Tag: Motley Fool

  • Jumbo (ASX:JIN) share price tumbles on broker downgrade

    three sad face icons on a gaming machine

    The Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN) share price has been a poor performer on Monday.

    In morning trade, the lottery ticket seller’s shares are down 4% to $14.45.

    Why is the Jumbo share price sinking?

    The Jumbo share price has come under pressure today after it was the subject of a broker note.

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts have downgraded the company’s shares to a neutral rating from buy. The broker has, however, held firm with its $15.00 price target.

    While this is higher than the current Jumbo share price, it was a touch lower than where its shares were trading prior to the market open.

    Why did Goldman Sachs downgrade its shares?

    Goldman made the move largely on valuation grounds following a solid rise in the Jumbo share price since it initiated coverage on the company in November.

    It explained: “Since we initiated on JIN with a Buy on 8 Nov 2020, the shares are +31% vs. ASX200 +15%, implying c.16% outperformance (including dividends). In particular the stock has significantly outperformed over the past week by 13%, which in our view is likely a function of i) the market capitalising the robust lottery jackpot trends thus far this half and ii) undemanding valuation on JIN leading up to the strong recent rally.”

    What else did it say?

    Goldman revealed that it remains positive on Jumbo’s outlook and expects the company to outperform consensus expectations. However, it feels this is now priced into the Jumbo share price.

    The broker commented: “We have made no changes to our FY21-23E earnings, which remain above Bloomberg consensus, and our 12mo TP (15.8x FY22E EV/EBITDA) remains unchanged at A$15.00. However, with an implied TSR of 1%, we downgrade the stock to Neutral.”

    “That said, we remain positive about the medium-term prospects for JIN, as evident by our above-consensus forecasts, and highlight i) its capital light business model, ii) its balance sheet strength (net cash) providing growth optionality, iii) upside and leverage from large jackpots and benefit from potential OzLotto game changes in FY23E, and iv) potential upside from SaaS business. To this end, we await further clarity around the ramp up and progress of its SaaS business and momentum across its offshore business, which are areas we will monitor closely,” it concluded.

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  • The HomeCo (ASX:HDN) share price moving higher on valuation update

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

    The HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN) share price is gaining in morning trade, up 1%.

    The real estate investment trust (REIT) invests in convenience-based assets such as retail and health & services.

    Below we look at the company’s latest projects and valuation updates.

    What did HomeCo report this morning?

    HomeCo’s share price is moving higher after the REIT reported a 6.5% increase in its preliminary June 2021 valuation to $84.7 million. Net of capex, the unaudited valuations increased 4.7% to $61.1 million.

    Of the REIT’s 27 properties, 23 were completed by independent valuation, while the remaining 4 properties were completed by internal valuation.

    Commenting on the valuation increase HomeCo fund portfolio manager Paul Doherty said:

    The draft valuation result provides strong validation for HDN’s high quality and well-located portfolio which is benefitting from robust investment and tenant demand. Incorporating the preliminary unaudited valuations and capital raising announced in April 2021, HDN’s gearing will reduce to the bottom end of the target 30-40% range, providing significant capacity for future investment in growth initiatives.

    HomeCo also reported that both its major development projects are now largely complete. Richlands, in Queensland, commenced trading in March and has an occupancy of 95%. Ellenbrook, in Western Australia, has a current occupancy rate of 93%.

    The REIT said its 5 brownfield developments have made substantial progress and it forecasts an average cash yield of at least 10% once the assets are fully stabilised. The company is continuing to look for further potential acquisitions in the market.

    Looking ahead, HomeCo reaffirmed its 2021 financial year guidance of 3.9 cents per share, with a fourth quarter distribution of 1.8 cents per share. The REIT’s 2022 financial year guidance was reaffirmed to be at least 8.3 cents per share, up 24% from FY21.

    HomeCo share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the HomeCo share price is up 3%. By comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 25% in that same time.

    Year-to-date the HomeCo share price has been gaining momentum, up 9% so far in 2021.

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  • Why the GR Engineering (ASX:GNG) share price is pushing higher today

    happy engineer/ construction workers raising an arm to celebrate good news from a mobile phone call

    The GR Engineering Services Ltd (ASX: GNG) share price is on the move today. This comes after the engineering company announced an update on its full-year revenue guidance for 2021.

    During morning trade, GR Engineering shares are swapping hands for $1.38, up 3.76%. In earlier trade, the company’s shares had lifted by almost 7% before retreating to their current level.

    Projecting a record year

    Investors are driving up GR Engineering shares following the release of upgraded earnings guidance.

    In a statement to the ASX, GR Engineering advised revenue and margins have continued to improve in the second half. The constriction of the labour market in Australia has surprisingly not impacted the company. The business has managed to navigate its way through COVID-19, increasing its workforce to meet demand and deliver on projects.

    As a result, FY21 revenue for the year ending 30 June, is expected to come in at between $370 million and $390 million. This represents more than an 8% lift from the previous revenue guidance of $340 million to $360 million.

    GR Engineering noted it is focused on managing equipment deliveries in a timely manner despite international shipping delays.

    Geoff Jones, GR Engineering managing director, touched on the company’s performance, saying:

    GR Engineering is projecting record FY21 revenue and EBITDA based on the year-to-date results and our current ongoing work. Given our project pipeline and near-term prospective work and continued strong cash generation, GR Engineering remains well placed to deliver returns to its shareholders through FY22 and FY23.

    The company is scheduled to release its full-year results for the 2021 financial year on or around 24 August.

    GR Engineering share price snapshot

    During the past year, GR Engineering shares have moved on an upwards trajectory, slowly climbing to within reach of 2017 levels. The company’s share price has delivered gains of almost 100% over the past 12 months and is up by around 13% year to date.

    On today’s price, GR Engineering commands a market capitalisation of roughly $222 million, with around 160 million shares outstanding.

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  • These are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX

    most shorted shares

    At the start of each week I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

    This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

    With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

    • Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) has become the most shorted share on the Australian share market after its short interest rose to 11.6%. This ecommerce company’s shares have come under significant pressure due to inventory issues and a slowdown in sales. Short sellers don’t appear to believe the worst is over.
    • Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has seen its short interest rise slightly to 10.4%. Concerns over a stuttering recovery by the travel market have been weighing on investor sentiment. Particularly given the current Victorian lockdown.
    • Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) has seen its short interest rise week on week again to 10.3%. Regulatory issues at its Bibiani operation in Ghana, a disappointing production performance, and underwhelming guidance are all impacting its shares.
    • Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) has seen its short interest jump to 10.2%. The Victorian lockdown, valuation concerns, and travel agent commission reduction fears may be behind this recent increase.
    • Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) has short interest of 9.6%, which is flat week on week once again. Tassal’s shares have come under pressure largely due to weakness in salmon prices.
    • Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) has seen its short interest ease to 9.4%. This online furniture and homewares retailer was targeted by short sellers due its plans to invest heavily in its future growth at the expense of margins.
    • Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS) has 8.3% of its shares held short. This is flat week on week. This could potentially be due to concerns that the communications, defence, and space company’s performance will be impacted by supply chain issues.
    • Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) has short interest of 8.3%, which is up again week on week. Although the Network as a Service provider continues to grow strongly, some short sellers appear to believe its shares are overvalued.
    • Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 8% of its shares held short, which is flat week on week. Unfortunately for short sellers, last week the poultry producer provided earnings guidance well ahead of the market’s expectations.
    • Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) is back in the top ten with short interest of 7.8%. Last week analysts at UBS retained their sell rating and cut their price target to $5.60. The broker made the move amid concerns over margin pressures from increasing competition.

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  • Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    ASX shares Business man marking buy on board and underlining it

    With so many shares to choose from on the ASX, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy. The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you.

    Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

    Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT)

    According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts have retained their overweight rating and $149.00 price target on this payments company’s shares. This follows the conclusion of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s review of retail payments. The broker believes that the preliminary conclusions are positive for Afterpay and fellow buy now pay later providers. Particularly given that the central bank sees no reason to force companies to remove the no-surcharge rule at present. The Afterpay share price is fetching $95.12 today.

    Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD)

    A note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have initiated coverage on this corporate travel specialist’s shares with a buy rating and $23.65 price target. According to the note, the broker made the move due to a combination of its attractive valuation and its belief that Corporate Travel Management is facing the fewest headwinds among travel peers. It also suspects that its earnings will rebound quicker than its rivals due to its strong domestic business and its exposure to a recovering US market via recent acquisitions. The Corporate Travel Management share price is trading at $21.48 on Monday.

    Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    Another note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have retained their overweight rating and $4.00 price target on this telco giant’s shares. The broker notes that rival Optus is focusing more on profits rather than subscriber growth. It sees this as a big positive for Telstra and notes that it supports its view that the Australian mobile market will soon experience prices increases. Morgan Stanley expects this to lead to improving ARPU in Telstra’s mobile business in the coming years. The Telstra share price is trading at $3.54 this morning.

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  • These 3 beaten down ASX tech shares are trading near historic lows

    A retro image of a computer nerd trying to figure out his computer technology, indicating a falling share price in ASX tech shares

    2020 was a banner year for global tech companies. While lockdowns, border closures and travel restrictions wreaked havoc across broad sectors of the economy, many tech companies saw demand for their services increase.

    In the US, there was the much-publicised success of Zoom Video Communications Inc (NASDAQ: ZM), which grew from relative obscurity to become a globally recognised brand during the pandemic – almost as ubiquitous as Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE: UBER) or Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ: FB).

    In Australia, we had our success stories too. There was the continued – and sometimes baffling – explosion in the price of Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) shares, as well as a new generation of previously under-the-radar tech stocks like Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1), Nitro Software Ltd (ASX: NTO) and Whispir Ltd (ASX: WSP).

    However, as economies – particularly the US – begin to emerge from the other end of this pandemic, there has been a cyclical shift away from growth companies and back towards value investing. Anxiety around inflation and the potential for rising interest rates has only compounded this pattern – and sent the share prices of some former market darlings tumbling lower.

    Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

    The Appen share price has had a shocking past few months. After surging to an all-time high price of $43.66 last August, Appen shares have shed close to a whopping 70% of their value, and are now trading at just $13.43.

    The AI and machine learning company struggled last year. Although it originally flagged that earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation expenses (EBITDA) for the full year ended 31 December 2020 would be in the range of $125 million to $130 million, the company was forced to make a downgrade later in the year. EBITDA eventually came in at just $108.6 million.

    Altium Limited (ASX: ALU)

    It might be surprising to see Altium on this list. Along with Appen, it is part of the much-vaunted WAAAX group of ASX tech companies, and had delivered consistently high returns to shareholders prior to COVID-19.

    However, it has also struggled since the pandemic started. After delivering 8 straight halves of double digit revenue growth, Altium reported a 4% decline in revenue (versus the prior comparative period) for the half-year ended 31 December 2020.

    Altium will be hoping the decline is only a temporary blip. Its share price has dropped almost 20% already this year, and is worryingly close to its 52-week low price of $23.66.

    Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

    Embattled tech company Nuix has had a tough start to life on the ASX. Since listing in early December, 2020 for around $8, its share price has plunged almost 60% to just $3.37 as at the time of writing.

    On paper, it’s a pretty exciting company operating in the niche field of data analytics and digital forensics. However, it disappointed shareholders with its first-half FY21 results, in which it reported a revenue decline of 4% versus the prior comparative period (to $85.3 million).

    Nuix soon admitted that it no longer believed it could hit its original target for full year revenue of $193.5 million, and was forced to downgrade its forecast for FY21 to between $180 million and $185 million.

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  • Answer these 5 questions before investing in Bitcoin

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

    violet bitcoin logo with share price lines in the background

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

    These days, a growing number of people are taking the plunge and investing in cryptocurrencies. And while there are many digital currencies worth exploring, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) remains among the most popular. In fact, you may be thinking of putting some money into Bitcoin yourself. But before you do, make sure to address these key questions.

    1. What’s your motivation?

    It’s one thing to buy Bitcoin if you feel that it aligns with your overall investment strategy. Or, you may feel that adding it to your portfolio will provide you with some asset diversification, especially if, at this point, you’re only invested in stocks. But if you’re going to buy any cryptocurrency, you should have a specific reason for doing so. This shouldn’t be one of those situations where you plunge into an investment because you keep hearing that other people are doing it.

    2. Do you understand the risks involved?

    Like all cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin’s price can be very volatile. And while the same can be true of stocks, Bitcoin may be more easily influenced by individual movers and shakers than the shares of well-established companies. Recently, Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) CEO Elon Musk tweeted that his company would no longer be accepting Bitcoin payments for its popular electric cars. That single piece of news sent the token’s value on a downward spiral. And while there are comparable situations in which one piece of breaking news can clobber a stock’s value, Bitcoin has greater potential to fall victim to extreme price oscillations. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy it — but you should be well aware of the risks before you do.

    3. Have you compared it to other cryptocurrencies?

    Bitcoin may be one of the more easily recognized cryptocurrencies today. But familiarity with a name doesn’t automatically make it the right choice. Look into other, newer cryptocurrencies before deciding which is the best one for your investment portfolio.

    4. What’s your plan once you own it?

    When you buy stocks, it’s important to have a strategy. You may, for example, adopt the buy-and-hold approach — load up on quality stocks and keep them in your portfolio for years or decades. Similarly, you should have a strategy for owning Bitcoin. Do you aim to hold it for a long time, ignoring its short-term moves in the hopes that it becomes a long-term store of value? Or do you regard it as a shorter-term investment that you intend to sell quickly for a profit (if you can)? Plot out your game plan before moving forward.

    5. What would happen to your finances if Bitcoin were to plunge?

    Much of Bitcoin’s future value hinges on whether it becomes a widely accepted form of currency or not. And right now, we really don’t know what its future holds. As such, if you’re going to buy it, you need to be prepared for the possibility that its price might decline drastically. That may not happen, but it’s a risk you need to reconcile yourself to before you invest. So ask yourself: Would losing most or all of the money you plan to put into Bitcoin stop you from retiring when you want to? Would such a crash in its value prevent you from achieving other major items on your long-term agenda, like buying a house, or paying for a child’s education? These are things you ought to think through as you consider how much of your money you want to commit to any cryptocurrency. Have the answers clear in your mind before you buy.

    Bitcoin could end up being not just an appropriate investment for you, but a rewarding one. Just make sure you address these questions before putting money into it.

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

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  • Nuix (ASX:NXL) share price crashes 12% after downgrading guidance again

    asx share price falling lower represented by investor wearing paper bag on head with sad face

    The Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL) share price is tumbling lower again on Monday after downgrading its guidance just over a month after a previous downgrade.

    At the time of writing, the investigative analytics company’s shares are down 12% to a new record low of $2.97.

    This means the Nuix share price is now down a whopping 75% from its 52-week high of $11.86.

    What did Nuix announce?

    According to the release, Nuix is now expecting pro forma revenue of $173 million to $182 million in FY 2021. This compares to its 21 April guidance of $180 million to $185 million.

    It’s a similar story for its annualised contract value (ACV), which is now forecast in the range of $165 million to $172 million. This is down from its previous guidance of $168 million to $177 million.

    One positive, though, is that its pro forma earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) guidance is unchanged since last month at $64.6 million to $66.6 million.

    Why is Nuix downgrading its guidance?

    The release explains that several key factors have affected the revised forecasts. This includes the expected timing of closure of some upsell opportunities and new potential customers.

    Furthermore, it notes that there remains uncertainty in relation to both the structure and timing of a small number of large customer upsell opportunities, including whether these may result in multi-year deals during FY 2021.

    Management has also warned that the revised forecasts are susceptible to a number of risk factors relevant between now and 30 June 2021. These include final customer negotiations of products and licence types, timing of deals and potential foreign exchange rate variability.

    Nuix’s CEO, Rod Vawdrey, commented: “We understand the importance of meeting financial forecasts. There’s a near-term level of uncertainty regarding the precise timing, shape and scope of some large and anticipated customer contracts coming to fruition in the next few weeks. We expect to capture most of the revenue which remains under current negotiation with these customers either by financial year-end or early in our new financial year. We remain confident in the long-term outlook for the company.”

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  • REA Group (ASX:REA) share price higher on Asian update

    two businessmen shake hands amid a backdrop of tall buildings, indicating a share price movement or merger between ASX property companies

    The REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) share price is on the move on Monday morning.

    At the time of writing, the property listings company’s shares are up almost 1% to $165.71.

    Why is the REA Group share price pushing higher?

    Investors have been bidding the REA Group share price higher today following the release of an update on its Malaysia and Thailand operations.

    According to the release, the company has entered into a binding agreement to combine its Malaysia and Thailand businesses with Asia’s largest online property portal group, PropertyGuru.

    Under the proposed transaction, REA Group will transfer ownership of its Malaysia and Thailand entities to PropertyGuru in exchange for an 18% equity interest in the Singapore-based company. REA Group will also take one seat on the PropertyGuru Board.

    PropertyGuru currently operates marketplaces in Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Management notes that the combined businesses will have access to a deeper pool of expertise, technology and investment, which it believes will accelerate innovation and provide enhanced digital solutions to home seekers, property agents, and developers.

    It also notes that the transaction will provide REA Group with a strategic shareholding in a larger, more diversified company in a region that continues to experience rapid digital transformation across the real estate sector.

    REA Group’s CEO, Owen Wilson, commented: “Building on the success of our operations in Malaysia and Thailand, this transaction presents a unique opportunity to create the most compelling digital property classifieds company in Southeast Asia and accelerate the next wave of proptech innovation across the region.”

    What now?

    The agreement contains customary termination events and is conditional on REA Group’s divestment of its 27% interest in 99 Group. It is the operator of 99.co, iProperty.com.sg, and rumah123.com. REA Group will retain ownership of its Hong Kong and Myfun businesses.

    The transaction is expected to result in an overall gain on divestment of approximately $10 million.

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  • a2 Milk (ASX:A2M) share price hit by class action news

    The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price has come under pressure again on Monday.

    At the time of writing, the fresh milk and infant formula company’s shares are down 0.5% to $5.51.

    This means the a2 Milk share price is now down 72% from its 52-week high of $20.05.

    Why is the a2 Milk share price under pressure today?

    This morning a2 Milk announced that it was aware of media reports revealing that a potential class action against the company is being investigated by Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH).

    As things stand, the company advised that it is not aware of any legal proceedings having been filed. Furthermore, the company believes that it has complied with all applicable disclosure obligations and denies any claim to the contrary.

    It will respond further if and when any legal proceedings are commenced.

    What is happening?

    According to the report in the AFR, Slater and Gordon is investigating a possible class action claim on behalf of investors who bought shares over a nine-month period between 19 August 2020 and 7 May 7 2021.

    During this time, the infant formula company posted four downgrades, leading to a bitterly disappointing 62% decline in its share price. Also occurring during these dates and before the downgrades began were a series of insider sales by executives comprising millions of dollars’ worth of a2 Milk shares.

    The report reveals that Slater and Gordon alleges a2 Milk may have engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct in breach of the Corporations Act. It may also have possibly breached continuous disclosure rules.

    The law firm stated: “There may be basis to allege that by no later than August 19, 2020, a2 Milk was or ought to have been aware the full-year 2021 guidance did not adequately take into account a number of factors which would impact the company’s financial performance.”

    “Earlier last year, the company seemed to be talking about COVID-related impacts that have affected its business. But when there was this fourth downgrade, that started revealing information about more systemic and structural problems that seem to exist in the business, which triggered us to go back and look through not only the most recent downgrade but what’s happened over the last nine months.”“

    “Our investigation is considering whether or not all of the information that’s been dripped out by the company over the last nine months was actually not in the company in August when they gave that initial full-year guidance,” it added.

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