• What’s with the Laybuy (ASX:LBY) share price today?

    flat asx share price represented by investor shrugging

    The Laybuy Holdings Ltd (ASX: LBY) share price seesawing today despite announcing a positive market update on its performance. In mid-morning trade, the buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider’s shares are slightly down 0.7% to $1.26.

    Quick take on Laybuy

    Launched in 2017, Laybuy has been growing rapidly in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The fintech company has partnered with over 8,000 retail merchants to offer consumers BNPL solutions. The integrated payment platform allows customers to make a purchase and pay it off over 6 weekly instalments without incurring interest.

    What was announced?

    The Laybuy share price hasn’t gone anywhere today as investors appear unfazed by the company’s latest update.

    According to this morning’s release, Laybuy advised that it is continuing to deliver a strong result for FY21. Based on the current performance, the company expects revenue and net transaction margin to be above analyst estimates.

    As such, FY21 forecasted revenue is projected to come in the range of NZ$32 million to NZ$33 million. This represents an increase of 132% to 139% year-on-year. The group recorded revenue of NZ$13.7 million for FY20. In addition, net transaction margin value is anticipated to stand between NZ$10.2 million and NZ$10.7 million. Furthermore, Laybuy stated that executing key strategic initiatives like its global partner programme drove the underlying performance.

    The company reported Annualised Gross Merchant Value (GMV) of NZ$630 million based on annualising GMV for January and February. This is a lift of the originally assumed GMV estimate of NZ$581 million to NZ$586 million for FY21.

     640 active merchants and 45,811 active customers were added to Laybuy’s books since the start of the calendar year.

    Laybuy revealed that it will release its Q4 business update on 20 April 2021.

    About the share price

    Since its listing last September at $1.41, the Laybuy share price has fallen around 10% in value. However, the company’s shares stormed to a record high of $2.30 in the days following the IPO, and then headed south.

    More recently, its shares have been relatively stable from the beginning of January, down 1.5% year-to-date.

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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.

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  • Why the Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price is climbing today

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    The Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price is one to watch in early trade. Shares in the Aussie oil and gas giant have jumped 2.5% this morning in good news for shareholders. At the time of writing, the Woodside share price has retreated slightly, trading for $26.05, up 2.28%.

    Why is the Woodside share price climbing?

    For one thing, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has started strongly after a soft end last week.

    One of the biggest factors driving the Woodside share price higher this morning, however, has been rising crude oil prices.

    Woodside is the largest operator of oil and gas production in Australia. Additionally, it is Australia’s largest independent dedicated oil and gas company.

    That means the Woodside share price tends to move in step with crude oil prices which have a direct impact on revenues and profitability.

    Friday night saw crude oil prices climb higher which has translated to strong share price momentum this morning. 

    According to Bloomberg, the West Texas Instruments (WTI) crude oil price rose 1.6% to US$67.15 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price climbed 1.5% to US$70.42 a barrel.

    That continues the strong rebound in recent days for the global commodity, largely driven by international oil cartel OPEC holding firm with its production cuts.

    Strong US economic data has also boosted hopes of a rebound in oil demand and therefore stronger pricing.

    Those oil price gains have seen the Woodside share price surge higher in early trade. However, not all ASX energy shares have been seeing gains to kick off the trading week.

    Despite the oil price gains, shares in rival Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) have slid lower this morning.

    The Santos share price has fallen from its $7.76 per share Friday closing price after its largest shareholder sold 107.1 million or 5.14% of shares on issue.

    ENN Group sold down the shares in an oversubscribed process at $7.33 per share and retains a 9.97% stake in Santos.

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  • Why Afterpay, Alkane, ALS, & Woodside shares are storming higher

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    It has been a fantastic start to the week for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). In late morning trade the benchmark index is up 1.7% to 6,823.5 points.

    Four ASX shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are storming higher:

    Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT)

    The Afterpay share price is up over 3% to $119.06. Investors have been buying Afterpay and other tech shares on Monday following a strong night of trade on the tech-heavy Nasdaq index on Friday. The buying has been so strong that the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is up a sizeable 1.9% at the time of writing.

    Alkane Resources Limited (ASX: ALK)

    The Alkane Resources share price has climbed 3% to 70 cents. This morning the gold-focused mineral exploration company revealed positive drilling results from its Northern Molong Porphyry Project. Management commented: “These results give us added confidence to pursue our drilling campaign as we seek to identify what could potentially be a series of substantial deposits across our Northern Molong Porphory Project.”

    ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ)

    The ALS share price is up over 3% to $9.79 after announcing a new acquisition. This morning the testing services company announced that it has acquired Investiga for an undisclosed fee. Investiga is a pharmaceutical testing business with operations in Brazil and the east coast of the United States. It currently has 360 employees and generated A$20 million of revenue in FY 2020.

    Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL)

    The Woodside share price has risen 2.5% to $26.10. There appear to be a couple of catalysts for this solid gain. One is another rise in oil prices on Friday night and the other is a broker note out of Ord Minnett. In respect to the latter, this morning the broker upgraded Woodside’s shares to a buy rating with a $29.05 price target.

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  • Here’s why Biden’s stimulus is pushing the ASX 200 higher today

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    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has opened boldly this morning, up a healthy 1.79% to 6,831 points at the time of writing. A large part of this jump is being attributed to some news out of the United States over the weekend. And no, it’s not the Prince Harry/Meghan Markle interview with Oprah.

    According to a report in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) yesterday, the US Senate has approved a massive US$1.9 trillion stimulus package focused on coronavirus relief. That was along party lines. President Biden’s Democratic Party and the Republican Party each controlling 50 votes in the chamber.

    The bill will now go to the House of Representatives for final approval before it makes its way to the desk of US President Joe Biden. The bill passed the Senate on a line-ball vote — 50 votes to 49. It is expected to easily pass when it is debated on Wednesday (our time). That’s because the Democrats have a larger majority of 11 in the House. If all goes to plan, President Biden will be signing the bill into law before the end fo the week. If this does happen as expected, it will be a major victory for the US President. As well as a fulfilment of a key election promise.

    Why are markets excited about this Biden stimulus?

    The share market is excited about this news simply because of the sheer size of the economic stimulus that is about to enter the world’s largest economy. According to the US Department of Commerce, the United States’ total gross domestic product (GDP) last year was US$20.93 trillion in 2020, meaning this package alone is worth 9.1% of the total US economy.

    The package will consist of a new round of ‘stimulus cheques’, each worth US$1,400 for “low and middle-income Americans”. Those cheques come on top of the round of US$600 cheques that Congress approved back in December.  It will also include new child tax benefits, higher unemployment payments, and money for hospitals and vaccine rollout acceleration. Payments to state and local governments are also part of the package. Democrats didn’t get all of what they wanted though. The proposed hike in the US minimum wage to US$15 an hour was not included in the final bill. That was despite protests from some of the more progressive Democrats like Sen. Bernie Sanders.

    Democrats had promised a package of this scope in the run-up to the Georgia Senate elections last year (which came after the presidential election). Parts package were also part of Joe Biden’s election manifesto.

    All of this extra cash looks set to make its way into the US economy within weeks. And that is why investors are excited about this deal. It is likely to mean more money comes through the tills of most US-based companies. And since the ASX tends to get excited (and depressed) about anything the US markets do, we are also feeling the love this morning.

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  • Why this new app has brokers excited for the Afterpay (ASX: APT) share price

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    Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) announced its highly-anticipated H1 FY21 results on 25 February.

    The results highlight classic Afterpay growth. This falls across all key metrics including a 106% increase in underlying sales to $9.8 billion and a 521% surge in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $47.9 million. 

    Despite the strong results, the Afterpay share price is down 25%. This fall has come since its record all-time highs of $160.05 set on 11 February. Its bleeding continued last week, falling by about 5% to close at $115.40. 

    Results and share price performance aside, there was one update that might have flown under the radar. 

    Meet Afterpay Money v1.0 

    Afterpay Money is a new stand-alone app built with Millennials and Gen Z in mind. The key purpose of the app is to help Australians manage their money. 

    The app aims to compete as a primary money management app. It comes complete with a linked debit card and other classic banking features. Users can add new cards into the digital wallet and a salary can be paid into the account directly. Additionally, money can be transferred to other financial accounts and up to 15 savings goals can be created.

    The app will also link with an Afterpay account. Furthermore, savings and Afterpay buy now pay latter account information will all be in one spot. Afterpay will also introduce a loyalty program that includes premium merchant offers and no payment upfront.

    Afterpay aims to leverage its rich data insights from its Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) partnership. In addition to internal data to inform customers about budgeting opportunities and personalised merchant offers. 

    The Afterpay Money app is on track to formally launch in Q1 FY22.

    Brokers run the ruler on the share price 

    Brokers have pushed the breaks on upgrading the Afterpay share price due to increasing competition, a stretched valuation, and rising risks. 

    Ord Minnett appears to be the most bullish broker on the Afterpay share price with a buy rating and $150.00 price target on 1 March. The broker was pleased with growth across Northern American and UK regions. In addition to the value that Afterpay Money could bring. 

    Citi flagged the increasing risks such as slowing e-commerce sales post-COVID and rising competition. Despite the broker’s reserved commentary, it was upbeat on Afterpay Money as a catalyst for new products and features. Taking into consideration both the risks and catalysts, Citi maintained a cautious neutral rating with a $124.80 price target on 3 march. 

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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 AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why the Santos (ASX:STO) share price is down this morning

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    The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price has dropped this morning after an update from the Aussie oil and gas group.

    Why is the Santos share price in focus?

    The Santos share price is down 2.3% after announcing a significant sale by its largest shareholder.

    ENN Group has sold 107.1 million shares or 5.14% of those on issue at $7.33 per share. The Santos share price closed at $7.76 per share on Friday with a $16.2 billion market capitalisation.

    ENN’s sale received “strong support” from institutional shareholders in the oversubscribed process.

    ENN reportedly remains “fully supportive” of Santos’ strategy and future direction. The infrastructure investment group also remains Santos’ largest shareholder following the sale. That includes retaining a 9.97% stake in the Aussie oil and gas producer.

    The reduced shareholding does mean that a 2017 strategic relationship agreement with ENN covering board representation and other matters is no longer effective. ENN-nominated director Mr Eugene Shi will therefore resign from the board following the sale.

    What else is happening for the ASX energy share?

    The Santos share price began 2021 in strong fashion. Shares in the Aussie energy group have jumped 20.7% higher to $7.76 per share at Friday’s close. That translates to a 58.7% gain over the last 12 months despite volatile oil prices.

    It’s worth keeping an eye on the Aussie energy group this morning for another reason. 

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was tipped to open higher this morning according to the latest SPI futures. That, combined with strengthening crude oil prices on Friday night, will make the Santos share price worth watching in early trade.

    According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price rose 3.5% to US$66.09 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price climbed 3.9% to US$69.36 a barrel.

    The latest price surge was largely driven by OPEC holding firm with production cuts and strong US economic data.

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  • Top broker tips Coles (ASX:COL) share price to climb 30% higher

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    In morning trade the Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price is pushing higher.

    At the time of writing, the supermarket giant’s shares are up 2% to $15.80.

    This means the Coles share price has now limited its year-to-date decline to just under 15%.

    Is the Coles share price in the buy zone?

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts believe the recent weakness in the Coles share price is a buying opportunity for investors.

    This morning the broker reaffirmed its buy rating and $20.70 price target on the company’s shares.

    Based on the current Coles share price, this price target implies potential upside of 31% over the next 12 months. And if you include dividends, this stretches to approximately 35%.

    What did Goldman say about Coles?

    There are a few reasons that Goldman Sachs is positive on the company. One of those is its smarter selling program. It commented:

    “The smarter selling cost out program continues to be in important medium-term support to earnings with another A$250mn in gross cost out forecast by management in FY21. Although there is some concern in the market around the lower sales trends at COL leading to a potential price war, we see the cost out as a key differentiator in margin performance ahead of some longer-term efficiency programs.”

    And while Coles is underperforming rival Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Goldman appears optimistic that this gap will narrow in FY 2022.

    “COL has underperformed WOW from a comparable store sales perspective by ~1.8% over the last three quarters. After adjusting for the divergent start in 3Q20 and store rollout, this growth differential persisted into 3Q21. WOW’s superior execution and stronger online focus is delivering consistent above market sales performance, however we expect this relativity to converge over FY22 as smarter selling initiatives deliver improvements in execution.”

    Looking long term, the broker believes that Coles is well-placed to benefit from the automation of its supply chain.

    “The key long-term theme for COL is the step change in efficiency the company will derive as it automates its supply chain with the Witron installations starting in SEQ and NSW. While this program will not begin to impact performance until FY24, management appear to be getting more confident about the benefits to longer-term competitiveness.”

    Overall, with its shares trading at 20x estimated FY 2021 earnings, it sees a lot of value in them at the current level.

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  • This unexpected second COVID boom will lift these ASX shares in 2021

    baby with look of surprised as if at huge increase in COVID baby boom asx shares

    Some ASX shares could benefit from a second post-COVID-19 boom, according to Jarden.

    The broker analysed the latest Medicare data and is predicting a COVID baby boom this year.

    This coincides with a ramp-up in economic growth from government stimulus and receding threats posed by the pandemic.

    COVID baby boomers

    The number of early-stage ultrasounds for those who are within the first 16-weeks of their pregnancies have risen materially.

    “Looking at the number of benefits paid across four Medicare items (covering <12 week and 12-16 week ultrasounds), shows a notable rise in the number of scans since Apr-20,” said Jarden.

    “While the peak in Jul-20 was likely elevated due to catchup from earlier COVID-19 delays, the fact that ultrasounds have averaged +12% y/y since then suggests it is more than a blip.”

    Not all ASX shares can benefit from COVID baby bump

    Rising population growth is a positive for ASX shares and the broader economy. But don’t get excited just yet.

    The thing is, the rise in births isn’t likely to offset the collapse in migration due to the global pandemic.

    “Indeed, even assuming a 10% y/y rise in births over 2021 (which fades by end-22), population growth is still likely to be just 0.5% y/y in 2021 and 0.7% over 2022,” said Jarden.

    “This compares to FY21 Budget forecasts of 0.3% / 0.6%, down from 1.5% pre-COVID.”

    This means the baby bump won’t translate to a wide-spread tailwind for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO).

    Clucky-lucky ASX shares

    However, this isn’t to say there won’t be ASX winners from this thematic. The Ramsay Health Care Limited Fully Paid Ord. Shrs (ASX: RHC) share price is one beneficiary.

    The hospital operator had noted an increase in maternity bookings when it released its latest profit results. Ramsay reported record bookings for the months of March and April.

    This trend could persist as households have more disposable income coming out of the pandemic. This may prompt more expectant mums to opt for private hospitals instead of public ones.

    The broker estimates that maternity represents around 7% of Ramsay’s Australian hospital revenues. Growth in maternity revenue is tipped to return to around 5%.

    More than a baby boost

    Another baby boom winner is the Baby Bunting Group Ltd (ASX: BBN) share price. Since infant products retailing giant Toys ‘R’ Us collapsed in 2018, Baby Bunting has grown into the dominant chain in this country.

    Retailers have already enjoyed strong sales from cashed-up consumers who can’t spend on holidays. Baby Bunting will get an additional boost from clucky Aussies.

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  • Here’s why the Recce (ASX:RCE) share price is racing higher today

    The Recce Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: RCE) share price is pushing higher on Monday morning.

    At the time of writing, the synthetic anti-infectives focused biotechnology company’s shares are up 3% to $1.01.

    Why is the Recce share price pushing higher?

    Investors have been buying Recce shares this morning after it announced the successful dual listing of its shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany. This will see the company’s shares hit the Frankfurt bourse at the opening of trade at 8am central European time today.

    According to the release, the dual listing was possible without many of the normal primary listing procedures. This means the company will benefit from a widening of its investor reach with minimal cost.

    In addition, there was no associated capital raising for this listing or issuance of new securities. This was due to the company’s strong existing financial position and the fact that it is listed and market-makable via the ASX.

    Management commentary

    Recce’s Chairman, Dr. John Prendergast, appeared delighted with its dual listing.

    He commented: “Dual-listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange is a wonderful new chapter in our global strategy. As the third largest stock exchange in the world, it sees the connection of EU biotech and overseas capital with the Company’s New Classes of Synthetic Anti-Infectives development program.”

    The company’s investor and corporate relations advisor in Europe, Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Wertpapieranalyse (DGWA), spoke very positively about the listing. It appears to believe Recce will be an attractive investment option for European investors.

    DGWA’s CEO, Stefan Müller, said: “DGWA are thrilled to be working with Recce in Europe. Investor interest in quality biotechnology companies is significant and increasing with the global anti-infective market expected to grow at a compound rate of over 30% to 2030 and anticipate this German listing will provide EU investors an opportunity to participate in that growth. We are confident Recce will be warmly welcomed among the European investment community and look forward to supporting their activity in the region over the time ahead.”

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  • The worst performing ASX 200 shares last week

    hand selecting unhappy face icon from choice of happy and neutral faces signifying worst performing asx shares

    Last week was a rollercoaster ride for ASX 200 shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) running as high as 2.70% by Tuesday afternoon before closing the week just 0.30% higher.

    This wild performance was driven by weaknesses in sectors including the S&P/ASX Health Care (INDEXASX: XHJ), S&P/ASX Information Technology (INDEXASX: XIJ) and S&P/ASX Materials (INDEXASX: XMJ) which fell a respective 4.46%, 2.30% and 2.76%. Much of the underperformance in the tech and growth sectors was dragged down by increasing concerns for rising bond yields

    While the ASX 200 is looking to rebound strongly today, here are the worst-performing ASX 200 shares from last week. 

    1. IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) 

    The IDP share price took a 13.86% nosedive last week, making it the worst-performing ASX 200 share. Despite the significant fall, its shares have only stumbled to a 1-month low and up 14% for the year

    There’s a true bull and bear case for the international student and language service provider. A challenging business environment in the face of a global pandemic resulted in a significant decline in the company’s revenues. The 1H FY21 results highlighted a 26% decline in revenue to $269.1 million and 45% decline in net profit after tax to $29.7 million. 

    While its financial performance might be weak at face value, Ord Minnett called out IDP’s results on 24 February as an “extremely strong result under the circumstances”.

    On the day of its 1H FY21 results, the IDP share price briefly touched a new all-time record high of $29.22. 

    On the flip side, there are increasing concerns that the deteriorating relationship with China will curb international student numbers. An article from the Australian Financial Review notes that education agents based in China were given a directive not to send students to Australia.

    2. Cimic Group Ltd (ASX: CIM) 

    The anticipated and existing policies to boost infrastructure and housing sectors failed to trickle into an improvement in Cimic’s earnings. Cimic Group shares slumped as much as 18.5% on 10 February after the company announced its FY20 results which highlight a 20.3% decline in revenue due to COVID-19.

    The Cimic share price has been in a year-on-year decline since 2018. And last week was yet another disappointing 12% decline for the Cimic share price.

    3. Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) 

    Fortescue shares went ex-dividend last Monday, paying an interim dividend of $1.47, or a yield of 6.65% at today’s prices. Given the currently elevated iron ore prices, Fortescue is expected to pay a dividend yield of approximately 11.70% in 2021. 

    The Fortescue share price tumbled 8.50% last week, with much of this weakness attributed to going ex-dividend. Similarly, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) experienced similar declines along with going ex-dividend as well. 

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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 Idp Education Pty Ltd. 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 The worst performing ASX 200 shares last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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