2020 has seen some truly unprecedented events on the ASX (yes, I know that phrase is becoming cliched, but we’re nearly done with 2020).

We had one of the shortest and sharpest bear markets in history back in March and April. And that was of course followed by a remarkable recovery in global markets.

Our own S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up more than 45% since 23 March. American indexes like the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX: .DJI) are pretty much at record, all-time highs.

Data from popular broker Saxo Markets tells us that 2020 has been a record-breaking year, with “record levels of activity from both new and existing clients” using the broker.

Saxo gives a breakdown of the most popular stocks its investors were buying by country. And it makes for some interesting reading.

Clearly, its investors have been pretty good at picking winners. The top 5 stocks in terms of trading volume overall were the following:

1. Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA)
2. Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL)
3. Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO)
4. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT)
5. Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN)

All five of these companies are up at least 33% year to date, with Tesla up more than 600%, and Nio up more than 1,000%.

But let’s dig into some individual countries. Here are Australian’s most popular shares on Saxo:

1. Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT)
2. CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)
3. Tesla
4. Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)
5. Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ)

Some names would be familiar here, but it is interesting to note that a US company in Tesla comes in at No. 3. But Aussies evidently can’t shake that affinity for blue chip shares, with CSL and ANZ making the top 5. We also have a clear turnaround play here with travel company Flight Centre.

Saxo lists the most popular shares across a further 14 countries or regions, so I won’t bore you with all of them. I can tell you that similar themes do emerge. Tesla, for instance, is in more than half of these countries’ top 5 lists.

We also see other ‘big tech’ US companies in most of them, including Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL), Facebook Inc (NASDAQ: FB) and Amazon. Other ‘hyper-growth’ stocks like Beyond Meat Inc (NASDAQ: BYND), Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc (NYSE: SPCE) and Zoom Video Communications Inc (NASDAQ: ZM) were also popular across the board. As were ‘vaccine stocks’ like Moderna.

Saxo head of equity strategy, Peter Garnry, had this to say on these trends: 

This year was all about the online vs offline world as technology companies were catapulted into the future by the COVID-19 pandemic while many physical industries such as aviation, travel, leisure, hospitality and automobiles came under significant pressure due to the severe restrictions and lockdowns.

More reading

• ASX 200 down 0.85%: ANZ CFO resigns, tech shares tumble, iron ore jumps
• Transurban (ASX:TCL) share price wobbles on new CFO announcement
• ANZ (ASX:ANZ) share price under pressure after CFO resigns
• Why shares are less risky now than 30 years ago
• New BNPL enters ASX: How it promises to be different

John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Teresa Kersten, an employee of LinkedIn, a Microsoft subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Alphabet (A shares), Facebook, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, Tesla, Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc, and Zoom Video Communications. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of CSL Ltd and recommends the following options: long January 2022 $1920 calls on Amazon and short January 2022 $1940 calls on Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet (A shares), Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Flight Centre Travel Group Limited, and Zoom Video Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

The post In a record-breaking year, here are some of the world’s most popular shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2WCXALC

ASX retail shares have arguably been given a boost heading into Christmas. Retail sales data released today suggest the Australian economy might be heading ‘back to normal’ trading conditions.

In a media statement released today, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that Australian retail turnover rose 7% in November, seasonally adjusted.

The latest data from Australia Post also suggested that the first week of December and the week of Black Friday recorded the biggest number of online purchases Australia has ever seen.

In today’s trading however, online retail shares have been hit hard amid a broader selloff on the ASX.

At the time of writing, online retailers Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL) and Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) have each fallen by almost 5%.

What did the stats say?

The ABS reported that the strong turnover in November also represents a 13.2% increase when compared to November 2019.

Victoria saw a large rise, up 21% compared to the previous month, as retail stores experienced a full month of trade following the easing of coronavirus restrictions in that state. Excluding Victoria, retail sales rose 2.7%.

By industry, household goods retailing led the gains, increasing by 13%, as Black Friday sales and major product releases in the electrical subgroup led to a spike in turnover across the country, the ABS said.

Online retail sales performed even stronger, with Australian households buying more items online in the first week of December than ever recorded before. This was reflected by a 42% increase in online purchases made compared to last year.

According to the latest report from Australia Post, Australians spent $3.2 billion online in October, a 70% increase on the $1.9 billion spent last October.

This report also suggested that the first week of December and the week of Black Friday recorded the biggest number of online purchases ever experienced in Australia. 

An Australia Post spokesperson said the company has “consistently been delivering over 13 million parcels each week in December”.

South Australia, which saw a short lockdown within November, had a flat result. Most South Australian retail industries saw falls as a result of temporary store closures, although these falls were offset by a rise in supermarket sales. 

The rises in Victoria, and Black Friday purchases, also led to large national monthly rises in clothing, footwear and personal accessories sectors as well as other retailing and department stores. 

More reading

• Why the Universal Biosensors (ASX:UBI) share price is up 5% today
• Put these small cap ASX shares on your watchlists today
• Here’s why the Dubber (ASX:DUB) share price is jumping 8.5% higher
• With an 8% dividend yield, is the AGL (ASX:AGL) share price a buy?
• Why the Betmakers (ASX:BET) share price is seesawing today

Eddy Sunarto has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

The post Will record online sales bode well for ASX retail shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3aEa8KZ

The Universal Biosensors, Inc. (ASX: UBI) share price is on the rise today after the company announced that it has signed a new deal with LifeScan.

During mid-morning trade, shares in the medical diagnostics company reached an intraday high of 46 cents. However, the Universal share price has since retreated to 41 cents, up 5.1%.

Quick take on Universal

Universal is a specialist medical diagnostics company that focuses on the research, development, manufacture and commercialisation of diagnostic devices. Used by both consumers and professionals, these test systems can be adopted in an array of point-of-care (POC) settings.

According to Universal, the POC diagnostic market is worth US$15 billion a year.

What’s driving the Universal share price higher?

According to its release, Universal advised that it entered in an exclusive licencing agreement with LifeScan Global Corporation. The agreement will see both parties work together to develop a device that is able to detect and monitor diabetes in animals.

Using LifeScan’s technology, Universal aims to manufacture and sell a discrete single point measurement to monitor glucose. The device will include a biosensor, test strip and a meter for diabetes management.

Under the terms, standard customary conditions apply to both Universal and LifeScan. However, once the product is launched, if annual sales drop below US$10 million, the term of the contract will end.

Previously, LifeScan worked with Universal in commercialising and developing a diabetes strip and meter. To date, the company has sold more than 10 billion diabetes strips worldwide.

CEO commentary

Universal CEO Mr John Sharman spoke of the partnership, saying:

LifeScan paid UBI A$44.6 million in 2019 to buy out UBI’s royalty stream which was based on the diabetes products developed using UBI technology. Our new deal with LifeScan means that we can use our existing know-how and combine it with the LifeScan technology to develop a new diabetes product for animals, which we will own.

Most if not all of the technology, know-how and manufacturing capability for diabetes strips and meters already exists at UBI and we expect to have a product available for sale within 18 – 24 months. Our ambition is to win a significant share of the animal diabetes market.

More reading

• Why the Universal (ASX:UBI) share price reached a multi-year high today

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 Why the Universal Biosensors (ASX:UBI) share price is up 5% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3mHNIux

If you’re looking for small cap ASX shares to add to your watchlist, then I think the two listed below could be worth considering.

Here’s why they should be on your watchlists:

Aerometrex Ltd (ASX: AMX)

Aerometrex is a growing aerial mapping business. It specialises in aerial photography, photogrammetry, LiDAR, 3D modelling, and aerial imagery subscription services. The latter is through its MetroMap offering, which provides access to high quality 2D imagery and 3D reality mesh models. The company has been busy developing new products to strengthen its offering and in October announced a new bush fire prevention product. This new technology is able to determine, in three dimensions, the exact fuel load densities in any bushfire prone region in Australia.

Analysts at Morgans are positive on the company’s prospects and currently have an add rating and $1.83 price target on its shares. This compares to the current Aerometrex share price of $1.13. It notes that the company’s shares are trading at a significant discount to rival Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA).

Audinate Group Limited (ASX: AD8)

Another small cap share to watch is Audinate. It is a digital audio-visual networking technologies provider that is best known for its innovative Dante audio over IP networking solution. This industry-leading product is used widely across the professional live sound, commercial installation, broadcast, and recording industries globally.

Management recently revealed that the number of Dante enabled products manufactured by its customers has now grown to 2,804. This is eight times greater than its nearest rival, making it the clear industry leader.

UBS is a fan of the company and has a buy rating and $8.00 price target on the company’s shares at present. It has been impressed with its recovery from the pandemic and notes that its first quarter result was well ahead of its expectations.

More reading

• 3 recovery ASX shares to buy for 2021
• 3 ASX growth shares to buy
• 3 ASX tech shares to buy for the long term
• 2 exciting small cap ASX shares to watch
• 3 exciting small cap ASX shares rated as buys

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

The post Put these small cap ASX shares on your watchlists today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3rgLzJL

The Dubber Corp Ltd (ASX: DUB) share price has returned from its trading halt and is charging higher.

At the time of writing, the leading unified call recording platform provider’s shares are up 8.5% to $1.88.

Why was the Dubber share price in a trading halt?

Dubber requested a trading halt on Monday so that it could prepare an announcement relating to a major new acquisition.

This afternoon the company revealed that it has acquired UK-based call recording and Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance solutions provider, Speik.

Management notes that the acquisition furthers Dubber’s vision of dubbing the world’s networks and communications solutions to put artificial intelligence on every phone, transforming voice data into a source of value for enterprises and governments globally.

According to the release, Speik was formed in 2019 through a merger of Aeriandi and Voxygen. The latter had been supplying a hardware-based recording platform to Telefonica UK (also known as O2), one of the UK’s leading networks. Whereas Aeriandi had been providing PCI compliance solutions in conjunction with leading UK service providers including Vodafone and Gamma.

Speik has annual revenue of ~7 million pounds (~A$12.4 million) and is growing month-on-month. It is profitable, which management expects to enhance the company’s consolidated bottom line.

What will this cost Dubber?

The aggregate consideration is approximately 21.5 million pounds (A$38 million). This is payable in cash and/or shares, as elected by the selling shareholders, with a 5% reduction if taken in cash.

The initial consideration is 10.1 million pounds (A$17.9 million) and was paid at completion, with 7.9 million pounds paid in cash and loan notes. The balance will be satisfied by way of the issue of 2,441,533 Dubber shares at a deemed issued price of A$1.60.

An earn-out consideration is payable in mid-2022 subject to the achievement of an agreed EBITDA target, with the amount payable determined as multiples of specified revenue streams across the Speik business.

Management commentary.

Dubber’s CEO, Steve McGovern, appeared delighted with the acquisition. He said:

“Dubber’s acquisition of Speik is fundamentally accretive on all levels. Speik brings to Dubber a strong footprint in the leading UK-based mobile network provider, world-class technology resources, and a growing base of subscribers.”

“The Dubber product suite has a capability to expand Speik’s revenue opportunities with O2 – and other service providers – from its current enterprise focus into the larger addressable markets of mobile SME and across unified communications (UC) and Microsoft Teams services with Unified Call Recording.”

“We believe that Dubber can substantially accelerate growth and adoption in that and other key UK-based relationships while using Speik’s PCI services to drive additional revenues with our service provider partners. We welcome the Speik team to our growing Dubber family and look forward to serving our mutual customers like never before.”

More reading

• Top ASX shares to buy in December 2020
• Here are the best performing ASX tech shares in November
• Dubber (ASX:DUB) share price shoots up 14%, nears 52-week high

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Here’s why the Dubber (ASX:DUB) share price is jumping 8.5% higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3aycfzS

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having another day in the red today. The ASX’s flagship index is down 0.61% at the time of writing. But one ASX dividend share is having an even worse day. AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) shares are taking a nasty hit today.

The AGL share price is down 3.79% to $12.06 this afternoon at the time of writing, a new 52-week low. But get ready for this statistic: AGL shares, at this new share price, are now at a 12-year low. That’s right, AGL is now trading at the same share price it was back in mid-2008. And the shares are now down more than 56% since their last high of ~$27.70 seen back in 2017.

More bad news for AGL shareholders

The catalyst for this latest downward move? This morning, AGL issued some updated profit guidance for the FY2021 year we are now halfway through. AGL told investors it now expects its net profit after tax to be in the range of $560 million to $660 million, down from the $500 million to $580 million it previously flagged. The company blamed the recent incident at its Liddell power plant, as well as a warmer winter and unfavourable wholesale electricity market for the revision.

And it’s not like that announcement isn’t the latest in a long line of disappointing announcements shareholders have had to accept. Back in August, the company reported that its profits for FY2020 were down 22% on FY2019’s numbers. The AGL share price crashed 10% on that news at the time.

But this all comes with a possible upside for ASX dividend investors in particular. As any dividend investor would know, a lower share price means a higher dividend yield on offer (assuming a steady payout of course). And on today’s AGL share price, the company’s trailing dividend yield is now worth a whopping 8.12%.

Now back in August, the company committed to paying out virtually 100% of its profits as dividends over FY2021 and FY2022, albeit without any franking credits attached. AGL did not mention its dividend in the update this morning. But that arguably means investors can still expect all of AGL’s profits will be paid out this financial year, and in FY2022.

Are AGL shares a buy today?

An 8.11% dividend might sound tempting. But one broker doesn’t think so. Analysts at Morgans have reportedly cut their AGL share price target to just $11.18 this morning, implying further downside for this energy retailer.

More reading

• ASX 200 down 0.85%: ANZ CFO resigns, tech shares tumble, iron ore jumps
• Why AGL, Mesoblast, WiseTech, & Woodside are dropping lower
• The Unibail Rodamco Westfield (ASX:URW) share price has dipped 3% today
• US Congress finally confirms more stimulus. Higher markets to follow?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 With an 8% dividend yield, is the AGL (ASX:AGL) share price a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3pfpIk0

The BetMakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX: BET) share price emerged from its trading halt this morning and jumped higher before dropping below its opening price. 

At the time of writing, the Betmakers share price is trading down 2.07% at 71 cents. Let’s take a look.

Why is the BetMakers share price so volatile?

Shares in the Aussie betting group surged nearly 7% higher this morning after the company announced a new international distribution deal.

BetMakers has signed a new agreement with Prime Sports Jamaica Limited (PSJ) and Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL). Both entities are wholly-owned by Supreme Ventures Limited.

The new 5-year agreement will see BetMakers secure the rights to manage fixed odds wagering on all horse racing through SVREL channels. The agreement also gives the wagering group the right to distribute and manage all racing data through the channels.

BetMakers says it believes the agreement will have a “material impact” on the company’s revenues. 

The company has also entered into a sponsorship agreement with SVREL.

That agreement will see BetMakers take exclusive naming and branding rights to a new trainers pavilion to be constructed at Caymanas Park and be a named sponsor with broad advertising rights at key events.

How have BetMakers shares performed this year?

Today’s announcement is the latest in a long line of partnership agreeements from BetMakers.

Shares in the Aussie wagering group have rocketed more than 400% higher since the start of the year. That’s partly due to the coronavirus pandemic which has seen a surge in gambling popularity around the world.

The BetMakers share price is currently trading at 71 cents per share, roughly 10% shy of its 80 cents per share 52-week high.

The Aussie company has a market capitalisation of $430.1 million with a 4.9% dividend yield at the time of writing.

In contrast, the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) has fallen 0.7% to 6,622 points.

More reading

• Why the BetMakers (ASX:BET) share price is surging 12% higher today
• Why tech investors should watch the Tesserent (ASX:TNT) share price next year
• Why BetMakers, Medical Development International, Qantas, & Zip are dropping lower
• Why the BetMakers (ASX:BET) share price is crashing 15% lower today
• Why the BetMakers (ASX:BET) share price is up 12% to a record high

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.

The post Why the Betmakers (ASX:BET) share price is seesawing today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/37Bkzgi

The National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR) share price could be overvalued according to one leading broker.

Who’s bearish on National Storage?

According to a note out of Goldman Sachs this week, its analysts have retained their sell rating but lifted the price target on the self-storage operator’s shares slightly to $1.57.

This follows the release of the company’s trading update and guidance for FY 2021 last week.

That update revealed that National Storage now has a total of 206 centres across Australia and New Zealand following the acquisition of 17 centres and the development of two more in FY 2021.

Management also advised that its combined Australian and New Zealand same centre occupancy has lifted to 85.7%, from 78.9% at the end of June.

Also improving is its same centre revenue per available square metre (REVPAM) metric. At the end of November, its REVPAM was up 6.2% since the end of June to $207.

Finally, in respect to its guidance, the company is expecting to deliver earnings per share at the upper end of the guidance range of 7.7 cents per share to 8.3 cents per share.

What did Goldman Sachs think of this update?

While the broker was pleased with aspects of this update, there wasn’t enough detail to allow it change its view.

Goldman explained: “Although occupancy and REVPAM have both improved relative to the comparable metric at June 30, NSR’s disclosure is not sufficient to estimate the effective rate – given REVPAM is just for the Australian 2018 same centre portfolio (in-line with disclosure in its June 30 presentation) and the occupancy provided in this update is the combined same centre portfolio for both Australia and New Zealand.”

“We also note the increase in occupancy must be viewed in the context of higher rates of discounting, but there is also not enough disclosure to accurately estimate the prevailing rate of discounting in the portfolio. However, for illustrative purposes, if we assume the occupancy and REVPAM are for the total portfolio, we estimate the effective rate declined by roughly 2%,” it added.

Valuation concerns.

Goldman Sachs’ main issue is its current valuation, which it appears to believe is excessive compared to its peers.

“At the A$1.57 TP, NSR offers a 12-month total return of -18% (vs. coverage average +1%) and it is trading at a 23x FY22E FFO multiple versus our coverage at 17x. We remain Sell rated and see more attractive opportunities on relative valuation and upside in our small caps and alternatives coverage,” it concluded.

Goldman Sachs’ preferred pick in the space is Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX: CQE). Its analysts have a conviction buy rating and $3.35 price target on its shares.

More reading

• 2 ASX dividend shares with 4%+ yields
• Why the National Storage (ASX:NSR) share price is dropping lower
• Here’s what these popular ASX dividend shares plan to pay investors in 2021
• 2 ASX shares with generous dividend yields
• 2 ASX dividend shares to buy this week

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Top broker puts sell rating on National Storage (ASX:NSR) shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/34w0Axp

Earlier on in the year, COVID-19 had an adverse impact on the capital markets and initial public offering (IPO) activity. However, gradually improving trading conditions resulted in the ASX seeing its fair share of unique company listings in 2020 afterall. Here are two of the best performing ASX IPOs of the year, both of which delivered spectacular returns for those who managed to get in early. 

2 stellar ASX IPOs of 2020

Douugh Ltd (ASX: DOU) 

The Douugh share price has soared more than 450% from its 3 cent IPO price. Douugh believes the current business model operated by banks and neobanks is outdated, and the company aims to disrupt the status quo with a radically new banking model. Its app harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to automate banking in an effort to foster financial wellness and help users achieve their financial goals.  

The app includes the types of features you’d expect from a checking account as well as the ability to track fixed expenses and subscriptions, manage spending and more. Over the next 12 months, Douugh plans to introduce a variety of feature updates before rolling out a monthly subscription fee. It plans to launch an automated money management assistant called Autopilot and new managed investment portfolios called Wealth Jars. 

More recently, the company launched its app in the United States after a successful 18-month beta trial. Its go-to-market growth strategy is focused on key digital media channels and working with Google to utilise its AI-powered ad bidding platform to target profitable customers. It also partnered up with Humm Group Ltd (ASX: HUM) to manage a line of credit of up to US$1,000 to eligible customers through a dedicated ‘Credit Jar’ on the Douugh platform and virtual Mastercard. 

Cosol Ltd (ASX: COS) 

Cosol is a digital services company focused on clients operating in asset-intensive industries such as transport, oil & gas and mining. These companies typically have in place complex and capital-intensive systems, underpinned by software such as SAP and Ellipse, to manage the lifecycle of their physical assets. By utilising its own proprietary software and its extensive services capabilities, Cosol delivers a range of IT and business solutions to its clients. 

The company is profitable with pro-forma FY20 EBIT increasing 42% to $3.93 million and NPAT increasing 45% to $2.88 million, giving this ASX share a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 35 at today’s prices. The company is optimistic for the year ahead as its clients are providers of critical services such as water, mining, energy, defence, and public infrastructure. Investors who managed to participate in the Cosol IPO, which had an offer price of just 20 cents, would currently see returns sitting at 290%. 

More reading

• Why the Douugh (ASX:DOU) share price is pushing higher
• ASX 200 rises on Tuesday
• Why the Douugh (ASX:DOU) share price is rocketing 15% higher today
• Why is the Douugh (ASX:DOU) share price in trading halt today?

Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Lina Lim 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 Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and Mastercard. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Humm Group Limited, and Mastercard. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

The post You might have missed these top performing ASX IPOs of 2020   appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3awqo0r

The BOD Australia Ltd (ASX: BDA) share price is climbing higher on news the company has secured purchase orders for the Italian market. In midday trade, the Bod share price is up 5.7% at 46 cents.

What did Bod announce?

This morning, Bod advised it has received additional orders from its exclusive global partner, Health & Happiness Group, for 4 Swisse Wellness-branded hemp seed oil products to be sold in Italy.

This follows an initial order from Health & Happiness, in which $1 million worth of products entered the Italian market last month. The new purchase of the hemp seed oil products is worth $871,413. As per the licencing agreement terms, Bod will also collect royalty payments on net product sales, and a cost-plus margin for the supply of its ingredients.

Enclosed in a soft gel cap form, the hemp seed oil products are designed to promote sleep, reduce stress and increase general wellness. Once delivered, the batch will be distributed to more than 4,000 pharmacies as well as being available through Swisse e-commerce channels.

Bod revealed that the market entrance into Italy will coincide with the launch of a Swisse branded marketing campaign. In-store promotions and social media advertising will form part of a sales initiative to drive purchases and increase brand awareness.

In addition, the company will seek to further strengthen its revenue growth by introducing nine new products into the United Kingdom and Europe. Marketed under the brand name of Swisse and CBII, the CBD and hemp products will include topical creams, soft gel caps and other skincare items.

As Bod’s manufacturing facilities have started production, it is expected that these will be launched in the coming months.

What did management say?

Bod CEO Jo Patterson welcomed the progress, saying:

It is pleasing to see the momentum that is building for the Italian market in a short time period which strengthens the company’s growing revenue profile and highlights the potential growth trajectory that our exclusive global agreement with H&H Group can deliver.

Bod is now selling products in Australia, the UK, France, Italy and the Netherlands. H&H Group have an established footprint in each of these key markets and with a number of new products to be brought to market shortly, we expect additional purchase orders to continue to grow in size and volume.

More on the Bod share price

The Bod share price performed relatively well before the start of this month, increasing more than 400% from its March lows.

However, in the past week alone, its shares have dropped more than 20%. This comes after reaching a 52-week high of 74 cents 2 weeks ago.

More reading

• Should I pay attention to the ABS labour force data tomorrow?
• Starpharma (ASX:SPL) share price dips despite positive update
• ASX company busted allegedly misleading customers
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today
• Here’s why a big broker thinks you should avoid these ASX gold shares 

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 Why the Bod (ASX:BDA) share price is rising 5% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2KLmJ3U