• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week

    Young woman in yellow striped top with laptop raises arm in victory

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form again last week and rose to a record high. The benchmark index pushed 46.3 points or 0.6% higher to 7,394.4 points.

    While a good number of ASX 200 shares pushed higher with the market, some climbed more than most. Here’s why these were the best performers on the index last week:

    PolyNovo Ltd (ASX: PNV)

    The PolyNovo share price was the best performer on the ASX 200 last week with a 10.2% gain. This was despite there being no news out of the medical device company. However, with its shares sinking a week earlier following a trading update, some investors may have felt they had been oversold. In addition, the healthcare sector was on form last week, which will have given its shares an extra boost.

    Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU)

    The Iluka share price wasn’t far behind with a 10% gain. Investors were buying the mineral sands company’s shares following the release of its second quarter update. Iluka revealed revenue of $391 million, which was up 75% on the prior corresponding period. A key driver of this was its zircon production, which increased 71% to 71,800 tonnes. Management also noted that zircon sales have strengthened thanks to a return to pre-pandemic production levels among Chinese tile manufacturers.

    Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

    The Nuix share price was on form and jumped 9.8% over the five days. This was despite there being no news out of the embattled investigative analytics software provider. Though, with its shares down materially this year, bargain hunters may have been swooping in. Especially given the recent exit of its CEO and CFO. This has helped build investor confidence after countless guidance downgrades shattered it. Last month Morgan Stanley put an overweight rating and $6.40 price target on its shares. This compares to the current Nuix share price of $2.81.

    CIMIC Group Ltd (ASX: CIM)

    The CIMIC share price was a strong performer last week and recorded a gain of 9.4%. This was driven by the release of the engineering company’s half year results. For the six months ended 30 June, group revenue increased 10.6% to $7.1 billion. This was driven by strong performances by its Australian Construction and Services business. On the bottom line, the company reported a net profit after tax of $208 million. This was up slightly from $205.3 million in the prior corresponding period.

    The post These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended POLYNOVO FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nuix Pty Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • 2 quality ASX 200 tech shares that might be buys

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    Some S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tech shares might be worth a spot in a portfolio looking for long-term growth.

    Tech businesses have the potential to realise good profit margins because of the relatively cheap nature of delivering software to clients.

    Revenue growth can lead to good profit growth over time.

    These are two ASX 200 shares that could be worth looking into:

    Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

    Netwealth is a business that’s rated as a buy by the broker Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG). It has a price target on Netwealth of $18.25, which suggests an increase of more than 10% over the next 12 months, if Macquarie is right.

    The broker points out that things are looking good for Netwealth with good inflows and good conditions in the investment world. However, one negative is going to be a falling amount of interest it earns on cash held by Netwealth.

    Netwealth is a financial services company that provides multiple services such as superannuation (including accumulation and retirement income products), investor directed portfolio services, managed accounts and managed funds.

    A couple of weeks ago, the fintech business announced record annual net inflows of $9.8 billion as funds under administration (FUA) exceeded $47 billion. That $47 billion was an increase of $5.3 billion (or 12.7% in percentage terms), including market movement of $2.2 billion from the prior quarter. It was also an increase of $15.6 billion (49.6%) against the prior corresponding period.

    The ASX 200 tech share’s FUA net inflows of $3.1 billion for the quarter ending 30 June 2021 was an increase of 102% year on year.

    Funds under management (FUM) net inflows were $0.8 billion for the quarter, including $0.7 billion of managed account net inflows.

    According to Macquarie, the Netwealth share price is valued at 60x FY22’s estimated earnings.

    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

    TechnologyOne is a business that provides a global software as a service (SaaS) enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. Its offering its about providing software that accessible on any device, anywhere at any time and aims to be very easy to use.

    More than 1,200 corporations, government agencies, local council and universities use the software.

    The ASX 200 tech share has been winning contracts in the government sector. For example it was chosen by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to streamline and modernise the operations. Management said this was a significant win against SAP (a European software business).

    It continues to invest significantly in extending the functionality and capabilities of its software.

    At the time of its half-year result, more than 85% of its revenue was recurring subscription revenue. It’s expecting profit to grow by double digits in FY21.

    Over the longer-term, it’s expecting to increase penetration with existing customers, add new customers and expand globally. Over the next few years, its SaaS and continuing business is expected to grow by more than 15% per annum.

    It expects its total annual recurring revenue (ARR) to grow to more than $500 million by FY26, from the current base of $233 million. Economies of scale should lead to its continuing profit before tax margin expanding to 35%.

    The ASX tech share is currently rated as a buy by Morgans with a price target of $10. It believes TechnologyOne shares are valued at 43x FY22’s estimated earnings.

    The post 2 quality ASX 200 tech shares that might be buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Netwealth. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited and Netwealth. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • These ASX dividend shares keep giving investors a payrise

    bejewelled crown representing asx dividend shares king

    There are a number of ASX shares that have increased dividends for several (or more) years in a row.

    Dividends aren’t guaranteed, but it might be interesting to know some businesses have been growing their dividends for a number of years and might increase the dividend again.

    Here are two that might be worth thinking about:

    APA Group (ASX: APA)

    APA is one of the largest infrastructure businesses on the ASX. It specialises in gas assets. The business owns a large gas pipeline around the country, it transports around half of Australia’s natural gas. It also has investment stakes in assets like gas storage, gas power generation and gas processing.

    The ASX dividend share has been diversifying its asset base in recent times with renewable energy. It has exposure to both wind farms and solar farms.

    APA has grown its distribution every year for a decade and a half. The gas infrastructure giant pays its distribution from the operating cashflow that it makes each year. That cashflow has been rising thanks to APA’s growing asset base.

    It has a number of projects in the works right now.

    For example, in December it announced a two phased power expansion agreement with an existing customer, the Gruyere Gold Mine in Western Australia, which will increase total installed capacity by 45% from 45MW to 64MW. This includes creating the ‘Gruyere Hybrid Energy Microgrid’. This is its first hybrid microgrid investment. Total capital expenditure for all expansion works will be approximately $38 million.

    APA is also commencing a 25% expansion of its east coast grid. This expansion will be delivered in two stages at a capital cost of $270 million. It will increase winter peak capacity, delivering gas from Queensland and the NT to southern markets.

    At the current APA share price, it has a distribution yield of 5.3%.

    Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

    Bapcor is a large auto parts business with operations in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

    The ASX dividend share has a number of brands including Burson, Autobarn and various specialist wholesalers, including electrical parts and truck parts.

    Bapcor has been increasing its dividend for the last several years. FY21 has seen strong profit growth in these strange COVID-19 times.

    Asia is becoming a larger focus for Bapcor. It recently bought 25% of Tye Soon, a Bapcor-like business with operations in Malaysia, South Korea, Australia, Singapore and other Asian countries. It’s also starting a Burson network in Thailand where it wants to open more than 60 locations with a turnover target of $100 million.

    In Australia and New Zealand the ASX dividend share wants to grow the number of locations, improve its existing store locations and increase the amount of own brand products it sells.

    Bapcor’s FY21 half-year result saw pro forma earnings per share (EPS) growth of 28.9% to 20.7 cents. This helped fund a 12.5% increase of the interim dividend to 9 cents per share.

    The current trailing grossed-up dividend yield is 3.2%.

    The post These ASX dividend shares keep giving investors a payrise appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bapcor 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 Bapcor 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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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended APA Group and Bapcor. 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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  • These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares last week

    A man peers into the camera looking astonished, indicating a rise or drop in ASX share price

    It was another solid week for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). The benchmark index rose 46.3 points or 0.6% over the five days to end at 7,394.4 points.

    Unfortunately, not all ASX 200 shares were able to climb higher with the market. Here’s why these were the worst performers on the index:

    Silver Lake Resources Limited (ASX: SLR)

    The Silver Lake share price was the worst performer on the ASX 200 last week with an 11% decline. The majority of this decline occurred on Friday following the release of the gold miner’s quarterly update. That update revealed that Silver Lake achieved quarterly production of 62,126 ounces of gold and quarterly gold sales of 60,617 ounces. Looking ahead, management expects broadly flat sales with higher all-in sustaining costs in FY 2022.

    Altium Limited (ASX: ALU)

    The Altium share price wasn’t too far behind with a 9.4% decline over the five days. This was driven by news that US software giant Autodesk has ended takeover talks with the electronic design software company. Autodesk is understood to have verbally offered to increase its takeover offer from $38.50 per share to $40.00 per share, but Altium wasn’t interested.

    Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

    The Evolution share price was just a touch behind with a decline of almost 9.4%. Investors were selling the gold miner’s shares after brokers responded negatively to its strategy update. Macquarie, for example, downgraded its shares to an underperform rating with a $4.00 price target after its costs and capital expenditure outlook came in much higher than expected. Offsetting some of this decline was a solid gain on Friday following the announcement of a key acquisition.

    Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN)

    The Crown share price was a poor performer and sank 8.4% last week. This was driven largely by concerns that the casino operator could lose its Melbourne licence. In addition to this, news that Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) is walking away from merger talks also weighed on its shares. Although Star remains interested in a potential merger, it notes that there is too much uncertainty at present. Especially given the aforementioned Melbourne casino licence concerns.

    The post These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Altium. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Altium. 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 Novonix (ASX:NVX) share price is up 21% in a month

    A line-up of green lithium batteries, indicating positive share price movement for clean ASX lithium miners

    The Novonix Ltd (ASX: NVX) share price is having a great month on the ASX.

    Shares in the explorer and developer of lithium-ion battery materials have gained 20.4% since this time last month.

    30 days ago, the Novonix share price was $2.20. Its shares closed yesterday’s session trading for $2.65 a piece.

    So, what’s been driving the Novonix share price lately? Let’s take a look.

    The latest from Novonix

    The latest news from Novonix hit the market just over a month ago on 23 June 2021.

    Then, Novonix announced it was purchasing a second facility to boost its production of battery anode materials.

    The new facility is located nearby the company’s original facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

    It will provide Novonix with 400,000 square feet of space to help boost its production by more than 8,000 tonnes of anode material each year.

    The Novonix share price gained 10% over the 3 days following the company’s announcement.

    After the new facility is up and running, Novonix expects to be producing 10,000 tonnes of anode each year.

    The facility is expected to be in production by 2023.

    Novonix also said its discussions with Sanyo Electric Co and Samsung SDI are progressing well.

    Novoix’s CEO Chris Burns commented on the news, saying:

    We are excited to be announcing this next phase of expansion of our anode materials business in Tennessee. Chattanooga has been a great location for our operations over the past four years, and we look forward to growing the company in the expanding south-east hub of electric vehicle battery manufacturing. We look forward to continuing to work with the great people in Chattanooga, Hamilton County and the State of Tennessee as we help establish the domestic supply chain of key materials for the lithium-ion battery sector.

    Novonix share price snapshot

    The past month has added to the strong recent performance of the Novonix share price.

    Right now, shares in Novonix are trading for 113% more than they were at the start of 2021. They’ve also gained 126% since this time last year.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $1 billion, with approximately 404 million shares outstanding.

    The post Why the Novonix (ASX:NVX) share price is up 21% in a month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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  • These ASX dividend shares have yields that beat term deposits

    happy woman throws arms in the air

    If you’re looking for a way to beat the low rates on term deposits, then you may want to look at the ASX dividend shares listed below.

    Both these shares are expected to provide yields that are far greater than those on offer with term deposits. Here’s what you need to know:

    Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

    Adairs is a leading retailer of homewares and home furnishings in the ANZ market. It has a strong presence both in retail parks across Australia and online with its Adairs and Mocka brands.

    The company has been a particularly positive performer this year. This has been driven by its strong market position, the housing market boom, and a favourable redirection in consumer spending. This underpinned very strong sales and profit growth during the first half, with more of the same expected in the second half.

    And while FY 2022 will be tough due to the company cycling heightened sales this year, a return to solid growth is expected in FY 2023.

    Analysts at Goldman Sachs are forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 26 cents in FY 2021, 25.1 cents in FY 2022, and then 26.8 cents in FY 2023. Based on the current Adairs share price of $3.99, this will mean yields of 6.5%, 6.3%, and 6.7%, respectively.

    BWP Trust (ASX: BWP)

    BWP Trust is the largest owner of Bunnings Warehouse sites in Australia. At the last count, it leased a total of 68 warehouses to the hardware giant.

    Thanks to the stunning success of the Bunnings business, BWP has delivered solid earnings and dividend growth over the last few years. In addition, Bunnings’ performance during the pandemic has been especially pleasing, allowing BWP to collect rent as normal over the last 18 months

    In light of this, BWP expects to pay a full year distribution of ~18.3 cents per share in FY 2021. Based on the current BWP share price of $4.23, this equates to an attractive 4.3% dividend yield.

    The post These ASX dividend shares have yields that beat term deposits appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 recommended ADAIRS FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended ADAIRS 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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  • Guess which sector this week’s top performing ASX 200 shares come from

    Group of people cheer around tablets in office

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed 1.67% higher this week, a great outcome given the sharp sell-offs experienced by the broader equity market on Monday and Tuesday.

    Leading the charge this week is a red hot sub-sector within the S&P/ASX Materials (INDEXASX: XMJ) sector.

    Lithium.

    ASX 200 shares in the lithium sector surged to either multi-year or all-time record highs this week.

    Underpinning this performance is higher lithium spot prices and upbeat quarterly results.

    Top performing ASX 200 shares this week

    Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd share price rallied to a new record intraday high of $1.74 on Friday. It finished the session up 1.78% at $1.72.

    Shares in the lithium miner bounced back strongly this week after tumbling 9.15% to $1.44 by Tuesday.

    Since its Tuesday low, the Pilbara Minerals share price rallied an extraordinary 20% in three days.

    The lithium sector has been surging lately. The Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (NYSEARCA: LIT) skyrocketed 16.38% this month and 23.32% year-to-date.

    The ETF is comprised of companies involved in the full lithium cycle. This includes mining and refining the metal through to battery production and electric vehicles.

    The lithium ETF reached a record high closing price of US$81.76 on Friday. This signals that it isn’t just Pilbara Minerals rising but the broader emerging sector as well.

    Pilbara Minerals is expected to release its June 2021 quarterly activities report next Thursday, 29 July.

    Orocobre Ltd (ASX: ORE)

    Orocobre Limited is another ASX 200 share hitting record highs this week.

    The Orocobre share price rallied 9.39% this week to a close of $7.69 on Friday.

    Its performance is similar to Pilbara Minerals, with the company’s shares tumbling on Monday and Tuesday.

    The Orocobre share price jumped 9.91% on Thursday following the release of the company’s June quarterly results.

    The results highlighted improved production figures and expansion plans, but more importantly, much higher lithium prices.

    The company said the average realised price for its lithium carbonate during the quarter was US$8,476/tonnes free on board (FOB). This is up 45% quarter-on-quarter.

    The post Guess which sector this week’s top performing ASX 200 shares come from appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Pilbara Minerals, you’ll want to hear this.

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

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

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    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia 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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  • 3 ASX 50 shares named as buys

    A businessman lights up the fifth star in a lineup, indicating positive share price for a top performer

    The S&P/ASX 50 index is home to 50 of the largest listed companies on the Australian share market. This means the index hosts many of the highest quality and most well-known companies that the ANZ region has to offer.

    While not all the shares on the index are necessarily in the buy zone, three that could be are listed below. Here’s what you need to know about them:

    CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)

    The first ASX 50 share to look at is this biotherapeutics company. Its CSL Behring and Seqirus businesses have been growing at a solid rate in recent years thanks to their leading therapies and vaccines, and lucrative research and development pipelines. And while CSL is battling plasma collection headwinds at present, which could weigh on its near term performance, the future remains very positive due to the aforementioned growth drivers. UBS is positive on the company. The broker currently has a buy rating and $330.00 price target on its shares.

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

    Another ASX 50 share to look at is Goodman Group. It is a leading integrated commercial and industrial property company with $52.9 billion of total assets under management globally. Among its portfolio are warehouses, large scale logistics facilities, and business and office parks. At the end of the third quarter, the company’s occupancy rate stood at 98% and its net property income was up 3.3% over the prior corresponding period. Management notes that this reflects the strong demand for its properties. Positively, it has a significant development pipeline that looks set to drive further growth in the coming years. Morgan Stanley is a fan of the company and believes it is well-placed for growth. It recently put an overweight rating and $23.00 price target on its shares.

    Xero Limited (ASX: XRO)

    A final ASX 50 share to consider is Xero. It is a leading provider of a cloud-based business and accounting solution to small and medium sized businesses. Xero currently has 2.74 million subscribers globally. This comprises 1.56 million in the ANZ region and 1.18 million internationally. While this is a large number, it is still only a small portion of its global addressable market. Combined with price increases and its burgeoning app ecosystem, this provides the company with a significant runway for growth over the next decade. Goldman Sachs is very positive on the company’s prospects. It has a buy rating and recently increased its price target to $165.00.

    The post 3 ASX 50 shares named as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Xero, 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 Xero 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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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended CSL Ltd. and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Xero. 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 edges higher, Crown falls, Pointsbet rises

    bull market encapsulated by bull running up a rising stock market price

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) went up by 0.1% to 7,394 points.

    Here are some of the highlights from the ASX:

    Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN)

    The Crown share price went down around 2% after it was announced that Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) was stepping away from its takeover offer.

    Star was initially attracted to the “significant” potential strategic and value accretion benefits for shareholders of both companies, including estimated cost synergies of between $150 million to $200 million per annum. There was also the potential to create significant value from a sale and leaseback of an enlarged property portfolio.

    To date, Star has had limited engagement from Crown about the takeover bid. It also said that issues raised at Victoria’s royal commission into Crown Melbourne have the potential to materially impact the value of Crown, including whether it retains the licence to operate its Melbourne casino or the conditions under which its licence is retained.

    The ASX 200 share still believes there’s a lot of substantial benefits that could be unlocked by the merger, but there’s so much uncertainty about Crown that it can’t continue with its current offer.

    However, Star said it remains open to exploring opportunities with Crown.

    Star remains focused on its growth initiatives including its multi-billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane integrated resort due to open in late 202 and its Gold Coast masterplan.

    Pointsbet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH)

    The Pointsbet share price went up 2.5% after announcing some US news.

    Its New Jersey subsidiary has been authorised by the New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement to commence iGaming operations and it has launched the platform in that state. This follows the launch of iGaming in Michigan on 5 May 2021.

    The ASX 200 share was pleased to reveal a lot of growth of iGaming, it said:

    iGaming revenues in the United States have grown exceptionally since the repeal of Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in May 2018. Across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia – all states in which Pointsbet has iGaming market access. iGaming revenues reached nearly US$900 million in the June 2021 quarter which if annualised would equate to greater than US$3.5 billion per annum.

    Pointsbet also announced the appointment of Scott Vanderwel as the new CEO of Pointsbet Canada.

    Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR)

    The Myer share price fell around 2% today after revealing it had secured a 10-year lease on a new 40,000sqm facility in Victoria which will act as its new national distribution centre for both its stores and online fulfilment.

    This move follows enhancements to its online operations that were undertaken last year and changes to international freight arrangements earlier this year.

    It will be a new state-of-the-art facility that has over 100,000 stock keeping units (SKUs). Myer said it will lead to new widespread customer benefits and efficiencies anticipated for both the stores and online businesses. It will benefit from several automated solutions.

    Myer expects around 70% of its online fulfilment will be performed by this new distribution centre. It’s expected to lead to a reduced cost per order, whilst stores will be important for click and collect options as well as last mile deliveries in some areas.

    Construction of the site is underway. It’s expected to be able to start using the facility from August 2022.

    The post ASX 200 edges higher, Crown falls, Pointsbet rises appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price struggles following rig dumping proposal

    artificial reef

    The Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price has finished the week lower.

    On Friday the $21.51 billion oil and gas giant slipped 1.06% to $22.34 a share. This is despite oil prices climbing higher overnight.

    There are no official announcements from the company today. However, reports from ABC News reveal Woodside plans to lay waste to an oil facility. The interesting aspect is the intention to create an “artificial reef” by doing so.

    Is it so ‘rig-diculous’ of an idea?

    The proposal involves Woodside’s Nganhurra oil facility which was decommissioned from service in 2018. While the company initially planned to tow the production and storage vessel back to shore shortly after ceasing operations, a design flaw stopped this occurring.

    Now the company’s ‘ingenious’ plan is to sink the 83-metre-long riser to the bottom of the ocean. This consists of 325 tonnes of iron ore slurry. In the process, the company hopes to create an artificial reef. However, this route does not come without its issues either.

    The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPESEMA) is investigating Woodside for potentially breaching the law by allowing the rig to degrade, leading to the inability of disposing of it on land.

    Additionally, the facility proposed for dumping contains an estimated 65 cubic metres of polyurethane foam. This was approved by NOPESEMA due to the safety risks posed by attempting to remove it.

    However, there now seems to be confusion over whether the oil and gas company will remove the foam or not. This could have weighed on the Woodside share price on Friday.

    The reason why this plan is drawing eyeballs is the potential cost savings if Woodside’s approach is approved. A study from the National Energy Resources Australia (NERA) points to a $50 billion exercise in decommissioning and removing facilities in the coming decades.

    In the study, NERA concluded that half of those costs could be eliminated by leaving most of the materials in the ocean.

    Woodside share price snapshot

    The Woodside share price has experienced an underwhelming past 12 months. During the period, the company’s share price has climbed a paltry 6%, compared to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which delivered a 22.8% return.

    The post Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price struggles following rig dumping proposal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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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