Tag: Motley Fool

  • Here’s why the Origin Energy (ASX:ORG) share price is climbing today

    Energy shares higher

    The Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) share price is lifting today after the Aussie energy group’s latest quarterly report.

    What’s driving the Origin Energy share price?

    In Origin’s integrated gas segment, the company reported record quarterly production by Australia Pacific LNG for the period ended 31 December 2020 (Q4 2020). Australia Pacific LNG production climbed 6% from the September quarter due to heightened market demand and completion of planned maintenance.

    Commodity revenue jumped 6% during the quarter with higher volumes offsetting lower realised contracted LNG prices. Sales volumes increased 12% with Origin drawing down on LNG inventory.

    The Origin Energy share price has been under pressure in the last year, falling 41.7% lower to $4.86 per share. Despite that, shares in the Aussie generator and retailer or “gentailer” are climbing in early trade, up 0.41% at the time of writing.

    Origin reported a realised gas price of A$6.17 per gigajoule for the December quarter. That includes an average LNG price of US$5.20 per million British Thermal Units (mmbtu). Origin’s average domestic price came in at A$4.40 per gigajoule.

    Origin also provided an update on its Energy Markets segment for Q4 2020. Electricity volumes fell 4% lower compared to the December 2019 quarter. Retail volumes fell 5% due to milder weather and lower small business customer numbers with business volumes down 3% due to COVID-19 impacts.

    Gas sales volume rose 1% on Q4 2019 volumes with a 16% increase in the business segment offsetting a 6% decline in retail. Gas used in generation slumped 29% compared to Q4 2019 figures due to the coronavirus pandemic impact on demand.

    The Origin Energy share price is climbing higher on this morning’s update. That includes Origin tipping in an additional $65 million in Octopus Energy to maintain its 20% equity interest in the UK-based electricity and gas supplier.

    Octopus is launching into the Japanese market via partnership with Tokyo Gas, with Origin boosting its investment to maintain its ownership level.

    How is the market performing today?

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has jumped higher in early trade to pare back some of yesterday’s losses. The benchmark Aussie index closed down 2.0% yesterday in the worst session since September 2020.

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

    The post Here’s why the Origin Energy (ASX:ORG) share price is climbing today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

  • Why the Service Stream (ASX:SSM) share price is jumping 7% higher

    City skyline with building connected by graphic lines and the word 5G

    The Service Stream Limited (ASX: SSM) share price is pushing higher on Friday after the release of an announcement.

    At the time of writing, the essential network services provider’s shares are up 7% to $1.86.

    What did Service Stream announce?

    This morning Service Stream announced that it has secured a multi-year agreement with telco giant Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    According to the release, under Telstra’s new commercial framework, Service Stream will be a key delivery partner responsible for performing design, construction, and maintenance activities associated with its wireless and fixed-line infrastructure networks.

    This includes site acquisition, design, construction and upgrade services of wireless infrastructure and design, construction, and relocation of fixed-line network infrastructure.

    The release explains that the two parties have signed a five-year agreement, which comprises an initial period of three years and two one-year extension options. Those options are at Telstra’s discretion. The agreement is expected to transition in or around April 2021.

    What is the contract worth to Service Stream?

    Management advised that the agreement does not provide guaranteed volumes.

    However, it notes that the company has historically delivered approximately $70 million of wireless and $30 million in fixed-line infrastructure works per annum to Telstra under similar agreements. And this was with a larger pool of delivery partners historically operating across allocated regions.

    Service Stream’s Managing Director, Leigh Mackender, commented: “Service Stream is very pleased to be selected as one of Telstra’s strategic delivery partners under their new Field Optimisation Agreement, continuing to support our long-term relationship which has existed for more than 15 years.”

    “The business looks forward to partnering with Telstra and supporting both their wireless and fixed-line network programs, particularly at a time where demand for 5G wireless infrastructure is expected to increase,” he concluded.

    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 Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Service Stream Limited. 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 Service Stream (ASX:SSM) share price is jumping 7% higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

  • Here’s why the Pointerra (ASX:3DP) share price is storming higher

    beat the share market

    The Pointerra Ltd (ASX: 3DP) share price is storming higher on Friday morning.

    At the time of writing, the 3D geospatial data technology company’s shares are up 5% to 50 cents.

    Why is the Pointerra share price storming higher?

    Investors have been buying the company’s shares on Friday following the release of its quarterly update.

    According to the release, Pointerra’s strong growth continued during the second quarter and into the third. As of 29 January, the company’s Annual Contract Value (ACV) stood at US$6.88 million.

    This is an increase of US$1.06 million or 18% since its last update on 25 November. It is also up 262% since this time last year, albeit from a small base.

    Management advised that this was driven partly by new customers in the US energy utilities and the US and Australian mapping sectors.

    One of these new customers is Eversource Energy, a US$32 billion market capitalisation energy company servicing customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. It is working with Eversource to determine the scope and scale of deployment of Pointerra’s platform to support its storm response and network integrity operations.

    Management notes that, as part of its recent storm response efforts, Eversource has engaged Pointerra to provide an enterprise repository and analytics platform to extract actionable information from geospatial data allowing for better and informed decisions. This is expected to lead to faster response efforts and higher reliability for its customers.

    Eversource is currently paying US$150,000 per month for a four-month deployment. However, management expects to agree a material ongoing subscription with the energy company upon expiry.

    Also supporting its ACV growth was a further increase in demand from existing customers. Management notes that its existing customers were spending more thanks to a number of successful POC projects with utilities and their LiDAR and imagery capture mapping partners in the US.

    Balance sheet

    During the second quarter, Pointerra received $0.63 million in customer receipts.

    However, thanks to its modest operating costs, the company only posted a net operating cash outflow of $0.231 million. This left it with a cash balance of $4.52 million at the end of December.

    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

    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 Pointerra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointerra 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 the Pointerra (ASX:3DP) share price is storming higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

  • Why the Humm (ASX:HUM) share price is charging 7% higher today

    asx growth shares

    In morning trade on Friday, the Humm Group Ltd (ASX: HUM) share price is charging higher.

    At the time of writing, the financial services company’s shares are up 7% to $1.23.

    Why is the Humm share price charging higher?

    Investors have been buying Humm shares following the release of a first half trading update.

    According to the release, the company is expecting to report strong profit growth for the six months ending 31 December 2020.

    The release explains that the company’s unaudited first half cash net profit after tax came in at $43.4 million. This will be a 25.8% increase on the $34.5 million it reported in the prior corresponding period.

    Management advised that its cash profit growth has been driven largely by its continued focus on reducing underlying costs. It notes that its operating expenses for the half will be $87.2 million excluding loan impairment expense. This is down 11.1% from $98.1 million in the first half of FY 2020.

    In addition to this, its loan impairment expense has reduced by 35.3% to $25 million as a result of lower actual losses and strong recoveries. Management advised that this reflects the benefit of continued investment in developing a superior credit decision platform and adopting a customer-centric approach to managing hardships and collections during the pandemic.

    Also supporting its performance has been the success of its buy now pay later offering. The company now has a total of over 2.6 million customers, which is up 40.4% or 750,000 on the prior corresponding period.

    Outlook

    Management appears cautiously optimistic on the second half.

    It commented: “While hummgroup’s credit performance remains robust, the Company continues to take a prudent approach by monitoring the potential impact on arrears and losses from changes to government stimulus, and remains well provisioned for the future.”

    “In 2H21 hummgroup will be making new investments in marketing and people as it enters two international markets. As a result, the Company expects 2H21 Cash NPAT to be lower than 1H21,” it added.

    Interestingly, Humm hasn’t provided any details in relation to its recently announced potential joint venture with the beleaguered Douugh Limited (ASX: DOU). However, some shareholders may be hoping the company finds another way to expand into the US market given the controversy surrounding the former neobank.

    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 recommended Humm Group Limited. 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 Humm (ASX:HUM) share price is charging 7% higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/36ofFlL

  • McMillian (ASX:MMS) share price on watch today. Here’s why

    close up of man's eye looking through magnifying glass representing asx 200 share price on watch

    McMillan Shakespeare Limited (ASX: MMS) shares will be on watch today after the company announced a business update and preliminary result for its FY21 first-half trading period. At yesterday’s closing bell, the McMillian share price finished the day at $11.54.

    Why will the McMillian share price be in focus?

    It will be interesting to see where the McMillian share price heads today on the back of the company’s latest update.

    According to this morning’s release, McMillian advised it is continuing to experience tailwinds within the salary packaging, novated leasing, and fleet & asset management market.

    Despite the challenging operating environment from COVID-19, McMillian revealed that its business performance is rapidly recovering. In particular, novated lease sales are rebounding, remarketing values for used vehicles are seeing stronger returns, and its Plan Partners is on an upwards growth trajectory.

    As a result, the company anticipates that underlying net profit after tax for the FY21 first-half period will be $42.7 million. McMillian said this includes a $7.3 million payment from the Australian Government’s JobKeeper scheme.

    The company is scheduled to release its half-year results for the 2021 financial year on 24 February.

    Management commentary

    McMillian CEO and managing director Mr Mike Salisbury welcomed the favourable trading conditions, saying:

    We are pleased with the underlying performance of the business in the first half. Our investments in digital technologies and our ability to flex our operating model has delivered a stronger performance and is reflected in the ongoing positive feedback we have received from our customers.

    We have benefited from unusual trading conditions in the broader motor industry in the first half. These conditions are expected to normalise throughout the course of the second half of the 2021 financial year and as such, operating performance in the second half is expected to be similar to the first half, excluding the JobKeeper contribution.

    Review of the McMillian share price

    The McMillian share price has gone on a seesaw ride over the past 12 months. Its shares hit a 52-week high of $13.23 last February, before falling to a decade-low of $5.01 the month after.

    Since then, the McMillian share price has gradually moved higher with a few bumps along the road.

    In comparison to this time last year, McMillian shares are down 9.8%.

    Based on the current McMillian share price, the company commands a market capitalisation of around $893 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 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 McMillian (ASX:MMS) share price on watch today. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/39pPAEK

  • Why the NAB (ASX:NAB) share price is one to watch today

    asx 200 share takeover represented by man drawing illustration of big fish eating little fish

    The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price is on watch today as the bank pushes further into the growing neobank sector.

    Why is the NAB share price on watch today?

    This morning, NAB announced it has entered into a scheme implementation agreement to acquire 100% of 86 400 Holdings Ltd shares. That is the holding company of Aussie neobank 86 400, of which NAB currently owns an 18.3% stake.

    86 400’s growth has been impressive since being granted its authorised deposit-taking institution (ADI) licence in July 2019. As at 15 January this year, 86 400 had more than 85,000 customers and $375 million of deposits. The Aussie neobank has $270 million in approved residential mortgages and 2,500 accredited brokers.

    The NAB share price is one to watch following the announcement, which signals the company’s strategic push towards expanding its presence in the neobank sector. The big four bank currently owns UBank, another leading neobank with more than 600,000 customers.

    NAB announced UBank as a strategic priority in April 2020 as the company looks outside of its traditional banking products. NAB plans to accelerate UBank’s growth via this latest acquisition and potential synergies. That includes combining UBank’s customer base, brand and colleagues with 86 400’s experience and technology platform.

    NAB expects total transaction costs of approximately $220 million with 86 400’s independent directors voting unanimously in favour of the scheme.

    The 86 400 acquisition comes after fellow neobank Xinja handed back its banking license and returned money to its customers. Xinja was arguably a market leader but faced difficulties with bringing lending products to market while paying high rates to customers.

    What about other ASX bank shares?

    It’s not just the NAB share price that will be on watch today. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) also has a large interest in the Aussie neobank market via its digital banking arm, Up.

    Today’s announcement sees NAB pushing ahead with plans to take a stranglehold on the neobank market which means the Bendigo share price is worth keeping an eye on as well.

    Man who said buy Kogan shares at $3.63 says buy these 3 ASX stocks 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.*

    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

    More reading

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

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

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

  • Mastercard stock moves up on fourth-quarter earnings

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

    Man holding tablet sitting in front of TV

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

    Mastercard (NYSE: MA) was trading higher Thursday as the company posted earnings that beat analysts’ estimates in the fourth quarter.

    Net income was down about 15% in the quarter year over year to $1.8 billion, or $1.78 per share. Analysts anticipated a steeper decline in income, but consumer spending was higher than expected.

    Net revenue was down 7% in the quarter to $4.1 billion. Specifically, the drop was due to a sharp decrease in cross-border volume, which was down 29% from the previous year’s quarter. This is largely a result of the decline in travel spending during the pandemic.

    However, gross dollar volume, the total amount of purchases made with Mastercard-branded cards, was up 1% year over year. Also, switched transactions fees, which cover clearing and settlement, were up 4%. These two numbers were higher than expected.

    CEO Michael Miebach said: “During the quarter, we expanded key partnerships around the globe, and our acquisition of Finicity added to our Open Banking portfolio. We are encouraged by the availability of effective vaccines, and we remain focused on the innovations that will enrich the digital experience, strengthen security and trust, and enable choice through our multi-rail platform, all of which position us well for the future.” 

    For the full year 2020, Mastercard reported that net income was down 21% to $6.4 billion compared to 2019, while revenue was down 9% to $15.3 billion. Operating expenses were flat for the year, while the operating margin was down 4.4 basis points but was still a robust 52.8%.

    Despite the difficult environment, Mastercard stock returned 19% in 2020, beating the S&P 500. The credit card company should be in good position for a solid 2021 as the pandemic and recession recede.

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

    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

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

    The post Mastercard stock moves up on fourth-quarter earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3om67xS

  • GameStop trading ought to be halted for 30 days, one regulator says

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

    asx shares trading halt represented by business man stopping falling row of dominoes

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

    As the headline-making short squeeze of video game and electronics retailer GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME) continues, one government official is calling for a month-long halt to trading of the company’s shares. Barron’s reports that Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Galvin wants a 30-day trading suspension, remarking, “small and unsophisticated investors are probably going to get hurt by this.”

    Galvin says the New York Stock Exchange ought to “consider simply suspending it for a month and stop trading it,” and that there is “no rational basis for this run up.” He offers the opinion that GameStop’s current trading “needs some regulatory intervention” and an “example” needs to be made of GameStop to prevent similar occurrences.

    Conversely, Barron’s also says many small, individual investors have profited immensely from the trading, greatly changing their financial fortunes. CNBC reports more than 3 million people now use the WallStreetBets Reddit chat room, which discusses potential short squeezes, such as fashion retailer Express Inc. (NYSE: EXPR). Some say the squeeze enables regular people to profit from a system they claim the short sellers exploit by building up excessive short positions that artificially drive down share value.

    Galvin claims his 30-day trading halt would protect small investors out of their depth and hints that larger players could be covertly, even illegally, manipulating the situation for their advantage. Short positions were 140% to 144% of float before the current bull run, hinting that some of them might be “naked shorts” backed illegally by nonexistent shares. Galvin remarks the shorts appear “systemic” and some could be “nefarious,” and since “the little guys you describe are probably the ones most likely to get hurt” rather than the shorting hedge funds, his 30-day suspension proposal would protect small traders, not harm them.

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

    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

    Rhian Hunt 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 GameStop trading ought to be halted for 30 days, one regulator says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/36ohO0L

  • Almost ready to retire? I’d buy cheap dividend shares for a passive income

    top asx shares to buy in summer or to retire represented by piggy bank on sunny beach

    Cheap dividend shares could offer a relatively high passive income over the next few years. In some cases, they have high yields versus their historic averages because they have yet to recover from the 2020 stock market crash. And, with other mainstream assets such as cash and bonds offering low returns due to low interest rates, dividend stocks may offer an attractive means of funding retirement.

    Of course, they come with higher risks than other assets. As such, seeking to manage risks could be a prudent step in the long run.

    High passive income returns from dividend shares

    Dividend shares have been a popular means of obtaining a passive income in retirement for many years. They have generally offered a high return that has grown at a brisk pace. At the present time, some dividend stocks offer higher returns than their long-term averages. They may face challenging operating conditions that have the potential to improve as an economic recovery takes hold. This may allow them to deliver rising profits and higher dividends.

    Clearly, an improvement in their financial prospects is not guaranteed. Risks are high across the world economy at the present time and could even cause a fall in dividends for some companies and sectors. However, the past performance of the world economy suggests that a return to growth, and stronger operating conditions for many industries, could be ahead in the coming years.

    Relative income prospects

    At the same time as dividend shares offer a relatively high passive income opportunity, other mainstream assets appear to have much more limited scope to provide an income in retirement. For example, low interest rates have caused bond prices to rise so that their yields are extremely low in many cases. Similarly, cash savings accounts now often offer returns that are below inflation.

    As such, there may be fewer opportunities for investors to obtain a worthwhile income from their capital in retirement. This does not mean that dividend shares should be the sole means of obtaining an income, since diversification among asset classes could reduce risk. However, it could mean that the importance of dividend stocks has increased over recent years.

    Managing risk

    As well as diversifying among asset classes, holding a range of dividend shares can help to reduce risk and provide a more resilient passive income in retirement. This task has been made easier in recent years by lower share dealing charges that may make diversification more accessible to a wider range of investors.

    Although diversifying will not eliminate risk, it can reduce an investor’s reliance on a small number of businesses from which they obtain their income. Should one or more of them experience difficult operating conditions that cause their dividends to fall, it may have a smaller impact on a diverse portfolio than a concentrated set of holdings.

    These Dividend Stocks Could Be Your Next Cash Kings (FREE REPORT)

    Motley Fool Australia’s Dividend experts recently released a brand-new FREE report revealing 3 dividend stocks with JUICY franked dividends that could keep paying you meaty dividends for years to come.

    Our team of investors think these 3 dividend stocks should be a ‘must consider’ for any savvy dividend investor. But more importantly, could potentially make Australian investors a heap of passive income.

    Don’t miss out! Simply click the link below to grab your free copy and discover these 3 high conviction stocks now.

    Returns As of 6th October 2020

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Peter Stephens 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 Almost ready to retire? I’d buy cheap dividend shares for a passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3tg7wd4

  • Why the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price hit new highs last year

    jump in asx furniture retailer share price represented by lounge chair and ottoman flying in the air

    ASX online furniture retailer Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) was one of the surprising success stories to emerge from 2020. Nationwide lockdowns meant people were spending more time in their homes than possibly ever before – and a lot of them decided to spruce up their furniture or set up home offices. And with most retailers forced to close their stores, the only place for people to satisfy their craving for new furniture was online.

    This saw the Temple & Webster share price surge by more than 300% in 2020 and hit an all-time high of $14.05 in October last year.

    What drove the Temple & Webster share price?

    Temple & Webster had a breakout year in FY20. Revenues increased 74% year on year to $176.3 million, and active customers increased by 77% to almost 500,000. Net profit after tax jumped from under $4 million in FY19 to almost $14 million in FY20.

    The company also has a healthy balance sheet. Temple & Webster was cash flow positive in FY20 and ended the year with a little over $38 million in cash on its balance sheet and no debt. The company has also raised an additional $40 million through an institutional placement at the beginning of FY21.

    FY21 performance

    As with many companies operating in the current environment, Temple & Webster seems reticent to provide specific full year earnings targets for FY21. However, it has already started the year strongly, keeping up much of the business momentum built up over the second half of FY20.

    At the company’s October AGM, company CEO Mark Coulter gave a trading update for the period from 1 July 2020 to 19 October 2020. Year-to-date revenue was up 138% versus the same period in FY20, and first quarter earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) had come in at $8.6 million – already greater than EBITDA for all of FY20.

    However, some of the wind has gone out of the Temple & Webster share price more recently. After surging off its March 2020 low of just $1.52 to its all-time high of $14.05 by late October – a scarcely believable gain of over 800% in just 7 months – Temple & Webster shares have slid back down to $11.27 as at the time of writing.

    Other retailers cashing in on digital sales

    The Temple & Webster share price wasn’t the only ASX retail player to surge last year on the back of a spike in online shopping. Shares in Australian e-commerce company Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) soared to a new record high of $25.57 in October 2020.

    Plus-size women’s clothing company City Chic Collective Ltd (ASX: CCX) also set a new record high share price of $4.24 earlier this week. It also boosted its digital presence last year, and recently expanded into the United Kingdom market through acquisition of the e-commerce and wholesale assets of popular high street brand Evans.

    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

    Rhys Brock owns shares of Kogan.com ltd and Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group Ltd. 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 Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price hit new highs last year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2M6Xev8