Tag: Motley Fool

  • Why Afterpay, Genetic Signatures, Qube, & Serko shares are charging higher

    shares high

    In late morning trade the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week on a disappointing note. At the time of writing the benchmark index is down 0.9% to 5,819.5 points.

    Four shares that have not let that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are charging higher:

    The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price is up 3% to $82.92. Investors have been buying Afterpay and other ASX tech shares on Friday following a positive night of trade on Wall Street’s technology-focused Nasdaq index. This has helped drive the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) 1.5% higher at the time of writing.

    The Genetic Signatures Ltd (ASX: GSS) share price has jumped 12% higher to $1.91. This follows the release of the molecular diagnostics company’s first quarter sales update. According to the release, Genetic Signatures’ preliminary sales for the quarter ended 30 September 2020 are approximately $10.5 million. This is 50% higher than the previous quarter which ended 30 June 2020.

    The Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB) share price is up 2.5% to $2.63. Investors have been buying Qube’s shares after the release of an update on its Moorebank Logistics Park. According to the release, Qube is partnering with Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) on two new state-of-the-art facilities in the park. This partnership will see Woolworths become a major tenant at the site in a deal worth $1 billion.

    The Serko Ltd (ASX: SKO) share price has jumped almost 7% higher to $4.46. This follows the completion of its upsized institutional placement this morning. According to the release, Serko’s NZ$45 million placement was oversubscribed at NZ$4.55 per new share. This resulted in the company deciding to increase the size of the placement to NZ$47.5 million. The placement price is a small premium to its last close price.

    These 3 stocks could be the next big movers in 2020

    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

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    James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Serko Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Serko Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • 3 ASX trends to watch in budget week

    woman looking up as if watching asx trends

    The fall in oil price futures overnight has added to the range of issues setting the ASX trends for next week. In addition, the federal government will unveil its budget next week. Consequently, I expect several market forces to buffet the share market. These include changes to Australian government subsidies, relaxed responsible lending laws, uncertainty surrounding the United States and loosening COVID-19 restrictions.

    ASX trends in defence spending

    Much of the defence spending over the next decade has already been announced. However, it will highlight recent discussions with Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS), and Orbital Corporation Ltd. (ASX: OEC). Meanwhile, aside from domestic spending, purchases continue to roll in from overseas. Just yesterday, DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) announced an additional contract with one of the ‘Five Eyes’ nations.

    I think all of these companies are potential options to buy early next week. They are well priced and I believe the ASX trend of high global defence spending is going to be with us for a long time to come. 

    Formalised responsible lending changes

    The proposed changes to the responsible lending laws are likely to be a game changer for the nation in our battle against the economic impacts of COVID-19. This ASX trend is likely to impact the share price of companies in lending or building residential houses. On the development side, I expect to see a big impact to blue chip companies like Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP) and Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR).

    In the area of mortgages, I tend to shy away from the banks. These companies continue to face headwinds from loan defaults and regulator imposed constraints to dividend payout ratios. However, mortgage brokers like Mortgage Choice Limited (ASX: MOC) are likely to see increased interest from this ASX trend. So too non-bank lenders like Resimac Group Ltd (ASX: RMC).

    The opening borders

    Queensland opened its borders to New South Wales again yesterday, sparking a flurry of activities across the borders. Furthermore, today there is talk of re-admitting students, and opening flights to New Zealand. I think the obvious implications for the ASX surrounding this trend will be for travel and tourism shares. For example, companies like Alliance Aviation Services Ltd (ASX: AQZ), or Event Hospitality and Entertainment Ltd (ASX: EVT) are likely to see an immediate impact. 

    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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    Daryl Mather owns shares of DroneShield Ltd and Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited and Orbital Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why WAAAX shares like Afterpay (ASX:APT) and Xero (ASX:XRO) are surging

    Graphic illustration of buy now pay later technology overlaid on blurred photo of businessman on tablet

    WAAAX shares have rocketed higher in early trade. WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) and Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) shares are amongst the biggest gainers today.

    Here’s why our favourite ASX tech shares on the move despite the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) slumping at the open.

    Why WAAAX shares like Afterpay are surging

    I think the big factor was strong gains in offshore markets overnight. Wall Street ended the day higher despite volatility throughout the session. That was largely powered by tech-related stocks that rocketed higher.

    As tends to be the case, the WAAAX shares have followed suit. These ASX tech shares have started the day strongly – at the time of writing the WiseTech share price is up 4.1% with Xero (+1.5%) and Afterpay (+3.1%) not far behind.

    It looks like these Aussie tech shares will extend their gains after already being amongst the biggest winners in 2020.

    ASX tech shares were hit hard in the March bear market as investors feared an economic downturn that would wipe out potential growth. It’s almost proved to be the opposite, with tech shares shining while other areas of the economy have faltered.

    Is now a good time to buy?

    ASX tech shares are expensive on a relative value basis right now. Some, like Afterpay, are trading on astronomical price-to-sales ratios. Many are yet to even turn a profit which could worry value-based investors.

    However, there is still plenty to like about the WAAAX shares right now. Tech is one of those sectors that continues to operate given a strong reliance on online channels like cloud-based software or online retail.

    I’m not bullish on ASX tech shares but I’m not willing to bet against further gains in 2020. 

    These stocks could rocket in a Post-COVID world (FREE STOCK REPORT)

    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

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    Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Xero. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO and WiseTech Global. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why the Serko (ASX:SKO) share price is zooming higher today

    The Serko Ltd (ASX: SKO) share price has returned from its trading halt and is zooming higher on Friday.

    At the time of writing the travel and expense technology solution provider’s shares are up 6.5% to $4.44.

    Why is the Serko share price zooming higher?

    Investors have been buying Serko’s shares today after it announced the successful completion of an upsized institutional placement.

    According to the release, Serko’s NZ$45 million placement was oversubscribed at NZ$4.55 per new share. This resulted in the company deciding to increase the size of the placement to NZ$47.5 million.

    Interestingly, demand was so strong for the placement that Serko was able to command a premium for the shares. The placement price of NZ$4.55 was actually a 0.9% premium to its last close price of NZ$4.51.

    The company will now push ahead with its share purchase plan, which is aiming to raise an additional NZ$10 million from retail investors.

    Why is Serko raising funds?

    Serko is raising the funds to to accelerate the development and rollout of its technology to support its Travel Management Company and reseller partners. The funds will also be used to progressively scale up and bring the power of Zeno to the global market.

    Serko’s CEO, Darrin Grafton, commented: “In recent months, we have received inbound demand from these organisations as they consider, plan and request accelerated timetables to onboard new customers, deliver new features and expand existing partnerships. This demand has exceeded our expectations and is highlighting increased opportunities from a changing travel industry.”

    “Serko’s priority is to ensure it has the resource and capacity to execute on its strategic priorities, positioning the company for growth when business travel normalises and to capitalise on opportunities arising from changes to the travel industry,” he added.

    These stocks could rocket in a Post-COVID world (FREE STOCK REPORT)

    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

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    James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Serko Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Serko Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post Why the Serko (ASX:SKO) share price is zooming higher today appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) share price tumbles 32% lower on update

    mesoblast share price falling represented by cartoon of little business men falling off broken graph arrow

    It has been a disappointing day for Mesoblast Limited (ASX: MSB) shareholders as they flee for the hills. Before the opening bell, Mesoblast announced it had received an update from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its remestemcel-L product. At the time of writing, the Mesoblast share price is down an astonishing 32.49% to $3.45. At one point, the Mesoblast share price reached as low as $2.81.

    Let’s take a look at Mesoblast and find out what happened.

    What is remestemcel-L?

    Mesoblast’s lead drug candidate, remestemcel-L, is a cellular therapy product that consists of cultured, cryopreserved mesenchymal stem cells derived from the bone marrow of healthy donors.

    Remestemcel-L is being developed to treat steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease (SR-aGVHD). However, Mesoblast has been also experimenting with remestemcel-L to treat patients infected with COVID-19.

    FDA response letter

    The Mesoblast share price fell of a cliff this morning after the company provided an update on the progress of its remestemcel-L drug with the FDA. Mesoblast advised that it had received a complete response letter to its Biologics Licence Application. Despite, the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) voting in favour of the efficacy of remestemcel-L in September, the FDA has recommended an additional randomised controlled study.

    Mesoblast noted that there is no approved treatment for pediatric SR-aGVHD. The company said it will urgently request a Type A meeting with the FDA to discuss the potential accelerated approval, pending the success of its additional study.

    It is expected that this will be completed within 30 days.

    Management said it remained upbeat on remestemcel-L. Professor Joanne Kurtzberg, Director of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Duke University Medical Centre commented, “The Phase 3 trial results showed that remestemcel-L provides a meaningful treatment for children with SR-aGVHD who have a very dismal prognosis. I look forward to having this much-needed therapy available to our patients.”

    In addition, Mesoblast CEO, Dr Silviu Itescu, stated, “We are working tirelessly to bring remestemcel-L to patients with life threatening inflammatory conditions, including SR-aGVHD and COVID-19 ARDS.”

    Current phase III trial

    Mesoblast is currently conducting a phase III trial which is further evaluating the effectiveness of its flagship remestemcel-L drug. The control study involves 300 ventilator-dependent adults with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by COVID-19.

    A second interim analysis by the trial’s independent Data Safety Monitoring Board is due in early November. Completion of patient enrolment will conclude in the month of December.

    Is the Mesoblast share price a buy?

    I think that while Mesoblast has strong potential to commercialise its remestemcel-L drug, there are still many hurdles to overcome. Personally, I will be staying away from the Mesoblast share price for now, even after today’s fall. I believe there is still too much risk associated with the FDA not approving remestemcel-L.

    I also think there are much safer opportunities on the market to invest in.

    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. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why the Domain (ASX:DHG) share price is hot property today

    online real estate shares

    The Domain Holdings Australia Ltd (ASX: DHG) share price has jumped 1.3% higher in early trade. It follows a strong last 6 months for the Aussie online classifieds business, which has seen its shares climb 90.6% higher.

    Why the Domain share price is hot property

    I think it pays to rewind a little bit to the March bear market. The coronavirus pandemic was taking hold and there were many experts predicting a doomsday scenario.

    That saw many ASX shares plummet lower and the Domain share price was no exception. It’s not hard to follow the reasoning: A pandemic shuts down the economy, causes mass unemployment and sees a potentially overvalued share market crash.

    That’s not good news for an online classifieds business like Domain. On top of that, many homeowners were fearful of selling with such uncertainty. That would mean fewer listings, driving down advertising revenues for the site.

    However, the last 6 months have been pretty good for shareholders. The Domain share price has surged higher and house prices have been largely resilient.

    In fact, there’s potentially a regional housing boom on the cards thanks to a shift in working arrangements. That would be good news for Domain and could propel its valuation even higher.

    Investors continue to want to buy Domain shares in the current market. I think as long as economic and housing data remains positive, that will continue to be the case.

    The group now has a $2.2 billion market capitalisation with a 1.6% dividend yield. Those are some handy numbers given the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 13.1% for the year.

    Is now a good time to buy?

    No one knows what the future holds. However, plenty of people have left money on the table by waiting for a crash compared to those that invested and rode the ups and downs. 

    The Domain share price is now up 3.8% for the year. I think positive momentum and favourable property laws in Australia may continue that trajectory into early 2021.

    Of course, things can change quickly, particularly in a global pandemic. But there are enough positive glimpses from Domain to make it a solid buy if you believe property will hold its value next year and beyond.

    These stocks could rocket in a Post-COVID world (FREE STOCK REPORT)

    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

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    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. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • ASX shares to buy, watch or sell today

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

    It has been a pretty volatile week for ASX shares, and I think this is likely to continue for a while. Between the United States election, fears over US stimulus payments and the changes in Australian subsidies, it is clear that we continue to live in an age of uncertainty. Based on the current economic situation, here is a range of ASX shares that I believe should be on your buy, watch or sell lists. 

    ASX shares to BUY

    Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN) recently signed a binding term sheet to enter into negotiations with Lottery West to sell its tickets online for up to ten years. The company also renewed its deal with Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH) which now stretches to 2030. Jumbo already has a slew of charity lottery sellers as clients, and has started to tackle the US market.

    This company is reasonably priced considering the size of its addressable market. For me, Jumbo is a buy today.

    Mortgage Choice Limited (ASX: MOC) is an ASX share that has recently come alive. With the recent changes to the responsible lending laws, this company is likely to see an increase in top line revenues. At its current price, the company has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 15.3 and a trailing 12 month dividend yield of 5.7%. I think this share is a buy today because of the near-future housing situation.

    ASX shares to WATCH

    Boral Limited (ASX: BLD) stands out to me as the best potential turnaround story on the ASX right now. As a collection of businesses that sell building materials, this company should be pretty straightforward. Yet, it has performed poorly for years. There is, however, now a new CEO in place. Moreover, the company is renewing the board with two additional non-executive directors and two nominees from Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SVW).

    Boral is committed to renewal across the board and there are already signs of US private equity players who have an interest in purchasing Boral’s US assets. I am keeping an eye on news relating to Boral and any signs of increased sales or productivity. I think this could become an opportunity. 

    ASX shares to SELL

    If you had Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL), or Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) before the March share market rout, then I believe it’s time to sell down your position. The changes in the LNG price are structural and long term, I believe. These are related to market oversupply, PetroChina exercising its price making clout, and reduced demand. I do believe these share prices will rise again over time. However, I find it hard to believe they will rise back to their pre-COVID-19 positions. 

    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

    Daryl Mather has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Jumbo Interactive Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Jumbo Interactive Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Leading broker reiterates buy rating on Aristocrat Leisure (ASX:ALL) shares

    The Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) share price is trading lower with the market on Friday morning.

    At the time of writing, the gaming technology company’s shares are down 1.5% to $30.12.

    Is this a buying opportunity?

    While Aristocrat Leisure shares certainly aren’t the bargain buy they were just a few months ago, I still see a lot of value in them at the current level.

    Based on today’s share price, I estimate that they are changing hands at approximately 23x FY 2021 earnings.

    I think this is good value for a company which has the potential to grow its earnings at an above-average rate over the 2020s. This is thanks to its growing digital business and its industry-leading poker machines.

    Goldman Sachs reiterates its buy rating.

    I’m not the only one that is positive on Aristocrat Leisure.

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs this morning, the broker has reiterated its buy rating and lifted the price target on its shares to $32.77.

    This price target implies potential upside of almost 9% for its shares over the next 12 months excluding dividends. This increases to over 10% including them.

    Why is Goldman bullish on Aristocrat Leisure?

    On Thursday the company held an investor round table event which Goldman Sachs went to.

    And while there was limited quantitative disclosure provided, the broker ”walked away incrementally positive, with management clearly very much focused on investing for long term growth.”

    Some of the key takeaways from the event included gaming ops trends across North America remaining solid, digital trends remain sound (albeit slowing off peaks in May), management continues to focus on D&D investment spend for longer term growth, and its balance sheet and liquidity remains robust. The latter leaves the company well-placed for either organic or M&A opportunities.

    It concluded: “With our revised TP [target price] implying >10% TSR [total shareholder return], we remain Buy on ALL and note i) valuation support, with the stock trading on a 24mf PER of c.18X, below its 19X 10Y avg, ii) Balance sheet strength, (iii) intent to continue investing for long term growth, and iv) its exposure to digital tailwinds.”

    These 3 stocks could be the next big movers in 2020

    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 James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Qube (ASX:QUB) share price jumps as Woolworths logistics park gets backing

    Goldfish leaps from small fishbowl to larger bowl

    The Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB) share price has jumped 1.95% higher in early trade after providing an update on its Moorebank Logistics Park (MLP).

    What is the Moorebank Logistics Park?

    The Moorebank Logistics Park or ‘MLP’ is a 243-hectare development in South Western Sydney. Once complete, the development is Australia’s largest freight infrastructure project spearheaded by Qube.

    Qube is partnering with Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) on two new state-of-the-art facilities in the MPL. Woolworths is set to become a major tenant at the site in a deal worth $1 billion as the conglomerate pushes towards more automation.

    Why is the Qube share price moving today?

    The Qube share price has climbed higher in early trade following its latest update on monetising the MLP.

    This follows an earlier announcement from Qube around unlocking some value from the high-quality assets. The MLP monetisation has now progressed into a period of exclusivity with Asia-Pacific logistics specialist, LOGOS Property Group.

    The transaction is currently a non-binding indicative proposal from LOGOS, which has A$13.8 billion in assets under management.

    Qube and LOGOS have now commenced “significant work” needed to agree and document the level of ownership and assets subject to monetisation.

    Qube has said it will only proceed if it is able to realise appropriate value from its MLP investment in support of its strategic objectives and growth of the high-quality asset.

    That has been enough for shareholders to buy the logistics share as the Qube share price has climbed nearly 2% higher this morning.

    How have Qube shares performed this year?

    The Qube share price closed at $2.56 per share yesterday, down 21.2% in 2020. That means the ASX logistics share has underperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) this year.

    That’s despite a boom in online retail and growing demand for warehousing and logistics services. Logistics have been disrupted by the border closures and trade disputes triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. 

    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 owns shares of Woolworths Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Breville (ASX:BRG) share price higher on US$60m Baratza acquisition

    Happy

    The Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) share price could end the week on a high on Friday.

    In morning trade the appliance manufacturer’s shares are up slightly to $29.95.

    Why is the Breville share price pushing higher?

    The catalyst for this gain has been the announcement of an acquisition by Breville this morning.

    According to the release, Breville has completed the acquisition of Seattle-based coffee grinding company, Baratza.

    Breville has acquired 100% of Baratza on a cash and debt free basis for a total consideration of approximately US$60 million. Approximately US$43 million of this consideration was paid in cash, with US$17 million being paid through the issue of 884,956 shares.

    Those shares were priced at the 20-day volume weighted average price of Breville shares up to 1 October. They are subject to a three-year trading lock.

    What is Baratza?

    Established in 1999, Baratza is a designer and marketer of premium coffee grinders for North American and international markets.

    Management believes the acquisition will be complementary to Breville’s existing premium coffee business. It notes that it brings together two of the world’s leading companies in the design and global distribution of coffee products.

    Breville CEO, Jim Clayton, commented: “We are excited by the opportunity to bring Baratza into the Breville family. Our combined experience will unlock dynamic revenue synergies for both businesses, that share a passion for innovation and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the consumer experience.”

    This sentiment was echoed by Baratza’s CEO and Co-Founder, Kyra Kennedy.

    Kennedy said: “As a business renowned for its excellence in leading-edge design and customer service, it is vital to us that we maintain our unique culture and global brand. In Breville Group, we are confident we have found a partner with shared values and deep category expertise, whose vision for the future complements our own.”

    No details were provided in respect to Baratza’s earnings or sales, nor whether it will be accretive to Breville’s earnings in FY 2021.

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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. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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