Tag: Motley Fool

  • The Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price hit a new 52-week high today

    Blue light arrows pointing up, indicating a strong rising share price

    Shares in Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) hit a new 52-week high this morning. The Telstra share price’s highest point of the last 12 months is now $3.59.

    That’s just one cent more than the previous 52-week high it reached on Monday.

    At the time of writing, the Telstra share price is $3.60, 0.7% higher than its closing price yesterday.

    Let’s take a look at what the telecommunication company has been up to lately.

    What’s Telstra been up to?

    Telstra’s new 12-month high comes despite the company releasing no news to the ASX since late April. It has recently faced a series of fines – although, they don’t seem to have dinted its share price.

    On 4 May, Telstra was slapped with a $1.5 million fine for breaching customer rights. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) issued the fine after Telstra stopped customers from swapping their landlines to other carriers between March and June of 2020.

    When COVID-19 first struck the world, Telstra blocked its porting facilities and shut down its overseas service centres ­– disallowing 42,000 of its customers from swapping providers.

    On 10 May, Telstra shared some good news. It advised the public it was on track to cover 75% of Australians with its 5G network by June.

    Then, on 11 May, Telstra was dealt a $50 million penalty from the Federal Court for its treatment of Indigenous customers in rural and remote parts of Australia.

    The Federal Court found Telstra had signed 108 customers to phone plans knowing they didn’t understand and couldn’t afford what they were paying for.

    When those who were dubiously signed to Telstra plans were unable to pay, Telstra engaged in aggravated debt recovery practices.

    Telstra share price snapshot

    Despite the drama, 2021 on the ASX has been good to the Telstra share price.

    Currently, shares in Telstra have gained 18.44% since the start of the year. They are also 10.71% higher than they were this time last year.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $42 billion, with approximately 11 billion shares outstanding.

    The post The Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price hit a new 52-week high today 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 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 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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  • Why the Centuria (ASX:CIP) share price is on the move today

    Man and woman shake hands on business deal

    The Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) share price is edging higher today. This comes after the industrial real estate investment trust (REIT) announced a number of acquisitions.

    At the time of writing, Centuria shares are up 0.54% to $3.74.

    What did Centuria buy?

    In today’s statement, Centuria has secured 3 industrial properties worth a total of $86.1 million. The acquisitions give the REIT an average yield of 5% and a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 5 years.

    Following settlement, the Centuria portfolio will increase to 66 properties and have a value of more than $3 billion.

    Two of the assets acquired are in the northern Melbourne suburbs of Broadmeadows and Epping. The Broadmeadows property is a manufacturing facility leased to Rollease Acmeda, a manufacturer and distributor of window coverings systems. The Epping asset is a distribution centre housing 2 tenants, Grace Australia and Gruma Oceania.

    The third property is situated in Wetherill Park, New South Wales, and is also a tenanted distribution centre.

    The transaction is expected to be funded through use of the REIT’s existing debt facilities.

    Management commentary

    Centuria fund manager Jesse Curtis said of the acquisitions:

    The three assets were secured off-market and continue to grow CIP’s exposure to the highly sought-after and tightly held infill industrial markets of Melbourne and Sydney. The portfolio provides a rare mixture of short WALE assets, providing the opportunity to add value and take advantage of low vacancy rates through strategic leasing, while also adding a core long WALE asset.

    … CIP’s strategy is to secure high-quality industrial assets within key metropolitan locations and this portfolio transaction is in keeping with this direction. These acquisitions continue to build our strong track record of identifying value and providing value-add opportunities through repositioning and active leasing to deliver reliable income returns and capital growth to our unitholders.

    Centuria share price summary

    It’s been a positive 12 months for Centuria shareholders, with the REIT shares lifting 25%. It’s worth noting Centuria is closing on its all-time high of $3.83 achieved earlier this month.

    Based on today’s price, Centuria has a market capitalisation of $2 billion, and has just over 551 million shares outstanding.

    The post Why the Centuria (ASX:CIP) share price is on the move today 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 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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  • Aeris Resources (ASX:AIS) share price races 7% higher to multi-year high

    A businessman points to and arrow going up on a graph, indicating a share price rise for an ASX company

    The Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS) share price has come out of a trading halt, putting itself in fine form today. This follows the copper and gold miner’s update on its recent capital raising efforts.

    At the time of writing, Aeris Resources shares are travelling 7.32% higher to a multi-year high of 22 cents.

    What did Aeris Resources announce?

    According to its release, Aeris Resources announced it has successfully completed an institutional placement to raise approximately $50.4 million. The offer received strong support from both new and existing institutional and sophisticated investors.

    The placement will see around 287.9 million new ordinary shares issued at a price of 17.5 cents apiece. This represents a discount of 14.6% on the last closing share price of 20.5 cents on 9 June 2021.

    Aeris Resources will use its existing placement capacity to create the new shares. Under listing rule 7.1, this allows up to an additional 15% of its total shares to be issued without shareholder approval.

    The proceeds of the placement will be used to accelerate the company’s exploration activities at its Tritton and Cracow operations. This includes expanding its current exploration drilling program and covering general working capital expenses.

    Aeris executive chair, Andre Labuschagne commented:

    This is an exceptional outcome for Aeris and its shareholders and provides the balance sheet strength to accelerate exploration at both our operations in FY22, while progressing in parallel, life extension projects at Tritton.

    In FY22 we will continue development of the Budgerygar underground mine. We are also finalising plans to commence development of Avoca Tank (underground) and a cut-back of the open pit at Murrawombie.

    The strong institutional support for the Placement I believe is a reflection of not only the transformation of the Company over the last 12 months but also an endorsement of our strategy focusing on copper and gold and adding value through organic and acquired growth.

    Aeris Resources share price summary

    Investors have rallied in joy with Aeris Resources shares climbing to an astonishing 500% in the last 12 months. The company’s share price reached a multi-year high of 22 cents today on the back of its strong gains over the past 30 days.

    Aeris Resources commands a market capitalisation of roughly $422 million, with more than 1.9 billion shares outstanding.

    The post Aeris Resources (ASX:AIS) share price races 7% higher to multi-year high 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 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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  • Up 25% in a month: Is the Appen (ASX:APX) share price still good value?

    Graphic image of a circuit board with an AI technology symbol

    The Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price has been a very positive performer on Friday thanks to improving sentiment in the tech sector.

    In afternoon trade, the artificial intelligence (AI) data services company’s shares are up 7% to $14.06.

    This means the Appen share price is now up 25% since this time last month.

    Can the Appen share price climb even higher?

    According to one leading broker, the Appen share price could have peaked for the time being.

    This morning Bell Potter retained its neutral rating and trimmed its price target by 5.3% to $13.50.

    Based on the current Appen share price, this implies potential downside of 3.5% over the next 12 months.

    What did Bell Potter say?

    Bell Potter has concerns over Appen’s long term growth, believing that it won’t be as strong as it was previously expecting. In addition to this, it doesn’t see any short term catalysts on the horizon that would drive a rerating of the Appen share price.

    However, one positive is that the broker is expecting Appen to deliver on its guidance in FY 2021.

    It explained: “We have updated and adjusted our Appen forecasts for the change in reporting currency from AUD to USD. While not a like-for-like comparison, there is little change in our revenue forecasts but modest upgrades in our underlying EBITDA and NPAT forecasts. We now forecast underlying EBITDA of US$84.7m in 2021 which is consistent with the guidance range of US$83-89m.”

    This growth is expected to be heavily weighted to the second half. “We also forecast a large earnings skew to the second half this year with forecast underlying EBITDA in 1H/2H2021 of US$32.8m/US$51.9m which is also consistent with guidance,” the broker added.

    After which, Bell Potter is forecasting “mid teens growth in underlying EBITDA in 2022 and 2023 which is driven by high single digit to low double digit top line growth and margin improvement through the cost cutting enacted in 2021.”

    However, with its shares at 35x estimated FY 2021 earnings, it feels its shares are now fully valued based on these forecasts.

    The post Up 25% in a month: Is the Appen (ASX:APX) share price still good value? 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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    James Mickleboro does not own any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Appen Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Appen 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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  • Amazon to pay $61.7 million in FTC settlement over driver tips

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

    guy delivering Amazon parcel

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

    Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) allegedly kept for itself over $61.7 million in tips earned by its Flex drivers and hid the practice from them for two years. It only changed how it paid the drivers when it became aware the Federal Trade Commission was investigating the company, according to an FTC administrative complaint.

    Amazon agreed in February to settle the charges against it, and today the FTC announced it had approved a consent order against the e-commerce giant. Amazon will pay more than $61 million, which represents the total the company allegedly kept from its delivery drivers, and the FTC will reimburse the the workers. 

    According to the complaint Amazon advertised its drivers could make $18 to $25 per hour, plus keep 100% of the tips they earned from customers.

    But the FTC says, “Rather than passing along 100 percent of customers’ tips to drivers, as it had promised to do, Amazon used the money itself.”

    Instead of paying the drivers the promised rate of pay plus tips, it paid the drivers a lower wage rate. Drivers began noticing their pay began to decline and despite receiving hundreds of complaints from drivers, Amazon issued form emails assuring them they were getting the full amount they were entitled to.

    It only changed the pay policy in August 2019 when it received notice from the FTC it was investigating the allegations. 

    In February, Amazon spokesperson Rena Lunak told CNBC, “While we disagree that the historical way we reported pay to drivers was unclear, we added additional clarity in 2019 and are pleased to put this matter behind us.”

    The consent order enjoins Amazon from violating the decree for 20 years making it subject to civil penalties of up to $43,792 per violation if they recur.

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

    The post Amazon to pay $61.7 million in FTC settlement over driver tips 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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    Rich Duprey has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2022 $1,920 calls on Amazon and short January 2022 $1,940 calls on Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon. 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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  • Crown (ASX:CWN) share price slips as royal commission extended

    Distressed man at a casino

    The Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) share price is dropping lower on Friday. At the time of writing, shares in the casino operator are trading at $12.31 each – down 0.73%. For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently sitting 0.24% higher.

    The casino operator’s price fall comes as the funding, time, and scope of the Victorian royal commission into Crown Melbourne is extended.

    Let’s take a closer look at the latest developments.

    What’s happening with the royal commission?

    Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino confirmed the royal commission into the granting of the Crown Melbourne licence would be extended by 10 weeks, with its funding boosted by $9.75 million. This was at the request of the commissioner, Raymond Finkelstein.

    “We established this royal commission to get the answers we need about Crown – and this extension will ensure the scope of evidence provided so far is able to be thoroughly considered,” Merlino said.

    In its statement to the ASX, Crown said it would continue to “fully co-operate” with the royal commission.

    Helen Coonan, former senator and current Crown chair, said:

    As executive chairman, I have made clear that any shortcomings identified by the royal commissions will be addressed. The board and I are committed to making Crown a stronger, more transparent and respected company.

    We have initiated a sweeping program of significant reforms, enhancements and personnel changes. We cannot change the past, but we can be absolutely steadfast in the approach we take to driving the culture and transparency of the company into the future.

    The Victorian Government says the extension will allow commissioner Finkelstein to investigate “a wider range of matters”. The government says this will be necessary due to the “seriousness of evidence produced through hearings and submissions to date”.

    Investors may be worried by this news, judging by the drop in the Crown share price today.

    The cascade of investigations into Crown’s operations was sparked when the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority found the company “unsuitable” to hold a gaming licence in the state.

    Crown share price snapshot

    Despite the problems besieging it over the past 12 months, the Crown share price has increased by around 20%. The rise is due to both a rebound from the COVID-19 market crash of March 2020, and takeover approaches by Blackstone Group Inc, Oaktree Capital, and Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR).

    Crown Resorts has a market capitalisation of around $8.3 billion.

    The post Crown (ASX:CWN) share price slips as royal commission extended 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 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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  • Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now

    asx buy

    Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their estimates and recommendations once again. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

    Three broker buy ratings that have caught my eye are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

    Altium Limited (ASX: ALU)

    According to a note out of Credit Suisse, its analysts have retained their outperform rating and lifted their price target on this electronic design software company’s shares to $42.00. This follows news that Altium has rejected a $38.50 takeover approach from Autodesk. The broker believes the offer demonstrates the company’s ability to attract strategic partnerships. It also isn’t ruling out Autodesk coming back with a higher offer in the future to seal a deal. The Altium share price is fetching $35.47 this afternoon.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

    A note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating and increased their price target on this mining giant’s shares to $61.00. According to the note, the broker made the move after increasing its earnings estimates to reflect sky high iron ore prices. Macquarie also notes that BHP stands to benefit from improving metallurgical coal prices. The BHP share price is trading at $48.74 today.

    IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL)

    Analysts at UBS have retained their buy rating but trimmed their price target on this language testing and student placement company’s shares to $28.25. According to the note, the broker is expecting COVID-19 headwinds in the key Indian market to weigh on its short term performance. It estimates that the Indian market accounts for 34% of its revenue. However, UBS anticipates a swift recovery once the crisis passes. Looking further ahead, the broker expects IDP Education to be in a stronger market position post-pandemic. The IDP Education share price is fetching $22.50 today.

    The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now 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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    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 Altium and Idp Education Pty Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Altium. 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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  • Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price bounces back above $100

    excited investor making fist at computer screen

    The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price has tipped higher today, currently up 4.77% to $104.61.

    This marks the return to a triple-digit share price for Afterpay after it slipped below the iconic $100 level on 6 May.

    June is currently looking like a bumper month for Afterpay shareholders, with the company’s shares up by about 13% for the month so far.

    Afterpay share price stages a much needed recovery

    Things were looking pretty gloomy for the leading buy now, pay later (BNPL) company when its shares briefly hit an 8-month low of $81.85 on 13 May.

    The harsh selling pressure in early May dragged the year-to-date performance of the Afterpay share price to a low of -30% at the time.

    But with “sell in May and go away” behind us, Afterpay shares have set out in June on the right foot, making up for lost time.

    Despite no price-sensitive announcements since Afterpay’s third-quarter results on 20 April, the broader tech sector has bounced back strongly alongside a fall in benchmark US yields.

    Tech shares bounce back

    The S&P/ASX 200 Info Tech Index (ASX: XIJ) is up about 7.6% in June, with large-cap players including WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) and NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) all rising between 3.50% and 10%.

    Elsewhere, the BNPL sector is also enjoying some buying support, with the Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price up almost 6% today to $7.28.

    US benchmark yields ease

    Benchmark US Government bond yields previously surged from lows of 0.50% in late 2020 to as high as 1.7% in April.

    The spike in bond yields at the start of the year accelerated the rotation from high-growth technology shares into value sectors expected to benefit from a rebound in economic growth. This drove a number of heavy selling sessions for the tech-heavy Nasdaq across late April and early May.

    In the last five trading sessions, US benchmark yields took a 10% fall from about 1.625% to 1.459%.

    The post Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price bounces back above $100 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 Kerry Sun owns shares in NextDC. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO, WiseTech Global, Xero, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO, 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.

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  • Why the AML3D (ASX:AL3) share price is soaring 7% today

    male and female workers at a steel factory

    The AML3D Ltd (ASX: AL3) share price is racing higher in mid-morning trade. This comes after the advanced 3D parts manufacturer announced it has been granted a new Australian patent.

    At the time of writing, AML3D shares are swapping hands for 22.5 cents, up 7.14%.

    AML3D strengthens market leading WAM process

    Investors are pushing AML3D shares higher after digesting the company’s positive update.

    According to its release, AML3D announced it has been granted a patent to add to its portfolio. Approved by the Australian Patent Office, the latest addition will seek to further protect AML3D’s intellectual property.

    The patent discusses the company’s Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM) process, covering the method and apparatus for manufacturing 3D metal parts.

    AML3D’s WAM technology uses 3D metal printers to weld metal wire to create near net shapes. This is considered a more sustainable way of manufacturing as compared to machining from billet, reducing material waste by 80%.

    AML3D stated that the WAM technology “significantly reduces the cost of manufacturing, time to build and also allows for clients to customise parts for their specific needs.”

    The addressable market for 3D printing is growing at a fast rate. Particularly given COVID-19 disrupted international supply chains, the industry is now seeking to minimise risk by adopting 3D printing technology. This allows companies to manufacture complex 3D metal parts in-house without relying on global logistics.

    As such the total addressable market for 3D printing is estimated to be around US$10 billion. In the next 5 years (2026), the 3D printing market is forecasted to increase to US$63 billion.

    AML3D managing director, Andrew Sales commented:

    This is a significant milestone for our company and our journey. The granting of this patent is further validation of our technology and also secures our position as a provider of a major 3D Printing process.

    The market demand for advanced wire feedstock additive manufacturing continues to accelerate driven by the global pandemic. And international patent protection will further strengthen our position in a significant and growing addressable market.

    AML3D share price snapshot

    Despite today’s strong rise, AML3D shares are down almost 40% for year-to-date performance.

    The company’s share price reached an all-time high of 73 cents last September. This came on the back of its contract with Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) to co-develop components for maritime defence applications. However, since then its shares have continued on a downhill trajectory.

    The post Why the AML3D (ASX:AL3) share price is soaring 7% today 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 Aaron Teboneras 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 Austal Limited. 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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  • Good things happen to good companies

    Man pumps fist while using mobile phone in the street

    Those who believe in karma would say that good things tend to happen to good people.

    I’m not among them.

    Don’t get me wrong: I’m an eternal optimist (and my portfolio and our members have benefitted from that approach) — I just don’t believe in karma.

    But there is a (non-karmic) analogy in business, though: good things tend to happen to good businesses.

    Or, perhaps more accurately, good businesses tend to make good things happen.

    The latest example is the relatively unknown and underfollowed retail business, Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV).

    Never heard of it? You’re not alone.

    You’ve probably heard of its retail brands, though.

    Think Just Jeans. Smiggle. Peter Alexander, Jay Jays, Portmans and Jacquie E. And others.

    It’s been one of the best performing businesses on the ASX over the past decade or so.

    Certainly one of its best performing retailers.

    And while I’m not one to brag — pride does cometh before a fall, after all — it’s important that I mention we recommended it to members of Motley Fool Share Advisor back in 2013 at $6.60. Including dividends, that recommendation is up 440% since then, compared to the ASX’s 116% gain.

    (Why is it important? Because, I hope at least, the track record of a financial advisor should be important to you if you’re listening to them. There are a lot of talking heads who happily tell you what to do and what to think… but have you ever checked to see if their track record makes them worth listening to?)

    Anyway, back to Premier.

    This morning, it announced that:

    – Sales for the first 18 weeks of its second-half are up 70% versus last year.
    – They’re also up 16% on the same 18 weeks of the prior year (pre-COVID).

    Not only that, but operating profit is expected to be up by more than 80% compared to last year, and more than 100% above the 2019 financial year. (This year did include one extra ‘week’ of sales because of the way retailers count their sales… but that’s less than 2% more time!)

    These would be staggering gains for a tech business. 

    They are phenomenal for a retailer.

    And that takes me back to my opening lines.

    I expected Premier to continue to operate successfully and to keep growing. It’s a well-run business with strong momentum and a very good track record.

    But even I didn’t expect the numbers to be this good.

    I keep my expectations realistic. And am always pleased when they’re surpassed.

    It’s why I’m always reluctant to sell quality businesses that are doing well.

    Even when they make missteps, they’re worth giving a second (and often a third) chance.

    While we owned them, Premier shares:

    – Fell by one third between 2016 and mid-2017, before recovering.

    – Fell by 25% between the middle of 2018 and early 2019. And went back up.

    – Halved in the COVID crash. They’ve almost tripled since.

    Those were painful falls.

    But we kept the faith.

    Our members, who followed our advice, have been well rewarded for their patience.

    But no, this isn’t a victory lap.

    No-one knows what comes next.

    The investing ‘race’ doesn’t have a finish line.

    Instead, it’s a Friday morning reminder of a few things:

    First, find well-run businesses.

    Second, pay decent prices.

    Third, wait.

    Fourth, fifth and sixth, wait.

    Sometimes, your patience won’t repay you. 

    Sometimes, a good business goes bad.

    Sometimes, a business looks good but was bad all along.

    But, sometimes, a good business, though it has its occasional winters, continues to be a good business, and rewards you richly for your patience.

    And remember, if you find one business that is up 440%, you can afford to lose 100% of your investment in 4 other businesses and you’ll still have made money!

    No, that’s not the aim. 5 winners would be great. But even if we have one Premier, three moderately successful companies and one dog, we’d still be a long way ahead.

    It is this potential — what the boffins call ‘asymmetry’, and the rest of us describe as ‘the upside potential can be greater than the downside risk’ — that you should seek out when you invest.

    And, when you find a winning company (‘company’… not ‘stock’, or ‘share price’), you should guard it zealously.

    Because good businesses tend to make good things happen.

    Fool on!

    The post Good things happen to good companies appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Scott Phillips 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 Premier Investments 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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