• The Kogan.com (ASX:KGN) share price sank 22% in February: Time to buy?

    kogan share price

    The Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) share price was out of form in February and sank notably lower.

    The ecommerce company’s shares lost a disappointing 22.3% of their value during the month.

    Will March be better for the Kogan share price?

    The good news is that the Kogan share price has started the month in a much more positive fashion.

    In early trade on Monday, the company’s shares were up almost 7% to $14.91.

    The Kogan share price has since pulled back a touch but remains 3.5% higher at the time of writing.

    Is this a buying opportunity?

    One broker that believes the recent weakness in the Kogan share price is a buying opportunity is Credit Suisse.

    This morning the broker retained its outperform rating but trimmed the price target on its shares slightly to $20.85.

    Based on Friday’s close, this price target implies potential upside of almost 50% over the next 12 months.

    Why is Credit Suisse positive on the Kogan share price?

    According to the note, the broker was pleased with Kogan’s half year results and believes it remains well-positioned for growth over the medium term.

    Especially given recent favourable changes in consumer behaviour, which it suspects will be permanent.

    In addition to this, Credit Suisse was particularly pleased with the performance of Kogan’s Private Label (Exclusive Brands) business during the first half.

    The Exclusive Brands business reported revenue growth of 115% and gross profit growth of 175% compared to the prior corresponding period. This meant the business contributed 55.9% of the company’s overall gross profit during the half.

    Management advised that this was achieved through ongoing investment in Exclusive Brands inventory to broaden its range and meet consumer demand from its growing base of active customers. Given that these products have much stronger margins, Credit Suisse sees this as a huge positive.

    Up over 200% but could still go higher

    All in all, even though the Kogan share price is up over 200% since this time last year, Credit Suisse believes it can still go even higher from here.

    This could make it worth considering after February’s disappointing performance.

    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.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

    More reading

    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 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 The Kogan.com (ASX:KGN) share price sank 22% in February: Time to buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3bLCS37

  • Crown (ASX:CWN) share price lifts as director resigns

    asx share price resignation represented by man kicking miniature man through the air

    Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) shares are on the rise in morning trade after director John Poynton became the latest member of the casino’s board to depart. At the time of writing, the Crown share price has edged 1.01% higher to $10.05.

    Mr Poynton, who has been a member of the Crown board since 2018 and Burswood Limited (Crown Perth) since 2004, resigned on Monday morning.

    Words from the chair

    In a statement to the ASX, Crown Resorts chair and former Senator, Helen Coonan, said:

    The [New South Wales] Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) has advised Crown that it considers it appropriate that John step down as a director of all companies within the Crown group, due to a perceived lack of independence arising out of his past relationship with Mr James Packer and CPH [Consolidated Press Holdings], notwithstanding the recent termination of John’s consultancy arrangement with CPH.

    She added:

    As a result, John has agreed to resign in the best interests of Crown and our shareholders, despite no adverse findings by the Commissioner in the ILGA inquiry to his suitability, integrity or performance.

    Background to Crown’s woes

    On 9 February, the NSW ILGA found Crown Resorts unsuitable to operate its new casino on the Sydney foreshore. James Packer was heavily implicated in the report.

    The findings saw a string of resignations from Crown. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Mr Poynton was the last of James Packer’s appointees to resign from the board. Mr Poynton had previously resigned from CPH as a last-ditch attempt to remain with Crown.

    In addition to James Packer’s appointees, director Andrew Demetriou and CEO Ken Barton also left following recommendations from the ILGA.

    After the NSW ILGA’s findings, the West Australian Government announced it too would launch an enquiry into the company’s holding of its gambling licence in the state.

    Compounding the casino’s woes, the Victorian Government announced it would establish a royal commission into Crown’s suitability to hold a licence for its Melbourne casino.

    Crown share price snapshot

    Despite the turmoil facing the company, the Crown share price has held relatively steady in the year to date. In 2021, Crown shares have reached a low of $9.58 and a high of $10.25.

    In the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Crown share price collapsed to $6.00. Since then, the gaming operator has made a steady recovery.

    Based on the current share price, Crown Resorts has market capitalisation of approximately $6.8 billion.

    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.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Marc Sidarous has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Crown Resorts Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post Crown (ASX:CWN) share price lifts as director resigns appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

  • Has the Harvey Norman (ASX:HVN) share price peaked?

    Questioning asx share price represented by women with virtual question marks above her head

    The Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) share price is pushing higher on Monday morning.

    At the time of writing, the retail giant’s shares are up over 1% to $5.31.

    This latest gain means the Harvey Norman share price is now up 47% over the last 12 months.

    Can the Harvey Norman share price go higher?

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts believe the Harvey Norman share price may have peaked now.

    This morning the broker downgraded the company’s shares to a neutral rating with an improved price target of $5.10.

    This price target is around 4% lower than where the Harvey Norman share price is currently trading.

    What did Goldman Sachs say?

    Goldman Sachs was pleased with Harvey Norman’s performance during the first half of FY 2021. However, it fears that the peak trading it is experiencing is unlikely to be sustainable.

    It commented: “While conditions were still patchy and unpredictable in parts due to the pandemic, HVN benefited substantially from the shift in spending by consumers on products and activities around the home over 1H21 and it managed the business well under volatile, but strong trading conditions. A key highlight was the expansion in its EBITDA margin by 450bps to 10.9% of system sales (on a pre AASB16 equivalent), which compares to previous peaks of ~8% historically.”

    “While the housing cycle is likely to provide some buffer to the earnings outlook over FY22 and FY23, the peak trading seen in the June quarter 2020 to March quarter 2021 are unlikely to be sustained, in our view. Despite the upgrade, we forecast FY22 EBIT to decline 30% on FY21.”

    Earnings to decline after FY 2021

    As a result of the above, the broker is forecasting declines earnings in FY 2022 and FY 2023. Goldman has forecast earnings per share of 57 cents in FY 2021 and then 39 cents and 38 cents, respectively, in the following two years.

    In light of this, it doesn’t believe its shares offer enough value for money at this point.

    It explained: “Despite HVN’s valuation remaining reasonable versus our price target and historical PE range, after outperforming the market by c. 21% YTD, we are downgrading HVN to Neutral. HVN’s property adjusted FY22E P/E is now at 9.2x, ahead of its longer-term average of 8.7x and well ahead of the 6.1x at the beginning of this FY.”

    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.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

    More reading

    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 Has the Harvey Norman (ASX:HVN) share price peaked? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3b3E42Y

  • Is the Qantas (ASX:QAN) share price a buy?

    rising airline asx share price represented by happy pilot standing inside empty plane

    Could the Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price be a buy after the airline released its FY21 half-year result.

    What did Qantas announce?

    The airline announced that it made an underlying loss before tax of $1.03 billion and a statutory loss before tax of $1.47 billion.

    Qantas said that it suffered a $6.9 billion revenue impact from the COVID-19 crisis in the first half of FY21, which amounts to a 75% reduction.

    Despite that, underlying operation cashflow was still $1.05 billion. It was the domestic airlines that generated positive underlying cashflow for Qantas. Whilst Qantas International is still suffering because of COVID-19 and closed borders, Qantas Freight is performing very strongly due to the limited number of passenger planes flying (which used to carry freight along with the passenger cargo).

    The airline also said that Qantas Loyalty continues to generate good cashflow thanks to credit card spending, health insurance, Qantas Wine and the Qantas rewards store.

    Cost cuts

    A major feature of the report was cost savings. It’s looking to save a substantial amount of costs over the next three years, the target is at least $1 billion of permanent annual savings from FY23. The short-term target is $600 million of permanent savings for FY21, which Qantas said is on track.

    This involves at least 8,500 people leaving the business. More than 5,000 have already left so far, with the remainder expected to have left by the end of FY21.

    A total of 14,500 full time equivalent roles are now stood up while around 11,000 full time equivalent roles remain stood down, most of which are associated with international flying.

    Qantas also said that significant permanent savings are also being achieved through new deals with major travel agents.

    It’s looking at the rationalisation of the group’s property footprint, including the handback or subleasing of surplus office space. It also said that the finalisation of a major review, which includes Qantas and Jetstar head offices, is expected by the end of March.

    Finally, Qantas said that it’s renegotiating its supplier deals, including expiring aircraft leases.

    In terms of government support, it’s still receiving assistance. Jobkeeper payments are still going to employees who are not working. Support for regional and domestic passenger flights, and for some international freight routes, which would not otherwise have been commercially viable, helped to keep key transport links active.

    Outlook

    Qantas said that the recent border closures have delayed the group’s recovery by an estimated three months. However, it believes that international travel can restart by the end of October 2021, with the exception of increased travel with New Zealand expected for July 2021.

    Domestic capacity is expected to rise to 80% of pre-COVID levels in the fourth quarter of 2021. Qantas is continuing to focus on managing the business to positive net free cash flow.

    Broker opinions

    UBS has a share price target of $6.20 for Qantas. The result was a little better than what the broker had been expecting. The state borders were temporarily shut off, but the Qantas liquidity didn’t fall. UBs thinks the market isn’t quite pricing in all of the potential cost cuts that the airline can achieve. 

    However, Credit Suisse has a Qantas share price target of $3.90. The delay in the domestic recovery is a negative and the balance sheet will come under greater scrutiny. However, a change in the pace of recovery could change its views. 

    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.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 Is the Qantas (ASX:QAN) share price a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3sC0Og8

  • Why the Calix (ASX:CLX) share price is surging 8% higher this morning

    asx renewable energy shares represented by light bulb surrounded by green energy icons

    The Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL) share price is surging higher today following the announcement that it has partnered with a Swedish company to begin a pilot energy storage system.

    During the first minutes of market open, the tech company’s shares were up 14.6% to $2.35. At the time of writing, they have retreated to $2.21, up 7.8%.

    Let’s take a closer look at what Calix reported to the ASX market this morning.

    What’s driving the Calix share price higher?

    The Calix share price is on the move today as investors digest the company’s latest update.

    In this morning’s release, Calix advised it has entered into a partnership deal with SaltX Technology AB (SaltX).

    Based in Sweden, SaltX builds and sells energy storage solutions. The group employs a specific technology that stores energy into salt crystals and converts them into heating or cooling. This can be used in solar-powered heating and cooling in buildings, electric buses and trucks, and even satellites.

    Under the deal, SaltX will design and build a pilot 200kW electric-powered direct separation reactor (eDS) for Calix’s energy storage system. This will be similar to a BATMn reactor installed at its Bacchus Marsh facility in Victoria in 2019.

    In addition to the agreement, Calix will provide SaltX with a non-exclusive, non-transferable limited licence to use the eDS reactor. The energy storage system will be tested sometime around FY22.

    Calix will also undertake its own research to develop the eDS unit, leading to further collaboration for a larger 1MW capacity project, provided both companies can achieve the desired results for the pilot reactor.

    While the release did not detail the agreement’s financial terms, the new partners believe that the joint teamwork will accelerate growth opportunity. They consider the development of efficient, low-cost energy storage systems to be a multi-billion market.

    Management commentary

    Calix managing director and CEO Phil Hodgson welcomed the new partnership, saying:

    The use of Calix’s technology in base load energy storage systems was foreshadowed as we developed our SOCRATCES project in Europe – which is based upon solar-powered calcium looping and is progressing well. We are very pleased to be working with SaltX on its system now also. This system has great potential for load balancing applications as the grid de-carbonises.

    SaltX CEO Carl-Johan Liner added:

    Calix is a pioneer in developing sustainable solutions for many industries and therefore I believe this co-operation will have many benefits in SaltX mission of developing energy storage solutions that will have a real change for the renewable energy sector.

    The Calix share price is up more than 150% in the past 12-month period.

    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.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

    More reading

    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 Calix (ASX:CLX) share price is surging 8% higher this morning appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

  • Terracom (ASX:TER) share price slumps 7% on deepening loss

    asx mining share price falling lower represented by sad looking miner holding head down

    Terracom Ltd (ASX: TER) shares are sliding this morning following the company’s release of its FY21 half-year results (1H21). In the opening minutes of trade, the Terracom share price has slipped 7.14% to 13 cents. 

    Let’s take a look at how the coal miner has been performing. 

    What’s pushing the Terracom share price lower?

    The Terracom share price is in negative territory this morning after the company posted a 1H21 loss after tax of $60.4 million, compared to a 1H20 loss of $9.4 million.

    Annualised coal sales for 1H21 were down 0.2 million tonnes, a 7% drop compared to the prior corresponding period (pcp).

    Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) came in at a loss of $27.5 million. This compares to a $27.8 million EBITDA profit in HY20.

    Terracom’s earnings per share (EPS) for 1H21 was negative 6.94 cents compared to EPS of negative 1.96 cents in 1H20.

    In other news putting pressure on the Terracom share price, the business reported $350.7 million of total assets at the end of the period as opposed to $630.3 million of total assets in the pcp.

    CEO commentary and outlook

    Commenting on the financial results for 1H21, Terracom chief executive officer Danny McCarthy said:

    The current economic environment has been very uncertain and as a consequence the financial result from 1H FY2021 is somewhat disappointing. Strategic actions undertaken throughout the first half of 2020 saw the Company transform via the acquisition of Universal Coal plc and also the consolidation and restructure of our Australian operation…

    From an operational perspective, the Company is in very good shape and will be able to overcome the uncertainties associated with the ongoing economic challenges. Underpinning this is the sustained reduced cost base at Blair Athol, a newly established export strategy in South Africa and improved export coal pricing, the Company is set to deliver stronger EBITDA results for the remainder of the financial year.

    Terracom share price snapshot

    Terracom is a resource explorer with a large portfolio of assets in Australia and South Africa. Over the past year, the Terracom share price has fallen by 35%. Year to date, Terracom shares have also dropped by around 24%.

    Based on the current share price, the company has a market capitalisation of approximately $105.5 million with 753.6 million shares outstanding.

    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.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Gretchen Kennedy 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 Terracom (ASX:TER) share price slumps 7% on deepening loss appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3q4sf0o

  • Here’s why the ANZ (ASX:ANZ) share price is underperforming today

    ANZ share price

    The Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ) share price is underperforming its peers on Monday.

    At the time of writing, the banking giant’s shares are up ever so slightly to $26.22. This compares to a 1% gain by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price.

    Why is the ANZ share price underperforming?

    This morning ANZ released an update in relation to news that AmBank has made an agreement with the Malaysian Ministry of Finance to resolve potential claims relating to its involvement with 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

    According to Reuters, the Malaysian bank will pay the government 2.83 billion ringgit (~US$700 million) to settle claims linked to a massive financial scandal at 1MDB.

    1MDB is a state fund set up in 2009 by former prime minister Najib Razak. AmBank has been under investigation for its role in the alleged theft of US$4.5 billion from 1MDB.

    Mr Najib was also under investigation and ultimately found guilty of corruption and money laundering over the transfer of millions of dollars linked to a 1MDB unit into his AmBank accounts between 2014 and 2015. Though, the former prime minister denies any wrongdoing and has filed an appeal.

    In response to the agreement, AmBank said: “While this will have a material impact on the current year’s profitability, there are adequate capital buffers to absorb this settlement without an immediate need to raise additional equity capital.”

    The finance ministry will also require AmBank to take corrective measures, as part of the settlement. This includes putting in place systems and processes to strengthen its due diligence framework.

    How does this impact ANZ?

    This morning ANZ revealed that the impact on its CET1 capital position will be neutral given its investments in associates are already a full deduction to capital.

    However, the financial impact on ANZ of $212 million will be recorded as part of the equity accounted earnings from AmBank in its first half accounts. This will reduce the carrying value of ANZ’s interest in AmBank from ~$1.050 billion to ~$850 million.

    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.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

    More reading

    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 ANZ (ASX:ANZ) share price is underperforming today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

  • Why the Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price is sinking 6% today

    A white arrow point down into the ground against a blue backdrop, indicating an ASX market crash or share price fall

    The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price has come under pressure on Monday.

    In morning trade, the iron ore producer’s shares are down 6% to $22.72.

    Why is the Fortescue share price sinking today?

    The good news for shareholders is that today’s decline has nothing to do with the company’s performance or the iron ore price.

    This decline is entirely attributable to the fact that the Fortescue share price is trading ex-dividend today.

    When a share trades ex-dividend, it means that it is trading without the rights to an upcoming dividend. In light of this, anyone buying shares from between now and the dividend payment date, will not be receiving the distribution.

    As a result, a share price will generally drop in line with the dividend being paid to reflect this.

    The Fortescue dividend

    Last month Fortescue released its half year results and revealed a 44% increase in revenue to US$9,335 million and a 66% lift in net profit after tax to US$4,084 million.

    This strong form allowed the Fortescue board to declare a fully franked interim dividend of $1.47 per share, up a massive 93.4% on the prior corresponding period.

    Based on the Fortescue share price at Friday’s close, this interim dividend represents a 6% yield. This is roughly in line with the drop its shares have made this morning.

    Eligible shareholders can now look forward to being paid this monster dividend in just over three weeks on 24 March.

    Other shares going ex-dividend

    Fortescue isn’t the only company that has shares going ex-dividend this morning.

    Also trading ex-dividend are Credit Corp Group Limited (ASX: CCP) shares, Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares, and Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR) shares.

    As with Fortescue, these three shares are also trading lower on Monday morning.

    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.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

    More reading

    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 Why the Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price is sinking 6% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

  • Here’s why the Austal (ASX:ASB) share price is storming 6% higher

    shares valuation higher upgrade, growth shares

    The Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) share price is on the move on Monday morning.

    At the time of writing, the shipbuilder’s shares are up 6.5% to $2.53.

    Why is the Austal share price on the rise?

    Investors have been buying Austal shares today following the release of an announcement.

    According to the release, Austal’s Philippines business has successfully delivered Hull 419 to Fjord Line of Norway.

    The 109 metre high-speed catamaran vehicle-passenger ferry, named FSTR, is the largest aluminium vessel ever constructed in the Philippines. It is also currently the largest ferry (by volume) to be constructed by Austal, at any of the company’s shipyards worldwide.

    FSTR is capable of transporting 1,200 passengers at up to 40 knots and features Austal’s largest ever vehicle-carrying capacity constructed to date. It has a beam of 30.5 metres enabling 404 cars to be carried across two decks.

    Furthermore, the ship features several key design innovations that enhance operating performance and passenger comfort. This includes a new, optimised hull form that will minimise fuel consumption and wake wash when operating on the Skagerrak Sea between Hirtshals, Denmark and Kristiansand, Norway.

    Austal’s Chief Executive Officer, Paddy Gregg, was pleased with the delivery, especially given the tough operating conditions it has been facing because of COVID-19.

    He said: “It’s impressive to see a large high speed ferry like this delivered in the best of times, but for the team to deliver this new vessel during a global pandemic is simply outstanding. The Austal Philippines team has clearly demonstrated its ability to deliver multiple, complex projects under challenging circumstances, while maintaining a safe working environment.”

    What’s next?

    The delivery of FSTR was just the first of three large high-speed ferries to be constructed at the company’s newly expanded shipyard.

    Austal Philippines President, Wayne Murray, commented: “With the delivery of FSTR, we’re now preparing for the launch of Hull 395, Bañaderos Express; a 118 metre trimaran ferry under construction for Fred. Olsen Express of the Canary Islands. Following closely behind that, we have the 115 metre Express 5 under construction for Molslinjen of Denmark.”

    Despite today’s gain, the Austal share price is down 27% over the last 12 months.

    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.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

    More reading

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

    The post Here’s why the Austal (ASX:ASB) share price is storming 6% higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

  • Why the Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) share price is on watch this week

    ASX share price on watch represented by man looking through magnifying glass

    The Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) share price will be on watch today if it returns from its trading halt.

    This follows the announcement of its half year results and an equity-based private placement at the end of the week.

    How did Mesoblast perform in the first half?

    For the six months ended December 31, Mesoblast reported revenue of US$3.5 million and a loss after tax of US$48.9 million.

    In respect to cash flows, the company revealed a net cash outflow from operations of US$60.1 million. This left Mesoblast with total cash and cash equivalents of US$77.5 million at the end of the period.

    In light of its dwindling cash balance, the company advised that it has commenced a proposed equity-based private placement to a targeted industry investor to fund operations.

    The placement

    Mesoblast company is working to raise a rumoured US$100 million from a targeted industry investor.

    According to the release, the proceeds from the offering will be used for working capital and to prepare for confirmatory trials in lead programs as per FDA requirements.

    In addition, management notes that proceeds will enable the continued investment in manufacturing for further clinical development and to optimise process development including 2D and 3D bioreactor technologies. This is in preparation for commercial scale manufacturing, as well as maintenance of minimum unrestricted cash balances as required under our loan agreements.

    What about the future?

    Concerns about the company’s dwindling cash balance have been weighing heavily on the Mesoblast share price in recent months. And it isn’t hard to see why.

    Management warned: “During the next twelve months, the Group intends to achieve cash inflows from existing strategic and financing partnerships, subject to the Group meeting future milestones and other performance conditions. Some or all of these cash inflows will be required for us to meet our forecast expenditure and continue as a going concern, although there is uncertainty related to our ability to access these cash inflows because the meeting of milestones and other performance conditions are not wholly within the Group’s control.”

    “Management and the directors believe that the Group will be successful in the above matters and, accordingly, have prepared the financial report on a going concern basis, notwithstanding that there is a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on our ability to continue as a going concern and that the Group may be unable to realize our assets and discharge our liabilities in the normal course of business. is a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on our ability to continue as a going concern and that the Group may be unable to realize our assets and discharge our liabilities in the normal course of business.”

    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.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

    More reading

    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 Why the Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) share price is on watch this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3q9DdSE