• Why I like the Vicinity Centres share price today

    woman on escalator carrying shopping bags

    The Vicinity Centres (ASX: VCX) share price crashed 5.0% lower yesterday in another tough day for shareholders.

    Shares in the Aussie real estate investment trust (REIT) are now down 46.8% in 2020 compared to an 8.4% drop in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    However, I still like the Vicinity Centres share price at $1.32 per share. Here’s a couple of reasons why I’ve got my eye on the Aussie REIT in 2020.

    Why is the Vicinity Centres share price falling?

    Interestingly, there have been no new announcements from the Aussie REIT since 19 August. That was the day Vicinity released its FY20 results headlined by a $1.8 billion statutory loss.

    Property valuation declines and significant goodwill impairment hurt the bottom line as Vicinity cancelled its June distribution.

    Net property income fell 23.0% while occupancy rates deteriorated by 90 basis points to 98.6%. Funds from operations (FFO) fell 24.5% to $520.3 million with 90% of stores trading compared to FY19.

    The coronavirus pandemic continues to weigh on the Vicinity Centres share price given the restrictions on movement and store capacity.

    Investors have been bearish on the Aussie REIT this year given its heavy exposure to the retail sector. However, I think a 46.8% year to date decline could present a buying opportunity for speculative investors.

    Why the Aussie REIT could be a cheap buy right now

    I think this really comes down to how the economic recovery plays out. On the one hand, a ‘V-shaped’ bounce back would be good news for the REITs.

    Customers could return to shopping centres, boosting sales and improving occupancy rates and leases.

    However, a prolonged downturn would not be good news. Vicinity has heavy retail exposure including mega centres like Chadstone in Victoria.

    If sales are depressed and tenants shift to an online-only model, there are some challenges ahead.

    However, Vicinity has reduced its gearing from 33.7% to 25.5% during the year to boost liquidity. This focus on capital management, including no June distribution, is good for short-term security.

    The other thing to remember is that Vicinity has a portfolio of prime real estate around the country. Having a good portfolio of assets is always a good things when times get tough compared to speculating on future growth.

    Foolish takeaway

    There are some big challenges ahead for Vicinity Centres and its share price. However, I think a strong capital management program coupled with heavy share price losses could make it worth a look.

    If we see a quicker than expected economic turnaround in 2021 then I’d expect Vicinity Centres to outperform early next year.

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    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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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  • 2 top ASX tech shares to buy and hold beyond 2025

    digital screen of bar chart representing asx tech shares

    The Australian tech sector is still small and  immature compared to the much larger US tech market. However, a broad range of ASX tech shares is now emerging.  Many have strong growth prospects in my view.

    Let’s look at 2 ASX tech shares that I believe have high growth potential over the next five years: WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Appen Ltd (ASX: APX).

    WiseTech Global

    WiseTech Global has not been among the top performing ASX shares in the past 12 months. After trending downward from $36.50 to $29.44 in mid February, the WiseTech Global share price then dropped to $10.48 in mid March. It then made a weak recovery, before rising sharply after its FY 2020 earnings release. Despite this strong rise, the ASX tech share’s share price is still trading well below where it was 12 months ago.

    Despite lacklustre recent share price performance, I believe the long term growth potential for WiseTech Global remains solid. This ASX tech share recently provided a strong FY 2020 result in challenging market conditions due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Total revenue grew to $429.4 million, up by 23% on the prior year, while EBITDA grew by 17%.  Also, the integration of its recent acquisitions is progressing well. I am confident that WiseTech Global remains well-placed to grow on the back of an expanding global logistics market over the next five to 10 years.

    Appen

    In contrast to WiseTech Global, the Appen share price has risen strongly over the past 12 months. The ASX tech share’s price increase has been particularly fast since mid-March. This is despite an 11% fall in its share price yesterday, following the release of its full year financial results. The financial result to me looked solid in very difficult market conditions. Total revenue was up 25% to $306.2 million for FY  2020 and underlying EBITDA came in at $49.1 million, up 6%. Growth was strong in China, and Appen had key customer wins in the first half of  FY 2020 in the US and Europe. I think the growth story for Appen is set to continue over the next few years,  driven by the growing global demand for Artificial Intelligence products and machine learning markets.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Both WiseTech Global and Appen are ASX tech shares that I think have strong growth potential over the next five years. Both have entrenched market positions and an expanding global presence. This positions both companies for above average share price growth in the years to come.

    These 3 stocks could be the next big movers in 2020

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

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    Phil Harpur owns shares of Appen Ltd and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Appen 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.

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  • How ETFs can be a nightmare at tax time

    Female investor in front of computer with hands at forehead

    Investors have been warned that possessing shares in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is treated differently to owning “normal” shares in a company.

    ETFs have become very popular in Australia and around the world as a way mum-and-dad investors can hold a diversified portfolio without making the stock picking decisions themselves.

    CPA Australia tax policy adviser Elinor Kasapidis told The Motley Fool that holding ETF shares might feel the same as company shares, but the tax office won’t see it that way.

    “This is because ETFs are treated like trusts — not companies — for tax purposes and there are specific rules that apply.”

    The income received from an ETF is not a straight-forward dividend, according to Kasapidis.

    “Because the underlying portfolio of the ETF is actively managed, the income received from ETF investments is made up of items such as distributions, capital gains, franking credits and foreign tax credits from Australian and overseas investments,” she said.

    “This can increase the complexity of your tax return.”

    UNSW associate professor Dale Boccabella said that the underlying investments are purchased on behalf of the eventual investor, which complicates the tax implications.

    “The investor, under trust law, is the beneficiary. The short answer is that it’s a managed fund. Even if [the management of the ETF] is all automated, it doesn’t change anything.”

    AMIT might help though

    There is some relief in that back in 2016, a tax regime called Attribution Managed Investment Trust (AMIT) came into place.

    This streamlined the taxation of distributions to trust investors.

    ETFs that participate in AMIT will calculate the numbers on your behalf for you to plug into your tax return.

    “Investors will receive a member annual statement which provides a breakdown of their income from the ETF for tax purposes,” said Kasapidis.

    But it is optional for each trust and ETF to participate in the regime. So specific advice must be sought for the particular funds you’re invested in.

    If your ETF doesn’t do AMIT, investors will have to go through the “present entitlement” model on their tax return.

    “The very old trust [tax] regime is a pain in the neck,” said Boccabella.

    “There’s no other way to put it.”

    Man who said buy Kogan shares at $3.63 says buy these 3 ASX stocks now

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    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo 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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  • Buy Coles and this quality ASX dividend share for income

    Coles share price

    It looks as though interest rates will remain at their low levels for some time to come. In light of this, I continue to believe dividend shares are the best place to earn a passive income right now.

    But which ASX dividend shares should you buy? I think these would be top options:

    Aventus Group (ASX: AVN)

    The first ASX dividend share I would buy is Aventus. It is a retail property company which specialises in large format retail parks. It currently has a total of 20 centres, which are home to a diverse tenant base of 593 quality tenancies. This includes major retailers such as ALDI, Bunnings, Officeworks, and The Good Guys.

    This high weighting to major retailers and every day needs has been a real blessing during the pandemic. At a time when many retail property owners are struggling, Aventus released its full year results and revealed a 4.2% increase in funds from operations (FFO) to $100 million. It also reported solid rent collection of 87% through the COVID-19 period and a high occupancy rate of 98%. This allowed it to declare an 11.9 cents per security distribution for the year. Based on the current Aventus share price, this equates to a generous 5.1% yield.

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

    Another great dividend share to own right now could be this supermarket giant. It was a strong performer in FY 2020 and delivered a 6.9% increase in sales to $37.4 billion and a 7.1% lift in net profit after tax to $951 million. Pleasingly, it also revealed that it has started FY 2021 in a positive fashion.

    Given its defensive qualities, strong market position, and cost cutting plans, I expect more of the same over the next decade. This could make it a great ASX share for income investors to buy and hold for the long term. Based on the current Coles share price, I estimate that it offers investors a fully franked 3.2% dividend yield in FY 2021.

    Man who said buy Kogan shares at $3.63 says buy these 3 ASX stocks now

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    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

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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 COLESGROUP DEF SET. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended AVENTUS RE UNIT. 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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  • Pilbara Minerals share price on watch as losses increase 243%

    watch, watch list, observe, keep an eye on

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is on watch this morning after announcing a 243% increase in net losses after tax.

    What does Pilbara Minerals do?

    Pilbara is an Aussie lithium miner with significant operations in the Pilgangoora Lithium-Tantulum Project. Founded in 2005, Pilbara is a leading industry player and currently has a market capitalisation of $789.8 million.

    Why is the Pilbara Minerals share price on watch?

    Despite revenue climbing 96.7% to $84.1 million, the Pilbara Minerals share price is on watch after reporting a $99.3 million net loss after tax. 

    Pilbara Minerals did not declare a dividend for FY20 in line with its FY19 policy. Net tangible assets fell 15% lower to $0.17 per share in a tough year for lithium miners.

    Softer market conditions in China and weaker customer demand made it a tough year for earnings. Pricing was weak which saw Pilbara Minerals moderate its production and draw down on existing stockpiles to reduce supply. This allowed a more flexible response to the coronavirus pandemic despite disruptions to its Chinese supply chain.

    The Pilbara Minerals share price is up 14.5% in 2020. That’s despite the company completing its $111.5 million equity raising to strengthen its balance sheet and increase working capital. 

    Total ore mined for the year totalled 812,312 wet metric tonnes (wmt) with 642,215 wmt processed. The company secured a new long-term spodumene concentrate offtake partner in the second half of the year. The agreement sees Yibin Tianyi Lithium Industry Co Ltd take 75,000tpa of spodumene concentrate with an initial 60,000tpa to be supplied in calendar year 2020.

    Spodumene concentrate produced in FY20 totalled 90,768 dry metric tonnes (dmt) with 116,256dmt shipped. Tantalie concentrate produced was 86,991 pounds with 143,336 pounds shipped as part of Pilbara Minerals’ drawdown strategy.

    Subsequent to the year-end, Pilbara refinanced US$110 million of debt with BNP Paribas and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to reduce its cost of funding from 12% to 5%.

    The Pilbara Minerals share price will be one to watch in early trade as investors weigh up the latest result. The miner increased its cash balance by $22.7 million to $86.3 million thanks to the recent equity raising.

    Foolish takeaway

    It’s been a tough year for lithium miners amid soft pricing and weaker demand. The Pilbara Minerals share price is worth watching after announcing the significant losses for FY20.

    These 3 stocks could be the next big movers in 2020

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    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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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  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

    ASX share

    On Thursday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gave back the majority of its morning gains but still managed to hold onto some of them. The benchmark index rose 0.15% to 6,126.2 points.

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

    ASX 200 expected to drop.

    Unfortunately, the ASX 200 could end the week on a disappointing note on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the benchmark index is expected to fall 11 points or 0.2% at the open. This is despite the majority of stocks in the United States pushing higher overnight. The Dow Jones rose 0.6% and the S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, whereas the Nasdaq fell 0.35%.  

    Oil prices tumble.

    Energy producers Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) could end the week in the red after oil prices tumbled overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.85% to US$43.02 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.1% to US$45.15 a barrel. This is despite a massive hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico forcing oil rigs and refineries to shut down on Thursday.

    NEXTDC hits its guidance.

    The NEXTDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) share price will be on watch after hitting its revenue and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) guidance in FY 2020. The data centre operator delivered a 14% or $26 million increase in revenue to $205.2 million. This was at the high end of its guidance range of $200 million to $206 million. It was the same for its underlying EBITDA, which came in $19.5 million or 23% higher year on year to $104.6 million. More solid growth is forecast in FY 2021.

    Gold price softens.

    Gold miners including Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR) could come under pressure today after a pullback in the gold price. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.85% to US$1,935.60 an ounce. The precious metal came under pressure after the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields rose after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell shifted the central bank’s inflation target.

    Costa half year update.

    The Costa Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: CGC) share price will be on watch today when it releases its half year results. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, it expects Costa’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation before self-generating and regenerating assets, leasing, and material items (EBITDA-SL) to come in at $108 million. This will be a 31% increase on the prior corresponding period.

    These 3 stocks could be the next big movers in 2020

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of NEXTDC Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended COSTA GRP FPO. 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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  • Ainsworth Game Technology share price on watch after $34m loss because of COVID-19

    three sad face icons on a gaming machine

    The Ainsworth Game Technology Limited (ASX: AGI) share price will be on watch on Friday following the release of another disappointing result from the gaming technology company.

    What happened in FY 2020?

    As with rival Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL), Ainsworth was negatively impacted by the pandemic.

    For the 12 months ended 2020, Ainsworth reported a 36% decline in revenue to $149 million. This was mainly due to its performance in the second half. During that half, revenue came in at just $42 million, down 64% from $116 million in the prior corresponding period.

    Things were even worse on the bottom line, with the company posting an adjusted net loss after tax of $34 million. This excludes the impacts of foreign exchange movements, one-off costs, JobKeeper, and costs associated with the acquisition of MTD.

    At the end of the period the company had net debt of $17.5 million.

    In light of its poor performance and debt load, Ainsworths’ final dividend has been cancelled. Management wants to ensure the company is well placed should a protracted downturn eventuate.

    “Severely impacted”.

    Management notes that the pandemic had a severe impact on its performance, particularly during a key period of the financial year.

    It commented: “These results were severely impacted by Covid-19 primarily in quarter 4, traditionally the strongest period for the Group. Customers across all of our major markets suspended their operations from mid-March.”

    The company attempted to offset some of this weakness with cost-savings.

    “AGT implemented a series of cost saving measures to ensure the Company can endure a protracted downturn. In addition to voluntary salary and other overhead reductions, the Group has reduced employee numbers by eliminating 107 roles at an annual cost saving of approximately A$10 million, which is expected to carry forward into FY21,” it advised.

    Trading conditions.

    The company notes that some customers’ facilities have started to reopen. However, the majority of venues have indicated initial reductions in capital expenditure due to travel restrictions and the resultant impact on visitation.

    Nevertheless, with a rationalised cost base, together with its new AStar range of cabinets which are incorporating a newly developed suite of game brands, management believes it is well positioned as customers progressively resume more typical business levels.

    The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Lawrence Levy, commented, “While the Covid-19 pandemic hit our industry hard, we moved quickly to protect Ainsworth. We took proactive measures to streamline our overheads and restructure previous financing arrangements to ensure we can endure the current downturn. AGT is well positioned as customers across our major markets look to recover from the effects of the pandemic.”

    No guidance has been given for the year ahead.

    These stocks could rocket in a Post-COVID world (FREE STOCK REPORT)

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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. 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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  • 2 ASX results you might have missed on Thursday

    Disappointing results

    It was another busy day of results releases on Thursday. In light of this, a good number of releases no doubt slipped under the radar.

    Two that I thought I would bring to the attention of readers today are summarised below. Here’s how they performed in FY 2020:

    Atomos Ltd (ASX: AMS)

    The Atomos share price climbed 3% on Thursday following its full year results release. It has been a difficult year for the global video technology company because of the pandemic. After delivering a 35% increase in revenue to $32.6 million during the first half, Atomos posted a 60% decline in second half revenue to $11.8 million. This led to FY 2020 revenue of $44.4 million, down 17% year on year. Operating earnings fared even worse during the year. After delivering positive EBITDA of $1 million in the first half, its full year EBITDA was a loss of $7.1 million.

    The good news is that it appears as though the worst could be over for the company. Management revealed that July and August revenue was up 50% and 60%, respectively, on the second half run rate of $2 million. It also advised that it expects to return to pre-COVID-19 revenue levels by the start of calendar year 2021, with a more cost-effective operating base.

    Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH)

    The Slater & Gordon share price also climbed 3% yesterday following the release of its FY 2020 results. The embattled law firm had a reasonably positive year, reporting an 11.2% increase in revenue to $178.3 million. However, with expenses growing in line with its revenue to $178.5 million, the company posted a loss of $200,000. The increase in costs was primarily reflecting the recognition of the value of the Slater & Gordon Rights Plan, finance costs, an uplift in labour expenses, and depreciation and amortisation.

    Nevertheless, management believes its results show continued improvement. Chair, James MacKenzie, said: “The work that we have undertaken to continue to transform the Company is delivering results and we are firmly focused on the future. The Company has a strengthened balance sheet and is seeing positive organic growth. Most importantly we are united in our purpose to deliver affordable, high quality legal services to the thousands of everyday Australians who need our help to access justice.”

    These stocks could rocket in a Post-COVID world (FREE STOCK REPORT)

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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 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.

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  • NEXTDC share price on watch after hitting the high-end of its guidance in FY 2020

    stock chart superimposed over image of data centre, asx 200 tech shares

    The NEXTDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) share price will be on watch on Friday following the release of its FY 2020 results.

    How did NEXTDC perform in FY 2020?

    For the year ended 30 June 2020, NEXTDC delivered a 14% or $26 million increase in revenue to $205.2 million. This was at the high end of its guidance range of $200 million to $206 million.

    This growth was driven by strong demand for capacity at its data centres. During the 12 months, NEXTDC’s contracted utilisation grew 17.4MW or 33% to 70 MW. This comprises new sales of 17.8MW before adjusting for a one-off clawback of wholesale capacity of 0.4MW.

    Interconnections rose 2,079 or 19% to 13,051 during the year, representing 8.1% of recurring revenue.

    Also growing at a quick rate was its customer numbers. They increased by 180 or 15% to 1,364 during FY 2020.

    This led to NEXTDC reporting underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $104.6 million. This was an increase of $19.5 million or 23% and was at the top end of its guidance range. Operating cash flow was up $14.6 million or 37% to $53.9 million

    NEXTDC spent heavily in FY 2020 in order to take advantage of the increasing demand for data centre capacity. Capital expenditure rose $40 million or 11% to $418 million, which was ahead of guidance of $340 million to $380 million. Management notes that its build progress accelerated towards the year end, and the land acquisition for M3 Melbourne was settled for $22 million.

    Nevertheless, the company finished the year with a very strong balance sheet. At 30 June 2020, NEXTDC’s cash and undrawn debt facilities stood at $1,193 million. This was supported by capital raisings totalling $862 million during the 12 months.

    NEXTDC Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Craig Scroggie, commented: “Today’s results are a testament to the Company’s pursuit of excellence to provide the industry’s highest standard of data centre services. Whilst everyone is adjusting to the new normal presented by the COVID-19 global pandemic, it is pleasing that NEXTDC has been able to continue delivering on market expectations, with its FY20 result coming in at the top-end of earnings guidance provided at the start of the financial year.”

    FY 2021 guidance.

    NEXTDC has provided guidance for FY 2021 and expects more strong growth.

    Based on current billing, contracted utilisation levels, and expected new customer contracts, NEXTDC expects data centre services revenue in the range of $242 million to $250 million. The high end will be a 24.5% increase year on year.

    It expects its underlying EBITDA to be in the range of $125 million to $130 million. This also implies growth of approximately 24.5% at the high end.

    Finally, the company will be spending big again in FY 2021 and has forecast capital expenditure in the range of $380 million to $400 million.

    These 3 stocks could be the next big movers in 2020

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of NEXTDC Limited. 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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  • Netflix stock hits all-time highs as subscribers plan to stay post-pandemic

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Family sitting together watching Netflix on TV

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) has seen record-setting viewer growth since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The streaming giant added an unprecedented 25.86 million subscribers in the first six months of 2020, nearly as many as it added in all of 2019. This left many wondering if the newly added customers would remain once the pandemic has passed. A recent analyst survey indicates that most Netflix subscribers plan to stick around.

    The news drove Netflix shares to all-time highs, and the stock was up more than 11% as of this writing.

    Piper Sandler analyst Yung Kim conducted a survey that sought to answer the question. The responses on the questionnaire suggest that not only will Netflix keep the vast majority of its viewers post-pandemic, but customers also seem ready to pay more for the service. 

    The analyst asked 1,000 respondents, “What video services will you use after stay-at-home rules ease?” Netflix led the pack with 41% choosing it. The streaming leader was followed by Amazon‘s (NASDAQ: AMZN) Prime Video at 28%, while cable TV made a showing with 19% of respondents. Newer additions to the streaming fray also made an appearance, as Disney‘s (NYSE: DIS) Disney+ was named by 17%, and AT&T‘s (NYSE: T) HBO Max garnered 7%.

    The analyst conducted a separate survey of 600 people and found that the majority of Netflix subscribers think the service is a good value and would even stick around if the company were to raises prices. While acknowledging that he doesn’t expect a price increase this year, Kim said that subscribers would be willing to pay about $2.20 more per month, down from $2.40 in a similar survey in February. He pointed out that a higher percentage of subscribers are now willing accept a price increase, causing a dip in the amount of the acceptable increase.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    These 3 stocks could be the next big movers in 2020

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

    More reading

    John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Danny Vena owns shares of Amazon, Netflix, and Walt Disney and has the following options: long January 2021 $85 calls on Walt Disney. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Amazon, Netflix, and Walt Disney and recommends the following options: long January 2021 $60 calls on Walt Disney, short January 2022 $1940 calls on Amazon, long January 2022 $1920 calls on Amazon, and short October 2020 $125 calls on Walt Disney. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Netflix, and Walt Disney. 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 Netflix stock hits all-time highs as subscribers plan to stay post-pandemic appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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