• 2 growing ASX dividend shares to buy

    man carrying large dollar sign on his back representing high P/E ratio or dividend

    With interest rates likely to remain low for some time to come, the dividend shares listed below could be top options for anyone seeking a passive income stream. This is especially the case for those looking for long term options.

    Here’s why these ASX dividend shares are rated as buys right now:

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

    The first ASX dividend share for income investors to consider is Coles. The supermarket operator could be a top option due to its positive long term growth outlook and favourable dividend policy.

    One broker that believes the company is well-placed to grow its dividend over the long term is Goldman Sachs.

    Its analysts are forecasting dividends per share of 62 cents in FY 2021 and 66 cents in FY 2022. Based on the current Coles share price of $16.35, this will mean fully franked yields of 3.8% and 4.1%, respectively, over the next two years.

    Goldman also sees meaningful upside for the Coles share price over the next 12 months. Its analysts have put a buy rating and $20.50 price target on its shares.

    Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN)

    Another ASX dividend share to consider is Kogan. With this ecommerce company’s shares falling heavily in recent months, they are now trading at a level that could make them an option for income investors.

    For example, analysts at Credit Suisse are currently forecasting Kogan to pay dividends of ~25.4 cents per share and ~29.4 cents per share in FY 2021 and FY 2022, respectively.

    Based on the current Kogan share price of $10.12, which is down a massive 60% from its high, this will mean fully franked dividend yields of 2.5% and 2.9% over the next couple of years.

    Credit Suisse has an outperform rating and $17.93 price target on its shares. This implies almost 80% upside over the next 12 months for investors.

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    James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Kogan.com ltd. 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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  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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    On Friday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished a disappointing week on a positive note. The benchmark index rose 0.45% to 7,014.2 points.

    Will the market be able to build on this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 futures pointing higher

    The Australian share market looks set to start the week on a positive note following a strong finish on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the week 48 points or 07% higher this morning. In the United States on Friday, the Dow Jones rose 1.05%, the S&P 500 climbed 1.5%, and the Nasdaq stormed 2.3%. The latter could be good news for tech shares today.

    Carsales shares to return

    The Carsales.Com Ltd (ASX: CAR) share price is scheduled to return from its trading halt this morning. The auto listings company requested a trading halt last week to raise funds to acquire a 49% stake in United States-based business Trader Interactive for approximately US$624 million (A$800 million). Carsales is looking to raise $600 million via a pro rata accelerated renounceable entitlement offer at $17.00 per new share. The overall reaction to the acquisition has been positive by brokers.

    Oil prices rebound

    It could be a good start to the week for energy producers such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) after oil prices rebounded. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price rose 2.4% to US$65.37 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price climbed 2.5% to US$68.71 a barrel. This followed declines of around 3% the day before.

    Gold price higher

    Gold miners including Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) will be in focus today after the gold price stormed higher on Friday night. According to CNBC, the spot gold price recorded a 0.85% gain to US$1,838.1 an ounce. This stretched the precious metal’s weekly gain to 4%.

    Incitec Pivot result

    The Incitec Pivot Ltd (ASX: IPL) share price will be on watch today when the industrial chemicals company releases its half year results. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts are expecting the company to report revenue of $1,825 million and EBITDA of $353 million. This is exepcted to lead to an interim dividend of 2.2 cents per share being declared.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended carsales.com Limited. 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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  • 2 top ASX growth shares rated as buys in May

    If you like to invest in growth shares, then you’re in luck. The Australian share market is home to a number of companies growing at a solid rate.

    Two ASX growth shares that could be worth a closer look are listed below. Here’s what you need to know about them:

    Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

    The first ASX growth share to look at is this pizza chain operator.

    It has been growing at a strong rate for a good number of years, albeit with a couple of hiccups along the way.

    Pleasingly, Domino’s is well and truly on form at the moment. In February it released its half year results and smashed the market’s expectations.

    For the six months ended 31 December, the company reported a 16.5% increase in total global food sales to $1.84 billion. This was underpinned by a combination of strong same store sales growth and the opening of 131 new stores. The latter was impressive given it was during the pandemic.

    Even better was the operating leverage it achieved during the half. This led to Domino’s reporting a sizeable 32.8% increase in underlying net profit after tax to $96.2 million.

    Looking ahead, the company is confident its strong form will continue in the second half. In fact, management expects an even stronger performance during the half.

    Morgans is positive on the company. It has an add rating and price target of $119.00 on its shares.

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

    Another ASX growth share to look at is Temple & Webster. It is Australia’s leading online furniture and homewares retailer.

    Like Domino’s, Temple & Webster has been growing at a strong rate over the last few years. This was particularly the case during COVID-19 thanks to the accelerating shift to online shopping.

    And while its growth may moderate now the COVID tailwinds are easing, it still has an enormous growth runway ahead of it.

    This is due to the shift online still being in its infancy for furniture and homewares and its leadership position.

    Management is now investing heavily to take take advantage of the shift and cement its position as the market leader. While this will come at the expense of margins, the long term gains make it more than worthwhile.

    Morgan Stanley is confident in this strategy. The broker currently has an overweight rating and $15.00 price target on its shares.

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    James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Dominos Pizza Enterprises Limited and Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • 2 small cap ASX shares that are growing quickly

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    There are some small cap ASX shares out there that are growing quickly.

    Businesses that are fairly small but increasing in size can unlock growing profit margins, which helps the bottom line.

    Over time, a smaller business can turn into a mid-cap if it can keep capturing market share.

    MNF Group Ltd (ASX: MNF)

    What does MNF do? It’s a business that develops and operates a global communications network and software. It helps the new generation of companies help customers with their communication needs.

    The business has a number of strategic priorities to continue growing.

    It’s targeting 20% year on year growth in domestic markets. MNF wants to grow its strategic customers and build its direct channel partner business.

    Global growth is an important part of the plan. It’s looking to generate revenue from its Singapore network. The small cap ASX share also wants to expand the reach of its platform into new Asia-Pacific countries.

    MNF wants to continue to be strong in its existing markets by building on its brands with its network and software capabilities.

    It also wants to automate and scale its core platforms to support long term growth.

    The FY21 half-year result saw growth. Recurring revenue rose 15% to $55.7 million as a result of growing wholesale revenue. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew 16% to $19.6 million, underlying net profit increased 30% to $8.4 million and earnings per share (EPS) jumped 62% to 7.83 cents.

    MNF says it’s on track to deliver EBITDA of between $40 million to $43 million in FY21.  

    City Chic Collective Ltd (ASX: CCX)

    City Chic is aiming to be a world leader in the retailing of apparel, footwear and accessories to plus-size women.

    The small cap ASX share is using a number of different brands to try to win in various markets. City Chic itself has a strong market share position in Australia.

    It acquired the Avenue business in the US, which is a huge potential market. It’s now using the Avenue website to sell City Chic products.

    In the UK, City Chic has acquired the impressive Evans business which already has a large online presence.

    City Chi is seeing good margin accretion despite the high levels of investing that the company is doing globally, plus all the COVID-19 impacts.

    The FY21 half-year report saw total sales increase by 13.5%, underlying EBITDA growth of 21.8% and statutory net profit growth of 24.8%. The underlying EBITDA margin increased from 18.2% to 19.6%.

    A key part of the growth is online sales. Half-year online sales increased by 42%, representing 73% of total sales for the period.

    City Chic is now a truly global business, with 45% of sales coming from the northern hemisphere, where there’s a much larger growth opportunity.

    The small cap ASX share is seeing continued growth in the second half and numerous new initiatives to cross-sell products between customer bases, grow into Europe and restart partnerships.

    It’s currently rated as a buy by the broker Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) with a price target of $5.20. City Chic is growing even faster than the broker had been expecting.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited and MNF Group Limited. 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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  • 2 growing ASX dividend shares for income investors

    blockletters spelling dividends bank yield

    If you’re wanting to bolster your portfolio with some dividend shares, then the two listed below could be worth considering.

    Here’s what you need to know about these growing ASX dividend shares:

    Integral Diagnostics Ltd (ASX: IDX)

    The first ASX dividend share to look at is Integral Diagnostics. It is a medical imaging service provider that operates from a total of 72 radiology clinics, including 26 comprehensive sites.

    Integral Diagnostics has been a solid performer in FY 2021 thanks to strong demand for its services

    During the first half of FY 2021, it reported a 29.5% increase in revenue to $170.7 million and a massive 61.1% jump in net profit after tax to $23.2 million. This allowed the board to increase its dividend once again.

    And while a strong gain over the last couple of years means its shares don’t provide the biggest yield, it will improve over the coming years.

    For example, on a trailing twelve month basis, Integral Diagnostics has paid shareholders dividends of 9.5 cents per share. Based on the latest Integral Diagnostics share price of $4.71, this represents a fully franked 2% yield.

    However, looking further ahead, analysts at Goldman Sachs expect its dividend to grow to 15.4 cents per share in FY 2023. This will mean a yield of 3.3%.

    Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

    The next dividend share to look at is Rural Funds. It is an agriculture-focused property group that owns a number of properties across five agricultural sectors.

    These properties are leased to some of the biggest operators in the industry, such as wine giant Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE), on long term rental agreements.

    As these long leases have rental increases built into them, they give the company great visibility on its future earnings.

    As a result, management aims to increase its distribution each year by approximately 4%.

    Pleasingly, it plans to do exactly this in FY 2021 and is forecasting an 11.28 cents per share distribution. After which, it intends to pay an 11.73 cents per share in FY 2022.

    Based on the current Rural Funds share price of $2.40, this will mean yields of 4.7% and 4.9%, respectively.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended RURALFUNDS STAPLED. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Integral Diagnostics Ltd. 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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  • 2 fantastic ETFs for ASX growth investors to buy

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    If you’re a fan of growth shares, then you might want to take a look at the exchange traded funds (ETFs) listed below.

    These ETFs give investors access to a collection of some of the highest quality growth shares in the world. Here’s why they could be fantastic additions to most portfolios:

    BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

    The first ETF to look at is the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF. This fund gives investors exposure to some of the highest quality growth shares in the world.

    These are the 100 largest non-financial companies on the famous Nasdaq index. Among its holdings are likes of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google’s parent Alphabet, Microsoft, Netflix, and Tesla.

    Thanks to the quality of these companies and their positive long term outlooks, the index (and therefore the fund) looks well-placed to generate solid returns over the next decade.

    VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

    Another ETF filled with growth shares to consider is the VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF.

    As its name indicates, the ETF gives investors exposure to a portfolio of the largest companies involved in video game development, hardware, and esports.

    Among the companies included in the fund are giants such as graphics processing unit developer Nvidia and gaming giants Take-Two and Electronic Arts.

    The latter two companies are responsible for the Grand Theft Auto and FIFA games, respectively, among others.

    VanEck notes that these companies are in a position to benefit from the increasing popularity of video games and eSports.

    In addition to this, the fund manager points out that the fund gives investors the opportunity to diversify their portfolio by providing tech options outside FAANG stocks. This could make it a good option if you already own the NDQ ETF.

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    James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of BETANASDAQ ETF UNITS. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BETANASDAQ ETF UNITS and VanEck Vectors ETF Trust – VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF. 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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  • 3 great ASX tech shares to buy

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    The ASX has some really good tech shares as potential investments. There are some individual businesses as well as portfolio options.

    Businesses that are generating underlying growth have a good chance of producing capital returns over time.

    That’s why these three ASX tech shares could be ones to think about:

    Xero Limited (ASX: XRO)

    Xero is one of the biggest and perhaps one of the best technology companies in the world.

    It is carving out a position as a global market leader in cloud accounting. In Xero’s FY21, it achieved total subscriber growth of 20% to 2.74 million. That included 17% growth of UK subscribers to 720,000, 18% growth of North American subscribers to 285,000 and 40% growth of rest of the world subscribers to 175,000.

    Xero is investing heavily for growth. It regularly tells investors it has a preference to re-invest cash generated to drive long-term shareholder value.

    However, there are certain financial measures that show how profitable this ASX tech share is and how much profit it could make if it wasn’t investing so heavily. Its FY21 gross profit margin was 86%. Whilst operating revenue grew by 18% to NZ$848.8 million, free cashflow rose 110% to NZ$57 million.

    Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

    This is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that is focused on giving investors exposure to Asian technology businesses outside of Japan.

    That means it ends up with holdings like Tencent, Samsung Electronics, Alibaba, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Meituan, Pinduoduo, JD.com, Infosys, Sea and Netease.

    There’s a total of 50 names in the portfolio, around half of the portfolio is based in China and another quarter is listed in Taiwan. A further 20% is in South Korea. India is the only other country with a meaningful weighting at 5.7%.

    Despite the annual management fee cost of 0.67% per annum, it has been a very high-performing ETF. Since inception in September 2018, it has produced average net returns of 30.5% per annum.

    The underlying Asian businesses continue to grow revenue at a pleasing pace which should help grow the value of the ETF over time.

    Bailador Technology Investments Ltd (ASX: BTI)

    This is an interesting ASX tech share. It’s run as a growth capital fund. It gives exposure to a portfolio of tech companies with global addressable markets. Bailador invests in private technology companies at the expansion stage.

    It has a number of different investments in its portfolio currently, including SiteMinder, Instaclustr, Stackla, Straker Translations Ltd (ASX: STG), Rezdy and Brosa.

    Bailador aims to be a long-term investor in the tech businesses when it first takes a position. Its investment normally helps that tech company deliver the growth that it’s trying to achieve.

    One of its most recent success stories has been Lendi, which is currently merging with Aussie Home Loans. Bailador invested a total of $5.5 million into Lendi during 2016 and 2017. It got back $13.4 million from the investment with the merger, meaning it made 2.4 times its money at an internal rate of return of 21%.

    At the current Bailador share price, it’s valued at a pre-tax net tangible tax (NTA) discount of around 11%.

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    Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Xero. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Bailador Technology Investments Limited and Straker Translations. 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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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

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    Last week saw a number of broker notes hitting the wires once again. Three buy ratings that caught my eye are summarised below.

    Here’s why brokers think investors ought to buy them next week:

    REA Group Limited (ASX: REA)

    According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating and lifted their price target on this property listings company’s shares to $179.10. This follows the release of a strong third quarter update earlier this month. Macquarie was pleased with its update and remains positive on its outlook. Particularly given its expectation for a positive shift in its sales mix and depth growth. The REA Group share price ended the week at $147.70.

    Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR)

    Another note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating and $4.65 price target on this casino and resorts operator’s shares. This follows the announcement of a proposal to merge with rival Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN). Macquarie sees a lot of positives from the proposal, such as upwards of $200 million in synergies. Overall, if everything goes to plan, it believes its shares could be worth $7.00 a share eventually. The Star share price ended the week at $4.06.

    Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

    Analysts at Morgan Stanley have retained their overweight rating and $44.00 price target on this retail conglomerate’s shares. This follows confirmation that the company is looking to demerge its Endeavour Drinks business. The broker is happy with the plan and believes that Woolworths’ balance sheet will be strong enough to return upwards of $2 billion to shareholders via capital management initiatives. The Woolworths share price was fetching $40.58 at Friday’s close.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Woolworths Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended REA Group Limited. 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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  • 2 leading ASX dividend shares rated as buys by brokers

    ASX shares profit upgrade chart showing growth

    There are some leading ASX dividend shares that could be ideas to think about for income, according to some brokers.

    It’s tricky to find good dividends right now because of how low the official interest rate is from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

    These two ASX dividend shares could be ones to think about:

    Aventus Group (ASX: AVN)

    Aventus is Australia’s largest fully-integrated owner, manager and developer of large format retail centres. It has around 20 locations that are worth more approximately $2 billion.

    National tenants represent more than 87% of the portfolio, so it has a high number of blue chip tenants which should provide good rental reliability.

    COVID-19 caused some disruption, but (excluding Victoria) traffic was 8% higher than pre-COVID levels across the portfolio in the FY21 half-year result. Occupancy is sitting at 98.5% and cash collection was at 98%.

    Aventus believes that its diversified tenant base is well-placed to benefit from the recent household shift to working, learning and entertaining from home.

    The FY21 half-year result showed the net asset value (NAV) increased by 3.7% to $2.50 per security and funds from operations (FFO) – the net rental profit – increased by 6.5% to 10 cents per security. The half-year distribution was 8.2 cents per security.

    Aventus’ balance sheet is in decent shape, with gearing sitting at 34%.

    The property ASX dividend share is now expecting to generate FFO of at least 19 cents per security, which would be growth of at least 4%.

    Aventus is currently rated as a buy by Morgans. The broker thinks that Aventus could pay a FY21 distribution of 17.4 cents. This would translate to a distribution yield of 6.1%.

    APA Group (ASX: APA)

    APA is an energy infrastructure giant that is currently rated as a buy by a few different brokers including Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

    One of the main positives for APA, in the broker’s eyes, has been the final investment decision (FID) on expanding its east coast grid. APA has extended its contract with Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG). Contract extensions are expected with Energy Australia and AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL).

    The gas transportation agreement with Origin Energy will start on 1 January 2023 and will support Origin’s energy needs in the southern markets, including winter peak demand and ahead of projected potential 2023 supply risks. Under this agreement, Origin could meet over half of NSW’s winter demand.

    Total incremental revenue for the ASX dividend share over the initial three-year GTA is around $190 million, with the option of a further two-year extension.

    APA reached the FID on the East Coast Grid expansion project due to strong customer demand for transportation capacity, combined with existing contracted positions and available capacity.

    The expansion will be delivered in two stages, at a capital investment of around $270 million. It will increase winter peak capacity of the East Coast Grid by 25% through additional compression and associated works. The first stage of works is targeted for commissioning in the first quarter of the 2023 calendar year.

    Macquarie estimated APA will pay a distribution of 51 cents per security in FY21. This translates to a distribution yield of 5.3%.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of APA Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended AVENTUS RE UNIT. 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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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell next week

    business man holding sign stating time to sell

    Once again, a large number of broker notes hit the wires last week. Some of these notes were positive and some were bearish.

    Three sell ratings that caught my eye are summarised below. Here’s why top brokers think investors ought to sell these shares next week:

    A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

    According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have downgraded this infant formula company’s shares to an underperform rating with a $5.60 price target. This follows the company’s fourth earnings guidance downgrade for FY 2021. The broker doesn’t appear to believe that the issues the company is facing will be an easy fix. Particularly given changes in consumer preferences in the massive China market, which make its future performance highly uncertain. The a2 Milk share price ended the week at $5.53.

    AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL)

    Analysts at Credit Suisse have retained their underperform rating and cut the price target on this energy company’s shares to $7.00. According to the note, the broker has been looking into its separation plans. And while it sees some positives in the move, it doesn’t expect it to change its growth outlook. Credit Suisse only sees modest growth from the New AGL business over the coming years. The AGL share price was fetching $8.51 at Friday’s close.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    A note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have retained their underweight rating and $83.00 price target on this banking giant’s shares. This follows the release of a stronger than expected third quarter profit result. However, this isn’t enough for a change in its recommendation. The broker continues to believe that its shares are overvalued at the current level and prefers other options in the sector. The Commonwealth Bank share price ended the week at $96.58.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended A2 Milk. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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