Tag: Motley Fool

  • Charter Hall Social Infrastructure (ASX:CQE) shares higher after upgrading dividend guidance

    ASX share broker upgrade represented by upgrade button on computer keyboard

    The Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX: CQE) share price has been a positive performer on Thursday.

    In late afternoon trade the social infrastructure-focused property company’s shares are up 3% to $3.03.

    Why is the Charter Hall Social Infrastructure share price pushing higher?

    Investors have been buying Charter Hall Social Infrastructure shares today following the release of a solid half year result this morning.

    According to the release, for the six months ended 31 December, the company delivered a 14.1% increase in operating earnings to $29.1 million.

    This was driven largely by an 8.2% increase in net property income to $34.4 million and a 9.4% reduction in operating expenses to $7.7 million.

    From this, the company declared a distribution of 7.5 cents per unit for the half.

    Other key metrics

    At the end of the period, the company had an occupancy rate of 99.7% and a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 14 years. This was up 1.3 years from the end of June.

    Also increasing was the number of leases on fixed rent reviews. This metric has increased to 63.3% from 53.6% at the end of June.

    Finally, management advised that lease expiries within the next five years represent just 4.7% of rental income.

    Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT’s Fund Manager, Travis Butcher, commented: “Consistent with CQE’s strategy, our focus during the period has been on enhancing income sustainability and resilience by improving the quality of tenants and leases within the portfolio.”

    “This has included the extension of 58 leases to an average 20 years with CQE’s major tenant, Goodstart and the acquisition of two new social infrastructure properties with strong tenant covenants. CQE is well positioned in the current economic environment with low gearing and $130 million of investment capacity to deliver secure income and capital growth to investors,” he added.

    Outlook

    Management advised that it is well positioned in the current economic environment with predictable and growing income, low gearing, and $130 million of investment capacity.

    It also confirmed that, barring any unforeseen events, it expects to pay shareholders a distribution ahead of its previous guidance.

    Instead of 15 cents per unit, it now expects to pay shareholders 15.7 cents per unit in FY 2021. Based on the current Charter Hall Social Infrastructure share price, this represents an attractive 5.2% yield.

    This Tiny ASX Stock Could Be the Next Afterpay

    One little-known Australian IPO has doubled in value since January, and renowned Australian Moonshot stock picker Anirban Mahanti sees a potential millionaire-maker in waiting…

    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.

    Doc and his team have published a detailed report on this tiny ASX stock. Find out how you can access what could be the NEXT Afterpay today!

    Returns as of 6th October 2020

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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 Charter Hall Social Infrastructure (ASX:CQE) shares higher after upgrading dividend guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Poll shows two-thirds of Australians support 12% super

    using asx shares to retire represented by piggy bank on sunny beach

    Superannuation has been at the centre of political debate over the past few years in Australia. Even though the system is world-renowned and appreciated by most Australians, debate continues to rage over potential improvements. Much of this debate has been centred on the already legislated scheduled increases to the super guarantee. That’s the mandatory proportion of a worker’s wage that is quarantined for super.

    Since its inception in the early 1990s, the super guarantee has risen from 3% to the current rate of 9.5%. As it stands today, the guarantee is set to rise by 0.5% at the start of every financial year until reaching 12%. The first of these scheduled rises will occur on 1 July this year and will push the guarantee to 10%.

    According to reporting in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) today, the government has said that it will make a final decision on whether to allow this move to go forward before it hands down the budget in May. The Labor Party opposition is backing the move to 12%.

    To rise or not to rise

    Bumping up the super guarantee to 12% is controversial for several reasons. Firstly, some businesses argue that they can’t afford a compulsory rise in the super payments, due to the ongoing economic uncertainty induced by the coronavirus pandemic.

    Others argue that Australians would be worse off, seeing as any increase in the guarantee would come at the expense of wages growth. Some politicians are even arguing that the money could instead be better used to help workers get onto the property ladder. Or pay off their mortgages faster for retirement.

    On the other hand, proponents of the move say the increase is much-need and long overdue. The Abbott government already postponed the move to 12% back in 2014. Part of these arguments rests on the assumption that the current rate of 9.5% is not enough to ensure a comfortable retirement for the average Aussie worker in itself. That would result in a continued reliance on the government age pension. The superannuation system is designed to reduce pressure on the pension system.

    The AFR reports that Industry Super Australia estimates that ditching the legislated increase to 12% will add $33 billion to the cost of the aged pension in 2058. It also estimates it will cost a couple, currently aged 30, more than $170,000 in retirement.

    It’s a vexing debate, as you might imagine.

    Poll shows support for 12% super

    But Aussies tend to be coming down pretty hard on one side, if the results of a poll on the matter are to be believed.

    According to the AFR report, a UMR Strategic Research poll was commissioned by Industry Super Australia Group on the matter. This poll found that two-thirds of those surveyed said they supported the rise in the super guarantee from 9.5% to 12%.

    However, the results are a bit more nuanced than that headline figure. The poll also showed that “nearly half” of those surveyed also said they would choose to take the extra money upfront in their take-home pay if allowed. Even so, 71% of those surveyed also said “that option should not be available because high super balances were more important long term.”

    Interestingly, the poll told participants of the beneficial tax treatments that super payments are entitled to. Considering this, 60% of respondents “viewed any move to stop the SG rate increase as a ‘tax grab’ by the government.”

    Under a third of those surveyed said that the government should dump the increases altogether. “Getting more people in work is more important than increasing the super rate” was the reason given for this view.

    Regardless of the poll results, we can probably expect the debate to continue to heat up until the government makes its decision closer to the budget. Even if the government does decide to ditch the scheduled rise to 12%, there is no certainty that this change has the numbers to pass through parliament anyway at this stage. So stay tuned!

    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 June 30th

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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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  • Argosy (ASX:AGY) share price plummets 7% despite positive update

    A businessman holds his glasses in concern, indicating uncertainly in the ASX share price

    The Argosy Minerals Limited (ASX: AGY) share price has plummeted in early afternoon trade. This comes despite a positive company announcement to the ASX market this morning.

    At the time of writing, the Argosy share price is trading down 7.89% at an intraday low of 17.5 cents.

    Argosy Minerals is a mining and exploration company with a 77.5% interest in the Rincon Lithium Project in Salta Province, Argentina. The company also operates the Tonopah Lithium Project in Nevada, USA.

    What did Argosy announce?

    In today’s release, Argosy revealed that Salta Province’s government plans to develop a mining logistics node to support mining and energy activities in the Puma region. The node will be located next to Argosy’s Rincon project.

    Argosy said the facility would act as a self-sustaining industrial service site to benefit mining workers who operate close by. Infrastructure will include an airport, industrial area, transfer facility, accommodation, service station, commercial premises, and health centre.

    The government granted 403ha of land to provincial state company Remsa, to help develop the site. Argosy also noted that the planned location adjoins South America’s second-largest photovoltaic plant facility.

    What did the managing director say?

    Argosy managing director Jerko Zuvela welcomed the news, saying:

    The planned facility will provide substantial benefits as we continue development of our Rincon Lithium Project, in addition to significant potential cost savings given the planned site location and services being provided.

    Argosy will continue to cooperate with the Salta Province government to assist with this development and maintain our strong relationship with the local community.

    Argosy share price snapshot

    The Argosy share price has performed well in the past 3 months, surging 260% and reaching a 52-week high of 21.5 cents in January.

    Based on the current share price, Argosy commands a market capitalisation of $178.4 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 June 30th

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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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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today

    Young man looking afraid representing ASX shares investor scared of market crash

    On Wednesday I looked at three ASX shares that brokers have given buy ratings to this week.

    Unfortunately, not all shares are in favour with them right now. Three ASX shares that have just been given sell ratings by brokers are listed below. Here’s why these brokers are bearish on them:

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts have retained their underweight rating and lifted the price target on this banking giant’s shares slightly to $79.00. This follows the release of its half year result earlier this week. While there were elements of the result that the broker liked, it wasn’t enough for a change of rating. Morgan Stanley continues to see more value in other big four banks. The Commonwealth Bank share price is fetching $87.05 this afternoon.

    Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

    A note out of Credit Suisse reveals that its analysts have retained their underperform rating and increased the price target on this pizza chain operator’s shares to $63.58 ahead of its half year results. The broker has lifted its forecasts to reflect new store openings and strong like for like sales. However, Credit Suisse continues to believe its shares are expensive at the current level and thus retains its underperform rating. The Domino’s share price is trading at $96.04.

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

    Analysts at Citi have retained their sell rating but lifted their price target on this investment bank’s shares to $125.00 following its third quarter update. According to the note, the broker was pleasantly surprised with Macquarie’s performance during the quarter. While this was a positive, it believes the market is expecting too much from the company next year. Especially with the strong Australian dollar. The Macquarie share price is fetching $146.13 on Thursday afternoon.

    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 June 30th

    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 Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Dominos Pizza Enterprises 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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  • Liontown (ASX:LTR) share price pumps on the back of CEO announcement

    A happy miner tips his hard hat, indicating good ashare price results for ASX mining stocks

    The Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR) share price is trading higher today, up 3.66% at 42 cents a share at the time of writing.

    The battery metals exploration and development company has lithium discoveries at two Western Australia projects: the Kathleen Valley project and the Buldania mining site. 

    Why is the Liontown share price up today?

    Earlier today, the company announced the appointment of international mining executive Tony Ottaviano as chief executive officer.

    Liontown described Mr Ottaviano as a “highly-credentialed” global mining executive. He has held senior executive roles with BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO), two of the world’s largest mining companies. 

    Mr Ottaviano will oversee the company’s next phase of the Tier-1 Kathleen Valley Lithium-Tantalum Project. With project financing and development plans underway, Mr Ottaviano will assume his role in early May this year.

    Commenting on the appointment, Mr Ottaviano said:

    I was attracted to Liontown because of the exciting opportunity to build a world-class battery metals business that can play a meaningful role in the impending global energy transformation.

    As a Tier-1 lithium asset with world-class scale and economics, Kathleen Valley is uniquely placed to meet growing demand for battery raw materials, both as a low-cost spodumene producer and as a potential participant in the high-value downstream segment of the lithium raw materials supply chain.

    A snapshot of the Liontown share price

    The Liontown Resources share price has boomed more than 300% higher than the previous 12-month period. 

    In its latest quarterly activities and cash flow report, the company reported spending approximately $2.1 million on operating activities during the quarter ended 31 December 2020.

    Liontown also posted a $13.2 million net cash flow benefit gained from financing activities. Among these, the company issued 12,500 shares and earned $1.3 million from the exercise of options. 

    At the end of the quarter, Liontown’s cash balance was $16.4 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 June 30th

    More reading

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

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  • Why the Ecofibre (ASX:EOF) share price is crashing 16% lower today

    Scared young male investor holds hand to forehead and looks at phone in front of yellow background

    The Ecofibre Ltd (ASX: EOF) share price has been a poor performer on Thursday.

    At one stage today, the hemp company’s shares were down as much as 16% to $1.51.

    The Ecofibre share price has since bounced back a touch but remains down 9% to $1.64 at the time of writing.

    Why is the Ecofibre share price sinking?

    Investors have been selling Ecofibre shares after the release of a very disappointing half year result.

    For the six months ended 31 December, the company reported a 49% decline in revenue compared to the prior corresponding period to $14.7 million.

    Management advised that this was driven by a significant reduction in nutraceutical segment revenues. This more than offset growth in its food and hemp black segments.

    Unfortunately, it gets worse from here. The change in its revenue mix has impacted its margins negatively, leading to a reduction in its gross margin from 81% to 65%.

    This could still reduce further from here. Management notes that its Ananda Health margins remained strong at 76% during the half but are expected to narrow following price changes in November.

    This ultimately led to the company reporting a loss after tax of $5.5 million for the half. This compares to a $7.1 million profit in the prior corresponding period.

    Outlook

    Management advised that it will continue to invest in its core business and will not reduce its long term focus for short term results.

    It expects its Hemp Black and Ananda Food segments to continue to see growth as they establish new clients and markets and achieve scale respectively.

    Nevertheless, this won’t be enough for a return to profit. Management is expecting the company to record a loss of around $1.5 million during the second half. This will result in a full year loss of approximately $7 million for FY 2021.

    This Tiny ASX Stock Could Be the Next Afterpay

    One little-known Australian IPO has doubled in value since January, and renowned Australian Moonshot stock picker Anirban Mahanti sees a potential millionaire-maker in waiting…

    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.

    Doc and his team have published a detailed report on this tiny ASX stock. Find out how you can access what could be the NEXT Afterpay today!

    Returns as of 6th October 2020

    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.

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  • Another day, another Zip (ASX: Z1P) share price record

    group of hands all giving thumbs up gesture

    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price has been volatile today as it reached a new record high. The share is currently trading at $10.57.

    However, earlier in the day the Zip share price reached a record price of $11.65. This is substantially higher than the previous record of $10.79.

    Why is the Zip share price rocketing

    The Zip share price is rocketing higher despite no notable announcements out of the company.

    Shares in the company have been sparked back into life by the announcement of the company’s quarterly report. In the days following the report, the Zip share price has rocketed more than 82%.

    The company reported record metrics across the board with revenue rising by 88% YoY. As a result, Zip Co reported revenue of $102 million that was driven by the company’s record transaction volume. In December alone the company achieved a transaction volume of $628 million.

    Moreover, the company saw its acquisition of QuadPay paying dividends as it largely drove the company’s revenue increase. In the US, revenue was up an astounding 119%. It comes as Affirm Holdings Inc (NYSE: AFRM), having recently listed in the US, have seen a 40% rise in their share price over the last month.

    Despite impressive transaction volume in ANZ which was up 46%, revenue growth in the area was lagging. This resulted in revenue growth only increasing by 14% for the quarter, or 43% YoY.

    New Horizons

    Investors have also been excited by the company’s recent admission that it is pondering another listing in the US. On top of the fact that Zip management are shopping around for new investors in the country, this would bring huge amounts of capital into the company.

    According to the AFR:

    It is understood Zip management will spend the next few days in front of US investors, seeking to explain the company’s buy now pay later payments platform and highlight its growth in the world’s biggest economy, where it owns QuadPay.

    American giant Wells Fargo & Co (NYSE: WFC) is helping the company with its roadshow.

    Furthermore, Zip will soon have a new region to announce metrics for as Zip UK was launched in December. The company explained that the country was a strategic focus for the group and it expects the UK to helped drive growth in 2021. These results will be included from next quarter.

    About the Zip share price

    The Zip share price is pushing higher today again as the company continues its fantastic recent run.

    The Zip share price has outpaced its ASX rival, Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price recently. Gaining 100% in the last month compared with Afterpay’s 36% gain.

    Zip is currently trading at a market capitalisation of $5.95 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 June 30th

    More reading

    Daniel Ewing owns shares of Zip Co Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • 2 ASX 200 shares that keep growing their dividends

    asx growth shares

    There’s a group of S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares that keep increasing their dividends.

    One of the two businesses in this article announced another increase today:

    Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

    Magellan is one of the biggest funds management businesses in Australia, with Hamish Douglass at the helm of the investing team.

    Whilst the performance fees and performance special dividends can be variable, the ordinary dividend of Magellan continues to climb.

    In the result for the first half of FY21, Magellan decided to increase the interim dividend by 5% to 97.1 cents per share.

    That dividend was declared with the release of its report. The ASX 200 dividend share showed that average funds under management (FUM) went up 9% to $100.9 billion, with management and service fees revenue up 8% to $311.4 million. Profit before tax and performance fees of the funds management business went up 8% to $256.2 million.

    Net profit after tax grew 3% to $202.3 million, whilst adjusted net profit after tax fell 2% to $213.1 million.

    Magellan said that it expects the funds management business expenses in FY21 to be at the lower end of the $110 million to $115 million range.

    The ASX 200 dividend share gave an insight into how its investments in Barrenjoey and Guzman y Gomez are going.

    Barrenjoey has welcomed David Gonski as the independent chair. Magellan said that Barrenjoey has established many of the key foundations and is on track to complete those that remain. It now has around 150 employees, assembled from around 30 different institutions. The advisory business has been operating since late 2020. The markets businesses are due to go live progressively from the second quarter of 2021. The client onboarding process has commenced and the integration with Barclays is “well progressed”.

    Guzman y Gomez has $410 million of annualised global sales, with $387 million of annualised Australian sales. Australian like for like sales growth was 27% in FY21 to date. More than 70% of restaurants have a return on investment (ROI) of more than 25%.

    At the current Magellan share price it has a partially dividend yield of 4.5%.

    Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

    Soul Patts is the ASX 200 dividend share that has grown its dividend for the most years consecutively in a row. The current streak goes back to 2000. It has also paid a dividend every year since it listed in 1903.

    It started out as a pharmacy business but has evolved into a diversified investment conglomerate with investments across many different sectors.

    Soul Patts owns large stakes in ASX companies like TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG), Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW), New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC), Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API), Bki Investment Co Ltd (ASX: BKI), Milton Corporation Limited (ASX: MLT) and Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA).

    Not only that, but the ASX 200 dividend share also owns a number of stakes in unlisted businesses. It’s invested in agriculture, resources, financial services and swimming schools. It also owns stakes in businesses like Ampcontrol, Dimeo and Verdant Minerals.

    One of the most recent investments was the allocation to agriculture. It bought defensive assets benefiting from the opening up of trade, including citrus, macadamias, avocados, stone fruit and table grapes.

    Soul Patts also owns a small cap portfolio which aims to identify fast-growing companies that are outside the companies monitored by the large cap portfolio managers.

    At the current Soul Patts share price it has a grossed-up dividend yield of 3%.

    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 June 30th

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison owns shares of Magellan Financial Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company 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 BPH Energy (ASX:BPH) share price is crashing 21% lower today

    asx share price fall represented by investor with head in hands

    The BPH Energy Ltd (ASX: BPH) share price has come under pressure on Thursday and is crashing notably lower.

    In afternoon trade the biotechnology and mineral exploration company’s shares are down a massive 21% to 11.5 cents.

    This means the BPH Energy share price has now lost 66% of its value since peaking at 33.5 cents last month.

    Why is the BPH Energy share price crashing lower?

    Investors have been selling BPH Energy shares on Thursday following an update on its PEP 11 development.

    PEP 11 covers 4,576 square kilometres of the offshore Sydney Basin immediately adjacent to the largest gas market in Australia. Management notes that it remains one of the most significant untested gas plays in the country.

    BPH Energy has exposure to PEP 11 through its 33% ownership in Advent Energy.

    What was the update?

    On Wednesday New South Wales’ Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, said he was not in favour of the oil project and the application should be rejected.

    According to the Coast News, Mr Barilaro said he will “refuse further applications to extend the life of PEP 11.”

    He added that “PEP 11 was issued under a Commonwealth Act, the exploration area is in Commonwealth waters, and the ultimate decision-making power rests with the Commonwealth.”

    This is a big blow to Advent and BPH Energy, especially given that the latter has just raised $9 million to advance the project.

    BPH Energy response

    BPH has responded to the news.

    It said: “The Joint Venture notes there have been reported press comments on 10th February 2021 attributed to the NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Industry and Trade, the Hon. John Barilaro MP. The Joint Venture has received no communication from the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) in respect of its current applications.”

    BPH and its Joint Venture Partners have sought clarification from NOPTA.

    It added: “The Joint Venture Partners note that the Joint Venture has safely drilled on the PEP 11 permit previously to test for gas and it is confident it will safely do so again. The Joint Venture Partners have retained internationally recognised consultants to assist in this program. The Joint Venture Partners have just announced the appointment of a contracts manager for the Baleen well and are in the process of securing a rig and will release further details on this shortly.”

    This Tiny ASX Stock Could Be the Next Afterpay

    One little-known Australian IPO has doubled in value since January, and renowned Australian Moonshot stock picker Anirban Mahanti sees a potential millionaire-maker in waiting…

    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.

    Doc and his team have published a detailed report on this tiny ASX stock. Find out how you can access what could be the NEXT Afterpay today!

    Returns as of 6th October 2020

    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.

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  • Why the Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (ASX:URW) share price is slumping today

    man looking down falling line chart, falling share price

    The Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (ASX: URW) share price is dropping today after the release of the company’s 2020 full-year results this morning before market open. Unibail shares are down 2.58% to $4.72 at the time of writing after closing at $4.84 yesterday afternoon. The company is now down almost 15% since 1 February.

    Let’s have a closer look at the company and today’s results.

    What does Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield do?

    Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is a real estate investment trust (REIT) formed after the demerger of the old Westfield Corporation. When this demerger occurred, Westfield split its assets between Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) and Unibail, with Scentre taking charge of the Australian and New Zealand Westfield shopping centres, and Unibail taking Westfield’s international centres.

    The company has fallen on hard times recently, hit by the double-whammy of COVID-19 and the associated lockdowns, as well as the rise of online retail. The company’s share price has fallen from around $14.70 5 years ago to today’s price of $4.66 a share.

    Unibail bombs out of US

    Unibail was hard-hit by the pandemic, which is reflected in the company’s numbers today. The company reported a 26% drop in net rental income from its centres to 1.79 billion euros for 2020. That’s down 28.1% from 2019’s 2.49 billion euros. Recurring net profit also slumped, down 40% to 1.06 billion euros from 2019’s 1.76 billion euros. In earnings per share (EPS) terms, recurring EPS fell from 12.72 euros in 2019 to 7.63 euros for 2020.

    Unibail’s total portfolio valuation also took a hit, dropping from 65.34 billion euros in 2019 to 56.32 billion euros in 2020.

    It’s worth noting that Unibail’s centres were shut for 93 days in 2020. There were only 70 days in the entire year when the centres were not subject to restrictions. Even today, the company reports that roughly half of its centres remain closed. Further, Unibail was forced to suspend rent collection for much of the year. Only 80% of that forfeited income has been repaid.

    But perhaps the big news from Unibail’s earnings is its downsizing program. Unibail has announced that it is largely leaving the entire United States market by the end of 2022. It plans to offload its US and other European assets for an estimated 4 billion euros. That will go towards paying off the company’s ~24 billion euros of debt. In this light, Unibail has also announced it will not be paying dividends until at least 2023.

    Looking forward

    Although these results may not be exactly what Unibail shareholders probably wanted to hear, the company was more optimistic about the future:

    Looking forward, the group sees good prospects for a solid recovery starting at some point in the second half of the year, as vaccination efforts achieve critical mass and restrictions get lifted. Government support means that consumer finances in the group’s markets remain robust and the group firmly believes that people will again seek out the mix of top brands and great experiences offered by URW’s Flagship destinations when they are able to.

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (ASX:URW) share price is slumping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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