The BPH Energy Ltd (ASX: BPH) share price saga continues today after the company’s shares were placed in a trading suspension, soon followed by a trading halt.

BPH shares started the trading day at 13 cents apiece and dipped to 12 cents soon after. But someone lit a rocket under the company around 1pm which saw the BPH share price explode up 73.6% all the way to 22 cents each by 2pm. But that’s where it ended for BPH for the day.

At 2.56pm, the company released a market announcement that told investors trading would be suspended pending a further announcement. Then at 3.38pm, another update was released. This told investors that the ASX would suspend BPH shares from trading until at least Friday 19 February, or whenever this announcement is finally… announced.

Today’s move is just the latest chapter in what has been a very dramatic saga to watch. Back on 21 January, BPH shares were only 5 cents each. But by 28 January, the company was asking as much as 33 cents a share, a 560% surge in around a week. The catalyst?

Well, it’s a little unclear. But soon after this move (on 1 February), BPH Energy announced it proposed to use the drilling program in the Sydney Basin to investigate the potential for a carbon, capture and storage (CCS) project with partner, Bounty Oil & Gas NL (ASX: BUY). It also announced a capital raise program to help fund this endeavour. The shares were placed in a trading halt. After it completed the capital raise, BPH shares rose 31% on its return to market trading.

BPH on a rollercoaster

However, soon after this, the company fell sharply (around 21%) following comments from the New South Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro. Mr Barilaro stated that he was not in favour of the PEP11 oil project that BPH is aiming to deploy its CCS project within, and the application should be rejected. Mr Barilaro also reportedly stated that he would “refuse further applications to extend the life of PEP11”.

It’s these comments that have likely sparked the surge in BPH shares we have seen today. This morning, before market open, BPH issued an announcement which clarified that its PEP11 project was subject to approval from both the NSW government and the Federal government.

The release points out that, under the relevant legislation, if the state and the Commonwealth disagree on a permit, it’s the Commonwealth opinion that prevails. That essentially renders Mr Barilaro’s comments impotent regarding PEP11.

Thus, investors who might have assumed that PEP11 would be cancelled (meaning BPH had raised capital for nothing) are possibly breathing easier today. Or at least they were before the trading halt. We shall have to wait until (probably) Friday to see what BPH has up its sleeves for investors next.

More reading

• Why the BPH Energy (ASX:BPH) share price is crashing 21% lower today
• Why the BPH Energy (ASX:BPH) share price rocketed 32% higher today
• BHP Energy and Zip were among the most traded ASX shares last week
• Why BPH Energy (ASX:BPH) shares are in a trading halt

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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The share prices of ASX travel shares have flown higher today, including Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) and Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB).

The Corporate Travel share price went up almost 5%, the Webjet share price rose 5%, the Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price rose almost 3%, the Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO) share price rose 3.6% and the Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price went up 0.6%.

It has been a busy period of announcements for the travel industry. Not only were there a couple of reports today, but Victoria’s has lockdown ended and the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is about to start.

Profit results

Webjet released its FY21 half-year result today. It said that total transaction value (TTV) was down 89% to $267 million, revenue fell 90% to $22.6 million and underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was down by 146% to a loss of $40.1 million. Underlying net profit dropped to a loss of $60.5 million.

However, Webjet said that its OTA (online travel agency) business returned to profitability as domestic borders started to reopen, driven by its strength in servicing the domestic leisure market, as well as leveraging its highly variable cost base.

Corporate Travel said that the FY21 first half revenue was ahead of expectations, despite the worsening COVID-19 situation in the second quarter. December 2020 had the highest revenue of the half despite being seasonally the quietest month for corporate travel in the first half.

Despite that, it still generated an underlying EBITDA loss of $15.7 million for the half, including a two-month loss contribution from the Travel and Transport acquisition. The underlying net loss for Corporate Travel shareholders was $26 million and the statutory net loss was $36.4 million.

The company said it was positioned for the recovery in corporate travel activity in the northern hemisphere where the COVID-19 vaccination efforts continue.

Victoria ends lockdown

Victoria’s 5-day snap lockdown is going to end today, rather than be extended as some had feared. The state recorded 0 new COVID-19 cases today.

The four reasons to leave the home will no longer apply and the 5km travel limit will be lifted. There will still be a 5-visitor limit to homes and public outdoor gatherings are limited to 20 people. Crowds will be able to return to the Australian Open from Thursday.

The borders have already started opening up again. South Australia has announced that it’s open again to regional Victoria, though there’s going to be a 14 day wait for no community cases before Melbournians can visit SA.

Vaccinations start

Over 140,000 BioNTech – Pfizer vaccine doses arrived in Australia this week and they will start to be administered on 22 February according to reporting by media such as The Guardian.

Various groups will receive the COVID-19 vaccine including quarantine and healthcare workers, people in aged care settings and disability care.

Travel businesses are hoping that as more vaccines are distributed, it could lead to stronger conditions for the travel sector.

More reading

• Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price soars to 5% increase in late trade
• One year on and 50% up, the All Technology Index is booming
• Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price edges lower on H1 FY21 results
• Why the Corporate Travel Management (ASX:CTD) share price is trading lower
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Helloworld Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Corporate Travel Management Limited and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited and Helloworld 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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The Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price finished strongly today after the company presented its half-year results. It was a tale of two halves for the company as shares in the travel agent rebounded strongly after a disappointing start.

The Webjet share price finished the day strongly rising 5.02% to $5.02.

Why the Webjet share price is flying

Despite the poor first half result, investors bid up the Webjet share price late on signs of growth. According to the AFR, the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines will provide more clarity about the triggers for opening domestic and international borders.

Speaking to the AFR, Webjet Managing Director, John Guscic, argued that it was realistic to seek clear policies. Especially given the ever-changing nature of the coronavirus. 

Gusic stated:

I appreciate that the environment changes quickly, but you don’t make policy up on the fly.

Mr. Guscic was speaking after the travel booking company announced its results for the first half of FY21. For the period, revenue plummeted to $22.6 million. This was a 90% drop from the same time last year. Overall, the company posted a hefty loss of $132.2 million down from the profit recorded last year.

Nonetheless, there were some positives in the result. Webjet retained a strong cash position of $283 million after its large capital raising last year. The current loss rate of $4.8 million gives the company just under 5 years before it will run out of cash.

What Now

Regarding the company’s future, Webjet noted that it is focused on capitalising on the impending market recovery. Moreover, it is hoping that the structural shift from offline to online will provide the company with tailwinds moving forwards.

Commenting on the future and dividends, Chairman Roger Sharp said:

Given the uncertainties inherent in the current travel environment, Webjet is not providing earnings guidance for FY21, and has not declared an interim FY21 dividend. Further, the Company has deferred payment of its FY20 interim dividend payment, which was due to be paid on 16 April 2021. It will be reviewed again following 1H22 results later this year.

Webjet shareholders will now be looking forward to the company’s FY21 results, which will be announced on May 19.

More reading

• One year on and 50% up, the All Technology Index is booming
• Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price edges lower on H1 FY21 results
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• These are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX
• Why ASX travel shares were smashed on Friday

Motley Fool contributor Daniel Ewing has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Webjet Ltd. 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 Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) share price finished off at $6.11 today having powered up over 13% to reach its highest price since May 2013.

Lynas has a portfolio of aligned assets to explore, develop, mine and process rare earth minerals. Its main asset is the Mt Weld rare earth deposit in Western Australia.

So what sent the Lynas share price to the sky today?

Lynas share price soars as China fights with the US

According to the Australian Financial Review (AFR), China wants to curb the exports of rare earth minerals that are crucial to US defence contractors such as Lockheed Martin Corp. 

These rare minerals are used to manufacture sophisticated weaponry and F-35 fighter jets. Fighter jets, for example, rely heavily on rare earths for critical components such as electrical power systems and magnets. 

According to the AFR, a Congressional Research Service report said each F-35 required 417 kilograms of rare earth materials.

China has been setting rare earth production limits since 2007 and currently controls about 80% of the world’s supply.

Lynas steps in to accommodate US Defense Department

Last month, Lynas was awarded $30 million in funding from the US Department of Defense to build a light rare earths facility in Texas.

Outside of China, Lynas is the only other major rare earths producer. 

Considering the Lynas share price movement today, perhaps the market believes that China will restrict future supplies? 

In the instance that China decides to do exactly that, Lynas will be one of the only contenders capable of picking up the slack.

Foolish takeaway

Rare earth minerals don’t just build military gear, they are also used to manufacture many other products such as smartphones, electric vehicles and wind turbines.

Regardless of today’s China news, the Lynas share price had already been rising for the past year off the back of increasing demand. Lynas shares have gained 182% over the past 12 months.

Over the past month, the Lynas share price is up 38%.

More reading

• 2 ASX shares that humbled successful fundies
• Worley (ASX:WOR) share price crashed on profit warning
• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares in January
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: Reality (and GameStop) finally hits ASX
• These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares last week

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The Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) share price was a strong performer on Wednesday and stormed higher again.

The aerial imagery technology and location data company’s shares finished the day 7% higher at $2.77.

This means the Nearmap share price is now up 34% since this time last month. And that’s despite the company being the target of a short seller attack last week.

That short seller attack may go down as one of the least successful we’ve seen in recent times.

Why is the Nearmap share price racing higher?

Investors have been buying Nearmap shares since it released a comprehensive response to the short seller report and its half year results.

In respect to the latter, Nearmap reported annual contract value (ACV) of $112.2 million on a reported basis and $116.7 million on a constant currency basis. This represents a 16.1% and 21% increase, respectively, over the prior corresponding period.

A key driver of this growth was its North American business, which delivered record ACV for the half.

Anything else?

Also supporting the Nearmap share price has been the reaction to its results by brokers.

As I mentioned here yesterday, analysts at Goldman Sachs were pleased with its results and retained their buy rating and lifted their price target to $2.95.

Goldman Sachs isn’t alone in rating its shares as a buy. Analysts at both Citi and Morgan Stanley responded to its results by reiterating their buy and overweight ratings.

Coincidentally, both brokers have price targets of $3.10 on Nearmap’s shares. This price target implies potential upside of approximately 12% over the next 12 months.

So, although the Nearmap share price has been on fire over the last 30 days, based on the views of these brokers, there appears to be room for its shares to run even higher from here.

More reading

• Where next for the Nearmap (ASX:NEA) share price?
• ASX 200 rises, JB Hi-Fi profit soars, Altium drops
• ASX 200 up 0.8%: Nearmap jumps, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank impresses
• Nearmap (ASX:NEA) share price soars 14% after response to short sellers
• Why Atomos, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Coca-Cola Amatil, & Nearmap are racing higher

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 Nearmap Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nearmap Ltd. 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 Pact Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: PGH) share price is on the move up today after the company provided its half-year results.

With shares up 5.7% to $2.80 at the close of trade, it appears the packaging manufacturer’s results for the period ending 31 December 2020 have been well-received.

Profits well packaged by Pact

The standout result is Pact’s half-year net profit after tax (NPAT) of $49.9 million, up 43.5% from the previous corresponding period. This strong rise in profits was achieved despite revenue only growing by 1% to $894.4 million. Growth in the business’s reuse and crate pooling services contributed to higher margins.

Pact Group continues to work towards its Lead the Circular Economy strategy. During the half, such efforts include progressing on phase two of the company’s Australian packaging turnaround; enhancing recycling capability; and growing reuse volumes in the US.

Furthermore, the company nearly doubled its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) from contract manufacturing services. The segment added $20.7 million in EBITDA during the half, up 90.5% from the $10.9 million in the previous year.

Profits were further assisted by a reduction in financing costs during the period. Net finance expenses fell to $25.6 million from $33.1 million due to lower interest rates on borrowings.

What other surprises are in the box?

Shareholders are welcoming the announced dividend of 5 cents per share. After a cataclysmic year for dividends last year – dividend investors would be breathing a sigh of relief. While 5 cents may not seem like much, keep in mind Pact Group only provided 3 cents per share in dividends for all of 2020.

Pact also reduced the company’s gearing, which is essentially the debt to assets ratio of the company, to 2.4 times – down from 2.9 times. By taking this action, shareholders can rest a little easier knowing that if interest rates rise, Pact’s exposure isn’t precarious now.

The company’s ability to rely less on operating debt is due to the increased free cash flow. Free cash flow increased by 119% for the period to $46 million, giving the company more operational liquidity.

Pact Group share price snippet

Today’s rally places the Pact Group share price at $2.80, just over 14% higher than a year ago. It also puts it 7.7% higher than Morgan Stanley’s recent price target of $2.60.

The packaging manufacturer now holds a market capitalisation of $912 million, at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 10.38.

More reading

• Telstra (ASX:TLS) full year dividend for 2021 expected to be 16 cents per share, fully franked
• Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) share price on watch after announcing special dividend
• Yowza! The Credit Intelligence (ASX:CI1) share price is up 130% in 2 months
• 3 fantastic ASX shares to buy for strong returns
• Why the Schaffer (ASX:SFC) share price flew 9% today

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler 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 Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX:TLS) share price may have fallen around 11% in the past 12 months, but with the leading telecommunications company recently saying it’s “building momentum,” better days could be ahead for Telstra shareholders.

One thing weighing on the Telstra share price over the last 12 months has been concerns that it may cut its dividend.

These fears were allayed after Telstra declared a fully franked 8 cents per share interim dividend for the first half of 2021, flat on the same period last year.

Telstra also confirmed it expects to pay a fully franked final dividend of 8 cents per share, bringing its total dividend for FY 2021 to 16 cents per share.

With the Telstra share price trading at around $3.30, the telco’s shares are trading on a fully franked dividend yield of 4.8%, or 6.9% when grossed up for franking credits.

Although Telstra continues to face economic and competitive headwinds, the company did say it has ambitions for mid-to-high single-digit percentage profit growth in FY 2022.

With the Reserve Bank of Australia likely to keep interest rates at close to zero for the next three years, by comparison to term deposits, the Telstra dividend yield looks very attractive.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs recently retained their buy rating and lifted the Telstra share price target to $4.00,

Elsewhere, UBS recently retained its buy rating and $3.70 share price target and Credit Suisse held firm with its outperform rating and $3.85 Telstra share price target.

More reading

• Morgan Stanley: ASX earnings season is topping expectations
• 3 reasons the Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price is storming higher
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX cools on earnings reality check
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• 2 standout ASX results from last week

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.

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The Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price will be one to watch closely on Thursday.

This afternoon the mining giant released its full year results after the market close.

How did Rio Tinto perform in FY 2020?

For the 12 months ended 31 December, Rio Tinto reported a 3% increase in sales revenue to US$44,611 million. This was driven entirely by its iron ore operations, which offset lower revenues across other key commodities.

Iron ore revenue came in 13.4% higher year on year at US$29,202 million. Whereas Aluminium, Alumina, and Bauxite revenue fell 10% to US$9,146 million, Copper revenue dropped 11.8% to US$1,785 million, and Industrial minerals revenue fell 8.4% to US$2,051 million.

Positively, margin expansion led to the mining giant reporting a 13% increase in underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to US$23,902 million. And on the bottom line, net earnings were 22% higher year on year at US$9,769 million.

Bumper dividends

Rio Tinto’s free cash flow came in 3% higher than in FY 2020 at US$9,407 million. This followed a 13% increase in capital expenditure to US$6,189 million.

This led to the Rio Tinto board declaring a fully franked final dividend of US$4.02 (A$5.19) per share. This comprises an ordinary dividend of US$3.09 (A$3.99) per share and a special dividend of 93 U.S. cents (A$1.20) per share.

Combined with its interim dividend, Rio Tinto is rewarding shareholders with a fully franked full year dividend of US$5.57 per share (A$7.19). That’s the equivalent of a 5.6% yield and will mean a total of US$9 billion is returned to shareholders in FY 2020.

Management commentary

Rio Tinto’s new Chief Executive, Jakob Stausholm, was pleased with the company’s performance in FY 2020. Though, he conceded that the Juukan Gorge controversy will rightfully overshadow this.

He said: “It has been an extraordinary year – our successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic and strong safety performance were overshadowed by the tragic events at the Juukan Gorge, which should never have happened.”

“During 2020, the agility and resilience of the business and our employees, coupled with strong commodity prices, enabled us to deliver underlying EBITDA of $23.9 billion and Return on Capital Employed of 27%. As a result, the Board has approved a total dividend of 557 US cents per share including a special dividend of 93 US cents per share, representing a 72% full year pay-out ratio, which builds on our five-year pay-out track record.”

“My new executive team and wider leadership of the company are all committed to unleashing Rio Tinto’s full potential. We will increase our focus on operational excellence and project development and strengthen our ESG credentials. Working closely with the Board, we must earn the right to become a trusted partner for Traditional Owners, host communities, governments and other stakeholders but we all recognise that this will require sustained and consistent effort.”

“Safe and well-run operations, together with world-class assets, great people, capital discipline and a strong balance sheet, leave Rio Tinto well placed to generate superior returns for shareholders, invest in sustaining and growing our portfolio, and make a broader contribution to society,” he concluded.

Guidance

Rio Tinto expects its capital expenditure to be around US$7.5 billion in each of 2021 and 2022. This compares to previous guidance of ~ US$7 billion in each year. FY 2023 capital expenditure is included for the first time and is also expected to be around US$7.5 billion.

Each year includes sustaining capex of US$3 billion to US$3.5 billion, of which US$1.2 billion to US$1.6 billion is for Pilbara iron ore.

Management advised that the $0.5 billion increase in FY 2021 and FY 2022 from previous guidance is due to the Australian dollar, which is forecast to strengthen from 69 U.S. cents to 77 U.S. cents.

The stronger Australian dollar is also expected to lead to an increase in Pilbara iron ore unit cash costs. In FY 2021 it expects these costs to be between US$16.70 to US17.70 per tonne. This compares to US$15.40 in FY 2020.

Positively, FY 2021 Copper costs are expected to benefit from a gradual return to higher copper grades at Kennecott and a one-off benefit from higher gold grades at Oyu Tolgoi.

All production guidance remains unchanged for the year ahead.

More reading

• 2 high quality ASX dividend shares to buy right now
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX cools on earnings reality check
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 next week
• 3 reasons why the Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) share price is up today
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: RBA unleashes ASX’s inner animal

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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Credit Intelligence Ltd (ASX: CI1) shares rocketed higher today, up 31.43% to 4.6 cents a share.

The Credit Intelligence share price opened at 3.6 cents this morning after closing at 3.5 cents yesterday. But soon after open, the company’s shares exploded to reach a high of 6 cents a share shortly after lunchtime today.

That means the company’s shares were up around 71% at one point, despite having cooled off since. Today’s closing price also means the Credit Intelligence share price is now up 130% since 16 December last year. Today’s moves were enough to warrant an ASX ‘please explain’ speeding ticket this afternoon as well.

So what is this company? And what is sparking such a dramatic re-valuation?

Credit Intelligence is a debt restructuring and personal insolvency management business. It operates primarily in Hong Kong and Singapore, although the company has expansion plans in place for the Australian market.

What’s been driving the Credit Intelligence share price?

The company likely started turning heads following its annual general meeting late last November. In this meeting, Credit Intelligence reported that its revenues for FY2020 had grown by 125% (from $6.05 million to $13.61 million) and its profits by 384% (from $934,000 to $4.54 million). The company also doubled its dividend and reported earnings per share (EPS) growth of 333%.

Interestingly, Credit Intelligence told investors that the company was being supported by “favourable macroeconomic conditions”. As such, it advised the market that “COVID-19 related unemployment [and the] recession will massively increase demand for [its] services… for years to come” and that these conditions are “not yet reflected in growth numbers”.

Although these announcements were evidently well received by investors at the time, it doesn’t explain what’s happening today with the Credit Intelligence share price. Indeed, the company has not released any market-sensitive information or major announcements in recent days, save for a release back on 8 February.

In that release, Credit Intelligence discussed its plans for a “next-generation, technology-enabled platform that will provide a better solution for the coming wave of millennial debts caused by BNPL [buy now, pay later services]”.

There have been a plethora of companies involved in the buy now, pay later arena being inundated with volume surges and share price spikes this week. As such, it is possible that Credit Intelligence has been caught up in this euphoria.

However, in response to the ASX’s pricing enquiry today, Credit Intelligence flatly denied any knowledge of possible causes for the surge in activity. It did not offer any speculation as to the underlying cause of the Credit Intelligence share price spike either.

More reading

• Telstra (ASX:TLS) full year dividend for 2021 expected to be 16 cents per share, fully franked
• Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) share price on watch after announcing special dividend
• 3 fantastic ASX shares to buy for strong returns
• Why the Schaffer (ASX:SFC) share price flew 9% today
• Here’s why the Appen (ASX:APX) share price is sinking

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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If you’re looking to put your money to work by investing in the share market, then you might want to take a look at the ASX shares listed below.

Here’s why they are highly rated and tipped to provide strong returns for investors:

Altium Limited (ASX: ALU)

Altium is the printed circuit board (PCB) design software provider behind the Altium Designer and cloud-based Altium 365 platforms. These platforms are regarded to be the best in the industry and have significant advantages over competitors such as Cadence. Given that PCBs are found inside almost all electronic devices, the company has been benefitting greatly from the proliferation of electronic devices due to the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence markets. Positively, this trend is expected to continue over the 2020s and drive strong sales and profit growth. Analysts at Morgan Stanley are positive on the company. They have an overweight rating and $37.00 price target on the company’s shares.

CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)

Another top ASX share to consider buying is CSL. It is one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies and the name behind the CSL Behring and Seqirus businesses. CSL Behring is the number one player in a global plasma therapies industry worth a massive US$30 billion per year. Whereas the Seqirus business is now the second largest player in the global influenza vaccines industry. Credit Suisse is a fan of CSL and has an outperform rating and $325.00 price target on its shares. While the broker notes that the company is facing plasma collection headwinds, it believes demand remains strong for its therapies and flu vaccines.

Whispir Ltd (ASX: WSP)

Whispir is a software-as-a-service communications workflow platform provider. Its industry-leading software platform allows users to deliver actionable two-way interactions at scale using automated multi-channel communication workflows. Whispir has been growing strongly in recent years but still has a very long runway for growth ahead of it. Management estimates that the Workflow Communications platform as a Service market could be worth US$8 billion per year by 2024. Analysts at Wilsons are positive on the company and currently have an overweight rating and $5.10 price target on its shares.

More reading

• One year on and 50% up, the All Technology Index is booming
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• AstraZeneca vaccine approved for use in Australia, CSL (ASX:CSL) share price up
• The latest ASX shares upgraded by brokers to “buy” during the reporting season
• 3 things you might have missed from the Altium (ASX:ALU) half year result

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 and recommends Whispir Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Altium. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Altium. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Whispir Ltd. 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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