• These 5 ASX shares were last week’s top performers

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained 1.6% last week, returning to its recent strong form. Early sales data for May boosted the market on Friday, alongside positive sales results from retailers. According to the ABS, retail sales rose 16.3% in May, with large rises in spending on clothing, footwear, personal accessories, cafes and restaurants. 

    The technology sector also contributed to gains with the All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) up 1.75%. Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) hit new heights, climbing another 12% over the week, while Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) shares were up 10%.

    Here we take a look at last week’s top 5 performers. 

    Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV)

    The Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals share price climbed 21.3% last week to finish the week at $27.30. Shares in the healthcare company have more than doubled in value since March, far exceeding broader market gains – by comparison, the ASX 200 is up around 30% since its March low. 

    Clinuvel has spent 15 years developing its product, Scenesse, the world’s first systematic photoprotective drug. The drug is used to treat Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP), a metabolic genetic disorder which causes an intolerance to light. Clinuvel’s drug Scenesse provides EPP patients with photoprotection, providing them with the ability to lead a “normal” life.

    Clinuvel had its first full year of commercial operations and first year of profits in FY17. Profits rose in FY18 and FY19, with Clinuvel recording its 8th consecutive half year profit in the period ending December 2019. Earnings per share increased from 18 cents in 2017 to above 30 cents in 2019. 

    The company is debt free and has cash and equivalents of over $60 million, providing it with an attractive balance sheet. Clinuvel’s strategy is to specialise in treatments for unmet needs in rare genetic indications. Beyond 2020, it is seeking to evolve into a diversified pharmaceutical company providing treatments for multiple indications.

    Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA)

    The Orora share price rose 20.7% last week to close the week at $2.31. Orora provides packaging and visual communication solutions, designing and manufacturing products such as bottles, cans, boxes, paper and signage. 

    Orora completed the sale of its Australasian Fibre business for $1.73 billion in April. Net proceeds after tax and costs are approximately $1.55 billion. The sale has prompted a strategy review of the continuing businesses, with an update expected later this calendar year. 

    As a result of the sale, Orora has surplus capital, which is being returned to shareholders – $600 million will be paid out via a special dividend of $450 million and a $150 million capital return. 

    Thanks to the proceeds from the Fibre sale, Orora is operating with little to no debt, giving it a strong position in the current economic environment. The company will pursue potential growth investment opportunities should the right opportunity present. In the absence of such an opportunity, the company will consider a further return of excess capital to shareholders. 

    Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS)

    Healius shares gained 19.8% last week, finishing the week at $3.03, as the healthcare company announced the sale of its medical centres business. The sale will take place at an enterprise value of $500 million, with proceeds used to reduce net debt and free up capital for investment. 

    The medical centres sale is consistent with Healius’ strategy of simplifying its portfolio and focusing on its diagnostics and day hospital business. Healius will continue to operate pathology collection centres and imaging centres located within the medical centres under long term leases. 

    In April, Healius noted early signs of recovery and stabilisation in its revenues following an initial downturn resulting from COVID-19. Since then, Healius has experienced good growth in its diagnostics business, supported in part by increased COVID-19 testing. As business returns to normal levels, Healius is looking to reset its cost base by entrenching a number of short-term cost reductions undertaken as a result of COVID-19. 

    Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

    The Appen share price climbed 14.7% over the week to close at $33.83. Appen shares are now up 97% from their March low. There was no news out of Appen to prompt the rise in share price, however the artificial intelligence company has been a favourite of investors over the past couple of years, in which time its share price has tripled. 

    Appen develops human-annotated training data for machine learning and artificial intelligence. The high growth artificial intelligence market relies on high-quality training data. Obtaining this data is identified as a major challenge. Appen’s leading technology and track record of quality and reliability position it strongly in this market. 

    Appen has a strong record of revenue and earnings growth. Revenue increased by a compound annual growth rate of 59% between 2015 and 2019. Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) has grown at a compound annual rate of 64% over the same period. The company expects the COVID-19 pandemic to have a negligible impact on outlook based on currently available information. Full year underlying EBITDA for the year to 31 December 2020 is expected to be between $125 million and $130 million. 

    Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA)

    Viva Energy shares gained 14.2% last week to close the week at $1.805. Shares in Viva surged on Tuesday when the energy company provided better than expected earnings guidance. Group underlying EBITDA for 1H2020 is expected to be in the range of $257.5 million to $287.5 million, compared to $297.4 million in 1H2019. 

    COVID-19 resulted in a drop in fuel volumes sold in April and May, with petrol and jet fuel most impacted. Diesel and petrol volumes are expected to recover more quickly than jet fuel, with signs this recovery has begun. Weaker global demand growth and increased production is weighing on gasoline margins. Global demand for oil products will take time to restore as restrictions are removed and economies recover. 

    Viva has managed the impact of COVID-19 by deferring projects to reduce capital costs and scaling back airport refuelling operations to reflect significantly reduced requirements. Capital expenditure for FY20 is expected to be between $145 million and $180 million, compared to $161 million in FY2019 and $242 million in FY2018. 

    5 ASX stocks under $5

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    Kate O’Brien has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Altium. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO and 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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  • Transurban share price falls despite a positive market update

    Busy freeway and tollway, transurban share price

    The Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) share price has edged lower this morning despite the company providing a positive update. It is down by 2.18% at the time of writing.

    Gradual recovery in traffic volumes

    Pleasingly, Transurban reported today that it has seen a progressive recovery in traffic volumes across Australia. This recovery began in mid-April and correlated with the easing of government restrictions as the impact of coronavirus improved.

    There had previously been a sharp decline in traffic numbers from early March due to COVID-19 restrictions. Transurban noted today that declines in traffic volumes from the commercial segment have been less severe.

    Despite the positive news, Transurban pointed out that traffic volumes in the near future will still be highly impacted by any further government responses to COVID-19. This will be especially significant in the event of subsequent waves of the pandemic. 

    Recovery of traffic volumes in North America has been slower than in Australia. This is due to the higher impact of COVID-19 restrictions in this market, particularly in the greater Washington Area.

    Global project update

    In Australia, Transurban advised that its NorthConnex initiative located in Northern Sydney is on track to open in the first quarter of FY2021. Also in the Sydney area, the M8 motorway is expected to open during this quarter. The M8 will connect with the M4-M5 Link, which is currently under construction, as well as the M6 Extension which is in procurement.

    In North America, construction on both the Fredericksburg Extension and 495 Northern Extension projects continues to progress well.

    Final FY2020 dividend of 16 cents per share declared

    Transurban today declared a 2H FY2020 distribution of 16.0 cents per share. This takes Transurban’s overall FY2020 dividend distribution to 47.0 cents per share which is down on its FY2019 distribution of 60 cents per share.

    Strong liquidity position

    Despite the challenging conditions, Transurban commented that it remains in a strong liquidity position. It believes that the company has sufficient funds on its books  to meet any capital requirements and debt refinancing obligations that may arise before the end of FY 2021.

    Transurban’s overall cash position has improved since the height of the crisis on the back of rising traffic volumes. The company further noted that this now places it in a stronger position to capitalise on any emerging opportunities.

    Can the Transurban share price push higher?

    The Transurban share price has recovered fairly strongly since its March lows at the peak of the coronavirus crisis. With a 2.18% share price decline so far today, it is still trading below its 12-month peak in February, despite the positive news release. It will be interesting to see if the Transurban share price can push higher in the weeks ahead.

    If Transurban isn’t on your buy list, check out these 5 shares under $5 instead.

    5 stocks under $5

    We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Altium or Afterpay when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true.

    And while Altium and Afterpay have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $5 a share!

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    Motley Fool contributor Phil Harpur has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Transurban Group. 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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  • SEEK share price edges lower after trading update and impairment charge

    SEEK Share Price

    The SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK) share price is on the move on Monday after the release of a trading update.

    At the time of writing the job listings company’s shares are down slightly to $21.67.

    What did SEEK announce?

    This morning SEEK released a further update on how its businesses are performing during the pandemic.

    According to the release, the SEEK ANZ and SEEK Asia businesses have experienced a consistent trend of improving weekly billings since their collapse in March and April.

    In April SEEK’s billing declines for these businesses were in the range of -65% to -70% compared with the prior corresponding period. Whereas in June, the businesses are now observing weekly billing declines in the range of -40% to -50%.

    Things are even better in China for its Zhaopin business. In February its billings were 60% lower than management’s expectations. Whereas in May, its billings improved to be around 10% behind the prior corresponding period.

    Elsewhere, the company notes that its LatAm business has been significantly impacted, but both its OES business and ESV investments are performing well.

    What does this mean for its FY 2020 result?

    In light of the above, management is expecting revenue of approximately $1,575 million and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of approximately $410 million in FY 2020.

    Though, it has warned that this is an estimate only to keep the market as well informed as possible. It remains subject to audit and could still be impacted by a range of factors including foreign exchange, second wave impacts, macro conditions, and business performance.

    On the bottom line, SEEK expects to post a loss after tax on a reported basis. This follows its decision to recognise an aggregate non-cash impairment charge of $190 million to $230 million. This charge relates to its Brasil Online, OCC Mundial, and four non-core minority investments.

    These impairments will not have any material impact on SEEK’s debt covenants. Nevertheless, SEEK has obtained a temporary increase to key covenant limits in its senior syndicated debt facility and is strengthening its balance sheet with a $175 million senior note offer.

    5 stocks under $5

    We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Altium or Afterpay when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of SEEK Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended SEEK Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • TikTok Teens Reserved Trump Tickets With No Plans to Go

    TikTok Teens Reserved Trump Tickets With No Plans to GoJun.21 — A new generation of social media users may have been behind the lower turnout at President Donald Trump’s rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Some teenage TikTokers ordered tickets with no intention of attending. Sarah Frier reports on “Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia.”

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  • Oil edges up on tighter supply, but demand concerns check gains

    Oil edges up on tighter supply, but demand concerns check gainsOil prices nudged higher on Monday on tighter supplies from major producers, but concerns that a record rise in global coronavirus cases could curb a recovery in fuel demand checked gains. Brent crude rose 9 cents, or 0.2%, to $42.28 a barrel by 0009 GMT, while U.S. crude was at $39.76 a barrel, up 1 cent. Both contracts rose about 9% last week and Brent crude futures flipped into backwardation, where oil for immediate delivery costs more than supply later, usually an indication of tightening supply.

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  • Infrastructure shares boosted by government spending

    Power lines

    Last week the prime minister unveiled an infrastructure spending package designed to fast-track approvals for 15 major projects, plus an additional $1.5 billion in spending. Included in the 15 large projects is the expansion of Olympic Dam, owned by BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). Moreover, it includes a $10 billion freight rail project, the Marinus interconnector, and a range of other high-profile works.

    This is not counting the spending already underway in Western Australia and other states. Aside from the potential to create jobs, the spending will also fund many construction and engineering companies. Below is a range of companies I have on a watchlist as potential beneficiaries of this spending. 

    Utility infrastructure

    Service Stream Limited (ASX: SSM) is a great infrastructure services company. It grew out of the communications sector due to NBN spending. Today they are very active in the water, electricity and gas industries through acquisition and growth. Service Stream also has a 30% stake in the D4C consortium that has a 10-year contract with Sydney Water.

    Parts and materials

    No matter how this plays out, Boral Limited (ASX: BLD) is likely to see some benefit. Boral manufactures and sells infrastructure and construction materials in Australia and internationally. Thus, providing it access to stimulus packages globally. Boral has seen some hard years lately with stagnant sales and earnings growth. However, in recent days there has been a lot of excitement around the company.

    Boral recently appointed a new CEO. One who, controversially, has a lot of experience from within the industry. In addition, Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SVW) recently took a 10% stake and is likely to take a board seat. Lastly, the company is undertaking a major review with Macquarie Capital and Flagstaff Partners. 

    Civil contractors

    Of all of the civil engineering companies in Australia, I am leaning very strongly towards NRW Holdings Limited (ASX: NWH) as a key beneficiary. The approval’s fast track will impact the company’s Olympic Dam project contract. It is also likely to fast track a decision on the Bunbury Outer Ring Road project. This project is slated to cost $852 million in total and NRW is 1 of 2 proponents accepted to bid. 

    Foolish takeaway

    The infrastructure spending stimulus across Australia is likely to create a mini-boom for construction, engineering and materials companies. While these 3 are the most probable beneficiaries, there will likely be a range of ASX companies lifted in the next 6 – 12 months.

    For more cheap ASX shares you might want to buy today, take a look at the report below!

    5 stocks under $5

    We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Altium or Afterpay when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true.

    And while Altium and Afterpay have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $5 a share!

    *Extreme Opportunities returns as of June 5th 2020

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

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  • Is there a better buy than JB Hi-Fi shares today?

    JB Hi-Fi share price

    In my opinion, JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) shares could be one of the best ASX shares to buy right now.

    It’s a big call, especially with top growth shares like Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) rocketing higher in 2020.

    But here’s why I think the Aussie retailer could be a strong ASX share to buy and hold for the long-term.

    Defensive earnings

    JB Hi-Fi has already proven it can be a defensive buy when times are tough. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has slumped 11.75% in 2020, while the JB Hi-Fi share price has climbed 4.7% higher.

    JB Hi-Fi has been a beneficiary of shifting consumer spending habits throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Strong government stimulus during the crisis has helped to prop up the economy and stimulate some discretionary spending.

    This stimulus, combined with a shift towards work from home, means JB Hi-Fi has seen strong electronics sales and enjoyed solid defensive earnings, at least in 2020.

    The JB Hi-Fi share price is actually up 70.1% since its low on 25 March and is now closing in on its record high of $46.09 per share.

    Impressive online presence

    I think JB Hi-Fi’s strong online presence is absolutely critical to its ability to compete in the Aussie retail sector moving forward. In my opinion, JB Hi-Fi has a solid user interface and user experience, as well as a strong digital marketing strategy.

    That’s good news for the JB Hi-Fi share price, particularly if we see a continued decline in brick-and-mortar retail stores in coming decades.

    Strong dividend share

    The JB Hi-Fi share price has experienced strong capital gains in recent years, on top of being a solid dividend share.

    Shares in the Aussie retailer are yielding 3.78% right now, which in my view is a good return in the current market.

    There aren’t many ASX shares out there with a solid base for the future, capital gains and dividends. That could make investors look closely at investing in JB Hi-Fi as a diversification option in their portfolios.

    Foolish takeaway

    The JB Hi-Fi share price has been rocketing higher in recent months, but there could be more growth on the way.

    I like the technical environment despite potential headwinds for Aussie retail. I wouldn’t rely on JB Hi-Fi as a defensive share in the future, but more spending on home office setups could be good news for the short to medium-term.

    There’s no magic answer to investing in ASX shares. All we can do is stick to a buy-and-hold strategy and remember we’re investing in companies with long-term prospects, not just buying and selling shares.

    The JB Hi-Fi share price is trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.65 right now, so it might not be a cheap buy. However, if you like capital gains and dividends, I think it could be one to add to the watchlist.

    5 ASX stocks under $5

    One trick to potentially generating life-changing wealth from the stock market is to buy early-stage growth companies when their share prices still look dirt cheap.

    Motley Fool’s resident tech stock expert Dr. Anirban Mahanti has identified 5 stocks he thinks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $5 a share!

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T 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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  • Here are 3 Australian share market trends to watch this week

    ASX 200 shares

    There is a range of Australian share market trends that I think will continue across this week. Some have been building for a few weeks while others only started recently. 

    Real estate trading

    Real estate trading will likely continue to be very heavy this week. Australian real estate investment trusts (A-REIT) have been among the heaviest-traded shares on the Australian share market over the past 3 weeks. The trading has benefitted companies like office investor DEXUS Property Group (ASX: DXS). However, it has been a little undecided over retail-exposed REITs.

    Of all the major real estate companies, it is Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) and Vicinity Centres (ASX: VCX) that have seen their share prices drop marginally. I think this is likely to continue this week. Despite the HomeBuilder package, I think the reality surrounding the housing market is likely to sink in, possibly impacting GPT Group (ASX: GPT), in particular.

    Discretionary retail shares

    The release of the ABS Retail Trade survey appeared to catch the market off-guard. The survey announced a rise in retail turnover of 16.3% in May 2020. The largest rise in the survey’s 38-year history. This provided a lift to the Australian share market when the survey was released during Friday’s trading. I believe this lift will continue through this week.

    It included larger companies like Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) and JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH). However, it is also likely to focus attention on small caps like Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) and Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1).

    Construction and building

    The government’s infrastructure spending package is going to be a slow-burning trend in the Australian share market over the next few weeks. However, I expect investors to be taking positions during this week. The federal government announced fast-track approval processes for 15 major projects as well as an additional $1.5 billion in infrastructure funding. This is aside from any spending currently underway within each state. 

    Many engineering companies are likely to benefit from this. Yet I think that Boral Limited (ASX: BLD) is going to benefit no matter what. Boral is the largest supplier of construction materials throughout Australia. It also has an international presence in the US and other countries. As such, it is likely to benefit from stimulus spending in many regions.

    If any of these trends take your fancy as an investment strategy, why not see whether any ASX-listed companies within our free Fool report below match your needs.

    3 “Double Down” Stocks To Ride The Bull Market

    Motley Fool resident tech stock expert Dr. Anirban Mahanti has stumbled upon three under-the-radar stock picks he believes could be some of the greatest discoveries of his investing career.

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

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  • Why Challenger is launching a $300 million equity raising

    money loading, invest, boost earnings

    The Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) share price won’t be going anywhere on Monday after the annuities company requested a trading halt.

    Why is the Challenger share price in a trading halt?

    Challenger requested a trading halt this morning while it launches an equity raising which aims to further strengthen its capital position and provide flexibility to enhance earnings.

    Challenger’s equity raising comprises a fully underwritten institutional placement of $270 million and a non-underwritten share purchase plan aiming to raise up to $30 million.

    These funds will be raised at $4.89 per new share, which represents an 8.1% discount to the last close price of $5.32.

    Management notes that the equity raising will further strengthen Challenger Life’s capital position during this period of ongoing market uncertainty. This will be achieved by initially increasing its regulatory capital position to 1.78 times APRA’s prescribed capital amount and its common equity tier 1 ratio to 1.17 times the prescribed capital amount.

    How will Challenger deploy these funds?

    Challenger intends to prudently and progressively deploy the capital raised. This will be primarily used in investment grade fixed income opportunities that are expected to be return on equity (ROE) accretive for shareholders.

    Once fully deployed, Challenger’s defensive portfolio mix will be maintained, and the Life business’ prescribed capital amount ratio is expected to return to around the top end of its target range of 1.3 times to 1.6 times on a pro forma basis.

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Howes, commented: “Challenger is in a strong capital position with the raising further strengthening CLC’s balance sheet, and providing the opportunity to seek out compelling ROE accretive investment opportunities over time.”

    “In response to the impact of ongoing market volatility, we have reduced capital intensity and maintained a strong capital position by repositioning the portfolio to more defensive settings. This has increased the cash and liquids we have on CLC’s balance sheet to over $3 billion,” he added.

    One positive from the market volatility is that Challenger is seeing a lot of opportunities for it to deploy capital.

    Mr Howes explained: “Following the pandemic market sell-off, fixed income asset risk premiums have widened significantly and we are now seeing opportunities, primarily in investment grade, to selectively invest this cash and liquids balance and generate pre-tax ROEs in excess of 20% on the capital backing these investments.”

    “This is well above our pre-tax ROE target of the RBA cash rate plus a margin of 14%. Importantly, we can capture these opportunities, while maintaining our current defensive portfolio settings, with a high weighting to investment grade fixed income,” he concluded.

    3 “Double Down” Stocks To Ride The Bull Market

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

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  • Altium share price sinks 7% lower after FY 2020 trading update

    Altium share price

    In morning trade the Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) share price has come under pressure after the release of a trading update.

    At the time of writing the electronic design software company’s shares are down 7% to $33.70.

    What did Altium announce?

    In May, Altium released an update and warned that its performance in the fourth quarter of FY 2020 was being impacted by the pandemic.

    It was optimistic that the launch of attractive pricing and extended payment terms would drive volume in challenging market conditions.

    However, while these initiatives are driving strong seat growth, management advised that the increase in revenue for FY 2020 will be short of consensus estimates.

    This is the result of new lockdowns in China and an increase in COVID-19 cases in parts of the US, which are having an impact on Altium’s final sprint to the close of the financial year.

    Management notes that historically, the company closes a significant amount of its second half business in the last two weeks of June. But this year, sales run rates in June are falling short of what would be required to achieve the market’s expectations.

    Altium CEO, Aram Mirkazemi, commented: “Our strategy to support our customers and to increase volume under COVID-19 conditions through attractive pricing and extended payment terms is driving strong seat growth and will get us close to or just surpass our key target of 50,000 subscribers.”

    “However, we are feeling the revenue impact of this strategy. While we are likely to deliver solid revenue growth, this will land marginally behind latest analyst consensus for the full year,” he added.

    Commenting on the pricing and payments strategy, Mr Mirkazemi believes Altium has made the right move.

    He explained: “We see Altium’s approach to COVID-19 pricing and extended payment terms as the right thing to do to support our customers in this challenging environment and to not lose momentum as we enter the next phase of growth.”

    But these initiatives won’t be around for much longer, with the company increasing its prices again from 1 July. An Altium Designer one-year subscription will be $9,945 in July, compared to $7,185 at present. It will also remove the extended payment terms from 1 September 2020.

    5 stocks under $5

    We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Altium or Afterpay when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true.

    And while Altium and Afterpay have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $5 a share!

    *Extreme Opportunities returns as of June 5th 2020

    More reading

    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 Altium. 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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