Tag: Motley Fool

  • Appen (ASX:APX) share price rises further following investor presentation

    A man is connected via his laptop or smart phone using cloud tech, indicating share price movement for ASX tech shares

    The Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price has continued its good form of the week so far, and is up another 3.18% today to $13.62 a share at the time of writing. This move comes after the tech company rocketed more than 19% in value yesterday on the back of a business update the company gave to investors.

    But these rises pale against the losses investors have suffered on Appen shares in recent months. Since reaching a peak of $43.66 in August last year, Appen has been locked in a nasty share price slide, which saw the company’s shares lose more than 65% of their value on today’s pricing. As recently as Monday, these losses were as high as 72%.

    But investors seemed to have a decisive change of heart yesterday, when the company increased its market capitalisation by a fifth in one trading session. The catalyst for this bold move? The aforementioned business and trading update.

    As we covered yesterday, Appen announced a business restructure that will result in the company having four customer-facing business units. These will be global, enterprise, China, and government.

    Appen also announced that it would be moving to report in US dollars.

    In terms of the trading update, the company announced that it is on track to deliver underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$83-90 million in FY 2021. That’s in line with its previous guidance. This would translate into a growth rate of 18-28% from FY 2020.

    Appen shares rise after investor day presentation

    So what’s changed today? Well, Appen held an investor technology day presentation this morning, the contents of which it has disclosed to the markets.

    There wasn’t a lot of new information that built on what Appen discussed yesterday. However, the company did discuss its restructuring plans (or ‘evolution’) as well as how it’s positioning its business models for future growth. Appen also laid out its plans for new products, which include Appen Intelligence, Appen In-Platform Audit and Appen Mobile.

    Investors have clearly liked what they have seen, given the Appen share price reaction today. Appen is now up more than 25% since the lows it was hitting just last Friday.

    Investors will no doubt be hoping that it’s only up from here, and this marks Appen’s return to its glory days. We will have to wait and see if that proves the case, but the performance over the past 2 days is a good start to that end. At the current share price, Appen has a market capitalisation of $1.69 billion.

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  • The Ampol (ASX:ALD) share price is rising on Tesla partnership news

    Shares in Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) are rising today following news of a decarbonisation strategy. Interestingly, the strategy involves multiple partnerships and includes entities such as Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA). At the time of writing, the Ampol share price is up 0.36%, trading for $27.93.

    Although it’s now in the green, the Ampol share price spent most of the morning below its previous closing price.

    The news comes only days after Ampol committed to keeping its Brisbane-based Lytton oil refinery open. Consequently, the statement came after the announcement of a Federal Fuel Security Package, potentially worth upwards of $2 billion.

    Let’s take a closer look at this morning’s news driving the Ampol share price.

    Decarbonisation deals

    Tesla and Enerven

    As part of its newly announced Future Energy and Decarbonisation Strategy, Ampol will collaborate with Tesla. Furthermore, the aim of the project is to build virtual power plants at 3 of Tesla’s retail sites.

    A Tesla virtual power plant is a network of solar panels and Tesla Powerwall battery systems. These components work together to create reliable, renewable power. A South Australian Tesla virtual power plant has already been supported by the state’s government. The project aims to create the world’s largest virtual power plant.

    Enerven has agreed to install 6 to 9 Tesla Powerwall batteries and accompanying solar panels at 3 of Ampol’s Adelaide retail sites.

    The deal will see Ampol generating, storing, and using solar power across its sites. It also has the potential to sell electricity back to the grid in the future, creating another income stream for the business.

    Further, the installation of Tesla virtual power plants means Ampol will be able to assess whether it can integrate fast electric vehicle charging to its service stations nation-wide.

    Hydrogen technology

    Ampol will also partner with an unnamed early-stage Australian developer of hydrogen-based microgeneration and storage technology.

    Additionally, Ampol states the technology could bring energy solutions that are cheap enough to compete with diesel generators. This would also give Ampol’s diesel customers a low carbon diesel option.

    Fusion Fuel Green

    Finally, Ampol has signed a head of agreement with Fusion Fuel Green PLC to install a green hydrogen production plant at Ampol’s Lytton oil refinery.

    The two companies might soon be producing green hydrogen as a joint venture in Brisbane.

    Green hydrogen is ‘green’ as it’s produced using renewable energy.

    Ampol new emissions goals

    Ampol has set itself ambitious carbon emissions targets as part of its Future Energy and Decarbonisation Strategy.

    The company has vowed to ensure 40% of its operations are powered with renewable energy by 2025. In the same time frame, it will also reduce its convenience retail’s emissions by 25%. Additionally, the company aims to reduce its fuel and infrastructure’s emissions by 5%.

    These milestones will increase over the years. Ampol plans to source 50% of its energy needs from renewables by 2030. By 2040, Ampol aims to have zero net scope 1 and scope 2 emissions.

    Scope 1 emissions are those created by a company’s activities. Scope 2 emissions are from the power used by a company.

    Ampol will also spend a minimum of $100 million on “future energy” projects by 2025. Furthermore, it states it has a goal to provide its customers with greener fuel by using electricity, hydrogen, gas, biofuels, and carbon offsets.

    Commentary from management

    Ampol’s managing director and CEO Matt Halliday commented on today’s news, saying:

     Our decarbonisation efforts and new initiatives to extend our customer value proposition will be executed with capital discipline to deliver sustainable returns for shareholders over the long-term…

    There are a number of characteristics unique to Australia that will impact the pace of the national energy transition, including our geography, demographics and our strong base of transport and other heavy industries.

    For this reason, an orderly transition will take time, and we expect traditional liquid fuels to play a key role in Australia’s energy mix for years to come and for demand to remain resilient until at least 2030.

    Ampol share price snapshot

    After announcing the news, the Ampol share price has been tumultuous on the ASX. Shareholders might be holding their breath as their shares get closer to making a profit in 2021.

    Currently, the Ampol share price is down just 1.24% year to date. However, it has still gained 11.38% since this time last year.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $6.6 billion, with approximately 238 million shares outstanding.

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  • Province (ASX:PRL) share price backtracks on today’s gain

    asx share price flat represented by investor shrugging

    The Province Resources Ltd (ASX: PRL) share price is flat today despite providing a positive update to the ASX.

    During market open, the minerals producer’s shares took off to trade as high as 18.5 cents. However, after some profit taking, Province shares are now selling for 17.5 cents apiece – flat for the day.

    What did Province announce?

    Investors appear unfazed by the company’s latest announcement on its capital raising efforts, sending Province shares nowhere.

    In its announcement, Province advised it has secured firm commitments from professional and sophisticated investors for a capital raising. The $18 million (before costs) placement was offered at a price of 15 cents per share, representing a discount of 16% on today’s price.

    Province stated that the placement received an influx of applications, highlighting investor interest. Pleasingly for eligible shareholders, there was no mention of a scale back from the heavily oversubscribed equity raise.

    In total, 120 million shares will be issued using the company’s existing placement capacity under listing rule 7.1. This allows up to 15% of its shares to be issued without shareholder approval.

    Settlement of the shares is expected to occur around 27 May 2021.

    The funds raised will be put towards advancing the scoping and feasibility studies at its HyEnergy Zero Carbon Hydrogen Project. In addition, Province will also seek to further its mineral exploration portfolio.

    Post capital raise, the company noted that cash in the bank stands in excess of $23 million.

    Province managing director, David Frances commented:

    The strong support demonstrated by the equity capital market and, in particular ESG and other institutional funds, of our vision to be a significant green hydrogen producer and mineral explorer is highly encouraging and allows us to aggressively pursue these goals.

    About the Province share price

    It’s been an interesting 12 months for Province shares, delivering astronomical gains of 2,100% to patient investors. Year-to-date performance has also been superb, jumping more than 1,200% over the 5 months.

    On valuation metrics, Province Resources has a market capitalisation of roughly $171 million, with about 980 million shares on issue.

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  • Here’s why the Wisr (ASX:WZR) share price is up 5% today

    rising share price of a company

    The Wisr Ltd (ASX: WZR) share price jumped by almost 10% this morning after the company announced an AAA rating for its asset-backed securities (ABS). Wisr shares have since pulled back slightly and are currently sitting at 28 cents, up 5.56%.

    Wisr is an Australian non-bank lender offering competitive, personalised consumer loans.

    The company offers an innovative feature to round up purchases to the nearest dollar, with the difference going towards your debt, Wisr loan or savings account. The rounding effect pays off debts faster, meaning less interest you’ll have to pay over time.

    WISR share price higher on ratings update

    Wisr proudly announced the pricing of its $225 million of ABS. The WISR Freedom Trust 2021-1 is the company’s first ABS transaction, with strong investor interest seeing all tranches significantly oversubscribed.

    Global bond credit rating agency Moody’s rated the company’s top tranche as AAA, the highest rating with the lowest credit risk. The AAA rating signals the company is well-placed to repay short-term debt.

    Wisr touted the rating as “exceptional for an inaugural issuer” and “providing strong external validation of the quality of the Wisr business operations and the underwriting platform”.

    Management commentary

    Wisr Chief Financial Officer, Mr Andrew Goodwin commented on the exceptional result and strong investor demand:

    This transaction signifies a coming of age for Wisr as the Company commences access to the global debt capital markets. We are extremely pleased with the market appetite. It’s a very strong testament to the quality of the Wisr loan book and overall business. The strong demand and pricing achieved across all tranches reflects that investors continue to seek high quality assets originated by high quality companies

    There is a huge opportunity in front of us to grow market share in-line with our risk appetite and this
    transaction is an important and strategic step for Wisr. We’re in a prime position to aggressively grow our
    revenue with significant room to scale towards our medium-term target of a $1B loan book. We have the
    right ingredients to deliver a highly profitable, differentiated business that is well capitalised and with
    market leading metrics

    The Wisr share price so far in 2021

    The Wisr share price has increased an impressive 50% year-to-date. This is despite the broader S&P/ASX 200 Info Tech Index (ASX: XIJ) sliding 18% this year.

    Other tech-enabled financing businesses, such as Moneyme Ltd (ASX: MME), have failed to deliver meaningful returns.

    The Wisr share price has likely been supported by strong financial and operational updates including a 275% increase in 3Q21 revenues announced on 29 April.

    The company’s record 19 quarters of back-to-back growth, announced on 14 April, also shored up the Wisr share price.

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  • Why Afterpay, EML Payments, Qantas, & Sezzle are charging higher

    A drawing of a rocket follows a chart up, indicating share price lift

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is bouncing back strongly from yesterday’s heavy decline. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.9% to 6,994.3 points.

    Four ASX shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are charging higher:

    Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT)

    The Afterpay share price is up 6% to $91.43. This gain appears to have been driven by a bullish broker note out of Macquarie this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded its shares to an outperform rating with a $120.00 price target. Macquarie made the move largely on valuation grounds after a sharp pullback. It also notes that the company is well-positioned in the US market due to its wide reach. It expects this to offset a lack of BNPL brand loyalty with consumers.

    EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML)

    The EML Payments share price has rebounded 7% to $3.00. Bargain hunters appear to have been buying this payments company’s shares following a massive ~45% decline on Wednesday. One broker that sees value in its shares at the current level is Macquarie. After adjusting its valuation to remove the embattled European business until its regulatory matter is resolved, the broker has a price target of $4.00 on its shares.

    Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN)

    The Qantas share price is up 4% to $4.70. Investors have been buying the airline operator’s shares following the release of a positive market update this morning. That update reveals that Qantas is expecting to be statutory free cash flow positive for the second half of FY 2021. This follows a sustained rebound in domestic travel demand and the strong performance of its Freight and Loyalty divisions.

    Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL)

    The Sezzle share price is up over 3.5% to $7.59. This follows the announcement of a new product launch this morning by the BNPL provider. Sezzle has launched its long-term financing options with Ally Lending. This will allow for monthly fixed-rate instalment-loan products that extend up to 60 months in length and US$40,000 per instalment plan.

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  • The Nuenergy Gas (ASX:NGY) share price has rocketed 151% today

    South32 share price

    The Nuenergy Gas Ltd (ASX: NGY) share price is on fire today. And that’s an understatement. Nuenergy shares are up an extraordinary 151.72% today (at the time of writing) to 7.3 cents a share. That’s after opening at just 3.3 cents a share this morning.

    As recently as January this year, Nuenergy was a 1 cent share.

    So what on earth is causing this share price explosion for Nuenergy today?

    Indonesian approval lights a rocket

    Nuenergy’s explosive opening this morning can be put down to an ASX release the company made today. It came out just before market open. In this announcement, Nuenergy stated that it had received an “advance notice” of a virtual ceremony that will take place on 17 June.

    The company states that it “has been proposed” that the Indonesian government’s Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities will grant approval for Nuenergy’s Plan of Development 1 at its Tanjung Enim Block in South Sumatra.

    The Tanjung Enim Block houses a deposit of coal bed methane, which Nuenergy is planning on developing. The company tells us that this will “mark the first grant of a plan of development for CBM in Indonesia. Nuenergy states that this announcement represents “an evolution from an exploration to a development phase” for the Tanjung Enim Block.

    Nuenergy’s chief executive officer, Dr Ian Wang stated that: “This development represents a major step for the company and Indonesia’s CBM industry to transition from exploratory into a commercial phase.”

    Nuenergy has promised to make a further “detailed announcement” on 17 June. Depending on a final grant of approval, that is.

    About the Nuenergy Gas share price

    Nuenergy Gas is an ASX mining and exploration company that focuses on gas and ancillary power generation. It has a primary focus on Indonesia.

    Even after today’s explosive pricing developments, Nuenergy has struggled as a long-term investment. It’s still around 77% below its share price peak of 33 cents a share that we saw all the way back in early 2006.

    On current pricing, Nuenergy shares have a market capitalisation of $133.1 million and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 17.7.

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  • Domain (ASX:DHG) rocked by cyberattack

    cybersecurity shares represented by octopus reaching out of computer screen towards woman

    Online real estate classifieds site Domain Holdings Australia Ltd (ASX: DHG) has been hit by a cyberattack.

    The company sent an email to users warning them to take caution when applying for rental properties.

    “We have identified a scam that used a phishing attack to gain access to Domain’s administrative systems to engage with people who have made rental property enquiries,” Domain chief Jason Pellegrino said, as first reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.

    “We understand the scammers then contacted some of these people by email to suggest that they pay a ‘deposit’ to secure a rental property on a website nominated by the scammer.”

    The Motley Fool has contacted Domain for comment.

    According to Pellegrino, Domain has put measures in place to prevent further damage since finding out about the breach.

    “We are sorry for any stress or negative impact this causes you,” he said in the email to users. 

    “Unfortunately, since COVID, scams like these have been on the rise.”

    The company is currently unaware of exactly how many users might be impacted by the scam.

    The Domain share price is up 0.46% trading at $4.40 at the time of writing.

    “It is disappointing for us to find out that after such a challenging past 12 months for many of us, some see this as an opportunity to take advantage of others,” said Pellegrino of the scam.

    Domain was originally spun off from Fairfax Media, which was since bought out by Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC). Nine still holds a majority stake in the online classifieds site.

    Nine itself suffered from a cyber-breach in March that saw live television disrupted. 

    The Nine share price is currently trading at $2.85, up 3.64% from the previous close.

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  • Beacon Lighting (ASX:BLX) share price reaches multi-year high on trading update

    The Beacon Lighting Group Ltd (ASX: BLX) share price is powering ahead today after releasing a trading update.

    At the time of writing, the retailer’s shares have jumped 3.59% higher to $2.02. At one point, the company’s share price hit an intraday high of $2.10 before some profit taking occurred.

    How is Beacon Lighting performing to date?

    The share price reaction from Beacon Lighting indicates that investors are pleased with the company’s performance.

    According to this morning’s release, Beacon Lighting advised positive trading momentum has continued to run into the second half of FY21.

    As a result, the group is anticipating net profit after tax (NPAT) to come in between $35.5 million and $37.5 million. This represents a massive increase from the underlying NPAT achieved in FY20 of $20.4 million.

    Beacon Lighting noted that retail trading conditions have had a positive effect on its in-store segment. Pleasingly, both retail and online sales along with management’s diligent cost control has attributed to the robust performance.

    However, the company stated that there is still some uncertainty in the general economic recovery. Any adverse material event could derail Beacon Lighting’s profit guidance for the upcoming full year ending 27 June 2021.

    Beacon Lighting Group CEO, Glen Robinson touched on the company’s performance saying:

    Thanks to our adaptable team and the continued support of our valued customers, Beacon Lighting has been able to achieve outstanding results. During the year, Beacon Lighting has continued to innovate with the latest designs in lighting and ceiling fans, store expansion and formats, service to our trade customers and the online shopping experience. Together with specialist customer advice and great value, the Beacon Lighting team has been able to achieve exceptional results in FY2021.

    The company is scheduled to released its full-year audited results on 19 August 2021.

    Beacon Lighting share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Beacon Lighting shares have accelerated more than 150%, with year-to-date performance sitting close to 20%. The company’s share price reached a multi-year high of $2.10 today before pulling back slightly.

    Based on today’s price, Beacon Lighting presides a market capitalisation of roughly $448 million, with approximately 223 million shares outstanding.

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  • Why the Fortescue and BHP share price are sinking this week

    downward red arrow with business man sliding down it signifying falling asx share price

    China’s most-traded iron ore futures tumbled as much as 8% on Wednesday to hit ~1,100 yuan/tonne. This comes as its state council vowed to curb the unreasonable rise in commodity prices. Consequently, the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price slumped 3.42% on Wednesday, while the Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price shed a similar 3.14%. 

    The fall has continued today. At the time of writing, the BHP share price is trading 1.51% lower to $48.06. At the same time, Fortescue is down 0.22% to $22.78. 

    China to stabilise its commodity market 

    Steel, iron ore, and copper prices have surged in the last 12-months. This has been fueled by an increase in global liquidity, supply-side constraints, and post-lockdown recoveries. China has been a driving force behind the uplift in commodity prices, with commodity hungry investments in sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and transport. 

    According to a statement released after a State Council meeting, China will look to strengthen the management of both supply and demand-side factors to curb “unreasonable” increases in commodity prices and prevent the pass-through to consumers. 

    The meeting reported a focus on adjustments on trade and stockpiling, reinforced inspections on behaviours that bid up prices, and a crackdown on malicious trading. 

    The country also urged coal producers to lift production to meet peak demand in summer. 

    This caused China’s iron ore futures to tumble as much as 8%, with other materials including coking coal, thermal coal, hot-rolled coil, and steel rebar futures to slide between 5.5% and 6.8%. 

    Is the Fortescue and BHP share price in trouble? 

    The Fortescue and BHP share price are arguably iron ore price proxies. With iron ore surging to never before seen prices, iron ore miners have followed suit, soaring to all-time record highs alongside market-leading dividends. 

    China’s policies are still in its early days, with iron ore prices still sitting at record levels, above US$200/tonne. 

    To add some perspective, iron ore prices were fetching around US$160/tonne at the start of the year. In September 2020, they were fetching US$120/tonne and US$90/tonne before COVID-19 hit in March last year. Iron ore prices have truly come a long way. 

    Earlier in March, China took aim against its industrial hub, Tangshan, with new emission policies put in place to limit or halt production. This saw the BHP share price tip to $44 in late March. However, it wasn’t long before its shares regained losses to set a new all-time record high of $51.82 by 11 May. 

    Clearly China’s announcements can have an immediate push pull effect on Fortescue and BHP shares, or rather, market sentiment towards ASX iron ore miners. However, it may not necessarily have an effect on iron ore prices in the short to medium term. 

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  • Leading broker just upgraded these ASX shares to “buy”

    ASX shares upgrade buy Woman in glasses writing on buy on board

    ASX investors wanting to make the most of the market uncertainty might be interested to know that JPMorgan just upgraded two ASX shares to “buy”.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) has been swinging between inflation fears and an improving economic outlook of late.

    I won’t be surprised to see ASX shares to enter a period of consolidation before heading higher later this year.

    ASX shares upgraded to buy during the market volatility

    If you are looking for what you can buy during this dip, the Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) share price could be one to watch.

    This is because JPMorgan upgraded the lithium miner to “overweight” as it mulls its merger with the Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY) share price.

    Big upside for the Orocobre share price

    The marriage will create the world’s fifth largest lithium producer if the combined group’s 2030 production forecasts are used as the benchmark.

    “The combination of ORE and GXY presents a unique, pure lithium producer with a diversified, low carbon, strategic and growing production base,” said JPMorgan.

    “Assuming timely deal completion and including Olaroz Stage 3 in our valuation our ORE PT [price target] is $7.15/share.”

    Upgraded to buy on the dip

    Another that the broker upgraded to “overweight” from “neutral” is the Credit Corp Group Limited (ASX: CCP) share price.

    The Credit Corp share price has underperformed the ASX Small Ordinaries Index by around 20% since March this year.

    The underperformance was driven by worries that the Purchase Debt Ledger (PDL) industry in Australia and the US was not recovering as quickly as the market would like.

    Set for the rebound

    This is in part due to measures taken by both governments to protect consumers from debt collectors during COVID-19.

    But recent updates by Credit Corp and its rivals show there’s light at the end of the tunnel. This may be particularly so for the US.

    “As forbearance measures in the US are expected to progressively roll-off in the coming months, CCP remains well positioned to capitalised on a recovery in industry PDL supply,” said JPMorgan.

    “With a balance sheet that is net cash and access to credit facilities with duration now extending to 2024 and 2025, the business has access to ~A$400m of liquidity to deploy.”

    The broker’s 12-month price target on the Credit Corp share price is $31.50 a share.

    Where to 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 are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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