• Latest 2 ASX shares to be upgraded by brokers to “buy” today

    ASX shares upgrade best buy Stopwatch with Time to Buy on the counter

    As the market inches closer to resetting its record high, brokers still see value among select ASX shares and have just upgraded these two to “buy”.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) added 0.7% this morning to 7,070 points. It’s within striking distance to the 7,139 peak that it set in February last year before COVID-19 triggered a market meltdown.

    Fuelled-up for a broker upgrade

    While ASX value buys are harder to find these days, the Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price could be one of the exceptions.

    This is despite the fact that the Ampol share price is adding another 1.2% to a four-month high of $27.85 at the time of writing. The morning’s gain in on top of the circa 6% surge it enjoyed yesterday after it got a big government handout to keep its Lytton refinery operating.

    Strategic value unlocks “buy” upgrade for this ASX share

    Morgan Stanley upgraded the Ampol share price to “overweight” from “equal-weight” after the government announced a package to protect Australia’s fuel security.

    “The newly announced refinery support package reduces the earnings volatility for the company at a time when global refinery margins are starting to increase,” said the broker.

    “We think the business is well positioned for an earnings recovery as driving volumes continue to increase and jet fuel demand gradually increases as domestic air travel rebounds.”

    Morgan Stanley increased its 12-month price target on the Ampol share price to $31.70 from $30 a share.

    Increasing production to meet strong demand

    Another that is outperforming the market today is the Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price.

    Canaccord Genuity upgraded the Plibara share price to “buy” from “hold”, which coincided with the ASX share jumping 3.7% to $1.12 at the time of writing.

    The broker’s bullish turn comes as it accesses the impact of the commissioning of the Ngungaju plant and the ramp up in full production from 2022.

    Powering up

    Pilbara is a lithium miner and processor. The production increase comes at a time when investors are feeling very bullish about the outlook for batteries.

    “Given strong demand, we think this may result in further price pressure, as converters who are short feedstock bid prices up,” said Canaccord.

    “PLS is investigating a move down the value chain by producing a midstream lithium sulphate product. This may deliver greater margins and reduce the overall hard rock supply.”

    Canaccord’s 12-month price target on the Pilbara share price increased to $1.45 from $1.15 a share.

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

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  • The Spirit (ASX:ST1) share price edges higher on record growth

    A happy smiling kid points his fingers up, indicating a rising share price

    The Spirit Technology Solutions Ltd (ASX: ST1) share price has lifted today after the company announced a positive trading update.

    Spirit is an IT and telecommunications provider with a range of product and service offerings including traditional internet products, managed IT services and cloud-based business solutions. 

    At the time of writing, the Spirit share price is up 2.90%, trading at 35.5 cents.

    Spirit share price higher on record growth, integration

    Today, the company reported “very strong growth again in FY21” with a 150% increase in recurring and S&P (solutions and projects) revenue to $35.7 million between January and April this year. Recurring revenue increased 94% year-on-year to $16.6 million, while S&P revenue growth surged 224% to $19.1 million. 

    Spirit notes the strong Jan-April growth represents an 8% increase off the seasonally high September-December 2020 period. September to December was further boosted by a school infrastructure renewal project, while January typically represents a quieter B2B holiday period followed by the Easter holidays. 

    On the lookout for merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities, Spirit has acquired some 13 cloud, IT and telecommunications companies in the last two years. With so many different companies coming under the Spirit brand and business, integration represents an integral part of maximising the value of its acquisitions.

    Spirit’s update highlights that 8 of 13 companies are completely integrated across people, systems, processes and brand. By June, 10 of 13 companies will be integrated with only Reliance, and recent purchases of Intalock and Nexgen remaining.

    From a technology perspective, the company has decommissioned 35 of 45 systems across the acquisitions, with 29 of 45 scheduled integration events completed. 

    The Spirit share price so far 

    Spirit has marked 10 consecutive quarters of recurring revenue growth to March 2021 alongside numerous growth accretive acquisitions. However, the Spirit share price has stayed level since August 2020.

    The company is in its early days of profitability, delivering a net profit of $508,117 in the first half of FY21. Despite the lack of recent share price upside, Spirit remains confident of achieving organic revenue growth through the integration of its acquisitions, building its product portfolio and national expansion. 

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

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  • Why the Creso Pharma (ASX:CPH) share price is on fire today

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    The Creso Pharma Ltd (ASX: CPH) share price is on fire today. Shares are up 8% at the time of writing, having earlier posted intraday gains of more than 10%.

    Below we take a look at the latest product announcement from the ASX cannabis share.

    What product announcement did Creso make?

    Creso Pharma’s share price is surging today after the company reported it has finalised the development of its patented anibidiol-swine product. Comprised of hemp flour and oat bran, the product is intended as a complementary feedstock for pigs.

    And as Creso reports, there are a lot of pigs in the world, with some 700 million animals globally and roughly 150 million in Europe alone.

    The company said it will initially focus on its established animal health partners in Europe and Latin America. It expects first sales of anibidiol-swine – largely to vets, livestock feed shops and online – to commence during the second half of the 2021 calendar year.

    According to the release, the swine feed market is forecast to grow to US$148 billion (AU$$189 billion) by 2027.

    Commenting on the new product, Creso Commercial and Development Director, Gian Trepp said:

    anibidiol-swine was developed to address the large need expressed by farmers for an effective, natural and plant based complementary feed to support the reduction of stress and swine tail biting.

    The development follows considerable work undertaken by the Creso Pharma team and we are very pleased to have this product ready for launch on a global basis. We anticipate that the launch will provide access into another lucrative vertical for the company and contribute to the company’s growing revenue streams.

    Atop the discomfort, tail biting can also reduce the value of pigs at slaughter.

    Creso Pharma share price snapshot

    Creso Pharma shareholders have enjoyed a profitable year, with shares up 131% over the past 12 months. By comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 32% over that same time.

    Year-to-date the Creso Pharma share price has retraced, currently down 10%.

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  • Why the Meridian Energy (ASX:MEZ) share price is sliding

    ASX renewable energy shares represented by wind turbines on a hillside

    The Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ) share price is sliding in morning trade, down 1.4%.

    Below we take a look at how New Zealand’s largest sustainable electricity generator fared in April.

    What did Meridian report for April?

    Meridian Energy’s share price is moving lower even though the company reported a 15.4% increase in national electricity demand compared to April 2020, when New Zealand was under strict COVID lockdowns.

    Meridian, which relies heavily on hydropower, also revealed that in the month to 14 May, the somewhat depleted national hydro storage increased from 59% to 67% of its historical average.

    But not all parts of its New Zealand operations gained. While hydro storage on South Island ramped up to 71% of the historical average, North Island saw water levels fall, with hydro storage sinking to 35% of the average by 14 May 2021. The company said that April was warmer and drier than average across much of the nation.

    Reflecting the reopening of the country following largely successful virus suppression, Meridian reported that its April New Zealand retail sales volumes increased 36.9% year-on-year.

    Breaking that down into segments, sales to small and medium-sized business (SMBs) leapt 91.7%, while large business sales increased 12.8% and corporate was up 39.9%. Agricultural sales grew strongly too, up 63.5%.

    With more people returning to the office or simply out and about outside their homes, Meridian’s residential sales segment decreased 2.3% compared to April 2020.

    Both its energy supply costs and the price it received for power generation climbed steeply year-on-year. Meridian reported an 87.9% increase in the price it received while its costs to supply customers shot up 88.8%.

    Power generation in Australia also increased, up 23.1% from April 2020. Meridian said that came from lower levels of wind generation and more hydro generation.

    Meridian Energy share price snapshot

    The Meridian Energy share price remains up 11% over the past full year, trailing the 29% gains posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    2021 hasn’t been as kind to shareholders.

    After hitting an all-time closing high of $8.64 on 8 January, shares have fallen hard as some major institutional holders sold their stakes and retail investors digested the company’s performance. That’s seen the Meridian Energy share price fall 30% year-to-date, and sink 43% since 8 January.

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  • Here’s why the Imugene (ASX:IMU) share price is jumping 5% today

    medical asx share price increase represented by three excited doctors with hands in the air

    The Imugene Limited (ASX: IMU) share price is leaping higher today on the back of news the immuno-oncology company has entered into a licensing agreement.

    The agreement will see Imugene licensing the patents for a novel combination immunotherapy targeting cancer cells.

    At the time of writing, the Imugene share price is trading 5.3% higher than yesterday’s close, with shares in the company swapping hands for 34.75 cents.

    Let’s take a closer look at the announcement Imugene made this morning.

    Cancer therapy licensing agreement

    Imugene has entered into a licensing agreement with City of Hope, an independent cancer research and treatment centre. The technology under the license is an extension of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell cancer therapy.

    According to Lymphoma Australia, CAR T cell therapy uses a person’s T cells, which are a type of white blood cell, to attack cancer cells. CAR T cell therapy makes a person’s white blood cells attracted to CD19 protein, which is found on the surface of some types of cancer cells. The white blood cells can then attack the cancer.

    As solid tumours don’t naturally produce CD19, they can’t currently be treated with CAR T cell therapy.

    Under the licensing agreement, Imugene will license City of Hope’s CD19 therapy. The therapy is a CAR T cell therapy using City of Hope’s oncolytic virus, onCARlytics.

    OnCARlytics has so far been successful in making solid tumours produce the CD19 protein.

    Imugene states that targeting solid cancers with T cell therapy is the technology’s “holy grail”, as current Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved CD19 CAR T drugs only work to treat blood cancers.

    The first clinical trial is expected to start next year. Within it, onCARlytics will be combined with CAR T therapy to target solid tumours.

    The trial will test the safety and efficacy of the treatment combination in humans.

    So far, researchers at City of Hope have been able to successfully use onCARlytics to produce CD19 in triple-negative breast, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, head and neck, and brain cancer cells. They have also successfully combined onCARlytics with CAR T cell therapy in mice studies. The findings included a significant number of mice being cured of cancer with prolonged protective anti-tumour immunity.

    Commentary from management

    Imugene’s managing director and CEO Leslie Chong commented on the therapy. She said:

    The CAR T cell field currently only treats ~10% of all cancers such as blood or liquid tumours, whereas this technology has the potential to open up the solid tumour market.

    Imugene share price snapshot

    The Imugene share price is having a fantastic year so far on the ASX, with today’s news bringing its latest boost.

    Currently, the Imugene share price has gained around 240% since the start of 2021. It’s also up a whopping 1,033% since this time last year.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $1.6 billion, with approximately 4.7 billion shares outstanding.

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  • Exec jailed for ASX share market manipulation

    business man with hands handcuffed behind back

    The chief financial officer of formerly ASX-listed company Traditional Therapy Clinics Limited has been sentenced to 1 year and 10 months imprisonment for stock market manipulation.

    The NSW District Court also ordered Zhonghan Wu to serve 2 years and 6 months of a community corrections order for fraud convictions.

    The sentencing was the result of an Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) investigation into Traditional Therapy Clinics shares immediately after it listed on the ASX in 2015.

    The initial public offering (IPO) had raised $15 million for the business, at 50 cents per share.

    Trying to keep the shares above IPO price

    Wu, who is also known as John, executed transactions through multiple broking accounts as soon as Traditional Therapy Clinics was listed on the bourse.

    According to ASIC, he was trying to artificially keep the stock above the IPO price.

    “Mr Wu carried out and attempted to carry out multiple share transactions in TTC shares using four different trading accounts. The trading had the effect of creating an artificial price for TTC shares on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX),” the watchdog stated.

    “When trades in one trading account were rejected for suspicious trading, Mr Wu would use another trading account to continue trading in TTC shares.”

    Judge Mark Buscombe found Wu’s trading “undermined the integrity of the market”. The judge added that the executive knew his “brazen campaign of price manipulation” was “wrong and illegal”.

    Traditional Therapy Clinics was delisted in 2018 after it went into administration.

    Loan fraud on Commonwealth Bank

    Wu’s sentencing to community corrections order was for pleading guilty to fraud on a separate matter.

    ASIC alleged that in 2012 and 2015 Wu was granted loans from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) totalling $550,000.

    The CFO was later found to have submitted “false and misleading” documents to the bank in support of his loan applications.

    Wu, who is out on bail, was ordered to undergo an Intensive Correction Order assessment. The result will be considered in the NSW District Court on 2 July to determine the exact nature of his imprisonment.

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  • Here’s why the Rhythm (ASX:RHY) share price is soaring 8% today

    asx share price growth represented by rocket flying up increasing bar chart.

    The Rhythm Biosciences Ltd (ASX: RHY) share price is on the run following the company’s strategic update to FY22.

    During early morning trade, Rhythm shares are swapping hands for $1.045, up 8.8%.

    Rhythm moves ahead with strategic plans

    Investors appear to be pleased with the company’s progress to commercialise its cancer detection technology, ColoSTAT, driving Rhythm shares higher.

    In its announcement, Rhythm highlighted a number of activities that it is moving forward to launch ColoSTAT into global markets.

    The first of its listed strategic initiatives is to accelerate United States market entry for ColoSTAT. The company has incorporated a wholly-owned entity to cement its foothold in the country to carry operations out smoothly. The initial pathway stages to obtain market approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already commenced.

    In addition, Rhythm has expanded its platform by setting up an Australian entity to hold its technology within. The company validated initial data that its lead biomarker has a global market opportunity for cancer diagnostics.

    Regulatory entry in both Europe (CE Mark) and Australia is advancing ahead of completion in its ColoSTAT Study 7. CE Mark filing is slated for late 2021, and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has begun the regulatory approval process.

    Lastly, the company is looking at further market entry strategies in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, and broader Asia. Further updates in regards to this are expected to be released to the ASX in the coming months.

    Notably, the company is targeting its first revenue for late 2022.

    Comments from the CEO

    Rhythm CEO, Mr. Glenn Gilbert commented:

    Following the exceptional ColoSTAT performance results from Study 6 and the LRF algorithm enhancement work, this has given the company confidence to now accelerate the execution of our commercial strategy, focusing on our path to market activities.

    ColoSTAT will transform the global mass-market cancer diagnostic market, with exciting and positive impacts at a social and economic level.

    About the Rhythm share price

    The Rhythm share price has been one of the best performers over the last 12 months, rising more than 1,000%. The company’s shares were trading at 6.3 cents in June before accelerating later that year.

    It’s worth noting that the Rhythm share price is trading just below its all-time high of $1.675, reached in March.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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

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  • Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today

    Business man marking Sell on board and underlining it

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

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

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts have reiterated their sell rating and $80.26 price target on this banking giant’s shares. While Goldman acknowledges that CBA’s balance sheet is strong and it has a sector leading capital position and superior performance on volume growth, it doesn’t believe this justifies the 42% premium it is currently trading on versus peers. The Commonwealth Bank share price is trading $98.34 this morning.

    Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH)

    A note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have retained their sell rating but increased their price target on this medical device company’s shares to NZ$24.80 (A$23.03). While a strong full year result for FY 2021 is expected later this month, UBS believes that its earnings will decline materially in FY 2022 due to lower pandemic-related sales. And although it expects its earnings to return to growth in FY 2023, it is only expected to be a modest increase. In light of this, it appears to believe that its shares are overvalued at the current level. The Fisher & Paykel Healthcare share price is fetching $31.14 today.

    Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

    Analysts at Citi have retained their sell rating but lifted the price target on this wine company’s shares to $9.70. This follows Treasury Wine’s investor day event last week. The broker notes that the company intends to reallocate some of its Chinese portfolio to the United States in an effort to drive sustainable growth over the long term. And although its guidance for FY 2021 was ahead of expectations, the broker notes that its longer term growth targets are not. As a result, it doesn’t appear to be in a rush to make a change to its recommendation. Particularly given the execution risks with its restructure. The Treasury Wine share price is trading at $11.22.

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  • Why the Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price is rising today

    ASX shares profit upgrade chart showing growth

    The Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price has been a positive performer on Tuesday.

    In morning trade, the energy producer’s shares are up over 1% to $22.77.

    Why is the Woodside share price rising?

    Investors have been buying Woodside’s shares following the release of an announcement this morning.

    According to the release, Woodside has decided to exit its 50% non-operated participating interest in the proposed Kitimat LNG (KLNG) development in British Columbia, Canada.

    Management notes that the exit will include the divestment or wind-up and restoration of assets, leases and agreements covering the 480 km Pacific Trail Pipeline route and the site for the proposed LNG facility at Bish Cove.

    However, Woodside will retain a position in the Liard Basin upstream gas resource.

    What now?

    Woodside will work with Kitimat Joint Venture participant and operator Chevron Canada (Chevron) to protect value during the exit. Chevron also announced its plan to divest its 50% interest in KLNG in December 2019.

    The exit will come at a cost. Management estimates that its decision to exit KLNG will impact FY 2021 net profit after tax by approximately US$40 million to US$60 million. Positively for shareholders, these costs will be excluded from underlying net profit for the purpose of calculating its dividend.

    Management commentary

    Woodside’s Acting CEO, Meg O’Neill, explained that exiting KLNG will allow the company to focus on successfully delivering higher value opportunities in Australia and Senegal.

    She said: “Following Chevron’s decision to exit KLNG and subsequent decision in March 2021 to cease funding further feasibility work, Woodside undertook a comprehensive review of our options for the project and our wider development portfolio.”

    “The Kitimat LNG proposal was designed to develop a new source of LNG to supply Asian markets in the latter part of this decade. However, we have decided to prioritise the allocation of capital to opportunities that will deliver nearer-term shareholder value.”

    “Woodside is focused on working towards the targeted final investment decision for the Scarborough LNG development in Western Australia in the second half of 2021 and the continued successful execution of our Sangomar oil project offshore Senegal.”

    “Retaining an upstream position in the prolific Liard Basin provides Woodside a low-cost option to investigate potential future natural gas, ammonia and hydrogen opportunities in British Columbia,” she concluded.

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  • Why is the Laybuy (ASX:LBY) share price frozen today?

    ASX share price trading halt represented by serious woman putting hand up

    The Laybuy Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: LBY) share price won’t be going anywhere on Tuesday.

    Laybuy announced a trading halt before market open in relation to a proposed capital raising. The company expects the trading halt to remain in place until Thursday 20 May, or when the announcement regarding the capital raising is released. 

    Why is Laybuy raising capital? 

    Despite the Laybuy share price plummeting more than 60% since its first day of listing, the company has outlined a number of growth initiatives to leverage its scalable platform and market opportunity. 

    From a geographic perspective, this includes accelerating its growth in the United Kingdom market, testing its United States beta for ANZ and UK merchants to access US-based customers and potential M&A opportunities that may arise from industry consolidation.

    The company’s fourth-quarter presentation noted that the “US market remains a long-term growth opportunity”. However, the company has yet to set foot in the world’s largest economy besides the testing of its US beta product. 

    More recently, the company announced that it had appointed a general manager into the newly created role for the UK and Europe to drive continued growth. 

    The UK represents a significant opportunity for value creation for the company, with a 504% surge in gross merchandise value from FY20 to FY21. 

    Laybuy’s global growth strategy, new hires and technology investments likely come with a hefty price tag. In the 12 months to 31 March 2021, the company has delivered a net loss of $45 million with a remaining $15 million in cash and cash equivalents. 

    The capital raising will likely be used to shore up its balance sheet to further drive key strategic initiatives and growth plans. 

    Why the Laybuy share price is down 60% in 9 months

    Prior to entering the trading halt, the Laybuy share price had shrivelled to just 68 cents from an initial public offering (IPO) price of $1.41 per share. On its first day of listing on 7 September 2020, the company’s shares even surged as high as $2.30 before closing at $2.05. 

    Laybuy chose to list during a period in which the buy now, pay later (BNPL) hype had arguably died down. Smaller BNPL rivals such as Splitit Payments Ltd (ASX: SPT) and Openpay Group Ltd (ASX: OPY) provide good examples of the timing challenges Laybuy has faced. 

    The share prices of both competitors peaked in late August/early September, coinciding with when Laybuy made its ASX debut. Both Splitit and Openpay have slumped a similar 60% since. 

    So, the Laybuy share price isn’t alone in its selloff, with both local and BNPL behemoths such as Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) all facing heavy selling across the board. 

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    Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post Why is the Laybuy (ASX:LBY) share price frozen today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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