offer. This time to $7.40 a share. This was followed by Seven further increasing its ownership of Boral to above 40%.

    Following this latest chapter, there is now talk that Ryan Stokes will be requesting an additional seat on Boral’s board. Stokes is the Seven Group CEO and a current Boral board member.

    Where to next for the Boral share price?

    All of this toing and froing has seen the Boral share price gain significant interest from investors. No doubt helped along by Seven Group’s aggressive uptake of Boral stock.

    But since the takeover bid officially closes on 15 July (this Thursday), where is the Boral share price headed to next?

    Well, it’s hard to say. Seven Group may have some plans that aren’t yet clear to the markets. Seven seems to have kept both investors and Boral guessing at every turn over the past month.

    But a report in today’s Australian Financial Review (AFR) had a go. The AFR reckons Boral shares are “expected to fall back towards $7 a share, and possibly as low as $6.80” once the bid is completed. However, the report also noted that “the stock will be supported by the fact it contains cash worth about $3.20 a share”.

    Additionally, it cites the fact that Boral will be reporting its full-year earnings next month. The AFR claims that if these earnings “include materially weaker profit numbers from the Australian business, it will justify the tough approach taken by [Ryan] Stokes”.

    At the current Boral share price of $7.39 (at the time of writing), the company has a market capitalisation of $8.47 billion.

    The post The Boral (ASX:BLD) share price is up 9% in a month. What’s next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of May 24th 2021

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    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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  • Why the Bubs (ASX:BUB) share price has gained 28% in a month

    girl and boy drinking milk

    The Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX: BUB) share price is having a great month, despite no news having been released by the company in more than 3 weeks.

    Right now, shares in Bubs are trading for 50 cents apiece. This time last month, they were going for 39 cents each. Those figures represent a 28.21% increase in the Bubs share price over the last 30 days.

    While that’s impressive, perhaps more so is the fact the gains have all come off the back of a single announcement to the market.

    Let’s take a look at the news driving the Bubs share price.

    International ambitions

    On 18 June, Bubs announced it’s set to break into the United States infant nutrition market with its Aussie Bubs range of formulas.

    According to the company, the US market is worth around $5.1 billion annually with a projected forecast growth of 4% by 2025. Some 93% of the products within the US infant nutrition market are powder formulations.

    What’s more, Bubs’ product will be the only Australian goat milk formula to be sold in the nation.

    On the day of the announcement, the Bubs share price closed a mammoth 28% higher than its previous day’s trade.

    Bubs’ products will be available for purchase in the US through Walmart Inc‘s online store and Amazon.com Inc.

    As part of the shift, Bubs will establish a US subsidiary, Aussie Bubs, to be based in northern California. Its products will be sold on Walmart’s online store from September.

    Bubs Australia share price snapshot

    Despite the month’s growth, the Bubs share price is still in the red on the ASX. It has fallen 16.6% since the start of 2021 and 50.5% since this time last year.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $306 million, with approximately 612 million shares outstanding.

    The post Why the Bubs (ASX:BUB) share price has gained 28% in a month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bubs Australia right now?

    Before you consider Bubs 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 Bubs 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

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    John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2022 $1,920 calls on Amazon and short January 2022 $1,940 calls on Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon and BUBS AUST FPO. 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 Argo Investments (ASX:ARG) share price hits a new all-time high

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

    The Argo Investments Limited (ASX: ARG) share price has officially cemented itself at a new all-time high today. At the time of writing, the listed investment company’s (LIC) shares are up 0.22% to $9.14.

    Earlier in the session, the Argo share price cracked fresh highs at $9.20 a share. However, with no new announcements from the company, it might be worth taking a look at recent updates.

    What’s pushing the Argo Investments share price higher?

    For some background, Argo Investments is one of Australia’s oldest LICs – established all the way back in 1946. The company focuses on investing in a diversified mix of Australian equities using an actively managed approach.

    Although there are no announcements from Argo today, the company did reveal a net tangible asset (NTA) and investment update yesterday. According to the release, the company’s NTA at the end of June 2021 was $9.01, an increase of ~2.4% on the prior month.

    Furthermore, the company’s top 5 holdings at the end of the month were Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), CSL Limited (ASX: CSL), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

    Since then, Wesfarmers has gone on to make a bid for Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API). In another boost for the Argo share price, shares in BHP have appreciated 5% following the LIC’s last report.

    Some of Argo’s other holdings have been at the centre of the recent merger and acquisition frenzy. One example of this is the firm’s 1.4% exposure to Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD), which recently jumped 33% higher following a takeover bid.

    Is Argo a possible Milton doppelgänger?

    Investors of Argo shares may also be speculating whether the LIC is Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd’s (ASX: SOL) next target.

    The $8 billion Australian investment house that is Soul Patts proposed a merger with the $4.2 billion Milton Corporation Limited (ASX: MLT) last month.

    Between Argo Investments and Milton, there are similarities. Both were founded within 10 years of each other, both share similar investments and investment approaches, and both are smaller than Soul Patts.

    For the time being, the Argo Investments share price is likely safe from Soul Patts while it attempts to consume Milton.

    The post The Argo Investments (ASX:ARG) share price hits a new all-time high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Argo Investments right now?

    Before you consider Argo Investments, 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 Argo Investments 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 Mitchell Lawler owns shares of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • The Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price has trailed the ASX 200 over the last 3 months

    dissapointed man at falling share price

    The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is out of form on Tuesday. In afternoon trade, the banking giant’s shares are down 0.5% to $25.41.

    This decline means the Westpac share price is now down 6.3% since peaking at a high of $27.12 in June. As a result, Westpac’s shares are underperforming the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) during the same period.

    In addition to this, the bank’s shares are trading flat over the last three months, compared to a 5% gain by the ASX 200.

    Why is the Westpac share price underperforming?

    The Westpac share price has come under a spot of pressure over the last few weeks following a series of developments.

    One of those was news that the banking giant will not be offloading its Westpac New Zealand business.

    At the time, analysts at Citi suggested that this decision was likely due to the complexities of divesting from a liquidity and capital perspective. Essentially, it just became too hard for Westpac to demerge the business efficiently.

    Over at Ord Minnett, its analysts appeared disappointed with the news. The broker notes that the business has been losing market share and has poor net promoter scores (NPS). As such, it feels the business will require significant investment.

    What else?

    Also weighing on the Westpac share price recently has been news that the bank has uncovered significant potential fraud. This relates to a portfolio of equipment leases with Westpac customers arranged by Forum Finance, which were referred to Westpac’s Institutional Bank.

    The bank notes that it has a potential exposure of around $200 million after tax. Though, the extent of any loss will be dependent on the outcome of its investigations and recovery actions underway.

    Is this a buying opportunity?

    One leading broker that may believe the recent weakness in the Westpac share price is a buying opportunity is Morgans.

    According to a note from last week, the broker has retained its add rating and $29.50 price target on the bank’s shares. Based on the latest Westpac share price, this implies potential upside of 9% over the next 12 months.

    Morgans believes Westpac shares offer compelling value for investors and sees significant capital management potential.

    The post The Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price has trailed the ASX 200 over the last 3 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Westpac, 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 Westpac 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 owns shares of Westpac Banking Corporation. 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 cost of COVID, and government support on the way. Scott Phillips on Sky News First Edition

    Cafe working wearing face mask and apron opening door with Open sign in window.

    Motley Fool Australia Chief Investment Officer Scott Phillips joined Sky News First Edition on Tuesday morning to discuss the cost of the current COVID lockdown, the potential government support, and the impact on jobs and businesses.

    The post The cost of COVID, and government support on the way. Scott Phillips on Sky News First Edition 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 Scott Phillips 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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  • Expert reveals 2 ASX shares to buy during lockdown

    Fund manager and asx share investor Jun Bei Liu

    All eyes are on Australia’s largest city to see how it will defeat the dangerous COVID-19 delta variant.

    The sight of 5.3 million people in prolonged lockdown has taken investors back to last year, when they sought to find ASX shares winning from people staying at home.

    However, Tribeca Investment Partners portfolio manager Jun Bei Liu said that the current Sydney lockdown is slightly different to the 2020 scares.

    “We didn’t have vaccines [last year],” she told Switzer TV Investing.

    “As soon as we come out of this, the recovery will be enormous… I really believe that, investors, you just need to be a little bit more patient as we pass this.”

    Having noted this, Liu reckoned a couple of ASX shares still look ripe for the picking right now while Sydneysiders are trapped at home.

    The ASX share that’s doubled in 5 years and pays a 5.7% dividend

    Despite it having a network of physical stores, JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) was a pandemic beneficiary.

    Last year, Australians bought up appliances and homewares to make their houses and home offices more comfortable during the first wave of the virus.

    But JB Hi-Fi shares have slumped more than 5.5% this year.

    “JB Hi-Fi has been sold off as the reopening of the economy got people excited… at the same time the consumer stimulus [wound] back,” said Liu.

    However, she thinks the appliances seller is in a prime position now.

    “JB Hi-Fi’s in a good situation at the moment with Sydney lockdown, potentially for a prolonged period of time. That certainly benefits a lot of their short-term earnings,” Liu said.

    “At the same time, we’re expecting the government to step up and give more stimulus.”

    Even without the Sydney restrictions, Australians still can’t travel freely. Therefore there’s still plenty of money to flow into the consumer sector, according to Liu.

    “JB Hi-Fi is the one that actually looks pretty good heading into the reporting season [in August],” she said.

    “Most people are expecting earnings to fall next year significantly. I think people are way too bearish with that kind of forecast… On a 2-year view, this is a structural leader.”

    The JB Hi-Fi share price has doubled in the past 5 years, going from $23.33 to more than $47 this week. Incredibly, the stock also gives out a 5.73% dividend yield.

    “And it’s not expensive — that is the key. In today’s market, if you want to buy quality businesses you have to pay up big multiples for them.”

    JB Hi-Fi stocks are currently trading on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 12.

    What’s your favourite activity during lockdown?

    Liu also liked the look of media conglomerate Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC).

    “It offers exposure to Stan, which is a very fast-growing streaming service,” she said.

    “At the same time, it gives you exposure to Domain Holdings Australia Ltd (ASX: DHG), which is going through a really good purple patch at the moment where [real estate] listings are going very strong.”

    Nine shares are up 13.6% for the year, trading for $2.64 on Tuesday afternoon. But they were above $3 in late June, so Liu feels like this is a lockdown buying opportunity.

    “What do you think everyone’s doing? Sitting at home watching TV!” she said.

    “The feedback we have from advertising, especially the TV market, has been incredibly strong. Just because people really don’t have many places to go to. And all the corporates are spending that money to build their brand.”

    The post Expert reveals 2 ASX shares to buy during lockdown 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 Tony Yoo 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 Okapi Resources (ASX:OKR) share price is up 36% this week

    uranium mining, uranium plant, uranium worker

    The Okapi Resources Ltd (ASX: OKR) share price has soared since exiting a trading halt entered at its request last Thursday.

    Okapi leapt 48% higher during yesterday’s trade. Today, there looks to be some profit taking underway with Okapi Resources’ share price down 6.25% in early afternoon trade, leaving it up 36% for the week.

    We take a look at the ASX resource explorer’s uranium announcement that’s stirring investor interest.

    What uranium announcement did Okapi make?

    The Okapi Resources share price is up 36% this week after the company reported it had acquired a portfolio of high-grade uranium projects in the United States.

    The binding agreement will see it acquire 100% of the shares and options in Tallahassee Resources. The company said the newly acquired assets include “a strategic position” in the Tallahassee Creek Uranium District in the US state of Colorado, well-known for its historic uranium production.

    According to a 2004 JORC Mineral Resource estimate, the Tallahassee Uranium Project is estimated to contain 26 million pounds of U3-O8 at a grade of 540 ppm U3-O8. Okapi notes there is significant exploration upside at the project.

    Okapi Resources’ share price also likely got a lift from its announcement that Tallahassee holds an option to acquire 100% of the high-grade Rattler Uranium Project in the US state of Utah. It said Rattler is just 85 kilometres from the only operating conventional uranium mill in the US, the White Mesa Uranium Mill.

    The acquisition was backed by former executives of Black Range Minerals which had previously owned the Tallahassee Uranium Project.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Okapi’s executive director David Nour said:

    This is a transformational opportunity for Okapi to become one of the most prominent uranium developers in the world. Through this acquisition, Okapi is perfectly placed to capitalise on the strengthening uranium market.

    Nour welcomed former Black Range exploration manager Ben Vallerine who joins Okapi’s Board as non-executive technical director.

    Okapi noted it remains well-funded with roughly $6.3 million in cash and cash equivalents upon completion of placement. It expects to commence “high-impact work programs” in the second half of 2021.

    Okapi share price snapshot

    Factoring in the big lift it received this week, the Okapi Resources share price is now up 62% over the past 12 months. By comparison the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has gained 25% over that same time.

    Year-to-date, the Okapi Resources share price is up 53%.

    The post Why the Okapi Resources (ASX:OKR) share price is up 36% this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Okapi 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 Okapi 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 NAB (ASX: NAB) share price has jumped today

    green investor, happy investor, digital investing

    The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price is waltzing through today’s session in the green.

    This comes after reports it will allocate $20 million to its private wealth arm JBWere Pty Ltd.

    At the time of writing, National Australia Bank (NAB) shares are changing hands at $26.27, having retreated from their intraday high of $26.52.

    Let’s discuss what the planned investment entails in a little more detail.

    What does this mean?

    NAB is prioritising its suite of environmental, sustainable, and governance (ESG) investment products for the upcoming generation of investors.

    Thus, JBWere will use the capital to reshape and rebuild its wealth management platform over the coming year.

    This means, first and foremost, that all of JBWere’s users’ financial advice will now be digitised.

    However, the upgrade also provides an “institutional grade” access portal to private markets, in addition to responsible and ethical investing features.

    Ethical-type investing, under the banner of ESG, has become a mainstay and is a “non-negotiable” amongst wealth managers in the current climate, according to the company.

    Speaking to yesterday’s Australian Financial Review, JBWere head of private wealth Justin Greiner stated:

    The children of today’s clients, who are inheriting the wealth, have different views about sustainability and impact…They want to do more with their investments than just to make money.

    Speaking further on the capital allocation, Greiner said:

    We’re going to use this money to really grow digital adoption.

    These moves come shortly after NAB also divested from MLC Wealth, its former retail financial services business, in a $1.4 billion sale to IOOF Holdings Limited (ASX: IFL).

    NAB shares slipped ~2% into the red following the divestiture.

    NAB share price snapshot

    Shares in the Australian banking giant have climbed ~17% this year to date, extending a 12-month return of 45%.

    The NAB share price has outpaced the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has posted a year-to-date return of ~12%.

    At the time of writing, NAB has a market capitalisation of $87 billion.

    NAB also recently paid a dividend of 90 cents per share, fully franked.

    The post Why the NAB (ASX: NAB) share price has jumped 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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    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 Sydney Airport (ASX:SYD) share price is flying higher today

    Plane taking off from Sydney airport with CBD in background

    The Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) share price is slightly higher today, as news of a proposed $22.6 billion buyout continues to swirl.

    Today, shares in Sydney Airport are swapping hands for $7.86. That represents a 0.64% gain on yesterday’s closing price.

    However, the Sydney Airport share price is still a way off the $8.25 per share offer proposed by a consortium of infrastructure-focused investment and super funds.

    The consortium is made up of IFM Investors, QSuper, and Global Infrastructure Partners.

    It goes without saying QSuper is a super fund. IFM Investors also has its finger in the super pie – it’s owned by a group of super funds.

    But why would super funds, which, by their nature, are focused on growth and returns, lob such a massive offer at the embattled Sydney Airport? Let’s take a look.

    Why do super funds want Sydney Airport?

    According to an opinion piece by Karen Maley, published by the Australian Financial Review, Sydney Airport is likely more valuable to super funds as infrastructure than as an airport.

    If they get hold of Sydney Airport, its share price won’t mean much to them. In fact, it is expected to be delisted if the consortium’s acquisition is settled.

    So what’s the point? According to Maley, it’s being considered by the consortium because, right now, there aren’t many great investments out there for super funds.

    Australia’s record low interest rates have created a challenge for investors looking for assets that offer decent yields.

    Additionally, a potential lift in inflation rates could see bond yields rise and result in losses for super funds invested in bonds and equities.

    Luckily, the consortium of investment funds may have found an answer to such a challenge, and that is infrastructure. Unlisted infrastructure assets have far less volatility and can be seen to be better investments in times like those we currently face. As Maley says:

    Super funds typically use independent valuers to determine the valuation of the particular asset, using discounted cash flow analysis.

    The discount rate is usually closely tied to the long-term government bond yield. And that means when bond yields go down, the value of the asset rises, and vice versa.

    Further, due to COVID-19 implications, the Sydney Airport share price is a bargain and some say the $8.25 per share on offer is too low.

    The Sydney Airport share price reached an all-time high of $9.20 per share in late 2019. This was only months before the pandemic reached Australian shores.

    Thus, the consortium is likely taking advantage of the pandemic dampening travel says Maley. This is a trend she predicts will continue for the foreseeable future.

    Sydney Airport share price

    The Sydney Airport share price has been boosted in the aftermath of the consortium’s offer. It soared 33% the day it was announced to the market, and has managed to hold onto the gains.

    Right now, the Sydney share price is 22% higher than it was at the start of 2021. It has also gained 49% since this time last year.

    The airport has a market capitalisation of around $20.9 billion, with approximately 2.7 billion shares outstanding.

    The post Why the Sydney Airport (ASX:SYD) share price is flying higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Sydney Airport right now?

    Before you consider Sydney Airport, 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 Sydney Airport 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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  • ASX lithium shares are surging on Tuesday. Here’s why

    A lithium battery with blue power background, indicating positive share price movement for clean ASX lithium miners

    ASX lithium shares are surging today following a strong overnight rally in lithium-related peers on Wall Street.

    High-profile overseas lithium players, including global chemical manufacturer and lithium miner Albemarle and electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla, rallied 6.83% and 4.38%, respectively.

    In morning trading, Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY)Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) pushed a respective 4.16%, 3.27% and 5.10% higher.

    Emerging ASX-listed players and explorers, including Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL), Piedmont Lithium Inc (ASX: PLL) and Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR), also opened higher, up 3.33%, 3.74% and 3.00%, respectively.

    What’s driving ASX lithium shares higher?

    Earlier this month, Forbes reported a potential “perpetual deficit” in lithium due to surging demand in electric vehicles (EV) and energy storage.

    Forbes quoted bullish commentary from Credit Suisse, which had this to say: “Following production cuts (when the price crashed), the lithium supply glut has ended, and the market is now tightening as the EV revolution accelerates, supported by the global commitment to decarbonisation”.

    Macquarie also provided its commentary in the report, saying: “We now forecast a wider market deficit for lithium in calendar 2021. The deficit is expected to grow in calendar 2022 and widen further in 2023 before some supply response starts to close the gap.”

    Recent commentary out of Fastmarkets flags a similar supply tight narrative.

    Fastmarkets reported that “lithium hydroxide prices in Asia remained firm, with suppliers reportedly struggling to meet demand while consumers prioritised the security of materials”.

    The website quoted a producer as saying that everything needed to be settled before mid-June, “otherwise buyers can barely find anything on the spot market”.

    Surging demand sees higher production from ASX-listed producers

    ASX lithium shares have been quick to ramp up production or in some cases bring projects out of hibernation.

    In Galaxy’s FY20 results, the company said it was operating its flagship Mt Cattlin mine at 60% of nameplate capacity.

    The company opted for lower output in response to “soft market conditions in the sector for most of the year [FY20]”.

    By early June, Galaxy was operating Mt Cattlin at full capacity and had upgraded its full-year guidance from 185,000 to 200,000 dry metric tonnes (dmt) to 195,000 to 210,000 dmt.

    Similarly, Pilbara Minerals plans to grow its lithium production through the restart of its Ngungaju plant.

    Pilbara said the restart would cost about $39 million and was expected to contribute approximately 180,000 to 200,000 dmt by mid-calendar year 2022.

    The post ASX lithium shares are surging on Tuesday. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun owns shares in Vulcan Energy. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Piedmont Lithium Inc. and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie 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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