• Why the FINEOS (ASX:FCL) share price is climbing this morning

    A happy businessman pointing up, inidicating a rise in share price

    The FINEOS Corporation Holdings PLC (ASX: FCL) share price is rising after the company announced a new contract for its platform. At the time of writing, the insurance software company’s shares are trading at $4.05, up 4.1%.

    What’s the deal?

    Investors are pushing the FINEOS share price higher after digesting the company’s latest positive news.

    In its announcement, FINEOS advised that it has signed a deal with American Public Life Insurance Company (APL).

    Founded in 1945, APL is a leading supplemental insurance company that offers a range of customised products. This includes gap, accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, cancer, short-term disability, dental and life insurance policies.

    Under the agreement, APL will integrate FINEOS’ cloud-based platform for new business and underwriting across 8 lines of businesses. The deal will enable APL to streamline and automate quoting, rating, and underwriting processes.

    This comes as APL seeks to improve its operational efficiency and roll out 3 new product lines to market. The other 5 existing product lines, expected to be licenced, will also employ the FINEOS cloud-based platform.

    FINEOS noted that it had achieved outstanding success since its 2020 go-live date of its FINEOS platform. So far, 10 major carrier clients have adopted the system, including 8 installations and 7 upgrades of the FINEOS Platform for employee benefits.

    The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) contract will run for an initial period of 5 years. FINEOS said it has already factored revenue generation in its most recent guidance update announced on 24 February.

    What did management say?

    APL president and CEO Jerry Horton touched on the advantages of integrating FINEOS’ systems, saying:

    By leveraging the FINEOS Platform, we’ll be able to improve user experience with a powerful core system that automates processes which have historically been manual for us.

    This partnership will enable us to speed up quote turnaround time, improve accuracy, and reduce risk to drive our organization’s growth and strategic innovation. Our customers will benefit from better service because of our decision to move from on-prem legacy systems to the cloud-based FINEOS Platform.

    FINEOS CEO Michael Kelly went on to add:

    We’re thrilled about this partnership with APL and look forward to supporting them in achieving their organisational goals.

    With the FINEOS Platform for New Business & Underwriting, APL will be able to provide a superior digital user experience at every touchpoint of their quoting, rating, and underwriting processes.

    FINEOS share price review

    Despite a wobbly start to the year, the FINEOS share price has gained just over 5% year-to-date. However, looking at a broader picture, its shares have risen almost 40% in the past 12 months.

    FINEOS has a market capitalisation of around $1.1 billion at the current share price, with 301 million shares on issue.

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    Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends FINEOS Holdings plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended FINEOS Holdings plc. 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 Core Lithium (ASX:CXO) share price is charging higher

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    The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price is on form on Tuesday morning.

    At the time of writing, the advanced lithium developer’s shares are up 6.5% to 24 cents.

    This latest gain means the Core Lithium share price is now up 41% since the start of the year.

    Why is the Core Lithium share price charging higher?

    Investors have been buying Core Lithium’s shares this morning after it released an announcement relating to its Finniss Lithium Project.

    According to the release, the company has achieved the production of battery grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LH) from spodumene mineral concentrate from the Finniss Lithium Project.

    Furthermore, the scoping level test work program has demonstrated that the conventional direct flowsheet can be applied to the processing of the mineral concentrate sample to produce battery grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate.

    Management notes that the demonstration of the production of battery grade LH provides Core and its customers confidence in the value of the Finniss Project. In addition, it feels it emphasises the project’s importance to Australia’s northern regional economy and strengthens Australia’s position further downstream in the global lithium battery supply chain.

    Management commentary

    Core Lithium’s Managing Director, Stephen Biggins, commented: “Today’s announcement confirms that battery grade lithium hydroxide suitable for high-end uses in the lithium battery, renewable energy and electric vehicle industries, can be produced from Core’s excellent quality lithium concentrate produced from the Finniss Project.”

    “This successful proof-of-concept test work provides Core, and our customers, the confidence in utilising Finniss lithium concentrates in the global lithium battery supply chain.”

    “Together with the recent award of Major Project Status from the Federal Government, this program lays a foundation for Core to explore the potential of adding downstream processing infrastructure to our portfolio, incorporating the strong synergies with the infrastructure at the nearby Middle-Arm Industrial Precinct at Darwin Port and aligning with Australia’s national Modern Manufacturing Strategy and expansion of the Global lithium battery supply chain,” he concluded.

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  • Why the PointsBet (ASX:PBH) share price was suddenly sold off in March 

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    The PointsBet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) share price dabbled between positive and negative territory in early March. Then it tumbled amid concerns regarding online sports betting legalisation in New York. 

    The PointsBet share price fell 17% in March 

    New York legalisation concerns 

    New York is one of the biggest revenue opportunities for sports betting in the United States. PointsBet previously estimated that New York could have a market size of approximately US$1.35 billion by calendar year 2023.

    This greatly overshadows large sports betting states such as Illinois and Ohio that have a respective US$784 million and US$599 million addressable market.  

    Last week, a research note from Deutsche Bank highlighted concerns over the upcoming vote for online sports betting legalisation in New York. The note said that: 

    Comments from NY politicians, as reported by affiliate media, appear far more pessimistic than those of several weeks ago around the prospects of NY legalising online sports betting in this session.

    While New York has legalised retail sports betting, attention has turned to the online sports betting scene that has surged during COVID-19. 

    US growth needs to go full steam ahead 

    The PointsBet share price represents a relatively expensive $2.2 billion loss-making company trading at approximately 27 times FY20 revenue. The company’s losses are accelerating as it focuses on marketing and promotional activities to drive market share and customer acquisition in the land grab opportunity in the US. 

    In the first half of 2021, PointsBet reported losses of $85.6 million, more than double the $41.5 million loss for the entirety of FY20. Given the richly valued nature of PointsBet shares, the pressure is on the company to successfully execute its growth strategy in the US to maintain confidence and deliver shareholder value.

    The almost 10% drop on 30 March is likely in response to uncertainty in New York and the potential revenue that PointsBet might miss out on. 

    Brokers still see upside for the PointsBet share price

    On 31 March, right after Deutsche’s New York announcement, Goldman Sachs initiated coverage on PointsBet shares with a buy rating and $17.50 target price. The broker shrugged off New York concerns and explained that “we see PBH as well-placed to carve out a niche share of the burgeoning US sports betting market, which we forecast to reach US$39 billion at maturity, implying a robust 40% CAGR out to 2033.”

    The broker believes that PointsBet’s growth will be underpinned by its 20-year partnership with Penn National Gaming (NASDAQ: PENN) which translates to market access into a number of states and its five-year exclusive media partnership with NBCUniversal, the largest sports broadcaster in the US.  

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    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 recommends Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • These ASX tech shares are all trading near their lowest prices in months

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    Many ASX tech companies became market darlings during COVID-19. While broad sectors of the economy suffered under lockdowns, tech companies found themselves in high demand. Technology kept us connected and entertained while we isolated in our homes. Additionally, it helped companies support workforces transitioning to remote working setups.

    But as many countries begin to see the beginnings of an end to the pandemic, investors are struggling to work out how these companies will all fare once life returns to something closer to “normal”. Spurred on by recent falls on the NASDAQ, many of the tech stocks that surged to new highs just a few months ago have now lost significant chunks of their market caps.

    Here are four top-performing tech companies from 2020 that have seen their share prices plunge recently.

    Megaport Ltd (ASX:MP1)

    Megaport had a rollicking 2020. Its shares were sold off heavily during the March crash. Shares dropped to well below $7, before skyrocketing to an all-time high price of $17.67 by late August. However, since then, the company’s shares have dropped off considerably. They are now valued at just $11.72 – a fall of over 30%.

    The company, which specialises in cloud-based networking technology, saw demand surge during COVID. Highlights from the company’s first-half included an 11% half-on-half increase in annualised revenue (to $75 million). In addition, there was an 11% increase in total customer numbers.

    Damstra Holdings Ltd (ASX:DTC)

    Damtra uses technology to deliver workplace management solutions to companies operating in specialised industries like mining and construction. Its share price skyrocketed 321% from a low of $0.58 last March all the way up to $2.44 by October. But it too has sunk lower recently, down more than 50% to $1.14.

    A part of the Damstra decline could be attributable to share price dilution after it acquired workplace technology company Vault Intelligence Limited (ASX:VLT). As part of the takeover deal, Damstra issued 45 million new shares to Vault’s existing shareholders.

    Bigtincan Holdings Ltd (ASX:BTH)

    Bigtincan develops sales enablement software. Its shares also zoomed higher during COVID-19 lockdowns. As recently as October, they were trading at an all-time high of $1.60. However, the share price has now plunged more than 40% to $0.94.

    Bigtincan is still a young company, but its first-half FY21 results were still encouraging. Annualised recurring revenues increased by 50% over first half FY20 to a record $48.4 million. The company also completed two strategic acquisitions during the half.

    Whispir Ltd (ASX:WSP)

    Whispir is a cloud-based software company that helps companies manage their communications workflows. The company has developed a centralised platform that helps customers create high-quality, customisable templates for email, web, and social media communications.

    Managing communications with customers and staff was a key priority for many businesses during lockdowns. Consequently, Whispir’s share price soared. The share price rose from under $1 in the March crash all the way to a high of $5.24 by late last year. But it has now slipped more than 30% to $3.38 at the time of writing.

    First-half FY21 results were reasonably strong, with annualised recurring revenues up 29% versus the first-half FY20 to $47.4 million, and a record 77 new customers onboarded during the half.

    Foolish Takeaway

    After surging to new highs last year, these ASX tech shares are all now firmly in correction territory. There could still be more volatility on the horizon for these companies, as the market continues to try to work out what the economy will look like in the months and years after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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    Rhys Brock owns shares of BIGTINCAN FPO, MEGAPORT FPO, Whispir Ltd and Damstra Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends BIGTINCAN FPO, Damstra Holdings Ltd, MEGAPORT FPO, and Whispir Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BIGTINCAN FPO, Damstra Holdings Ltd, MEGAPORT FPO, and Whispir Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why the Fleetwood (ASX:FWD) share price is rising this morning

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    The Fleetwood Corporation Limited (ASX: FWD) share price is rising this morning after announcing the appointment of its new CEO. At the time of writing, the Fleetwood share price is trading at $2.76, up 2.6%.

    Let’s take a closer look at the announcement. 

    New CEO succession

    The Fleetwood share price is on the move today following the change of its leadership group.

    According to this morning’s release, Fleetwood advised it has appointed Mr. Bruce Nicholson as its new CEO. An experienced building and construction materials executive, Mr. Nicholson will formally become head of the company on 1 July 2021. This follows former managing director and CEO Mr Brad Denison departure in November last year.

    Current interim CEO Mr. Andrew Wackett will return to his original role as chief financial officer and joint company secretary. This will take place once Mr. Nicholson begins his tenure at Fleetwood.

    The company went on to highlight Mr. Nicholson’s substantial experience. In particular, noting his aptitude for delivering results in difficult trading environments. Mr. Nicholson worked on projects in both Australia and New Zealand, as well as North America and Europe.

    Most recently, he held the position of CEO and managing director of Waco Kwikform Group. The business is a leading supplier of scaffolding and falsework for construction, residential, and industrial markets throughout the ANZ region.

    Furthermore, Mr. Nicholson also worked at Fletcher Building Group’s ROCLA concrete piping and products business as managing director. His most notable achievement included heading up the turnaround of a complex manufacturing operation.

    Management commentary

    Fleetwood chair, John Klepec, touched on Mr Nicholson’s being the right person for the top job, saying:

    Bruce has a proven track record over an extended period in both major national established businesses and leading the turnaround of operations.

    We are focussed on fully integrating our acquired Modular Building businesses across Australia whilst also profitably seizing the growth opportunity that currently presents. The modular construction model will transform to efficient manufacturing production systems and Bruce’s depth and breadth of experience are required for Fleetwood to be a major player.

    He is a highly accomplished performance-oriented executive delivering results through customer partnerships, functional excellence and transformation.

    About the Fleetwood share price

    Over the past 12 months, the Fleetwood share price has risen over 120%, with year-to-date improving 29%. The company’s shares are also within the sights of hitting its 52-week high of $2.89 reached in February this year.

    On valuation grounds, Fleetwood commands a market capitalisation of around $254.5 million. Additionally, the company has over 94.6 million shares outstanding.

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  • Why the Sayona Mining (ASX:SYA) share price is storming higher today

    The Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA) share price is pushing higher in morning trade on Tuesday.

    At the time of writing, the lithium developer’s shares are up almost 3% to 3.8 cents.

    Why is the Sayona Mining share price pushing higher?

    The Sayona share price pushed higher this morning after investors responded positively to the release of an announcement.

    That announcement reveals that Sayona Mining has strengthened its project pipeline. This follows the acquisition of further prospective lithium acreage at its Tansim Lithium Project in Québec, Canada and the launch of an airborne magnetic survey over gold targets in Western Australia.

    In respect to the Tansim Lithium Project, the company revealed that it has acquired an additional 75 claims at its emerging project, which is located just 82 kilometres south-west of its flagship Authier Lithium Project.

    This means that Tansim now encompasses 350 claims spanning 20,256 hectares, a 27% increase in prospective lithium acreage following additions earlier in March. This is a big positive given that the recently completed Canadian NI 43-101 determined high exploration potential for lithium pegmatites across the project.

    Over in Western Australia, drill targeting at the Deep well and Mt Dove projects has advanced with the commissioning and completion of geophysical surveying. This is targeting anomalies typical of the nearby massive Hemi gold discovery of De Grey Mining Limited (ASX: DEG).

    Management commentary

    Sayona’s Managing Director, Brett Lynch, commented: “The additional Tansim claims will further enhance the critical mass of the Tansim project and strengthen Sayona’s push to become a world-scale spodumene producer based on our Abitibi lithium hub, with the potential for downstream processing. With investor confidence growing in the future of the North American EV and battery sector, these are quickly becoming highly valuable and strategic assets.”

    “We are also keen to advance exploration across our Western Australian portfolio, given favourable gold prices and the success shown by nearby explorers. These gold projects add to the potential of our lithium portfolio in the world-class Pilgangoora lithium district,” he added.

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  • Here’s why the Noxopharm (ASX:NOX) share price is surging 6% higher

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    The Noxopharm Ltd (ASX: NOX) share price has started the week on a positive note.

    At the time of writing, the clinical-stage drug development company’s shares are up 6% to 67 cents.

    Why is the Noxopharm share price charging higher?

    Investors have been buying Noxopharm’s shares after it provided an update on its Veyonda product.

    According to the release, the company has lodged an international patent application aimed at protecting the use of Veyonda in blocking the development of septic shock associated with infections such as COVID-19 and influenza viruses.

    Veyonda is being developed as an anti-cancer drug that enhances the effectiveness of standard anticancer treatments.

    The release notes that one of its anti-cancer actions is the blocking of a signalling pathway called STING that serves as trigger for an immune response and repair of damaged tissue. In some individuals, the STING response is inappropriately excessive, pushing the individual over into septic shock. Veyonda appears to be the first drug that blocks STING in the clinic.

    With an estimated one person dying globally every 3 seconds from cancer and one every 3 seconds from septic shock, management notes that the commercial opportunity for Veyonda has just doubled. It feels this underlines the commercial importance of the recent patent lodgement.

    What about COVID-19?

    The company advised that “long COVID” symptoms, such as long-lasting fatigue, breathing problems, headaches, along with severe organ damage and death, are all outcomes associated with septic shock.

    Septic shock currently is managed with supportive treatments including drugs and fluids to restore blood pressure, anti-inflammatories such as dexamethasone, and antibiotics/antivirals. However, Noxopharm notes that the key need, that of providing a reduction in cytokine levels in a safe and comprehensive manner, remains largely unmet.

    As a result, it sees a significant opportunity for the Veyonda product in this market.

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  • The Sky Network (ASX:SKT) share price is on watch after NBCU deal

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    The Sky Network Television Limited (ASX: SKT) share price is on watch this morning following an expansion of the company’s agreement with NBCUniversal (NBCU). The latest multi-year deal involves Sky Studios and Universal Studio Group, which encompasses Universal Television as well as other studio brands.

    The Sky Network share price has been trading flat since mid-March. Shares in the New Zealand broadcasting and streaming company are currently 16 cents apiece.

    Let’s look closer at this morning’s announcement from Sky Network.

    New agreement

    The new deal between Sky Network and NBCU will give Sky Network customers access to NBCU-owned channels, movies, and series.

    It will see big-name channels such as E! and CNBC offered on Sky Network’s platforms and free-to-air broadcasting. As well as NBCU’s Universal TV ­– a channel dedicated to crime and drama.

    Sky Network also stated the deal with NBCU will allow it to deliver “thousands of hours of blockbuster films and hit television series”. These include new series such as Young Rock, The Equalizer, and We Are Lady Parts. As well as NBCU feature films Trolls World Tour, The Croods: A New Age, the Bourne franchise, Pitch Perfect, and Back to the Future.

    Also included in the deal will be Sky Studios’ original productions, although details of their involvement are scarce.

    Commentary from management

    Sky Network’s CEO Sophie Moloney commented on the company’s excitement over the agreement’s expansion.

    With an amazing stream of new blockbuster movies and TV series to come, an incredible collection of popular library content, a brand-new channel for our customers in Universal TV and continued access to E! and CNBC, we’re really excited by this deal. Not only does it strengthen the depth and breadth of our offering, but it also secures more of the content that our customers love and value. Having tested the channel concept through our Sky Nation panel, customers are excited to be welcoming Universal TV to Sky.

    Sky Network Television share price snapshot

    2021 has been a productive year on the ASX for Sky Network.

    The broadcaster’s share price is up 6.67% year to date. It’s also up by 14.29% over the last 12 months.

    The company boasts a market capitalisation of around $279 million, with 1.75 billion shares outstanding.

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  • Why the Chorus (ASX:CNU) share price is on watch

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    The Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU) share price is on watch this morning after a pre-market announcement from the telecommunications infrastructure group.

    Why is the Chorus share price on watch?

    Chorus today reduced its indicative Maximum Allowable Revenue (MAR) range. The Kiwi telco group reduced its MAR range to $680 million to $710 million. That represents a reduction from the previous $715 million to $755 million per annum range.

    All of this is part of the group’s submissions and calculations for the latest New Zealand Commerce Commission regulatory process. Chorus CFO David Collins said the company holds “the strong view that the MAR should be set above forecast fibre revenue to maximise the socio-economic benefits of the investment we and the government have made in the Chorus fibre network”.

    The MAR is a key component of the regulatory assessment for the Commerce Commission. It also comes as part of the wide-ranging review of the New Zealand fibre network industry.

    The Chorus share price will be one to watch following this morning’s update on both the ASX and New Zealand’s Exchange (NZX). Shares in the Kiwi telco climbed 1.6% higher on Friday to close at $6.44 per share.

    That’s not far from the group’s 52-week low of $5.95 having slid 11.4% lower in 2021. 

    What else is happening on the ASX?

    There is a bit happening for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) after the Easter break. The Reserve Bank of Australia will meet this afternoon for their monthly cash rate decision. No doubt investors will be keeping a close eye on any announcements.

    Shares in major oil producers could be under pressure as crude oil prices sank lower before the weekend.

    Away from ASX 200 shares, the SG Fleet Group Ltd (ASX: SGF) share price will be on watch as it returns to trade for the first time since Wednesday 24 March. The company announced a ~$86 million capital raising as it looks to fund its $387 million LeasePlan ANZ acquisition.

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  • 2 excellent ASX mid cap shares to buy

    A drawing of a white rocket streaking up, indicating a surging share pirce movement

    If small caps are too risky for your tastes, then you might want to look a little higher up on the risk scale at mid cap shares.

    These shares still have the potential to grow rapidly in the future but, as they are more established than small caps, they are less likely to go bust in the near term.

    But which mid cap shares should you consider? Two that you might want to get better acquainted with are listed below:

    Audinate Group Limited (ASX: AD8)

    Audinate is a $540 million digital audio-visual networking technologies provider. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been weighing on its short term performance, it looks well-placed to rebound once the pandemic passes. Particularly given the quality of its Dante product and its massive market opportunity.

    The Dante product replaces all audio connections with a computer network. It then effortlessly sends hundreds of channels of audio over slender ethernet cables with perfect digital fidelity. Dante is the clear market leader, with eight times as many enabled devices as its nearest rival.

    UBS believes Audinate is well-placed for growth thanks to its technology and the structural shift it is benefiting from. Its analysts have a buy rating and $10.10 price target on its shares.

    ELMO Software Ltd (ASX: ELO)

    ELMO is a $456 million cloud-based human resources and payroll software company. It provides a unified platform to streamline processes for employee administration, recruitment, on-boarding, learning, performance, remuneration, compliance training and payroll.

    ELMO has been a strong performer in recent years and looks well-placed to continue this trend over the next decade. This is thanks to the shift to the cloud, its international expansion, and recent bolt on acquisitions.

    Morgan Stanley is positive on ELMO and currently has an overweight rating and $9.70 price target on its shares.

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    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 recommends BIGTINCAN FPO and Elmo Software. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BIGTINCAN FPO and Elmo Software. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post 2 excellent ASX mid cap shares to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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