• BlueBet (ASX:BBT) share price jumps on EBITDA boost

    3 men at bar betting on sports online 16.9

    The BlueBet Holdings Ltd (ASX: BBT) share price is rebounding strongly on Tuesday. It comes as the Aussie sports betting group reported results for the year ended 30 June 2021 (FY21) to the market this morning.

    BlueBet share price jumps on EBITDA boost

    BlueBet provided its latest financial and operational update including the following key points:

    • Revenue up 83.3% on the prior corresponding period (pcp) to $344.7 million
    • Wagering revenue (net win) up 92.5% on pcp to $35.6 million
    • Active customers up 45.7% on pcp to 32,472
    • Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) up 48.4% on pcp to $7.5 million
    • Net profit after tax down 33.6% on pcp to $3.0 million

    At the time of writing, the BlueBet share price is up 1.2% to $2.54, having slipped 3.5% lower on Monday.

    What happened for BlueBet in FY21?

    BlueBet’s FY21 results exceeded its prospectus forecasts with strong growth in revenue, earnings and active customers. The wagering group increased market share in Australia and pushed into the lucrative US sports betting market.

    BlueBet pointed to increased marketing efforts and headcount as helping boost revenue and underlying EBITDA in a strong year of growth.

    Subsequent to 30 June, BlueBet’s US subsidiary and its partner unsuccessfully applied for one of 10 licences to operate an online sportsbook in Arizona, USA. News that it failed to secure the licence sent the BlueBet share price plummeting lower in yesterday’s trade.

    What did management say?

    BlueBet CEO Bill Richmond was positive about the result:

    FY21 has been an outstanding year for BlueBet. We have seen a massive increase in our Active Customers this year and our bet count almost doubled.

    This has flowed through to exceptionally strong and profitable financial results which have exceeded Prospectus forecasts. We are seeing this strong momentum continuing into FY22.

    On growth prospects for the current financial year, Richmond added:

    We are already executing on our US growth strategy and have secured our initial skin agreement in Iowa, where we expect to start taking bets in early 2022. We expect to secure additional licences in other US states in FY22 and grow the business strongly there.

    What’s next for BlueBet and its share price?

    The Arizona licence rejection is a blow for the Aussie sports betting company but it did secure the Iowa agreement. However, BlueBet said it enters the current financial year with strong momentum across key markets and an eye on further US licences to maintain growth.

    The BlueBet share price is up 122% in 2021 with a market capitalisation in excess of $500 million.

    The post BlueBet (ASX:BBT) share price jumps on EBITDA boost appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BlueBet 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.

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  • Yojee (ASX:YOJ) share price slides despite 63% revenue growth in FY21

    Man concerned at computer

    The Yojee Ltd (ASX: YOJ) share price has sunk into the red in the opening of trade on Tuesday after the software and logistics company reported its FY21 earnings.

    Yojee shares are now changing hands at 23.5 cents apiece, a 2.08% drop from the open.

    Let’s investigate further.

    Yojee share price sinks following wider net loss after tax

    • Revenue from ordinary activities grew 63% year-on-year to $1.06 million from $654,000
    • Software revenue increased from $435,000 to more than $860,000
    • Network revenue decreased to $203,240 from the year before
    • Loss after tax attributable to members increased 83% from the year prior to $11.3 million
    • Cash and cash equivalents increased more than 300% to $18.4 million in FY21
    • Net cash flows from financing increased to $19.5 million, due to $20 million in proceeds from issue of securities at 20 cents per share
    • Loss on earnings per share (EPS) increased from 68 cents to $1.06 per share.

    What happened in FY21 for Yojee?

    In a potential positive for the Yojee share price, the company increased its revenue from ordinary activities by almost 63% to $1.06 million in FY21.

    The bulk of this revenue came from an increase in the company’s software revenue, which almost doubled from $435,000 to $860,000 over the year. Network revenue came in quite flat from FY20 at just over $200,000.

    This came through the income statement and increased the net loss after tax by 83% from the year prior, from $6.2 million to $11.3 million.

    As a result, the total comprehensive loss for FY21 came in at $10.3 million, a significant increase from the $5.9 recognised last year.

    Earnings per share also came in behind FY20, recording a loss per share of $1.06 versus 68 cents a year ago.

    Despite these headwinds, Yojee left FY21 with $18.4 million in cash, an increase of more than 300% from the year prior.

    When analysing its financial statements, we see net cash flows from financing increased to $19.5 million, and this was from the issuance of securities throughout the year which raised an additional $20 million for Yojee. This explains the large increase in Yojee’s cash balance from last year to now.

    Yojee also stated it has 4 “global enterprise leaders” contracted as of FY21, and more than 100 “leading trucking companies” in its network.

    What did management say?

    Speaking on the year that was, Yojee managing director Ed Clarke said:

    Our SaaS [software as a service] company has experienced incredible growth and monumental agreements over the last year. Solving the biggest problems and making our customers delighted is at the heart of Yojee’s success, which we believe will continue to be our competitive advantage in the future and help us grow even faster.

    Touching on future technology plans for the business, Clarke added:

    A suite of platform enhancements is currently being beta tested with plans for wider rollout throughout 2022 giving us additional revenue streams from new and existing customers. In addition, discussions are well advanced to add to our enterprise customer base as well as growth in the SME space.

    What’s next for Yojee and its share price?

    Yojee’s management is “budgeting (revenue) to continue to grow at double-digit rates throughout 2022”.

    The company also has a “suite of platform enhancements” that are currently in beta testing and set for rollout over the coming year.

    From the upgrades, Yojee expects to see additional revenue streams from existing customers. It has also been active in adding to its “enterprise customers base as well as growth in the SME space”.

    Given the uncertainties still surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, management did not provide specific revenue or earnings guidance in its FY21 report.

    The Yojee share price has climbed 20% this year to date and has gained 33% over the last 12 months. These results have outpaced the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO)’s return of about 25% over the past year.

    The post Yojee (ASX:YOJ) share price slides despite 63% revenue growth in FY21 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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  • Cettire (ASX:CTT) share price slumps despite revenue quadrupling

    Woman in dress sitting in chair looking depressed

    The Cettire Ltd (ASX: CTT) share price is in the spotlight this morning after releasing its full-year results for the 2021 financial year.

    At the time of writing, shares in the online luxury goods retailer are down more than 3%.

    Cettire share price climbs after beating forecasts

    • Gross revenue of $124.5 million, up 333% year-over-year on a constant currency basis
    • Sales revenue of $92.4 million, up 304% year-over-over on a constant currency basis
    • Statutory net profit after tax swung from $1.53 million to a loss of $251,000
    • Active customers increased 285% to 114,830
    • Operating cash flow of $12.7 million, up 131% on FY20
    • Cash position at the end of June 2021 of $47.1 million with no debt

    What happened in FY21 for Cettire

    For the 12 months ended 30 June, Cettire achieved an exceptional increase of 304% in sales revenue to $92.4 million. This result exceeded the company’s previous forecasts by 32%. The exceptional performance was driven by considerable increases in active customers and product order numbers.

    Furthermore, orders increased 353% to more than 170,000 during the financial period. An expansion in product range and broadening of its supplier base helped Cettire attract new sales.

    On top of this, the luxury goods reseller made headway on direct brand partnerships during the tail end of the financial year. This followed critiques reported in The Australian Financial Review regarding the company’s relationship with third-party suppliers and wholesalers. At the end of the period, Cettire’s available products exceeded 200,000 across 1,700 brands.

    Additionally, the company plans on further accelerating its marketing spend to drive greater traffic and customer conversion. At the same time, Cettire will selectively explore new market adjacencies to expand upon its addressable market. If successful in expanding its total addressable market, this could bode well for the Cettire share price.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the result, Cettire founder and CEO Dean Mintz said:

    It has been an exceptional year for Cettire, with the Company rapidly growing. I am particularly proud of the substantial increase in active customers, very strong revenue growth, robust product margins and the increasing proportion of revenues from repeat customers.

    The achievements over the past 12 months, both operationally and financially, demonstrate the traction we have with consumers, the scalability of our business model and the benefits of our proprietary technology platform.

    Additionally, with respect to the company’s performance so far in FY22, Mr Mintz stated:

    Our growth trajectory has continued in FY22, with a strong July. Our number one priority is to maximise the global revenue potential of the Company by taking a long term view. We will continue to invest in opportunities aligned to our strategy, with a near term focus on customer acquisition, technology enhancements and building organisational capability.

    What’s next for Cettire?

    In the year ahead, Cettire will be continuing to invest in its proprietary technology platform and enhance its supply relationships. In addition, the company will be working on a mobile app and further investments in AI and brand awareness to gain additional revenue growth.

    Already in July FY22, Cettire has experienced a 181% lift in unaudited gross revenue compared to the prior corresponding period. However, the company refrained from providing specific guidance.

    Cettire share price snapshot

    The Cettire share price has rewarded shareholders handsomely since its initial public offering (IPO) less than a year ago. Since listing, shares have soared 406% — in line with its meteoric revenue growth. Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) added 12.6% during the same timeframe.

    The post Cettire (ASX:CTT) share price slumps despite revenue quadrupling appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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  • Pointerra (ASX:3DP) share price 5% higher on triple-digit revenue growth in FY21

    happy miner using a computer at a mine, oil or gas site with rigging in the background.

    The Pointerra Ltd (ASX: 3DP) share price is trading 5.33% higher at 39.5 cents on Tuesday after the company released its preliminary FY21 results.

    Pointerra share price higher on triple-digit top-line growth

    Here are the highlights of the geospatial data tech company’s prelim results:

    • Annual contract value (ACV) up 241% to US$9.8 million
    • Customer revenues rose 224% to A$3.98 million
    • Customer cash receipts increased 121% to A$4.07 million
    • Underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) loss of A$1.27 million (FY20: $1.83 million loss)
    • Cash balance $5.18 million as at 30 July

    What happened to Pointerra in FY21?

    2021 has proved to be a challenging year for the Pointerra share price, down 24% year-to-date. This follows a bumper performance in 2020 where its shares surged 810% from 5.5 cents to 51 cents.

    During the financial year, the company acquired US-based aerial imagery company, Airovant for US$1 million.

    The acquisition was described as a “step-change in the dimension and scale of Pointerra’s US operations in the important AEC (architecture, engineering and construction), facilities management and energy utilities markets”.

    According to the acquisition announcement, Airovant’s annual revenue averaged US$1.4 million over calendar years 2018, 2019 and 2020 with positive cash flow and earnings during this time.

    Pointerra’s growth across key market sectors, in addition to Airovant’s contribution to earnings, helped deliver the triple-digit increase across key financial metrics. Pointerra was pleased to highlight that the business is profitable on its current ACV run-rate basis.

    During the period, Pointerra delivered a lower underlying EBTIDA loss of A$1.27 million, reflecting scaling customer revenue is outpacing the modest increase in operating expenses.

    Pointerra had a cash balance of $5.18 million for the year ended 30 June, boosted by its $2.5 million placement in July 2020 and options exercised during the year.

    What’s next for Pointerra?

    Pointerra believes it’s well-funded for continued organic growth in the new financial year.

    The company continues to roll out its enterprise platform with key US utility customers in July and August, enhanced by additional paid proof of concept projects designed to validate the platform’s capabilities.

    Pointerra successfully developed a digital twin solution for tier-1 mining sector customers in Australia and expects to launch the product in the US market. The company expects mining sector ACV spend to continue to grow in FY22.

    Despite a solid outlook for FY22, the Pointerra share price is currently hanging around 9-month lows.

    The post Pointerra (ASX:3DP) share price 5% higher on triple-digit revenue growth in FY21 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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. owns shares of and has recommended Pointerra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointerra 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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  • Harvey Norman (ASX:HVN) share price down 5% despite strong FY21 growth

    Falling asx retail share price represented by sad shopper sitting in mall

    The Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) share price is trading lower on Tuesday following the release of its full year results.

    At the time of writing, the retail giant’s shares are down 5% to $5.25.

    Harvey Norman share price tumbles on FY 2021 results

    • Total aggregated sales up 15.3% to $9,491 million
    • Comparable store sales up 13.9% year on year
    • Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) jumped 54.2% to $1,457 million
    • Profit after tax excluding property revaluations up 63% to record $743.1 million
    • Fully franked total dividend up 45.8% to 35 cents per share

    What happened in FY 2021 for Harvey Norman?

    For the 12 months ended 30 June, Harvey Norman reported a 15.3% increase in sales to $9,491 million and a 63% jump in profit after tax to $743.1 million.

    There were a number of drivers of the company’s growth in FY 2021. Management notes that the home-focused Australian consumer has continued to provide an environment of growth. This has underpinned strong growth in technology with increased demand for Smart Phones, Gaming Laptops and PCs that provide power and performance.

    In addition, with Australian homes continuing to move quickly to being digitally connected, driven by remote working and learning, categories such as Connected Home, Mobile Technology and Super Wi-Fi have surged.

    There was also a strong uptake of the Federal Government’s Homebuilder grants program and the renovations that have followed has led to strong demand for kitchen products.

    And with more entertaining happening at home, Harvey Norman experienced strong sales in audio visual with higher demand for big screen, in-home experiences. Similarly, outdoor entertainment categories have performed well, as have furniture and bedding categories, and home office categories.

    Harvey Norman’s strong form allowed the company to declare a fully franked final dividend of 15 cents per share. This brought it full year dividend to 35 cents per share, which is an increase of 45.8% year on year.

    What did management say?

    Harvey Norman’s Chairman, Gerry Harvey, said: “The solid results delivered in the 2021 financial year is a testament to the strength and resilience of the integrated retail, franchise, property and digital strategy, and its ability to adapt and transition to the challenging retail landscape and continue to navigate the uncertainties presented by COVID-19.”

    “The results achieved this year demonstrates that customers continue to engage strongly with our brands and feel comfortable and safe shopping in our expansive, spacious overseas company-owned and Australian franchised complexes, with easy direct access to large showrooms and warehouses, or the various flexible ‘Contactless Click & Collect’ and ‘Contactless Delivery’ options on offer. We have continued to invest in technology, digital transformation and infrastructure to enable our overseas company-owned stores and Australian franchisees to enhance their ‘Shop Safe’ capabilities and bolster their customer-centric strategies,” he concluded.

    What’s next for Harvey Norman in FY 2022?

    The weakness in the Harvey Norman share price today appears to have been driven by its soft start to FY 2022.

    Management revealed that rolling lockdowns in most States and Territories have affected sales in July and August. However, it expects spending to recover quickly when lockdown restrictions ease.

    According to the update, Australian franchisee sales between 1 July to 26 August are down 19.2% compared to the prior corresponding period. Sales are also down in the double digits in New Zealand and Malaysia for the same reasons.

    The Harvey Norman share price is up 12% in 2021.

    The post Harvey Norman (ASX:HVN) share price down 5% despite strong FY21 growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Harvey Norman right now?

    Before you consider Harvey Norman, 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 Harvey Norman wasn’t one of them.

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

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor 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 Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Sandfire Resources (ASX:SFR) share price advances on record $170m net profit

    Businessman cheering at desk with arms in the air

    The Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) share price is in the green on Tuesday morning. This comes after the copper and gold producer reported its full-year results for the FY21 financial year.

    At the time of writing, Sandfire shares are up 0.69% to $6.54.

    Let’s take a look and see how the company performed for the period.

    Sandfire Resources share price jumps on record result

    The Sandfire Resources share price accelerated after the company delivered another record result for the 12 months ending 30 June 2021. Here are some of the highlights:

    What happened in FY21 for Sandfire Resources?

    Sandfire attributed the robust result to increased copper prices which hit decade-long highs during the year. Coupled with the company’s low-cost performance at the DeGrussa operations in Western Australia, this led to bumper profits.

    Annual production for FY21 came in at 70,845 tonnes of copper, and 39,459 ounces of gold. C1 costs stood at US$0.82 per pound.

    The group ended the period with a cash position of $573.7 million, almost double this time last year. This came from the senior leadership team making substantial investments in exploration and future growth projects in FY21.

    What did management say?

    Managing director Karl Simich touched on the results possibly pushing the Sandfire Resources share price higher:

    This exemplary set of financial results marks the culmination of what has been a standout year of delivery, achievement and growth for our business.

    Our strong cash position and debt-free balance sheet represents a fantastic springboard for Sandfire as we move ahead with the execution of our strategic growth plan, having significantly expanded the depth and capability of our organisation and senior leadership team during the year and embarked on the development of a major new copper mine at Motheo in Botswana.

    What’s next for Sandfire in FY22?

    Looking ahead, Sandfire noted that production is set to continue at full pace at DeGrussa through until the September 2022 quarter.

    The guidance for FY22 is between 64,000 and 68,000 tonnes of copper and 30,000 to 34,000 ounces of gold.

    C1 costs are expected to come in around US$1 to US$1.10 per pound.

    In other developments which could affect the Sandfire Resources share price, a major focus will be on the new Motheo Copper Mine in Botswana. Construction has been rapidly ramping up following the grant of the mining license in July.

    Sandfire is also progressing its near-mine exploration program at the Black Butte copper project in Montana. The Black Butte Feasibility Study is expected to continue being enhanced against the backdrop of improved copper prices.

    Sandfire Resources share price snapshot

    It has been a good year for Sandfire Resources on the ASX so far. Sandfire shares are up around 23% year to date. They are also up about 40% over the past 12 months.

    Additionally, the Sandfire Resources share price is up about 7% over the past week.

    The post Sandfire Resources (ASX:SFR) share price advances on record $170m net profit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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  • Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) share price slides 10% following FY21 earnings

    laboratory workers looking disappointed

    The Mesoblast Limited (ASX: MSB) share price is in the red this morning after the company released its results for financial year 2021 (FY21).

    Right now, the Mesoblast share price is $1.77, 10.35% lower than its previous close.

    Mesoblast share price slips on $98 million loss

    The biotech company is focused on allogeneic cellular medicines for inflammatory diseases. Here’s how it performed over FY21:

    • Net loss after tax of US$98.8 million, 27% greater than that of FY20
    • US$7.45 million in revenue, 77% less than that of FY20
    • US$53 million in research and development costs, a 6% drop on that of the prior financial year
    • US$32.71 million in manufacturing and commercialisation costs, a 29% increase

    At the end of the period, Mesoblast had US$136.9 million of cash and US$94.2 million of debt.

    What happened in FY21 for Mesoblast?

    The company has been focused on its first-generation mesenchymal lineage stromal cell product platform, remestemcel-L. It’s in late-stage development for the treatment of paediatric steroid refractory acute Graft versus Host Disease (SR-aGVHD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and biologic refractory inflammatory bowel disease.

    The company is also working on rexlemestrocel-L, a second-generation mesenchymal lineage precursor cell product platform. Rexlemestrocel-L is in late-stage development for the treatment of chronic heart failure and chronic lower back pain.

    In October 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found Mesoblast didn’t have enough evidence of remestemcel-L’s effectiveness in treating SR-aGVHD. The Mesoblast share price slid 37% on the back of the news.

    Mesoblast’s stock recovered somewhat when it released its quarterly results and announced a new agreement with Novartis in November. The agreement would see the development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of remestemcel-L.

    In December, Mesoblast had another major tumble on the ASX. Firstly, it announced its trial of rexlemestrocel-L in the treatment of advanced chronic heart failure failed to meet its primary end point.

    Days later, Mesoblast announced its controlled trial of remestemcel-L in patients with moderate to severe ARDS due to COVID-19. According to the company, the treatment of COVID-19 has improved over the course of the pandemic. As a result, the company found the trial was unlikely to meet its target reduction in mortality and was halted.

    The Mesoblast share price slid 46% over the course of the 3 days surrounding the updates.

    In March, Mesoblast completed a US$110 million private placement.

    Since then, Mesoblast has released good news of its COVID-19 ARDS trial.

    It also announced positive updates on its trial testing rexlemestrocel-L’s ability to treat chronic lower back pain in February. This followed earlier positive news from the clinical trial in which rexlemestrocel-L’s was used to treat chronic heart failure in January.

    What did management say?

    Mesoblast’s CEO Silviu Itescu commented on the results driving the company’s share price today, saying:

    During this calendar year we made significant progress in both regulatory and clinical outcomes for our lead product candidate, remestemcel-L, after experiencing a disappointing set-back last year.

    We are pleased with recent recommendations by FDA’s CBER to meet with the review team and address remaining CMC items for remestemcel-L in the treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease in children. Additionally, our most recent meeting with the FDA has provided clarity on the pathway towards an emergency use authorization for remestemcel-L in the treatment of COVID ARDS.

    What’s next for Mesoblast?

    Here’s what investors interested in the Mesoblast share price might want to keep an eye on in FY22:

    Mesoblast is working to get remestemcel-L FDA emergency use authorisation approval to treat people with ARDS due to COVID-19. It’s looking to complete a phase 3 trial the FDA has stipulated is needed to get the approval.

    Additionally, the company hopes to meet with the FDA’s Office of Tissue and Advanced Therapies in the final quarter of 2021 to address potency assays for remestemcel-L in relation to SR-aGvHD. It believes the potency assays are also relevant to COVID ARDS.

    Mesoblast is also in talks with the FDA regarding the approval of remestemcel-L as a treatment for SR-aGVHD in children.

    Finally, the company expects to receive feedback from the FDA on pathways towards receiving approval for rexlemestrocel-L after its Phase 3 trials in patients with chronic heart failure and chronic low back pain.

    Mesoblast share price snapshot

    Right now the Mesoblast share price has fallen 22.5% year to date. It is also 66% lower than it was this time last year.

    The post Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) share price slides 10% following FY21 earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Why Amazon stock rose on Monday

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    affirm

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    What happened

    Shares of Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) are up a modest 2.4% as of 1:30 p.m. EDT on Monday — which may not sound like much, but on a $1.7 trillion stock, it equates to an additional $40.8 billion in market capitalization.

    So what

    Why are Amazon shares up so much?

    To find out, let’s go back in time to Friday afternoon, when buy now, pay later (BNPL) stock Affirm Holdings (NASDAQ: AFRM) announced that Amazon will begin allowing customers to choose its service as a payment option during checkout.

    Now, this is obviously bigger news for Affirm than for Amazon. The former’s stock is up 43.5% on the news, gaining 20 times as much as Amazon’s shares are. But this is also an incremental positive for Amazon itself. It will be able to offer customers who spend $50 or more an alternative to paying up front in cash, buying with a credit card (which they might not have or might not want to use), or paying interest on their purchases (shorter-term Affirm payment options don’t charge interest).  

    Instead, they can simply pay for larger purchases through an installment plan with Affirm.

    Now what

    On the one hand, this new payment option may increase spending at Amazon, which would be good news for the company. On the other hand, you have to imagine there will be some cannibalization of purchases through Amazon’s Prime Rewards, Prime Store, and Prime Secured credit cards. And that would imply that Amazon will be giving up at least some of the revenue that it gets from its credit card partners in exchange for making a little more by (hopefully) scoring more sales with Affirm.  

    Whether the latter outweighs the former will determine if this is as good news for Amazon as it’s already turned out to be for Affirm. 

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The post Why Amazon stock rose on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 Affirm Holdings, Inc. and 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. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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  • IGO (ASX:IGO) share price jumps following 35% profit surge

    Miner puts thumbs up in front of gold mine quarry

    The IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) share price is climbing higher on Tuesday after the Aussie miner’s latest full-year results.

    In early trade today, IGO shares are up 1.26% to $9.64.

    IGO share price on rise after profit and revenue surge

    IGO provided its results for the year ended 30 June 2021 (FY21) this morning. Some of the key takeaways include:

    • Revenue from continuing operations up 12% on the prior corresponding period (pcp) to $671.7 million
    • Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) up 3% on pcp to $474.6 million
    • Net profit attributable to parent up 254% on pcp to $548.7 million
    • Profit from continuing operations up 35% to $116.8 million
    • Net operating cash flow up 12% on pcp to $446.1 million
    • 10 cents per share final (and therefore full-year) dividend compared to 11.0 cents in FY20.

    The IGO share price is climbing in early trade following the miner’s latest update.

    What happened in FY21 for IGO?

    Higher realised metal prices helped boost revenue and profits for the Aussie miner in FY21. IGO also generated $431.9 million in net profit after tax from its discontinued Tropicana Operation during the year. That was due to an after-tax gain of $384.8 million after the sale to Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL).

    Higher gold prices offset lower production and sales volumes to boost associated earnings during the year.

    IGO reported 22,051 tonnes of nickel, 10,752 tonnes of copper, and 454 tonnes of cobalt sold from its Nova Operation in FY21. The group reported average realised prices per tonne on each commodity of A$21,986, $10,974, and $52,057, respectively.

    The group announced the completion of its 49% acquisition of Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia Ltd on 30 June which boosted the IGO share price higher.

    What did management say?

    Managing director and CEO Peter Bradford commented on the results possibly driving the IGO share price:

    FY21 was a highly successful and transformational year for IGO, with the continued delivery of strong operating and financial performance, while also delivering two transactions to transform IGO into a business 100% focused on metals critical for enabling clean energy.

    We delivered record outcomes across all key financial metrics in FY21, which was attributable to continued outstanding performance at Nova and continued delivery from Tropicana through to the divestment of our interest to Regis in May 2021.

    Going forward we remain committed to further growth to deliver a diversified portfolio of clean energy metal products, and to do this with a combination of exploration and disciplined mergers and acquisitions.

    What’s next for IGO and its share price?

    IGO previously provided FY22 guidance for its Nova Operation in Western Australia and exploration expenditure. The group is targeting 25,000 to 27,000 tonnes of nickel, 11,500 to 12,500 tonnes of copper, and 900 to 1,000 tonnes of cobalt in FY22.

    The IGO share price has rocketed 44% higher in 2021 and is outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) year to date.

    The post IGO (ASX:IGO) share price jumps following 35% profit surge appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • ASX company’s crack unit rakes in 1600% revenue growth

    a woman nuzzles her pet dog while working from home.

    One of InvoCare Limited (ASX: IVC)’s business units saw a stunning 1600% increase in revenue in just 12 months.

    The funeral business reported strong numbers for the half-year ending June 30, increasing revenue, earnings and profit. In fact, the results were so good the share price spiked up 8.7% on Monday.

    That’s despite COVID-19 restrictions hitting the industry hard, especially on the east coast.

    But perhaps the success can be attributed to a niche part of InvoCare’s operations.

    Saying goodbye to our furry friends

    In a presentation to the market, InvoCare revealed that its pet cremations business brought in $13.7 million in operating revenue for the June half-year.

    That’s a stunning 17-fold increase from just $800,000 one year earlier.

    According to the presentation, Australians buying more pets during coronavirus lockdowns the past couple of years has given this business a massive boost.

    InvoCare also launched an e-commerce platform and invested in new pet cremators in Victoria and Western Australia to improve its capacity.

    The company is also working on signing agreements with vet practices to receive business.

    The pet cremation unit also saw its operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) rocket from negative $300,000 to $3.6 million for the June half.

    The EBITDA margin is now a chunky 27%. The average amount spent on a pet cremation is $332.

    COVID-19 still causing great uncertainty for InvoCare

    As for humans, funeral numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels. 

    With Australians largely staying home and practising social distancing, influenza has been suppressed the last 2 winters.

    Therefore, InvoCare declined to provide earnings guidance for the current financial year.

    But the company reiterated the long-term potential of the funeral industry, citing the ageing population and its strong cash balance.

    InvoCare listed on the ASX in 200 and the stock has risen 539% since then. The company’s shares have risen nearly 22% in the past 12 months as investors bet on it as a post-COVID ‘reopening’ beneficiary.

    The post ASX company’s crack unit rakes in 1600% revenue growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 recommended InvoCare 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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