• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

    Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their estimates and recommendations again, leading to the release of a number of broker notes.

    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:

    Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL)

    According to a note out of UBS, its analysts have retained their buy rating but trimmed the price target on this gaming technology company’s shares to $35.50. The broker has been looking into the company’s Digital business and believes it grew strongly in the first quarter of FY 2021. However, it has reduced its forecasts to account for foreign exchange headwinds. The Aristocrat Leisure share price is trading at $31.16 this afternoon.

    Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ)

    Analysts at Morgan Stanley have retained their overweight rating and lifted the price target on this banking giant’s shares to $26.20. According to the note, the broker believes that bank shares have the potential to outperform the market this year thanks to their earnings recovery and strong balance sheets. In addition to this, the broker expects banks to benefit from solid home loan growth and a reduction in impairment charges. The ANZ share price is fetching at $24.57 on Friday.

    Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD)

    Another note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have reiterated their overweight rating and $21.50 price target on this corporate travel specialist’s shares ahead of earnings season. According to the note, the broker is expecting Corporate Travel Management to outperform in FY 2021. Especially with the economy re-opening and the sizeable cost reductions it made in FY 2020. In fact, the broker suspects the company’s profitability could even return to pre-COVID levels. The Corporate Travel Management share price is trading at $16.82 this afternoon.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Corporate Travel Management Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • PayPal stock could surge 23% to $300 on its cryptocurrency move, according to this analyst

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

    A bitcoin with a chart in the background showing share price movement

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

    Paypal Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: PYPL) made headlines late last year when the company announced a move into cryptocurrency. One analyst believes that the full measure of that opportunity isn’t yet baked into its price and could drive PayPal stock to a new all-time high.

    BTIG analyst Mark Palmer upgraded the stock to buy from neutral (hold), saying it would gain traction from its nascent cryptocurrency platform, which could add more than $1 billion in revenue to PayPal’s coffers by 2022. 

    PayPal is using crypto brokerage Paxos to power its cryptocurrency transactions. The company “has seen its trading volumes rise impressively in recent weeks,” according to Palmer. The analyst goes on to posit that “the vast majority” of the increase in trading volume is the result of transactions by PayPal customers.

    Late last year, PayPal announced the launch of a service that would allow users to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrency in their PayPal account. In addition, users could learn about digital currencies and track prices, all without ever leaving the app. 

    But that’s just the beginning. PayPal will accept cryptocurrency as a payment method beginning this year and plans to extend its crypto service to Venmo users.

    Tangential evidence suggests that Palmer is right on the money. Investors need look no further than Square Inc (NYSE: SQ) to get a sense of the opportunity resulting from cryptocurrency transactions. In the third quarter, Square generated total net revenue of $3.03 billion, up 140% year over year, but excluding bitcoin revenue, net revenue was $1.4 billion, up just 25%. That suggests that crypto has effectively doubled Square’s net revenue. 

    This highlights the massive potential resulting from PayPal’s move. Additionally, its stock has doubled over the past year on the accelerating adoption of digital payments, so it isn’t far-fetched to think PayPal could gain another 23% in the coming year.

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

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    Danny Vena owns shares of PayPal Holdings and Square and has the following options: long January 2022 $75 calls on PayPal Holdings. Danny Vena has no position in any cryptocurrencies mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends PayPal Holdings and Square and recommends the following options: long January 2022 $75 calls on PayPal Holdings. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended PayPal Holdings. 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 Novatti (ASX:NOV) share price is soaring 8% higher

    asx share price rise represented by man holding bunch of balloons soaring through the air

    The Novatti Group Ltd (ASX: NOV) share price is soaring higher in mid-afternoon trade. This comes after the company announced its Visa Prepaid cards are now supported by a major global payments platform. At the time of writing, the Novatti share price is up 8.3% to 26 cents.

    What’s driving the Novatti share price?

    The Novatti share price is picking up steam after the company reported news of its partnership with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL)’s Apple Pay. In the company’s release, Novatti advised Apple Pay has now been included in its physical and digital Visa cards ecosystem.

    The latest addition will allow consumers to conveniently make purchases in-store and online through Apple Wallet. The software, stored on an Apple device, contains credit card information input by the user, acting as a virtual wallet.

    Novatti noted that the Apple Pay integration followed extensive testing to ensure a smooth transition. It also highlighted that major Australian Banks have already adopted Apple Pay into their services.

    Quick take on Novatti

    Established in 1994, Novatti is a digital banking and payments company that enables fast and secure payments. The business has partnership agreements with an array of companies that include Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS), Cathay Pacific, Hutchison Telecom, and others.

    Visa awarded Novatti with a principal issuer licence in September 2019, which paved the way for its Visa Prepaid cards.

    Words from the managing director

    Novatti managing director Mr Peter Cook hailed the addition of Apple Pay, saying:

    By partnering with Apple Pay, Novatti is providing its clients with even greater flexibility and coverage in their choice of mobile device, and therefore, the opportunity for Novatti’s platforms to scale further.

    By increasing the reach of Novatti’s Visa Prepaid cards, we aim to further scale our card issuing and transactions.

    Novatti share price snapshot

    The Novatti share price has lifted nearly 24% over the last 12 months.

    The company’s shares hit an all-time low of 8.3 cents in March due to COVID-19 weakening global markets. In June, however, the Novatti share price accelerated to a 52-week peak of 42 cents, before stabilising around the mid-20-cent mark.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Aaron Teboneras owns shares of Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Apple and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple. 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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  • Dacian Gold (ASX:DCN) share price falls despite solid update

    Gold bear and bull share market

    The Dacian Gold Ltd (ASX: DCN) share price is slumping 1.9% lower in today’s trade despite a solid quarterly update from the Aussie gold miner, as gold prices retreated overnight.

    Why is the Dacian Gold share price slumping today?

    Dacian reported a strong net cash position for the quarter ended 31 December 2020 (Q2 FY2021). The Aussie gold miner produced 27,162 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,430 per ounce in the December quarter.

    The mining group reported first half production of 59,961 ounces at an AISC of $1,356 per ounce. That means Dacian is on target to meet its full year guidance of 110,000 to 120,000 ounces at an AISC of $1,400 to $1,550 per ounce.

    The Dacian Gold share price slumped lower in early trade following the update as gold prices retreated from a nearly two-week high. Today’s update comes after strong quarterly results from competitors Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) and Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR) were also released this week.

    Both the Saracen and Northern Star share prices jumped higher in early trade before retreating to below their opening prices.

    Dacian reported cash and gold on hand at 31 December 2020 of $37.9 million. Total debt was $23.4 million after repaying $15.7 million in the quarter. That gave Dacian a net cash position of $14.5 million, a $15.1 million quarter-on-quarter improvement.

    A new merger announcement, which came on 16 November 2020, was the big news for Dacian during the quarter. Dacian announced an all-scrip merger with NTM Gold Ltd (ASX: NTM) which saw the NTM share price rocket 44% higher. The $96.4 million merger is set to close in mid-March 2021 with the aim of creating a $285 million gold company.

    Dacian Managing Director Leigh Junk said it was a “robust” result that has “significantly improved” the financial position for the company. Mr Junk said a stronger balance sheet and the merger will help Dacian to “explore regional consolidation” and leverage its significant infrastructure in the Laverton goldfields in Western Australia.

    Foolish takeaway

    The Dacian Gold share price slumped lower in early trade before paring back some of those losses in the late morning. That’s despite a solid quarterly update that confirmed Dacian was on track to meet its full-year guidance as gold prices edged lower.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has edged 0.2% lower to 6,804.50 points at the time of writing.

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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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  • Why the Aussie Broadband (ASX:ABB) share price rocketed 20% higher today

    asx share price increase represented by golden dollar sign rocketing out from white domes

    The Aussie Broadband Ltd (ASX: ABB) share price is on course to finish the week in style

    In afternoon trade the internet service provider’s shares are up a sizeable 12% to $2.77.

    At one stage today, the Aussie Broadband share price was up as much as 20% to a record high of $2.97.

    When the company’s shares hit that level, it meant they were up just under 200% from their October IPO price of $1.00.

    Why is the Aussie Broadband share price rocketing higher?

    Investors have been scrambling to buy the company’s shares on Friday following the release of a trading update.

    According to the release, Aussie Broadband has delivered a significant increase in broadband connections over the last 12 months.

    The release advises that at the end of December, Aussie Broadband had a total of 342,634 broadband connections. This is up 31% over the last six months and 88% since this time last year.

    What does this mean for its earnings?

    In light of this strong growth in broadband connections, Aussie Broadband expects to report half year earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $8 million to $8.5 million excluding IPO costs.

    Including IPO costs, EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $6.9 million to $7.4 million.

    This means that the company is well and truly on track to smash its prospectus forecasts for FY 2021. According to its prospectus, Aussie Broadband is targeting EBITDA of $12.66 million for the 12 months ending 30 June 2021.

    Furthermore, Aussie Broadband has already generated five times more EBITDA (excluding IPO cost) in the first six months of FY 2021 than it did in the whole of FY 2020. The company reported EBITDA of $1.58 million for the last financial year on a pro forma basis.

    What’s next?

    Aussie Broadband is finalising its accounts and intends to release its half year results on 17 February 2021.

    This Tiny ASX Stock Could Be the Next Afterpay

    One little-known Australian IPO has doubled in value since January, and renowned Australian Moonshot stock picker Anirban Mahanti sees a potential millionaire-maker in waiting…

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    Doc and his team have published a detailed report on this tiny ASX stock. Find out how you can access what could be the NEXT Afterpay today!

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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 Aussie Broadband 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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  • Why the Medadvisor (ASX:MDR) share price is up 11% this week

    medical asx share price represented by doctor giving thumbs up

    Medadvisor Ltd (ASX: MDR) shares are performing strongly this week after the company released its quarterly report yesterday. The Medadvisor share price jumped 19.12% to 40.5 cents as the update for the quarter ending 31 December 2020 hit the ASX on Thursday.

    However, the small-cap medical management platform’s share price has since pulled back to 40 cents at the time of writing.

    What’s driving the Medadvisor share price?

    The Medadvisor share price has been on the move after the company announced record operating revenue. Full year revenue for the company was $56.1 million, up 24% on the prior corresponding period. However, stealing the headlines was the company’s half year revenue of $34.3 million. This equates to a rise of 79% over the prior half.

    In terms of operating cash flow Medadvisor reported cash receipts of $10.7 million for the quarter. These results were largely driven by strong performance in the company’s US subsidiary Adheris, which it acquired in November 2020. As such, Medadvisor closed the quarter with $21.2 million in cash.

    Furthermore, Medadvisor expects demand for vaccination delivery via retail pharmacies to grow, which will accelerate growth in the company’s US health services. Medadvisor’s vaccine program product was its highest revenue generator in 2020.

    Management comments

    Medadvisor CEO and Managing Director Robert Read welcomed the news saying:

    This quarter validates the strong financial performance of Adheris and the opportunities that are available from MedAdvisor ownership. As a result, our revenues are up 188% year-on-year and approximately 80% of our revenue is now generated in the US. We are now working with our global customers at scale across multiple regions.

    About the Medadvisor share price

    Medadvisor is a management platform that aims to simplify the process of taking medication. The company uses its software to connect users to tools and education materials from their preferred pharmacy.

    Medadvisor operates across three main countries. In the US, its program can reach 1 in 2 Americans for opt-out health programs via approximately 25,000 pharmacies. This was made possible by the company’s acquisition of US-based Adheris for US$27.5 million.

    In Australia, Medadvisor has connected over 1.8 million users through 60% of Australian pharmacies. The company has also recently launched into Asia and the United Kingdom.

    The Medadvisor share price has risen over 11% year to date but is still trading more than 40% lower than its 52-week high achieved in May last year.

    Based on the current Medadvisor share price, the company has a market capitalisation of around $122 million.

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    Daniel Ewing has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of MedAdvisor. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended MedAdvisor. 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 latest ASX broker “buy” ideas that got a valuation upgrade

    shares valuation higher upgrade, growth shares

    If you are worried about our market running out of puff near its 11-month high, there are some ASX stocks that have been just given more room to run.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) is struggling on the wrong side of breakeven this morning as some fret about over stretched valuations.

    However, top brokers these three ASX stocks are still good value as their price targets just got upgraded.

    Bumper valuation upgrade

    The Incitec Pivot Ltd (ASX: IPL) share price is one example. Morgan Stanley lifted its fair value target on the fertilizer supplier by 14.5% to $3.15 a share.

    Rising soft commodity prices are expected to provide further support to fertilizer prices. That prompted the broker to increase its FY21 earnings forecast on Incitec.

    “We view soft commodity prices, specifically corn and soybeans, as key leading indicators for fertiliser demand,” said Morgan Stanley.

    “Corn prices have increased markedly in recent weeks, a positive lead indicator for fertiliser prices.”

    The broker is recommending the IPL share price as “overweight” (which is equivalent to a “buy”).

    Lying on a bed of cash

    Meanwhile, the Resmed CDI (ASX: RMD) share price also got a material valuation upgrade from UBS.

    The broker increased its price target on Resmed’s US stock to US$241 from US$210 a share on expectations that the medical device developer will be flushed with cash.

    Over the past three financial years, Resmed generated more than US$1.5 billion in cash from free cash flow (before acquisitions). The company used around US$1 billion to buy MatrixCare in 2018 and used the excess cash to pay dividends.

    Expected buyback triggers upgrade

    “However, assuming RMD does not make any further major acquisitions in the near term, by the end of FY21, we estimate net debt to reach only ~US$139mn,” said UBS.

    “In order to reduce a significant cash balance by FY23+, we have incorporated a ~10% share buyback, commencing in 1Q FY22E.”

    The effect of the buyback will be seen in a higher earnings per share (EPS) for Resmed. UBS has a “buy” rating on the RMD share price.

    Price target revving up for ASG share price

    Finally, the Autosports Group Ltd (ASX: ASG) share price is shifting up a gear. The analysts at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) upped their profit forecasts for the car dealer due to stronger expected margins.

    The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t all bad news for automotive sales. While auto sales did take a temporary hit, the supply chain disruption and surge in demand from commuters afraid of taking public transport led to widespread shortages of vehicles.

    Good luck trying to get a discount on your next car in this environment!

    Attractively priced ASX small cap

    “Conditions remain favourable and look set to continue for much of the remainder of FY21,” said Macquarie.

    “While margins will start to normalise throughout CY21 leading to lower earnings in FY22 vs FY21, the FY22e P/E of 9x provides significant valuation support.”

    The broker increased its 12-month price target on the ASG share price to $1.90 from $1.75 a share and has an “outperform” recommendation on the stock.

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    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ResMed Inc. 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 Ioneer (ASX:INR) share price is up 16% this week

    Cut outs of cogs and machinery with chemical symbol for lithium

    The Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR) share price is having a stellar week, up 16% since Monday. Shares in the rare earth explorer rocketed up 11% to 33.5 cents yesterday as the company announced that it has made inroads into supplying the booming EV sector.

    In trading today, the Ioneer share price has dropped 2.99% down to a price of 32.5 cents at the time of writing.

    What Ioneer does

    Ioneer is a rare earth explorer, located predominantly in the US. It is the 100% owner of Rhyolite Ridge in the Nevada desert. Ioneer claims this to be the only lithium-boron deposit in North America and one of only two such deposits in the world.

    Ioneer’s feasibility study completed in April 2020 confirmed Rhyolite as a “world class” lithium and boron site. The company expects the mine to become a “globally significant, long-life, low-cost source of lithium and boron”.

    What’s driving the Ioneer share price?

    The company advised yesterday that its metallurgy and process engineering team successfully converted lithium carbonate produced at its pilot plant. The team was able to turn the lithium into battery grade lithium hydroxide essential in electric vehicles.

    Moving forward, the company remains highly focused on securing off take agreements for its lithium products, having already agreed binding deals for its boric acid.

    The ability to manufacture both lithium carbonate and hydroxide places the company apart from other producers, such as Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS), Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY) and Piedmont Lithium Ltd (ASX: PLL).

    Management comments

    Ioneer  managing director Bernard Rowe welcomed the news, stating:

    Rhyolite Ridge will be well-positioned to meet both North American and global demand for Lithium carbonate and battery grade lithium hydroxide.

    As the premier US project, Ioneer will be uniquely situated to supply the future US electric vehicle platforms of automotive OEMs. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence predicts that US demand for lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide could exceed 344kt by 2025 with nearly no domestic supply.

    The company also noted that the Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) Gigafactory is located just 203 miles northwest of the project site.

    Despite falling today, the Ioneer share price has gained a whopping 76% year to date.

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  • Why Afterpay, Cleanaway, Mosaic Brands, & Perpetual shares are dropping lower

    red arrow pointing down, falling share price

    In afternoon trade the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on track to end the week in a subdued manner. The benchmark index is down 0.2% to 6,812 points at the time of writing.

    Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping lower:

    Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT)

    The Afterpay share price is down 5% to $141.85. This appears to have been driven by profit taking from investors after some stellar gains recently. In fact, at one stage today the Afterpay share price hit a record high of $151.22. When the payments company’s shares hit that level, it meant they were up a massive 37% since last Wednesday. A bullish broker note and Affirm’s successful IPO in the US have helped drive Afterpay’s shares higher this month.

    Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

    The Cleanaway share price has fallen a further 1% to $2.35. Investors have been selling this waste management company’s shares this week following the resignation of its CEO. In response to this surprising news, Credit Suisse downgraded the company’s shares to a neutral rating with a $2.45 price target.

    Mosaic Brands Ltd (ASX: MOZ)

    The Mosaic Brands share price has crashed 11% lower to $1.03. This decline appears to be due to profit taking from some investors after a significant jump in the fashion retailer’s share price on Thursday. The Mosaic Brands share price rocketed 32% higher yesterday after revealing that its performance had improved greatly.

    Perpetual Limited (ASX: PPT)

    The Perpetual share price is down almost 3.5% to $34.69 following the release of a trading update. According to the release, Perpetual’s total assets under management (AUM) came in at $89.2 billion at the end of the second quarter. This includes AUM from the Barrow Hanley acquisition on 18 November 2020. Perpetual Asset Management Australia’s AUM fell 2% to $22.7 billion.

    This Tiny ASX Stock Could Be the Next Afterpay

    One little-known Australian IPO has doubled in value since January, and renowned Australian Moonshot stock picker Anirban Mahanti sees a potential millionaire-maker in waiting…

    Because ‘Doc’ Mahanti believes this fast-growing company has all the hallmarks of genuine Moonshot potential, forget ‘buy now pay later’, this stock could be the next hot stock on the ASX.

    Doc and his team have published a detailed report on this tiny ASX stock. Find out how you can access what could be the NEXT Afterpay today!

    Returns as of 6th October 2020

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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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  • Worley (ASX:WOR) share price dips despite new deals

    Man thinking and scratching his beard as if asking whether the altium share price is a good buy

    The Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR) share price has slipped into negative territory today. This comes after the company advised it has been awarded a number of new service agreements.

    In late morning trade, the global engineering company’s shares are down 0.5% to $12.42.

    What did Worley announce?

    The Worley share price has dipped lower today, despite announcing the positive news of winning new contracts.

    In today’s release, Worley advised that it’s been awarded 4 master services agreements by subsidiaries of Cheniere Energy, Inc.

    Based in Houston, Texas, Cheniere is an international energy company that is focused on producing liquefied natural gas (LNG). Commencing operations in 2016, the company has quickly become the second largest producer of LNG in the world.

    The terms in detail

    Under the agreements, Worley will provide engineering, procurement, construction and construction management services to Cheniere’s LNG facilities in the United States. This includes delivering project services to Corpus Christi Liquefaction and Sabine Pass Liquefaction facilities, located in Texas and Louisiana, respectively.

    The scope of work will be carried out by Worley’s Houston office. In addition, the company’s Global Integrated Delivery team in India will lend support where needed.

    Worley highlighted that the new agreements complement the recent master services contract awarded for Cheniere’s Corpus Christi site.

    Comments from the CEO

    Worley CEO Chris Ashton welcomed the service agreements, saying:

    As a global professional services company with an extensive track record of sustaining and optimising LNG facilities globally, we are pleased that Cheniere has continued to engage Worley to provide expanded engineering and construction services to its Corpus Christi and Sabine Pass facilities.

    These agreements support Cheniere in its strategy to deliver excellence in LNG, while supporting Worley’s strategic focus on sustainability and delivering a more sustainable world.

    About the Worley share price

    Over the last 9 months, the Worley share price has been moving on a gradual upwards trajectory. Falling to as low as $4.63 in March, the company’s shares have been on the road to recovery. This time last year, its shares were sitting at a 52-week high of $15.97.

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

    The post Worley (ASX:WOR) share price dips despite new deals appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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