• Why the Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) share price is up 9% this Thursday

    an arrow with sparks shoots up

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is on fire today. Pilbara shares are up 9.9% so far this Thursday and are currently trading at $1.69 a share after closing at $1.54 yesterday and opening at $1.58 this morning.

    $1.69 a share is a new 52-week, and an all-time high share price for Pilbara. The company is now up an incredible 93.1% year to date in 2021 so far, and up an even more astonishing 425% over the past 12 months.

    Pilbara shares are also topping the ASX boards in terms of trading volume today. Out of all the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares on the markets today, Pilbara shares have swapped hands the most frequently so far, with more than 20 million shares traded already (and it’s only lunchtime).

    So what on earth is going on with this lithium producer this Thursday?

    Why is the Pilbara Minerals share price on fire today?

    Well, it’s hard to say. There has been no real news or announcements out of the company today. Well, save for some routine paperwork that was released yesterday afternoon after market close. This informed investors that Pilbara will be delivering a quarterly business trading update on 29 July. But that’s probably not what’s getting investors hot under the collar today.

    One possible source of optimism here might be the update from fellow ASX lithium producer Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY) that we saw delivered this morning. As my Fool colleague James covered earlier today, Galaxy reported record quarterly production for the second quarter.

    Management also stated that the company “continues to experience strong demand” for lithium products amid rising global electric vehicle sales and strong demand from the Chinese market in particular.

    Galaxy shares are also up big today, rising 10% so far to $4.40 a share, as well as hitting a new all-time high of its own.

    Galaxy and Pilbara are essentially competing in the same market with the same commodity. So what is good for the goose is generally good for the gander here. As such, it’s not too surprising that goodwill from Galaxy’s results would spill over into the Pilbara Minerals share price.

    Where Pilbara shares currently stand, the company has a market capitalisation of $4.44 billion.

    The post Why the Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) share price is up 9% this Thursday 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.

    *Returns as of May 24th 2021

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

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  • Next Science (ASX:NXS) share price jumps on record revenue growth

    medical doctor performing surgery using surgical instruments

    The Next Science Ltd (ASX: NXS) share price is charging higher today.

    At the time of writing, the medical technology company’s shares are up 4.05% to $1.54.

    Why is the Next Science share price rallying today?

    Investors are looking at the Next Science share price more optimistically following the release of its second quarter update.

    According to the release, the company pulled in US$3.9 million in revenue for the first half. This reflected an increase of 271% on the prior corresponding period.

    Pleasingly for shareholders, this was a record rate of growth from Next Science.

    Additionally, its XPerience No Rinse Antimicrobial Solution was cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

    The solution helps prevent surgical site biofilm based infections.

    The approval process for use in US hospitals is now underway.

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    Furthermore, Next Science’s antimicrobial wound gel, BlastX returned to the company and sales commenced.

    Next Science regained the global distribution rights to BlastX from 3M (NYSE: MMM) in April 2021.

    The patented medical product has also received approval from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

    After burning through US$1.9 million in cash during the first half, the company maintains US$13.2 million cash on hand.

    Managing Director commentary

    Managing Director, Judith Mitchell spoke about the record result for the company:

    The strategies we are executing to commercialise our proprietary Xbio technology platform are delivering record results. The 271% revenue growth we have reported for 1H was driven by sales from our existing products.

    Following the approval of our market leading “no rinse antimicrobial solution”, XPerience, by the FDA on 23 April, we are building an excellent platform for future growth. Our focus has been to secure VAC approvals across US hospitals to facilitate commercial sales in the US. As at mid-July, we had made 123 VAC submissions covering 211 hospitals and we had received 20 approvals.

    Next Science share price snapshot

    Thanks to today’s gains, the Next Science share price is 18.46% higher over the past year.

    However, investors who bought at the 52-week high of $2.06 in June are still down 25.24%.

    The post Next Science (ASX:NXS) share price jumps on record revenue growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Next Science right now?

    Before you consider Next Science, 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 Next Science 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. owns shares of and has recommended Next Science Limited. 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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  • Here’s why the Cogstate (ASX:CGS) share price is up 5% today

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    The Cogstate Limited (ASX: CGS) share price is flying 4.53% high in trade today.

    Shares in the biotech company have received a boost after releasing a business update earlier today.

    Here’s what the company announced and why investors are jumping for shares in Cogstate.

    Cogstate shares rise on business update

    Earlier today, Cogstate released a business update and cash-flow statement for the quarter ending 30 June 2021.

    Cogstate highlighted a record revenue result for FY21 of $32.7 million, a 44% increase from the prior corresponding period (pcp).

    For the fourth quarter, the company recorded total revenue of $10 million, up 30% on pcp and 14% higher than the prior quarter.

    In its investor briefing, Cogstate highlighted that revenue from clinical trials was the main driver for the quarter and financial year.

    Clinical Trials revenue in the fourth quarter was $8.8 million, up 25% on pcp. Cogstate noted a substantial increase in new clinical trial sales contracts and an increased level of trial activity through the period.

    Cogstate also highlighted a strong balance sheet, with $22.4 million net cash at 30 June 2021.

    The company also cited its US$2.44 million loan from Citibank under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  

    Cogstate also provided earnings guidance for the full-year. The company expects to record a profit before tax in a range of $5.2 million to $5.7 million. This figure includes the gain related to the PPP loan forgiveness.

    Profit before tax from ordinary operations, excluding the PPP loan forgiveness, is expected to be in the range of $2.8 – $3.3 million.

    Cogstate expects to release audited financial reports on Wednesday 25 August 2021.

    Snapshot of the Cogstate share price

    Cogstate is a neuroscience technology company that specialises in brain health assessments, with the aim of advancing the development of new medicines and clinical insights.

    The company’s technologies allow for rapid and reliable computerised cognitive tests, which are designed to replace traditional costly and error-prone paper assessments.

    In early June, shares in Cogstate received a boost after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Accelerated Approval for its aducanumab treatment targeting Alzheimer’s disease.

    The Cogstate share price has surged more than 38% since the start of the year.

    At the time of writing, the Cogsate share price is trading more than 4.5% higher for the day at around $1.50. Shares in the biotech company were up more than 5% earlier, having hit an intra-day high of $1.52.

    The post Here’s why the Cogstate (ASX:CGS) share price is up 5% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Cosgate, 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 Cosgate 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 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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  • The BHP (ASX:BHP) share price up 3% on Thursday

    man holding hard hat and giving thumbs up representing rising mining asx share price

    The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is almost back to break even for the week, after sliding 5.07% to $49.24 between Monday and Tuesday .

    At the time of writing, the BHP share price has added another 2.87%, and is trading at $51.32.

    BHP shares price bounces higher, eyeing record highs

    The BHP share price closed at a record high last Friday, at $51.87.

    However, global equity markets tumbled at the beginning of the week, sparked by concerns regarding economic growth against the backdrop of increasing COVID-19 cases and the Delta variant.

    The market selloff was short-lived, with major indices such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average lifting 2.40% in the last two trading sessions.

    Similarly, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is now 0.05% higher since last Friday.

    Any recent developments for the BHP share price?

    On Tuesday, BHP delivered its fourth-quarter and full-year update, with production in line with guidance and strong pricing for its commodities.

    The positive update was announced amid a broader market selloff however, dragging the BHP share price down 2.71% on the day.

    On Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that the “world’s biggest miner was reviewing its petroleum business and considering options including a trade sale”.

    There is speculation that Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) might be interested in buying some or all of BHP’s oil and gas assets, according to Reuters.

    BHP reveals nickel supply deal with Tesla

    This morning, BHP announced the signing of a nickle supply agreement with Tesla.

    BHP said that the two companies would collaborate on ways to make the battery supply chain “more sustainable”, with a focus on end-to-end raw material traceability using blockchain. Other focus areas would be in the technical exchange for battery raw materials production and promoting “the importance of sustainability in the resources sector”.

    BHP chief commercial officer Vandita Pant said:

    We are delighted to sign this agreement with Tesla Inc, and to collaborate with them on ways to make the battery supply chain more sustainable through our shared focus on technology and innovation.

    While the quantity of nickle to be supplied was not specified, this could be another factor propping up the BHP share price on Thursday.

    What about iron ore prices?

    According to Market Index, iron ore prices remain steady at US$218.37/tonne.

    However, iron ore futures on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange have tumbled 3.4% this morning to about 1,160 yuan (US$179) a tonne.

    The post The BHP (ASX:BHP) share price up 3% on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

    *Returns as of May 24th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun 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 Tesla. 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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  • Iluka Resources (ASX:ILU) share price jumps 7% on quarterly results

    Rising mining ASX share price represented by man in hard hat making excited fists

    The Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU) share price has leapt firmly into the green on Thursday. At the time of writing, Iluka shares are exchanging hands at $9.28, 6.67% higher than at yesterday’s close.

    Today’s gains come after the company released its results for the second quarter.

    Let’s take a look at how Iluka has been performing.

    Quarterly results

    Investors are driving the Iluka share price higher on Thursday after the company reported revenue from mineral sands of $391 million, a 75% year-on-year gain.

    It also recorded a combined output of 175,300 tonnes for zircon/rutile/synthetic rutile, signifying a 30% increase from the same time last year.

    Specifically, zircon production was 71% up on the year at 71,800 tonnes.

    Iluka’s zircon sales reflected “a return to pre-pandemic production levels amongst Chinese tile manufacturers”.

    A rise in zircon prices by US$70 per tonne over the quarter also helped to boost the company’s zircon revenue.

    A “further US$125 per tonne increase [in zircon prices was] effective 1 July”, according to the company.

    In addition, rutile production grew 25% year on year to 43,600 tonnes. Synthetic rutile production also expanded by ~3% to just under 60,000 tonnes.

    Additional takeouts

    The company benefitted from high demand for synthetic rutile this quarter.

    This was driven by “increased concern around the future supply of high-grade feedstocks”, coupled with the settlement of a contractual dispute with American chemicals company Chemours.

    Iluka and Chemours settled their contractual dispute in confidence but the outcome sees the latter “taking all of the synthetic rutile not taken in 2020”.

    An update on its Sierra Leone operations was also provided in the release, in which Iluka stated:

    In May, Iluka provided the Government of Sierra Leone six months’ notice of its intention to temporarily suspend operations at Sierra Rutile, effective 19 November 2021. The company is currently exploring ways to reset the cost base of these operations and attract new investors to pursue the Sembehun development.

    Investors can expect Iluka’s 2021 half-year results to be released on 25 August.

    Iluka Resources share price snapshot

    The Iluka Resources share price has posted a year-to-date return of around 44%, extending the previous 12 months’ returns of approximately 92%.

    These returns have significantly outperformed those of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has gained around 21% over the past 12 months.

    Iluka has a market capitalisation of around $3.95 billion at the time of writing.

    The post Iluka Resources (ASX:ILU) share price jumps 7% on quarterly results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Iluka Resources, you’ll want to hear this.

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

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

    *Returns as of May 24th 2021

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

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  • Why the Service Stream (ASX:SSM) share price is heading south today

    A stockmarket chart on a red background with an arrow going down, indicating falling share price

    The Service Stream Limited (ASX: SSM) share price has come out of a trading halt today following a successful placement and institutional entitlement offer.

    During afternoon trade, the essential network services provider’s shares are down 4.17% to 92 cents.

    What’s driving the Service Stream share price lower?

    A catalyst for today’s fall in Service Stream shares is that investors may be concerned about an impending share dilution.

    According to its release, Service Stream advised that it has successfully received commitments to raise roughly $130 million (before costs). The placement gathered support from institutional and sophisticated investors from Australia and overseas.

    Approximately 144 million new ordinary Service Stream shares will be issued at a price of 90 cents apiece to successful applicants. Those funds are expected to settle on Friday 30 July 2021.

    In addition, the company is conducting a retail entitlement offer to raise a further $55 million. This component will be opened up to everyday investors next week on Tuesday 27 July 2021.

    Under the retail offer, eligible shareholders can apply for 1 Service Stream share for every 3 Service Stream shares owned. A top-up facility will also be available for investors who take up their full entitlement, up to a maximum of 100% in excess.

    The proceeds from the equity raising will be used to partly fund the acquisition of Lendlease Services. The enterprise value has been agreed for a price of $310 million, less adjustments for debt and debt-like items.

    While this represents a shortfall, Service Stream will fund the remaining amount through its expanded debt facilities and available cash.

    Service Stream share price summary

    It’s been a tough ride for Service Stream shareholders, with the company’s shares falling by almost 50% year to date. Looking at a longer time frame, the Service Steam share price is down also 50% since this time last year.

    Based on today’s price, Service Stream presides a market capitalisation of around $378.5 million, with roughly 410 million shares outstanding.

    The post Why the Service Stream (ASX:SSM) share price is heading south today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Service Stream right now?

    Before you consider Service Stream, 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 Service Stream 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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  • Crown (ASX:CWN) share price dips, analysts doubt licence will be revoked

    Anxious people gambling

    The Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) share price is down today amid reports of an increasing chance of the company losing its Melbourne casino licence.

    Counsel assisting the Victorian royal commission into the James Packer-backed group, Adrian Finanzio, said in his closing statement Crown’s suitability to run the Melbourne casino is “far from guaranteed”.

    However, some analysts are reportedly placing their bets on Crown not losing its licence. Rather, they expect it will undergo a substantial and continuously monitored reform period.

    The gaming giant will have its fate handed down by Commissioner Ray Finkelstein in October.

    Right now, the Crown share price is $10.25 – 0.24% lower than its previous close.

    Let’s take a look at analysts’ predictions on Crown’s future.

    What do analysts think of Crown’s future?

    The Crown share price is dipping as analysts cast doubt on the likelihood of the group losing its licence.

    Analyst from JP Morgan, Don Carducci, told the Australian Financial Review (AFR) he believes Crown will walk away from the royal commission with its licence intact.

    He echoed one suggestion put forward by Finanzio in which Crown enters what could be a 2-year reform period in an attempt to save its licence. Carducci was quoted as saying:

    We could understand increased operational oversight of Crown with a reform program and increased monitoring during that transition period.

    Fitch ratings analyst Kelly Amato agreed, telling the AFR Crown needs to undergo a reform if it has any chance of keeping its licence.

    However, Goldman Sachs analyst Desmond Tsao spoke of potential mergers or acquisitions.

    Crown’s rival Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) and Blackstone Group Inc (NYSE: BX) have both put merger offers on the table this year.

    Blackstone’s offer to buy all of Crown’s shares for $12.35 apiece was rejected by Crown in May.

    Star also put forward a merger offer, offering to exchange each of Crown’s shares for 2.68 shares in Star. At the time, Star’s offer valued Crown’s shares at more than $14 apiece.

    Crown share price snapshot

    Considering the challenges Crown has faced in 2021, its share price is holding up well.

    Right now, shares in Crown are 3.5% higher than they were at the start of the year. They’ve also gained around 11% since this time last year.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $6.9 billion, with approximately 677 million shares outstanding.

    The post Crown (ASX:CWN) share price dips, analysts doubt licence will be revoked appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Crown Resorts right now?

    Before you consider Crown Resorts, 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 Crown Resorts 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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    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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  • Here’s why the Lynas (ASX:LYC) share price is soaring 8% today

    mining worker making excited fists and looking excited

    The Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) share price is soaring, up 7.65% in afternoon trade.

    Below we take a look at what’s driving investor interest in the ASX rare earths explorer.

    What did Lynas report today?

    The Lynas share price is rocketing after the company reported it had received a $14.8 million grant from the Australian government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

    Lynas received the grant after passing through the selection process, which makes up part of the first round of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative’s Manufacturing Translation Stream for Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing.

    Via the grants, the government is working to facilitate converting valuable research into commercially viable outcomes.

    The company expects the grant to cover roughly half the costs of implementing and commercialising its “industry-first rare earth carbonate refining process”, which was developed by its own research team.

    It said tests at bench scale had demonstrated that the process effectively produced higher purity rare earth carbonate, which can feed its Lynas Malaysia plant and its proposed United States rare earth processing facility.

    Lynas will install the new process during construction of its $500 million Kalgoorlie Rare Earth Processing Facility project.

    Commenting on the grant, Amanda Lacaze, Lynas’ CEO said:

    We’re excited to bring this world-first Rare Earth carbonate refining process to Kalgoorlie with the support of the Australian government. Its commercialisation is the culmination of significant research and development by our inhouse team.

    In keeping with our commitment to the efficient use of industry capital, this process has been designed to treat our own Mt Weld concentrate and concentrate from 3rd party feedstock as other projects come on line in the future.

    Lynas share price snapshot

    ASX rare earths shares have broadly had a strong year, as the world looks to diversify supply away from China, which produces some 80% of the annual global supply of rare earths.

    The Lynas share price has been on a tear over the past 12 months, up a whopping 205%. By comparison the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gained 21% over that same time.

    Year-to-date the Lynas share price has continued to outperform, up 52% so far in 2021.

    The post Here’s why the Lynas (ASX:LYC) share price is soaring 8% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Lynas, 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 Lynas 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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    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 midday update: Zip update disappoints, BHP signs Tesla deal

    A share market investment manager monitors share price movements on his mobile phone and laptop

    At lunch on Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record another solid gain. The benchmark index is currently up 0.7% to 7,362 points.

    Here’s what is happening on the ASX 200 today:

    Zip update disappoints

    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price is sinking on Thursday following the release of its fourth quarter update. For the three months ended 30 June, the buy now pay later provider reported a 116% year on year increase in quarterly total transaction volume (TTV) to $1.8 billion and a 104% increase in quarterly revenue to $129.9 million. While its revenue growth was strong versus the prior corresponding period, it was only up 13% since the end of March. Investors may be concerned that the days of doubling its revenue will soon be over.

    Lithium miners shine on ASX 200

    The Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY) share price and the Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) share price are both rocketing higher on Thursday. This follows a positive response to their respective quarterly updates. You can read about Galaxy’s here and Orocobre’s here. These lithium miners are expected to complete their merger in the coming weeks.

    BHP signs deal with Tesla

    The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has been a strong performer today. Investors have been buying the mining giant’s shares after it announced the signing of a nickel supply agreement with Tesla. BHP will supply Tesla with nickel from its Nickel West asset in Western Australia, one of the most sustainable and lowest carbon emission nickel producers in the world.

    Best and worst ASX 200 performers

    The best performer on the ASX 200 on Thursday has been the Orocobre share price with a 10% gain. This follows its quarterly update. The worst performer on the ASX 200 has been the Zip share price with a 6% decline following the release of its fourth quarter update.

    The post ASX 200 midday update: Zip update disappoints, BHP signs Tesla deal 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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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of Galaxy Resources Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • The Orocobre (ASX:ORE) share price hits record high today. Here’s why

    Capex business spending Surging ASX share price represented by the word BOOM written on bright yellow background

    The Orocobre Ltd (ASX: ORE) share price has touched a new record high on Thursday after the company announced its June quarterly results.

    At the time of writing, the Orocobre share price is rocketing 11% higher to fresh new territory at $7.73.

    Orocobre share price surges after upbeat results

    Investors are bidding up the Orocobre share price this morning after the company delivered a solid set of results, validating the narrative of an improving lithium market.

    In the June quarter, Orocobre produced 3,330 tonnes with 66% of production being battery grade lithium carbonate. This figure represents a 31% increase on the prior corresponding period (pcp) and a 2% increase on the previous quarter.

    Orocobre reported sales volume of 2,549 tonnes, up 59% on pcp but down 16% on a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) basis. The company said this was due to global shipping delays and “the requirement to hold additional stock in Japan to guarantee smooth delivery into the Prime Planet Energy and Solutions (PPES) contract”.

    Lithium prices continued to improve during the quarter, with sales revenue of US$21.6 million, up 22% QoQ.

    The company cited that average realised price was up 45% QoQ to US$8,476/tonnes free on board (FOB), which excludes insurance and freight charges.

    Encouragingly, Orocobre highlighted that prices have now increased by nearly 170% over the last nine months.

    From a cost perspective, cash costs edged 5% higher to US$4,105/tonne on pcp.

    Looking ahead, Orocobre said it would allocate a proportion of sales in the upcoming half into contracts that were agreed in December 2020.

    Orocobre forecast the average price for its lithium carbonate would reflect improved market conditions, but would be partially offset by laggard pricing from December 2020 contracts.

    The company expects the overall price for the December half to be approximately US$9,000/tonne FOB, subject to shipping and delivery schedules.

    Orocobre growth plans

    Orocobre plans to meet surging lithium demand through the stage 2 expansion of its Olaroz lithium facility.

    In today’s announcement, the company said stage 2 was expected to be complete in the first half of CY22 with production to follow in the second half.

    By the second half of CY24, it anticipates production to reach full capacity of 25,000 tonnes per annum of primary grade lithium carbonate.

    Looking even further ahead, the company is undergoing a scoping study into a stage 3 expansion at Olaroz.

    Orocobre also hinted at discussions with Toyota Tsusho Corporation about “an expansion of lithium hydroxide production to meet forecast growth in demand”.

    About the Orocobre share price

    2021 has been a stellar year for the lithium sector, with the Orocobre share price surging 65% year-to-date.

    The Orocobre share price has today surpassed its 2018 highs of $7.45, reached before the lithium market crashed due to oversupply.

    The post The Orocobre (ASX:ORE) share price hits record high today. Here’s why 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. 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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