Tag: Motley Fool

  • 2 strong blue chip ASX shares rated as buys by brokers

    best fintech asx shares represented by businessman flexing biceps

    Blue chip ASX shares can make good investments and some brokers have been scouring the market for the best ones to own.

    The idea is that the broker will try to find the opportunities that might do well over the next 12 months – so then a price target is assigned. The bigger the price target, the stronger the return might be over the next year.

    These two blue chip ASX shares are ones that leading brokers like:

    CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)

    CSL is actually one of the biggest blue chip shares on the ASX. It has a market capitalisation well over $100 billion.

    One of the brokers that likes the CSL share price right now is UBS. Whilst the interim report was strong, the broker doesn’t think the following six months will be as good.

    A key reason for the weaker expectation is that plasma collections are suffering and may not turn around until near the end of FY21.

    One of the things that may help CSL is when COVID-19 vaccines have been deployed. However there is a while to go with this.

    The blue chip ASX share is reporting some strength in its Seqirus business which CSL said delivered an exceptionally strong performance in the first six months of the financial year.

    CSL did say that its performance is being supported by its diversified and resilient business model.

    In the first half of FY21 it made $1.81 billion of net profit after tax (NPAT). Full year profit for FY21 is expected to be between $2.17 billion to $2.265 billion, which would be growth of up to 8% in constant currency terms, despite all of the impacts.

    UBS has a price target of $310 for CSL shares, which would be growth of almost 30%.

    Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)

    Fortescue is now one of the world’s biggest iron ore miners and it’s still rated as a buy by the brokers at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

    The blue chip ASX share is benefiting from the high iron ore prices and this is sending the net profit surging higher.

    In the FY21 half-year result, revenue jumped 44% to $9.3 billion, underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 57% to $6.6 billion and net profit after tax grew 66% to $4.08 billion. This funded a 93% increase of the dividend to AU$1.47 per share.

    Fortescue has announced it plans to shift its business to greener initiatives sooner than expected with a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.

    Some of the plans include green hydrogen, renewable energy and green ammonia. It’s looking for these types of projects across Australia and the world. Fortescue is looking to reduce its own footprint with getting rid of diesel consumption.

    Macquarie doesn’t think that FY22 will be as strong as FY21. So, for FY22, Macquarie is predicting that Fortescue can generate $2.42 of earnings per share (EPS) and that it’s going to pay a dividend of $1.94 per share. That would translate into a forward grossed-up dividend yield of 13.6%. Macquarie has a price target of $25.50 for Macquarie. 

    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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    Tristan Harrison owns shares of Fortescue Metals Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why the Boom (ASX:BOL) share price is surging 6% today

    digger placing coin on growing pile of coins, boral share price

    The Boom Logistics Limited (ASX: BOL) share price is surging following a new contract win with GE Renewables. At the time of writing, the lifting solutions and crane provider’s shares are up 6.6% to 16 cents.

    Let’s take a closer look at what the company announced.

    What’s driving the Boom share price higher?

    The Boom share price is climbing as investors appear pleased with the latest update.

    According to its release, Boom advised that it has secured work on the Bango wind farm in the Southern Tablelands region of New South Wales.

    The project will see Boom provide a number of lifting services for the construction of the wind farm. The company will deploy a fleet of 12 cranes, which will include three 750 tonne capacity cranes. In addition, a team of 40 people comprising of specialist technicians and project management will manage the project. It’s expected that once complete, up to 38 wind towers will be installed, generating roughly 240 MW. This is enough energy to power about 100,000 residential houses.

    While no financial details were given in the release, Boom stated that the project is due to commence this month.

    What did the head of management say?

    Boom CEO and managing director Tony Spassopoulos commented:

    We have an experienced team mobilising to site, with the priority on safety first, focused on customer service and project delivery.

    We continue to expand our wind farm projects business and demonstrate our capability as the leading Australian lifting solutions provider in this market segment.

    Addressable market opportunity

    The company noted that the energy sector remains an attractive opportunity as Australia transitions over to cleaner energy. More than 1,800 towers are earmarked for installation in the next 3 years, representing a robust market for Boom.

    Complementing the potential growth, the company also mentioned that around 3,000 existing wind turbines across Australia require ongoing maintenance activity. Boom has logged increased bookings from its support business, which has further added to its revenue streams.

    The Boom share price has jumped 34% in the past 12 months but is down 13% year-to-date.

    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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    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.

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  • What ASX 200 investors should know about the US Federal Reserve announcement

    US stocks and share prices represented by wads of cash

    In an article I penned yesterday I wrote, “The consensus is that no matter what US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell tells the press today (overnight Aussie time), it will impact S&P/ASX 200 Index shares.” (You can find that article here.)

    Well yesterday, overnight for you and me, Powell did speak to the press in a virtual conference. And indeed US share markets reacted immediately. Though the impact on the ASX 200 appears muted.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX: .DJI), for example, gained 0.6% in the 30 or so minutes following Powell’s speech. It closed the day up… 0.6%.

    The power of the US Fed’s Powell to move share prices

    Powell’s words not only have the power to move individual share prices, but to impact share markets the world over.

    And, as widely expected, Powell did his best to calm the growing market fears that inflation may be just over the horizon.

    As Bloomberg reports, “The Fed expects that a bump in inflation this year will be short-lived. Officials saw their preferred measure of price pressures slowing to 2% next year following a spike to 2.4% in 2021, according to the projections.”

    To keep borrowing rates low, Powell indicated that the central bank’s massive quantitative easing (QE) program will remain in place, saying:

    The stance of monetary policy we have today we believe is appropriate. We think our asset purchases in their current form – which is to say across the curve, $80 billion in Treasuries, $40 billion in mortgage-backed securities, on net – we think that’s the right place for our asset purchases.

    The majority of the Federal Open Market Committee also reiterated their view that interest rates in the world’s largest economy would remain at their current rock bottom level through 2024.

    In a sign that there is growing unease about the spectre of inflation, however, that majority has narrowed, with 7 of 18 Fed officials expecting 1 or more interest rate rise in 2023, up from 5 who expressed that view previously.

    As Bloomberg noted, Powell was quick to point out this is still a minority view among the committee, saying, “The strong bulk of the committee is not showing a rate increase during this forecast period.”

    Bloomberg economists look to agree, writing:

    The Federal Reserve continues to hold the course, maintaining the glide path for both rates and asset purchases which it established last year, and does not appear to be close to altering its trajectory anytime soon.

    ASX 200 snapshot

    If the US Fed keeps its QE program humming along at full speed and maintains its 0.25% official interest rate through 2024, it will make it far easier for the world’s other central banks, including the Reserve Bank of Australia, to do the same.

    And with the wall of easy money looking set to continue, that should spell good news for ASX 200 investors.

    Though slipping in intraday trade today, down 0.3% at time of writing, the ASX 200 is up 1.5% in 2021 and up 36.9% over the past 12 months.

    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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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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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  • Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price drops on scathing broker note

    woman touching digital screen stating fintech

    The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price has declined after being on the receiving end of a negative broker note from UBS.

    What happened to the Afterpay share price?

    Afterpay shares are down 1% today – and it fell below $110 earlier – after UBS issued a scathing note about the buy now, pay later business.

    The trigger for the note was the announcement yesterday by Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) that it plans to enter the buy now pay later sector.

    One of the main things that UBS pointed out was the fact that merchants can’t pass on the costs of the buy now pay later fees – which are between 3% to 7%. However, merchants can pass on the costs of CBA’s merchant fee. Consumers are seemingly not aware that businesses have to pay Afterpay this sizeable fee.

    The broker thinks that eventually, it will lead to the regulations being changed regarding surcharges. This wouldn’t be good news for Afterpay, according to UBS.

    CBA’s new buy now, pay later product

    Yesterday, CBA announced that it’s going to roll out a buy now, pay later product for eligible customers from mid-2021. It will link to a CBA bank account, with no ongoing fees for customers and no additional cost to businesses. Those businesses only have to pay the normal merchant fees.

    Customers will have a limit of $1,000 and it can be used anywhere that Mastercard is accepted. 

    The Afterpay share price rose yesterday in spite of this announcement.

    CBA said:

    The development of CommBank’s new BNPL offering follows recent research showing 76 per cent of Australians who currently use BNPL are interested in using a BNPL service offered by their main bank.

    The research showed BNPL users feel a bank-provided BNPL service would be more secure and reliable.

    CommBank’s BNPL offering is in line with shifting customer preferences and expectations around how they like to access short term credit in ways that are simple, low cost and have no surprises.

    Customers of CBA will need to pass both internal and external credit assessments to be eligible. An executive of CBA noted that this is the first BNPL offering by a major bank – but does that mean that Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) will eventually launch BNPL as well?

    UBS’ share price target for Afterpay

    The broker has the lowest price target for Afterpay compared to all the others. Over the next 12 months, UBS thinks the Afterpay share price could fall to just $36.

    This means that UBS believes that Afterpay shares could fall by around two thirds.

    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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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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.

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  • Why is the Singular Health (ASX:SHG) share price frozen?

    pause in medical asx share price represented by doctor holding hand up in stop motion

    Singular Health Group Ltd (ASX: SHG) shares have been exempt from trading since last Friday’s close and many are curious as to why.

    The medical imaging technology company went into a trading halt on Monday pending an announcement. On Wednesday, the day its shares were to resume trading, the company then requested a voluntary suspension from quotation.

    Let’s look deeper into the trading halt.

    Singular Health trading halt

    The Singular Health share price has gone nowhere this week after the company remained in a trading halt pending further news regarding an acquisition and investment.

    The company has kept any other details of the announcement secret, inevitably building anticipation among some investors.

    At this point in time, however, it seems we will have to continue being patient to hear the company’s news.

    The trading halt is to be lifted on Wednesday 24 February or until such time as Singular Health releases the announcement. Until then, we’ll just have to wait and see what the market newcomer has to share.

    Trading halt follows rapid share price rise

    Singular Health’s short time on the ASX has been profitable for shareholders. The company was first listed on 12 February 2021, following an oversubscribed capital raising.

    30 million shares were offered at 20 cents each in Singular Health’s initial public offering (IPO), which raised around $6 million. This gave the company a market capitalisation of around $20 million.

    Its first day on market saw the Singular Health share price gain a spectacular 90%. It has also gained another 83% since then. 

    About Singular Health 

    Singular Health is a Western Australian company operating in the medical imaging and printing industry.

    It develops proprietary software and technology to collect medical data and help healthcare professionals and patients make informed decisions.

    The company claims its volume-rendering platform accurately converts 2D medical imagery into volumetric 3D models. The models can be viewed and modified using standard monitors or virtual reality. Singular Health’s software is currently used in its flagship product MedVR.

    Singular Health share price snapshot

    On its last day of trading prior to the trading halt, the Singular Health share price was sitting at 69.5 cents.

    Singular Health has a current market capitalisation of around $32.5 million with approximately 102 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

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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 Austal, Boral, Spark NZ, & Splitit are tumbling lower

    Thumbs down Facebook icon over dark screen

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record another disappointing decline on Thursday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.6% to 6,753.8 points.

    Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are tumbling lower:

    Austal Limited (ASX: ASB)

    The Austal share price has fallen 3.5% to $2.32. This is despite the shipbuilder announcing the delivery of a new vessel after the market close on Wednesday. Austal delivered its ninth guardian-class patrol boat to the Australian Department of Defence. The vessel, named ‘HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap’, was gifted to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement project.

    Boral Limited (ASX: BLD)

    The Boral share price is down 2% to $5.51. This decline appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Ord Minnett this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the building products company’s shares to a lighten rating with a $5.00 price target. It made the move on valuation grounds.

    Spark New Zealand Ltd (ASX: SPK)

    The Spark New Zealand share price is down 3.5% to $4.14. The majority of this decline can be attributed to the telecommunications company’s shares trading ex-dividend this morning. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to being paid its 11.6 cents per share interim dividend next month on 9 April.

    Splitit Ltd (ASX: SPT)

    The Splitit share price is down 3% to 96 cents. This follows a lukewarm response to a merchant update this morning by the buy now pay later provider. While the company has been signing new merchants to its platform, it has also been losing them. For example, as I noted here, Splitit is no longer available on Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN). Though, this has not been acknowledged by the company, despite it having a material impact on its share price when first announced.

    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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    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 Austal Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Chimeric (ASX:CHM) share price falls despite positive update

    falling asx share price represented by woman making sad face

    The Chimeric Therapeutics Ltd (ASX: CHM) share price is backtracking today despite announcing progress on the company’s phase 1 Chlorotoxin CAR T trials.

    At the time of writing, the biotechnology company’s shares are trading at 31 cents, down 6%.

    What did Chimeric announce?

    The Chimeric share price is in the red today, irrespective of the company’s latest developments.

    In today’s release, Chimeric advised that it has completed the planned dosing of the first group of patients in its phase 1 Chlorotoxin CAR T trial.

    The dose-escalation study will assess Chlorotoxin CAR T’s safety and maximum tolerance in participants suffering from recurrent or progressive glioblastoma (GBM).

    Chimeric hopes to recruit between 18 to 36 people with MMP2+ recurrent or progressive GBM across 4 different dose levels. Once the appropriate dosing amount is established, the company will then move to phase 2 trials.

    The first group of patients were given the lowest dose level through a single-site administration. However, as this is the first in human phase 1 cell therapy trial, all four recruits received staggered treatment. This refers to follow-up intervals between administering the peptide from one patient to another, allowing to monitor any adverse effects.

    Chimeric will seek to recruit new subjects for its next dose level after the final patient has completed the dose-limiting toxicity period.

    A quick take on Chimeric

    Established in 2020, Chimeric is developing a breakthrough cancer cell therapy drug for solid tumours. The company uses chlorotoxin, which comes from scorpion venom, to bind and direct T cells to target GBM.

    Initial scientific research conducted at the City of Hope Cancer Centre in Los Angeles found promising anti-tumour activity from CAR T therapy.

    Chimeric share price snapshot

    Since its initial public offering (IPO) listing in January this year, the Chimeric share price has gained around 8%.

    Chimeric commands a market capitalisation of close to $63 million on current valuation grounds, with 196.5 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

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    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 Chimeric (ASX:CHM) share price falls despite positive update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Don’t fall into the ‘rotation trap’

    A black and white vortex dragging down, indicating share holders falling into a rotation trap

    ASX growth shares may have deflated the last few weeks, but one expert has warned investors to not fall into the trap of going “all in” on value shares.

    Overnight, the US Federal Reserve indicated interest rates would remain at zero until at least 2023, and it would tolerate inflation that may come in the meantime.

    This boosted share investor confidence, pushing up US markets as well as the ASX in early trade Thursday.

    DeVere Group chief Nigel Green said the Fed had a “tricky” two-day meeting this week.

    “They had to communicate a balance between a COVID-scarred economy and a booming outlook.

    “It was a fine line to walk and, clearly, they don’t want to hamper a recovery that’s just getting going.”

    Investors exhale, but where to invest now?

    Now boosted by the confidence of low interest rates, Green expected investors to “top up” their portfolios with further purchases.

    But he warned to avoid the “rotation trap”.

    “The danger is the massive hype surrounding rotation from growth stocks – those expected to grow sales and earnings at a faster rate than the market average – into value stocks,” he said.

    “It should not be a case of either value or growth stocks.  A properly diversified portfolio needs to have both.”

    According to Green, the post-COVID world will not return immediately – if ever – to the way life was before the pandemic.

    “It’s likely we’ll maintain some lockdown habits like working from home more often, but we’ll also be back in the gym. We’ll travel and go to public events again, but we’ll also be more conscious of the environment and hygiene procedures.”

    So value stocks might have roared the past few weeks, but it won’t be a chronic downturn for growth shares.

    “Does anyone suddenly seriously think Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN), Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOGL) (NASDAQ: GOOG) and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) are not companies of the future also?”

    Inflation fears are overblown

    Inflation is the friend of value shares but the enemy of growth stocks. 

    Green expressed doubt against fears this would be a chronic problem.

    “We can expect some price growth as economies re-open, but this is likely to be short-term,” he said.

    “I think, as it stands now, longer-term inflation fears due to pent-up demand are being overplayed. For example, people might book one trip away, but they are unlikely to book 5 or 6 in one hit.”

    Trying to time the market is a mug’s game anyway. So Green recommended investors make hay while rates are low and the economy is on the way up.

    “Investors should use this time to build their wealth by topping up their portfolios – but they must do so judiciously.”

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    Because ‘Doc’ Mahanti believes this fast-growing company has all the hallmarks of genuine Moonshot potential, forget ‘buy now pay later’, this stock could be the next hot stock on the ASX.

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  • Here’s why the Ionic Rare Earths (ASX:IXR) share price is up 190% YTD

    Woman with surprised expression at changing asx share price in newspaper

    The Ionic Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: IXR) share price has had a momentous year so far, it’s currently up by 190% year to date. The rare earth producer has had a run of good news concerning its Makuuta project, a deposit of ionic clay rare earths.

    Let’s look closer at what’s driving the Ionic share price.

    The Makuuta project

    In the first half of the 2020/21 financial year, the company’s stake in the Makuutu project increased from 31% to 51%. The company has also advised that its stake may increase again, potentially reaching 60% in the future.

    In January, Ionic Rare Earths announced Makuuta had received two additional exploration licences, increasing its exploration target by 50%. Finally, earlier this month, the company declared the mineral resource estimate of its Makuutu project had increased by 210%.

    Rare earths are critical components of wind turbines and electric vehicles. Ionic Rare Earths believes the value of rare earths will go up as demand for clean energy increases.

    The company states that ionic clay deposits operate at lower costs and have shorter development timelines than hard rock deposits.

    Located in Uganda, Makuutu is one of the only large ionic clay rare earth element deposits outside of China. It is surrounded by infrastructure, including tarred roads, rail, power and water, and is accessible regardless of weather conditions.

    Of the 315 million tonnes of rare earth minerals present at Makuutu, 26% are heavy rare earth oxides and 35% are critical rare earth oxides.

    Ionic Rare Earths share price snapshot

    The Ionic Rare Earths share price has rocketed higher since the beginning of the year. After commencing 2021 trading at 2 cents, the Ionic share price is currently sitting at 5.8 cents.

    The company’s shares have also increased by 480% over the last 12 months.

    Ionic Rare Earths has a market capitalisation of around $178 million with approximately 3.1 billion 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

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    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Bailador Technology Investments Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why the Creso Pharma (ASX:CPH) share price is rocketing 16% higher today

    rocketing asx share price represented by man riding golden dollar sign speeding through clouds

    The market may be tumbling lower again on Thursday, but the same cannot be said for the Creso Pharma Ltd (ASX: CPH) share price.

    In afternoon trade the cannabis company’s shares are up a sizeable 16% to 22 cents.

    This gain means the Creso Pharma share price is now up over 250% since this time last year.

    What is driving the Creso Pharma share price higher today?

    The strong gain by the Creso Pharma share price today appears to have been driven by investors taking advantage of a recent pullback.

    In fact, although they have jumped 16% today, the company’s shares are still trading below the high they reached on Monday morning of 23 cents.

    What’s been happening?

    Interestingly, investors have been selling the company’s shares since it announced an acquisition earlier this week. This could be a sign that some are not convinced by Creso Pharma’s foray into the psychedelics market.

    According to that announcement, the company has signed an agreement to acquire Halucenex Life Sciences. It is a Canada-based psychedelics company focused on developing treatments for Treatment Resistant Depression in individuals suffering from PTSD, and other mental health illnesses.

    Management notes that the acquisition provides Creso Pharma with direct entry into the emerging psychedelic medicines market, creating a diversified natural medicines company to improve mental health and wellness.

    It believes the combined group will allow the Halucenex business to benefit from a number of significant synergies, ultimately fast tracking the company to early revenues.

    “A major milestone”

    Creso Pharma’s Non-Executive Chairman, Adam Blumenthal, is very positive on the acquisition and believes it is a major milestone for the company.

    He said: “This is a major milestone for Creso Pharma and marks our evolution into a broader based pharmaceutical business. Creso will now sell its trusted cannabis products and progress the commercialisation of a range of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy treatments. Our entry into this market provides the Company with another lucrative vertical and an additional near term revenue stream.”

    “Mental health and PTSD are becoming detrimental to our society and this has been highlighted in the last 12 months. These conditions have been exacerbated by COVID-19 and the available treatments are shown to have limited effectiveness and many side effects. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a new alternative treatment route, which has considerable promise.”

    “The acquisition of Halucenex will strengthen our presence in Canada, as well as provide a number of opportunities in drug development which will inevitably lead to further new market entries and commercialisation opportunities.“

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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.

    The post Why the Creso Pharma (ASX:CPH) share price is rocketing 16% higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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