• Why the Ecofibre (ASX:EOF) share price is crashing 16% lower today

    Scared young male investor holds hand to forehead and looks at phone in front of yellow background

    The Ecofibre Ltd (ASX: EOF) share price has been a poor performer on Thursday.

    At one stage today, the hemp company’s shares were down as much as 16% to $1.51.

    The Ecofibre share price has since bounced back a touch but remains down 9% to $1.64 at the time of writing.

    Why is the Ecofibre share price sinking?

    Investors have been selling Ecofibre shares after the release of a very disappointing half year result.

    For the six months ended 31 December, the company reported a 49% decline in revenue compared to the prior corresponding period to $14.7 million.

    Management advised that this was driven by a significant reduction in nutraceutical segment revenues. This more than offset growth in its food and hemp black segments.

    Unfortunately, it gets worse from here. The change in its revenue mix has impacted its margins negatively, leading to a reduction in its gross margin from 81% to 65%.

    This could still reduce further from here. Management notes that its Ananda Health margins remained strong at 76% during the half but are expected to narrow following price changes in November.

    This ultimately led to the company reporting a loss after tax of $5.5 million for the half. This compares to a $7.1 million profit in the prior corresponding period.

    Outlook

    Management advised that it will continue to invest in its core business and will not reduce its long term focus for short term results.

    It expects its Hemp Black and Ananda Food segments to continue to see growth as they establish new clients and markets and achieve scale respectively.

    Nevertheless, this won’t be enough for a return to profit. Management is expecting the company to record a loss of around $1.5 million during the second half. This will result in a full year loss of approximately $7 million for FY 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!

    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 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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  • Another day, another Zip (ASX: Z1P) share price record

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    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price has been volatile today as it reached a new record high. The share is currently trading at $10.57.

    However, earlier in the day the Zip share price reached a record price of $11.65. This is substantially higher than the previous record of $10.79.

    Why is the Zip share price rocketing

    The Zip share price is rocketing higher despite no notable announcements out of the company.

    Shares in the company have been sparked back into life by the announcement of the company’s quarterly report. In the days following the report, the Zip share price has rocketed more than 82%.

    The company reported record metrics across the board with revenue rising by 88% YoY. As a result, Zip Co reported revenue of $102 million that was driven by the company’s record transaction volume. In December alone the company achieved a transaction volume of $628 million.

    Moreover, the company saw its acquisition of QuadPay paying dividends as it largely drove the company’s revenue increase. In the US, revenue was up an astounding 119%. It comes as Affirm Holdings Inc (NYSE: AFRM), having recently listed in the US, have seen a 40% rise in their share price over the last month.

    Despite impressive transaction volume in ANZ which was up 46%, revenue growth in the area was lagging. This resulted in revenue growth only increasing by 14% for the quarter, or 43% YoY.

    New Horizons

    Investors have also been excited by the company’s recent admission that it is pondering another listing in the US. On top of the fact that Zip management are shopping around for new investors in the country, this would bring huge amounts of capital into the company.

    According to the AFR:

    It is understood Zip management will spend the next few days in front of US investors, seeking to explain the company’s buy now pay later payments platform and highlight its growth in the world’s biggest economy, where it owns QuadPay.

    American giant Wells Fargo & Co (NYSE: WFC) is helping the company with its roadshow.

    Furthermore, Zip will soon have a new region to announce metrics for as Zip UK was launched in December. The company explained that the country was a strategic focus for the group and it expects the UK to helped drive growth in 2021. These results will be included from next quarter.

    About the Zip share price

    The Zip share price is pushing higher today again as the company continues its fantastic recent run.

    The Zip share price has outpaced its ASX rival, Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price recently. Gaining 100% in the last month compared with Afterpay’s 36% gain.

    Zip is currently trading at a market capitalisation of $5.95 billion.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Daniel Ewing owns shares of Zip Co Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of ZIPCOLTD 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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  • 2 ASX 200 shares that keep growing their dividends

    asx growth shares

    There’s a group of S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares that keep increasing their dividends.

    One of the two businesses in this article announced another increase today:

    Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

    Magellan is one of the biggest funds management businesses in Australia, with Hamish Douglass at the helm of the investing team.

    Whilst the performance fees and performance special dividends can be variable, the ordinary dividend of Magellan continues to climb.

    In the result for the first half of FY21, Magellan decided to increase the interim dividend by 5% to 97.1 cents per share.

    That dividend was declared with the release of its report. The ASX 200 dividend share showed that average funds under management (FUM) went up 9% to $100.9 billion, with management and service fees revenue up 8% to $311.4 million. Profit before tax and performance fees of the funds management business went up 8% to $256.2 million.

    Net profit after tax grew 3% to $202.3 million, whilst adjusted net profit after tax fell 2% to $213.1 million.

    Magellan said that it expects the funds management business expenses in FY21 to be at the lower end of the $110 million to $115 million range.

    The ASX 200 dividend share gave an insight into how its investments in Barrenjoey and Guzman y Gomez are going.

    Barrenjoey has welcomed David Gonski as the independent chair. Magellan said that Barrenjoey has established many of the key foundations and is on track to complete those that remain. It now has around 150 employees, assembled from around 30 different institutions. The advisory business has been operating since late 2020. The markets businesses are due to go live progressively from the second quarter of 2021. The client onboarding process has commenced and the integration with Barclays is “well progressed”.

    Guzman y Gomez has $410 million of annualised global sales, with $387 million of annualised Australian sales. Australian like for like sales growth was 27% in FY21 to date. More than 70% of restaurants have a return on investment (ROI) of more than 25%.

    At the current Magellan share price it has a partially dividend yield of 4.5%.

    Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

    Soul Patts is the ASX 200 dividend share that has grown its dividend for the most years consecutively in a row. The current streak goes back to 2000. It has also paid a dividend every year since it listed in 1903.

    It started out as a pharmacy business but has evolved into a diversified investment conglomerate with investments across many different sectors.

    Soul Patts owns large stakes in ASX companies like TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG), Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW), New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC), Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API), Bki Investment Co Ltd (ASX: BKI), Milton Corporation Limited (ASX: MLT) and Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA).

    Not only that, but the ASX 200 dividend share also owns a number of stakes in unlisted businesses. It’s invested in agriculture, resources, financial services and swimming schools. It also owns stakes in businesses like Ampcontrol, Dimeo and Verdant Minerals.

    One of the most recent investments was the allocation to agriculture. It bought defensive assets benefiting from the opening up of trade, including citrus, macadamias, avocados, stone fruit and table grapes.

    Soul Patts also owns a small cap portfolio which aims to identify fast-growing companies that are outside the companies monitored by the large cap portfolio managers.

    At the current Soul Patts share price it has a grossed-up dividend yield of 3%.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison owns shares of Magellan Financial Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company 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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  • Why the BPH Energy (ASX:BPH) share price is crashing 21% lower today

    asx share price fall represented by investor with head in hands

    The BPH Energy Ltd (ASX: BPH) share price has come under pressure on Thursday and is crashing notably lower.

    In afternoon trade the biotechnology and mineral exploration company’s shares are down a massive 21% to 11.5 cents.

    This means the BPH Energy share price has now lost 66% of its value since peaking at 33.5 cents last month.

    Why is the BPH Energy share price crashing lower?

    Investors have been selling BPH Energy shares on Thursday following an update on its PEP 11 development.

    PEP 11 covers 4,576 square kilometres of the offshore Sydney Basin immediately adjacent to the largest gas market in Australia. Management notes that it remains one of the most significant untested gas plays in the country.

    BPH Energy has exposure to PEP 11 through its 33% ownership in Advent Energy.

    What was the update?

    On Wednesday New South Wales’ Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, said he was not in favour of the oil project and the application should be rejected.

    According to the Coast News, Mr Barilaro said he will “refuse further applications to extend the life of PEP 11.”

    He added that “PEP 11 was issued under a Commonwealth Act, the exploration area is in Commonwealth waters, and the ultimate decision-making power rests with the Commonwealth.”

    This is a big blow to Advent and BPH Energy, especially given that the latter has just raised $9 million to advance the project.

    BPH Energy response

    BPH has responded to the news.

    It said: “The Joint Venture notes there have been reported press comments on 10th February 2021 attributed to the NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Industry and Trade, the Hon. John Barilaro MP. The Joint Venture has received no communication from the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) in respect of its current applications.”

    BPH and its Joint Venture Partners have sought clarification from NOPTA.

    It added: “The Joint Venture Partners note that the Joint Venture has safely drilled on the PEP 11 permit previously to test for gas and it is confident it will safely do so again. The Joint Venture Partners have retained internationally recognised consultants to assist in this program. The Joint Venture Partners have just announced the appointment of a contracts manager for the Baleen well and are in the process of securing a rig and will release further details on this shortly.”

    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 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 Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (ASX:URW) share price is slumping today

    man looking down falling line chart, falling share price

    The Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (ASX: URW) share price is dropping today after the release of the company’s 2020 full-year results this morning before market open. Unibail shares are down 2.58% to $4.72 at the time of writing after closing at $4.84 yesterday afternoon. The company is now down almost 15% since 1 February.

    Let’s have a closer look at the company and today’s results.

    What does Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield do?

    Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is a real estate investment trust (REIT) formed after the demerger of the old Westfield Corporation. When this demerger occurred, Westfield split its assets between Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) and Unibail, with Scentre taking charge of the Australian and New Zealand Westfield shopping centres, and Unibail taking Westfield’s international centres.

    The company has fallen on hard times recently, hit by the double-whammy of COVID-19 and the associated lockdowns, as well as the rise of online retail. The company’s share price has fallen from around $14.70 5 years ago to today’s price of $4.66 a share.

    Unibail bombs out of US

    Unibail was hard-hit by the pandemic, which is reflected in the company’s numbers today. The company reported a 26% drop in net rental income from its centres to 1.79 billion euros for 2020. That’s down 28.1% from 2019’s 2.49 billion euros. Recurring net profit also slumped, down 40% to 1.06 billion euros from 2019’s 1.76 billion euros. In earnings per share (EPS) terms, recurring EPS fell from 12.72 euros in 2019 to 7.63 euros for 2020.

    Unibail’s total portfolio valuation also took a hit, dropping from 65.34 billion euros in 2019 to 56.32 billion euros in 2020.

    It’s worth noting that Unibail’s centres were shut for 93 days in 2020. There were only 70 days in the entire year when the centres were not subject to restrictions. Even today, the company reports that roughly half of its centres remain closed. Further, Unibail was forced to suspend rent collection for much of the year. Only 80% of that forfeited income has been repaid.

    But perhaps the big news from Unibail’s earnings is its downsizing program. Unibail has announced that it is largely leaving the entire United States market by the end of 2022. It plans to offload its US and other European assets for an estimated 4 billion euros. That will go towards paying off the company’s ~24 billion euros of debt. In this light, Unibail has also announced it will not be paying dividends until at least 2023.

    Looking forward

    Although these results may not be exactly what Unibail shareholders probably wanted to hear, the company was more optimistic about the future:

    Looking forward, the group sees good prospects for a solid recovery starting at some point in the second half of the year, as vaccination efforts achieve critical mass and restrictions get lifted. Government support means that consumer finances in the group’s markets remain robust and the group firmly believes that people will again seek out the mix of top brands and great experiences offered by URW’s Flagship destinations when they are able to.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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    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.

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  • What’s happening with the Rhythm (ASX:RHY) share price today?

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    The Rhythm Biosciences Ltd (ASX: RHY) share price is sinking today, despite announcing an additional site to its ColoSTAT clinical trial program.

    During the first hour of open, shares in the medical device company fell to an intraday low of $1.435. However, some bargain hunter swopped in on the opportunity, rebounding the price to $1.44, down 7.4% in afternoon trade.

    What did Rhythm announce?

    The Rhythm share price is on the move in the opposite direction after announcing a positive update.

    According to its release, Rhythm advised that the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in Queensland will participate in the ColoSTAT trial. This will be the tenth site that is now aiming to study the safety and effectiveness of the prototype test kits.

    Rhythm’s ColoSTAT is an experimental test-kit that is being trialled as a low-cost, easy-to-use blood test to detect colorectal cancer.

    Located just 9 kilometres north from Caloundra, the hospital has become the first site to undertake ColoSTAT trials within the state. The hospital provides an array of public health services across Sunshine Coast, Gympie, and Noosa communities. Furthermore, the building houses a dedicated centre for clinical research programs including gastroenterology nurses as study coordinators to facilitate recruitment.

    The company appointed principal investigator, Dr. Andrew Sloss, to oversee the ColoSTAT clinical trials. Dr. Sloss is a respected Gastroenterologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland.

    Management commentary

    Principal investigator, Dr. Andrew Sloss, commented on the prospects of advancing ColoSTAT. He said:

    We currently treat hundreds of bowel cancer patients each year, which highlights the significant public need for effective screening and early intervention. ColoSTAT presents us with this opportunity to do both, ultimately easing the burden on the health system, and more importantly, to save lives.

    Rhythm CEO, Mr. Glenn Gilbert added:

    A milestone of ten sites now participating in our ColoSTAT clinical trial ensures we remain on track to positively impact people’s lives, by delivering a simple way to detect colorectal cancer early. Whilst an Australian invention, beginning at the CSIRO, Rhythm’s aim is to address the global market through mass screening programs.

    About the Rhythm share price

    The Rhythm share price has been one of the best performers over the last 12 months, rising more than 1,500%. The company’s shares were trading at 4.1 cents in March before accelerating later that year.

    It is worth noting that the Rhythm share price is trading just below its all-time high of $1.60, reached yesterday.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

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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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  • Walmart and Oracle abandon TikTok deal indefinitely

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

    A group of young people smiling and watching TicToc on their mobile phones

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

    A plan that would have forced China’s ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations to Walmart (NYSE: WMT) and Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) has been suspended indefinitely, according to a report today in The Wall Street Journal.

    The Biden administration will undertake its own review of the situation to address the privacy and security risks posed to US users resulting from the potential for data collection by the Chinese government. 

    That doesn’t mean the deal is completely dead, though any future agreement would likely change since there’s no longer the threat of a looming closure at the hands of the US government.

    The Trump administration had threatened to shutter the popular short-form video-sharing app over security concerns for US users. Federal courts subsequently blocked the forced shutdown, saying former president Donald Trump likely exceeded his authority in issuing the executive order that would have banned the app. 

    The Biden administration plans a broad review of the situation. “We plan to develop a comprehensive approach to securing US data that addresses the full range of threats we face,” said National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne. “This includes the risk posed by Chinese apps and other software that operate in the US In the coming months, we expect to review specific cases in light of a comprehensive understanding of the risks we face.”

    ByteDance has continued its negotiations with US regulators, discussing measures that would ensure that data collected by the app wouldn’t end up in the hands of the Chinese government.

    Another stumbling block is a recent restriction imposed by Chinese regulators, who would no doubt scrutinise any potential sale. The country adopted new measures last year that banned companies from exporting artificial intelligence algorithms, like those used by TikTok to recommend videos for its users.

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

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Danny Vena 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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  • The Downer EDI (ASX:DOW) share price popped today after this

    hand on touch screen lit up by a share price chart moving higher

    The Downer EDI Limited (ASX: DOW) share price popped this morning after the company released its half-year performance report. 

    At the time of writing, Downer Group is approximately 2% higher trading at $5.45.

    Downer EDI provides services to customers in transport, utilities, facilities, engineering, mining,  construction, and maintenance (EC&M) in Australia and New Zealand. 

    The company employs approximately 52,000 people across more than 300 sites.

    How did Downer EDI perform during HY21?

    Downer experienced a 10.6% total revenue fall during the 6 months ended 31 December 2020. Total group revenue was $6.1 billion.

    Statutory earnings before interest and tax also took at 10% hit falling to $180.4 million.

    The company reported a $350.2 million cash flow which is significantly higher than the $4.5 million gained in the previous corresponding period (pcp).

    More than half of this result was achieved via the acquisition of the remaining 12.2% interest in Spotless Group Holdings.

    Compared to the pcp, Downer managed to save $675.1 million in total expenses which is a 10.6% savings.

    Downer’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the period was $195.8 million.

    The company will pay an interim dividend of 9.0 cents per share, unfranked (14.0 cents per share unfranked in the pcp), payable on 25 March 2021 to shareholders on the register at 25 February 2021.

    Outlook

    Downer will continue to focus on its Urban Services businesses. This involves working with companies that demonstrate strength and resilience. In addition, offering attractive medium and long-term growth opportunities.

    Downer is also focussing on possessing a high proportion of government and government-related contracts.  Further, Downer offers a capital-light, services-based business model to support low risk and predictable revenues. 

    As previously announced throughout the reporting period, Downer has entered agreements for the sale of its Downer Blasting Services, Spotless Laundries, and Open Cut Mining West businesses.

    Downer concludes that there have been no extraordinary matters or circumstances that have arisen since the end of HY21 that have significantly affected or may significantly affect operations.

    Over the previous 12 month period, the Downer share price has fallen close to 27%.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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  • Why the Galilee Energy (ASX:GLL) share price rocketed 50% to a record high today

    rocketing asx share price represented by man riding golden dollar sign speeding through clouds

    The Galilee Energy Ltd (ASX: GLL) share price has been a very strong performer on Thursday.

    At one stage the coal seam gas exploration and production company’s shares were up as much as 50% to a record high of 92 cents.

    The Galilee Energy share price has since pulled back but remains a sizeable 20% higher at 73 cents.

    Why is the Galilee Energy share price rocketing higher?

    Investors have been scrambling to buy Galilee Energy shares on Thursday following the release of an update on its Glenaras Gas Project in the Galilee Basin in Queensland.

    According to the release, the Glenaras multi-well pilot has reached 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mscfd). This is the highest measured gas rate thus far.

    In addition to this, management advised that all eleven wells are on continuous production and performing strongly.

    Another positive in the update is that water rates at the laterals have declined significantly from their peak rates. Pleasingly, they are continuing to decline as the company de-pressures the pilot area and gas production increases.

    What is the Glenaras Gas Project?

    The Glenaras Gas Project is located in ATP 2019, which is 100% owned and operated by Galilee. This permit covers an area of approximately 3,200 km squared.

    The company notes that the project has one of the largest contingent gas resources on the east coast. It believes it is strongly positioned to supply the AEMO’s forecast eastern Australian domestic market gas shortfall in the early 2020s.

    But it won’t stop there. The project’s independently derived and certified contingent resource within the Betts Creek coals provide sufficient gas supply to fulfil approximately 25% of eastern Australian domestic market needs for over 30 years.

    Today’s gain means the Galilee Energy share price is now up a sizeable 30% since this time last year.

    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 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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  • Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price surges after earnings

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

    The Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price is surging today. Telstra shares are up 2.52% to $3.25 a share at the time of writing, after rising from yesterday’s close of $3.18 a share.

    That means that Telstra shares are now up 7.9% year to date, and at their highest point since August 2020. They are also up around 21% from the 52-week low of $2.66 a share that we saw back at the end of October last year.

    At the current share price, Telstra has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 21.25, a market capitalisation of $38.65 billion and a trailing dividend yield of 4.91%.

    Why are Telstra shares lifting today?

    The positive performance of the Telstra share price today follows the company’s half-year earnings update delivered this morning.

    Investors seem unfazed by Telstra reporting a 10.4% drop in net income and a 2.2% drop in net profits after tax.

    The company did announce an expansion of its T22 cost-cutting program to an estimated $2.7 billion in savings by FY2022 though.

    It also announced an update to its previously-announced legal restructuring. According to its CEO Andy Penn, Telstra will “commence the process for external strategic investment” of its InfraCo Towers division in the first quarter of FY2022.

    Shareholders are no doubt hoping that this will lead to an unlocking of value.

    Dividends to keep flowing

    But perhaps Telstra’s most significant announcement today was that it intends to uphold once again its dividend payment of 8 cents a share for its interim and final dividends. Telstra has paid an annual dividend of 16 cents per share for the past few years now. That consists of 10 cents a share in ordinary dividends and 6 cents in special dividends derived from NBN payments to the company.

    However, due to falling earnings, many investors feared that Telstra will have to trim this dividend in the near future. Bad memories from the company’s infamous 2017 dividend slashing probably don’t help.

    But this morning, Telstra announced that it would once again pay an 8 cents per share interim dividend (fully franked) to shareholders on 26 March. It also confirmed it would also be paying an 8 cents per share final dividend (also fully franked) on 23 September. That gives Telstra shares a forward dividend yield of 4.91% going forward (or 7.01% grossed-up with full franking).

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price surges after earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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