• Why the Minbos Resources (ASX:MNB) share is rocketing 7% higher

    Monadelphous share price rio tinto A small rocket take off from a laptop, indicating a share price surge

    The Minbos Resources Ltd (ASX: MNB) share price has been on fire on Wednesday. Shares in the Aussie phosphate miner rocketed higher in early trade and remain up more than 10% at the time of writing.

    Why is the Minbos Resources share price surging?

    The big news this morning was Minbos releasing its latest quarterly cash flow and activities reports to the market. Minbos reported net operating cash outflows of $483,000 but positive quarterly net cash flow thanks to $6.6 million in net equity raise proceeds.

    March quarter highlights included:

    • Execution of the Mineral Investment Contract (MIC) for exploration and feasibility studies to produce phosphate rock by Minbos within the Cabinda Phosphate Project area;
    • Adoption of global standards for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting;
    • Recommencement of field trials in Angola and greenhouse experiments in the USA; and
    • A $7.3 million placement to fund its Definitive Feasibility Study and accelerate the Cabinda Phosphate Project initiatives.

    The Minbos Resources share price has shot higher on the back of this morning’s update. The execution of the MIC is a big step forward for Aussie mining which formalises the company’s engagement with Government Ministries and the Province of Cabinda in Angola.

    Angola’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas approved Minbos’ Mining Licence in March 2021. That licence is renewable for up to 35 years for phosphate mining from the Cacata Deposit.

    Minbos has engaged impact monitoring technology platform Socialsuite to help measure outcomes against its new ESG framework and reporting process.

    The coronavirus pandemic has impacted Minbos alongside many global miners. However, the company said it is still in the process of gaining exemptions to ongoing Angola restrictions which may impact previous development timelines.

    The $7.3 million placement was completed in mid-February and was oversubscribed. The Minbos Resources share price jumped higher following that placement which issued 91.25 million fully paid ordinary shares.

    Foolish takeaway

    The Minbos Resources share price has shot more than 10% higher today after this morning’s quarterly update. Progress with government licences, ESG compliance and a strong financial position have helped propel the company’s shares higher.

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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 up 0.5%: Coles Q3 update, Westpac settles class action, JB Hi-Fi loses its CEO

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    At lunch on Wednesday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is back on form and storming higher. The benchmark index is currently up 0.5% to 7,072.3 points.

    Here’s what is happening on the market today:

    Westpac settles class action

    The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is pushing higher today after releasing an update on a class action. According to the release, Westpac has settled a class action relating to premiums paid for certain insurance policies taken out with Westpac Life Insurance Services between 2011 and 2017. The banking giant advised that the settlement is capped at $30 million and remains subject to approval by the Federal Court of Australia. It stressed that it has resolved the matter without any admission of liability.

    Coles third quarter update

    The Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price is rising today following the release of its third quarter update. For the three months ended 31 March, Coles recorded total sales of $8,758 million. While this was down 5.1% from the prior corresponding period, it was up 7.2% from the same period in FY 2019. Panic buying in the prior corresponding period boosted its sales materially. Positively, supermarket sales are up 4% during the first four weeks of the fourth quarter.

    Premier Investments poaches JB Hi-Fi CEO

    The Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV) share price is charging higher after announcing the appointment of its new Premier Retail CEO. According to the release, the company has poached Richard Murray from retail giant JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH). Mr Murray is currently Group CEO of JB Hi-Fi and has over 25 years’ experience in retail and finance.

    Best and worst ASX 200 performers

    The best performer on the ASX 200 on Wednesday has been the Downer EDI Limited (ASX: DOW) share price with a 5.5% gain. This follows the announcement of a major share buyback plan. The worst performer has been the De Grey Mining Limited (ASX: DEG) share price with a 7% decline. This is despite there being no news out of the gold explorer.

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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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    Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models again, leading to the release of a large number of broker notes this week.

    Three broker buy ratings that have caught my eye are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

    According to a note out of Credit Suisse, its analysts have initiated coverage on this online furniture and homewares retailer’s shares with an outperform rating and $12.54 price target. The broker believes the company is well-positioned in a large and growing furniture and homewares market which is shifting online. Credit Suisse sees scope for 13% of industry sales to be made online by FY 2025. This puts Temple & Webster in a position to grow its sales at a rapid rate over the coming years. The Temple & Webster share price is fetching $10.71 this morning.

    Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

    A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have retained their add rating and $8.37 price target on this fashion retailer’s shares. This follows the release of its third quarter update. Morgans was happy with Universal Store’s sales growth, which came in almost 40% higher than the prior corresponding period. As a result of this update, the broker continues to believe the company is well-placed to grow at a strong rate over the coming years. The Universal Store share price is trading at $7.80 on Wednesday.

    Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

    Another note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have retained their add rating and $28.50 price target on this banking giant’s shares. This follows Westpac’s announcement of notable items that will be included in its first half results next month. While Morgans has downgraded its earnings forecasts for FY 2021 slightly to reflect this, it remains positive on the bank due to improving trading conditions in the sector. It also notes the positive outlook for asset quality, dividends and capital management. The Westpac share price is fetching $25.18 on Wednesday morning.

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    James Mickleboro owns shares of Westpac Banking. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group 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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  • Amazon to roll out Prime in-garage grocery delivery nationwide

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

    woman delivering Amazon prime parcel through in-garage grocery service

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

    Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) is expanding its in-garage delivery program for Prime members nationwide to wherever it currently offers grocery delivery.

    Originally tested in just five cities last November, Amazon says the program will now be available in over 5,000 cities, making millions of Prime members eligible to use the service.

    Grocery delivery was a growing phenomenon prior to last year’s COVID-19 outbreak, but the global pandemic made the service a literal lifesaver for many who could not or would not go into public during the lockdowns.

    Still, letting a person into your home to deliver groceries when you’re not home requires a willing suspension of distrust. Walmart (NYSE: WMT) said it wanted to conquer the last 15 feet of delivery by offering an in-refrigerator grocery put-away service, but in-garage delivery seems arguably a superior option as it doesn’t require giving permission into the inner sanctum of the home.

    Prime members who use the service must have a myQ Smart Garage compatible door opener. According to the manufacturer Chamberlain Group, most garage door opener brands made after 1993 are compatible.

    The myQ app is then linked with Key by Amazon. When ordering groceries, the customer chooses the Key Delivery option at checkout. Customers can be notified when the delivery is occurring and if they have a home security camera, can watch the delivery being made.

    A Morning Consult survey Amazon commissioned found convenience was the main benefit consumers associated with grocery delivery; 70% of respondents said they preferred it to making a trip to the supermarket. Some 77% said saving time was a key consideration, too.

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

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    Rich Duprey has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Amazon and recommends the following options: long January 2022 $1920 calls on Amazon and short January 2022 $1940 calls on Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • The Openpay (ASX:OPY) share price sliding despite positive quarterly update

    downward red arrow with business man sliding down it signifying falling asx share price

    The struggling Openpay share price is looking to make up for lost ground after announcing a positive third-quarter update

    Leading buy now pay later (BNPL) rivals such as Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) have likely stolen the spotlight with dual listing plans and continued international expansion. The Openpay Group Ltd (ASX: OPY) share price has been left behind, stumbling 10% year-to-date to an 11-month low last week.

    The company has approached this quarter with a sense of gravity, saying:

    Openpay continues to move with urgency to capture market opportunity and disrupt major payments markets with its highly relevant and transparent offering for merchants and consumers.

    But will this be enough to please the market? 

    Third-quarter highlights 

    Openpay delivered an uplift across leading indicators in the third quarter following a very strong second quarter.

    The company’s total transaction value (TTV) increased 80% on the prior corresponding period (pcp) to $83 million. Its revenue had also increased 24% against the pcp to $6.6 million. Additionally, with an improved revenue yield of 7.8% from the 7.5% in 2Q21. 

    The number of active plans increased to 1.7 million. This is up 185% on the prior corresponding period and up 19% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ). Its active customers doubled from a year ago to 505,000 and up 10% QoQ. Given the priority placed on the UK market, half the company’s customer base now comes from the UK. 

    Openpay continues to drive merchant sign-ups. In particular, with active merchants up 70% on the pcp and an impressive 24% QoQ to 3,400. In Australia, key agreements were signed with leading brands such as Officeworks and Ford. Additionally, Openpay entered the hospital sector with St John of God Health Care. 

    To add some perspective, rivals Zip delivered a 12% QoQ improvement in customers and an 18% increase in merchants in its third quarter update two weeks ago. Its shares surged some 15% on the day of the announcement but has since lost the entirety of its gains.

    On the flip side, Splitit Ltd (ASX: SPT) recorded a slight quarter on quarter decline in revenues, falling from US$2.9 million to US$2.7 million in its first-quarter update. Its shares slipped 5% on the day.

    Overall, it looks like the market has shrugged off the company’s achievements. At the time of writing, the Openpay share price down 1.88% to $2.09.

    What will drive the Openpay share price? 

    The Openpay share price is eyeing a number of growth initiatives to drive shareholder value and revenue growth. 

    Openpay entered the US$55.8 billion US and UK healthcare channel in March. This was in partnership with cloud-based veterinary Practice Management Software platform, ezyVet. 

    The company believes there is a significant market opportunity in the US to carve out its niche in higher-value, longer-term plans. By servicing strategy target verticals such as healthcare, home improvement, and education, Openpay believes it can address the current gaps in the BNPL market in the US. 

    With the lack of share price traction for smaller BNPL shares, Openpay will need to put its best foot forward to get out of its recent slump. 

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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 ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T 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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  • Why the Respiri (ASX:RSH) share price shot 18% higher today

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    The Respiri Ltd Fully Paid Ord. Shrs (ASX: RSH) share price has rocketed 18.2% higher at the market open after an update from the Aussie medical device company.

    Why is the Respiri share price on the charge?

    Respiri this morning announced a new agreement with TerryWhite Chemmart. The agreement will see TerryWhite Chemmart stores sell and market wheezo, commencing immediately.

    wheezo is Respiri’s medical device that records breathing sounds and detects and analyses wheeze. The innovative device helps to identify and manage symptoms associated with asthma.

    TerryWhite Chemmart is Australia’s largest pharmacy network with over 450 community pharmacies. The Respiri share price rocketed 18.2% at Wednesday’s open as investors reacted well to the new deal.

    Respiri CEO and Managing Director, Mr Marjan Mikel, said, “Respiri continues to grow wheezo product availability in the pharmacy channel as we recognise the important role that pharmacies play with supporting asthma management and care”.

    “This agreement with Terry White Chemmart takes the number of pharmacies contracted to stock and sell wheezo to approximately 1,000 stores”, he added. That represents an “implied market footprint” of 22% based on the total number of ex-hospital community pharmacies in Australia.

    The Respiri share price has once again surged higher this morning on the back of the news. At the time of writing, the Aussie medical device company’s shares were up 18.2% for the day and 85.7% in the last 12 months.

    Respiri said it remains in active discussions with several other large pharmacy banner groups. Further ASX announcements are expected once those discussions are finalised and initial orders have commenced.

    Foolish takeaway

    The Respiri share price has rocketed higher today after a new partnership announcement. The deal with TerryWhite Chemmart will expand its network of pharmacies selling the proprietary wheezo device across Australia.

    That’s been enough for shareholders to snap up the Aussie healthcare share in one of the day’s early strong performers.

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  • Alcidion (ASX:ALC) share price slumps despite ‘strong growth’

    falling healthcare asx share price Mesoblast capital raising

    Alcidion Group Ltd (ASX: ALC) shares are on the slide today despite the company reporting “strong organic growth” in its March quarterly update.  At the time of writing, the Alcidion share price is trading 2.6% lower at 37.5 cents. In comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is currently sitting 0.02% higher. 

    Let’s take a look at how the health-focused IT company has been performing. 

    Quarter highlights

    In a statement to the ASX this morning, Alcidion released its Q3 results for FY21. During the quarter, the company generated $2.8 million of positive cash flow. For the financial year so far, however, cash flow is currently negative $500,000.

    Alcidion generated $11.5 million of customer receipts during the quarter. This constitutes just over half of the company’s entire revenue for the financial year up to 31 March. $6.1 million of the $11.5 million was generated by NHS Trust customers in the United Kingdom.

    The group expects contracted revenue for the financial year to total $24.7 million, $15.9 million of which will be recurring and $8.8 million will be non-recurring.

    This month, Alcidion announced it had acquired ExtraMed – a UK patient flow software company – for $9.6 million and won a $21 million contract with the Australian Department of Defence as part of a consortium. The announcements sent the Alcidion share price to an all-time high.

    Alcidion says the ExtraMed purchase will add $2.7 million in revenue during FY22 and $500,000 in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA).

    The group has $15.3 million in cash reserves currently. It expects to bolster its stash by an extra $6.6 million from a proposed capital raising endeavour.

    Management commentary

    Alcidion managing director Kate Quirke said of today’s update:

    Alcidion has delivered another quarter of strong organic sales growth in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, with contracted revenue of $24.7M expected to be recognised in FY21, excluding revenue from the acquisition of ExtraMed.

    Having already surpassed our FY20 revenue figure by 33%, we now enter a new phase following the acquisition of ExtraMed, which strengthens our current patient flow offering and puts us into a market leading position in the UK, with 27 NHS Trusts as customers. We are already moving to integrate these businesses and engage with our expanded client base in this market.

    Alcidion share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the Alcidion share price has increased by around 124%. In fact, just in the last month, the company’s value has appreciated by more than 20%.

    Given its current valuation, Alcidion has a market capitalisation of $395 million.

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    Marc Sidarous has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Alcidion Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alcidion Group 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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  • BrainChip (ASX:BRN) share price rises on first quarter update

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    The BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN) share price is pushing higher following the release of its first quarter update.

    In morning trade, the artificial intelligence technology company’s shares are up 3% to 61.5 cents.

    What happened in the first quarter?

    In respect to its financials, it was a routinely quiet quarter for the company.

    At the end of 31 March, BrainChip had a cash balance of US$20 million. This was up from US$19.1 million at the end of December.

    Management advised that this was the result of net cash outflows from operating activities of US$3.8 million being offset largely by cash receipts of US$1.12 million and US$3 million from the exercise of options.

    In respect to the latter, millions of BrainChip options were exercised during the quarter at just 20 cents per share.

    What else has been happening?

    Management took this opportunity to remind shareholders of developments during the quarter.

    One of those was its addition to the All Ordinaries index at the March quarterly rebalance.

    Another development was the appointment of Peter van der Made to the position of Interim Chief Executive Officer to replace Louis DiNardo who left the company.

    In respect to this, BrainChip advised that it continues to undertake a thorough search for a highly qualified and seasoned permanent replacement.

    Another development, which came after the end of the quarter, was the company’s design and manufacturing partner, Socionext, releasing the engineering layout of the production version of the AKD1000 chip to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Production units are expected to be available for testing in the third quarter of FY 2021.

    Following today’s gain, the BrainChip share price is now up an incredible ~1,100% over the last 12 months.

    This gives the pre-revenue company a market capitalisation of almost $1 billion. This is despite its technology being unproven and facing competition from tech behemoths.

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  • Why the Race Oncology (ASX:RAC) share price is racing higher

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    The Race Oncology Ltd (ASX: RAC) share price is climbing today after an update from the Aussie healthcare company.

    Why is the Race Oncology share price climbing?

    Race Oncology announced that it has entered into a collaborative preclinical research program with The University of Newcastle. The purpose of the program is to investigate the heart safety Bisantrene offers over current anthracycline therapeutics. 

    Bisantrene is Race Oncology’s Phase 2/3 cancer drug that is a “potent inhibitor” of the Fatso/Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) protein. The possible role of FTO inhibition in Bisantrene’s lack of cardiotoxicity will be a primary focus of the new project.

    The Race Oncology share price has jumped 1.6% higher at the market open following the news. While Bisantrene’s heart safety has been demonstrated in over 40 clinical trials, how it avoids causing cardiotoxicity is unknown.

    The aim of the project is to explore Bisantrene’s low cardiotoxicity at a molecular level. The project will be led by cardiotoxicity researchers Aaron Sverdlov and Doan Ngo of The University of Newcastle.

    Pillar 2 of Race’s Three Pillar strategy announced on 30 November 2020 is focused on Bisantrene’s ability to act as an anthracycline replacement. Race said anthracyclines are chemotherapeutics that are effective but cardiotoxic.

    That’s where the latest study comes in and why the Race Oncology share price is climbing. The results of this study will support Phase 2b human trials of a Bisantrene in anthracycline naïve breast cancer patients. European feasibility studies are evaluating the trials with potential initiation in 2022.

    Chief Scientific Officer Dr Daniel Tillett said, “Understanding how Bisantrene works at a molecular level to avoid damage to the heart will aid our clinical plans”. 

    The Race Oncology share price has jumped higher at the market open following the news as investors buy up the Aussie healthcare share.

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  • Life360 (ASX:360) share price climbs on ‘accelerating growth’

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    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) shares are on the rise in early trade following the company’s release of an upbeat March quarterly update this morning. At the time of writing, the Life360 share price is trading 1.69% higher at $6.01. 

    Let’s take a look at how the technology company has been performing.

    March quarter highlights 

    Life360 shares are responding positively after the company reported its growth picked up momentum in March, with its largest market, the United States, showing early signs of recovery.

    The company delivered a 20% year-on-year increase in revenue to US$23.0 million with annualised monthly revenue in March improving 26% to US$95.8 million. Its global monthly active user (MAU) base of 28.0 million now matches March 2020 levels, prior to the impacts of COVID-19.

    Life360’s US MAU base set a new record of 18.1 million, an 8% year-on-year increase and 1 million higher than the December 2020 quarter. 

    Life360 is on the cusp of positive cash flows with an earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) loss of US$1.5 million. Despite being loss-making, the company maintains a strong capital position with a cash balance of US$53.5 million in March 2021 with no debt. 

    The company noted that during the March quarter, the majority of paid user acquisition spend remained paused with an investment of US$1.2 million compared to the respective US$1.7 million and US$4.0 million in the December and March 2020 quarters.

    Its commentary observed that the performance of traditional user acquisition channels remains challenging, but new channels such as streaming TV are working well. With increasing activity and return on investment, the company is reactivating its marketing spend earlier than initially planned. 

    The Life360 share price is edging higher following the company’s release of the largely positive update. 

    Management commentary 

    Life360 chief executive officer Chris Hulls commented on the results, saying: 

    We are excited by Life360’s accelerating growth momentum in the March quarter, particularly in the US where the benefits of the vaccine rollout are beginning to be felt. We are encouraged that the early signs of recovery in Australia are now being replicated in our largest market, the US. Globally, new registrations are at their highest level since March 2020, prior to the onset of COVID. In the US, organic registrations increased… additionally, the month of March delivered the strongest growth in Paying Circle additions since November 2019…

    Life 360 share price snapshot

    Life360 shares have been on a tear since late January this year, climbing by around 50%. The company’s shares jumped almost 20% on the day its full-year results were released on 25 February to what was a new all-time high of $4.70.

    The company entered the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) on 22 March following its surging valuation. Its shares have continued to set new highs in the weeks following, highlighted by another 13% jump yesterday following acquisition news

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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. recommends Life360, Inc. 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.

    The post Life360 (ASX:360) share price climbs on ‘accelerating growth’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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