• Race Oncology (ASX:RAC) share price slumps on quarterly update

    doctor looks out window resting head in hand

    The Race Oncology Ltd (ASX: RAC) share price finished in the red today. The dip came after Race updated the market on its quarterly results before the open.

    At the closing bell, Race Oncology shares were exchanging hands at $3.44 apiece, a 2.82% fall from the market open.

    Let’s take a look at Race’s report in a bit closer detail.

    Quick refresher on Race Oncology

    Race Oncology is a precision oncology company that commercialises assets in the cancer and oncology fields.

    Its flagship product is a phase 2/3 cancer drug called Bisantrene.

    The pharmaceutical company has a market capitalisation of $511 million at the time of writing.

    Race Oncology’s quarterly results

    The major takeout from the quarter was that Race’s “three pillar” strategy advanced with “two phase 2 clinical programs under way” in Israel and Australia.

    These clinical studies are examining the impact of Bisantrene as a combination drug in patients with “relapsed/refractory” acute myeloid Leukemia (AML).

    Furthermore, Race signed an agreement with clinical research organisation (CRO) Parexel, to “manage Race’s phase 2 AML program in Australia”.

    This arm of the AML clinical program is investigating Bisantrene’s impact on the “extra-medullary (EMD) form of the (AML) disease”. The Race Oncology share price jumped 3% on this update.

    Moreover, the company also announced a collaboration with the University of Newcastle to investigate Bisantrene in melanoma and kidney cancer.

    Additional takeouts from the report

    Race also appointed Dr David Fuller as chief medical officer. He has “30 years experience in oncology”.

    Additionally, the company also successfully raised $5.4 million to support its pre-clinical, clinical and related manufacturing initiatives.

    Cash expenditure of $2.8 million was significantly higher than the previous quarter, and was dedicated to procurement of the CRO contract with Parexel alongside clinical trial initiatives.

    Despite this, at the end of the quarter, Race reported cash and equivalents of $9.32 million on its balance sheet, a 44% increase from the quarter prior.

    Speaking on the progress, Race CEO Phillip Lynch said:

    The team has progressed key elements of the Three Pillar Strategy, in the most recent quarter, confirming clinical programs where we will study Bisantrene further in the Acute Myeloid Leukaemia setting. Importantly, we added critical appointments to the team to better support our ability to execute the breadth of our plans.

    Race Oncology share price snapshot

    The Race Oncology share price has posted a return of 96% since January 1.

    Over the past 12 months, the shares have gained 282%, well ahead of the broad index. For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has posted a return of 23% over the same time frame.

    The post Race Oncology (ASX:RAC) share price slumps on quarterly update 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.

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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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  • Woolworths (ASX:WOW) share price struggles amid NZ duopoly concerns

    A supermarket worker with a clipboard

    As an investor, regulatory intervention is always a lingering risk. For Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shareholders, the risk is heating up in New Zealand, according to reports by The Australian on Thursday. As a result, the Woolworths share price is down 0.5% as the market digests the news.

    While the news is circulating in the media, the ASX-listed company has yet to provide an announcement regarding the matter.

    Let’s look at the details.

    What’s moving the Woolworths share price?

    A little competitive nudge on the cards

    Monopolies and duopolies hurt consumers because the lack of competition often leads to higher prices. Effectively, such companies can name their price. The New Zealand competition regulator is concerned that Woolworths could be operating within a duopoly.

    A report compiled by the New Zealand Commerce Commission found that Woolworths’ Countdown chain and Foodstuffs are pulling in remarkable profits compared to international standards. As a result, the kiwi country’s grocery prices are among the most expensive for developed nations.

    Consequently, the regulator suggested the NZ government make it easier for new competitors to enter the market. However, if this fails to conjure up increased competition, the government may be forced to take a more direct approach.

    Specifically, the report outlines the potential of the grocery chains being forced to sell some stores to create a third competitor. Otherwise, the government acting as a joint venture partner for a new competitor might be another option.

    Commission chair Anna Rawlings said:

    If competition was more effective, retailers would face stronger pressures to deliver the right prices, quality and range to satisfy a diverse range of consumer preferences.

    In short, the New Zealand regulator wants more retailers to take a bite of Woolworths’ pie. Investors might be concerned that in doing so, a bite is also taken out of the Woolworths share price.

    At this stage, the report is a draft with feedback and comments due back by 26 August. The final report is expected to be published on 23 November 2021.

    Woolworths’ response

    It is still early days for the grocery giant’s response to the report. However, Woolworths New Zealand managing director Spencer Sonn said:

    We hadn’t seen the draft report ourselves ahead of its release today, so we will now take the time to read it so we can provide our feedback within the required time frame. We note this is only a draft report but on face value some of the options would have significant implications and we’ll need time to work this through and understand the impact.

    The Woolworths share price is up 17.9% over the past year. This is in contrast to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) return of 23.4%.

    The post Woolworths (ASX:WOW) share price struggles amid NZ duopoly concerns appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

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

    *Returns as of May 24th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor 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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  • ASX 200 rises, Fortescue up, Airtasker climbs

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose by 0.5% today to 7,417 points.

    Here are some of the highlights from the ASX:

    Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)

    The Fortescue share price went up almost 2% today after revealing its update for the three months to 30 June 2021.

    Fortescue said that for the quarter, it saw record iron ore shipments of 49.3 mt, and 182.2 mt for FY21. The annual production beat the guidance of 182 mt.

    The ASX 200 miner achieved record revenue of US$168 per dry metric tonne (dmt) for the quarter and US$135 per dmt for FY21.

    Its C1 cost for the fourth quarter was US$15.23 per wet metric tonne (wmt) – up 2% for the previous quarter – and the C1 cost for FY21 was US$13.93 per wmt. This was in line with guidance.

    Fortescue said that strong free cashflow generation contributed to net cash of US$2.7 billion at 30 June 2021, compared to net debt of US$1 billion at 31 March 2021.

    Total capital expenditure for FY21 was US$3.6 billion, with first production achieved at Eliwana and continued development of the Iron Bridge and Pilbara Energy Connect (PEC) projects.

    It also pointed to the progress of Fortescue Future Industries (FFI). Fortescue said the FFI stretch targets were achieved to support Fortescue’s pathway to decarbonisation.

    FY22 guidance from the ASX 200 share is for iron ore shipments to be between 180mt to 185mt. The C1 cost is expected to be between US$15 per wmt to US$15.50 per wmt.

    Airtasker Ltd (ASX: ART)

    The Airtasker share price went up around 6% today after providing a quarterly update that showed it had beaten its FY21 guidance.

    Airtasker said that continuing strong marketplace performance in the fourth quarter produced positive operating cashflow of $763,000.

    That led to positive FY21 operating cashflow (excluding IPO costs) of $7.4 million, with statutory operating cashflow of $5.5 million, compared to the prospectus forecast of $0.1 million.

    The FY21 gross merchandise volume (GMV) was $153.1 million, exceeding the prospectus forecast of $143.7 million.

    The company had 415,000 unique paying customers in FY21, exceeding the prospectus forecast of 405,000.

    Regarding FY22, it said that the business had accelerated ahead of expectations after the IPO and into lockdowns. But those lockdowns are impacting the start of the first quarter, with weekly GMV down 12% compared to pre-lockdown.

    However, management are expecting a “strong” bounce back once restrictions are lifted.

    The business said it had $45.9 million of cash at the year end to pursue significant growth.

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

    The ASX 200 investment bank released its quarterly update to investors for the first three months of FY22.

    It said it has seen improved trading conditions with the profit contribution from its operating segments up significantly on the prior corresponding period, where it had mixed trading conditions.

    Macquarie said its annuity-style businesses (Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) and the banking and financial services division (BFS) saw a slight profit increase. But the market-facing businesses of commodities and global markets (CGM) and Macquarie Capital were up significantly.

    It said that its financial position continues to comfortably exceed APRA’s regulatory requirements.

    Finally, in order for the bank to have additional flexibility to support business growth, the board has altered its annual dividend payout policy range to 50% to 70%.

    The post ASX 200 rises, Fortescue up, Airtasker climbs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Macquarie, 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 Macquarie 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 Tristan Harrison owns shares of Fortescue Metals Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Airtasker Limited. 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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  • Venturex (ASX:VXR) share price continues its strong run, up 5% today

    Monadelphous share price rio tintoA happy miner in front of a massive drilling rig, indicating a share price lift for ASX mining companies

    The Venturex Resources Ltd (ASX:VXR) share price is again rocketing higher this week. This means that the company’s shares are now almost 20% higher than they were at the start of Monday.

    At market close, the Venturex Resources share price is up 4.61%, trading at 80 cents.

    The strong gains made come from Tuesday’s Whim Creek update and today’s release about an infill drilling program.

    Sulphur Springs strategy underway

    According to its statement, Venturex advised it has commenced a $10 million drilling program to develop its Sulphur Springs project.

    Located 144 kilometres south east of Port Hedland, Western Australia, the Sulphur Springs project contains copper, zinc and silver deposits.

    A Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) was completed in 2018 which identified the project as economically strong. The site has a combined total Mineral Resource of 13.8 million tonnes grading 1.5% copper, 3.8% zinc and 17 grams per tonne of silver.

    Venturex noted that since the completion of the DFS, the price of copper and zinc has jumped around 50% and 15%, respectively.

    The infill drilling campaign aims to upgrade the majority of the mineral resources into the Indicated Category. This increases the level of geological knowledge and confidence of Sulphur Springs containing probable Ore Reserves.

    If successful, this will essentially de-risk the project and give Venturex options to secure funding.

    The company will target drilling in both the open pit and underground resources at Sulphur Springs. In addition, extension drilling will take place to test the known resource and mineralisation boundaries.

    It is expected that the drilling program will form a part of a resource update in June 2022. Remaining project approvals are anticipated to be received later in the second half of next year.

    Venturex managing director, Bill Beament touched on Sulphur Springs strategy to become a bankable project by the end of 2022. He said:

    We aim to grow and advance the project at the same time. This approach will maximise our ability to unlock its full value, bringing forward the time to production and cashflow while expanding the mining inventory.

    About the Venturex share price

    Over the last 12 months, Venturex shares have accelerated to astronomical gains of more than 1,300%, with year-to-date up 600%.

    On valuation grounds, Venturex has a market capitalisation of roughly $553 million, with more than 667 million shares outstanding.

    The post Venturex (ASX:VXR) share price continues its strong run, up 5% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Venturex, 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 Venturex wasn’t one of them.

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

    *Returns as of May 24th 2021

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

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  • Is the NAB (ASX:NAB) share price good value ahead of earnings season?

    two women looking intently at computer screen

    The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price has been a positive performer in 2021.

    Since the start of the year, the banking giant’s shares have risen 12%. This means the NAB share price is now up 42% over the last 12 months.

    In light of this strong form, expectations are high for its third quarter update next month.

    What is expected from NAB?

    According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have revealed what they are expecting from the banking giant next month.

    The broker has revealed that its expects NAB to report third quarter statutory earnings of ~$1.59 billion and cash earnings of ~$1.60 billion. This compares to statutory earnings of $1.50 billion and cash earnings of $1.55 billion in the prior corresponding period.

    The broker expects this to be driven by flat net interest income, higher other banking income, and lower operating expenses.

    It commented: “3Q21 should again mirror 1H21 numbers on an average basis. This is given flat net interest income ($3.42bn both ways), higher other banking income ($842m vs. $800m previously) and lower operating expenses ($1.90bn, slightly down from $1.93bn). On the other hand, credit impairment charges were slightly higher based on normalisation of events ($106m charge vs. $64m benefit).”

    Bell Potter is also expecting NAB’s CET1 ratio to improve year on year. It has pencilled in a CET1 ratio of 12.5%, up from 11.6% a year earlier and 12.4% at the end of the first half.

    This is expected to be driven by ongoing strong cash earnings and slight benefits from RWA movements (asset quality and operational risk) and rates and foreign exchange movements.

    Is the NAB share price in the buy zone?

    Bell Potter doesn’t see enough value in the NAB share price at this point to maintain its buy rating.

    In light of this, its analysts have downgraded its shares to a hold rating with an improved price target of $27.50. This compares to the latest NAB share price of $25.77.

    The post Is the NAB (ASX:NAB) share price good value ahead of earnings season? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider NAB, 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 NAB 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 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 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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  • Nuix (ASX:NXL) share price rises on Macquarie’s IPO review verdict

    happy woman cheering with hands in air

    The Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL) share price finished in the green amid news Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) has determined the tech company’s initial public offering (IPO) was above board.  

    While Macquarie has reportedly found no signs of wrongdoing, Nuix’s IPO is still the subject of an Australian Investments and Securities Commission (ASIC) investigation.

    However, the market seems to have had some of its concerns eased. The Nuix share price gained 1.2% today to close at $2.53.

    Let’s take a closer look at today’s Nuix news.

    Nothing to see here

    The Nuix share price climbed amid news Macquarie’s IPO team has cleared it of any obvious wrongdoing.

    According to the Australian Financial Review, Macquarie’s chair Peter Warne spoke to media before the group’s annual general meeting today.  

    He apparently said Macquarie’s IPO team have reviewed Nuix’s prospectus and float, finding nothing sinister.

    Macquarie was Nuix’s backer during the tech company’s ASX debut. Macquarie was also Nuix’s biggest shareholder, holding around 70% of the tech company before its float. Today, Macquarie holds around 30% of Nuix’s shares.

    Macquarie’s CEO Shemara Wikramanayake was quoted by the publication as saying:

    At the time of the IPO, we all had no reason to believe that the prospectus forecasts would not be achieved…Circumstances appear to have changed quickly after listing.

    However, the group is said to be planning to keep a hold of its stake in Nuix, despite ASIC’s ongoing investigation into its float.

    ASIC is also investigating Nuix’s former chief financial officer Stephen Doyle, along with his brother and father. The 3 are under the microscope amid claims of insider trading.

    According to court papers, ASIC believes Doyle may have tipped off his brother about Nuix’s February downgrade. Doyle’s brother is accused of then selling 1.8 million Nuix shares to avoid a loss of more than $5.7 million.

    Nuix share price snapshot

    Despite today’s gains, the Nuix share price is still firmly in the red.

    Right now, its shares are trading for 68% less than they were at Nuix’s float in December.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $793 million, with approximately 317 million shares outstanding.

    The post Nuix (ASX:NXL) share price rises on Macquarie’s IPO review verdict appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Nuix, 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 Nuix wasn’t one of them.

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

    *Returns as of May 24th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 

    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nuix Pty Ltd. 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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  • Why the Wisr (ASX:WZR) share price rocketed 9% today

    happy investors, happy business people counting money, cash, dividends, returns

    The Wisr Ltd (ASX: WZR) share price is flying high after the company released a trading update for the June quarter.

    By market close, shares in the non-bank consumer lender were trading at 30.5 cents each – up 9.09%. Competitor MoneyMe Ltd (ASX: MME) ended the day 1.46% higher by comparison.

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

    The Wisr share price is soaring

    In a statement to the ASX, Wisr gave an update on its cash position and activities during the last quarter. Overall, the company experienced a cash inflow of approximately $59 million for a total cash position of $92.4 million.

    The main contributor to this position was $155 million in financing activities – including $55 million from a capital raise and $105 million debt facility.

    Operations saw a cash outflow of $868,000. That’s despite a “record” $9.7 million in revenue for the quarter – an increase of 234% on the prior corresponding period and 29% on the previous quarter. The company also says the month of June was cash positive.

    Wisr loaned $95.1 million to customers in the quarter.

    Management commentary

    Wisr CEO Anthony Nates commented

    It’s an incredible credit to the Wisr team for delivering 20 consecutive quarters of growth and a maiden cash flow break-even month on the back of an exceptional 234% revenue growth, compared to the same period last year. This milestone result should give the market confidence around our market leading unit economics and our ability to deliver a highly profitable business as we continue to scale.

    Nates said Wisr had taken “prudent steps” to strengthen the balance sheet with the recent equity raise that was supported by Goldman Sachs.

    Combined with our inaugural $225 million ABS issue, these two transactions put Wisr in an incredibly strong position to extend our technology advantage and aggressively grow lending market share in the years ahead.

    Wisr share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the Wisr share price has increased 20%. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 23.4% over the same time. Year-to-date, however, Wisr shares are 58% higher.

    The company has a market capitalisation of $362 million.

    The post Why the Wisr (ASX:WZR) share price rocketed 9% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

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

    *Returns as of May 24th 2021

    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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  • EcoGraf (ASX:EGR) share price flying 14% higher on funding update

    A graphic featuring renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and battery power, indicating positive share prices growth in the ASX renewable sector

    The EcoGraf Ltd (ASX: EGR) share price has surged more than 14% higher in today’s trading session.

    Investors are jumping for shares in the battery anode manufacturer after EcoGraf released a funding update earlier today.

    At market close, the EcoGraf share price is 8.82% higher and trading at 74 cents. The EcoGraf share price was up more than 14% earlier today after hitting an intra-day high of 78 cents.

    Let’s take a look at what EcoGraf announced.

    EcoGraf share price gets boost from funding update

    Earlier today, EcoGraf provided an update on funding arrangements for the development and expansion of its battery anode material facility in Western Australia.

    According to the update, the Australian Government’s export credit agency is poised to lend EcoGraf US$35 million to fund the facility.

    EcoGraf noted that the company will fund the initial phase of the development using its existing cash reserves.

    The company’s cash reserves were topped up following a $54.6 million institutional placement earlier this year.

    EcoGraf also highlighted that the expansion phase would be financed through a combination of cash reserves and loan funding.

    The proposed facility is slated to produce high purity battery anode material using the company’s proprietary EcoGraf™ HFfree purification process.

    EcoGraf has estimated a construction timeframe for the facility to be around 11 months. Following construction, the company plans to undertake a 12-month expansion program.

    More on EcoGraf

    EcoGraf is a diversified battery anode material company that aims to produce high purity graphite products for the lithium-ion battery market.

    The company’s flagship HFfree purification technology enables an environmentally responsible manufacturing process.

    In addition, its facility in Western Australia EcoGraf is also in the process of developing its Epanko Graphite Project in Tanzania.

    EcoGraf made headlines earlier this week after releasing results for its recycled lithium-ion battery anode.

    The company reported strong results from the purification process in line with major lithium-ion battery manufacturer specifications.

    Snapshot of the EcoGraf share price

    The EcoGraf share price has had a volatile performance in 2021.

    Shares in the battery material company opened the year at around 16.5 cents, before hitting a high of $1.07 in mid-February.

    Despite the wide trading range and volatility, shares in EcoGraf are trading more than 318% higher for the year.

    The post EcoGraf (ASX:EGR) share price flying 14% higher on funding update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider EcoGraf, 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 EcoGraf wasn’t one of them.

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

    *Returns as of May 24th 2021

    More reading

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

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  • Qantas (ASX:QAN) share price closes lower after ‘digital health pass’ news

    Qantas airplane in the sky amongst the clouds at sunset

    The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price closed lower today after it announced it will soon require Australians travelling internationally to hold a ‘health passport’.

    The airline will be working with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to create a digital health pass. Future passengers on Qantas and Jetstar international flights will be required to use the pass.

    The Qantas share price finished today’s session at $4.62. That’s 0.43% lower than its closing price yesterday.

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

    Digital health pass for overseas travel

    The Qantas share price suffered today despite the airline announcing a new safety measure for future international travellers.

    The IATA Travel Pass will let airlines, border staff, and health officials verify travellers’ COVID-19 test results and vaccination status.

    Additionally, the pass will check whether a traveller’s vaccination and COVID-19 status will pass conditions set by specific flights and borders.  

    Qantas said its pass will work well within the Australian Government’s four-phase national COVID-19 response plan.

    The second phase of the government’s plan might allow more vaccinated Australians to return from overseas. The third phase could lift all restrictions on Australians looking to leave the country.  

    Qantas pushed back the resumption of its international flights to late December 2021 in May. The Qantas share price sank 5.5% over the 2 days following the announcement.

    Qantas also mentioned that the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada require proof of vaccination to enter without quarantining.

    Commentary from management

    Qantas’ chief customer officer, Stephanie Tully commented:

    A digital health pass will connect customers with COVID testing facilities, health authorities and airlines, and ultimately enable the opening of more travel bubbles and borders.

    The IATA Travel Pass will allow travellers to have their COVID test results and vaccine information verified securely, which will be their green light to fly internationally with us.

    Qantas share price snapshot

    This year hasn’t been a great one for the Qantas share price.

    It is currently 5.9% lower than it was at the start of the year. However, it has gained 37.5% since this time last year.

    The post Qantas (ASX:QAN) share price closes lower after ‘digital health pass’ news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Qantas, 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 Qantas 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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  • Vulcan Energy (ASX:VUL) share price surges 10% on quarterly update

    CSR share price rising asx share price represented my man in hard hat giving thumbs up

    The Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price was on fire today, finishing the session up 9.74% at $9.80.

    The surge in Vulcan’s share price comes after the company released its quarterly activities report just after 1pm today.

    Let’s take a closer look at what the report entails.

    A bit more on Vulcan Energy

    Vulcan Energy has interests in the exploration and development of copper-zinc and lithium supply solutions to the European market.

    The company’s principal interest is in Norway, although it acquired the Vulcan Lithium Project, which is located in Germany.

    As a result, it claims to be the “EU’s largest lithium resource”. Vulcan has a market capitalisation of $971 million at the time of writing.

    Vulcan’s quarterly results

    This quarter, Vulcan signed a “binding lithium offtake agreement” with LG Energy Solution to supply “10,000 metric tonnes per year of lithium hydroxide” into the coming periods.

    It also commissioned a direct lithium extraction (DLE) plant through its “in-house engineering team”.

    The DLE plant is now “successfully operating with (more than) >90% recoveries”, demonstrating lithium extraction from geothermal brine.

    In addition, it also finalised the spinoff and initial public offering (IPO) of its “Scandinavian battery metals projects” into a new entity known as Kuniko Limited.

    It raised $7.89 million via the offering, and established Kuniko as a standalone “zero carbon copper, nickel, and cobalt company”.

    Moreover, a new exploration licence granted in the Upper Rhine Valley, for after “(the) June 2021 quarter”, came through this quarter also.

    Additional takeouts from the report

    Vulcan also reported a number of sustainability and governance advancements in the report.

    To illustrate, it signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of Global Engineering and Consulting GmbH, which is a “geothermal surface consultancy company”.

    Additionally, the company was also admitted to the “Global Battery Alliance”, a consortium of 70 members “working towards a sustainable battery value chain globally”.

    Vulcan was also certified as “carbon neutral” by Climate Active for Australian operations. This aligns with the company’s goal of becoming “the world’s first zero carbon lithium project”.

    Vulcan Energy share price snapshot

    The Vulcan Energy share price has produced outsized returns over the year to date, posting a return of 256% since January 1.

    This extends the previous 12 month’s mammoth return of 1,992%. That sees Vulcan sit at the tip of the spear with respect to the constituent of ASX-listed securities.

    These returns have far outpaced the S&P / ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO)’s return of 23% over the past year.

    Vulcan shares have posted a return of 27% over the previous month alone.

    The post Vulcan Energy (ASX:VUL) share price surges 10% on quarterly update 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

    More reading

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

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3rE5WBj