Stock Pick

  • ASX lithium shares: Screaming bargains or falling knives?

    The torso view of a man dressed in black sharpening a knife.

    ASX lithium shares counted among the worst stock market performers in the year just past.

    Taking a look at the share prices over the past 12 months, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has gained a respectable 8%. And that’s not including the dividends a number of those stocks pay out.

    As for ASX lithium shares, here’s how some of the top names performed over this same period:

    • Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares are down 41%
    • Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares are down 91%
    • IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) shares are down 62%
    • Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares are down 67%
    • Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA) shares are down 83%
    • Lake Resources (ASX: LKE) shares are down 87%

    I think we can all agree these are some fast falling knives.

    What’s happening with lithium prices?

    As you’re likely aware, lithium producers and explorers across the globe have come under heavy selling pressure as the price of the battery critical metal crashed from all-time highs of more than US$8,000 per tonne in November 2022 to just under US$1,000 a tonne this week.

    The massive retrace that’s been pressuring ASX lithium shares came as rapid global supply growth outpaced slower than expected demand growth.

    On the demand side, EV growth rates in the EU and US have dropped markedly as electric vehicles struggle to compete with cheaper combustion powered rivals.

    What’s next for ASX lithium shares?

    Whether ASX lithium shares represent screaming bargains after the past year’s dismal performance or remain falling knives hinges on what we can expect for lithium prices.

    And on that front, the medium-term outlook looks grim, with most analysts forecasting subdued prices for several years to come.

    According to UBS analyst Levi Spry (quoted by The Australian Financial Review), “With a view that lithium markets remain well to over-supplied, we expect prices to stay lower for longer.”

    UBS rates lithium producers a sell “where valuations still appear stretched”. The broker estimates that markets are still pricing lithium in the range of US$1,200 to US$1,480 per tonne.

    Commenting on what drove the boom in ASX lithium shares, NabTrade’s head of investor behaviour Gemma Dale said (quoted by ABC News):

    Seeing Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) go to the Moon, there was just a lot of heat in that sector. And what it meant was that investors were chasing a lot of companies that were not hyper viable. There was a lot of hype.

    Falling knives or screaming bargains?

    Over the short to medium-term, then, ASX lithium shares look more like falling knives that could pare down your initial investment.

    However, long-term investors may well look back at today’s beaten-down prices as screaming bargains.

    “Those [lithium stocks] who have sort of strong, viable business models will perform in the long run. The ones that were a little bit more speculative might not play out quite so well,” Dale said.

    Earlier this week, Richard Coppleson, director of institutional sales and trading at Bell Potter, labelled ASX lithium share Pilbara Minerals “a super buy at these levels”.

    Coppleson said, “When lithium does recover, this is back to $5; only question is when will that be?”

    Pilbara Minerals shares are currently trading for $3.05 apiece.

    Now, whether you’re looking to buy ASX lithium shares or any other stocks, be sure to do your own research first. If you’re not comfortable with that or don’t have the time, just reach out for some expert advice.

    The post ASX lithium shares: Screaming bargains or falling knives? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Core Lithium Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Core Lithium Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Core Lithium Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • US Army awarded $10.3 million to a family exposed to black mold while living in military housing in Texas

    A row of houses at an Army military base
    Cavalry Family Housing built new homes in Heritage Heights at Fort Cavazos in Texas.

    US Army photo by Samantha Harms, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs

    • The US Army awarded $10.3 million to a family living in mold-infested housing at Fort Cavazos.
    • Sgt. Jason Kiernan and his family had constant health issues related to black mold exposure.
    • The arbitration award highlights the lack of oversight on private military housing providers.

    An Army family at Fort Cavazos in Texas was awarded $10.3 million Monday after living in a mold-infested home run by a private Army housing company and repeated hospitalizations of their newborn infant for respiratory difficulties.

    Sgt. Jason Kiernan's wife, Sarah, was having constant health problems, including respiratory issues, during her pregnancy while living in the house, according to the lawsuit. Two months later, their newborn was hospitalized for 20 days. The family eventually discovered black mold behind the walls.

    The arbitration award is among the most significant in recent military history, as mold has become a top issue that service leaders have struggled to remedy. Meanwhile, private military housing providers operate with relatively little oversight from the Army despite years of outcry from service members and lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

    The house the Kiernans lived in and its subsequent maintenance was managed by Cavalry Family Housing, which has some 5,000 homes around Fort Cavazos in its portfolio. The housing company did not return a request for comment.

    "We feel violated," Sarah Kiernan told Military.com. "Those houses really are harming people."

    She added that during her pregnancy, she suffered from rashes, sore throats, and respiratory troubles.

    As her health complications became more severe, the doctor performed an emergency C-section in February 2019. Her newborn son, Grant, immediately had respiratory troubles. He was hospitalized and flown to Austin, Texas, in April that same year, suffering from asthma at two months old, which the family and their attorney argued was caused by the mold in the home.

    A government contractor takes a step back to ensure the letters are aligned correctly at the main gate of the newly-designated Fort Cavazos.
    A government contractor takes a step back to ensure the letters are aligned correctly at the main gate of the newly-designated Fort Cavazos.

    US Army photo by Eric Franklin, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs

    After returning home from pediatric intensive care, Grant was again hospitalized two days later. A month after that, he was taken to a pediatrician due to breathing difficulties.

    "Every time we went back home, he got sick," Sarah Kiernan said.

    In May 2019, one of the Kiernans' older sons was playing and fell through a wall that was soggy; mold was revealed behind the wet drywall. The Army then reassigned the Kiernans to Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

    Now, all of the Kiernan children are suffering from illnesses consistent with long-term exposure to mold, according to the lawsuit. The youngest has asthma and seizures. The other two sons — and Jason Kiernan, who has since left the Army — have various respiratory problems that did not exist prior to 2019 when they lived in the mold-infested house.

    Meanwhile, the Army is also looking to privatize its barracks, as the service has struggled to manage the buildings and keep up with basic infrastructure maintenance. Those junior enlisted quarters have their own history with mold, pests, and other poor conditions. But some momentum is building on Capitol Hill toward privatization.

    Army Secretary Christine Wormuth noted in an interview with Military.com in October that the service would be scrutinizing potential partners for contracts.

    "If we did pursue privatized barracks on a broader scale, I don't think we'd necessarily be working with bad partners," she said at the time.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • NASA says astronauts from Boeing’s Starliner could be in space for a couple more weeks even though their test flight was only supposed to last 8 days

    two astronauts in blue spacesuits inside a spaceship holding papers looking at a dashboard
    NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been in space much longer than expected

    NASA/Robert Markowitz

    • Two astronauts went to the International Space Station on a new Boeing spacecraft on June 5.
    • They were supposed to return eight days later, but thruster issues and helium leaks caused delays.
    • NASA and Boeing say there's no cause for alarm, and say the astronauts are keeping busy.

    The good news for Boeing's Starliner capsule is that it finally brought humans to low-earth orbit. The issue is that it hasn't gotten them down yet — and it may be a while before it does.

    The issues that resulted in astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams extending their stay at the International Space Station were the culmination of years of shortcomings that have delayed the Starliner, NPR reported on July 3. The spacecraft is leaking some of the helium that is part of its propulsion system, the outlet reported, and a minority of its thrusters experienced issues.

    In a telephonic press conference late last month, NASA official Steve Sitch said a thruster is being put through rigorous tests on the ground to try to replicate the issues observed in space. He said the tests could start July 2 and run for "a couple weeks."

    "I want to make it very clear that Butch and Suni are not stranded in space," Sitch said. "They're safe on the space station, their spacecraft is working well, and they're enjoying their time on the space station."

    The delays underscore how Boeing has been getting lapped by SpaceX, which sent its eighth crewed NASA flight into orbit in March. The Elon Musk-led competitor has also gained ground in the national-security arena, the Wall Street Journal reported on July 1, ferrying more confidential cargoes like spy satellites to space than United Launch Alliance, Boeing's joint venture with Lockheed Martin.

    In addition to ground-based tests, NASA has been testing the Starliner's thrusters and systems while it remains docked at the ISS. Wilmore and Williams aren't alone; they joined Russian and American astronauts who were there on an existing mission, and space-agency officials said there is no shortage of supplies or anything that requires them to rush.

    Still, the delays underscore Boeing's business problems. The company's commercial airliner business has been under regulatory scrutiny since a door plug blew out on an Alaska Airlines flight in January, and Reuters and other outlets have reported that the US Justice Department is preparing criminal charges related to fatal crashes of its 737 MAX jets.

    Ron Epstein, a Bank of America analyst, told NPR the company has focused on making money for its investors at the expense of its "core engineering business."

    In May, Musk tweeted a similar critique.

    "Too many non-technical managers at Boeing," he wrote.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Analysts say these ASX dividend stocks with ~7% yields are top buys

    Smiling woman with her head and arm on a desk holding $100 notes out, symbolising dividends.

    Are you on the lookout for some big dividend yields? If you are, then it could be worth checking out the three ASX dividend stocks in this article.

    That’s because they have been named as buys and tipped to offer yields of greater 7%+ in the near term. Here’s what analysts are forecasting from them:

    Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

    Accent Group could be a great ASX dividend stock to buy according to analysts at Bell Potter. It is a leading leisure footwear retailer with a large network of stores across multiple brands. This includes HypeDC, Platypus, and The Athlete’s Foot.

    Bell Potter likes the company. It notes that it remains “constructive on AX1 given the scale & exposure in terms of channels, brands & size as the overall industry navigates a challenging retail spend environment.”

    The broker expects this to allow the company to pay fully franked dividends per share of 13 cents in FY 2024 and then 14.6 cents in FY 2025. Based on the latest Accent share price of $1.88, this represents dividend yields of 6.9% and 7.8%, respectively.

    Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and $2.50 price target on its shares.

    APA Group (ASX: APA)

    Another high-yield ASX dividend stock for investors to consider buying is APA Group. It is an energy infrastructure company that owns, manages, and operates a portfolio of gas, electricity, solar and wind assets.

    Macquarie is positive on the company and expects its long run of dividend increases to continue. It is forecasting dividends per share of 56 cents in FY 2024 and then 57.5 cents in FY 2025. Based on the current APA Group share price of $7.88, this equates to 7.1% and 7.3% dividend yields, respectively.

    Its analysts currently have an outperform rating and $9.40 price target on its shares.

    Dexus Convenience Retail REIT (ASX: DXC)

    A third ASX dividend stock that could be a great option for income investors is Dexus Convenience Retail REIT. It owns a portfolio of service station and convenience retail assets across Australia.

    Morgans believes the company is positioned to reward shareholders with some big dividends in the near term. It is forecasting dividends per share of 21 cents in both FY 2024 and FY 2025. Based on its current share price of $2.62, this implies dividend yields of 8% for both years.

    The broker currently has an add rating and $3.23 price target on its shares.

    The post Analysts say these ASX dividend stocks with ~7% yields are top buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Apa Group right now?

    Before you buy Apa Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Apa Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 5 ASX All Ords shares that rose 250% to 700% in FY24

    Woman looks amazed and shocked as she looks at her laptop.

    When reviewing some of the best performers of the ASX All Ords in FY24, it can seem deceptively easy to make major money on the share market, can’t it?

    While past performance is never a guarantee of future performance, let’s take a look at some of the ASX All Ords shares that went gangbusters in FY24, delivering some mesmerising share price gains.

    5 ASX All Ords shares that skyrocketed in FY24

    Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6)

    ASX All Ords healthcare share Clarity Pharmaceuticals screamed 674.29% higher in FY24. Excitement is building around Clarity’s highly targeted radiopharmaceuticals that can be used for both the diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases, including cancer.

    The bulk of the stock’s meteoric price rise in FY24 began in April. The company announced that the first patient ever to be dosed with two cycles of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA at 8GBq achieved a complete response to treatment based on RECIST criteria. That meant the patient had maintained undetectable levels of prostate cancer for almost six months.

    Droneshield (ASX: DRO)

    The share price of ASX All Ords defence company Droneshield went skyward in FY24, rising 647.83%.

    The stock got a substantial lift in January after the company launched its Expeditionary Fixed-Site (EFS) Kit for the DroneSentry-X Mk2, which provides AI-driven detection, identification and defeat capabilities for mobile and expeditionary uses.

    Another game-changing announcement came in May when Droneshield revealed a repeat order of A$5.7 million from a US Government customer for several of its CUxS (Counter-UxS) systems.

    Spartan Resources Ltd (ASX: SPR)

    ASX All Ords gold miner Spartan Resources (formerly known as Gascoyne Resources) had a fantastic year in FY24, with the share price rising 482.35%. Spartan owns the Dalgaranga Gold Project, located 65km northwest of Mt Magnet in Western Australia’s Murchison Region.

    The stock moved up steadily all year but got a good bump in March when the company released assay results showing the Never Never Gold Deposit was 1km deep. In May, further drilling results also excited the market and put the stock on a steeper upward trajectory through to the end of FY24.

    Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

    ASX All Ords technology stock Nuix edged higher all year, racking up a 262.35% share price gain for FY24.

    The analytics and intelligence software provider released a bullish FY24 earnings update in May. Nuix was forecasting that its FY24 statutory earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) would increase by more than 35% to be in the range of $47 million to $52 million. Just two weeks later, the company updated those forecasts again and is now expecting EBITDA of $55 million to $60 million.

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

    Shares in this ASX All Ords buy now, pay later (BNPL) company zipped 256.1% higher over the course of FY24.

    The stock began a gradual lift in value from October, brought about by strong first-quarter results. The Zip share price got another boost on the back of the half-year update released in January.

    But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The BNPL stock gave back 10.5% of its gains on 16 April, the day it released its third-quarter results. The Zip share price then recovered to finish the year a few cents shy of its 52-week high.

    The post 5 ASX All Ords shares that rose 250% to 700% in FY24 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Clarity Pharmaceuticals right now?

    Before you buy Clarity Pharmaceuticals shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Clarity Pharmaceuticals wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield and Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Broker says these ASX shares can rise 25%+

    Looking for some big returns? Then check out the two ASX shares listed below.

    The team at Bell Potter is positive on them and is tipping their shares to rise over 25% from current levels. Here’s what the broker is saying about these shares:

    Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ)

    The first ASX share to look at is Smartgroup. It is a leading fleet management and salary packaging company.

    The broker highlights its undemanding valuation and sees plenty of near-term catalysts that could drive its shares higher. It explains:

    We are attracted to the significant earnings leverage via novated and see the current 10.5x EV/EBITDA as less demanding. Catalysts to drive share price appreciation in the near-term include (1) Revenue uplift from tender wins in FY25e; (2) Introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard from 1 January 2025, with forthcoming PHEV models specific to the Ford Ranger and BYD Seal U; and (3) The announcement for 671 EV charging ports to be installed across 391 sites in NSW.

    Bell Potter has a buy rating and $10.95 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 28% for investors. In addition, dividend yields of ~6% are expected through to FY 2026.

    Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

    Bell Potter also sees big return potential from this ASX share. Universal Store is a youth focused apparel, footwear and accessories retailer in Australia. It operates under the flagship Universal Store brand and is expanding its private label brands by growing the stand-alone formats of Perfect Stranger and Thrills.

    The broker is feeling very positive about the company’s growth trajectory. This is due to its store rollout plans and margin improvement opportunities. It said:

    Management execution remains a key strength for UNI and we see good growth trajectory for the name given the building of core brands while growing its store rollout. In our view, the higher margin sales from the majority of private label sales should become a major driver of margin improvement and earnings growth, in an expanded store footprint. While we remain cautious on the overall consumer sentiment, given the return to positive comps while cycling elevated pcp through Jan-Feb, we think UNI is well placed as comps become supportive through the 2H.

    Bell Potter has a buy rating and $6.15 price target on its shares. This suggests that upside of 27% is possible over the next 12 months. In addition, 5%+ dividend yields are expected in the coming years.

    The post Broker says these ASX shares can rise 25%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Smartgroup Corporation Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Smartgroup Corporation Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Smartgroup Corporation Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Smartgroup. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Best 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares for price growth in FY24

    Three health professionals at a hospital smile for the camera.

    In this article, we examine the best ASX 200 healthcare shares of FY24 based on share price growth.

    Here are the best performers, according to data from S & P Global Market Intelligence.

    The top 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares of FY24

    Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME)

    The Pro Medicus share price was the No 1. stock of the entire S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in FY24, not just the top riser among healthcare shares. Pro Medicus shares surged 118.3% in FY24.

    As my colleague Bernd reports, the imaging company moved higher all year thanks to a record number of new contracts. Most recently in May, Pro Medicus announced five new contracts worth $45 million.

    Pro Medicus CEO Sam Hupert said the pipeline for other contract opportunities “remains strong with a broad range of opportunities both in terms of size and market segments”. Investors are also excited about the company’s plans to leverage artificial intelligence to reduce costs and improve its products.

    The Pro Medicus share price finished the session on Thursday at $129.41, down 5.12%.

    Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU)

    The second top-performing ASX 200 healthcare share in terms of share price growth was Neuren Pharmaceuticals, up 73.6% in FY24.

    The last piece of price-sensitive news from Neuren was the top-line results from the Phase 2 clinical trial of its second drug candidate, NNZ-2591. The drug treats Pitt Hopkins syndrome (PTHS), which is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes developmental delays in children. The top-line results showed a “statistically significant improvement” across all four efficacy measures.

    In 2023, the company’s US marketing partner, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, reported the first full quarter of sales for Neuren’s first approved drug, Daybue, which treats Rett syndrome. Net sales totalled US$66.9 million.

    The Neuren Pharmaceuticals share price closed at $19.97, up 0.35% on Thursday.

    Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

    Rounding out the top three ASX 200 healthcare shares of FY24 is Telix Pharmaceuticals, up 66.2%. Telix shares began a steady northbound trajectory in November 2023.

    Telix develops highly precise diagnostic and therapeutic products to treat cancer using targeted radiation. Its diagnostic imaging can precisely locate tumours and its therapeutics can deliver isotopes directly to the cancerous cells.

    Telix shares surged in April after the company released its 1Q FY24 revenue and business update. Telix was upgraded to strong buy status last month.

    The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price closed at $18.18 yesterday, down 0.76%.

    The post Best 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares for price growth in FY24 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Neuren Pharmaceuticals Limited right now?

    Before you buy Neuren Pharmaceuticals Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Neuren Pharmaceuticals Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Pro Medicus and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Netflix axes its cheapest ad-free plan in the UK and Canada, giving users deadlines to upgrade

    Netflix office with mountains in the background
    Netflix office with mountains in the background

    ROBYN BECK/Getty Images

    • The demise of Netflix's lowest-priced ad-free plan continues in the UK and Canada.
    • Basic users in those markets report receiving deadlines to upgrade or accept ads.
    • Co-CEO Greg Peters said the price hikes are intended to help pay for a wider range of content.

    As with even the most bingeable series, all good things must come to an end.

    So it goes with the demise of Netflix's lowest-priced ad-free plan, as users of the Basic tier in the UK and Canada report receiving deadlines to upgrade to a higher-cost option or accept ads.

    A Canadian user posted a photo on Reddit Monday of their TV with the message: "Your Basic plan has been discontinued, but you can easily switch to a new one. Plans start at just $5.99 with upgraded features."

    That starting price is for the new Standard with ads tier in Canada, while the option without ads costs $16.49, replacing the Basic plan, which costs $9.99.

    Previously, a user in the UK quipped, "Joke's on you, Netflix, I choose to save 100% on my new plan," in response to a similar message touting 35% savings with the ad-supported plan.

    Netflix stopped offering its Basic plan to new and returning users last year, but the company's US help page says existing subscribers may remain on their plan until it is changed or canceled.

    The company indicated earlier this year that it would be retiring the Basic option in favor of more revenue-generating alternatives.

    Co-CEO Greg Peters told the Verge last month that the price hikes are intended to help the company invest in a wider range of content options.

    "They want a higher diversity of shows, they want more quality shows, so that's our job," he said. "If we do that well, we'll go back and occasionally ask members to pay a little bit more to keep that flywheel running."

    Netflix is far from alone among the streaming services getting more expensive.

    Ten of the top services have raised prices at least once in the past year, with the latest hike from Max taking effect Thursday.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Scientists invented ‘no melt’ ice cream that holds its shape for 4 hours, but you can’t eat it yet

    ice cream
    Scientists discovered a type of compound the helps ice cream hold its shape at room temperature for multiple hours.

    Liliya Krueger/Getty Images

    • A new innovation could help prevent ice cream from becoming a puddle at room temperature.
    • Compounds called polyphenols, found in green tea and berries, can help stabilize the ice cream.
    • More research is needed to make no-melt ice cream a delicious reality. 

    Sloppy sundaes and drippy cones could become a thing of the past as the wonders of science have uncovered a way to make ice cream nearly melt-proof.

    The innovation comes from (where else?) the Dairy State, specifically the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

    Plant-based compounds called polyphenols are the secret to keeping frozen treats from turning into puddles, according to Cameron Wicks, a PhD student in the university's food science department who's behind the project.

    "Adding polyphenols to ice cream can create a product that holds its shape for over four hours at room temperature. That's pretty close to a no-melt ice cream," Wicks said in a university press release.

    ice cream
    Researchers need to study polyphenols' role in flavor before the no-melt ice cream of the future becomes reality.

    Jupiterimages/Getty Images

    Although they don't prevent the ice from actually melting, polyphenols added to ice cream interact with fats and proteins in the cream to thicken the mixture. As a result, the confection is able to hold its shape longer at room temperature and stave off a sticky mess.

    The effect is similar to stabilizers already used to make ice cream easier to transport.

    But polyphenols could be a more natural alternative, Wicks said. The compounds are found in tea and berries and are even linked to benefits like a healthier heart.

    However, you may have to wait a bit longer for the ice cream of the future.

    More research is needed to find the precise amount of polyphenols to keep ice cream stable without affecting its flavor so you can have a less messy, but still delicious, treat.

    "Ice cream is such a complex system," Wicks said in the press release. "Being able to understand all of the science behind it, you can make food items better, more sustainable, and you can make better systems that feed the world."

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Biden has a new plan: Stop doing events at night

    Biden looks down with his eyes closed at the debate, standing in front of a microphone with a bright blue background with the CNN logo.

    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

    • Biden huddled with Democratic governors to try to tamp down calls for him to quit the 2024 race.
    • Team Biden has been using excuses and finger-pointing to explain away his poor debate performance. 
    • At the meeting, Biden said he needs to get more sleep and would stop doing events after 8 p.m.

    Joe Biden has a new solution to calm concerns after his abysmal debate against Donald Trump last week: he just needs to get more rest.

    Biden — now facing increasing pressure to drop out of the race after his performance last Thursday featured a hoarse voice, meandering thoughts, verbal flubs, and vacant expressions — met with key Democratic governors on Wednesday to stamp out naysayers.

    He again brushed off criticism of the debate as a one-off mistake, according to CNN and The New York Times.

    And the 81-year-old president said he's still ready to defeat Trump. He told the governors he just needs to get more sleep and stop holding events after 8 p.m., according to the outlets.

    (Biden's disastrous live debate last week began at 9 p.m.)

    The solution wasn't well-received by governors present for the statement, according to CNN. Biden's campaign didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider about the reports.

    Biden's campaign had previously chalked up the poor performance to a cold and jet lag from international trips he had taken days earlier.

    According to Politico, Biden's family has privately blamed top aides including his senior advisor, Anita Dunn, Biden's attorney, Bob Bauer, and Biden's former chief of staff, Ron Klain, for his lagging performance.

    For now, Biden's political allies and surrogates are publicly backing him. That's even true after the governor's meeting.

    "The president has always had our backs," Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told reporters. "We're going to have his back as well."

    Other governors said they'd support Biden as he remains the nominee.

    But the leak about Biden's planned break from evening events likely won't help calm nerves about his mental capacity.

    A growing number of House Democrats are questioning whether he should just step down, and key Biden ally Rep. Jim Clyburn discussed supporting Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden were to step aside, a signal that the once-unthinkable is now being considered.

    One representative told CNN anonymously that House lawmakers are giving Biden space to decide what to do next.

    Meanwhile, Biden has a high-stakes event to plan for. On Friday, he'll have a taped interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos, an opportunity to prove he's up to the task of running for president — or a chance for a gaffe that could torpedo his campaign.

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