Tag: Motley Fool

  • Why the Adacel (ASX:ADA) share price is rocketing 39% today

    Vanadium Resources share price person riding rocket indicating share price increase

    The Adacel Technologies Limited (ASX: ADA) share price has been a very strong performer on Thursday following the release of its full year results.

    In morning trade, the air traffic management software company’s shares were up as much as 39% to a 52- week high of $1.43.

    Adacel share price rockets after doubling its profits

    • Revenue increased 1.1% to $40.2 million
    • Gross margin expanded by almost 5 percentage points to 40.1%
    • Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) up 117.6% to $9.8 million.
    • Net profit after tax jumped 101.7% to $7.3 million
    • Final unfranked dividend per share doubled to 3.25 cents, bringing full year dividend to 6 cents per share (up 140% year on year)
    • FY 2022 guidance: Profit before tax growth of up to 5.2%

    What happened in FY 2021 for Adacel?

    As you might have guessed from the Adacel share price reaction, FY 2021 was a significant improvement on a difficult prior period. This was thanks to a strong performance from its Systems segment, which offset a slightly weaker performance by its larger Services segment.

    During FY 2021, revenues in its Systems segment increased by 25.9% from $9.7 million to $12.3 million. This was driven by a higher number of systems implemented, including the delivery of additional Air Traffic Control Common Simulators (ACS) units to the US Army.

    The Services segment, which comprises all recurring revenue, including software maintenance and all aspects of system support, field services, and on-site technical services, saw its revenue fall from $30 million to $28 million. This was driven largely by foreign exchange headwinds. But thanks to improvements in its margins, the impact on its earnings wasn’t as great.

    What did management say?

    Adacel’s CEO Daniel Verret said: “This was a remarkable year in many regards. Unprecedented unknowns due to COVID-19, major business adjustments to sustain productivity while working remotely, quick development of creative solutions to support our commitments, successful delivery of significant projects, and a remarkably strong business output by the company.”

    “We are pleased to report on our strong financial performance for FY2021 and delivered improved financial performance across all major financial indicators,” he added.

    What’s next for Adacel?

    In FY 2022, the company intends to begin reporting in US dollars. Management believes this will provide a more relevant representation of the company’s financial position in comparison to its peers.

    With that in mind, the company is guiding to profit before tax of US$5.7 million to US$6 million in FY 2022. This represents growth of 0% to 5% on FY 2021’s profit before tax of US$5.7 million.

    Adacel’s Chairman, Michael McConnell, commented: “In late FY 2019, we outlined our strategy to focus on the Company’s core businesses and customers supported by the implementation of a set of management disciplines and metrics to drive operational efficiency and accountability.”

    “Today, we reported continued execution against those basic principles and improvement in financial performance.”

    “Having solidified Adacel’s operational, product, and financial foundation, this year we will invest in our sales capabilities to drive future growth. Moreover, we will continue to drive shareholder returns through our balanced capital management strategy, including dividends, share buybacks, and potential M&A activity,” he added.

    Adacel share price continues to outperform

    Following today’s gain, the Adacel share price is now up a whopping 150% over the last 12 months. This compares very favourably to a strong 25% gain by the All Ordinaries over the same period.

    The post Why the Adacel (ASX:ADA) share price is rocketing 39% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Adacel, 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 Adacel 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 May 24th 2021

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    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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  • The Crown (ASX: CWN) share price lifts after last-ditch licence push

    Gaming ASX share price represented by hand throwing four red dice

    The Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) share price is gaining today after the company made a last-ditch attempt to convince regulators to allow it to keep its Victorian casino licence.

    Within its final submission to the Victorian Royal Commission into the casino operator, Crown stated the company’s licence benefited both the Victorian Government and the community.

    Right now, the Crown share price is $9.21, 4.84% higher than its previous close.

    Let’s take a closer look at Crown’s plea for its licence and what may happen to the Melbourne Casino Complex if the company fails to retain it.

    Crown’s last resort

    The Crown share price is gaining today following the company’s final submission to the Victorian Royal Commission.

    The company’s latest argument is if it loses its casino licence, it would be forced to sublet the casino on Melbourne’s South Bank. According to Crown, that would make the complex less profitable and less enjoyable for visitors.

    Within the submission, Crown stated:

    [D]is-integration of the integrated resort would be more likely to result in reduced casino tax, significant inefficiencies, an inferior offering for customers and employees and a substantially diminished offering to tourism and the State of Victoria.

    Crown currently holds a 99-year lease on the property. This means it would have to sublet the gaming segment to a competitor if it were unable to operate it.

    However, Crown would still be able to operate all non-casino parts of the complex. Aside from the casino itself, the Melbourne Casino Complex houses hotels, restaurants, retail stores, residential and office accommodation, open space areas, and entertainment and recreation facilities.

    While it looks like a desperate attempt to save skin, this might be good news for the Crown share price. It has reinforced that if the company loses its casino licence, it may still draw a profit from the complex. Albeit, a smaller return than its current profit.

    According to a report in the Australian Financial Review last week, royal commissioner Ray Finkelstein has responded to such arguments before.

    He has previously acknowledged there would be an adjustment period if another casino operator were to step in. However, the business is profitable and would continue to operate without major long-term impacts on Victoria as a whole.

    Crown share price snapshot

    Today’s gains aren’t enough to boost the Crown share price out of the red in 2021.

    It has fallen 7% since the start of this year. It is also 1% lower than it was this time last year.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $5.9 billion, with approximately 677 million shares outstanding.

    The post The Crown (ASX: CWN) share price lifts after last-ditch licence push appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Crown Resorts right now?

    Before you consider Crown Resorts, 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 Crown Resorts 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 May 24th 2021

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    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.

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  • ASX tech shares lagging the ASX 200 on Thursday

    Man looks frustrated looking at computer screen in an office

    Heading into the backend of Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is slightly above yesterday’s closing price. While the broader market is holding above breakeven, ASX tech shares are not enjoying the same fate.

    At the time of writing, the benchmark index is 0.06% higher to 7,588.7 points. Here’s how the market is panning out on Thursday:

    ASX tech shares a mixed bag

    The ASX has been setting new records over the past few weeks, but Thursday is looking a little less predictable for another gain.

    While the index is currently in the green, not all sectors are moving in the same direction in today’s session. Some of the ASX 200’s strongest performers include QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE), Downer EDI Limited (ASX: DOW), and Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) on the back of reporting.

    Meanwhile, ASX 200 tech shares are struggling to find the same optimism from investors. The sector is 0.7% lower with Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) and Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) dragging into the red. In particular, Xero shareholders have been selling off the accounting software company following its annual general meeting. The ASX tech share guided for operating expenses to range between 80% to 85% of operating revenue in FY22.

    Reporting season in full swing

    Thursday morning has been jampacked with ASX action. Australian big-name shares such as AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP), AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL), and Telstra have dealt their full-year results. Currently, the Telstra share price is up by 4.05%.

    While we are very much in the midst of the reporting season, a large portion of ASX shares are set to report towards the tail end of August. Some of these companies include our ASX tech staples, such as Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) and Appen Ltd (ASX: APX). Don’t forget to check out our ASX reporting calendar to stay up to date.

    The post ASX tech shares lagging the ASX 200 on Thursday 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 May 24th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO and Appen Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO, Altium, Appen Ltd, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO, Altium, Appen Ltd, Telstra Corporation Limited, and Xero. 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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  • The Creso Pharma (ASX:CPH) share price is frozen today. Here’s why

    trading halt, stop, person holding up hand to indicate stop

    The Creso Pharma Ltd (ASX: CPH) share price isn’t going anywhere on Thursday. This comes after the cannabis and psychedelics company requested a trading halt in the minutes during market open.

    As such, Creso Pharma shares are frozen at 13 cents apiece. It’s worth noting the company’s shares have gained 13% in the past week.

    Why are Creso Pharma shares in a trading halt?

    Creso Pharma shares were placed in a trading halt this morning pending an important announcement from the company.

    In a statement to the ASX, Creso Pharma said the announcement is regarding the receipt of a material licence from Health Canada.

    While no further details have been given, Creso Pharma’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Mernova, was yesterday granted a licence extension to sell medicinal cannabis in Canada.

    The news sent the Creso Pharma share price as high as 14 cents, however some profit taking occurred. Its shares ended the day 4% higher at 13 cents.

    The green light allows Mernova to expand its sales base by entering the medicinal cannabis market in Canada. In May 2020, the company had received a recreational market licence from Health Canada.

    Under the new licence, Mernova can sell its products directly to consumers who are licenced to obtain cannabis for medical purposes. In the past, Health Canada had only allowed the company to sell its medicinal products through wholesalers.

    The shares will remain in pre-open until an official announcement is made or the start of trade on Monday 16 August, the company said.

    Creso Pharma share price summary

    Since this time last year, the Creso Pharma share price has risen sharply by more than 200%. However, in 2021, the company’s shares paint a different picture for investors, down almost 30%.

    Creso Pharma has a market capitalisation of roughly $155.5 million with approximately 1.2 billion shares on its registry.

    The post The Creso Pharma (ASX:CPH) share price is frozen today. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Creso Pharma right now?

    Before you consider Creso Pharma, 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 Creso Pharma 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 May 24th 2021

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    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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  • Here’s why the Antipa Minerals (ASX:AZY) share price is moving higher today

    ASX gold share price

    The Antipa Minerals Ltd (ASX: AZY) share price is marching higher today, up 1% after earlier posting gains of more than 4%.

    Below we take a look at what’s driving investor interest in the ASX resource explorer.

    What did Antipa announce?

    The Antipa share price is gaining today after the company reported more high-grade gold results at its 100% owned, Minyari Dome Project in Western Australia.

    The company has received assays from 11 drill holes. Among the highlighted results, one of the drill holes returned copper and gold intersections including:

    28.0m at 1.63 grams per tonne of gold and 0.18% copper from 161.0 metres down hole including:

    – 14.0m at 2.67 g/t gold and 0.32% copper from 173.0m, also including:

    • 0m at 4.11 g/t gold and 0.38% copper from 176.0m; and
    • 0m at 7.88 g/t gold and 0.40% copper from 186.0m

    Antipa reported it has now completed 21,400 metres of Resource infill, Resource extensional and brownfield discovery in its Phase 1 drilling campaign. It’s still awaiting assays for 14,000 metres.

    Commenting on the new results, Antipa’s managing director, Roger Mason said:

    Resource definition drilling continues to intersect strong gold mineralisation over wide intervals which will support a revised resource estimate and project development studies.

    At Minyari, high‐grade gold and copper mineralisation has been intersected along 500 metres of strike, down to 600 metres below the surface and across a horizontal width of up to 275 metres, and mineralisation remains open in several directions.

    Mason said the company’s Phase 2 drill program has been expanded towards resource extension targets. Those include Minyari East and “a number of high priority greenfield targets”.

    These are all within 3 kilometres of Antipa’s existing Minyari and WACA resources.

    The company currently has 3 drill rigs on site and expects its Phase 2 drill program to finish in October.

    Antipa Minerals share price snapshot

    The Antipa Minerals share price is up 23% over the past 12 months, largely in line with the 25% gains posted by the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

    Year-to-date the Antipa Minerals share price is also up 23%.

    The post Here’s why the Antipa Minerals (ASX:AZY) share price is moving higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Antipa, 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 Antipa 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 May 24th 2021

    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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  • ASX 200 midday update: Telstra, NAB, & QBE results

    A share market investment manager monitors share price movements on his mobile phone and laptop

    At lunch on Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a small gain. The benchmark index is currently up a few points to 7,587.9 points.

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

    Telstra shares hit 52-week high following results

    The Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price climbed to a new 52-week high this morning following the release of its full year results. Investors have been bidding the Telstra share price higher after the telco giant achieved its FY 2021 guidance, maintained its dividend, and announced a $1.35 billion on-market share buyback. Also getting investors excited was management’s positive outlook. It is guiding to underlying EBITDA growth of 4.5% to 9% in FY 2022.

    NAB Q3 update

    The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price is trading flat today following the release of its third quarter update. According to the release, the banking giant reported an unaudited statutory net profit of $1.65 billion and unaudited cash earnings of $1.70 billion for the quarter. This was broadly in line with the quarterly average achieved during the first half of FY 2021.

    QBE half year results impress

    The QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) share price is storming higher after investors responded positively to its strong first half result. The insurance giant returned to form in the first half and reported strong gross written premium (GWP) and profit growth. QBE achieved GWP growth of 26.9% to US$10,203 million and an adjusted cash profit after tax of US$463 million. The latter compares to a US$66 million loss in the prior corresponding period.

    Best and worst ASX 200 performers

    The GrainCorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) share price is the best performer on the ASX 200 on Thursday with a 14% gain. This morning the integrated grain and edible oils company upgraded its guidance. The worst performer has been the Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price with a 7% decline. This morning the mining giant’s shares went ex-dividend.

    The post ASX 200 midday update: Telstra, NAB, & QBE results 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 May 24th 2021

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    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 Telstra Corporation 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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  • BHP (ASX:BHP) share price lifts amid activist calls to halt fossil fuel asset sales

    Commodities premium ASX shares Female miner and male miner stand in open mine pit surveying the area

    The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is marginally down as Bloomberg reports a group of shareholder activists are pushing the multinational mining giant to keep and close its fossil fuel assets rather than sell them.

    BHP confirmed last month it was looking to exit the oil and gas sector. Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) is the rumoured front runner to acquire these assets globally.

    At the time of writing, the BHP share price is trading at $52.61 – up 0.17%. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), meanwhile, is 0.04% higher.

    Let’s take a closer look.

    “Companies…can no longer get away with green-washing”

    Market Forces, a group that aids shareholders in pushing companies on climate change, has tabled a resolution for the annual general meeting (AGM) on behalf of 100 small investors to “wind down production (of fossil fuels) in line with international targets” rather than sell them to other businesses.

    In a statement, the group said:

    By providing a leading example of responsibly managing down fossil fuel assets, BHP can preserve and realise the genuine value that exists in these assets, align with global climate goals, and support its workers in the transition to a decarbonised economy.

    BHP has already begun divesting from thermal coal, with the first deals announced in late June. The BHP share price fell 0.87% on the day this news was announced.

    Climate activists previously wanted companies like BHP to sell their high polluting assets. They have changed course over concerns buyers will be less transparent than the original owner, according to Bloomberg.

    As well, by selling the assets instead of shutting them down, they will still emit greenhouse gases – it just won’t be on the books of the sellers.

    Combined, these shareholders make up less than 0.01% of the ownership of BHP’s ASX shares and less than 0.006% of the entire company. BHP is also listed on the London Stock Exchange. BHP’s board will respond to the resolution before the AGM.

    BHP share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the BHP share price has increased 31.8%. The ASX 200 is up 23.8% over the same time.

    BHP has a market capitalisation of around $244 billion.

    The post BHP (ASX:BHP) share price lifts amid activist calls to halt fossil fuel asset sales 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 May 24th 2021

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    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.

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  • Xero (ASX:XRO) share price edges lower after annual meeting

    Man looks frustrated looking at computer screen in an office

    The Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price opened weaker on Thursday after the company released its 2021 annual meeting chair and CEO address.

    At the time of writing, shares in the account software company have pulled back 1.74% to $143.01.

    Xero annual meeting highlights

    Digitisation tailwinds

    Xero chair David Thodey commented on the “significant shift in the way business is conducted, as digitisation accelerates across industries and small businesses adopt cloud technologies as part of their core business toolkit”.

    Thodey pointed to a number of government measures driving business digitisation including:

    • UK Government’s push to digitalise its tax system and digitally enable small businesses.
    • The Australian Government’s $1.2 billion investment into its ‘digital economy’ to lift digital capability and adoption.
    • US President Joe Biden’s executive order suggesting consumers should be allowed to access their banking data, likely a move towards open banking.

    Xero believes it is strongly positioned for this accelerating global trend, with the opportunity to serve the global small business community.

    Management reiterated the strong progress the company has made, with a record number of new subscribers in the second half of the year.

    Focus areas

    As Xero continues to expand as a global accounting platform for small businesses, Thodey shed light on some key areas.

    One aspect was the continued use of mergers and acquisitions to add to the company’s capabilities.

    The optimisation of Xero’s operational and financial structure was another factor. The company pointed to its convertible note refinancing as a “great example” which allowed it to deploy funds for three acquisitions made during the year.

    The company also highlighted the importance of risk management, particularly around the area of cyber risk.

    No update for FY22

    Xero CEO Steve Vamos said there would be no update in today’s announcement. However, he reiterated a few elements from the company’s FY21 results.

    He said FY22 total operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue should in the range of 80% to 85%.

    Additionally, the Planday acquisition is expected to contribute approximately three percentage points of additional operating revenue growth in FY22.

    Xero share price snapshot

    The Xero share price hasn’t really gone anywhere, edging 3.7% lower year-to-date.

    The main driver of Xero’s recent underperformance could be the company’s full-year FY21 results on 13 May. These triggered a sharp 11% selloff on the day of the announcement.

    The post Xero (ASX:XRO) share price edges lower after annual meeting appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Xero, 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 Xero 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 May 24th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun 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 Xero. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Xero. 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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  • QBE (ASX:QBE) share price up 7% after dividend boost

    man pointing up at a rising red line which represents a growing share price

    The QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) share price has jumped into the green from the market open, now exchanging hands at $12.39 apiece, a 7% climb.

    QBE shares are on the move after the insurance giant upgraded its dividend schedule in its FY21 half year earnings report.

    Let’s investigate further.

    QBE’s dividend

    Historically QBE has exhibited a rather flat level of annual growth in its dividend schedule.

    For instance, from October 2015 – April 2020, QBE increased its dividend from 20 cents per share, to 27 cents per share, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 6%. Then, QBE gave its dividend a large haircut to 4 cents/share in September 2020.

    In its FY21 half-year results, QBE confirmed its board had “declared an interim dividend of 11 cents per share, up from 4 Australian cents per share in the prior period”.

    The insurance heavyweight scaled up its payout on the back of “strong first half growth”, that saw gross written premium (GWP) increase by around 27%, and net earned premium (NEP) rise roughly 9%.

    Moreover, it recognised an underwriting result of US$642 million, which came through to an adjusted cash profit of $463 million, versus a loss of US$66 million. QBE recognised an 11.9% return on equity as a result.

    What does this mean for investors?

    The step-up in QBE’s dividend normalises the payout shareholders will receive back towards historical averages. In addition, restoration of a company’s dividend schedule is a sign of confidence from its management on the future trajectory of its earnings curve.

    Furthermore, equally as assuring is when a company does so coming out of a period of economic uncertainty. It gives a clear impression of the company’s financial health, in terms of liquidity and assets. Moreover, it demonstrates a company is generating a high amount of free cash flow and cash from operations, on healthy margins through its profit and loss statement.

    We see evidence of the same in QBE’s half-year results, particularly in cash flow metrics such as net profit after tax (NPAT), which grew from a loss of $712 million in June 2020 to a profit of $441 million this year.

    Compounding this, QBE realised a more favourable expense ratio, down to 13.7% from 14.3% a year prior. In addition, QBE’s debt to equity ratio compressed to 31.1%, down from 34.8% a year ago.

    Given these growth levers in the company’s growth engine, QBE undoubtedly believes the dividend is well covered as we walk through the coming periods.

    Therefore, it stands to reason that investors have favoured the news coming out of QBE’s camp this morning. Shareholders can expect the 11 cents per share dividend to arrive in their bank accounts franked at 10%, as per the release.

    QBE share price snapshot

    The QBE share price has posted a year to date gain of 45%, extending the previous 12 month’s climb of 23%.

    Both of these results have outpaced the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO)’s return of around 25% over the past year.

    Over the past month alone, QBE shares have climbed 18% into the green.

    The post QBE (ASX:QBE) share price up 7% after dividend boost 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 May 24th 2021

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    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.

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  • Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price lifts off after dividend announcement

    hand on touch screen lit up by a share price chart moving higher

    The Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price is moving higher this morning, up 3%.

    This comes following the release of the ASX telco’s full year results for the 2021 financial year (FY21).

    We recap a few highlights below.

    What dividend payment did Telstra announce?

    Telstra shares could be getting a boost today after the company reported it will pay a final dividend of 8 cents per share, fully franked.

    That brings Telstra’s full year dividend to 16 cents per share.

    At the current price of $3.94 per share, that works out to a trailing dividend yield of 4.06%.

    Bearing in mind that this comes with tax credits at the company’s corporate rate, and that term deposits in Australia are paying in the range of 1% without tax credits, income investors could be helping push the Telstra share price today.

    What else did the results reveal?

    For the Motley Fool’s detailed coverage of Telstra’s FY21 results, you can follow the link up towards the top.

    We’ll just quickly recap 2 key takeaways here that also look to be boosting Telstra’s share price in early trade.

    First, while underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) fell 9.7% to $6.7 billion, this was right within the company’s guidance of $6.6–6.9 billion.

    While falling earnings aren’t the most welcome of news, investors tend to reward companies that achieve guidance.

    Second, Telstra announced a $1.35 billion on-market share buyback. When a company repurchases its shares, existing shareholders often benefit.

    Telstra share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Telstra is up 16%, trailing the 24% gains posted by S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    Year-to-date, Telstra’s share price has outperformed the benchmark, up 31% in 2021.

    The post Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price lifts off after dividend announcement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Telstra, 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 Telstra 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 May 24th 2021

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    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 Telstra Corporation 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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