Each state has a different school holiday period, with NSW, Queensland, and Victoria among the states commencing holidays today.

Tasmania has the latest school holiday schedule this Easter season. The school break in our smallest state runs from 18 April to 3 May.

So, here's a list of all the ASX shares due to go ex-dividend over the coming weeks through to 3 May.

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share prior to its ex-dividend date.

Ex-dividend dates give ASX investors two opportunities.

Either buy before the date to receive the dividend, or wait until ex-dividend day, when the share price will likely drop, to buy then.

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates this month

The post 21 ASX shares going ex-dividend over the school holidays appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here's why they are rising:

Clover Corporation Ltd (ASX: CLV)

The Clover Corporation share price is up 18% to 42 cents. Investors have been buying the specialist ingredients company's shares following the release of its half year results. Clover reported a 38% increase in revenue to $37.6 million and a net profit after tax of $2.4 million. Clover's CEO, Peter Davey, said: "We delivered a strong first half, with revenue rising 38% to $37.6 million, driven by our product and market diversification strategy and improved market conditions." An interim dividend of 0.75 cents per share.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The DroneShield share price is up 10% to $1.15. This is despite there being no news out of counter drone technology company. However, it is worth highlighting that the company's shares have been on fire in recent weeks despite the market selloff. So much so, DroneShield's shares are up a whopping 80% since this time last month.

Imugene Ltd (ASX: IMU)

The Imugene share price is up 6% to 3.7 cents. The catalyst for this has been the clinical-stage immuno-oncology company announcing that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track Designation to its allogeneic CAR T-cell therapy, azer-cel (azercabtagene zapreleucel). This is for the treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Imugene CEO, Leslie Chong, said: "Receiving FDA Fast Track Designation is a testament to the transformative potential of azer-cel for patients battling relapsed or refractory DLBCL. We are committed to working closely with the FDA to bring this important therapy to patients as efficiently as possible."

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

The New Hope share price is up a further 3% to $4.16. Investors have been buying this coal miner's shares this week after it released its half year results. Morgans was pleased with the results. In response, it has put an add rating and $4.90 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of almost 18% for investors from current levels. In addition, the broker is forecasting a fully franked 37 cents per share dividend in FY 2025. Based on its current share price, this equates to a sizeable 8.9% dividend yield, which lifts the total potential return to over 26%.

The post Why Clover, DroneShield, Imugene, and New Hope shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The soaring stock in question is Clover Corp Ltd (ASX: CLV).

Shares in the nutritional ingredients company closed yesterday trading for 35.5 cents. In morning trade on Wednesday, shares just rocketed to 45.0 cents apiece, up 26.8%. Following some likely profit-taking, shares are currently changing hands for 42.0 cents each, up 18.4%.

For some context, the All Ords, down 0.6% in earlier trade, is down 0.1% at the time of writing.

Here's what's spurring investor interest in the ASX share.

ASX share leaps on surging revenue

Investors are bidding up the Clover share price today following the release of the company's half-year results for the six months ending 31 January (H1 FY 2025).

The ASX share reported a 38% year-on-year increase in revenue for the six months to $37.6 million.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $4.3 million was up from $300,000 in H1 FY 2024.

And with an improved customer/product mix and manufacturing performance, gross margins improved by 2.70%. This helped deliver a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $2.4 million, up from a net loss of $600,000 in H1 FY 2024.

As at 31 January, the ASX share held $15.4 million in cash.

Based on that strong cash position, Clover's directors declared a fully franked interim dividend of 0.75 cents per share. That's up from last year's interim dividend of 0.08 cents per share.

What did management say?

Commenting on the results sending the ASX share soaring today, Clover Corporation CEO Peter Davey said:

Strategic initiatives in product mix optimisation and manufacturing efficiencies contributed to an improvement in gross margins and EBITDA, which grew to $4.3 million. Our commitment to innovation, including non-allergenic and plant-based powders, continues to drive growth by providing new solutions for customers.

Davey credited improving business in Clover's European and Australian & New Zealand markets as helping overcome headwinds in its infant formula sales.

According to Davey:

Despite a subdued global infant formula market, we have seen a recovery of business across Europe and ANZ and are benefiting from an uplift in online sales and strengthening demand from our western manufacturing customer's.

Additionally, our expansion into DHA applications across pet food, nutraceuticals, sports nutrition, and adult nutrition is creating new revenue streams, while our investment in fish oil sourcing will help secure critical raw materials in a constrained market.

As for what's ahead for the ASX share, Davey said, "Operationally, we continue to drive efficiencies, with improvements at Melody Dairies supporting a lower cost of manufacture."

He added, "The integration of our Ecuador facility will deliver strategic and margin benefits, with crude oil deliveries having commenced in November 2024."

The post Why this little-known ASX share just rocketed 27% in today's struggling market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For example, much to the dismay of their shareholders, the three ASX shares listed below have just hit 52-week lows. Here's what is happening:

Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ)

The Air New Zealand share price hit a 52-week low of 55 cents before rebounding. This latest decline means that the airline operator's shares are now down 21% over the last 12 months.

Last month, Air New Zealand released its half-year results and reported a 13% increase in operating revenue to NZ$3,474 million but a disappointing 39% decline in net profit after tax to NZ$129 million. However, it is worth noting that in the prior corresponding period the company recorded one of its highest-ever results thanks to the rapid return of air travel as New Zealand's borders reopened.

Clover Corporation Ltd (ASX: CLV)

The Clover share price tumbled to a 52-week low of 52 cents today. The ingredients company's shares have now lost 55% of their value over the last 12 months.

Earlier this week, Clover released its half year results and reported a 39% decline in sales to $27.3 million and a loss after tax of $0.6 million. This poor result was caused by ongoing challenges in its infant formula segment. The company advised:

A combination of factors, including declining global birth rates, a shift in Chinese manufacturing preferences towards Algae DHA over fish DHA, and intensified competition in a shrinking market, has led to continued sluggish demand for infant formula products.

Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE)

The Lake Resources share price dropped to a 52-week low of 6.6 cents today. This decline means that the lithium developer's shares are now down a whopping 87% since this time last year.

Investors have been rushing to the exits since the release of the scoping study for the Kachi lithium project last year. That study relies heavily on lithium price assumptions that are materially higher than current levels.

Whereas if you use realistic lithium price assumptions, the project looks unlikely to offer a return that is sufficient (if any) to justify its construction. Particularly given that its initial capital expenditure for phase one is estimated to be US$1.38 billion. This compares to the ASX lithium share's market capitalisation of $105 million.

The post 3 ASX shares sinking to 52-week lows today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here's why they are pushing higher:

Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN)

The Bannerman Energy share price is up over 2% to $2.82. Investors have been buying Bannerman Energy's shares this week after uranium prices climbed to a decade-high. Bannerman's flagship asset is the advanced Etango Uranium Project located in the Erongo Region of Namibia.

Clover Corporation Ltd (ASX: CLV)

The Clover share price is up 1.5% to $1.10. This morning, this ingredients company released its FY 2023 results and reported a 13% increase in sales revenue to $79.9 million. Things weren't quite as positive for its profits, which fell 13% to $6.2 million. Nevertheless, the market appears more focused on its top-line growth.

Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV)

The Polynovo share price is up over 6% to $1.34. This medical device company's shares have been rising since the release of a trading update on Monday. Polynovo reported a 118.7% increase in total revenue to $7.7 million in August. This means revenue is now up 92.7% financial year to date to $14.9 million.

Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is up over 10% to $78.74. This morning, this health imaging technology company announced a massive $140 million contract win. The 10-year contract is with Baylor Scott & White Health, which is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas and one of the largest in the United States.

The post Why Bannerman, Clover, Polynovo, and Pro Medicus shares are pushing higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

When a company trades ex-dividend for an upcoming shareholder payment, we normally see a dip in said company's share price. That's because when a company goes ex-dividend, new investors are ineligible to receive the upcoming dividend in question. As such, the shares become notionally less valuable.

So let's discuss five ASX All Ords shares that will experience this phenomenon this week.

5 ASX All Ords shares going ex-dividend this week

Ridley Corporation Ltd (ASX: RIC)

All Ords agricultural share Ridley Corporation is first up for discussion. This company declared an interim dividend of 4 cents per share, fully franked, back in February. Investors will see this payment arrive in their bank accounts on 24 April later this month. But eligibility for new investors will be shut off when Ridley shares trade ex-dividend tomorrow, 5 April.

Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV)

All Ords nutritional ingredients company Clover Corporation is next up for examination. Clover also has an upcoming dividend in store for investors. The 2023 interim dividend of 0.75 cents per share, fully franked, is coming investors' way on 27 April this month.

But again, investors will need to be quick if they wish to secure it. That's because Clover's ex-dividend date is also set for tomorrow, 5 April.

Imdex Limited (ASX: IMD)

Imdex is another All Ords share that will go 'ex-div' this week. In this mining services company's case, investors can expect to see Imdex's upcoming interim dividend arrive on 20 April. It will be a payment worth 1.5 cents per share, fully franked. But Imdex is another ASX All Ords share that will trade ex-dividend tomorrow, so time is running out for this one as well.

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

All Ords provider of off-road equipment and accessories, ARB Corp, is our next share worth checking out. ARB declared an interim dividend of 32 cents per share, fully franked, back in February. Investors will bag this dividend payment later this month on 21 April. But once more, tomorrow is the ex-dividend day for ARB.

Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW)

All Ords stalwart and construction materials company Brickworks is our final cab off the rank this Tuesday. Last month, Brickworks delighted investors with its announcement that this year's interim dividend would be the highest the company has ever paid out at 23 cents per share, fully franked.

Unlike the other shares we've discussed today, Brickworks' ex-dividend date for this payment has been set for 6 April (this Thursday). Payment will then arrive in investors' mailboxes on 2 May next month.

The post 5 ASX All Ords shares trading ex-dividend this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is storming 1.9% higher while New Hope shares are up 2% at the time of writing.

This is despite New Hope shares having turned ex-dividend today. In other words, New Hope shares are no longer trading with rights to the ASX 200 coal miner's recently-declared monster dividend of 56 cents per share.

While New Hope has already called time on its latest dividends, three more ASX All Ords shares are going ex-dividend over the coming days. Let's check them out.

Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV)

First up is food technology company Clover, which will be turning ex-dividend tomorrow. This means that today is the final day to secure the company's latest fully franked final dividend of 1 cent per share, which will be paid on 22 November.

Clover's operations are underpinned by its microencapsulation technology, which enables nutritional oils such as tuna, fish, and fungal oils to be added to infant formula, foods, and beverages.

Clover handed in its FY22 results in September, headlined by 17% sales growth as net sales revenue came in at $71 million.

Momentum accelerated in the second half as international borders opened and order volumes from key infant milk manufacturers lifted. 

Despite operational challenges, the company grew its net profit after tax (NPAT) by 19% to $7 million. 

This helped the ASX All Ords share to hike its annual dividend payout to 1.5 cents, fully franked, putting Clover shares on a trailing dividend yield of 1.2%. Including franking credits, this yield bumps up to 1.7%.

McMillan Shakespeare Limited (ASX: MMS)

The next cab off the rank is salary packaging and novated leasing company McMillan Shakespeare. Its shares will turn ex-dividend on Wednesday, trading without claims to the company's fully franked final dividend of 74 cents.

By the closing bell tomorrow, investors on McMillan's share register can lock in a payment date of 10 November.

McMillan released its FY22 results back in August, delivering normalised revenue of $594 million, up 9% from the prior year.

The company noted that its customer focus drove business momentum across the year amid ongoing disruptions to the automotive supply chain.

Despite these challenges, the ASX All Ords share achieved statutory NPAT of $70 million, a 15% increase compared to FY21.

Across the financial year, McMillan declared total dividends of $1.08 per share, fully franked, up 76% from the dividends seen in the prior year. Given that profit only grew by 15%, this was largely due to a major lift in the company's dividend payout ratio from 66% in FY21 to 100% in FY22. 

Based on current prices, McMillan Shakespeare shares are flashing an eye-catching trailing dividend yield of 8.0%. With the benefit of franking credits, this yield grosses up to 11.4%.

Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ)

Last but certainly not least, Bank of Queensland is the highest-profile name going ex-dividend this week.

As of Thursday, Bank of Queensland shares will no longer be trading with entitlements to the company's fully franked final dividend of 24 cents per share. 

The bank has a dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) available, offering a 1.5% discount for shareholders who opt in. Those preferring to receive their dividends in cash should see the payment come through on 17 November.

The ASX 200 bank announced its FY22 results earlier this month. The bank's net interest income decreased slightly by 1% to $1.5 billion, driven by a reduction in its net interest margin (NIM) which dropped by 12 basis points to 1.74%.

In comparison, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) reported a group NIM of 1.90% in FY22.

On the bottom line, Bank of Queensland reported statutory NPAT of $426 million, up 15% from the prior year. This helped the bank to raise its annual dividends by 18% to 46 cents per share, fully franked.

As a result, Bank of Queensland shares are currently trading on a sizeable trailing dividend yield of 6.1%, which grosses up to 8.6%.

The post Here are 3 ASX All Ords shares turning ex-dividend this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are storming higher:

Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV)

The Clover share price is up almost 8% to $1.26. This follows the release of a bullish broker note out of UBS relating to the specialist ingredients company. According to the note, the broker has responded to Clover's FY 2022 results by upgrading its shares to a buy rating with a $1.35 price target. It sees opportunities for the company to grow in China and through increasing omega-3 demand.

Select Harvests Limited (ASX: SHV)

The Select Harvests share price is up 13% to $5.56. Investors have been buying this almond producer's shares following the release of a market update. Although that update revealed a softer than expected crop in 2022, it was still up year over year. Furthermore, it expects a price per pound which is better than forecast. Management also spoke about favourable market conditions and its expectation for higher crop volumes in 2023.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

The Whitehaven Coal share price is up 5% to $8.89. A number of coal miners are charging higher today amid another rise in coal prices overnight. In addition, this morning the team at Morgan Stanley retained its overweight rating and lifted its price target on the company's shares to a sizeable $11.20.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price is up almost 4% to $33.58. This follows a decent rise in oil prices overnight amid supply concerns. In addition, the release of a bullish broker note out of Citi has caught the eye of investors. In respect to the latter, this morning the broker upgraded Woodside's shares to a buy rating with a $36.50 price target.

The post Why Clover, Select Harvests, Whitehaven Coal, and Woodside shares are storming higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the All Ords index has slipped 2.6% to 7,065 points. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is mirroring this fall, also sliding 2.6% to 6,825 points.

But amongst the sea of red, some ASX All Ords shares are shining brightly. Let's take a look.

Peter Warren Automotive Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWR)

The Peter Warren share price is racing higher today after the car dealership company revealed it has a new major shareholder.

At the time of writing, Peter Warren shares have zoomed 13.9% higher to $2.87.

According to an initial substantial holder notice, SMA Motors splashed $50 million yesterday to pick up a 9% stake in PWR.

In a separate notice, the seller is revealed to be Quadrant Private Equity, offloading 15.7 million PWR shares off-market to SMA at an average price of roughly $3.19 per share. 

This represents a sizeable 26% premium to PWR's closing price yesterday of $2.52.

As my Fool colleague James reported this morning, SMA Motors is the name behind Suttons Motors, one of Sydney's largest car dealership groups.

Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV)

Food technology business Clover is also defying the market sell-off today, surging 11.1% at the time of writing to $1.10.

The ASX All Ords share handed in its FY22 results this morning, reporting double-digit sales and profit growth.

Clover delivered net revenue of $70.7 million, up 17% from the prior year and at the top end of guidance.

In the second half of the year, sales rebounded across all of Clover's regions as key infant formula manufacturer order volumes lifted and international borders opened.

However, Clover hasn't been spared from rising inflation. It experienced pressure on milk proteins, freight costs, and other ingredients throughout the year, which impacted margins.

On the bottom line, the company reported a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $7.1 million, growing 19% from FY21.

Clover also doubled its final dividend to 1 cent per share, fully franked. This puts Clover shares on a trailing dividend yield of 1.4%.

Avita Medical Inc (ASX: AVH) 

Last but not least, regenerative medicine company Avita is staging a comeback today. 

The Avita share price was crunched when the company released its FY22 results in mid-August.

But its fortunes have turned today as Avita shares are currently printing a 3.9% gain to sit at $2.

The ASX All Ords share hasn't come out with any news today. But yesterday, it announced positive topline trial results.

These results relate to a pivotal, randomised, controlled trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of Avita's Recell System for the repigmentation of stable vitiligo lesions.

Results showed that 56% of Recell treatments led to repigmentation of more than 50% of the treated area. The control group managed only 12% using the typical first-line treatment for vitiligo.

Meanwhile, 36% of Recell treatments resulted in repigmentation of at least 80% of the treated area compared to 0% for the control treatment.

The post 3 ASX All Ordinaries shares defying today's rout to surge higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

So here are 5 ASX dividend shares that are scheduled to trade ex-dividend this week.

5 ASX dividend shares going ex-dividend this week

Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV)

Nutrition company Clover is going ex-dividend this week. Today, as it turns out. Clover is set to pay out its final half a cent-per-share dividend, fully franked, on 16 November. At the last Clover Corp share price of $1.58, this company has a dividend yield of 0.63%.

New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC)

Coal miner New Hope is also scheduled to trade ex-div today. New Hope will be sending a final dividend payment of 7 cents per share, also fully franked, on 9 November. At New Hope's last share price of $2.35, this miner has a dividend yield of 4.68%.

Jupiter Mines Ltd (ASX: JMS)

Iron ore miner Jupiter is next up, also trading ex-dividend this Monday. Jupiter Mines will be lining investors' pockets with its interim dividend of half a cent per share, unfranked, on 9 November. At this company's last share price of 24 cents, Jupiter Mines has a meaty dividend yield of 10%.

Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ)

This ASX bank is next up on this week's ex-dividend list. This bank might not be a member of the famous big four, but will still treat investors to a fully-franked final dividend of 22 cents per share on 18 November after it goes ex-div on Thursday. At Bank of Queensland's latest pricing, the bank has a dividend yield of 4.29%.

Autosports Group Ltd (ASX: ASG)

Our final ASX share on this list going ex-dividend this week is the car dealership company Autosports. Autosports is going ex-dividend on Friday this week. It will be doling out its final dividend on 15 November, which will be worth 7 cents per share, fully franked. At Autosports' last share price, this company has a dividend yield of 3.8%.

The post Here are 5 ASX shares trading ex-dividend this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the specialist ingredients company's shares are down 7.5% to $1.34.

Clover share price sinks on major profit slide

• Sales revenue fell 31.4% to $60.5 million
• Net profit after tax down 52% to $6 million
• Dividend of 0.5 cents per share declared
• No guidance given due to uncertainty

What happened in FY 2021?

For the 12 months ended 31 July, Clover was impacted by challenging trading conditions, leading to sharp declines in sales and profits.

The company notes that many of its traditional infant formula customers have found market conditions and the China market difficult to navigate. This is due to their access to market via the Daigou channel, which relies heavily on Chinese students and tourists, reducing dramatically through COVID-19 conditions.

One positive was that Clover has added new customers during the year, which has filled some of the gap. However, many of these customers are introducing new products that will take time to get established.

Furthermore, the company notes that it has a strong pipeline of new projects. However, once again, this won't be a quick fix. It highlights that these projects have been delayed due to most customers having their workforce at home, making new product development slow.

What about FY 2022?

Due to the uncertain operating environment, no guidance has been given for the year ahead.

However, management is feeling cautiously optimistic about the future.

It commented: "The fundamentals of the business remain strong with opportunities for growth across markets and segments currently impacted by COVID-19. Clover will launch newly developed products and re-engage with customers to progress the new product and application pipeline in China, Europe, and the USA as restrictions ease."

"To support future growth, Clover will also increase vertical integration into its supply chain, establishing partners in supply and logistics and add value through potential strategic acquisition and/or partnership. Clover expects to capitalise on the above opportunities once markets and borders re-open, however the timing is unknown. It is therefore difficult to provide meaningful guidance at this time," it concluded.

The Clover share price is down 35% over the last 12 months.

The post Clover (ASX:CLV) share price sinks 7% on FY 2021 results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The two businesses in this article have already paid a consistent dividend for decades.

Dividends aren't guaranteed, but boards do have some discretion about what payment they're going to send to shareholders.

Here are two to think about:

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

Soul Patts is a large investment conglomerate. It has actually been listed since 1903, making it one of the oldest businesses on the ASX.

The business has a diversified portfolio of assets, both listed shares and unlisted businesses.

Its biggest positions are ones that it has held for many years such as TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) and New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC). But it also has plenty of other investments like Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API), Bki Investment Co Ltd (ASX: BKI), Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV), Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA), Pengana International Equities Ltd (ASX: PIA) and Pengana Capital Group Ltd (ASX: PCG).

In recent times the ASX dividend share has launched takeover offers for the aged care operator Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG) and the listed investment company (LIC) Milton Corporation Limited (ASX: MLT). The Regis offer was rejected, but the Milton offer may be successful.

Soul Patts also has a portfolio of stakes in non-ASX businesses such as Apex Healthcare, Round Oak Minerals, Ampcontrol, Pitt Capital and sectors like agriculture, retirement living and financial services.

It has increased its dividend every year since 2000, which is the longest record on the ASX. It has actually paid a dividend every year since listing over a century ago.

Soul Patts funds its dividend from the operating cashflow from the investment income sent to it, after paying for its expenses.

At the current Soul Patts share price, it has a grossed-up dividend yield of 2.6%.

Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW)

Brickworks is another business which has a long dividend record. It hasn't cut its dividend in the last 40 years.

It has a number of brands in the construction sector. Brickworks is the market leader in bricks with a number of brands including Austral Bricks, Bowral Bricks and Daniel Robertson. Other building product businesses in Australia include Austral Masonry, Austral Precast and Bristle Roofing.

The ASX dividend share has some businesses in North America (after acquiring them) called Glen Gery, Sioux City Brick and Lawrenceville Brick.

The business funds its dividends from two assets. It has a joint venture industrial property trust with Goodman Group (ASX: GMG).

Brickworks pointed out that industrial real estate has been particularly resilient throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. There is significant land for further development at the estates. It has 171,300 square metres of lease pre-commitments already secured. The completion of these facilities over the next two years will result in gross rent within the trust increasing by around $38 million. This represents a 40% uplift from the current level.

In addition to the pre-committed developments, a further 336,900 square metre of gross lettable area is available for development, which provides further opportunity for growth in the years ahead.

Brickworks also has a large holding of Soul Patts shares, which provides Brickworks with stable earnings and growing dividends.

Brickworks has a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.4%.

The post 2 ASX dividend shares that could provide steady income retirement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

My Fool colleague James Mickleboro has already covered some of the popular ASX shares from CommSec today. So here are the top 10 international shares that CommSec users were buying and selling last week. This week's data covers June 7-10.

Meme stocks galore for ASX investors

1. GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME) – representing 5.9% of total trades with a 78%/22% buy-to-sell ratio.
2. AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc (NYSE: AMC) – representing 4.6% of total trades with a 66%/34% buy-to-sell ratio.
3. Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) – representing 3% of total trades with a 72%/28% buy-to-sell ratio.
4. Clover Heath Investments Corp (NASDAQ: CLOV) – representing 2.4% of total trades with a 72%/28% buy-to-sell ratio.
5. Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) – representing 2.3% of total trades with a 76%/24% buy-to-sell ratio.
6. BlackBerry Ltd (NYSE: BB)
7. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN)
8. ContextLogic Inc (NASDAQ: WISH)
9. Nio Inc. (NYSE: NIO)
10. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE: BABA)

What can we learn from these trades?

So what can we learn? Well, that ASX investors are not immune from the 'meme stock' train, mainly. This week's list is dominated by so-called 'meme stocks' – the catchy name given to companies whose share prices are the subject of social media-driven speculation. We can comfortably put GameStop (the original meme stock) in this bucket, as well as AMC, Clover Health, BlackBerry and ContextLogic. Tesla is also viewed as a meme stock by many investors. As is (to a lesser extent) the Chinese electric vehicle and battery manufacturer Nio.

True to form, AMC, Clover, BlackBerry and ContextLogic have all enjoyed Reddit-fuelled spikes in value during the past month or so. AMC is up more than 300% in the past month. Clover shot up almost 150% between 4 June and 8 June. BlackBerry is up 65% in the past month. And ContextLogic enjoyed nearly a 50% bump just last Tuesday. It seems ASX investors are keen to get a slice of the meme stock pie.

In other news, we still see the US blue-chip tech stocks in Amazon and Apple maintaining a dominant positioning on this list. Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is also a regular inclusion here and just makes the top ten this week.

The post ASX investors couldn't get enough of meme stocks last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The boom of A2 Milk and infant formula share prices

There was a time when milk was like liquid gold, with the main boom from the infant formula market. If you took a quick look at the share prices of many ASX-listed infant formula makers, you'd see the initial uptick began in 2017.

From there, it was nothing but blue skies. Speculators piled in as the Chinese market showed stronger demand for Australian formulated milk. A2 Milk overtook Blackmores Ltd (ASX: BKL) in market capitalisation as the story gained pace.

Sure enough, investors turned to riskier small caps hoping to replicate the same success. Companies such as Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX: BUB) and Wattle Health (ASX: WHA) caught the coattails of the rapidly growing industry.

Until one day the growth story became growth history.

Three ASX-listed infant formula shares ravaged

Clover Corporation Ltd (ASX: CLV)

Likely the least known on this, though surprisingly not the smallest in value, Clover Corporation has handled the unfavourable environment reasonably well. For starters, the company's share price is up 17.6% year-to-date.

Clover Corp has likely benefitted from its diversified business. Although the company is focused on infant formula, its powders are also used in bread, yoghurt, health bars etc.

However, this didn't prevent the company from taking a hit to its revenue and earnings from a decrease in demand. Clover reported a 21.7% revenue decline year-on-year to $29.4 million in H1 FY21. Net profit also declined 45.8% to $2.5 million.

Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX: BUB)

Bubs were one of the small ASX-listed companies that investors clung to through the hype. Being relatively small, the company's unique goat infant formula products generated rapid revenue growth in percentage terms.

Unfortunately, Bubs' success story was highly contingent on sales into China's Daigou channel. As fate would have it, COVID-19 brought abrupt disruptions to this core growth lifeline. In the company's 1H FY21 result, it notes this was partly offset by strong local momentum. Regardless, COVID took a 23% bite out of the company's gross revenue compared to the prior corresponding period.

As you might have guessed, a small company making losses, losing its growth is devastating. The Bubs share price year-to-date reflects shareholder's disappointment — shaving off 31%.

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

The grandaddy of ASX infant formula is A2 Milk. Arguably one of the biggest success stories of the ASX in recent times, maybe behind a few tech companies. It has scaled from an over $100 million revenue company to an over $1.5 billion revenue company in the space of six years.

A2 Milk has become a household name — both from a product perspective and as an investment. But the story gave way to significant disruptions of its daigou sales channel as well. Total revenue for the company declined 16% to NZ$677.4 year-on-year.

Losing that continuous growth streak meant investors lost their willingness to pay a high premium for the A2 Milk share price, leading to a sizeable selloff. In specific terms, shares have now fallen 39.4% YTD and 64.4% from its peak.

The post Will 2021 go down as the year A2 and other milk share prices turned sour? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Brokers don't always get it right, but they are often on the money. They regularly update their view on different businesses as share prices change or when that ASX share releases an important announcement, such as a result.

These three ASX shares have been rated as buys recently:

Volpara Health Technologies Ltd (ASX: VHT)

Volpara has been rated as a buy by Morgans as it highlighted the benefits of the CRA Health purchase and the benefit of growth of its average revenue per user (ARPU). The share price target is $1.94.

A few weeks ago, Volpara announced that it was acquiring Boston-based CRA Health for US$18 million with another potential US$4 million payable based on meeting certain targets.

Volpara explained that CRA is profitable, with annual recurring revenue (ARR) of over US$4 million, average revenue per user (ARPU) of around US$1.70 and coverage of around 6% of US breast screenings. CRA software is integrated with major electronic health record and genetics companies.

This acquisition increases Volpara's market share to over 30%. It also increased the group ARPU to over US$1.40.

A couple of weeks ago, Volpara revealed that CRA Health had won a contract that covered the provision of breast cancer risk scores to a large Indiana-based organisation that has sites across more than 20 states and runs a major electronic health record system. It was the biggest in Volpara's history.

BWX Ltd (ASX: BWX)

Natural beauty business BWX has been rated as a buy by the broker Citi. It has a price target of $5.35.

Citi noted that the company is seeing less engagement on social media recently, but if it can increase that with users then it could help growth in the future. But, the natural beauty business is focusing its efforts on the domestic retail sector – this may lead to a better payoff for the company.

In the FY21 half-year result the ASX share reported net revenue grew by 0.6% to $84.5 million, or 3.4% in constant currency terms. Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) went up by 1.4% to $11.7 million.

BWX said that the Chemist Warehouse equity partnership will continue to fuel growth of Sukin, Andalou Naturals and Mineral Fusion in Australia and international markets. The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) partnership will see Sukin launched in 930 Woolworths stores. It has also achieved distribution gains in North American retailers including in Walmart (Canada) and Mineral Fusion in Wholefood Markets.  

Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV)

Clover is a business that aims to deliver science-based bioactives into products such as infant formula.

The ASX share is rated as a buy by the broker Ord Minnett, which has a price target of $2.37 for the ASX share.

Clover is suffering from reduced demand for infant formula, however it is also staying on top of its costs. Whilst demand is low, the broker pointed out that it has a good customer base that will lead to potential upside when daigou and other demand returns.

In the recently-released FY21 half-year result it showed a 21.7% decrease in net sales revenue to $29.4 million and a 45.8% reduction in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $2.5 million.

Clover is still confident about the future, saying that the fundamentals of the business remain strong with opportunities for growth across markets and segments currently curtailed by COVID-19.

It's expecting FY21 revenue to be in the range of $60 million to $70 million.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have not let that hold them back are listed below. Here's why they are pushing higher:

AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL)

The AGL share price is up over 1.5% to $9.60. This morning the energy company announced that it has finalised a new agreement to supply a proportion of the electricity requirement of the Portland Smelter aluminium smelter until July 2026. The agreement will take effect from 1 August 2021 when the existing supply contract ends. AGL advised that the new contract represents a mutually beneficial outcome on commercial terms, for a volume of 275 MW.

Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV)

The Clover share price has jumped 9% to $1.80 despite there being no news out of the specialty ingredients company. However, earlier this week, analysts at UBS upgraded the company's shares to a buy rating with a $2.00 price target. The broker believes that it could be a good COVID-19 recovery play for investors. Clover's performance has been hit hard by subdued demand for infant formula ingredients during the pandemic.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

The QBE share price has climbed 3% to $9.95. Investors have been buying the insurance company's shares after bond yields surged higher during overnight trade in the United States. Rising bond yields are good news for QBE as, like most insurers, the company invests heavily into fixed interest securities like bonds.

Volpara Health Technologies Ltd (ASX: VHT)

The Volpara share price has risen 2% to $1.32. Investors have been buying this healthcare technology company's shares following a positive broker note out of Morgans this morning. In response to a recent contract win, Morgans has retained its add rating and lifted its price target to $1.94.

The post Why AGL, Clover, QBE, & Volpara shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) slipped 0.4% at the time of writing as weak leads from Wall Street weighed on sentiment.

But the pessimism isn't extending to the Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price as it was one of two ASX shares to find favour with brokers today.

Upgraded to "buy" on mobile strength

The Telstra share price gained 0.5% to $3.14 after JPMorgan called it the best placed to benefit from mobile subscriber trends.

Mobile is the most important growth driver for the Telstra share price and TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) share price. Telcos can't make much from fixed broadband as the NBN has a stranglehold on that market.

"Our in-depth assessment of the market suggests that both Telstra and TPG's Vodafone will lose share of the prepaid market to [Mobile Virtual Network Operators]," said JPMorgan.

"However, in the more lucrative postpaid market, we believe Telstra is better placed given its head start in the rollout of 5G infrastructure."

Telstra share price catalysts

Better than expected growth in its mobile subscriber base is one potential share price catalyst for Telstra. The other is cost savings in fixed broadband.

"Additionally, we are currently at the bottom of Telstra's medium-term EBITDA target of A$7.5-$8.5 billion by FY2023," added JPMorgan.

"This implies potential upside to our valuation should management achieve cost reduction targets in Fixed Broadband."

The broker upgraded its recommendation on the Telstra share price to "overweight" from "neutral". Its 12-month price target is $4.05 a share.

Recovery play underpins "buy" upgrade for this ASX share

Another ASX share that is outperforming today is the Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV) share price.

Shares in the nutrition technology company jumped 1% to $1.51 at the time of writing. UBS reckons there's another 30% plus upside when it upgraded the Clover share price to "buy" from "neutral".

The broker believes it's a good recovery play as Clover's sales were heavily impacted by the COVID-19 disruption.

Boost from Chinese regulators

Clover's technology is used to increase the Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in infant formula. While the sales recovery might not be "V-shaped" given the sombre outlook by A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M), Clover is likely to get a regulatory boost from China.

"A key result positive was CLV's expectation for China to mandate increased DHA requirements for infant formula during 2H21E, with a 2-year introductory period," said UBS.

"The company expects a revenue benefit from new customer wins from FY23E."

UBS' 12-month price target on the Clover share price is $2 a share.

The post Leading brokers just upgraded these ASX shares to "buy" today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The tech sector went through a bit of a recovery rally today. The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price rose 3.1% and the Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price grew 4%.

Here are some of the highlights from the ASX:

Pointsbet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH)

The Pointsbet share price rose strongly today after announcing an acquisition.

It's acquiring Banach Technology, which is a Dublin-based provider of proprietary risk management platforms and quantitative driven trading models that support complex pre-game and in-play betting products across numerous sports, including the four major American sports and international soccer.

Pointsbet is going to spend US$43 million to buy the business on a cash and debt free basis. This price will be split between 55% cash and 45% in 1.75 million shares.

The Banach team were described by Pointsbet as deeply experienced, particularly in leading pre-game and in-play sports wagering markets, having previously established the 'quants' division of Paddy Power Plc, which is now Flutter Entertainment Plc.

Pointsbet's managing director Sam Swanell said:

We are delighted with the acquisition of Banach and that its well credentialled team have agreed to join Pointsbet. As legalisation to approve US sport betting accelerates across the US, it has become clear that the in-play opportunity will be very significant and those with the best depth and breadth of product will win.

Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS)

The Metcash share price fell after giving investors a trading update and increasing its dividend guidance.

Metcash gave a detailed presentation about the different segments of its business including food, liquor and hardware.

In the trading update it said that in the first four months of the second half of FY21, it is seeing strong sales momentum continuing in all of its pillars from a shift in consumer behaviour, improved competitiveness of its retail businesses, stronger customer loyalty and a strong Christmas and New Year period of trading.

However, Metcash reminded investors that in March 2021 and April 2021 it will be cycling against the spike in sales for food and hardware in FY20.

Supermarket sales are up 14.4% against the prior corresponding period, with food sales up 4.1% (or up 14.1% excluding the 7-Eleven impact).

Hardware sales increased 31.6% in the first four months of the second half of FY21. It was a 19.2% increase excluding Total Tools.

Liquor sales increased 19.6% year on year.

In terms of its dividend, Metcash said that strong financial performance and cashflows support raising the target dividend payout ratio to 70% of underlying net profit after tax (NPAT).

Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV)

The Clover share price jumped today more than 9% after reporting its FY21 half-year result.

Net sales revenue decreased 21.7% to $29.4 million, whilst net profit after tax declined by 45.8% to $2.5 million.

Adjusted for foreign exchange impacts, net sales revenue was $30.3 million. Excluding Melody Dairy start-up and IP legal defence costs, there was an underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $3.3 million.

Clover said that it has retained and grown its customer base, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted customer demand. Many of the new product programs under development have been placed on hold due to customers' staff around the world working from home.

Some customers have experienced reduced demand as the China market undergoes changes in supply channels due to COVID-19 restrictions and the daigou channel reduction, whilst minimal international travel by Chinese tourists and students has slowed the grey market importing of many products including infant formula. The local Chinese market has become more competitive with local manufacturers competing on price and aggressive channel strategies.

The board decided to declared an interim dividend of 0.5 cents per share.

The post ASX 200 jumps, Pointsbet reveals acquisition, Metcash drops appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are racing higher:

Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV)

The Clover share price has jumped 7% to $1.43. Investors have been buying the specialty ingredients company's shares following the release of its half year results. As expected, for the six months ended 31 January, Clover delivered a 21.7% reduction in total net sales revenue to $29.4 million. This soft result was primarily driven by difficult trading conditions caused by COVID-19 across the infant formula industry.

PointsBet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH)

The PointsBet share price has stormed 5% higher to $14.89 after announcing an acquisition. The sports betting company is acquiring Banach Technology for US$43 million. Banach Technology is a Dublin-based provider of proprietary risk management platforms and quantitative driven trading models. These platforms and models support complex pre-game and in-play betting products across numerous sports.

Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX: SYR)

The Syrah share price has climbed 3.5% to $1.20. Investors have been buying the graphite producer's shares after it revealed that it has restarted production at Balama less than a month after announcing plans to do so. This positions it ahead of schedule versus the expected lead time of two to three months for its first production.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

The Temple & Webster share price has jumped 10% to $10.09. This gain appears to have been driven by a rebound in the tech sector and a broker note out of Morgan Stanley this morning. In respect to the latter, its analysts have initiated coverage on the online furniture and homewares retailer with an overweight rating and $14.00 price target. It believes the recent weakness in its share price is a buying opportunity.

The post Why Clover, PointsBet, Syrah, & Temple & Webster shares are racing higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the specialist ingredients company's shares have climbed 5.62%, trading at $1.41.

Let's take a closer look and see how the company performed over the period.

What were the financial highlights?

The Clover share price is climbing this morning despite the group reporting a set of negative numbers.

For the six months ending 31 January 2021, Clover delivered total net sales revenue of $29.4 million, reflecting a 21.7% decrease on the prior corresponding period (pcp). The soft result was primarily driven by difficult trading conditions caused by COVID-19 across the infant formula industry.

The Chinese market experienced supply channels fluctuations as demand from Daigou's tumbled with international travel halted, affecting 'grey market' importation.

Adding to the company's woes, local Chinese manufacturers have increasingly become more competitive with international brands. This includes pricing war and aggressive channel strategies, which has led the Australian and New Zealand market to record a fall in revenue.

Elsewhere, however, Clover grew revenue slightly in Europe, Asia and its United States segments, based on new customers and products.

Operating expenses came to $4.6 million for the first half, a drop of 15% on this time last year. The reduction was attributed to management's focus on limiting discretionary spending through several initiatives. It's worth noting that the company has also put many new product programs on hold as customer's staff continue to work from home.

On the company's bottom line, net profit after tax (NPAT) sank to $2.5 million, which is a heavy fall of 45.8% over H1 FY20. While expenses were curtailed, one-off impacts such as start-up costs in Melody Dairies and ongoing legal fees were to blame. The latter is associated with enforcing the company's intellectual property rights against Pharmamark Nutrition Pty Ltd.

Clover closed the period with a cash balance of $9.8 million, a slight increase of $0.6 million on the prior comparable term. Total current liabilities stood at $6.5 million, down from $10.9 million achieved in H1 FY20.

Despite the poor result, the board declared a fully franked dividend of 0.5 cents per share to be paid on 29 April 2021.

Outlook for the Clover share price

Looking ahead, Clover revealed that global uncertainty is leading to a slow recovery in the infant formula market. With this in mind, it expects revenue for the entire FY21 period to be between $60 million and $70 million.

In addition, the company stated that it would seek to pursue opportunities that will enhance growth across its customer base. It said that establishing new sources of raw materials and rolling out new product applications will advance the business' prospects.

The Clover share price has lost close to 30% of its value over the past 12 months. Year-to-date, the story is no different, with its shares down almost 20%.

The post Why the Clover (ASX:CLV) share price is climbing 5% this morning appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.