Tag: Motley Fool

  • What’s happening with the PolyNovo (ASX:PNV) share price?

    dog listening through tin can with string attached signifying listening regarding asx share demerger announcements

    The PolyNovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) share price has been attracting attention since the company announced a Nordic expansion last week.

    On 24 February 2021, the PolyNovo trading volume jumped 26% higher than its usual daily average, sending shares in the medical device company up 4% to $2.52.

    After closing yesterday at $2.46, the PolyNovo share price is currently trading down 1.22% at $2.43. 

    How has the PolyNovo share price performed in 2021?

    Year-to-date, the PolyNovo share price has choked, trading down 36.6%. Most of the bloodbath happened in January, with shares plummeting 33% in that month alone. So what happened?

    In its trading update for the first half of FY21 released in early January, PolyNovo pointed to how the coronavirus pandemic had taken a whack at the business. Specifically, sales in the United States and the United Kingdom were impacted. 

    However, managing director Paul Brennan affirmed the company was continuing to pursue new business opportunities as COVID-19 impacts eased.

    The PolyNovo share price continued to fall on 18 January, when the company released a reply to an ASX query on information reported in its interim H1 FY21 update.

    What’s the latest PolyNovo story?

    The company has continued to expand the reach of its skin regeneration business over the past recent weeks.

    In addition to the Nordic expansion, PolyNovo has announced it has entered into markets in Italy, Poland and Turkey.

    In its latest earnings announcement, the business advised that it was also seeing success in Germany, Australia and Switzerland. It further noted that distributors had been appointed in Finland, Taiwan, Belgium and Greece.

    For the H1 FY21 period, the business reported a net profit after tax (NPAT) loss of $3.5 million.

    In its most recent announcement, PolyNovo updated the market regarding the development of its NovoSorb® SynPath product for treating non-healing diabetic skin ulcers.

    The two-part study will perform the research required to support PolyNovo gaining reimbursement from US health insurance companies.

    The first patients have been enrolled.

    PolyNovo share price snapshot

    Over the past year, the PolyNovo share price has lost 3.39%. Over the past month, it’s fallen 7.44%

    The company has a current market capitalisation of $1.7 billion with 661.4 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

    Gretchen Kennedy has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of POLYNOVO 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 What’s happening with the PolyNovo (ASX:PNV) share price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3uLl4xQ

  • Australian Primary Hemp (ASX:APH) share price surges. Here’s why.

    A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company

    The Australian Primary Hemp Ltd (ASX: APH) share price is surging today following the singing of a retail distribution agreement. During late-morning trade, the premium plant-based and wellness company’s shares are swapping hands for 47 cents apiece, up 6.9%.

    Established in 2016, Australian Primary Hemp is a vertically integrated company that produces, manufactures, and distributes plant-based products. This includes seeds, oils, nut bars, flour, and more.

    What’s driving the Australian Primary Hemp share price higher?

    The Australian Primary Hemp share price is on the move today as investors digest the company’s latest positive announcement.

    According to its release, Australian Primary Hemp signed a retail distribution agreement with supermarket giant, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL).

    In particular, under the contract, Australian Primary Hemp will supply its Mt. Elephant ‘mylk’ hemp and oat milk range to Coles. This will be available from next month in more than 140 Coles stores situated along the east coast of Australia.

    Specifically, Australian Primary Hemp will distribute two products from its Mt. Elephant ‘mylk’ hemp and oat milk category. They are the barista/original oat and hemp mylk and a chocolate oat and hemp mylk.

    The company highlighted that demand for its products is growing as consumers look for plant-based alternatives. Thus, popular trends in the past few years have strayed away from dairy, soy, and almond milk.

    Commentary from management

    Australian Primary Hemp managing director and CEO Neale Joseph welcomed the deal, saying:

    This distribution agreement with Coles further reinforces our observations on the growing demand for high-quality, plant-based superfoods and is a significant step on our path towards further commercialisation of Mt. Elephant branded product lines.

    This is just the beginning for our mylk products, and we are excited to see Coles stock the line later this year.

    Our Mt. Elephant product range is building commercial momentum. This agreement with one of Australia’s largest grocery stores is a significant milestone as APH continues to progress commercialisation and distribution of Mt. Elephant products.

    The Australian Primary Hemp share price has gained more than 240% 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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post Australian Primary Hemp (ASX:APH) share price surges. Here’s why. appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3e09N6U

  • Why the Hawkstone Mining (ASX:HWK) share price opened 43% higher today

    cartoon of man flexing biceps in front of charged battery representing magnis share price

    The Hawkstone Mining Ltd (ASX: HWK) share price was through the roof this morning. The share price opened 43% higher at 6 cents after the mining company announced a 99.7% lithium purity from minerals extracted at its Big Sandy Project.

    At the time of writing, shares in the company have retreated slightly, now swapping hands for 4.8 cents, up 15%. At its previous close, the share price was 4 cents apiece.

    The announcement comes after the Hawkestone share price was frozen for two days in a trading halt.

    What did Hawkstone Mining announce?

    In today’s announcement to the ASX, Hawkstone Mining reported that lithium minerals extracted from its Arizona-based Big Sandy Project produced lithium carbonate at a purity of 99.7%. This figure exceeds the 99.5% benchmark required for battery-grade lithium.

    The company said it achieved overall lithium recoveries of 90% with minimal losses in downstream processing. 

    Hawkstone said it also intended to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide.

    Words from the managing director

    Commenting on the update, Hawkstone Mining managing director Paul Lloyd said:

    The company is pleased to announce the extremely positive steps being taken by Hazen Research in the initial bench scale testing of the Big Sandy lithium mineralisation, with battery-grade lithium being produced…

    With drill approval imminent at Big Sandy, the company will rapidly progress development of the project to realise its full economic potential.

    Lithium’s meteoritic price rise

    According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, the main use for lithium is in batteries – including mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, and electric vehicles.

    The increasing number of global electric vehicle sales appear to be the major factor driving lithium’s astonishing price rise. The Guardian reports electric car sales were up 43% last year. That’s despite a 20% drop in overall car sales.

    As of writing, lithium was trading in the commodities market at USD 70,500. On 30 November 2020, lithium was trading at USD 39,000. In percentage terms, that’s an 80% increase over the course of 3 months.

    Hawkstone Mining share price snapshot

    Today’s meteoritic rise in Hawkstone’s share price is not an anomaly. This time last year, shares in the company were trading at half a cent each – at the current price of 4.8 cents, that’s an increase of 360%.

    This is the third jump in Hawkstone’s share price in 2021 alone. The first rise occurred between 14-19 January, when the share price went from 1.3 cents to 2.8 cents. The second leap saw the share price rise from 2.7 cents to 5.4 cents between 25 and 28 January.

    Hawkstone has a market capitalisation of $78.2 million.

    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 Why the Hawkstone Mining (ASX:HWK) share price opened 43% higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2PsIYy2

  • Here’s why brokers like these 2 small cap ASX tech shares

    Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) often steal the spotlight for ASX tech shares. But brokers have run the ruler across smaller players and rated these two ASX tech shares as a buy. 

    2 ASX tech shares brokers rate as a ‘buy’

    1. Bigtincan Holdings Ltd (ASX: BTH)

    The Bigtincan share price has struggled since its October 2020 quarterly update, which revealed a soft first quarter with revenues falling 15% and no explanation given for the decline. Since the poor announcement, its shares have drifted 30% lower to an 8-month low around the 90 cent level. 

    The company’s more upbeat half-year results highlighted a 33% increase in revenue to $18.9 million and net profit after tax loss of $7.9 million, but this was unable to sway investors, with its shares slumping another 9% on the day of the announcement. 

    Analysts from Sequoia Financial Group Ltd (ASX: SEQ) see a number of potential share price catalysts and growth drivers that could push the Bigtincan share price higher in the short-medium term. These include major new customer wins, progress with integrations and potential new acquisitions. The report also noted broader growth drivers for the company such as the continued growth in cloud, remote working and mobile businesses, and greater 

    The broker upgraded the stock from accumulate to a buy rating on 26 February with a 12-month price target of $1.27, representing an upside of 38%. 

    2. Nitro Software Ltd (ASX: NTO) 

    The Nitro share price has fallen to a 7-month low despite a strong set of FY20 results announced last week. The company delivered a 13% increase in revenues to $40.2 million, subscription revenues surged 61% to $21.3 million while gross profits increased 65% to $36.5 million. Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) loss of $2.4 million was also in line with its guidance of $2.1 million to $2.6 million. 

    Looking ahead, Nitro plans to launch its “Nitro Sign” product before 21 June. The equity research team from Wilsons says that this should see an “incremental revenue contribution from the standalone product as adoption ramps up”. 

    The broker notes that in line with the company’s medium-term growth strategy, it will continue to scale headcount, new product development and potential M&A. At the expense of accelerating its potential growth, FY21 is estimated to deliver a widening EBITDA loss of approximately $12 million. 

    As the company seeks to further drive revenue growth, its FY20 results forecast FY21 to deliver annual recurring revenue of $39 million to $42 million and revenue between $45 million to $49 million, ahead of the broker’s estimates. 

    Wilsons has updated its 12-month price target to $3.93, which represents a 45% upside to its closing price on Tuesday. 

    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

    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 ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends BIGTINCAN FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended BIGTINCAN FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nitro Software Limited. 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 brokers like these 2 small cap ASX tech shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/385kEsj

  • Here’s why the Raiz (ASX:RZI) share price is charging 6% higher today

    rising asx share price represented by boy dressed in business suit with rocket wings

    Investors will be keeping a keen eye on the Raiz Invest Ltd (ASX: RZI) share price today. The extra attention comes after the company released its performance metrics for February earlier today.

    The Raiz share price surged more than 16% early last month after releasing its performance metrics for January.

    At the time of writing, the Raiz share price has charged more than 5% higher for the day, trading at $1.74.

    Here’s how Raiz performed for February 2021.

    Raiz records continued growth in February

    Raiz is an Australian financial technology (fintech) company that provides users with a mobile-focused micro-investing platform.

    Earlier today, the company provided an update on its performance for February 2021.

    In the update, Raiz highlighted continued growth in funds under management (FUM) in Australia. For February, the company recorded a 4.0% increase in total FUM to $665.13 million. In addition, Raiz noted a 4.9% increase in superannuation contributions in February to $88.9 million.  

    In the update, Raiz Managing Director and CEO George Lucas noted that “This continued positive momentum supports our expectations of reaching $1 billion FUM by December 2021”.

    Raiz also reported strong growth in global active customers, especially in Southeast Asia. The company highlighted a 14.6% increase in active customers in Indonesia and 11.3% increase in active customers in Malaysia.  

    The company’s management noted that for the 3 months to 28 February, Indonesia and Malaysia had growth in active customers of 59.8% and 85.3% respectively.

    New fee structure

    Raiz charges a flat monthly investment fee for each user. As a result, FUM and active customers are key metrics to the company’s ability to generate recurring revenue.

    Earlier this week Raiz announced a new fee structure for customers.

    The fintech company informed investors that it will be increasing some fees for its Australian users.

    Raiz announced that the monthly maintenance fee for account balances less than $15,000 will increase to $3.50. However, for accounts with balances equal to or greater than $15,000 the account fee will remain at 0.275% per annum.

    The company cited increase corporate governance costs for the fee increase which will apply from 1 April 2021.

    More on Raiz Invest

    The mobile financial platform currently offered by Raiz allows users to micro-invest the remaining round-up of everyday purchases in exchange-traded funds (ETF). In addition, customers have the ability to invest in a range of different funds, depending on the user’s risk tolerance.

    Since launching in 2016, the company’s mobile platform has amassed 1.47 million downloads, with Raiz currently operating in Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.  

    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 Nikhil Gangaram 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 Here’s why the Raiz (ASX:RZI) share price is charging 6% higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

  • Why the PSC Insurance (ASX:PSI) share price is on the rise

    feet of investor like warren buffett walking up chalk-drawn steps

    The PSC Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: PSI) share price is on the rise, up 3.6% in morning trade. This comes after the company reported it has entered into agreements to acquire 2 commercial broking businesses based in the United Kingdom. At the time of writing, the PSC Insurance share price has retreated slightly to $3.35, up 2.1%. 

    What did PSC Insurance report on its UK acquisitions?

    The PSC Insurance share price is gaining in morning trade after it reported it had entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the share capital of Trust Insurance Services Ltd. Exclusive of net assets, the base consideration for the acquisition is around 15.5 million pounds (AU$28 million).

    The base consideration for PSC’s second acquisition, 100% of the share capital of Abaco Insurance Brokers Ltd, is 21 million pounds (AU$38 million). That figure is also exclusive of net assets.

    Management commentary

    Commenting on the 2 acquisitions, PSC’s Managing Director, Tony Robinson said:

    These acquisitions are consistent with our goal of building a significant presence in the commercial broking market outside of London. It is an area we understand and believe we can help drive growth. Both businesses are excellent inclusions into PSC bringing both great people into the Group and generating strong returns…

    Both businesses have strong expertise in particular areas that we believe we can help grow and that will benefit the wider PSC Group.

    PSC forecasts that the 2 acquisitions together will deliver roughly 4.0 million pounds (AU$7.2 million) in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) annually.

    Share price snapshot

    PSC’s shares lost 36% during the wider COVID-fuelled market selloff last February and March. Since the 15 March lows, shares have rebounded 56%. Over the past 12 months, the PSC Insurance share price is up 8%. That is right in line with the 8% gain on the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

    So far in 2021, the PSC Insurance share price is up 13%.

    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 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.

    The post Why the PSC Insurance (ASX:PSI) share price is on the rise appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/386D3oR

  • What is the go with the Cirralto (ASX:CRO) share price?

    Scared people on a rollercoaster holdingon for dear life, indicating a plummeting share price

    The Cirralto Ltd (ASX: CRO) share price has been on a rollercoaster this past month. Being in the payment provider space with its business-to-business (B2B) solution, Cirralto has gained much attention recently.

    It seems, due to the recent amplification of interest in buy now, pay later (BNPL), Cirralto has been busy. Let’s take a look at what has been going on.

    Cirralto’s opportunistic capital raising

    On 16 February, the Cirralto share price hit an intraday high of 21 cents, a mind-blowing 200% higher than its opening low of 6.8 cents. As per the responses to the ASX’s capital raising query, Kaai Capital called Cirralto CEO Adrian Floate and proposed a significant capital raising due to the increased interest.

    On 18 February, Cirralto decided to halt the share trading ahead of the capital raise announcement. This would come only months after the company’s previous injection of funds.

    The following week the company announced its $18 million placement with firm commitments, mostly from institutional investors. Cirralto outlined that the funds would be used to accelerate the development of its payments technology, specifically Spenda and SYNK’D. This would mark the last recent day in the green for the Cirralto share price.

    Chairman sells as share price retreats

    There are no particular issues with insiders selling shares in a company. There can be many reasons for selling including for personal reasons, funding other ventures, or simply to enjoy. However, depending on what the circumstances are, it can sometimes be bad optics.

    In this situation, the Cirralto share price had been falling. On 26 February, Cirralto chair Peter Richards made an on-market sale of $375,000 worth of shares.

    It is important to note that during this time, other members of the company’s management team had increased the number of shares held.

    Cirralto share price today

    At the time of writing, the Cirralto share price is up 4.76% to 8.8 cents. If the share price closes in the green today it would break the red streak that has persisted since 23 February.

    Notably, the Cirralto share price has bagged more than 1600% returns for shareholders in the past 12 months. The company’s market capitalisation now resides at $145 million.

    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 Mitchell Lawler 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 the go with the Cirralto (ASX:CRO) share price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3bO5J6Q

  • The Vulcan Energy (ASX:VUL) share price has fallen 17% in 2 weeks

    Watching ASX share price represented by boy with question mark on forehead looking up

    When the Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price started to move recently, it put the returns of most shares to shame.

    The lithium company’s shares were trading at less than 20 cents in late 2019 to early 2020 before running as high as $14.20 on 19 January 2021. 

    But for investors with the fear of missing out or chasing highs, this has likely ended in tears as the Vulcan share price has started to give back some of its extraordinary returns. 

    After hitting its all-time record high of $14.20, its shares have more than halved to close at $6.18 on Tuesday. Even in recent weeks, the Vulcan share price has fallen some 17%. 

    Why is the Vulcan share price falling?

    The timing of the Vulcan share price slump has coincided with broader weakness across ASX lithium shares. This includes the Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) and Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share prices experiencing a similar pattern. 

    These ASX lithium shares have rallied in recent months following a recovery in lithium spot prices and a resurgence in investor interest in the renewables sector. By late January 2021, ASX lithium shares largely topped out and drifted lower by February. 

    While Orocobre and Pilbara are established lithium producers, Vulcan is still in its early days with development work such as a definitive feasibility study to finish in the third quarter FY22 and production expected to start in Q3 FY24. 

    Vulcan had also recently completed a $120 million capital raising at a placement price of $6.50 per share, a 17.1% discount to its last closing before the capital raising.

    Capital raisings can weaken a company’s share price in the short-term as it dilutes existing shareholders. The discount also means that those who participated in the capital raising could sell their new shares at a profit. 

    Looking ahead 

    Despite the recent weakness in the Vulcan share price, there are exciting times ahead for the world’s first and only zero-carbon lithium project. 

    The company cites that it possesses the largest resource size in Europe, with 15.85 million tones of lithium carbonate equivalent.

    The company has planned to complete the development work by Q3 FY22, including pilot test work, a definitive feasibility study and project financing.

    Its scheduled drilling will follow this in Q3 FY22 and plant construction in Q1 FY23. If all goes to plan, the company could hit producer status by 2024.

    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 Vulcan Energy (ASX:VUL) share price has fallen 17% in 2 weeks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3uR88GA

  • Up 330% in a year, Secos (ASX:SES) share price slides on results

    asx share price flat represented by investor shrugging

    Secos Group Ltd (ASX: SES) shares are sliding today after the company released its financial results for the half-year ending 31 December (H1 FY21). At the time of writing, the Secos share price has slumped 1.64% to 30 cents. But over the last year, Secos shares have rocketed by nearly 330%. 

    Let’s take a look at how the sustainable packaging manufacturer has been performing.

    What did Secos report?

    The Secos share price is on the slide today despite the company reporting a half-year net profit after tax (NPAT) of $66,000. That compares to a net loss of $1.1 million in the first half of the 2020 financial year.

    The company’s gross profit margin increased to 18.2%, up from 14.2% in the prior corresponding period.

    Revenue increased 30.5% year on year, driven by a 129% increase in the company’s biopolymer sales. In H1 FY20, Secos’ bio-based sales represented 39% of total sales. In the half-year just reported, bio-based sales made up 73% of total sales.

    Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) came in at $576,000. Secos reported it had $14.3 million in cash with no debt as at 31 December.

    The company now boasts global sales to 20 countries, which it says are “protected by strong patents, technical knowhow and distribution channels”.

    During the half, Secos also completed the first phase of expansion in its China plant. The company noted strong growth in demand for its compostable bags in China, and the plant expansion is intended to open the door to an additional US$3 million in compostable bag sales annually.

    Looking ahead, Secos stated, “The forward pipeline for the company is strong, with Secos seeing significant growth opportunities with major brands in various regions.” Secos added it “expects to further expand its retail branded MyEcoBag range via Woolworths and other retail chains”.

    Secos share price snapshot

    If you had bought Secos shares this time last year, you’d be sitting on a gain of 328%. By comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 8% over the past 12 months.

    Year to date, the Secos share price is up 42.86%.

    Based on the current Secos share price, the company has a market capitalisation of around $163 million.

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

    The post Up 330% in a year, Secos (ASX:SES) share price slides on results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3e9kWm5

  • Why the WISR Ltd (ASX:WZR) share price is racing higher today

    blocks trending up

    The WISR Ltd (ASX: WZR) share price is racing higher today following a substantial increase on its warehouse funding facility. During mid-morning trade, the neo-lender’s shares are up 5.2% to 20 cents.

    Let’s take a closer look and see what Wisr updated the ASX market with.

    More room for growth

    The Wisr share price is on the move as investors appear upbeat about the company’s additional funding.

    In its announcement, Wisr advised that it has been secured an increased warehouse funding facility of $350 million. This comes on the back of a strong second quarter for FY21 which the company delivered a surprise result in late January.

    New loan originations grew to $83.8 million for the period (Q2 FY21). This represented a 35% rise on the prior quarter ($61.9 million) and a 165% jump over the same time last year ($31.6 million).

    Revenue also surged, recording $5.9 million for the second quarter of FY20. This reflected a 43% lift on Q1 FY21 and a 350% improvement on the prior corresponding period.

    Based on these metrics, Wisr’s incumbent senior bank advisors and mezzanine funders were pleased to provide additional support.

    Subject to final legal documentation, the much larger funding facility will give Wisr more room to aggressively grow its market share.

    What did the CFO say?

    Wisr CFO Andrew Goodwin touched on the company’s performance, saying:

    Through the strong support from our funders, in just over a year of the Wisr Warehouse going live, we have delivered an exceptional 350% growth in quarterly revenue (Q2FY21 compared to Q2FY20), rapidly scaled our personal loan originations quarter-on-quarter and entered the $51B vehicle finance market via our new secured vehicle product.

    The outstanding performance of the Wisr loan book, and our market leading ability to attract Australia’s most creditworthy customers (as demonstrated by our 90+ day arrears of 0.79% at 31 December 2020), validates our lending model and risk governance. The superior loan unit economics underpinned by the Wisr Warehouse, is delivering significant operating leverage as revenue continues to grow strongly in-line with the growth of our loan book.

    About the Wisr share price

    The Wisr share price has gained more than 20% over the past 12 months. However, since the beginning of September 2020, the company’s shares have mostly stagnated around the 20-cent mark.

    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 Why the WISR Ltd (ASX:WZR) share price is racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2Po3r6V