A new exchange-traded fund (ETF) is listing on the ASX next month, specifically targeting investors with “a very high tolerance” for risk in return for massive potential growth.

BetaShares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF) will be released for trade on 16 December, marketed as a portfolio consisting entirely of growth assets.

The ticker DHHF is currently used by BetaShares Diversified High Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF), but after the close of trade on 15 December, the investment strategy will switch for a fresh start.

The new fund will hold 8,000 different companies from 60 exchanges, and will be agnostic on market capitalisation and country-of-origin.

“It offers investors exposure to a diversified portfolio with the potential for high growth in a single trade,” a BetaShares spokesperson told The Motley Fool.

“The target investor is an investor seeking the potential for high growth, who has a very high tolerance for risk and is willing to accept a high degree of volatility.”

Given the risky nature, the investment firm suggested younger clients with a long investment timeframe might be best suited to this new product.

Is this ETF actually ‘100% growth’?

Despite BetaShares’ claim that the fund is 100% growth, The Motley Fool understands the starting portfolio will include Australian banks like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ).

Mining giants BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO), which are more cyclical than growth, are also in the mix.

United States holdings include growth darlings like Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN) — but also 183-year-old Procter & Gamble Co (NYSE: PG) and 134-year-old Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ).

The ETF’s holdings outside the US and Australia also raise some eyebrows, with stocks like 115-year-old Nestle SA (SWX: NESN), 124-year-old Roche Holding AG (SWX: RO) and Toyota Motor Corp (TYO: 7203) in the fold.

Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT), Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE: BABA), Tencent Holdings Ltd (HKG: 0700), Taiwan Semiconductor Mfg Co Ltd (TPE: 2330) and JD.Com Inc (NASDAQ: JD) are also believed to be in the starting stable to actually represent growth shares. 

The management fee is only 0.19% per annum, which is relatively low for an actively managed ETF.

The geographic split is 37% Australian shares and 63% overseas stocks to start with. 

Betashares is the most popular ETF provider on the ASX so far this year, attracting $4.35 billion into its products to the end of October. Vanguard is not far behind, enjoying $4.33 billion of inflow.

More reading

• Could these ASX renewable energy shares benefit from the Biden win?
• Why the Kathmandu (ASX:KMD) share price could charge higher today
• Why these ASX 200 shares just hit record highs
• Is the Brickworks (ASX:BKW) share price a buy?
• 2 fantastic ASX growth shares to buy

John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Tony Yoo 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 Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Amazon, Apple, and JD.com. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Johnson & Johnson and recommends the following options: short January 2022 $1940 calls on Amazon and long January 2022 $1920 calls on Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, and JD.com. 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 New ‘all-growth’ ETF lists on ASX next month appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/363begt

President-elect Joe Biden’s plans for a clean energy revolution in the United States has seen various renewable related sectors jump in value. ASX lithium shares, Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY), Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) and Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS), for example, have all rallied more than 40% in November. Could this place pressure on Australia to step up its commitment to curbing climate change? On that note, let’s take a closer look at three large cap ASX renewable energy shares that could help lead the charge.  

1. AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) 

AGL supplies energy and other services to more than 3.8 million consumer accounts. Its electricity portfolio is made up of traditional coal and gas-fired generation combined with renewables such as wind, hydro and solar. 

The company is focused on developing a flexible supply of energy and building on its history as Australia’s leading private investor in renewable energy to support the transition to a new energy system. 

AGL’s climate statement advises the company aims to achieve 34% of its electricity capacity from renewables and clean storage by FY24. This compares to its current 22%. 

Despite the noble intentions of AGL, its share price has struggled in recent years and currently sits at 5-year lows. The AGL share price did not move in tandem with the recent rise in cyclical and value shares. The company does however, generate strong cash flows and currently pays a dividend yield of 7.28%. 

2. Tilt Renewables Ltd (ASX: TLT) 

Tilt owns and develops an extensive portfolio of wind and solar assets. The company is profitable, and in the first half of its FY21, delivered a 125% increase in net profit after tax of $26.8 million. 

Tilt currently has an operational output of 366 megawatts (MW) with 469 MW under construction. The company is also working on two significant projects, the Dundonnel Wind Farm (DDWF) and Waipipi Wind Farm (WWF) which will bolster its operational output to 836 MW post completion of DDWF and WWF. 

The Tilt share price is currently near record all-time highs and is up 14% year to date. 

3. Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) 

Origin supports the Paris Agreement to limit the the world’s temperate rise. According to Origin, in line with its decarbonisation strategy it plans to: 

• Target more than 25% of owned and contracted generation capacity from renewables and stage by the end of 2020. 
• Include a new climate change target linked to executive remuneration. 
• Aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. 

The company follows a similar share price and earnings narrative as AGL. The Origin share price was a stronger performing leading into the initial COVID-19 sell-off in March. However, it has struggled in recent months to make a recovery and is currently hovering above 4-year lows. 

More reading

• ASX energy shares surge ahead as oil rises to 9-month high
• Why the Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price is shooting up more than 5% today
• ASX 200 events this week that could move the market
• Origin (ASX:ORG) share price rising on vaccine and green exports news
• Aussie companies blast ‘knee-jerk’ COVID-19 border closures

Motley Fool contributor Lina Lim 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.

The post Could these ASX renewable energy shares benefit from the Biden win? appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2UXCSVJ

The Kathmandu Holdings Ltd (ASX: KMD) share price will be on watch this morning following the release of a first quarter update.

In early trade in New Zealand, the retailer’s NZX listed shares are up 4.5%.

How did Kathmandu perform in the first quarter?

For the three months ended 31 October, Kathmandu delivered a 72% increase in group total sales.

This was driven entirely by the transformational acquisition of the Rip Curl business which completed in the second quarter of FY 2020.

On a pro forma basis, group direct to consumer same store sales, including online sales, for the 16 weeks ended 15 November were down 24.1%. Adjusted for lockdown closures, same store sales were down 7.6%. This was despite a 37% increase in group online sales over the period.

Also under pressure during the first quarter were the company’s wholesale sales. They were down 14.4% compared to the prior corresponding period.

Pleasingly, group earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the first quarter were in line with last year. This includes government subsidies and the realisation of cost synergies.

Management commentary.

Kathmandu’s CEO, Xavier Simonet, appeared pleased with the company’s performance given the tough trading conditions.

Mr Simonet said: “We are realising the benefit of a diversified Group, with strong performance in summer weighted product categories for Rip Curl in all key geographies, following successful winter trading for Kathmandu.”

“Rip Curl’s strong sales performance in its key markets of Australia, Europe and North America is very pleasing. It highlights the strength of Rip Curl’s global brand and innovative products as more people take to surfing. At broadly pre-COVID-19 levels, wholesale sell-in for Rip Curl for the second half year is also encouraging,” he added.

Mr Simonet notes that the Kathmandu business has struggled with low foot traffic during the COVID crisis.

He explained: “As for Kathmandu, camping and footwear categories have over-performed, but have not compensated for the impact of COVID-19 with low footfall in CBD and tourist locations as well as lower travel-related purchases. Oboz’s performance has been robust with strong sales to key accounts, and the forward order book tracking above pre-COVID-19 levels.”

Outlook.

As always, the company has warned that its half year result will be dependent on the key Christmas trading period. However, this year, it also warned that the impact of COVID-19 on consumer sentiment remains a risk.

Nevertheless, management appears confident on the future and revealed that it is keeping its eyes open for growth opportunities.

“The Group continues to maintain a strong balance sheet and liquidity position, allowing it to respond to current trading conditions and pursue attractive growth opportunities that may arise. The Group intends to resume dividend payments subject to market conditions and trading performance following first half results,” Mr Simonet concluded.

More reading

• Why these ASX 200 shares just hit record highs
• Is the Brickworks (ASX:BKW) share price a buy?
• 2 fantastic ASX growth shares to buy
• Why Coles and this ASX dividend share are buys for income investors
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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. 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 Why the Kathmandu (ASX:KMD) share price could charge higher today appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2KDebw1

With the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) racing significantly higher this quarter, it will come as no surprise to learn that a number of shares have climbed strongly with the market.

Two popular ASX 200 shares that have climbed so strongly they have just hit record highs are listed below. Here’s why they are flying high right now:

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

The Wesfarmers share price climbed to a record high of $50.09 on Tuesday. Investors have been buying the conglomerate’s shares this year thanks to its strong performance during the pandemic. Pleasingly, this strong performance has continued in FY 2021, with Wesfarmers recently releasing an impressive trading update.

This has particularly been the case for its key Bunnings business. According to its update, the hardware retailer achieved sales growth of 25.2% for the first four months of FY 2021. Management notes that its strong sales growth was driven partly by customers spending more time undertaking projects around the home.

But it wasn’t just Bunnings growing quickly. Wesfarmers revealed a 23.4% increase in Officeworks sales and a 114.4% jump in Catch sales.

Xero Limited (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price continued its remarkable run and hit a record high of $136.94 yesterday. The cloud-based business and accounting platform provider’s shares have been on fire this year thanks to its strong performance despite the tough operating environment.

For example, earlier this month Xero released its half year results and revealed impressive sales and profit growth. For the six months ended 30 September, the company delivered a 21% increase in operating revenue to NZ$409.8 million. This was driven by a 19% increase in total subscribers to 2.45 million. And on the bottom line, Xero’s net profit after tax came in 26 times greater than the prior corresponding period at NZ$34.5 million.

While no guidance was given for the remainder of the year because of COVID uncertainties, management reiterated that Xero is a long-term oriented business with ambitions for high-growth.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Xero (ASX:XRO) share price on watch after launching US$600 million notes offering
• ASX 200 rises more than 1% on Tuesday
• ASX stock winners from the $23 billion Victorian state budget
• Could Citi’s forecast spell good news for the Lendlease (ASX:LLC) share price?

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 Xero. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Wesfarmers 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.

The post Why these ASX 200 shares just hit record highs appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3l6A9UC

Is the Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW) share price a buy? The company held its annual general meeting (AGM) yesterday.

AGM update

Property trust

The construction business gave some more details about its industrial property trust’s progress that it owns half of together with Goodman Group (ASX: GMG). At the end of FY20, its total assets stood at over $2 billion. After including debt, Brickworks’ share of net assets was $727 million.

It said that development activity by the property trust has continued at an unprecedented scale. At Oakdale West in Sydney, construction of the Amazon distribution facility is well advanced and is due to be completed in September 2021. Brickworks also said that infrastructure works are also proceeding to schedule and will allow construction of the Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) distribution warehouse to commence early in 2021.

Once these two facilities are completed, net rental distributions will increase by over 25% and gross assets held within the property trust is expected to exceed $3 billion. Management said that there is sufficient remaining land to provide at least a further five years of development.

Regarding the property trust, Brickworks managing director Lindsay Partridge said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated industry trends towards online shopping, and this is fuelling demand for the company’s prime industrial property. Interest from potential new tenants is strong, with discussions well underway with several parties in relation to additional leasing opportunities within the property trust.”

Building products

Brickworks said that its Australian building products division has made a strong start to FY21, with first quarter earnings well ahead of the prior corresponding period.

Its home builder customers have a solid pipeline of work for the remainder of the financial year, underpinned by the various government stimulus measures currently in place in each state. However, in Western Australia trading conditions remain difficult.

Brickworks is in the middle of a significant capital investment program to strengthen its position in key markets. The Southern Cross Cement terminal was completed in 2020 and the construction of the $75 million Australian Masonry plant in Sydney is well on track for commissioning in 2021.

At Horsley Park, it has demolished the old brick kiln and associated equipment at the second plant, which will allow the construction of a new $125 million face brick plant. Brickworks believes this will be the most advanced brick plant ever built when completed.

North America

North America sales in recent months have been below expectations because of impacts of COVID-19. However, it is still the leading brick maker in the north east region of the US.

Brickworks said that the deferral of many projects by state authorities due to financing concerns and the uncertainty relating to the US election have caused a slowdown in non-residential construction activity.

Despite that, Brickworks said that it was pleased with the underlying performance of the business and the progress it has achieved over the past two years.

Brickworks is confident that once conditions normalise the North American operations will deliver improved earnings and growth for many years to come.

Is the Brickworks share price a buy?

The construction business said that it’s in a strong position with a conservative debt level and a diversified portfolio of attractive assets.

Brickworks mentioned that until a vaccine becomes widely available, there will still be quite a lot of uncertainty. The company also mentioned that Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) is expected to deliver a stable and growing stream of earnings and dividends over the long-term.

The Brickworks share price went up around 4% in response to this update. The Motley Fool Dividend Investor service still rate Brickworks as a buy. 

More reading

• ASX 200 rises more than 1% on Tuesday
• ASX 200 jumps 1.2%: Technology One results, Brickworks update, gold miners sink
• Why Brickworks, Mesoblast, Qantas, & Telix shares are storming higher
• Brickworks (ASX:BKW) share price on watch after trading update
• ASX 200 events this week that could move the market

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison owns shares of Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET. 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 Is the Brickworks (ASX:BKW) share price a buy? appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2UVskXl

Are you wanting to add a growth share or two to your portfolio? Then you might want to take a look at the ones listed below.

These ASX growth shares have been tipped to deliver strong growth in the future. Here’s what you need to know:

a2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

A2 Milk Company is a leading infant formula and fresh milk company. Over the last few years it has grown its earnings at an exceptionally strong rate thanks to the increasing demand for its premium infant formula in the lucrative China market.

Things have not been as easy for the company this year because of the pandemic. Panic buying and pantry stocking at the height of the pandemic pulled forward sales, reducing demand during the first half of FY 2021. In addition to this, travel bans have impacted the daigou channel and put a dent in its sales.

While this is likely to weigh heavily on its FY 2021 result, management remains confident that this is only a temporary headwind and its growth will resume once trading conditions improve. One broker that agrees is Morgans. It recently put an add rating and $17.28 price target on the company’s shares. It believes the company’s challenges are transitory and feels recent share price weakness is a buying opportunity.

Altium Limited (ASX: ALU)

Altium is a leading printed circuit board (PCB) design software provider. It has also been growing at a very strong rate over the last few years. This has been driven by increasing demand for its software thanks to its exposure to the booming artificial intelligence and Internet of Things markets.

And while the pandemic is also weighing on its performance and will stifle its growth in FY 2021, management remains very bullish on its longer term prospects. At its recent annual general meeting, it reaffirmed its aim of dominating its market and growing its revenue to US$500 million by 2025-26. This will be a 150% increase on FY 2020’s revenue.

At present, analysts at Morgan Stanley have an overweight rating and $40.00 price target on Altium’s shares.

More reading

• Here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• 5 fantastic ASX shares to buy today
• Is the Altium (ASX:ALU) share price a buy?
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

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 Altium. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended A2 Milk. 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 2 fantastic ASX growth shares to buy appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3fyPH2u

If you’re looking for a way to beat the ultra-low interest rates on offer with term deposits, then you might want to look to the share market.

Two ASX dividend shares that have been tipped as buys are listed below. Here’s what you need to know:

Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS)

Bravura is a leading wealth management and transfer agency software solution provider. It is best known as the company behind the Sonata wealth management platform. This increasingly popular platform streamlines the administration of a full range of wealth management products. A testament to its quality is the growing number of financial institutions using it. But it isn’t a one-trick pony, Bravura has a number of other solutions with large addressable markets. This includes the Rufus transfer agency solution, the Garradin back office solution, and the Midwinter financial planning solution.

According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts have a buy rating and $4.50 price target on its shares. The broker is also forecasting a 10.6 cents per share dividend in FY 2021. Based on the current Bravura share price, this represents a 3.1% dividend yield.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

This leading supermarket operator has been kicking goals in 2020 despite the pandemic. In FY 2020 the company delivered a 6.9% increase in sales to $37.4 billion and a 7.1% lift in net profit after tax to $951 million. And although COVID restrictions have eased, the company has continued to deliver strong sales growth in FY 2021.

This caught the eye of analysts at Goldman Sachs, who recently increased their earnings and dividend forecasts for the year. In respect to its dividend, the broker expects the company to pay a fully franked 64 cents per share dividend in FY 2021. Based on the current Coles share price, this represents a 3.5% dividend yield.

More reading

• ASX 200 rises more than 1% on Tuesday
• Here’s why the Bravura Solutions (ASX:BVS) share price raced higher today
• 2 cheap ASX shares to buy right now
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX continues to climb, despite outage
• 3 leading ASX dividend shares to buy for income

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Bravura Solutions Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET. 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 Why Coles and this ASX dividend share are buys for income investors appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/360RFoS

On Tuesday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was in fine form and stormed notably higher. The benchmark index jumped 1.3% to 6,644.1 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise again.

The Australian share market is expected to continue its rise on Wednesday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to rise 37 points or 0.55% at the open. This follows a very positive night of trade on Wall Street which in late trades sees the Dow Jones up 1.5%, the S&P 500 jump 1.6%, and the Nasdaq rise 1.4%. The Dow Jones broke through the 30,000 points mark for the first time.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare half year results.

The Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH) share price will be on watch this morning when it releases its half year results. The medical device company is expected to deliver strong first half growth thanks to increased demand for ventilators during the pandemic. In August, the company provided full year guidance for operating revenue of approximately NZ$1.61 billion and net profit after tax of NZ$365 million to NZ$385 million. An update on this guidance is likely today.

Oil prices jump higher.

Energy producers including Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could push higher again today after oil prices jumped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 4.3% to US$44.92 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has risen 3.8% to US$47.81 a barrel. This appears to have been driven by a combination of vaccine news and President Trump allowing the Biden administration transition to start.

Gold price continues to sink.

Gold miners including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR) could come under pressure after the gold price sank lower again. According to CNBC, the spot gold price dropped a further 1.85% to US$1,803.30 an ounce. This is being driven by reduced demand for safe haven assets.

Harvey Norman AGM update.

The Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) share price could be on the move today. The retail giant is holding its annual general meeting and traditionally provides the market with a sales update at the event. Expectations are high after its rival JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) delivered a strong update at its meeting last month.

More reading

• Santos (ASX:STO) share price on watch following Narrabri Gas Project approval
• ASX 200 rises more than 1% on Tuesday
• ASX stock winners from the $23 billion Victorian state budget
• Macquarie’s model portfolio of ASX stocks to hold in the post-COVID recovery
• Why the Oil Search (ASX:OSH) share price is up 48% in November…and gaining again today

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. 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 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/39eaHui

The Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price will be in focus on Wednesday following the release of an announcement after the market close.

What did Xero announce?

This afternoon Xero announced the launch of an offering of US$600 million senior unsecured convertible notes due in 2025 to be issued by its wholly owned subsidiary, Xero Investments, and guaranteed by Xero.

Xero’s CEO, Steve Vamos, advised that the note offering represented the next step in its ongoing program to optimise the company’s financial structure as it executes its strategic priorities.

According to the release, the notes will be listed on the official list of the Singapore Stock Exchange and their conversion will be settled in cash. This is unless the issuer elects to physically settle the conversion through the issue of Xero shares to the relevant noteholders.

Why is Xero launching a notes offering?

Xero advised that it will be using the proceeds, after all costs, to repurchase its existing notes, fund potential acquisitions and strategic investments, and for general corporate purposes.

Xero’s chief financial officer, Kirsty Godfrey-Billy, expects the notes offering to create value for shareholders.

She said: “The new offering, combined with the restructuring of our existing convertible note liability, will benefit shareholders and provide Xero with additional financial flexibility to pursue strategic investments, and deliver ongoing innovation and support of our customers and partners.”

Xero is no stranger to making bolt-on acquisitions. Just last month the company completed the acquisition of Waddle.

Waddle is a cloud-based lending platform that helps small businesses access capital through invoice financing. Management noted that the acquisition aligns with its strategy to grow the small business platform and to address critical small business financial needs.

That acquisition was for an upfront cash payment of A$31 million and subsequent earnout payments based on product development and revenue milestones of up to A$49 million.

More reading

• Is the Xero (ASX:XRO) share price a buy?
• 3 big things you might have missed from the Xero (ASX:XRO) results
• Why Orocobre, Ramsay, Webjet, & Xero shares are dropping lower
• The ASX 200 fell 0.5% on Thursday
• Why are ASX tech shares all over the place today?

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 Xero. 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 Xero (ASX:XRO) share price on watch after launching US$600 million notes offering appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2Jacjdy

In this article are two ASX shares that are rapidly growing and rated as buys.

The Motley Fool investment services are always combing the market for some of the best opportunities for returns.

These are two businesses that are currently rated as buys by one of the services:

Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

Bapcor is the largest auto parts business in Australia and New Zealand. It has a variety of businesses. Burson Auto Parts provides parts quickly to mechanics across the country. It has a variety of wholesale specialist businesses including AAD, it also recently acquired the Commercial Truck Parts Group which provides parts for light and heavy commercial trucks. It has a retail segment with its key business being Autobarn. Bapcor has service businesses such as Midas and ABS. Finally, the company has a growing presence in Asia, with a network in Thailand.

The auto parts ASX share recently revealed that in the first quarter of FY21 it saw total revenue growth of 27%, despite government COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria and Auckland.

Burson Trade experienced revenue growth of 10%, with same store sales growth of 7.7% – there was 17% growth excluding Victoria. New Zealand revenue grew 6% and same store sales rose 4%. Retail revenue soared 47% with Autobarn same stores sales going up 36% and AB Company same store sales rose 50%. Finally, specialist wholesale revenue grew by 45%, though excluding acquisitions revenue rose by 18%.

Bapcor CEO Darryl Abotomey spoke of the company’s defensive qualities in the trading update: “The automotive market is a resilient industry and historically has performed strongly in difficult economic circumstances. Recent trading is another example of its resilience assisted by the increase in sales on second hand cars, reduction in use of public and shared transport modes as well as government stimulus.”

The ASX share expects to deliver a strong first half, though it couldn’t provide a forecast of earnings for the current year due to uncertainty.

Bapcor is currently rated as a buy by the Motley Fool Share Advisor service. According to Commsec, it’s valued at 18x FY23’s estimated earnings.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

This is an online furniture and homewares business.

In FY20 the ASX share generated revenue growth of 74% year on year to $176.3 million. Second half revenue rose by 96% and fourth quarter revenue went up 130%.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 467% to $8.5 million. Cashflow was positive during the year and it ended with cash of $38.1 million with no debt. During FY20 active customers went up 77% year on year to 480,000.

Like Bapcor, growth has continued into the first quarter of FY21. Year to date revenue, between 1 July 2019 to 19 October went up by 138%.

The first quarter of FY21 saw EBITDA generation of $8.6 million, which was more than the full FY20 year EBITDA.

Temple & Webster said that October revenue growth was still more than 100% which management said was pleasing because it’s coming into the most important trading time of the year.

At the time of the trading update, the ASX share said its contribution margin continued to be ahead of its 15% target.

Temple & Webster was pleased to point out that customer satisfaction remains at record levels, with its net promoter score of around 70% and newer cohorts continuing to perform better than historical comparisons.

The ASX share said that it’s committed to a high-growth strategy to take advantage of the structural shift towards online, capitalising on both organic and inorganic (acquisition) opportunities.

Temple & Webster is currently rated as a buy by the Motley Fool Share Advisor service.

At the current Temple & Webster share price, it’s valued at 37x FY22’s estimated earnings.

More reading

• Tech shares could crash 40%, warns fundie
• 2 great ASX shares to buy
• Wilson Asset Management (WAM) thinks these 2 ASX shares are a buy
• This cheap ASX share is supplying US giants: fundie
• The ASX shares to shine during AND after the COVID-19 recovery

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 Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Bapcor. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group Ltd. 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 2 rapidly growing ASX shares rated as buys appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3kXRHSP