Tag: Motley Fool

  • This broker just upgraded the Altium (ASX:ALU) share price to a buy

    asx 200 share price upgrade to buy represented by hand drawing line under the word upgrade

    The Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) share price is trading lower on Monday morning.

    At the time of writing, the electronic design software platform provider’s shares are down 0.2% to $28.48.

    This means the Altium share price is now trading 29% lower than its 52-week high of $40.21.

    Is the Altium share price good value?

    The recent weakness in the Altium share price is being seen as a buying opportunity by one leading broker.

    According to a note out of Shaw & Partners, its analysts have upgraded its shares to a buy rating and lifted their price target on them to $34.00.

    Based on the current Altium share price, this implies potential upside of 19% over the next 12 months.

    What did Shaw & Partners say?

    Shaw & Partners made the move due to Altium’s strong fundamentals and leverage to economic growth.

    The broker believes the company is well-placed to benefit from increasing demand for electronic design software as economies recover from the pandemic.

    Furthermore, its analysts have looked back to how Altium performed during and after the global financial crisis. Based on this, the broker suspects that its revenue will hit an inflection point in FY 2021.

    In addition to this, Shaw & Partners believes its shares trade on attractive multiples in comparison to many of its software-as-a-service (SaaS) peers.

    Is anyone else positive on Altium?

    Shaw & Partners isn’t the only broker that sees value in the Altium share price. Last week analysts at Citi retained their buy rating and $33.50 price target on the company’s shares.

    Although Citi suspects that Altium could fall short of expectations in FY 2021 due to discounting, it remains positive. This is due to its belief, much like Shaw & Partners, that Altium is coming to the end of its downgrade cycle.

    Citi’s price target implies potential upside of just over 16% for its shares over the next 12 months.

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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. recommends Altium. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of 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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  • Tyro (ASX:TYR) share price drops despite April transaction values surging 155%

    Fall in ASX share price represented by white arrow pointing down

    The Tyro Payments Ltd (ASX: TYR) share price is slipping today, despite yet another positive COVID-19 trading update

    At the time of writing, the Tyro share price is down 2.3% to $3.83 per share. However, Tyro shares have rebounded more than 50% in the last 3 months following the company’s crippling terminal outages and scathing short seller attack back in January. 

    While its recovery story is in its early days, the business has so far shown promise in improving its transaction values and driving additional growth initiatives. 

    What’s driving the Tyro share price?

    Today’s COVID-19 trading update highlights a 155% date-on-date increase from 1 April to 23 April. This compares to the respective 40%, 10% and 10% improvement in March, February and January on the prior corresponding period. 

    The strong uplift in April transaction values could be driven factors such as the Easter holidays and the government’s $1.2 billion tourism support package. 

    Retail trade data is also supportive of the improvement in Tyro’s business, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealing a 2.3% seasonally adjusted increase in March 2021. This was led by increases in Victoria and Western Australia, with both states rebounding from COVID-19 lockdown restrictions during February.

    The ABS highlighted that cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services led the industry rises, which were again driven by Victoria and Western Australia. 

    The data is good news for Tyro’s business with 35% of its merchants in the hospitality sector that drive 43% of transaction values, as per its 1H21 results.

    From a regional perspective, Victoria and Western Australia contributed a respective 18% and 11% of transaction values in the first half. While Western Australia’s contribution to overall transaction values have remained steady, Victoria has slipped from 25% in FY19, to 23% in FY20 and 18% in 1H20. A recovery in Victorian transaction values could be key in driving the Tyro share price.

    Growth initiatives in FY21 

    Tyro Connect

    Tyro is working on a solution to connect apps and services with a business’ POS system. The company is currently focused on the most critical areas of Australia’s hospitality businesses including ordering, menu management and bookings. 

    This feature enables hospitality businesses to easily integrate and more effectively use the apps they need to thrive in today’s competitive market. Tyro has currently signed up apps including DoorDash, Deliveroo, Google and more. 

    As a relatively new feature, Tyro has signed up 71 merchants as at 18 February, with 286,000 transactions processed. 

    Bendigo Bank alliance 

    In October 2020, Tyro signed a partnership with Australia’s fifth biggest retail bank, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN). This partnership is expected to drive Tyro’s key performance metrics across transaction values and merchants. According to Tyro, pre-integration activities are tracking well, with commercial completion expected by the end of 2H21 to be followed by a roll-out. 

    Merchant dongle solution 

    While Tyro CEO, Robbie Cooke believes a terminal outage of such magnitude will “never happen again”, the business is preparing a back-up solution.

    Tyro is developing a dongle failover solution for every merchant as an extra level of safety and means to rebuild merchant trust. 

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    Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Tyro Payments. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • The OM Holdings (ASX:OMH) share price is lifting today

    ASX shares China GDP happy worker does the thumbs up, indicating a rising share price in mining or construction

    The OM Holdings Limited (ASX: OMH) share price is lifting this morning despite news its employees have protested the company’s COVID-19 strategy. The protestors demanded a review of the strategy in place at OM Holdings’ Malaysian smelter plant which means workers who leave the site must quarantine for 2 weeks on return.

    The OM Holdings share price is up 3.1% at the time of writing, trading at 99 cents.

    Let’s take a closer look at the news released this morning.

    Workers’ protest

    Today, OM Holdings advised its employees have been frustrated by the company’s management of COVID-19 outbreaks.

    Since January, the company has provided all of its workers with on-site accommodation and meals. Employees who leave the site or go home have to quarantine for 14 days upon return.

    The strict strategy was recently extended, rousing workers to protest on 22 April.

    According to the company, only employees who live locally were involved in the protest. They called for a review of the strategy and the ability to commute to work daily as normal.

    Om Holdings said it extended the strategy because of another outbreak of COVID-19 in Malaysia. Currently,  Malaysia has confirmed more than 2000 new cases of coronavirus every day for the last 9 days.

    Those involved in the protest were offered 2 alternatives to the current strategy. They could go on a scheduled orderly leave rotation with pay or they were given the option of non-rotation incentives.

    According to OM Holdings, more than 80% of workers involved chose to continue staying on site.  

    The company said the protest did not impact the plant’s production nor were any violent incidents or accidents. Company representatives, police and other government bodies were at the protest to ensure the safety of all involved.

    OM Holdings share price snapshot

    The OM Holdings share price has been having a good year on the ASX so far. 

    Currently, the OM Holdings share price is up 74.5% year to date. It’s also up by 166% over the last 12 months.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $709 million, with approximately 738 million shares outstanding.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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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  • Why the Next Science (ASX:NXS) share price opened 40% higher

    Rising healthcare ASX share price represented by doctor giving thumbs up

    Next Science Ltd (ASX: NXS) shares are shooting for the moon in Monday’s session. When trading commenced, shares in the medical company opened almost 41% higher at $2.00. They then continued on to a new 52-week high of $2.06 before partially retreating.

    At the time of writing, the Next Science share price is trading at $1.77, up 24.65%. By comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is currently 0.03% lower.

    Today’s positive price movement comes as the company announced it has received clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sell one of its products in the US.

    Let’s take a closer look at today’s announcement.

    What’s boosting the Next Science share price?

    In a statement to the ASX, Next Science says it has received 501(k) clearance for its “XPerience™ No Rinse Antimicrobial Solution as a medical device in the United States.” According to the company, XPerience is inserted into a surgical site, which is then closed, to fight infection for up to several hours afterwards.

    Next Science says the product can be used in “every open surgery case”. Initially, however, the company will target its product for use in shoulder, hip, knee, podiatry and trauma surgeries.

    The company says sales in the US will commence immediately. Investors are reacting well to the news, judging by the Next Science share price.

    According to the statement, surgical site infection (SSI) is the second-largest cause of hospital-acquired infection in the US. Next Science says, “The use of XPerience No Rinse Antimicrobial Solution can help prevent costly hospital re-admissions.”

    Management commentary

    Next Science managing director Judith Mitchell said of today’s update:

    With an estimated 234 million surgical procedures undertaken globally per annum, XPerience provides an enormous opportunity to help reduce infection, antimicrobial resistance and save lives while reducing expenses for health systems arising from postsurgical infections.

    Surgical site infections

    According to John Hopkins University, the chance of developing an SSI after surgery is anywhere from 1% to 3%. SSIs usually occur 30 days after surgery and there are three types:

    1. Superficial SSI – infection occurs in the skin, where the initial cut was made.
    2. Deep incisional SSI – infection occurs in the muscle and tissue around it, underneath the cut area.
    3. Organ or space SSI – infection occurs anywhere in the body that is not the skin or muscle.

    Risk factors for developing SSIs include being overweight, smoking, having cancer or diabetes, and undergoing emergency surgery.

    Next Science share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the Next Science share price increased 5.35%. However, over the last three months, the company’s value has appreciated by around 57%. Its 52-week high before today was $1.86 and its yearly low is $1.10.

    Next Science has a market capitalisation of $280.5 million.

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    Marc Sidarous has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Nexus Energy 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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  • Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    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:

    Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

    According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $9.50 price target on this auto parts retailer’s shares. The broker notes that one of the company’s main rivals, Repco, has released a strong quarterly update. It believes this supports the view that Bapcor has continued to perform strongly during the third quarter. Outside this, the broker likes the company due to its long term growth potential. Particularly given its investment in supply chain optimisation. The Bapcor share price is fetching $8.23 this morning.

    Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN)

    A note out of Credit Suisse reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating but cut the price target on this ecommerce company’s shares to $17.93. According to the note, the broker acknowledges that Kogan is having issues with its inventory and is cycling elevated sales from this time last year. However, it believes investors should look beyond these issues as it believes they are only temporary. Credit Suisse remains positive on its medium term growth prospects, particularly given its growing customer base. The Kogan share price is trading at $10.65 on Monday.

    SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK)

    Another note out of Credit Suisse reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating and lifted their price target on this job listings company’s shares to $34.00. According to the note, the broker expects SEEK to have a strong second half thanks to an increase in listing volumes and a favourable shift in their mix. In addition, the broker feels that SEEK’s shares trade on undemanding multiples after adjusting for its investments. The SEEK share price is fetching $31.69 on Monday morning.

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    James Mickleboro owns shares of SEEK Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Bapcor. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Kogan.com ltd and SEEK 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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  • 3 things you’ll want to know when Amazon reports Q1 earnings

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

    Amazon boxes stacked up on a front doorstep

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

    Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) is coming off a remarkable fourth quarter with $125 billion in sales. That staggering figure will be difficult to repeat. Still, the outlook is optimistic as the e-commerce retailer and technology giant gets ready to report first-quarter earnings on Thursday, April 29.

    Folks are shopping more on Amazon because it offers convenience, but more importantly as of late they are doing so because it offers some safety from exposure to the coronavirus. Investors will home in on the second part of that equation when Amazon reports first-quarter earnings.

    More than 150 million people in the U.S. have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Shareholders are wondering what will happen to customer shopping habits as more of the population gets vaccinated. In that context, here are three things you will want to take note of in the next earnings release.

    Three factors to watch in Amazon’s next report

    The first thing investors will want to look at is net sales. The company is guiding for growth of 36% year over year at the midpoint, which would be another quarter of over $100 billion in revenue. Folks appear to be maintaining the shopping habits they developed during the pandemic. And even though vaccinations are gaining momentum worldwide, the end of the pandemic regretfully is still nowhere in sight. That could mean a sustained increase in spending at Amazon.

    Second, those interested in Amazon stock will want to know how much operating income it earned in the quarter. The e-commerce retailer is spending roughly $2 billion every quarter on COVID-related expenses, weighing on profits even as sales are surging. The hope is that if Amazon continues to serve customers well during the pandemic, then in the aftermath, COVID-related expenses will drop off while many of the newly attracted customers will remain. But even with the billions of extra costs, Amazon’s operating income surged in 2020, rising 57% from the previous year.

    And third, look for management to discuss how consumer behavior is changing as people in the U.S. are leaving their homes more often. Amazon proved a reliable and safe supplier of essential items for people during the most acute phases of the pandemic. Now as over 135 million people in the U.S. have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine and are starting to feel more comfortable leaving their homes, it could hurt sales at Amazon.com.

    What this could mean for investors 

    Analysts on Wall Street expect Amazon to report revenue of $104.36 billion and earnings per share of $9.45, which would be increases of 38.3% and 88.6%, respectively, year over year. The revenue estimate is slightly higher than the midpoint of management’s guidance. 

    The surges in revenue and new customers are pushing profits at Amazon to record levels at an extraordinary rate. For instance, operating profit in 2020 was $22.9 billion, up more than 10 times from the $2.2 billion in 2015. But Amazon’s stock is only up about 1% year to date. That can partly be due to investor fears about a drop in sales in the aftermath of the pandemic as consumers return to their old habits. However, if you’re in it for the long haul, Amazon’s trajectory remains positive.

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

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    Parkev Tatevosian 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 recommends Amazon and recommends the following options: long January 2022 $1920 calls on Amazon and short January 2022 $1940 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.

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  • Why the McGrath (ASX:MEA) share price is surging 8%

    surging asx ecommerce share price represented by woman jumping off sofa in excitement

    The McGrath Ltd (ASX: MEA) share price has jumped higher in early trade. That comes after the Aussie real estate group provided a trading update and its latest full-year profit guidance.

    Why is the McGrath share price surging?

    Shares in the real estate company have rocketed higher at the open after it reported a significant earnings uplift. McGrath expects underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to be in the range of $16.5 million to $17.5 million.

    For context, McGrath’s FY2020 underlying EBITDA totalled just $3.7 million. The McGrath share price is responding positively following this morning’s update. It comes after a bumper half-year result and McGrath’s advice that it expects strong trading conditions to persist in the second half.

    McGrath reported half-year underlying EBITDA of $6.6 million, up from $1.6 million in 1H 2020. The positive momentum behind that result has persisted in the third quarter, giving rise to the higher forecasts for McGrath’s full-year earnings.

    A strong Aussie housing market has been a key factor in the significant earnings upgrade. McGrath said the residential property market has seen a number of positive indicators in recent times. Those include rising national home values, strong sales volumes and strong new household borrower commitments.

    The McGrath share price has shot higher at the open following this morning’s update. McGrath CEO Eddie Law said, “The combination of improving business and consumer sentiment, record low interest rates and lower stock levels in the market, has driven strong price growth in recent months”.

    Investors have clearly been buoyed by this morning’s news. Strong business performance and favourable conditions have shareholders buying strongly on Monday morning.

    The McGrath share price has been charging higher in the last 6 months. Prior to this morning’s open, the Aussie real estate shares were up 140.7% to 65 cents per share since 27 October 2020. But today’s news has resulted in a further 7.69% gain to see the company’s shares currently trading at 70 cents.

    Foolish takeaway

    The McGrath share price is on the move after the company significantly boosted its forecast underlying EBITDA figures for FY2021.

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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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  • Sigma (ASX:SIG) share price tumbles after CEO resigns

    Businessman walks through exit door signalling resignation

    The Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) share price has come under pressure on Monday morning.

    At the time of writing, the pharmacy chain operator and distributor’s shares are down 3.5% to 66.5 cents.

    Why is the Sigma share price tumbling?

    Investors have been heading to the exits on Monday after Sigma announced that its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mark Hooper, has tendered his resignation after almost 11 years at the helm.

    According to the release, Mr Hooper has provided six months’ notice and expects to leave the company by the end of October 2021.

    The outgoing CEO commented: “Our transformation has progressed to plan and has returned Sigma to a position of strength, which creates the ideal opportunity to hand over the leadership to a new CEO. The business is now in great shape, the financial performance is strong, and we have built a platform for sustainable growth over the next few years.”

    “Position of strength”

    Mr Hooper certainly is leaving Sigma in a position of strength. Last month Sigma released its full year results and revealed a 39.2% increase in underlying EBITDA to $81.1 million.

    It also revealed the “building blocks in place” to underpin its target of 10% per annum growth in underlying EBITDA for the next two years and ~$100m by FY 2023.

    Sigma’s Chairman, Ray Gunston, said “On behalf of the Sigma Board, I have regrettably accepted Mark’s resignation, however we understand his desire to pursue other opportunities after more than ten years in the role. He has demonstrated strong leadership and personal dedication for the benefit of shareholders, customers and Sigma team members. I sincerely thank Mark for his tremendous contribution throughout his tenure.”

    “Mark became CEO at a tough time for Sigma and put it on a pathway for a stronger future. He then undertook the biggest transformation in the company’s history and has set Sigma up for strong earnings growth. I personally, and all of us at Sigma, are very grateful for Mark’s hard work, vision and support over more than 10 years,” Mr Gunston concluded.

    Sigma advised that it will shortly commence an executive search for a new CEO both internally and externally.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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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  • Why the Paradigm (ASX:PAR) share price is sinking 5% today

    The statue of Liberty against a red chart with an arrow pointing down, indicating economic instability or recession in the US

    The Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: PAR) share price has started the week in the red.

    In morning trade, the clinical stage biopharmaceutical company’s shares are down just under 5% to $2.44.

    Why is the Paradigm share price sinking lower today?

    Investors have been selling Paradigm’s shares this morning after it provided an update on its dealings with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

    This is in relation to its investigational new drug (IND) application to the FDA for the proposed pivotal clinical trial treating subjects with pain associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

    Paradigm previously revealed that it submitted its over 30,000 page IND application to the FDA on Friday 26 March.

    This morning the company revealed that it has received a few questions from the FDA during the current 30-day IND review period. Positively, those questions were answered by Paradigm within 48 hours of receipt.

    However, on Friday 23 April, Paradigm received a verbal indication from the FDA that the regulator would be putting further questions to Paradigm outside the 30-day IND review period.

    The release explains that the FDA was unable to provide all questions within the initial IND review period and has advised it will submit them to Paradigm within the next 30 days.

    Many of the questions, based on the brief discussion the company had with the FDA, are related to newly submitted non-clinical data.

    Disappointingly, this could delay proceedings and lead to the company falling behind schedule on its plan to enrol clinical trial subjects.

    Nevertheless, management advised that Paradigm is ready to review and answer questions when they are received. Once in receipt of Paradigm’s responses, the FDA will review them within 30 days.

    Following today’s decline, the Paradigm share price is now trading a disappointing 37% lower than its 52-week high of $3.88.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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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  • Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price higher despite $282 million profit hit

    man looking through window at sky scraper buildings

    In morning trade, the Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is pushing higher despite the release of a mixed announcement.

    At the time of writing, the banking giant’s shares are up almost 1% to $25.31.

    This leaves the Westpac share price trading just short of its 52-week high of $25.52.

    What did Westpac announce?

    Investors have been buying the bank’s shares this morning despite revealing that its half year profits would be hit by notable items.

    According to the release, there are a number of notable items that will impact its profit for the period by a total of $282 million after tax. The release explains that these items will impact both its cash earnings and statutory net profit equally.

    Among its most notable items are additional provisions for customer refunds, payments, associated costs, and litigation provisions of $220 million.

    There is also a $115 million write-down of capitalised software and other intangibles, $56 million for ending its relationship with IOOF Holdings Limited (ASX: IFL), an $84 million write-down of goodwill related to Lenders Mortgage Insurance, and an accounting loss on sale in Westpac Pacific along with transaction costs and payments associated with divestments totalling $113 million.

    What else?

    As you might have noticed, the notable items listed above add up to far more than $282 million.

    That’s because these losses were partly offset by net gains in a couple of its tech investments.

    The release explains that Westpac will recognise a net gain on the revaluation of its investment in Coinbase of $288 million and a gain on sale of its holding in Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) of $18 million.

    Software capitalisation

    In addition to the above, the bank has advised of changes in its software capitalisation policy.

    Westpac has increased the threshold before a project is capitalised to $20 million (previously $1 million).

    This policy has been applied from 1 October 2020 and will see the bank expense a higher portion of its investment spending from now on. However, the higher expense is not treated as a notable item and will have no impact to the carrying value of capitalised software at 30 September 2020.

    Following today’s gain, the Westpac share price is now up 29% since the start of the year.

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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 ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price higher despite $282 million profit hit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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