Tag: Motley Fool

  • Where next for the Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price?

    Woman and 2 men conducting a wine tasting

    The Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) share price is pushing higher on Wednesday.

    In morning trade, the wine company’s shares are up over 1% to $10.48.

    Despite this gain, the Treasury Wine share price is still down over 20% from its 52-week high.

    Is the Treasury Wine share price good value now?

    While the Treasury Wine share price may be trading well off its highs, one broker that doesn’t believe it is good value is Goldman Sachs.

    According to a note released this morning, the broker has retained its neutral rating and $9.30 price target.

    This price target implies potential downside of 11% over the next 12 months.

    What did Goldman say?

    Goldman Sachs notes that China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has put tariffs on Australian wine for the next five years.

    In response to this, the broker has now revised its earnings forecasts to factor in the five-year tariff impact.

    Goldman commented: “We revise EBITS forecasts by -6.6% and -9.1% respectively over FY22 and FY23 translating to a -8.1% and -10.9% impact at the NPAT level. We expect the group to maintain dividend payout at c. 65% in the short term.”

    Based on this, it currently estimates that the company’s shares are changing hands at 26x estimated FY 2022 earnings. Which it appears to see as a bit rich given its uncertain outlook.

    Why did its price target remain the same?

    Although the earnings revisions have resulted in a reduction in its fundamental valuation, this has been offset by an increase in Goldman’s M&A rank. This is essentially the likelihood of the company being taken over.

    It explained: “These earnings revisions result in a fundamental valuation revision to A$8.65 vs. A$9.30 previously. However, we raise our M&A rank on the stock to 2, and introduce a 15% weighted M&A valuation to our TP. Overall, our 12 month TP remains unchanged at A$9.30. We maintain our Neutral rating on TWE.”

    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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post Where next for the Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3dlfvyb

  • Here’s why the Spirit (ASX: ST1) share price is up 5% this morning

    unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward

    The Spirit Technology Solutions Ltd (ASX: ST1) share price is up this morning, after news of the company’s biggest acquisition to date. The telecom company has acquired software company Nextgen, saying it expected the acquisition to generate $36 million of revenue.

    At the time of writing, the Spirit share price is up 5.7%, trading at 37 cents. 

    Let’s look closer at Spirit’s new acquisition.

    Acquisition of Nextgen

    Spirit ended a two-day trading halt this morning with news of its latest acquisition.

    According to the company’s release, its purchase of Nextgen has doubled its business to business (B2B) customer base and brought 100 new salespeople to Spirit. Those salespeople will continue to sell Nextgen products while cross-selling Spirit’s internet, cloud, voice, mobiles and cybersecurity products.

    To purchase the B2B software company, Spirit conducted a $23.8 million placement to institutional and sophisticated investors. It also lifted its debt facility with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) from $15 million to $25 million.

    The acquisition’s total cost is capped at $50 million, with $10 million of that to be deferred. 

    All vendors are to remain with Spirit for at least 18 months (on a performance-based earnout) and will take 30% of the consideration in Spirit shares and 70% in cash. The cash component will be funded from the capital raising and CBA debt facility.

    According to Spirit’s announcement, Nexgen expects to record $7.2 million to $7.6 million of EBITDA through the 2021 financial year.

    The acquisition news comes nearly a fortnight after Spirit announced it would shift its focus to its business market, divesting its consumer infrastructure assets.

    Spirt share price snapshot

    Today’s news may be the boost the Spirit share price needs to dig out of its 2021 ASX slump. It has dropped by 7.5% year to date. However, the Spirit share price is still up by 164.29% over the last 12 months.

    Spirt has a market capitalisation of around $191 million, with approximately 547 million shares outstanding.

    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

    More reading

    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. owns shares of SPIRIT TC FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended SPIRIT TC FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post Here’s why the Spirit (ASX: ST1) share price is up 5% this morning appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3wd1JWW

  • What is going on with the Rhythm (ASX:RHY) share price today?

    woman in lab coat conducting testing representing mesoblast share price

    The Rhythm Biosciences Ltd (ASX: RHY) share price slid at market open today despite announcing a positive update in regards to its accreditation. In early morning trade, the medical device company’s shares are swapping hands for $1.09, down 0.9%. However, at the time of writing, the Rhythm share price has recovered slightly, trading at $1.14, up 3.18%.

    What did Rhythm update the ASX with?

    Investors appeared unfazed by the company’s latest update, sending the Rhythm share price lower within the first hour of trade.

    According to this morning’s release, Rhythm advised that it has continued to retain its ISO13485 certification. The internationally recognised accreditation is seen as crucial to obtain regulatory approvals and gain market entry.

    Furthermore, ISO13485 is seen as the quality standard for in-vitro diagnostics and medical devices. It ensures the consistent design, development, production, installation, and sale of medical devices that are safe for use.

    The British Standards Institution (BSI) also conducted an annual audit of Rhythm’s ISO13485 certification, which marks the third year of accreditation.

    What did the CEO say?

    Rhythm CEO Glenn Gilbert touched on retaining the ISO13485 certification, saying:

    Having achieved and maintained ISO certification for a number of years now is a fantastic validation for the rigour and consistency the Company has established as part of our development program for ColoSTAT.

    This is also a crucial part of our market entry strategy that ensures we have robust systems and processes in place that underpin our disruptive and transformative lifesaving cancer detection technology.

    About the Rhythm share price

    Rhythm develops and commercialises Australian medical diagnostics technology for sale in domestic and international markets. The company’s ColoSTAT is the first proposed product-in-development, intended to accurately test and detect the early stages of colorectal cancer.

    The Rhythm share price has rocketed to more than 2,300% in the past 12 months, reflecting positive investor sentiment. Additionally, the company’s shares reached an all-time high of $1.675 at the start of this month, before treading lower.

    On valuation grounds, Rhythm commands a market capitalisation of roughly $221 million, with 201.5 million shares on issue.

    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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

    The post What is going on with the Rhythm (ASX:RHY) share price today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3djM3sp

  • The FINEOS (ASX:FCL) share price is now 30% off its August highs

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

    The share price of ASX insurance software company FINEOS Corporation Holdings PLC (ASX: FCL) has been on the decline recently – dropping almost 30% from its August 52-week high of $5.75 to $4.01 at the time of writing.

    It joins a number of ASX technology and software companies that surged to new highs last year but have so far underperformed in 2021.

    Company background

    FINEOS is a Dublin-based company that develops a suite of software for the life, accident and health insurance industries.

    Its platform is capable of supporting insurers in the end-to-end processing of claims, including quotes, billing and payments.  It can also provide insights through reporting and analytics.

    FINEOS’ customer-centric software automates and streamlines processes for insurance providers and aims to be an all-in-one replacement for legacy insurance administration platforms.

    Financials

    The company’s recent financial performance has been a bit of a mixed bag. For the first-half FY21, the company reported top-line revenue growth of a touch over 30% versus the prior comparative period to €52.6 million ($81.2 million).

    However, statutory earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation expenses (EBITDA) declined by 53.6% to $4.9 million and FINEOS reported a net loss after tax of $7.8 million, down from a net profit after tax of $0.15 million in first-half FY20.

    The losses came due to an increase in operating expenses, which jumped 43.6% to $47.3 million. FINEOS acquired US-based insurance software company Limelight Health during the half for US$75 million. This increased personnel costs during the period due to the additional headcount brought over from Limelight.

    Outlook

    FINEOS reaffirmed its full-year outlook for revenue in the range of $157 million to $162 million. It will be hoping that it can keep its costs under control over the second half, or else shareholders may start to doubt the wisdom of the Limelight acquisition.

    Even if the Limelight acquisition is revenue accretive, if that benefit is outweighed by ballooning personnel costs it may continue to drag on the company’s bottom line growth.

    Other recent news

    In its first-half results announcement, FINEOS teased that it had signed a new client in the Australia and New Zealand region – which turned out to be New Zealand-based insurer Partners Life.

    Following a “comprehensive market evaluation”, Partners Life selected FINEOS’ platform to process its insurance and medical claims. The deal is for a 5-year initial term.

    Where next for the FINEOS share price?

    FINEOS joins a growing list of COVID-19 market darlings – mostly technology companies – that enjoyed stellar share price growth last year but have run out of gas in 2021.

    Companies like Bigtincan Holdings Ltd (ASX: BTH), Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) and Damstra Holdings Ltd (ASX: DTC) have all followed this pattern – with recent declines spurred by major selloffs on the tech-heavy NASDAQ index in the US.

    It’s hard to say where the FINEOS share price will head next. It already jumped as high as $4.75 earlier this month before dropping back down again. This level of volatility could be the new normal – at least over the short-term – as the market continues to try to work out what effect a post-COVID economic recovery might have on tech companies (like FINEOS) that actually grew during the pandemic.

    Either way, all these tech companies are still worth watching closely this year – there could be some potential bargains available for opportunistic investors.

    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

    More reading

    Rhys Brock owns shares of FINEOS Holdings plc, Damstra Holdings Ltd, BIGTINCAN FPO and MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends BIGTINCAN FPO, Damstra Holdings Ltd, and MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends FINEOS Holdings plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BIGTINCAN FPO, Damstra Holdings Ltd, FINEOS Holdings plc, and MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post The FINEOS (ASX:FCL) share price is now 30% off its August highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3rKY9Ad

  • The Opthea (ASX:OPT) share price up after receiving FDA approval

    Five stacked building blocks with green arrows, indicating rising inflation or share prices

    The Opthea Ltd (ASX: OPT) share price is up 8.39% to $1.55 this morning. The rise comes after receiving an initial Pediatric Study Plan (iPSP) waiver from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for OPT-302. 

    Opthea is committed to improving vision in patients suffering from retinal eye diseases. OPT-302 is the company’s lead product candidate. The product also has the potential to address the unmet medical need within the eye disease market. 

    Another milestone for the Opthea share price 

    An iPSP is a pre-requisite for a marketing application of new medicine for a biopharmaceutical company in the US. Additionally, the iPSP provides the FDA with details regarding the company’s proposed strategy. In particular, for the investigation of a new medical product in a pediatric population. 

    On Wednesday, Opthea received an iPSP waiver for OPT-302. This applied to all subsets of the pediatric population (full pediatric age group from birth to <17 years) for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), a leading cause of visual impairment in the developed world in people over the age of 50. 

    Wet AMD affects approximately 1 million people in the United States and 2.5 million in Europe. Furthermore, the company believes that the global aging population will result in a significant increase in the number of wet AMD cases. The disease affects central vision and the ability to see fine detail. Wet AMD is caused by abnormal growth and leakage of blood vessels. This occurs at the back of the eye, which results in degeneration of the retina and vision loss. 

    Comments from the CEO

    The iPSP waver means Opthea will not have to conduct an additional study in the pediatric population. Opthea CEO, Dr. Megan Baldwin commented on the waiver: 

    The agreed iPSP waiver is an important regulatory milestone in the US that is required to be completed before Opthea is able to submit a marketing application for OPT-302 to the FDA. Opthea will continue the process to further fulfilling regulatory requirements by focusing on our pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials in adult patients that are designed to support potential marketing approval of OPT-302 for the treatment of wet AMD.

     

    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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun 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.

    The post The Opthea (ASX:OPT) share price up after receiving FDA approval appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3m5MIS6

  • Why the Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) share price is rising today

    medical asx share price represented by doctor giving thumbs up

    The Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) share price is pushing higher on Wednesday morning.

    At the time of writing, the biotechnology company’s shares are up 1% to $2.19.

    Why is the Mesoblast share price pushing higher?

    Today’s gain could be in relation to an update the company released this morning highlighting its recent developments and upcoming milestones.

    In respect to the former, Mesoblast reminded shareholders that it recently strengthened its balance sheet with a US$110 million private placement. This left it with a pro-forma cash balance of US$187.5 million at 31 December.

    It also notes that this private placement was led by US investor group SurgCenter Development. It is one of the largest private operators of ambulatory surgical centres in the US, specialising in spine, orthopaedic, and total joint procedures.

    Another positive recent development was its phase three trial of rexlemestrocel-L. Results in 404 patients with chronic low back pain due to degenerative disc disease showed that a single injection with hyaluronic acid carrier may provide at least two years of pain reduction, with opioid sparing activity in patients using opioids at baseline.

    Finally, the company also reminded investors that it signed a license and collaboration agreement with Novartis for the development, manufacture, and commercialisation of remestemcel-L. This agreement’s initial focus is on the development of the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), including that associated with COVID-19.

    However, it has warned that the agreement remains subject to certain closing conditions, including time to analyse the results from the bitterly disappointing COVID-19 ARDS trial.

    What milestones lie ahead?

    The next few months look set to be equally busy for Mesoblast.

    Management advised that it is in discussions with potential strategic partners to develop and commercialise rexlemestrocel-L and remestemcel-L for the large market opportunities of chronic heart failure, chronic lower back pain, and respiratory diseases.

    In addition, it expects to meet with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under a well-established regulatory process. This is to discuss the fastest pathway to licensure of remestemcel-L in the treatment of children with steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease.

    Also on the horizon are the clinical results from remestemcel-L trials in COVID-19 ARDS and medically refractory Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

    Furthermore, Mesoblast intends to meet with FDA to discuss a potential pathway for approval of rexlemestrocel-L in patients with chronic heart failure. This is based on the observed reduction in mortality and morbidity in the chronic heart failure Phase 3 trial.

    Finally, Mesoblast again intends to meet with FDA, this time to discuss a potential pathway for approval of rexlemestrocel-L in patients with chronic discogenic lower back pain. This is based on the aforementioned observed durable reduction in pain and opioid sparing activity in the Phase 3 trial.

    With the Mesoblast share price down 62% from its 52-week high, shareholders will no doubt be hoping these activities are successful and help drive it higher again.

    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

    More reading

    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.

    The post Why the Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) share price is rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3uc1Pw7

  • Paradigm (ASX:PAR) share price rises on partnership news

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

    The Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: PAR) share price is on the rise this morning following a partnership agreement. At the time of writing, the biopharmaceutical company’s shares are up 1.92% to $2.66.

    What did Paradigm announce?

    Paradigm shares are on the move today after updating the ASX with a positive announcement.

    According to this morning’s release, Paradigm advised that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with bene pharmChem (Bene). This follows a recently updated exclusive licence and supply deal between both parties in September last year.

    Furthermore, the new agreement will seek to co-fund new R&D projects to unlock the potential benefits of Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium (PPS). Paradigm and Bene have also committed to work together on new intellectual (IP) property ownership to protect future innovations. This will be managed by the newly created, Joint Steering Committee. The purpose of the committee is to identify new projects, intended outcomes, and attribute IP ownership.

    PPS, an injectable solution, aims to treat musculoskeletal disorders caused by injury, inflammation, aging, degenerative disease, infection or genetic predisposition. The semi-synthetic drug is packaged as Zilosul, and has shown improvements in pain reduction, joint function, and the prevention of cartilage damaging joints.

    Additionally, Paradigm highlighted the importance of its longstanding relationship with Bene, the only approved manufacturer/supplier of PPS in the United States. While the new agreement establishes jointly funded activities, Paradigm will retain exclusive commercial rights to all information and developments.

    Management commentary

    Bene pharmaChem co-managing director Dr. Harald Benend commented on the upcoming trials for PPS:

    Bene is excited by the imminent commencement of the phase 3 program for osteoarthritis and will be assisting Paradigm in any way possible to achieve the goal of successful registration and commercialisation of Zilosul for OA (osteoarthrosis).

    Paradigm CEO and acting chair Paul Rennie also added:

    We are eagerly awaiting the commencement of the pivotal phase 3 program for osteoarthritis; the market is eager for a safe and effective non-opioid therapy to relieve the burden of pain in osteoarthritis, PPS is showing great promise to meet this need.

    About the Paradigm share price

    The Paradigm share price has gained over 60% in the past 12 months, and is slightly up 2% year-to-date. The company’s share price also reached a 52-week high of $3.88 in late June of 2020.

    Based on the current share price, Paradigm has a market capitalisation of around $589 million, with 225.8 million shares outstanding.

    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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

    The post Paradigm (ASX:PAR) share price rises on partnership news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2O8Gzs3

  • Why the Openpay (ASX:OPY) share price is sinking 8% lower today

    man hitting digital screen saying buy now pay later

    The Openpay Group Ltd (ASX: OPY) share price has returned from its trading halt and is sinking lower

    At the time of writing, the buy now pay later (BNPL) provider’s shares are down 8% to $2.22.

    Why was the Openpay share price in a trading halt?

    Openpay requested a trading halt on Monday so that it could arrange a major funding package to accelerate its international expansion.

    This morning the company revealed a $67.5 million funding package, which comprises a $37.5 million placement, a $25 million corporate debt facility, and a $5 million share purchase plan.

    In respect to its placement, the company raised the funds from new and existing institutional and high net worth investors at $2.03 per new share. This represents a 15.8% discount to its last close price.

    The share purchase plan will be undertaken at the same price.

    What now?

    The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) rival notes that this funding package will support the major partnership it announced this week with global payments provider, Worldpay from FIS.

    This partnership will see the two parties collaborate to offer flexible BNPL payment products and other solutions to merchants and customers in territories in which Openpay operates. Though, the company’s immediate focus will be on the lucrative US market.

    Openpay’s Managing Director and CEO, Michael Eidel, commented: “Earlier this week Openpay achieved a major milestone, securing an agreement with world-leading payments provider, Worldpay from FIS. Through this relationship, we will endeavour to offer Openpay’s ‘Buy now. Pay smarter.’ payment products to FIS merchants, initially focused on targeted verticals in the US and using FIS as a merchant acquirer, based on the integration into their payment gateway. This marks a core achievement in Opy USA’s six-pillar US entry strategy.”

    “The funding package announced today will provide valuable funding for the integration and launch of the agreement with Worldpay from FIS, as well as other recent wins, and support the close of other agreements in our deal funnel across Australian, UK, and US markets. The window of opportunity for our differentiated ‘Buy now. Pay smarter.’ approach is open right now. We are moving with urgency through this inflection point, and expect deployment of this funding to lead to a step-change in business performance.”

    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

    More reading

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

    The post Why the Openpay (ASX:OPY) share price is sinking 8% lower today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3cDaOAG

  • Suncorp (ASX:SUN) share price on watch after NSW flood update

    nervous looking asx investor holding hands to her face

    Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) shares will be in focus when trading opens this morning after the financial services giant provided an update on the financial impact of the recent floods on its business. At close of trade yesterday, the Suncorp share price finished the day at $9.75, down 1.32%. For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ended the day down 0.9%.

    Let’s take a closer look at what Suncorp announced today.

    Suncorp’s natural hazard update

    The Suncorp share price will be one to watch today. In a statement to the ASX, the company provided an update on “the expected financial impact” from the recent flooding on the Australian east coast.

    Suncorp estimates it will lose between $230 and $250 million in payouts to customers as a result of the floods. The group will cap flood payments at $250 million.

    By midday yesterday, 7,600 customers had lodged claims to Suncorp’s insurance arm. The company expects that number to rise further over the coming days as residents return to their properties. Three-quarters of all claims are from New South Wales, one-fifth are from Queensland and the rest originate from Victoria and the ACT. The extent of the damage varies significantly between regions.

    Suncorp states it has a “comprehensive” reinsurance program to help mitigate its exposure to the flood event and provide protection over the remainder of the financial year.

    Words from the CEO

    Speaking on today’s announcement, Suncorp CEO Steve Johnson says the government needs to do more to protect Australians from flooding.

    Suncorp continues to work with our customers, particularly in the hardest-hit areas of the Mid-North Coast of NSW and Western Sydney.

    Floods too frequently devastate communities across Australia, which is why as a country we must address this risk. Unfortunately, many homes in Richmond, Windsor, Penrith, Port Macquarie and Taree are in medium to very high flood risk areas.

    As a country, we need to address how we can protect homes in flood-prone regions through government investment in mitigation infrastructure. We must also improve planning decisions to ensure we are not building new homes in high-risk areas.

    The risk of extreme weather events, like flooding, is increasing every year due to climate change.

    Suncorp share price snapshot

    Over the last 12 months, the Suncorp share price has increased by 6.79%. Suncorp shares have already taken a hit recently due to the flooding.

    In November last year, the share price hit its 52-week low, before rallying to hit its 52-week high at the beginning of this year.

    Suncorp has a market capitalisation of $12.5 billion.

    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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Marc Sidarous 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.

    The post Suncorp (ASX:SUN) share price on watch after NSW flood update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2PnR37t

  • Why the Jindalee (ASX:JRL) share price in one to watch today

    Two happy people use their hands as binoculars, indicating a positive ASX share price or on watch

    The Jindalee Resources Limited (ASX: JRL) share price is on watch today after the company shared good news about its McDermitt Project. Jindalee has increased the size of its McDermitt Project – one of the largest lithium deposits in the US – by 67%.

    The news comes at a good time for the Jindalee share price. It suffered a 2.44% drop yesterday, closing at $1.60.

    Let’s look further into the mineral exploration company’s announcement this morning.

    McDermitt Project

    The company stated that its McDermitt Project now covers 54.6 square kilometres, after it received confirmation of an additional 271 claims.

    Jindalee has previously stated that the McDermitt Project’s shallow, flat lying lithium deposits contained in soft rocks suggest mining there will come at a low cost.

    Initial test work also found lithium mined at McDermitt has high recoveries from conventional sulphuric acid leaching at low temperature and low atmospheric pressure.

    The company has also noted that the US has an increasing demand for lithium but only has one mine in operation, leaving the US to import most of its lithium. Jindalee hopes that it can fill the gap in the US market for locally mined lithium, avoiding tariffs in the process.

    As the Project straddles the border of Nevada and Oregon, 88 of the new claims fall in Nevada. Jindalee believes this increases the potential development options at McDermitt.

    Jindalee has 100% ownership of the McDermitt Project via its wholly-owned subsidiary. It expects an updated mineral resource estimate in early April.

    Jindalee share price snapshot

    Today’s news may be what the Jindalee share price needs to shift it back into gear. It’s shown poor performance over the last month, having dipped by 8.5%.

    Although, even after that drop, the Jindalee share price is still up by 102.5% year to date. It’s also up by 416% over the last 12 months.

    Jindalee has a market capitalisation of around $82 million, with approximately 51 million shares outstanding.

    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

    More reading

    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.

    The post Why the Jindalee (ASX:JRL) share price in one to watch today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2QRxKUu