• These ASX dividend shares could be perfect for retirees

    letter blocks spelling out the word retire

    If you’re in search of a source of income in retirement, then I think the share market is a great place to look.

    Especially given how the interest rates on offer with income-generating assets like term deposits are yielding just 1% right now.

    Two dividend shares that I think would be great options for retirees are listed below. Here’s why I like them:

    BWP Trust (ASX: BWP)

    The first option for retirees to consider ahead of term deposits is BWP Trust. It is the largest owner of Bunnings Warehouse sites in Australia with a portfolio of 68 stores leased to the hardware giant. BWP withdrew its distribution guidance in March at the height of the pandemic, but soon brought it back after being able to collect rents as normal despite the economic downturn. I believe this is a testament to the quality of its tenant, which has continued to thrive during the crisis.

    Last month management revealed that it currently expects to pay a second half distribution of 9.27 cents per unit, bringing the full year distribution to 18.29 cents per unit. This represents a 1% increase on the prior financial year and is in line with its previous guidance. The good news is that due to the strength of the Bunnings business, I believe this growth can continue over the coming years. As a result, based on the current BWP share price, I estimate that it offers a generous 4.7% FY 2021 distribution yield.

    Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

    Another option for retirees to consider buying is this agriculture-focused property group. I like Rural Funds due to the quality of its portfolio of assets and its positive long-term distribution outlook. The latter is a big positive for income investors and is thanks to its long-term tenancy agreements and periodic rent increases. In respect to the former, at the last count Rural Funds had a weighted average lease expiry profile of 11.5 years.

    I believe this combination means that Rural Funds is well-positioned to grow its distribution at a solid rate long into the future. This certainly will be the case in FY 2021. Management recently revealed that it intends to lift its distribution by 4% to 11.28 cents per share. Based on the latest Rural Funds share price, this equates to a yield of 5.5%. An added bonus is that it pays its distribution in quarterly instalments, which provides investors with a regular source of income. 

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended RURALFUNDS STAPLED. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Red River Resources share price up 9% on securing high grade deposits

    blocks trending up

    The Red River Resources Limited (ASX: RVR) share price is 9.09% higher at the time of writing, after the miner announced it has secured 2 high-grade polymetallic silver-indium deposits in Queensland. 

    What did the company announce?

    The company has been granted the Isabel and Orient Project, which hosts the highest-grade known indium deposits in Australia. The projects are located near Herberton in Queensland, approximately 500 kilometres from its Thalanga Operation. 

    The Isabel Project contains the Isabel polymetallic massive sulphide zinc, lead, copper, and indium deposit. The Orient Project contains the West Orient zinc, lead, silver indium deposit and the East Orient exploration target. 

    Currently, the indium price per kilogram is US$250.

    Quarterly activities and cash flow report

    On 28 July 2020, Red River Resources delivered an update for the period ending June 2020. 

    Its Thalanga Operations delivered record quarterly copper concentrate production of 2,697 dry metric tonnes (DMT). However, its zinc and lead concentrate is down compared to Q4 FY19. 

    Its mining and processing activities continue at the Thalanga Operation in northern Queensland and restart activities are progressing at its Hillgrove Gold Project in NSW.

    Facts about indium

    Indium is a shiny, silver-looking metal. It’s quite rare and is normally a trade element in other minerals – commonly zinc and lead. Indium is vital to the world’s economy in the form of indium tin oxide (ITO), which is the best material for LCD touch screens, flat screen TVs and solar panels. 

    Red River reports that Geoscience Australia has identified indium as a critical resource. Critical minerals are considered vital for the economic well-being of the world’s major and emerging economies. The minerals labelled critical are minerals at risk due to scarcity, political, trade and other potential issues.

    About the Red River Resources share price

    Red River Resources is seeking to build a multi-asset operating business focused on base and precious metals, with the objective of delivering prosperity through lean and clever resource development.

    Its foundation asset is the Thalanga Base Metal Operation in northern Queensland and it has recently acquired a high-grade Hillgrove Gold-Antimony Project in New South Wales.

    Currently the share price is trading at 12 cents, which is up by 9.09% today’s trade. In the past year, the Red River Resources share price has dropped by 33.33%.

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    Motley Fool contributor Matthew Donald has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Investor gold rush in the west offsets collapse of Asian market – WGC

    Investor gold rush in the west offsets collapse of Asian market - WGCA record-breaking flood of gold investment that has driven prices to all-time highs was not enough to stop a collapse in jewellery sales from cutting global demand for the metal by 6% in the first half of 2020, the World Gold Council (WGC) said. The coronavirus pandemic triggered stockpiling of gold in Europe and North America as insurance against inflation and market turmoil, driving prices up almost 30% this year to more than $1,950 an ounce. Investors amassed a record 1,131 tonnes of gold, worth $60 billion, over the six months to June, up from 595 tonnes in the same period of 2019, the WGC said in its latest quarterly report on Thursday.

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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today

    On Wednesday 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 ASX shares that have just been given sell ratings by brokers are listed below.

    Here’s why these brokers are bearish on them:

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts have retained their underweight rating and $63.50 price target on this banking giant’s shares. The broker notes that APRA has eased restrictions on dividend payments and will now allow 50% of earnings to be paid out to shareholders this year. It believes this means that Commonwealth Bank will pay a $1.30 per share final dividend later this year. Nevertheless, the broker continues to have issues with its valuation and retains its underweight rating. The Commonwealth Bank share price is trading at $73.13 this afternoon.

    Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

    A note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have downgraded this pizza chain operator’s shares to a sell rating but with an improved price target of $64.00. UBS notes that Domino’s has defensive qualities and is positive on its medium term growth prospects. This is thanks partly to its store expansion plans and the shift to online food ordering. However, it believes this is already priced into its shares and has downgraded them on valuation grounds. The Domino’s share price is changing hands for $74.19 on Thursday.

    Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: PAR)

    Analysts at Morgans have downgraded this biopharmaceutical company’s shares to a reduce rating with a $1.74 price target. This follows the release of a fourth quarter update which revealed a sharp increase in research and development expenses. In addition to this, the broker has concerns about a number of things behind the scenes. This includes the exit of its chairman and insider selling. In light of this and recent share price gains, it has decided to downgrade its shares. The Paradigm share price is trading at $3.22 this afternoon.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • 3 top ASX dividend shares for income investors in August

    dividend shares

    We are almost into August where reporting season will tell us about the impact of COVID-19 on many businesses. I think there are some top ASX dividend shares that are worth buying for long-term dividend income:

    Future Generation Investment Company Ltd (ASX: FGX)

    Future Generation is a fairly unique listed investment company (LIC). It is philanthropic – it donates 1% of its net assets each year to youth charities. It’s able to do this because there are no management fees charged by the LIC or its investments. Future Generation invests in the funds of ASX share-focused fund managers who work for free for the LIC.

    In terms of the dividend, Future Generation has increased its dividend consecutively over the past few years. In FY19 it increased the dividend by 8.7% compared to FY18. At the current Future Generation share price it offers an attractive grossed-up dividend yield of 7%. I think it’s a great ASX dividend share.

    Aside from the dividend, I really like two elements of Future Generation. The underlying diversification is strong with investments in a number of portfolios of shares.

    I also like that it’s possible to buy Future Generation at a sizeable discount to its net tangible assets (NTA). Future Generation is trading at 11% of its June 2020 NTA. Plus, its portfolio has outperformed the ASX over the long-term.

    Vitalharvest Freehold Trust (ASX: VTH)

    Vitalharvest is an agricultural real estate investment trust (REIT). It owns some of the largest aggregations of berry and citrus farms in Australia. These farms are leased to Costa Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: CGC). Not only does Vitalharvest receive a solid fixed rent from Costa, it also has a profit share agreement for 25% of the profit that the farms make.

    The REIT has a distribution yield of 6.2% based on the current Vitalharvest share price. If profitability returns to 2019 levels, then Vitalharvest could offer a yield of 7.3%. I think those are solid yield numbers for an ASX dividend share.

    I’m attracted to the new strategy that Primewest Group Ltd (ASX: PWG) could bring as the new manager of Vitalharvest. It’s going to look at more food-related properties used for storage and processing, not just farms.

    The net asset value (NAV) per share of Vitalharvest was $0.95 at December 2019, so it’s trading at a 19% discount.

    Food is a very important resource, so I think Vitalharvest could be a solid ASX dividend share over the long-term.

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

    For dividends, I believe that Soul Patts is the best ASX dividend share available to Aussie investors.

    The main reason I think that is due to dividend reliability. If you’re investing for dividends then I imagine you aren’t not looking for an unreliable dividend. Dividends may be essential for providing cashflow to fund your life’s expenses. I think dividend share picks should be reliable year to year and over the long-term, particularly when you need them most such as during this COVID-19 period. Many prior dividend favourites like ASX banks and infrastructure shares have cut dividends. 

    Soul Patts has increased its dividend every year since 2000. It has provided dividend growth guidance for this year. It has paid a dividend every year in its 100+ year history.

    The investment conglomerate owns a defensive portfolio of diversified businesses including telecommunications, building products, property, LICs, resources, swimming schools and agriculture.

    Soul Patts is also planning to start investing in regional data centres, which opens up an interesting growth avenue for the company.

    At the current Soul Patts share price it offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.25%. I think that’s a solid yield, given the low interest rate environment we find ourselves in.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison owns shares of FUTURE GEN FPO and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended COSTA GRP FPO and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why you should treat your superannuation like a child

    depositing coin into piggy bank for super, invest in super, grow super

    Treating your super like a child? Bit of a strong statement, you might think?

    Well, I stand by it. And here’s why.

    What’s the big deal about superannuation?

    Superannuation is the national retirement savings scheme. It’s the main thing helping the average Australian live out their retirement without relying solely on the age pension.

    There’s nothing wrong with the pension in itself, don’t get me wrong.

    But the Keating government initiated compulsory superannuation based on the acceptance that we as a country couldn’t afford to rely solely on the pension as a universal retirement income scheme.

    That’s unfortunately what happens when you have an ageing population. And according to the 2016–17 NSW Intergenerational Report, titled ‘Future State NSW in 2056’, the NSW Government expects that by the year 2056, there will be just 2 workers for every 1 retiree (persons aged over 65) in the state, down from a 4:1 ratio in 2016.

    So you can see why a universal aged pension is not sustainable going forward.

    That brings me back to super. The government knows we have a demographics problem. That’s why it has allowed generous tax benefits for using super. Most earnings that go into super (a compulsory 9.5% of most workers’ salary) are taxed at 15% instead of at a workers’ marginal tax rate.

    Earnings within super (such as dividends or interest) are also taxed at 15%. And once a super fund switches into ‘pension phase’ (i.e. when a worker retires and begins to live off super), then any earnings are tax free. So you can think of super as basically a legal tax haven of sorts.

    Why super is so super

    All of these facets of the superannuation scheme make it a highly lucrative vehicle you can use to build wealth. But raising your super fund to maturity requires years of patience and discipline (I hope you’re getting the ‘child’ reference now).

    Super works so well because it enables us to harness the miracle of compound interest through investing in growth assets like ASX shares. Einstein reportedly described compound interest as the ‘8th wonder of the world’. It requires time and good returns to work its magic though — helped of course by regular, blind and automated contributions over decades. It’s how you can turn $100,000 worth of contributions earning 8% annually over 45 years into almost $1.5 million.

    Minimising fees and maximising contributions is the best way to get this ball rolling. And withdrawing money early is the best way to kneecap it.

    That’s why I was dismayed to hear that more than half a million Australians have now completely wiped out their super balances under the government’s program that allows early withdrawals.

    Most of these people are reportedly under 35. That’s half a million of us with severely diminished prospects of a comfortable retirement. It’s not good for them, it’s not good for our budget, it’s not good for our future level of taxation and it’s not good for the country, in my view.

    Foolish takeaway

    If you’re one of those people who has withdrawn your super, I highly recommend topping it back up when circumstances allow. Super should be your reward of a lifetime of hard work. Don’t treat it as a bank to be raided, it needs nurturing and a bit of love instead. That’s the best shot you have of your super looking after you in old age

    Legendary stock picker names 5 cheap stocks to buy right now

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • 3 underloved ASX healthcare shares with strong comeback potential

    asx healthcare shares, stethoscope on bar chart

    The healthcare industry is a solid gamble – people are going to seek healthcare regardless of the state of the economy. According to Deloitte, global healthcare spending is expected to rise at a compound annual rate of 5% between 2019 and 2023. This will present many opportunities for the sector. 

    A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare also found that $467 million was spent on an average day in Australia’s health system. With the aging population and increasing emergence of chronic diseases, this number is likely to grow. Healthcare is something that everyone will need at some point in their life, leading to a huge opportunity for investors. 

    The healthcare industry is made up of many different types of companies that are impacted by different variables. Broadly, the sector can be divided into pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, and healthcare provider companies. Pharmaceutical companies manufacture drugs and typically spend highly on R&D. Medical device companies create devices used in patient care, including everything from disposable gloves to pacemakers. Healthcare providers are at the front line of patient care, delivering healthcare services to patients. 

    Australia boasts a significant number of listed healthcare companies, including stars such as CSL Limited (ASX: CSL). Here we take a look at 3 underloved ASX healthcare shares with the potential to make a strong comeback. 

    Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) 

    The Cochlear share price remains more than 23% down from its February high, with the spread of coronavirus impacting on its bottom line. Cochlear is a medical device company which produces cochlear implants used to help the hearing impaired. The implants use electrical stimulation to replace the function of the inner ear, but require surgery to implant. 

    Infection control measures introduced to combat coronavirus resulted in many implant operations being deferred. This caused a significant decline in surgeries across major markets with elective surgeries postponed across the United States and Eastern Europe. The decline in surgeries caused a 60% fall in Cochlear’s sales revenue in April. 

    Implant surgeries have been restarting but the rate of recovery is unclear. In China, surgeries recommenced in late February and are now running close to pre-virus rates. Implant surgeries have also restarted in the US, Germany, and Australia.

    Cochlear has significantly reduced non-essential spending and capex (capital expenditure) pending a sustained increase in surgeries. Ultimately, many of the delayed surgeries are expected to progress once hospitals resume normal operations. In the meantime, the company has strengthened its liquidity position with a $1.1 billion equity raising. 

    Longer term, Cochlear says there remains a significant unmet need for cochlear and acoustic implants that should underpin its long-term growth. The company’s enhanced liquidity position will enable it to weather the temporary decline in demand caused by COVID-19 while continuing to progress the R&D pipeline. 

    Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC)

    The Ramsay Health Care share price remains nearly 21% down from its February high, with the private hospital operator drafted into the coronavirus fight. Ramsay Healthcare is one of the largest hospital operators in Australia and operates more than 500 facilities across 11 countries. Ramsay has promised to assist governments in managing the pandemic and, in return, governments have guaranteed its viability. 

    Covid-19 resulted in the suspension of non-urgent elective surgery in each of Ramsay Healthcare’s major operating regions. As a private hospital operator, the cancellation of elective surgeries hit Ramsay Healthcare’s bottom line hard. However, COVID-19 partnership agreements were entered into with governments under which the hospital operator agreed to retain capacity to respond to the pandemic. Under these arrangements, governments and health authorities agreed to a core principle of meeting private hospital operators’ operating costs, or in the case of France, providing 85% of revenue from the previous corresponding period. Arrangements vary from region to region and the duration of agreements also varies.

    The suspension of elective surgeries resulted in an uncertain operating environment, with Ramsay choosing to raise $1.2 billion in equity in April to enhance its financial flexibility. Managing Director Craig McNally said, “the equity raising will strengthen Ramsay’s balance sheet and liquidity position, as well as increase financial flexibility during the unprecedented operating environment. More importantly, it will ensure that we can continue to pursue our growth initiatives and position us to take advantage of other growth opportunities that may arise”.

    Ramsay operates 72 hospitals in Australia which have seen the controlled reintroduction of some surgeries. The effect of the government agreements is that profits cannot be generated during the period of their operation. But the very fact that governments are contributing to the ongoing viability of private hospital operators demonstrates their importance. These government initiatives will also ensure Ramsay Health Care can maintain its extensive hospital platform intact, ready to support previously deferred surgeries when the operating environment normalises. 

    Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN)

    The Nanosonics share price is down over 14% from its February high. Nanosonics manufactures a disinfection device for ultrasound probes that is used globally. Ultrasound probes are used in many medical procedures. These include pregnancy screening, real time imaging guidance during procedures, and to diagnose and treat soft tissue injuries. 

    Nanosonics saw a significant increase in Q3 FY20 sales versus the prior corresponding quarter, demonstrating continued underlying growth momentum. Nonetheless, access to hospitals became more limited as a result of COVID-19 which may extend the timeline of planned adoption by some hospitals. This may result in lower than anticipated growth in the installed base in the fourth quarter. 

    Prudent measures were taken on operating expenses which were likely to decrease in the fourth quarter, without impacting underlying strategy. The supply chain is being closely managed and is currently well positioned to meet customer demand for capital equipment and consumables. Consumables sales in the third quarter were in line with pre-COVID expectations, with the impact of COVID-19 on sales in the final quarter yet to be revealed. 

    Understanding and awareness of the importance of ultrasound probe decontamination is growing, which could lead to increased sales in future. “Now more than ever the importance of infection prevention has gained prominence not only within the healthcare community, but across the broader community“, CEO Michael Kavanagh said.

    Nanosonics has a strong balance sheet with no debt and has been benefitting from the stronger US dollar. 

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    Kate O’Brien owns shares of Cochlear Ltd. and CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Cochlear Ltd., CSL Ltd., and Nanosonics Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear Ltd., Nanosonics Limited, and Ramsay Health Care Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why the Buddy Technologies share price more than doubled in a week

    child in superman outfit pointing skyward

    The Buddy Technologies Ltd (ASX: BUD) share price more than doubled over the past week as sales of its new smart lights gain traction in Europe and the US.

    Shares in the IoT solutions group jumped a further 7.7% today to 2.8 cents and is up 180% from a week ago.

    Management provided a number of updates during the period, including the launch of sales of its low-cost smart light LIFX White on Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Best Buy Co Inc (NYSE: BBY).

    Improving earnings loss

    The company also reported strong June sales results as shops in the US started to reopen from the COVID-19 shutdown, including  Best Buy’s more than 1,000 stores across the country.

    “Consolidated revenue for Buddy was A$2.5 million – up 39% from May (A$1.8 million) and up 4%from June 2019 (A$2.2 million), underscoring that demand for the Company’s products remains strong even while the pandemic continues to be prominent in several territories,” said Buddy’s chief executive David McLauchlan.

    However, $600,000 of the total came from government subsidies relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was also still stuck in a loss of $266,000.

    Best quarter yet

    But management was quick to point out that the June quarter’s negative EBITDA is still its best one yet despite the period traditionally being a “slow period” for sales.

    “Both topline revenue and EBITDA were down on internal management forecasts due to the slightly delayed shipment of the first order of the Company’s new LIFX White product,” added Mr McLauchlan.

    “This product, which was expected to partially ship by 30 June, instead did so in the first week of July.”

    Does Buddy have enough cash?

    Total cash on hand fell 11% on the prior month to $2.5 million at the end of June. Buddy managed to restructure its US$6 million inventory finance loan into a purchase order financing facility.

    This will enable the company to use the facility to fund the $3.8 million initial order of LIFX White smart lights.

    “The Company can report no change to its other working capital facility, provided by ScottishPacific,” said Mr McLauchlan.

    “This remains a A$20 million facility, where advances are made against trade receivables, and will continue to be used as the Company’s trade receivables permit.”

    European rollout

    Buddy also announced that it’s rolling out its new point of sale (“POS”) LIFX units in Europe with 15 locations currently on sale at Germany’s do-it-yourself (“DIY”) retailer, Bauhaus.

    It claimed that its LIFX smart lights have displaced major lighting rival Osram in the process and the new POS units will gradually roll out to retail partners in France, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

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    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Atomos share price surges 5% despite 17% revenue slump

    Investor touching a screen with a smiley face icon on it

    The Atomos Ltd (ASX: AMS) share price has jumped 5.62% higher today despite announcing a 17.6% drop in unaudited FY20 revenue.

    Why has the Atomos share price surged?

    Atomos is a global video technology company that creates products for the social, pro-video and entertainment markets.

    In today’s business update, Atomos reported unaudited FY20 revenue of $44.5 million, down from FY19 revenue of $54.0 million. The coronavirus pandemic was understandably cited as a big factor behind the full-year revenue slump.

    The pandemic has slowed earnings growth after a bumper 1H20 result saw the company deliver $32.6 million of half-year revenue. In contrast, 2H20 revenue was $11.9 million, largely thanks to the impact of COVID-19.

    However, the update cites that the video market in July is “starting to open” and show positive signs, with July revenue up ~50% on 2H20 run rate.

    Atomos’ current cost base has been reduced by approximately 60% to ~$1.0 million per month, fully implemented from April 2020.

    On the balance sheet side, Atomos reported that it is “well-funded”. That includes having $19 million of cash on hand as at 30 June, with access to a $5 million debt facility.

    It’s been a tough start to the year for the Atomos share price, which has fallen 66.4% lower in 2020.

    What’s happening on the operations side?

    Atomos started shipping the AtomX SYNC module during the quarter ended June 2020, which brings “wireless timecode, sync and control technology to the Ninja V”.

    For those unaware, the Ninja V is a 5″ on-camera monitor/recorder that records and plays back DCI 4K, UHD 4K, and HD video from purpose-built mini-SSDs.

    Beyond quarter-end, Atomos yesterday announced that the new Sony Alpha 7S III will be able to record the Apple ProRes Raw format via the Ninja V.

    Market outlook

    There were no specific figures provided in today’s market update.

    However, Atomos did cite “some initial positive signs” of market recovery from COVID-19 and “cause for optimism”.

    That includes the strong July revenue figures, which are up 50% on 2H20 run-rate. The company did say it is too early to predict how sustainable that earnings rate will be.

    Regardless, the tentative signs of recovery and strong July figures have been reflected in this morning’s share price move, with the Atomos share price climbing 5.62% higher to $0.47 per share.

    Atomos did note it is “more confident” in its medium to long-term growth profile. That’s largely due to the rapid adoption of video technologies, including video streaming, across the globe.

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    Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Atomos Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post Atomos share price surges 5% despite 17% revenue slump appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Chinese Electric SUV Maker Li Auto Raises $1.1 Billion in IPO

    Chinese Electric SUV Maker Li Auto Raises $1.1 Billion in IPO(Bloomberg) — Chinese carmaker Li Auto Inc. raised $1.1 billion in an above-range U.S. initial public offering, adding to the market focus on electric-vehicle companies, according to terms of the deal reviewed by Bloomberg.Li Auto sold 95 million American depositary shares for $11.50 each on Wednesday after marketing them for $8 to $10. The Beijing-based company is valued in the listing at about $10 billion fully diluted, based on a calculation by Bloomberg.A representative for Li Auto declined to comment.The company joins other electric-vehicle makers in tapping the U.S. capital market. Shares of NIO Inc., a Chinese rival, have doubled since their 2018 listing. Nikola Corp. went public this year through a reverse merger with a special purpose acquisition company, while Fisker Inc. is in talks to do the same.WM Motor Technology Co. is weighing an initial stock sale in Shanghai as soon as this year, people familiar with the matter have said. Hozon New Energy Automobile Co., which is pushing into rural areas and lower-tier cities, said this month it wants to go public in Shanghai as soon as next year.Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc., the biggest electric-car maker, has jumped 258% this year.Losses ShrinkLi Auto’s revenue has surged as it moves toward profitability. Its first-quarter revenue of $120 million was triple that for all of 2019, according to the company’s filings. While it lost $344 million last year, its net loss in the first quarter this year shrank to $11 million.The company makes SUVs that cost $21,000 to $70,000 and plans to launch a premium vehicle in 2022, according to its filings. It sold about 10,400 of its flagship model, Li ONE, as of the end of June.Wednesday’s share sale is being paired with private placements totaling $380 million with investors including an affiliate of Chinese e-commerce company Meituan Dianping and ByteDance Ltd., the Beijing-based owner of the TikTok video app.Hillhouse Capital also has indicated an interest in buying as much as $300 million worth of shares in the offering at the IPO price, Li Auto said in its filings. The pricing of the IPO was reported earlier by Reuters.Xiang Li, the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Li Auto, will own 21% of the company, representing 72.7% of the total voting power, according to the filing.Li Auto’s offering is being led by Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Morgan Stanley, UBS Group AG and China International Capital Corp. are managers for the offering. The shares are expected to begin trading Thursday on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol LI.For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.

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