The fast-rising stock in question is Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL).

If you're not familiar with Calix, the company earns its keep by creating businesses that solve global challenges in industrial decarbonisation and sustainability.

And despite today's sizeable retrace, Calix shares have been on an absolute tear since mid-December.

Here's what I mean.

Calix shares are currently down a sharp 10.4% today, trading for $1.335 apiece.

That will obviously come as unwelcome news to investors buying the ASX tech share on Monday.

But turn the clock back to 18 December, and you could have picked up Calix shares at an intraday low of just 51.2 cents each.

That's a gain of 160.7%, despite today's pullback.

Or enough to turn an $8,000 investment into $20,859. In less than three weeks!

Why is the Calix share price tumbling today?

With no fresh troubling news out from Calix to explain today's sharp sell-down, it looks like we're seeing some healthy profit-taking today.

After all, over the past five trading days, the ASX tech stock has posted consecutive gains of 9.6%, 10.0%, 11.4%, 15.3%, finishing with a whopping 31.9% gain yesterday.

So, it's only natural that investors may be taking some money off the table here on the third trading day of 2026.

What's been sending the ASX tech stock soaring?

On Friday, Calix responded to a 'speeding ticket' from the ASX, questioning its rapid share price gains and increased trading volume.

The ASX queried, "Is CXL aware of any inf ormation concerning it that has not been announced to the market which, if known by some in the market, could explain the recent trading in its securities?"

To which the ASX tech stock answered, "No."

Looking back at the charts, Calix shares really began their lift off on 19 December, closing up 26.9% on the day.

That big move came after the company announced a three-year contract with an unnamed United States-based customer, reported to be among the world's largest agriculture companies.

The contract involves supplying magnesium hydroxide water treatment products. And management expects it will generate up to $10 million a year in product and services revenue.

Investors reacted positively, with the ASX tech stock noting that it expects to generate the initial revenue from that contract in the first quarter of 2026.

The post Up 161% in 3 weeks, why is this surging ASX tech stock tumbling today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade, the ASX tech stock is up over 14% to 59.5 cents.

This compares to a 0.5% gain by the ASX 200 index at the time of writing.

What is Calix?

Before we get into today's big jump in its share price, let's dig a little deeper into what exactly Calix does.

It describes itself as an environmental technology company, creating businesses that solve global challenges in industrial decarbonisation and sustainability.

The company notes that its patented core platform technology is being developed for indirect heating of raw materials to enable efficient, precise, flexible and renewably powered metals and minerals processing and capture of unavoidable industrial emissions.

Furthermore, it is applying its core technology to the cement, steel, magnesia, alumina, critical minerals and direct air capture industries.

Management states that it is doing this "because there's only one Earth" and "Mars is for quitters."

What did it announce?

Investors have been bidding the ASX tech stock higher today after it announced a new contract win.

According to the release, Calix has executed a contract for the supply of magnesium hydroxide water treatment products to a new customer in the United States.

The contract with this US customer is expected to generate up to A$10 million in additional annual product and services revenue.

The three-year contract, which has options for a further two years, and subject to conditions and performance against agreed indicators, is with one of the world's largest agriculture companies that generated multi-billion revenues in 2024.

However, it is not a liberty to name the customer. It also confirmed that it does not believe that the identity of the customer is information that a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on the price or value of its shares.

The release notes that the ASX tech stock plans to service the contract through its existing production and distribution facilities in the Mid-West region of the United States. First revenues from the contract aren't far away. Management advised that they are expected to be generated in the first quarter of the 2026 calendar year.

Despite today's strong gain, the Calix share price is underperforming the market in 2025. Since the start of the year, the ASX tech stock is down by approximately 20%.

The post Why is this ASX tech stock jumping 14% on Friday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Calix said that Rio Tinto had completed due diligence for the Zesty Green Iron Demonstration Project, which paved the way for an initial cash payment of $3 million to the junior environmental technology company.

Major agreement to produce green iron

Calix in mid-November announced that it had executed a joint development agreement (JDA) with Rio Tinto – one of the world's leading iron ore producers – for more than $35 million in cash and in-kind support for the demonstration of the company's zero emissions steel technology.

Under the agreement, the project will be based in Kwinana, Western Australia, and the agreement also covers help to enable the future commercialisation of the technology.

The cash payments would total $8 million, including the $3 million to be paid now following due diligence, and a further $5 million prior to a final investment decision to go ahead with the project.

Rio could also take up shares in a Zesty subsidiary business to the value of its $8m contribution to the project, and would be able to use the technology under a global, non-exclusive agreement.

Range of funds to be used

Calix said in November that the demonstration project would also be supported by a grant of up to $44.9 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), subject to matched funding being secured.

The company said at the time:

The Kwinana site is in close proximity to the NeoSmelt project for downstream processing of direct reduced iron being developed jointly by Rio Tinto, BHP, BlueScope and Woodside. It provides access to established utilities, ports and other infrastructure, and is in relative proximity to other sources of iron ore in Australia.

Under the terms of the agreement, Rio's in-kind contributions would support the project to reach a final investment decision through the provision of the project site, technical support, engineering services, and advocacy.

Calix said further:

Subject to a positive final investment decision and construction of the plant, Rio Tinto will provide up to 10,000 tonnes of a range of Pilbara iron ores for use in plant commissioning and operations, and introductions to potential users of the Zesty green iron product for material testing and downstream processing to steel.

The Zesty technology uses a combination of electric heating and hydrogen reduction to produce green iron, and ultimately green steel.

Calix shares traded as high as 56.5 cents on Monday before settling back to be 6.3% higher at 54.7 cents.

The company was valued at $111 million at the close of trade on Friday.

The post Rio Tinto milestone sends shares in resources tech stock higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In afternoon trade, the lithium miner's shares are up 4% to $2.22.

Why are Pilbara Minerals shares charging higher?

Investors have been buying the company's shares for a number of reasons today.

One is a broad rally from ASX lithium stocks during today's session. This has seen the likes of IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO), Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR), and Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares record strong gains so far today.

The catalyst for this may have been the release of an update from Albemarle Corp (NYSE: ALB) which revealed a swing to a quarterly profit after cost cutting helped offset low battery material prices.

In addition, with many ASX lithium stocks down heavily in recent sessions, there's potentially been some bargain hunting going on today.

What else?

Also potentially giving Pilbara Minerals' shares a lift today has been the release of an update on its Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant Project.

According to the release, the boards of Pilbara Minerals and Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL) have formally approved the resumption of the Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant Project following the recent award of a $15 million grant from the Western Australian Government.

Calix shares are up 12% this afternoon on the news.

The project was paused in October in response to weak lithium prices. However, with this funding, the company appears to believe it is now feasible.

'Potential to be a game-changer'

Pilbara Minerals' managing director and CEO, Dale Henderson, believes the project could be a valuable asset in the future. He said:

Thanks to the WA Government we are able to complete construction of the Mid-Stream Demonstration Project which has the potential to be a game-changer for the hard rock lithium processing industry.

This technology could create additional local jobs in Western Australia while producing a higher-value, lithium-enriched product at the mine site. This more concentrated product reduces transport volumes to our customers and ensures more value is captured onshore for Australia.

Australia has an opportunity to do more than dig and ship our minerals and through this joint venture we're looking to prove up a new way to make this possible, not only for PLS, but for the whole industry.

It aims to construct and operate a demonstration scale plant featuring the world's first industrial scale electric spodumene calciner – decarbonising one of the most carbon intensive processes in the battery materials supply chain.

Procurement activities will resume immediately with all construction works expected to be completed in the December quarter of 2025.

The post Pilbara Minerals shares charge higher on 'game-changer' news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are dropping:

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

The ANZ share price is down 3% to $30.18. This follows news that the banking giant's CEO, Shayne Elliott, is stepping down from the role next year. The big four bank has already found Elliott's replacement. It has appointed Nuno Matos as its new CEO from 3 July 2025 on a $2.5 million a year deal. The market appears concerned by the timing of the change given that ANZ has just completed the acquisition of Suncorp Bank for $4.9 billion. Commenting on the appointment, ANZ's chair, Paul O'Sullivan, said: "We are very pleased an international banker of Nuno's calibre and extensive experience will be joining ANZ as our new Chief Executive to lead the execution of our strategy."

Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL)

The Calix share price is down almost 12% to 79.5 cents. This morning, this environmental technology company announced the completion of an institutional placement that raised $20 million at 75 cents per new share. This represents a 16.7% discount to its last close price. Calix will also push ahead with a share purchase plan that aims to raise $5 million on the same terms. Calix CEO, Phil Hodgson said: "This equity raise is designed to provide the capital and time needed to maintain momentum in commercialisation for a minimum of 18 months."

Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: PAR)

The Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals share price is down over 16% to 48.5 cents. This has also been driven by a capital raising this morning. The biopharmaceuticals company has received firm commitments to raise $16 million through a placement to institutional and sophisticated investors. These funds were raised at a 31% discount of 40 cents per new share. Management notes that the funds raised will primarily be used to support its global phase 3 trials for osteoarthritis treatment with iPPS in 2025.

Platinum Asset Management Ltd (ASX: PTM)

The Platinum share price is down 14% to 89.5 cents. Investors have been selling this struggling fund manager's shares after its potential takeover by Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL) collapsed. In addition, the company released a funds under management (FUM) update after the market on Friday which revealed that its FUM took a large hit in November. Not even the announcement of a 20 cents per share special dividend has been enough to support its shares today.

The post Why ANZ, Calix, Paradigm, and Platinum shares are tumbling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In afternoon trade, the ASX 300 stock is up 15% to $1.47.

Why is this ASX 300 stock rocketing?

Investors have been scrambling to buy the environmental technology company's shares since the release of an update this morning.

That update relates to the progress it is making with its Direct Air Capture (DAC) projects in partnership with Heirloom.

According to the release, under an exclusive technology licence agreement, Calix's subsidiary Leilac will provide its electric calcination and carbon capture technology to two Heirloom DAC facilities capable of removing up to ~320,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per year.

The ASX 300 stock notes that carbon dioxide removal is predicted to play a critical role in meeting global climate commitments. An estimated 1-10 billion tonnes of atmospheric CO2 removal per year will be required to mitigate excess emissions and limit global warming.

What's next?

Heirloom is taking things slowly. It will first build a facility that will have a CO2 removal capacity of ~17,000 tons per year. That is expected to be operational in 2026.

A second ~300,000 ton per year facility will be built in phases. The first ~100,000 tons of capacity is expected to come online in 2027.

The release notes that the ~300,000 ton per year facility is Heirloom's contribution to Project Cypress. This is the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-supported DAC Hub that is eligible for up to $600 million in government funding.

Heirloom is responsible for financing the projects, with no capital expenditure by Calix or Leilac. It will also pay Leilac for engineering services required to deliver the projects.

This isn't the first agreement between the two parties. Heirloom and Leilac have previously signed an exclusive, global and perpetual licence agreement for the use of the Leilac technology at all future Heirloom DAC facilities. This is subject to performance conditions being met.

The ASX 300 stock's managing director and CEO, Phil Hodgson, was pleased with the news. He said:

Direct Air Capture is a huge potential market in the global effort to address climate change. Heirloom and Leilac's partnership and complimentary technologies deliver an innovative pathway to drive down DAC costs and be at the forefront of this exciting opportunity. It is pleasing to see the significant progress being made.

This sentiment was echoed by Heirloom's CEO, Shashank Samala. He adds:

We couldn't be more excited to be building these new facilities in Northwest Louisiana. These investments not only bring meaningful economic activity and job creation to the region, but also help to cement Louisiana as a leader in this new energy economy and further America's leadership on the global stage.

The post Guess which ASX 300 stock is rocketing 15% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL)

The Calix share price is up over 12% to $1.44. This morning, this environmental technology company released an update on the progress of its Direct Air Capture (DAC) projects in partnership with DAC company, Heirloom. Under an exclusive technology licence agreement, Calix's subsidiary Leilac Limited will provide its electric calcination and carbon capture technology to two Heirloom DAC facilities that are capable of removing up to ~320,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per year.

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

The Collins Foods share price is up almost 7% to $9.95. This follows the release of the KFC restaurant operator's FY 2024 results. Collins Foods reported a 10.4% increase in revenue from continuing operations to $1,488.9 million and a 15.6% jump in underlying net profit after tax from continuing operations to $60 million. Not even management's downbeat outlook commentary has held back the company's shares. Collins Foods' interim CEO and managing director, Kevin Perkins, warned: "Significant cost-of-living and inflationary pressures are expected to remain for much of the year ahead, impacting sales growth and we expect margin pressure across the Group."

Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR)

The Myer share price is up a further 5% to 81.5 cents. Investors have been buying the department store operator's shares this week in response to news that it is aiming to merge with the apparel brands of Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV). This comprises the Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Portmans, Jacqui E and Dotti brands. The combination would see the department store acquire Premier's apparel brands business in exchange for the issue of new Myer shares. Premier Investments' chair, Solomon Lew, would be prepared to take an active role as a non-executive director of Myer if the merger proceeds.

Patriot Battery Metals Inc. (ASX: PMT)

The Patriot Battery Metals share price is up 6% to 58.5 cents. This morning, this lithium developer announced the final batch of core assay results from the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite from its recently completed 2024 winter drill program at Corvette Property in Canada. Management notes that "these final holes from our winter program at CV5 continue to impress and demonstrate the scale of mineralization over a significant strike length."

The post Why Calix, Collins Foods, Myer, and Patriot Battery Metals shares are charging higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because if analysts at Bell Potter are on the money with their recommendation, it could double your money for you over the next 12 months.

Which ASX tech stock?

The tech stock in question is environmental technology company Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL).

It is focused on solving global challenges in industrial decarbonisation and sustainability. This includes CO2 mitigation, sustainable minerals processing, advanced batteries, biotechnology, and water treatment.

Bell Potter highlights that Calix is commercialising and developing a range of environmentally friendly solutions for industry. These solutions are derived from its patented minerals processing technology, the Calix Flash Calciner (CFC). It notes that the CFC is a patented reinvention of the calcination process that produces very high surface area nano-active materials, without the safety concerns or high production costs of nanoparticles.

In addition, Bell Potter points out that the technology can be used to separate and capture the CO2 by-product when decomposing carbonates into oxides, such as during the manufacture of cement and lime.

The broker notes that this CFC technology can be adapted for a broad range of applications based on a variety of minerals. However, the company has prioritised solutions for five target areas with a combined addressable market of $70 billion.

Big returns but high risk

Bell Potter is cautiously positive on the company's long-term outlook and has reaffirmed its speculative buy rating with a $2.40 price target. Based on its current share price of $1.17, this implies potential upside of 105% for this ASX tech stock over the next 12 months.

To put that into context, a $10,000 investment in this stock today would turn into $20,500 if the broker is proven correct with its recommendation and valuation.

Though, it is worth highlighting that you could just as easily lose half your money (or more) from a speculative investment like this. So, this is really one for only those with a very high tolerance for risk.

Bell Potter concludes:

CXL's growing suite of CFC applications target global challenges, including decarbonisation of hard-to-abate industrial processes (lime, cement and steel making), and improvement to supply chain efficiency (lithium concentrate value adding). CXL represents a valuable sustainable investing opportunity for ESG-focussed investors. CXL is a development company with prospective operations and cash flows only. Our Speculative risk rating recognises this higher level of risk and volatility of returns.

The post Guess which ASX tech stock could double in value appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This is because insider buying is often regarded as a bullish indicator, as few people know a company and its intrinsic value better than its own directors. If they are buying, it suggests that they are confident in the direction the company is heading.

With that in mind, listed below are a few ASX shares that have reported meaningful insider buying recently. They are as follows:

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

Mesoblast shares have been on a tear in recent weeks. So much so, despite falling 14% since this time last week, they remain up a massive 125% on a monthly basis and 150% year to date.

This has been driven by an announcement relating to its remestemcel-L product candidate.

Mesoblast revealed that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised that there should be sufficient results to support the submission of the company's proposed Biologics License Application (BLA) for its stem cell therapy to treat paediatric patients with steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease.

The market appears hopeful that this is a sign that remestemcel-L will finally be approved by the FDA.

Despite this strong gain, one of Mesoblasts' directors was adding to their position last week.

A change of director's interest notice reveals that Jane C. Bell AM snapped up 233,918 Mesoblast shares on-market for an average of 85.5 cents per share. This equates to a total consideration of $199,999.89.

Argosy Minerals Limited (ASX: AGY)

Another ASX share that has reported meaningful insider buying is lithium developer Argosy Minerals.

A change of director's interest notice shows that the company's non-executive director, Pietro De Leo, increased his holding with an on-market trade on 9 April.

De Leo bought 175,000 shares for a total consideration of $23,625.00. This equates to an average of 13.5 cents per share.

Unlike Mesoblast shares, Argosy Minerals have been sold off again this year and are now down almost 70% on a 12-month basis.

Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL)

A third ASX share that insiders have been buying is clean energy technology company Calix.

With its shares down almost 60% since the start of the year, it seems that non-executive director, Dr Sarah Ryan, believes it has created an opportunity to add to her holding.

The change of director's interest notice reveals that Dr Ryan bought 10,000 Calix shares through an on-market trade on 10 April. The director paid an average of $1.495 per share, which equates to a total consideration of $14,950.

The post Insiders are buying Mesoblast and these ASX shares 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:

Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL)

The Calix share price is up 12% to $1.98. Investors have been buying the environment technology company's shares after it found a new home for its Leilac-2 (Low Emissions Intensity Lime And Cement) project. The Leilac-2 will now be constructed at Heidelberg Materials' cement plant in Ennigerloh, Germany. In January, Calix shares were sold off after previous construction plans were shelved.

Genex Power Ltd (ASX: GNX)

The Genex Power share price is up 30% to 24 cents. This has been driven by news that the renewable energy company has received a 27.5 cents per share non-binding takeover offer from Japan's J-POWER. Management has granted due diligence access and advised that it would be willing to accept the offer if it became binding.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

The Life360 share price is up 8% to $12.20. Investors have been buying this location technology company's shares after brokers responded very positively to its FY 2023 results. One of those brokers was Goldman Sachs, which reiterated its buy rating with an improved price target of $14.20.

Spartan Resources Ltd (ASX: SPR)

The Spartan Resources share price is up 9% to 54.5 cents. This morning, the gold explorer announced exceptional intercepts from drilling at the Never Never gold deposit from the Dalgaranga Gold Project in Western Australia. Management believes the results highlight the growing strategic significance of the high-grade deposit.

The post Why Calix, Genex, Life360, and Spartan Resources shares are rising appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade, the ASX tech stock is up 15% to $2.04.

Why is this ASX tech stock jumping?

Investors have been buying the environmental technology company's shares this morning after it released an update on its Leilac-2 (Low Emissions Intensity Lime And Cement) project.

Readers may be aware that Calix shares were sold off in January after it announced that the Leilac-2 project would have to find a new home after Heidelberg Materials decided to end clinker production at its Hanover cement plant.

According to today's update, Leilac-2 has a new home and will now be constructed at Heidelberg Materials' cement plant in Ennigerloh, Germany.

The release notes that the Leilac-2 project aims to demonstrate a replicable module that can efficiently capture up to 100,000 tonnes per year of unavoidable process carbon dioxide emissions released during cement and lime production.

The retrofittable module is designed to be integrated into an operational cement plant with minimal downtime and operate on a range of fuels.

Looking on the bright side

While changing locations is not ideal, management believes that the successful relocation of Leilac-2 demonstrates the robust and transferrable nature of its technology and its ability to be rapidly applied at other operational cement plants.

It also highlights that the Ennigerloh site assessment found that the Leilac-2 design developed for the Hanover plant could be installed at the operational Ennigerloh plant with minimal delay and cost.

Furthermore, the required additional engineering work is expected to be limited to site-specific permitting and integration and no increase in total project capital cost is expected. Construction is anticipated to commence promptly following permitting.

Management commentary

The ASX tech stock's CEO, Daniel Rennie, was pleased with the news. He said:

The Leilac technology represents a scalable and economical solution to address the carbon dioxide emissions that are produced unavoidably by the cement and lime industries, and the rapid demonstration of such solutions is essential to achieving our industrial decarbonisation goals.

The swift and successful selection of Ennigerloh as the new Leilac-2 host plant is the result of the proactive, positive, and committed approach by Heidelberg Materials, the European Commission, and our partners, and the dedication of an exceptional collective project team. We look forward to continuing to work with all our partners to rapidly deploy efficient decarbonisation solutions at Ennigerloh and cement and lime plants around the world.

Despite today's gain, Calix shares are still down 60% over the last 12 months.

The post Guess which ASX tech stock is jumping 15% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market's lead are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

The Ampol share price is down 5% to $37.33. This has been driven by the fuel retailer's shares going ex-dividend this morning for its latest payout. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to receiving its $1.80 per share final dividend later this month on 27 March.

Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL)

The Calix share price is down 7% to $1.77. Investors have been selling this environmental technology company's shares following the release of its half-year results. Calix reported a 28% increase in revenue to $16.3 million but a loss after tax of $13.3 million. That's up from a loss of $9.3 million a year earlier.

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

The Collins Foods share price is down 6% to $10.35. This appears to have been driven by a broker downgrade. According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have downgraded the KFC restaurant operator's shares to a sell rating with a $10.60 price target. Citi has concerns over the company's second-half prospects. Particularly after one of its poultry suppliers recently reported weaker sales volumes.

Propel Funeral Partners Ltd (ASX: PFP)

The Propel Funeral Partners share price is down 4% to $5.57. This morning, the funerals company revealed that it has almost doubled the size of its share purchase plan due to strong demand. The company was seeking to raise $10.5 million from retail shareholders. But with applications totalling approximately $20.5 million from over 900 applicants, it has decided to increase its offering by $10 million to approximately $20.5 million.

The post Why Ampol, Calix, Collins Foods, and Propel shares are tumbling 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 rising:

Audinate Group Ltd (ASX: AD8)

The Audinate share price is up 20% to $19.20. This morning, this media networking solutions provider released its half year results and reported record revenue and EBITDA. Revenue was up 47.7% to US$30.4 million (A$46.6 million) and EBITDA jumped 137% to A$10.1 million. The company's key Chips, Cards and Modules (CCM) business reported a 45.6% increase in revenue to US$22.7 million.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

The Beach Energy share price is up 4.5% to $1.73. Investors have been buying the energy producer's shares after it posted a 16% increase in revenue to $941 million for the first half. And while its underlying EBITDA fell 1% to $488 million, this appears to have still been better than expected.

Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL)

The Calix share price is up 6.5% to $2.26. This morning, this environmental technology company announced the completion of a Front-End Engineering and Design (FFED) study for a 30,000 tonne per annum Zero Emissions Steel Technology (ZESTY) Hydrogen Direct Reduced Iron (H-DRI) demonstration plant. The study was supported with funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH)

The JB Hi-Fi share price is up almost 7% to $60.41. This follows the release of the retailer's half year results this morning. JB Hi-Fi's total sales were down 2.3% to $5.16 billion and its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) were down 20% to $386.7 million. However, the market was expecting EBIT of $358.2 million, which means the company smashed expectations.

The post Why Audinate, Beach Energy, Calix, and JB Hi-Fi shares are charging higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market's lead are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

The Boss Energy share price is down 7% to $5.20. Investors have been selling this uranium developer's shares partly in response to a broker note out of Bell Potter. According to the release, the broker has downgraded its shares to a speculative hold rating but with an improved price target of $6.41. It said: "We upgrade our valuation to $6.41/sh (previously $5.69/sh) on changes to our price outlook, and downgrade BOE to Speculative Hold (from speculative Buy) as the stock has out-performed peers."

Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL)

The Calix share price is down 21% to $1.84. This morning, this environmental technology company announced that the Leilac-2 project will move to another Heidelberg Materials' site following a decision by Heidelberg Materials to end clinker production at its Hanover cement plant. Calix and its subsidiary, Leilac, are currently working with Heidelberg Materials to identify a suitable new site for the project as soon as possible.

Frontier Digital Ventures Ltd (ASX: FDV)

The Frontier Digital share price is down 9.5% to 48 cents. Investors have been selling this digital listings company's shares following the release of its quarterly update. Although the company posted a 3.9% quarter on quarter increase in revenue, its EBITDA was down 23%.

Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR)

The Gold Road share price is down 16% to $1.44. This follows the release of the gold miner's quarterly update this morning. Management revealed that its production was lower quarter on quarter due to delays accessing higher grade ore from the open pit. In addition, labour availability impacted the ore mining rate.

The post Why Boss Energy, Calix, Frontier Digital, and Gold Road shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade, the ASX All Ords share was down as much as 30% to a 52-week low of $1.65.

The environmental technology company's shares have recovered slightly since then but remain down by 26% at the time of writing.

Why is this ASX All Ords share crashing?

Investors have been rushing to the exits this morning after the company announced that the Leilac-2 project will move to another Heidelberg Materials' site following a decision by Heidelberg Materials to end clinker production at its Hanover cement plant.

The release notes that Heidelberg Materials has attributed the decision to shut down clinker production in Hanover to a "substantial decline in cement sales following weak construction demand in Germany due to the current economic environment."

Calix and its subsidiary, Leilac, are currently working with Heidelberg Materials to identify a suitable new site for the project as soon as possible.

This is a bitter blow for the ASX All Ords share. It notes that Leilac-2 is well advanced and was on track for construction in 2024.

Leilac-2 has a modular design that aims to demonstrate an efficient, economic and scalable solution for the cement and lime industries to capture their unavoidable process emissions and provide flexible and future-proof fuel optionality.

The ASX All Ords share's managing director and CEO, Phil Hodgson, said:

Current macro-economic environment realities have resulted in what is undoubtedly a difficult decision for Heidelberg Materials, and our thoughts and best wishes are with those whose jobs will be impacted by this decision.

We will work closely with Heidelberg Materials and our Leilac Consortium partners on the relocation options. Once chosen, we would expect around six months additional engineering work associated with site integration specifics. The Leilac-2 module is basically ready-to-build, with long lead items already being procured, and we look forward to continuing to work with Heidelberg Materials and our Leilac consortium partners to bring the Leilac-2 project to a successful conclusion.

The post Why is this ASX All Ords share plunging 30% on Monday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three ASX shares brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here's why they are bullish on them:

Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their speculative buy rating on this environmental technology company's shares with a reduced price target of $7.25. This follows news that the company's Leilac business has entered into a binding and perpetual global licence agreement and a collaboration agreement with Heirloom Carbon Technologies. The Calix share price is trading at $2.82 on Wednesday.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

A note out of Goldman Sachs reveals that its analysts have retained their conviction buy rating on this drinks company's shares with a trimmed price target of $6.40. While Goldman felt that Endeavour's first quarter update was a touch mixed, it remains a fan. The broker believes that the company's shares are very attractively priced given its positive growth outlook and position as a clear consumer staple market leader. The Endeavour share price is fetching $4.94 today.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Analysts at Morgan Stanley have retained their overweight rating and $14.50 price target on this wine giant's shares. This follows news that the company is acquiring California-based luxury win brand, DAOU. The broker believes the acquisition fills a key portfolio gap. And while it does have some niggling concerns about the long-term sustainability of DAOU's brand strength in the luxury category, it isn't enough to put it off. The Treasury Wine share price last traded at $12.10.

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

Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL)

The Calix share price is up 7.5% to $2.68. On Monday, this environmental technology company announced a binding and perpetual global licence agreement with direct air capture (DAC) company, Heirloom Carbon Technologies. Calix's Leilac technology will be used at all future Heirloom DAC facilities.

Chrysos Corporation Ltd (ASX: C79)

The Chrysos share price is up 11% to $6.80. This follows news that the assay services provider has signed a deal with one of the world's largest gold miners. Chrysos' international laboratory business, MSALABS, will deliver its PhotonAssay technology to Barrick Gold Corp (NYSE: GOLD) mine sites across four continents.

Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING)

The Inghams share price is up 7% to $3.65. Investors have been buying this poultry producer's shares after it released a trading update and provided guidance for the first half. Management advised that it expects underlying net profit after tax to rise by 110% to $71 million. Though, this is dependent on a number of factors, such as wholesale pricing remaining consistent through to the end of the half.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

The Life360 share price is up 5% to $7.77. This is despite there being no news out of the location technology company. However, a number of brokers have recently put out bullish broker notes. They appear confident that Life360 will report very strong numbers when it releases its update next month.

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In afternoon trade, the ASX 300 environmental technology company's shares are down 13% to $2.45.

This leaves Calix shares trading within touching distance of their 52-week low.

Why is this ASX 300 share falling heavily?

Investors have been hitting the sell button today despite the company announcing a binding and perpetual global licence agreement, as well as a collaboration agreement.

According to the release, the ASX 300 share's 93%-owned subsidiary, Leilac, has signed the agreement with Heirloom Carbon Technologies, which is a Direct Air Capture (DAC) company.

Leilac provides a decarbonisation solution for global cement and lime. Its technology has been developed to efficiently separate unavoidable carbon emissions ready for use or storage, without additional chemicals or processes.

The agreement specifies that Leilac and Heirloom will work together exclusively for DAC applications and that Leilac technology will be used at all future Heirloom DAC facilities, subject to conditions and both parties achieving agreed milestones.

Under the terms of the agreement, Leilac will receive a royalty based on the value of the CO2 captured with the technology. The royalty uses Leilac's standard licensing model with rates specific to the DAC application.

The royalty will have a floor price set at the greater of US$3/tonne of CO2 separated in a Leilac kiln, or 3.5% of the prevailing CO2 price for lime decarbonisation. A variable royalty rate, based on the prevailing CO2 price or value less the amortised cost of capital of the Leilac kiln per tonne of CO2 separated, will apply when above the floor price.

So why the selling?

Given that the above sounds like good news, why are investors selling down this ASX 300 share today?

Well, that's a bit of a mystery. It could be the lack of any meaningful upfront payment. Or perhaps investors were modelling in higher floor prices for the technology.

Nevertheless, management was pleased with the agreement. Calix managing director and CEO, Phil Hodgson, said:

Calix is pleased to announce a binding and perpetual licence agreement between Leilac and Heirloom. Our partnership with Heirloom creates the opportunity to apply the Leilac technology into a new and rapidly developing market. It is also an example of our commercialisation strategy in action, with partnerships and licensing arrangements enabling our core platform technology to be simultaneously applied to multiple large addressable markets.

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

Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASX: ASM)

The Australian Strategic Materials share price is up 8% to $1.75. Investors have been buying this integrated materials company's shares after it announced a five-year binding sales and tolling framework agreement with USA Rare Earth. This is for the supply of neodymium iron boron alloy, which will be used to support USA Rare Earth's production ramp-up of high-performance rare earth magnets.

Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL)

The Calix share price is up 5% to $4.45. This morning, analysts at Bell Potter responded to the company's joint venture announcement with Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) by reiterating its speculative buy rating with an $8.70 price target. This implies a potential upside of 95% from current levels.

Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA)

The Sayona Mining share price is up 1.5% to 15.3 cents. Investors have been buying this lithium miner's shares this week thanks to a positive announcement. That announcement reveals that the first shipment of approximately 20,500 tonnes of lithium spodumene concentrate has been sold into a "buoyant global spot market."

Tietto Minerals Ltd (ASX: TIE)

The Tietto Minerals share price is up 7% to 53.5 cents. This morning, this gold miner announced that it produced 11,643 ounces of gold at its Abujar operation in July. This implies a significant improvement in past production rates. For example, during the June quarter, Tietto produced 15,592 ounces. That's an average of approximately 5,200 ounces a month.

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Rather than pulling battery materials out of the ground, Calix develops technology to make the process better.

For example, on Wednesday, Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) announced that it would be pushing ahead with the construction and operation of a Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant at the Pilgangoora Operation.

This will be through a joint venture between the lithium giant and Calix, which utilises the battery materials technology company's patented electric kiln technology.

Pilbara Minerals highlights that independent life cycle assessment studies estimate that converting spodumene using electric calcination when using 100% renewable energy has the potential to reduce calcination carbon emissions intensity by >80%. This is a big positive given that this is one of the most energy-intensive steps of the lithium battery materials production process.

Which broker is positive on this ASX battery materials technology share?

Bell Potter is the broker in question. This morning, its analysts responded to the Pilbara Minerals news by retaining their speculative buy rating on the company's shares with a trimmed price target of $8.70.

Based on the current Calix share price of $4.24, this implies more than 100% upside for investors over the next 12 months.

Its analysts believe that Calix represents a good option for ESG-focused investors. It explains:

CXL's growing suite of CFC applications target global challenges, including decarbonisation of hard-to-abate industrial processes (lime, cement and steel making), and improvement to supply chain efficiency (lithium concentrate value adding). CXL represents a valuable sustainable investing opportunity for ESG-focussed investors. CXL is a development company with prospective operations and cash flows only. Our Speculative risk rating recognises this higher level of risk and volatility of returns.

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