Tag: Motley Fool

  • Why is the Clinuvel (ASX:CUV) share price zooming 6% higher today?

    health workers shake hands and congratulate each other on good news

    health workers shake hands and congratulate each other on good newshealth workers shake hands and congratulate each other on good news

    The Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV) share price has been on form on Tuesday.

    In afternoon trade, the biopharmaceutical company’s shares are up 6% to $20.40.

    Why is the Clinuvel share price jumping?

    The catalyst for the rise in the Clinuvel share price on Tuesday has been the release of preliminary results relating to a pilot study.

    According to the release, the company has achieved positive results from a pilot study (CUV801) evaluating afamelanotide in six adult patients with arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS) who were ineligible to receive standard treatment.

    The release explains that the trial focused on the safety of multiple afamelanotide doses and patient recovery over 42 days. The latter was judged using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and brain imaging (CTP and MRI).

    Importantly, the study shows that afamelanotide was well tolerated with no adverse side effects. But perhaps most encouraging, was that the analysis of the NIHSS scores up to day eight indicated that five of the six stroke patients showed neurological improvement and a strong degree of functional recovery.

    Clinuvel’s Head of Clinical Operations, Dr Pilar Bilbao, commented: “This is the first time that a melanocortin has been administered to stroke patients. No adverse drug reactions were reported, and a meaningful improvement was seen in five of the six patients’ health by day 8.”

    The company will now wait for the final results of the study once it reaches the 42-day mark.

    Dr Bilbao added: “We are awaiting the results from the final evaluation of the patients at day 42, which will give us further data on afamelanotide as a possible treatment for this life-threatening disease.”

    The Clinuvel share price is still down almost 30% in 2022 despite today’s solid gain.

    The post Why is the Clinuvel (ASX:CUV) share price zooming 6% higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Clinuvel right now?

    Before you consider Clinuvel, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Clinuvel 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why is the Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price plunging today?

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a pretty dreary day so far this Tuesday. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is down by 0.8% at just under 7,100 points. But that’s nothing compared to the woes of the Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price.

    This ASX 200 energy share is vastly underperforming the index during today’s trading session thus far. As it currently stands, the Woodside share price has plunged by 4.26% and is currently sitting at $30.56 a share. That’s now down close to 10% from the new 52-week high that we saw only last week.

    So what’s going on with Woodside?

    Well, we can’t be certain, seeing as there is no official news or announcements that have come out of the company itself. But there is a strong possibility that this share price fall is related to the commodity that Woodside is in the business of extracting. That would be crude oil of course.

    Woodside shares fall amid oil price plunge

    As my Fool colleague James covered early this morning, global oil prices have taken a battering. According to Bloomberg, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is down by more than 4% at under US$100 a barrel, going for US$98.69 at the most recent pricing. Brent crude has also fallen and is now at US$102.75.

    That is a massive drop from the recent spikes we have seen that pushed Brent oil close to US$140 a barrel at one point. While that might be good news for motorists, it would certainly not be welcomed at Woodside.

    These more recent moves down from the historical highs we saw earlier this month are probably responsible for the falls we have seen with Woodside and other ASX 200 energy shares over the past week or so.

    Certainly Woodside isn’t the only energy share feeling the heat today. Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares are currently down by 4.98% at $1.525 each, while Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) has lost 5.3% at $7.15.

    At the current Woodside Petroleum share price, this ASX 200 energy share has a market capitalisation of $29.6 billion, with a dividend yield of 5.85%.

    The post Why is the Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price plunging today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Woodside Petroleum right now?

    Before you consider Woodside Petroleum, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Woodside Petroleum 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Are Cochlear (ASX:COH) shares worth buying for dividends?

    man looking at laptop waiting for Pilbara Minerals trading halt to end

    man looking at laptop waiting for Pilbara Minerals trading halt to endman looking at laptop waiting for Pilbara Minerals trading halt to end

    Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) may be amongst the S&P/ASX 200 Index‘s  (ASX: XJO) most prominent healthcare shares, with its long history and famous hearing aid products. The company has been a steady long-term grower too, putting on almost 70% over the past 5 years. But it’s fair to say that Cochlear shares are not well-known for their dividends.

    At current pricing, Cochlear isn’t going to set any income investors’ hearts a-flutter with its trailing dividend yield of 0.93%. That yield doesn’t come with any franking credits either.

    In saying that, Cochlear does have quite a strong dividend growth record, or at least it did until recently. Between 2014 and 2019, Cochlear grew its dividend payouts from $1.27 in dividends per share in 2014 to $3.30 in dividends per share in 2019, increasing them every year in between. That’s a compounded annual growth rate of more than 21% per annum over that span. All of those dividends came fully franked too. 

    Is Cochlear an ASX dividend growth share?

    But recent times have been hard for Cochlear in the dividends department. The company skipped paying a dividend entirely in 2020. And 2021 saw Cochlear pay out $2.55 in dividends per share, a big drop from 2019’s $3.30 per share. However, Cochlear did announce last month that its upcoming interim dividend for 2022 would come in at $1.55 per share, which equals 2019’s interim dividend. So perhaps the good times are back for Cochlear’s dividends…

    One expert investor who thinks so is Michelle Lopez, head of Australian Equities at fund manager Abrdn. Here’s some of what Lopez told a recent Livewire Buy Hold Sell podcast about Cochlear and its dividend: 

    It’s not often I talk to Cochlear as a dividend stock. It isn’t a high yielding stock, but what it is, is it’s a growth yield and a growth dividend. This is a company that is spinning off a lot of cash. They’re unwinding their CapEx programme. They’re at the tail end of that so the free cash flow that they’re spinning off is very high. They’ve got 500 million of net cash on their balance sheet. 

    So I think there’s further growth in the dividend, but importantly, operationally, they’re just executing well. They’re super consistent in what they do. They’ve got a really clear strategy and invest for the future for growth. So that runway of growth, whether it’s earnings or whether it’s dividends, is very clear. So it’s a buy.

    Well that’s how one investing expert is viewing Cochlear right now. If what Lopez predicts turns out to be accurate, perhaps Chochlear won’t have a 0.93% dividend yield for long. But we shall have to wait and see.

    At the current Cochlear share price, this ASX 200 healthcare share has a market capitalisation of $14.62 billion. 

    The post Are Cochlear (ASX:COH) shares worth buying for dividends? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Cochlear right now?

    Before you consider Cochlear, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Cochlear 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Cochlear Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • 2 metaverse stocks that could double, says Wall Street

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

    a man wears virtual reality goggles to participate in the metaverse.

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

    Social networking in the digital realm has evolved rapidly over the last 15 years. What began on our computer screens quickly found its way onto our smartphones, allowing us to connect with our family, friends, and colleagues anywhere, at any time. 

    The next iteration of this networking is now in development. It’s called the metaverse, and it’s a virtual world (or worlds) accessible through more immersive devices that will take users to the next level within digital social networks and allow much more interaction than is currently possible.

    It’s estimated that this exciting technology could be worth up to $1.6 trillion annually by the end of the current decade. It’s a sizable opportunity for the innovative companies developing the metaverse, with lots of entrants vying for a competitive edge. Wall Street is betting these two stocks could be at the forefront of this new competition.

    1. Meta Platforms: Forecasted upside of 132%

    Formerly known as Facebook, Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: FB) is by far the leader in the social media industry. With over 2.9 billion monthly active users, it’s arguably the best-positioned company to build the next generation of the digital social experience. And while that happens, investors get the benefit of owning highly profitable assets like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook.

    But it hasn’t been smooth sailing lately. Meta Platforms stock price has suffered a steep 41.2% decline since the company reported full-year 2021 earnings on 2 February. Meta is struggling to navigate user privacy changes by iPhone maker Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), which have affected Meta’s ability to target advertising toward specific users. Meta estimates the changes could result in $10 billion in lost revenue in 2022, which has made investors nervous.

    Meta’s Reality Labs segment, which is tasked with developing the metaverse, also raised eyebrows in the investment community after reporting a loss of $10 billion in 2021. But given the size of the opportunity ahead, that could prove to be a drop in the bucket over time. Meta is trying to build the foundations of this technology, which could give it control (and pricing power) over the transactions that occur within it. Owning the ecosystem in that fashion could be an enormous financial windfall, especially if the metaverse supports its own digital economy. 

    That raises an important point: Analysts expect Meta to generate $132 billion in revenue during 2022, which would represent a compound annual growth rate of 38% over the last decade. Put simply, the company is a financial powerhouse, and its investments in Reality Labs so far certainly won’t break the bank. 

    In light of the stock’s steep decline, Meta Platforms now trades at a price-to-earnings multiple of just 14, based on 2021 earnings per share of $13.77. That multiple is 55% cheaper than the multiple for the tech-centric Nasdaq 100 index, meaning Meta stock would have to more than double just to trade in line with the broader tech sector. 

    That’s exactly what Wall Street investment bank UBS Group expects. It has assigned a $440 price target to Meta Platforms stock, representing a 132% upside from the current price.

    2. Snap: Forecasted upside of 210%

    Snap (NYSE: SNAP) is another major player in the social media space that’s turning its attention to the metaverse, albeit with a unique twist. Snap is the parent company of the Snapchat platform, which is heavily focused on camera technology to enhance its users’ experience. 

    Unlike Meta Platforms, which is building virtual reality (VR) technologies as a base for the metaverse, Snap is developing augmented reality (AR) technologies. Where VR immerses the user entirely in the digital realm, AR weaves digital technology into the physical world to amplify everyday activities. 

    A VR headset restricts the user to a single physical space, whereas Snap’s Spectacles glasses are designed to be worn everywhere, projecting digital experiences into the user’s vision. Snap believes this will foster human connection, rather than further isolating users, which has been a core complaint about social media platforms as they’ve soared in popularity. But it’s also great for the business case, because wearable technology that can be used anywhere is far more practical, and could help drive adoption.

    In the here-and-now, Snap had one of its best years ever in 2021. It finally showed signs of beating its key rival in the social media space, Meta Platforms, as it appears to have successfully found a solution for the privacy changes at Apple that Meta is struggling with.

    Snap generated a record $4.1 billion in revenue for the year, marking a tenfold increase since 2016, leading analysts to predict that 2022 could be the first year it delivers a profit.

    Credit Suisse is one of the most bullish banks on Wall Street when it comes to Snap stock, betting its stock price could soar by 210% to $93 per share. And over the long run, if Snap’s approach to the next generation of social networking proves best, that might be a conservative target.

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

    The post 2 metaverse stocks that could double, says Wall Street appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    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 over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now.

    *Returns as of January 12th 2022

    More reading

    Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Anthony Di Pizio has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Apple and Meta Platforms, Inc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long March 2023 $120 calls on Apple and short March 2023 $130 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple and Meta Platforms, Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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



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  • Zip share price down 6% to another 52-week low

    share price dropping

    share price droppingshare price dropping

    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price is currently down 6% at the time of writing. This means the buy now, pay later (BNPL) player has hit another 52-week low.

    Zip has seen its shares decline by 66% since the start of 2022. It has fallen more than 80% over the past year.

    What’s going on with the Zip share price?

    Zip has suffered a lot in recent months. Plenty of other ASX growth shares are also down heavily, though Zip has been one of the hardest hit.

    For example, since the start of the year the Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price has fallen 36%. The Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) share price has sunk 44% this calendar year. This year alone, the Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price has dropped around 40%.

    There is a lot of chatter going on about strong inflation and the steps that central bankers will need to take to bring it into control.

    Investors are also focused on the potential issues arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

    Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL) takeover

    Zip is also trying to buy the BNPL competitor Sezzle, which has a sizeable presence in the US.

    Sezzle and Zip have entered into a definitive merger agreement, where Zip will buy all the shares of Sezzle. The deal has been unanimously recommended by the boards. Shareholders of Sezzle will be entitled to receive 0.98 Zip shares for every Sezzle share.

    At the time of the offer, the Zip share price offer valued Sezzle at $491 million, or a 22% premium at the prices at the time of the announcement. However, the share prices have fallen since then.

    Zip thinks that the merger will enhance the scale and product offering, with the capability to accelerate in the US.

    Did the HY22 result affect the Zip share price?

    Sometimes a result can impact the valuation as well.

    For the six months to 31 December 2021, Zip said that its revenue was up 89% to $302.2 million whilst the revenue margin was 6.7%.

    Zip said that Australia is generating positive cash flow, whilst the US is on a path to positive cash flow.

    However, the overall company’s cash transaction margin declined to 2.1%, down from 3.7% in HY21, reflecting rising bad debts. The medium-term cash transaction margin is expected to be between 2.5% to 3%.

    The post Zip share price down 6% to another 52-week low appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Zip right now?

    Before you consider Zip, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Zip 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended ZIPCOLTD FPO. 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why is the Yancoal (ASX:YAL) share price plummeting 17% today?

    coal miner in a minecoal miner in a minecoal miner in a mine

    The Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) share price is having a treacherous day, sending investors to flee for the hills.

    Just yesterday, the energy producer’s shares accelerated to a multi-year high of $5.39 on the back of positive investor sentiment.

    However, Yancoal shares have backtracked to $4.32, down 16.92% at the time of writing.

    Let’s take a look at what could be driving the company’s shares south today.

    Why are Yancoal shares falling? 

    Following the company’s full year results release on 28 February, investors are eyeing Yancoal shares as they go ex-dividend today.

    Historically, when a company reaches its ex-dividend day, its shares tend to fall in proportion to the dividend paid out. This is because investors tend to sell off the company’s shares after securing the dividend.

    Furthermore, the sudden price weakness in coal has also attributed to the company’s share price being lower today.

    It appears that even with the war between Russia and Ukraine, commodity prices have recently cooled off.

    The latest price fetching for a tonne of coal is US$361.75, a drop of 1.87% for the day.

    Although when comparing from 7 March record highs of US$435, coal has shed more than 14% in value.

    What does this mean for Yancoal shareholders?

    For those eligible for Yancoal’s final dividend, shareholders will receive a payment of 70.4 cents per share on 29 April. Although, the dividend is unfranked, which means investors won’t receive any tax credits from this.

    Management reinstated the dividend due to the company’s strong cash earnings and lower gearing in FY21. This came on the back of record coal prices realised throughout the financial year.

    The $930 million final dividend represents a payout ratio of 118% of profit after tax.

    Yancoal share price snapshot

    Since the beginning of 2022, the Yancoal share price has shot up by roughly 66%.

    In the last 12 months, its shares have further accelerated, up around 83%.

    Yancoal commands a market capitalisation of roughly $5.7 billion with roughly 1.32 billion shares on its books.

    The post Why is the Yancoal (ASX:YAL) share price plummeting 17% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Yancoal right now?

    Before you consider Yancoal, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Yancoal 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Uniti jumps on takeover speculation, Rio Tinto and Yancoal tumble

    Two male professional analysts discuss share price movements shown on the computer screen in front of them, with one pointing to a screen

    Two male professional analysts discuss share price movements shown on the computer screen in front of them, with one pointing to a screenTwo male professional analysts discuss share price movements shown on the computer screen in front of them, with one pointing to a screen

    At lunch on Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is under pressure and trading lower. The benchmark index is currently down 0.6% to 7,107.9 points.

    Here’s what is happening on the ASX 200 today:

    Uniti rockets on takeover speculation

    The Uniti Group Ltd (ASX: UWL) share price was rocketing higher on Tuesday morning before being placed into a trading halt. Investors were buying the telco’s shares amid speculation that it could be in exclusive takeover talks. Uniti has neither confirmed nor denied the speculation but will release an announcement relating to it tomorrow.

    Rio Tinto falls despite acquisition news

    The Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price is falling on Tuesday despite the mining giant announcing a non-binding proposal to acquire the remaining ~49% of the issued and outstanding shares of Turquoise Hill. Rio Tinto has made an all-cash offer of ~US$2.7bn. If the deal completes, Rio Tinto’s share of the Oyu Tolgoi copper operation in Mongolia will increase to 66%. The team at Goldman Sachs believes the miner would be getting a very good deal.

    Healius announces buyback

    The Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS) share price is pushing higher today. Investors have been buying the healthcare company’s shares after it announced a $100 million share buyback. The company notes that the buyback will be managed within the ‘10/12 limit’ permitted by the Corporations Act. As a result, it does not require shareholder approval.

    Best and worst ASX 200 performers

    The best performer on the ASX 200 on Tuesday has been the Uniti share price with a 17% gain prior to its trading halt. This was in response to takeover speculation. The worst performer has been the Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) share price with a 16% decline. This is predominantly due to the coal miner’s shares trading ex-dividend this morning.

    The post ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Uniti jumps on takeover speculation, Rio Tinto and Yancoal tumble appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    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 over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now.

    *Returns as of January 12th 2022

    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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Uniti Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why is the BHP (ASX:BHP) share price down 4% today?

    Woman in yellow hard hat and gloves puts both thumbs down

    Woman in yellow hard hat and gloves puts both thumbs downWoman in yellow hard hat and gloves puts both thumbs down

    The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is sliding today, down 3.8%.

    BHP shares closed yesterday trading for $47.36 and are currently at $45.59.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) listed iron ore giant is trailing the benchmark today, with the ASX 200 down 0.7% at time of writing.

    It’s right about in line with the performance of the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ), which has dropped 3.7% since the opening bell.

    Why is the materials sector under pressure?

    The BHP share price is far from alone in today’s selloff.

    Fellow ASX 200 mining behemoths Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) shares are down 5.6% and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) shares are down 4.4% at this same time.

    With no price-sensitive news out from BHP, today’s decline looks to be mostly due to the overnight drop in iron ore prices. Iron ore is currently trading for US$145 per tonne, down 6.2% over the past 24 hours.

    With most other industrial and precious metals prices falling over the last day as well, materials are currently the worst performing sector on the ASX.

    BHP share price snapshot

    Despite today’s retrace, the BHP share price remains up 7.5% in 2022, handily outpacing the 6.4% year-to-date loss posted by the ASX 200.

    The post Why is the BHP (ASX:BHP) share price down 4% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BHP right now?

    Before you consider BHP, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BHP 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    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 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why is the Pushpay (ASX:PPH) share price charging 6% higher?

    Happy woman and man looking at an iPad.

    Happy woman and man looking at an iPad.Happy woman and man looking at an iPad.

    The Pushpay Holdings Ltd (ASX: PPH) share price is on form on Tuesday.

    In morning trade, the donor management technology company’s shares are up 6% to $1.03.

    Why is the Pushpay share price charging higher?

    Investors have been bidding the Pushpay share price higher today in response to the release of an update on the company’s FY 2022 guidance.

    According to the release, with just over two weeks left in its financial year, Pushpay has reconfirmed and narrowed its guidance for the 12 months ended 31 March.

    The company now expects underlying operating earnings (EBITDAFI) to be between US$61.5 million and US$63.5 million in FY 2022. This compares to its downgraded guidance range of US$60 million to US$65 million and its initial guidance of US$64 million and US$69 million.

    The above guidance includes costs associated with the investment into the Catholic initiative. Excluding this investment, management notes that its operating earnings would be between US$63.5 million and US$65.5 million.

    This represents modest year on year growth of 6% to 10%.

    Anything else?

    Management also revealed that Pushpay saw positive year-on-year increases in its processing volume performance in each trading month of the 2022 financial year, with the total processing volume for the eleven months ended 28 February 2022 being up 10% compared to the same period last year.

    In addition, it notes that Pushpay’s strong operating cash flow continues to allow it to pay down its debt facility, which was obtained to partially fund the Resi Media acquisition in August 2021. Pushpay’s net debt balance has reduced from US$90 million as at August 2021 to US$54 million as at 28 February 2022.

    The company intends to release its full year results to the market in May.

    The post Why is the Pushpay (ASX:PPH) share price charging 6% higher? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pushpay right now?

    Before you consider Pushpay, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pushpay 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    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. owns and has recommended PUSHPAY FPO NZX. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended PUSHPAY FPO NZX. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Qantas (ASX:QAN) share price lifting amid sustainable fuel deal

    Kid with arm spread out on a luggage bag, riding a skateboard.Kid with arm spread out on a luggage bag, riding a skateboard.Kid with arm spread out on a luggage bag, riding a skateboard.

    The Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) share price is lifting today even as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.66%.

    Qantas shares closed yesterday at $4.91 and are currently trading for $4.95 apiece. That puts the Qantas share price up 0.82% at the time of writing.

    The airline could be getting a boost today from the overnight drop in crude oil prices. Brent crude is down 5.1% since this time yesterday, currently trading for US$106.90 per barrel.

    Jet fuel costs count among airlines’ biggest single expenditures.

    That’s today’s early price action.

    Below we look at Qantas’ latest deal to reduce its carbon footprint by increasing the amount of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) used in its aircraft.

    How is Qantas reducing its emissions?

    In a move unlikely to be impacting the Qantas share price directly today, the airline reported it is increasing its use of SAF on its Los Angeles and San Francisco to Australia routes.

    According to the release, aircraft fuelled with SAF produce 80% less carbon emissions than those using standard jet fuel. SAF can be used in existing aircraft without modifications.

    The SAF will be supplied by United States biofuels company Aemetis. Aemetis will supply some 20 million litres of blended SAF to Qantas per year, commencing in 2025.

    Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO, met with Aemetis top brass in LA.

    According to Joyce:

    Climate change is front of mind for Qantas, our customers, employees and investors, and it is a key focus for us as we move through our recovery from the pandemic. Operating our aircraft with sustainable aviation fuel is the single biggest thing we can do to directly reduce our emissions.

    We’re actively looking to source sustainable aviation fuel for our operations, and the deal we’re announcing today is hopefully one of many we’ll make as the market catches up to demand globally.

    As for costs, Joyce said SAF remains more expensive than standard jet fuel. “But with the right investment it could grow to a scale where the cost is on par,” he added.

    The deal with Aemetis represents Qantas’ second major offshore purchase of SAF.  The airline’s flights from London began using the more sustainable fuel early in 2022.

    Qantas share price snapshot

    With today’s move higher, the Qantas share price is down 3.8% in 2022. That’s a fair bit better than the 6.5% year-to-date loss posted by the ASX 200.

    Qantas shares are also down around 10% over the past 12 months and 5% over the past month.

    The post Qantas (ASX:QAN) share price lifting amid sustainable fuel deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Qantas right now?

    Before you consider Qantas, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Qantas 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    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 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 Bruce Jackson.

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