Tag: Motley Fool

  • Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) share price falls amid gas discovery update

    a miner in hardhat and high visibility clothing makes a thumbs up symbol against a blue sky.

    The Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) share price is falling today despite good news from its 80%-owned gas discovery.

    The Lockyer Deep-1 Gas Discovery is expected to contain more gas than pre-drilling activities found previously.

    The resource is 80% owned by Mineral Resources’ subsidiary Energy Resources Limited and 20% owned by Norwest Energy NL (ASX: NWE). It is located in the Perth Basin.

    Right now, the Mineral Resources share price is $44.39, 2.7% lower than its previous close.

    Let’s take a closer look at today’s news of the Lockyer Deep-1 Gas Discovery.

    Positive update on Lockyer Deep-1

    The Mineral Resources share price is in the red amid Norwest Energy’s announcement of the companies’ gas discovery.

    The Lockyer Deep-1, a joint venture between the companies, has been found to be more prosperous than previously thought.

    Norwest Energy released an update on wireline logging operations at the discovery this morning, stating the findings upgrade the discovery’s prospects.

    Lockyer Deep-1’s Kingia target, found within Kingia sandstone, has been found to be of higher quality than previously predicted.

    Norwest stated high reservoir pressures indicate the target has a gas column of between 600 metres and 800 metres.

    This means the indicative areal extent of the discovery is around 66 square kilometres. The area’s estimated gas resources are now believed to be greater than the company’s pre-drill prospective resources.

    The reservoir is now estimated to have a net gas pay of 20.2 metres, total vertical depth. It’s expected to have an average porosity of 16% and average permeability of 500 millidarcys.

    The companies’ petrophysical analysis of the target found a 34-metre gross pay interval at the top of the Kingia sandstone. The gross pay interval has a total vertical depth of between 3,888 metres and 3,922 metres from sea level, with no gas-to-water contact found.

    According to Norwest, the finding is remarkable and confirms the fault-seal integrity of the structure’s main bounding faults despite a very significant gas column.

    Mineral Resources share price snapshot

    Despite today’s dip, the Mineral Resources share price has been performing well lately.

    It is currently 16% higher than it was at the start of 2021. It has also gained 77% since this time last year.

    The post Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) share price falls amid gas discovery update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Mineral Resources right now?

    Before you consider Mineral Resources, 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 Mineral Resources wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3u0wOfN

  • Iron ore price may fall further as experts warn of China trade risk

    a man holds his hand over his mouth in a nervous gesture with a slight frown on his face as though making an unwelcome realisation.

    Shareholders in ASX 200 companies heavily reliant on the iron ore price, like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO), could be a little worried after the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) said Australia’s iron ore exports with China may be at risk.

    At close of trade yesterday, shares in BHP ended the day at $37.75 – up 0.59%. The Rio share price closed yesterday at $95.71 – up 0.49%. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ended the day 0.35% higher.

    Let’s take a closer look.

    ‘…would (the metal) join the long list of lesser Australian exports subject to Chinese coercion?’

    In a report for ASPI, investment analyst David Uren argues the falling iron ore price represents an opportunity for the Chinese government to finally free itself from its dependence on Australia’s iron ore.

    Australia is the cheapest and closest iron ore exporter to China and is one of the few surviving exports between the two nations. The People’s Republic has placed heavy tariffs on Australian barley, beef, wine, and seafood and completely banned Australian coal.

    “[I]n a market in which there’s surplus iron ore and China has the market power, it’s possible that political rather than market forces may determine which mines survive or close. It might not be the world’s lowest cost producers, which both Rio Tinto and BHP would consider themselves to be, that win the lion’s share of the business,” said Uren.

    “There’s no plausible scenario in which China can dispense with Australian iron ore but, in a market with surplus supplies, it could limit supplies through quotas. If China’s campaign of economic coercion against Australia were to continue, it could take, say, 500 million tonnes/year from Australia rather than the 740 million tonnes it bought in 2020.”

    Tensions between China and Australia have ratcheted up in recent days on the announcement of a new military alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, AUKUS.

    Iron ore price today

    At the time of writing, the iron ore price today is hovering around the US $104 per tonne mark. It’s fallen 25% in a month and 34% since the beginning of the year.

    The BHP and Rio share prices have both taken similar falls to iron ore. Both companies are highly reliant on the metal and their finances can be largely dependent on the commodity’s movement.

    According to the website Trading Economics, cuts to Chinese steelmaking quotas have caused a slump in demand for the product and, thus, the falling price. The situation may also be exacerbated by the Evergrande implosion.

    The post Iron ore price may fall further as experts warn of China trade risk 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 more than eight 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 August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Marc Sidarous 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3u88wRm

  • What this leading broker thinks of the BlueScope Steel (ASX:BSL) share price

    male and female workers at a steel factory

    The S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) has cooled off over the last month and slipped 2.5% into the red.

    Whereas the broad indices have taken a minor hit, the Bluescope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL) share price has lagged well behind its benchmark, and now trades at $21.54.

    That’s an 8% drop over the last month, and a further 10% into the red in this past week.

    What’s up with the Bluescope share price lately?

    The Bluescope Steel share price has been on a rocky ride since the spot price of iron ore took a nosedive in July.

    Iron ore’s come off a record high of US$230/Tonne (T) in May, and then US$226/T in July to now trade at US$104.50/T, a 53% drop.

    At the same time, the spot price of steel has been in an uptrend since last month. Steel now trades at US$882.80/T, an approximate 15% gain since 19 August.

    This disconnect in the price of steel and iron ore appears to have plagued Bluescope’s share price over the past 2 months. As mentioned – it’s been a bumpy road for shareholders.

    However, Bluescope hasn’t escaped the elephant in the room, which remains the downward trend in iron ore’s spot price.

    Iron ore is one main ingredient used to forge steel, and over 90% of all iron ore mined goes towards the production of steel.

    But iron ore seriously appears to be on a one-way ticket to the south pole, having lost US$121.50/T in value over a matter of weeks.

    As such, Bluescope shares have dropped a further 10% over successive days since 16 September.

    What are analysts saying about Bluescope shares?

    One leading broker is taking a more upbeat view on the Bluescope share price, despite the commotion in the commodity markets.

    Investment banking giant UBS has weighed in with its view and sees pricing strengths in the steel markets as a plus for Bluescope.

    It is bullish on steel prices and sees fundamental drivers propping steel markets higher over the coming periods.

    The broker now assumes a US steel spread of US$1,361/T in the first half of FY22, which should favourably impact Bluescope’s financials.

    UBS now estimates the steel giant’s earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) for H1 FY22 to come in at A$2.1 billion, which is higher than Bluescope’s guidance of A$1.8billion to A$2 billion.

    This scenario is helped by a weaker Australian Dollar, which makes Australian exports cheaper for overseas buyers.

    In addition to its steel forecasts, UBS is also keeping a close eye on developments out of China, where steel production has recently been curbed by Chinese authorities.

    Whilst it sees “lower Chinese steel production as a positive for Bluescope (on lower Chinese hot rolled coil exports)”, it also does see “some risk that a rapid deterioration” in the Chinese property sector could result in “excess tonnes being exported”.

    The Bluescope share price is up 23% this year to date and has gained 68% over the last 12 months – well ahead of the broad index.

    The post What this leading broker thinks of the BlueScope Steel (ASX:BSL) share price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bluescope Steel right now?

    Before you consider Bluescope Steel, 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 Bluescope Steel wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    More reading

    The author Zach Bristow has no positions 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3ztbW28

  • Zip (ASX:Z1P) share price higher on India BNPL investment news

    Two business people shaking hands in an office

    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price is rising on Wednesday morning.

    At the time of writing, the buy now pay later (BNPL) provider’s shares are up 1.5% to $6.33.

    Why is the Zip share price rising?

    The Zip share price is pushing higher this morning after investors responded positively to an announcement.

    According to the release, the company has agreed to make a strategic US$50 million investment in India-based BNPL operator ZestMoney.

    The release notes that ZestMoney was founded in 2015 and is now one of the largest and fastest growing BNPL platforms in India. It currently has 11 million registered users, over 10,000 online merchants on the platform, and a point of presence in over 75,000 physical stores.

    Management advised that this investment is consistent with its strategy to build a truly global BNPL business. And one that supports regional and global partners in multiple markets, providing everyone, everywhere with access to fair and transparent payment products.

    The India market

    The company highlights that the India market is poised for consumption driven boom. This could potentially make it one of the largest markets globally one day.

    In fact, the release reveals that the India market is forecast to have US$300 billion+ in BNPL payment volume by FY 2026.

    This is expected to be driven by changing consumer spending trends, increased penetration of online shopping, population age demographics, a large underuse of credit, an emerging middle class, and transformation in the digital payment ecosystem.

    Overall, the company sees the potential for the overall Indian BNPL user base to reach ~80 to 100 million users by FY 2026. This is more than the estimated 73 million unique credit card users in India at present.

    The investment

    The release explains that Zip will acquire a minority shareholding in ZestMoney. This will be by investing US$50 million to subscribe for Series C Preference Shares.

    Zip has also negotiated terms to increase its shareholding over time, with specific reserved matters requiring Zip approval and a board seat as part of the investment.

    It also notes that the investment has been executed using a similar strategy to the one that ultimately led to the acquisition of Quadpay.

    Zip’s Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Larry Diamond, commented: “We are excited to partner with ZestMoney to drive fair and responsible payment solutions in India. While Buy Now, Pay Later is emerging as a preferred mode of payment globally, in India it also plays a crucial role in driving access to credit.”

    “With more people using digital payments and online shopping, ZestMoney can positively impact hundreds of millions of lives in the coming years. With deep partnerships with online and offline merchants and lending partners, ZestMoney is poised to accelerate growth as the market develops. We have been incredibly impressed with the founders and leadership team and look forward to the next stage of the ZestMoney journey,” he added.

    The Zip share price is now up 13.5% in 2021.

    The post Zip (ASX:Z1P) share price higher on India BNPL investment news 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 nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    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 shares of 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3ACsRAM

  • The BetMakers (ASX:BET) share price has fallen 6% this month

    Four football fans put heads in hands and look disappointed while watching television.

    The BetMakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX: BET) share price is struggling in September despite silence from the company.

    Making its recent slide more interesting, the wagering technology provider’s share value increased by more than 22% last month. Further, it had a strong start to this month, gaining 14% over the first week of September.

    After opening the month at $1.205, the BetMakers share price is currently $1.13, down 1.57% on yesterday’s close, having fallen 1.7% yesterday. That represents a 6% drop over the course of September so far.

    Let’s take a look at what might be weighing on Betmakers’ stock lately.

    What’s weighing on BetMakers in September?

    The BetMakers share price has been struggling recently despite a seemingly positive performance.

    BetMakers has been quiet this month. The company hasn’t released any news to the ASX since late August.

    However, BetMakers was included in S&P Dow Jones Indices’ quarterly rebalance.

    The company’s shares were added to the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) after they gained 13% over the September quarter. BetMakers has officially been part of the index since Monday.

    Additionally, roughly two weeks ago, American betting industry news provider SBCAmericas reported BetMakers’ Global Tote division has provided US$500,000 of sponsorship to the Kentucky Derby.

    It is reportedly the company’s first significant US racing sponsorship. It could also be seen as a milestone in the company’s ongoing international expansion.

    Unfortunately, the positive news surrounding BetMakers hasn’t been enough to support its share price in September.

    It has plunged more than 18% since 8 September for no apparent reason. Though, after its impressive rise throughout August, perhaps September’s losses are part of a routine rebalancing.

    BetMakers share price snapshot

    Despite its recent struggles, the BetMakers share price is still in the green on the ASX over the long term.

    It has gained 64% since the start of 2021. It is also currently 167% higher than it was this time last year.

    The post The BetMakers (ASX:BET) share price has fallen 6% this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BetMakers Technology right now?

    Before you consider BetMakers Technology, 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 BetMakers Technology wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Betmakers Technology Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Betmakers Technology Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2XMHTpg

  • Broker says PointsBet (ASX:PBH) share price is undervalued ahead of transformational year

    Two men excited to win online bet

    The PointsBet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) share price is climbing on Wednesday.

    In morning trade, the sports betting company’s shares are up 3% to $9.79.

    This gain has reduced its year to date decline to 15%.

    Is the PointsBet share price good value?

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts believe the PointsBet share price is in the buy zone.

    This morning the broker retained its buy rating and $14.75 price target on its shares.

    Based on the latest PointsBet share price, this implies potential upside of 50% over the next 12 months.

    What did the broker say?

    Goldman Sachs has been looking at recent trends in the gaming sector. Following its review, the broker remains very positive on the company.

    In fact, it believes the PointsBet share price doesn’t fully reflect a potentially transformational 12 to 18 months ahead.

    Goldman commented: “On the wagering front, domestically we highlight that PBH continued to grow significantly, and having recently moved into profitability for its Australian business, is on our estimate firmly 4th place in terms of market share across digital wagering (~4%). To this end PBH continues to target 10% share of the market by 2025.”

    “We continue to see it as well-placed domestically noting it saw a record monthly performance in July 2021, the spring racing carnival and AFL/NRL grand finals should drive 1Q, and recent app DL data suggesting its share domestically continues to outpace its market share. Beyond this, the US remains the key attraction in our investment case, and we are of the view that there are asymmetric risks ahead, with the current share price not fully reflecting what we expect to be a transformational 12-18months ahead for the company as they aim to triple their operational footprint by CY22,” it concluded.

    The post Broker says PointsBet (ASX:PBH) share price is undervalued ahead of transformational year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider PointsBet, 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 PointsBet wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    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 shares of and has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3lOVioG

  • Harvey Norman (ASX:HVN) share price rises on broker upgrade

    Woman looking at prices for televisions in electronics store

    The Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) share price is pushing higher on Wednesday morning.

    At the time of writing, the retail giant’s shares are up 1% to $5.02.

    Why is the Harvey Norman share price rising?

    The catalyst for the rise in the Harvey Norman share price appears to have been a broker note out of Goldman Sachs this morning.

    According to the note, the broker has upgraded the company’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $6.00.

    Based on the current Harvey Norman share price, this implies potential upside of 19.5% over the next 12 months.

    And with Goldman forecasting dividends per share of 36 cents in FY 2022, the potential total return increases to ~27% including dividends.

    What did the broker say?

    Goldman Sachs made the move on the belief that Harvey Norman is well positioned to capitalise on a stronger outlook for housing related categories such as consumer appliances and furniture.

    The broker explained: “We expect the underlying growth outlook into the medium to remain ahead of the pre-pandemic averages for the home related categories. As a result of this, we expect margin execution to remain elevated for longer with EBITDA margin for FY24e expected to be at FY18 levels on a pre-AASB16 basis as the cycle eases. While this still implies FY24 EBIT being A$775mn vs. A$1087.3mn in FY21, the EBIT CAGR over FY19-24e is expected to be at +6.6%, including +7.4% for Australia.”

    Goldman believes this growth rate makes the Harvey Norman share price good value based on current multiples.

    Its analysts said: “Adjusted for the property valuation, HVN currently trades at a FY22e P/E of 7.1x. This compares to a long-term average of 8.7x and a peer group median of 9.6x. Even on a pre-property adjusted basis, HVN is currently trading at a relative valuation discount of -59% on an Industrials ex financials basis vs. a longer term average of -14% and a 5 year average discount of -42%.”

    All in all, Goldman feels this makes Harvey Norman shares worth considering today.

    The post Harvey Norman (ASX:HVN) share price rises on broker upgrade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Harvey Norman right now?

    Before you consider Harvey Norman, 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 Harvey Norman wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    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 owns shares of and has recommended Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3kt1bZa

  • Why the Lake Resources (ASX:LKE) share price is jumping 23% today

    Woman jumping for joy at great news with wide open country around her.

    The Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE) share price has returned from its trading halt and is charging higher.

    In morning trade, the lithium developer’s shares are up 23% to 63 cents.

    This means the Lake Resources share price is now up almost 700% in 2021.

    Why is the Lake Resources share price charging higher?

    Investors have been bidding the Lake Resources share price higher today after it announced a partnership with Lilac Solutions.

    According to the release, the partnership is for technology and funding to develop Lake’s Kachi Lithium Brine Project in Argentina.

    Under the terms of the agreement, Lilac Solutions will contribute technology, engineering teams, and an on-site demonstration plant. This will allow it to earn a maximum 25% equity stake in the Kachi project based on performance-based milestones.

    If and when this occurs, Lilac Solutions will be expected to fund approximately US$50 million of future development costs.

    The release explains that Lilac Solutions’ production process is lower cost. It also offers higher lithium recovery rates (80-90 percent) than other technologies to produce battery quality lithium carbonate (99.97 percent purity), while also protecting the local environment, including water resources.

    Management commentary

    Lake’s Managing Director, Steve Promnitz, said: “We have progressed methodically through testing and pilot stage work and are now pleased to have the partnership established.”

    “Lilac’s technology is truly disruptive as it has taken a non-mining tech solution which cuts operating costs and boosts lithium recovery from our brines. The process is modular producing high purity lithium and can be ramped up quickly through pilot to commercial stages – this equity stake ensures a rapid commercialization of the Lilac technology at the Kachi site.”

    This sentiment was echoed by Lake’s Chairman, Stu Crow.

    He said: “With a successful capital raising; partnering with a leader in lithium processing that will place us in the bottom quartile on the cost curve; and getting an Expression of Interest for debt funding from the UK’s Export Credit Agency – it has been a busy few months for Lake.”

    “We have all worked hard to align Lilac’s industry leading technology and our project funding in order to accelerate development and production of the resource. We are closing the gap to being fully funded when you assume the DFS and other requirements for UKEF are met. There aren’t many near term lithium projects that can say they are funded to production,” he concluded.

    The post Why the Lake Resources (ASX:LKE) share price is jumping 23% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Lake, 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 Lake wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3EIAXde

  • September is being kind to the Flight Centre (ASX:FLT) share price. What’s next?

    A woman looks up at a Qantas plane flying in the sky with arms outstretched.

    The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price has been on the road to recovery this month.

    At Tuesday’s market close, the travel agent’s shares finished 3.73% higher to $18.64. Since the start of September, Flight Centre shares are up around 14%, and up 35% in a month.

    Why are Flight Centre shares pushing higher recently?

    There are a few reasons as to why the Flight Centre share price has been climbing in recent times.

    The company released its full-year results in late August, highlighting month-on-month sales revenue growth despite lockdowns and heavy restrictions. In particular, the corporate sector in the United States gained momentum as trading conditions generally improved.

    The vaccination rollouts in the United States and Europe are considered to be well advanced, with both economies reopening.

    Back in Australia, Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) announced that it’s taking bookings for flights to several popular destinations from 18 December. The forecast for Australia and New Zealand markets is that they will have a positive impact early next calendar year.

    What’s next?

    Flight Centre projects that the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are poised for strong returns in FY22. Coupled with its leaner and more efficient cost-base model, the company expects this to provide solid profits over the long term.

    Flight Centre also revealed its expansion plans for Japan via a joint venture with NSF Engagement Corporation. The online travel agent’s leading FCM travel management business will enter the fourth-largest corporate travel market from January 2022.

    Management stated it intends to win new local, regional and multi-national accounts, while also enhancing existing services in Japan.

    However, it could be some time before Flight Centre returns to pre-COVID levels.

    Based on the current level of expenditure, the company needs to generate around 50% of its pre-COVID total transaction value (TTV) in corporate and around 40% of pre-COVID TTV in leisure.

    Flight Centre share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Flight Centre shares have travelled almost 40% higher, with year to date up more than 15%.

    Flight Centre presides a market capitalisation of roughly $3.72 billion, and has close to 200 million shares on its books.

    The post September is being kind to the Flight Centre (ASX:FLT) share price. What’s next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Flight Centre right now?

    Before you consider Flight Centre, 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 Flight Centre wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    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 recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3krcyRA

  • The WiseTech (ASX:WTC) share price is up over 40% in a month!

    A drawing of a white rocket streaking up, indicating a surging share pirce movement

    The share price of ASX tech company WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) has been skyrocketing recently. Shares in the logistics software developer have risen close to 47% in the last month alone – and are now up almost 80% so far this year!

    Let’s take a look at some of the factors that may be driving these big gains in the WiseTech share price.

    Company background

    WiseTech’s flagship product is a centralised global trade and logistics platform called CargoWise. The platform aims to give WiseTech’s corporate customers the ability to manage their entire supply chain in one single application. For example, CargoWise can help its users stay on top of their inventory levels, track cargo internationally, and even ensure that they pay the correct import taxes, duties and tariffs.

    WiseTech is no stranger to media attention. It forms part of the much-vaunted WAAAX group of ASX technology growth shares – along with fellow market darlings Altium Limited (ASX: ALU), Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT), Appen Ltd (ASX:APX) and Xero Limited (ASX: XRO). However, the WiseTech share price has been the standout performer amongst the group so far this year and is the only one to have posted double-digit growth.

    Recent financials

    WiseTech released its FY21 results to the market on 25 August. It reported strong results across the board, with total revenues coming in at $507.5 million – an uplift of 18% year-on-year. This landed at the top end of WiseTech’s previously issued guidance of between $470 million and $510 million.

    Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation expenses (EBITDA) came in at $206.7 million for the year. This was a year-on-year increase of over 60%, and easily exceeded WiseTech’s guidance range of between $165 million and $190 million. The unexpectedly high uplift was driven by company-wide cost saving initiatives that WiseTech claimed had helped to deliver $22 million in gross cost reductions during the year.

    Commenting on the result, WiseTech founder and CEO Richard White stated that “our top line revenue growth, coupled with our ability to implement organisation-wide efficiencies and extract acquisition synergies, has enabled us to achieve a marked step change in operating leverage that is evident in our strong FY21 financial performance.”

    Outlook

    WiseTech is just as bullish about its prospects for FY22. The company forecasts annual revenue growth of between 18% and 25% (to between $600 million and $635 million) and EBITDA growth of between 26% and 38% (to between $260 million and $285 million). However, WiseTech does also note that the resurgence of COVID-19 variants in certain jurisdictions could pose a risk to those forecasts.

    Recent moves in the WiseTech share price

    The market reacted positively to WiseTech’s FY21 results announcement. On the day WiseTech released its results, its share price jumped over 28% higher. While the WiseTech share price hasn’t experienced any other single-day movements of that magnitude since, it has still trended higher overall in September, and is currently trading at $53.92 (as at the time of writing).

    The post The WiseTech (ASX:WTC) share price is up over 40% in a month! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider WiseTech, 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 WiseTech wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Rhys Brock owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO, Altium, Appen Ltd, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO, Altium, Appen Ltd, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO, Altium, Appen Ltd, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3CxT0kt