• 2 very exciting small cap ASX shares to watch

    Surprised man with binoculars watching the share market go up and down

    There are a lot of options at the small end of the market for investors to choose from.

    Two that could be worth getting better acquainted with are listed below. Here’s what you need to know about them:

    PlaySide Studios Limited (ASX: PLY)

    The first small cap to watch is PlaySide Studios. It is one of the largest independent video game developers in the country with a total of 52 titles developed.

    Its portfolio includes games based on its own original intellectual property and games developed with Hollywood studios. The latter comprises titles relating to Jumanji, The Walking Dead, Batman, Superman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Disney Pixar’s Cars.

    From these titles, the company generated a 55% increase in revenue to $7 million in FY 2020. The good news is that this is still only a fraction of its global market opportunity. The company currently estimates that the mobile games market is worth worth $77.2 billion per annum. 

    PlaySide intends to use the proceeds from its recent IPO to support its growth plans. This includes securing the rights to develop mobile games from select media brands, expanding its development team to support new original titles, and opening an office in Hollywood to be closer to studios.

    Serko Ltd (ASX: SKO)

    Another small cap to watch is Serko. It is the New Zealand-based online travel booking and expense management provider behind the Zeno Travel and Zeno Expense platforms.

    Serko’s Zeno Travel product provides AI-powered end-to-end travel itineraries, cost control and travel policy compliance to corporate customers. Whereas Zeno Expense allows its users to automate and streamline the expense administration function, identify out-of-policy expense claims, and prevent fraud.

    Unsurprisingly, Serko has been hit hard by the pandemic’s impact on travel markets. However, the company has been experiencing a rebound in demand for its services. In November transaction volumes increased to 44% of prior year volumes. This was up from 35% of prior year volumes for the month of October.

    The company also has a major deal with travel giant Booking.com, which is expected to be a key driver of growth once travel markets return to normal again.

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    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 Serko Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Serko 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 Argosy Minerals (ASX:AGY) share price surged 17% higher today. Here’s why

    A line-up of green lithium batteries, indicating positive share price movement for clean ASX lithium miners

    The Argosy Minerals Limited (ASX: AGY) share price had a ripper trading day today, closing more than 17% higher at 13 cents.

    This performance spike follows the company’s release this morning of its December 2020 quarterly activities report.

    Lithium project pursuits

    Argosy Minerals has interests in two lithium projects. The Rincon Lithium Project in Salta Province, Argentina and the Tonopah Lithium Project in Nevada, the United States.

    The Rincon Lithium Project is the company’s flagship project. Argosy Minerals believes that this project is located within the world’s largest lithium resource.

    In today’s announcement, the company noted that the JORC Exploration Target delineated for the Rincon Lithium Project has potential to increase the project’s mine life and production capacity in the future.

    The announcement also referenced the current environmental impact assessment report, which is progressing toward final completion. 

    International expansion

    During the reported quarter, Argosy Minerals shipped 20 tonnes of product to Korean chemical company, YN Chemical Co Ltd. Analysis confirmed the delivery of a high purity, battery-quality product with low impurity levels. 

    According to Argosy Minerals, the successful execution of the Korea deal opens the company up to a new set of market opportunities extending across Korea, Japan, Europe and North America.

    The company also accepted membership to the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) during the quarter. ERMA’s vision is to “secure access to critical and strategy raw materials, advanced materials, and processing know-how for European Union Industrial Ecosystems”. 

    About the Argosy Minerals share price

    Over the past 12-month period, Argosy Minerals has advanced around 45% higher. The Argosy Minerals share price roaring nearly 160% higher just in the past the past 6 months alone.

    An investor who bought Argosy shares 5 years ago, would have gained around 6,600% on their investment today.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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  • Is Transurban (ASX:TCL) set to expand, with WestConnex in its sights?

    transurban toll road sydney

    Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), the toll road giant, is having a solid day on the ASX today. The Transurban share price is up 1.17% to $12.94 a share, giving it a tentative market capitalisation of $35.44 billion.

    A possible catalyst for this positive share price performance today is a new report discussing the future of the mammoth Sydney toll road network WestConnex.

    WestConnex consists of a network of new toll roads, some of which have been completed, and some of which are still under construction. As it stands today, Transurban already owns a 51% stake in WestConnex, which it bought from the New South Wales government back in 2018. 

    But according to reporting in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) today, the NSW government is putting the remaining 49% stake up for sale. And Transurban is in the box seat.

    According to the report, the NSW government is splitting the remaining 49% stake into 2 tranches of 24.5% apiece. The report tells us that Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) is valuing these tranches at between $5.4 billion and $6.3 billion each. That valuation is based on the value of the sale of the initial 2018 stake. Also included is an estimated rate of return these assets can offer, as well as bond prices.

    Transurban’s grip tightens

    Macquarie also reckons that “the most probable scenario” for the sale would see Transurban “and its partners” acquire both remaining stakes, leaving them in full control of WestConnex.

    That’s partly because Transurban reportedly has a “right of first offer” over the assets. However, it will also be asked to submit an offer at the same time as other potential buyers.

    Macquarie apparently estimates that if Transurban and its partners don’t end up with the full stake at the end of the process, the company would benefit regardless. That’s because it would give the market an accurate and updated valuation for the 51% stake that Transurban already holds.

    If the deal does go Transurban’s way, it would cement the iron grip the company has on the roadways of Sydney. Transurban has a virtual monopoly on Sydney’s tolled roads.

    It owns 9 out of the 10 user-pays arteries (not including the 3 WestConnex roads already completed). This includes the recently-completed NorthConnex route. The only tolled road in Sydney outside the company’s ownership is, of course, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

    The company also benefits from the often-generous tolling regulations that it’s allowed to charge motorists. Many of its roads have contracts where Transurban is allowed to hike tolls every quarter by 4% or at the level of inflation, whichever is greater.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Transurban Group. 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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  • Here’s why the Coventry Group (ASX:CYG) share price is soaring 9% today

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

    The Coventry Group Ltd (ASX: CYG) share price is beating the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) today. The surge in its shares comes as the company released its trading update for the first-half of the 2021 financial year.

    At the time of writing, the industrial solutions provider’s shares are up 9.4% to $1.04. In comparison, the All-Ordinaries Index is also travelling higher, up 1.15% to 7,015 points.

    What did Coventry Group announce?

    According to this morning’s release, Coventry Group advised that it has achieved a positive result despite COVID-19 uncertainty.

    For the period ending 31 December, the company reported group sales of $138.1 million. This reflected an increase of 12.5% over the prior corresponding period, and a 11.9% lift excluding H.I.S Hose.

    The latter was added to Coventry Group’s portfolio on 1 December, following the completed acquisition. The company noted that business integration is currently underway and on track.

    For performance in each of the segments, Fluid Systems took charge, with sales rising 21.1% on the prior year. To date, $5.5 million has been received from its large $8 million won in the first quarter.

    Trade Distribution sales also grew, but took second place with a 7.5% improvement from this time last year. The sound result was attributed to improved business units during the period.

    Coventry Group recorded a healthy balance sheet for the first half with net assets totalling $105.3 million. In the prior period ending 30 June 2020, net assets stood at $102.1 million.

    What did the head of Coventry Group say?

    Coventry Group CEO and Managing Director, Mr Robert Bulluss, hailed the robust result, saying:

    We are pleased with the Group’s momentum despite challenging conditions. We continue to execute on our strategy with positive results from all parts of the business. The integration and financial performance of our recent acquisitions is pleasing with acquisitions being an important part of our growth strategy.

    Outlook

    Looking ahead, Coventry Group revealed that both of its divisions are continuing to perform to expectations. It noted that while growth has been achieved in the first half, the remaining financial year is uncertain. This is largely due to the timing of large scale projects affected by the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 trading conditions. Furthermore, the mounting trade dispute between Australia and China is also likely to have an effect.

    A review of the Coventry Group share price

    The Coventry Group share price is relatively flat over the past 12 months, down marginally 3%.

    Its shares hit a 52 week high of $1.13 last February before COVID-19 took the world’s economy hostage. Falling to an all time low of 46.5 cents in April, the Coventry Group share price began to recover.

    Today, its shares are just a whisker away from breaking a new 52-week high record.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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  • Aussies ready to splash on travel, entertainment, cars

    Feast outdoors dinner party

    Australians are cashed up and ready to spend big on travel, entertainment and cars this year, according to the latest data.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) on Tuesday released its most recent Household Spending Intentions study results, showing the economy could be in for a massive post-COVID comeback in 2021.

    “While the situation warrants some caution, we continue to expect solid household spending and economic growth for Australia through 2021,” said CBA senior economist Belinda Allen.

    Combining December data from the bank and Google, the study found spending intentions for travel rebounded into the positive for the first time in 2020.

    Big year-on-year jumps in spending were recorded for camping and outdoor-related goods and services. CBA senior economist Belinda Allen said this indicated Australians were looking for fun in rural areas in lieu of international travel.

    “Travel spending intentions jumped solidly in December 2020 as state border restrictions were largely lifted,” she said.

    Many state borders did close again late in the year after a resurgence of the coronavirus in Sydney and Melbourne. But card transaction data indicated these had a “modest impact” on spending.

    The uplift in travel would be good news for ASX shares like Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN), Regional Express Holdings Ltd (ASX: REX) and Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB).

    We’re also up for entertainment and cars 

    Both actual spending and Google search data showed Australians intended to spend more on entertainment. Health and fitness also showed a spike in spending.

    Perhaps scared off public transport due to virus worries, Australians are also flocking to buy cars.

    “Relative to the end of 2019, December 2020 saw strong increases in actual spending on new and used motor vehicles and an increase in loan applications to purchase a motor vehicle,” said Allen.

    A busy car sector is positive for ASX shares such as Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE), Carsales.Com Ltd (ASX: CAR) and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).

    One spending intention that dipped was home buying.

    Housing fervour actually jumped in November, but cooled off in December — perhaps reflecting the quiet Christmas holiday period for the real estate sector.

    “We continue to expect the home buying market to be a key source of support for the Australian economy in 2021 – driven largely by the very low level of interest rates,” said Allen.

    Allen added that a buoyant housing market would also support a boost in the motor vehicle sector.

    CBA’s Household Spending Intentions study is performed monthly, with the bank’s actual spending data combined with Google search’s prospective purchase data to form a forward-looking view for the Australian economy.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo owns shares of Qantas Airways Limited and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended carsales.com 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 IOUpay (ASX:IOU) share price jumped 11% higher today

    jump in asx share price represented by man jumping in the air in celebration

    The IOUpay Ltd (ASX: IOU) share price was a strong performer this morning until fading in afternoon trade.

    The payments company’s shares were up as much as 11.5% to 19.5 cents at one stage.

    In late trade, the IOUpay share price is up 3% to 18 cents.

    Why did the IOUpay share price jump higher?

    Investors were buying the company’s shares this morning after the release of a positive announcement.

    According to the release, IOUpay has secured a Malaysian Money Lending Licence which is required to comply with Malaysia’s Money Lending Act 1951 and Financial Services Act 2013. This licence will be used for the provision of buy now pay later (BNPL) service offerings to consumers and merchants in Malaysia.

    The company secured the licence by acquiring 100% of the ordinary shares in licence holder Sibu Kurnia Marine in exchange for RM4,300,000 (A$1,375,000).

    Management advised that it engaged two independent valuation experts and obtained formal valuation reports to determine an equity valuation of holder Sibu Kurnia Marine before settling on a buy price. Pleasingly, both reports provided values in excess of the final agreed consideration.

    What now?

    IOUpay believes this is an important milestone in the company’s plans to launch BNPL services in the country and notes that it is ahead of schedule.

    The company’s chairman, Mr Lee Chin Wee, explained: “The completion of this critical milestone ahead of schedule enables the Company to now accelerate its plans to capitalise on the significant market opportunities in the BNPL and digital payments sectors as highlighted in our Corporate Presentation and Investor Update last year.”

    “Notwithstanding the regional COVID-19 environment including the revised Movement Control Order (MCO) implemented by the Malaysian Government last week, the market conditions and demand for our product offerings remain strong which is consistent with the continued increased uptake in online purchases and payments across the South East Asia region last year,” he concluded.

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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 Bingo (ASX:BIN) share price is shooting 18% higher

    recycling asx share price represented by bin holding piggy bank and coin

    Bingo Industries Ltd (ASX: BIN) shares are rocketing higher today following the company’s response to media reports of a potential acquisition proposal. At the time of writing, the Bingo share price is trading at $3.23, up 17.9% from yesterday’s closing price.  

    What’s driving the Bingo share price?

    The Bingo share price is on the move today after the company released a response to media reports that it had received a takeover offer from CPE Capital. Describing the offer as an “unsolicited, highly conditional, non-binding, indicative proposal”, today’s announcement used a really good collection of words to let everyone know the acquisition is definitely not set in stone. 

    The offer presented by CPE Capital comes with an indicative cash price of $3.50 per share, as well as a potential scrip alternative, and is currently being considered by a Bingo independent board committee.

    According to Bingo, the proposal will be subject to several conditions, including due diligence and financing, if it proceeds.

    Bingo’s latest investor presentation

    During its latest investor presentation to UBS Group in November last year, Bingo claimed it had identified a five-year growth plan, invested in a strategic network of waste infrastructure, and strengthened the company’s overall financial position. 

    Bingo also highlighted its capability to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and maintain solid momentum regardless of the associated lockdown restrictions.

    During the presentation, Bingo further advised that all its FY20 development milestones had been reached and the company was now “utilising these assets to increase returns and cash flow”.

    According to Bingo, the company is in a strong position with a well-developed pipeline of work spanning at least the next five years. 

    Financial performance and sustainability

    For FY20, Bingo finished up with underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $152.1 million. The company also gained a 21% boost to its revenue bringing it up to $486.7 million.

    In addition to its key financial reports, Bingo also produces an annual sustainability report. According to the report, the company added value to society through various activities such as its school education program and donations to the Cancer Council. 

    Bingo share price snapshot

    Based on the current Bingo share price, the company has a market capitalisation of $1.8 billion with 654.3 million shares outstanding. Bingo shares reached a 52-week high of $3.47 in February last year just prior to the coronavirus-induced bear market.

    The Bingo share price is currently trading a little over 8% lower than where it was this time last year.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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  • Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today

    laptop keyboard with red sell button

    On Monday I looked at three ASX shares that brokers have given buy ratings to this week.

    Unfortunately, not all shares are in favour with them right now. Three that have just been given sell ratings are listed below.

    Here’s why these brokers are bearish on these ASX shares:

    Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN)

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts have downgraded this regional bank’s shares to a sell rating but with an improved price target of $9.24. The broker made the move due to net interest margin risks and on valuation grounds. In light of this, it sees better value on offer elsewhere in the banking sector for investors. Goldman is also currently forecasting FY 2021 earnings that are notably lower than consensus estimates. The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank share price is trading at $9.66 on Tuesday.

    Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL)

    Analysts at Citi have retained their sell rating and $60.60 price target on this health supplements company’s shares. According to the note, the broker’s research indicates that its rivals have been winning a greater share of the Chinese market. In addition to this, it sees difficulties from increased competition in the ANZ market and disruption in the daigou channel due to COVID-19. The Blackmores share price is trading at $72.03 this afternoon.

    Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    A note out of Ord Minnett reveals that its analysts have retained their sell rating but lifted the price target on this lithium miner’s shares to 50 cents. According to the note, the broker has been looking into the resources sector and has lifted its price estimates for a number of commodities. And while the outlook for lithium is looking a lot more positive and Pilbara Minerals is performing well operationally, it believes the rise in its share price over the last three months has left its shares overvalued. The Pilbara Minerals share price is fetching $1.15 today.

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  • IOOF exec says she was sacked for mental illness

    A man holds a law book and points his finger, indicating an accusation or alleged offence to be settled in court

    IOOF Holdings Limited (ASX: IFL) has another legal battle looming with its own staff, after a former executive accused it of sacking her after it was informed she had a mental illness.

    Ex-head of communications Dr Jane Rennie has claimed in court documents that the company dismissed her after she expressed a need to take personal leave or submit a WorkCover claim as a result of work stress, as first reported in the Australian Financial Review.

    Rennie claims the company told her she would be redeployed, but she was made redundant less than a week after she reported her situation.

    IOOF had not responded to requests for comment from The Motley Fool at the time of writing.

    The finance company also allegedly didn’t consider her for any alternative positions after the redundancy, even though Rennie thought it was a “redeployment period”.

    The former executive is requesting IOOF be ordered to return her to the job, plus reparations for loss of work, reputation damage and trauma.

    IOOF has reportedly submitted in court papers that the redundancy was due to a corporate restructure. 

    It also denies that Rennie had flagged she needed to take leave or apply for worker’s compensation. The company claims Rennie declined an offer to take personal leave.

    The IOOF share price is up 1.50% on Tuesday afternoon, trading at $3.72.

    IOOF’s culture in the spotlight

    The serious allegations come just days after 2 male executives were accused of sexual harassment and discrimination.

    In a separate court case, deputy chief investment officer Stanley Yeo was accused of inappropriate touching and remarks towards a female staffer.

    Among many instances listed in legal documents, Yeo is alleged to have touched the woman’s breasts at her own wedding in front of family and friends.

    The same woman accuses head of fixed interest assets Osvaldo Acosta of discrimination on the basis of gender.

    When the alleged victim offered her input on a work matter, Acosta is accused of saying “You always give your opinion. Not only do I have a wife at home, I have you here in the office”.

    The woman is asking the court to order IOOF to compensate her for loss of opportunity and loss of future income, plus provide damages for humiliation and distress.

    The IOOF scandals come after fellow finance giant AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) had a shocking 2020 dealing with the fallout from its promotion of Boe Pahari to CEO of AMP Capital. 

    After details of serious sexual harassment allegations against Pahari became public, the company came under pressure from shareholders to reverse his plum appointment.

    An investor campaign eventually forced two directors to fall on their sword and Pahari was returned to his old position.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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  • Why the European Lithium (ASX:EUR) share price is rocketing 50% today

    A lithium battery with blue power background, indicating positive share price movement for clean ASX lithium miners

    The European Lithium Ltd (ASX: EUR) share price is rocketing higher today. This comes after the company announced it has received commitments to fund its lithium exploration activities.

    At the time of writing, the lithium miner’s shares are up an astonishing 42% to 0.099 cents. It’s worth nothing that during midday trade, the European Lithium share price reached an intraday high of 13 cents.

    What’s shooting the European Lithium share price?

    According to its release, European Lithium has welcomed the positive placement to raise $7 million through sophisticated investors. The offer price of 5 cents per share represents a steep discount on the current European Lithium share price. In addition to the take up offer, investors will also be issued one option for every 2 shares received. The exercise price for this option is 7.5 cents and will expire 3 years from the date of issue.

    The company stated that the monies raised from the institutional placement will complement its proposed share purchase plan. The latter which is due to close this Friday, 22 January.

    The funds will be allocated towards its exploration and development on its Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Austria. In addition, the company will seek to search for gold through its West Australian strategic tenement. Recent gold discoveries have been made by a number of companies within the North West Western Australian region.

    European Lithium advised that the issuance of shares from the placement will be done without shareholder approval.

    Words from the chair

    European Lithium chair, Mr Tony Sage, touched on the company’s prospects, saying:

    We are excited by the huge support in the Placement shown by institutional and high net worth investors in Australia, Asia and Europe. We believe this reflects the positive market sentiment for battery metals. After a very challenging year we now see demand for lithium chemicals to support a very strong EV market which led to the recent lithium price rally.

    The funds will also be used to explore our recently acquired gold project in the hottest region in Australia with De Gray, Azure, Artemis and Novo all finding success.

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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.

    The post Why the European Lithium (ASX:EUR) share price is rocketing 50% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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