• Tinybeans (ASX:TNY) share price will be on watch tomorrow, here’s why!

    young woman sitting cross legged with large tub of popcorn and surprised facial expression

    The Tinybeans Group Ltd (ASX: TNY) share price will be in focus in early trade tomorrow, after the social platform for parents and their children reported its half-year accounts.

    Tinybeans sneakily released its announcement 10 minutes before market close, at which point the share price had already taken a 6.5% dive.

    So, what are the numbers?

    The numbers shouldn’t be too much of a surprise to the market, as it is essentially the accumulation of September’s quarterly report and January’s report. However, half-year reports can sometimes include amendments and adjustments that were not originally captured.

    First of all, Tinybeans’ revenue for the first half came in at a total of $5.633 million. This represents an increase of 141% compared to the previous corresponding period (pcp).

    The company also highlighted the following significant items in the half:

    • Advertising revenue reaching over $4.72 million, an increase of 185% pcp
    • Subscription revenues increased to $507,000, an increase of 18% pcp
    • Monthly active users (MAU) reached over 4.8 million, an increase of 253%
    • Cash balance of $4.46 million as at the end of December.

    Tinybeans’ advertising revenue benefitted from both the renewal of existing advertisers and the addition of new ones. The Australian company now boasts an impressive list of advertisers including Apple, Netflix, Amazon, Google, and Walmart.

    Given that the premium service of the Tinybeans app has an annual option, the retention rate is important. Based on the report, premium subscriptions maintained a retention rate of 92%.

    On the bottom line, Tinybeans reduced the net loss to $1.073 million, down from a loss of $1.873 million. The company finished the half with a cash balance of $4.464 million, declining from $5.220 million at the end of June 2020.

    Growth in the sights of management

    CEO, Edward Geller, outlined that the company is still in its very early stages of what it aspires to be. Currently, Tinybeans is fundamentally a photo-sharing app for parents with children/babies. However, Mr. Geller sees the company evolving into a platform that parents use daily.

    Mr. Geller further commented on the growth trajectory of Tinybeans:

    As announced to the market at the Innovation event, the product roadmap is ambitious, so the right balance of capital investment is needed to ensure its success. Since July 2020, the Company has ramped its capital investment to nearly $1 million per quarter to begin executing on this vision but it is important to note that this is being done prudently with the right balance of revenue growth and cash management.

    Tinybeans share price snapshot

    The Tinybeans share price appears to have benefitted from a continued emphasis on privacy. The company’s share price has risen 23% in the past 12 months. Surprisingly, the small-cap share has not experienced excessive volatility in the past 3 months. 

    The company currently has a market capitalisation of $79 million.

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    Mitchell Lawler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Tinybeans Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Tinybeans 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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  • Why the Cash Converters (ASX:CCV) share price slid lower today

    shares lower

    The Cash Converters International Ltd (ASX: CCV) share price ended the day down 1.8% at 28 cents.

    We take a look at Cash Converters’ financial results for the half-year ending 31 December (H1 FY21) below. In particular, what these figures mean for the Cash Converter share price. 

    What results did Cash Converters report for H1 FY21?

    Today, Cash Converters reported a 31% decline in revenue, to $98.4 million from $142.7 million in H1 FY20.

    Statutory net profit after taxes (NPAT) came in at $7.7 million. Which was up from a $19.4 million statutory NPAT loss in the prior corresponding period (pcp).

    Operating NPAT declined 28% year-on-year. Cash Converters said its operating results “are presented net of the significant expense items directly associated with the settlement of class action litigation claims in the previous corresponding period”.

    For the same reason, statutory earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was $24.6 million. This was up compared to a negative $12.6 million in H1 FY20. Additionally, operating EBITDA declined 19% year-on-year from $30.4 million.

    Moreover, the company’s online presence looks to have benefited from a wider shift in consumer online spending growth. Cash Converters reported a 39% boost in online retail sales, up 39%.

    Gross bad debt expenses were cut by 56% and operating cash flow was up at $8.6 million from negative $15.5 million in the corresponding half year.

    Cash Converters reported $91.3 million in cash and equivalents as at 31 December, up from $59.4 million.

    Management Commentary

    Commenting on the results, Cash Converters’ managing director, Sam Budiselik said:

    The performance of our underlying business has been extremely impressive considering the substantial impact of COVID-19 throughout the first half of FY 2021. The ongoing Government stimulus had resulted in our inventory levels depleting throughout our store network, our Loan Books contracting and franchise fee revenue reducing as various state-wide (and international) lockdowns occurred throughout the period.

    Despite these headwinds the resilience of our business model continued to demonstrate the appeal of our store service experience and the reach of our online and digital assets.

    Cash Converters noted it was not eligible for and made no direct claims under the government’s  JobKeeper allowances.

    Cash Converters share price snapshot

    Despite tumbling 50% during the viral market rout last February and March, Cash Converters’ shares are up 38% over the past 12 months. By comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up just under 5%.

    Year-to-date the Cash Converters share price is up 19.5%.

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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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  • Clean TeQ (ASX:CLQ) share price nosedives 8% on $10 million loss

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    The Clean TeQ Holdings Limited (ASX: CLQ) share price dropped today off the back of the company’s half year (1H21) results for the period ended 31 December 2020.

    The Clean TeQ share price finished today’s trading session 8.20% lower at 28 cents a share.

    Here’s what we learned from the company’s 1H21 results.

    Clean TeQ posts multi-million dollar loss

    Clean TeQ reported a loss of $10.1 million for 1H21. This compares to the $10.3 million loss of 1HY20.

    Revenue from continuing operations increased to $1.6 million versus the 31 December 2019 revenue of $666,000.

    The 1HY21 loss per share was $1.33, a slight improvement compared to the 1HY20 loss per share of $1.35.

    Net assets jumped during the period from $42 million as of 30 June 2020 to $48.7 million as of 31 December 2020.

    Clean TeQ’s total equity at the end of 1HY21 was $48.7 million compared to $42.1 million in 1HY20.

    Clean TeQ principal 1HY21 activities

    For the 1HY21 period, Clean TeQ advised that its principal consulting activities focused on two major areas.

    First, the company noted its ongoing development of Clean-iX. Clean-iX resin technology can be used to extract and purify a range of mining industry resources including base metals, precious metals and rare earth elements. Clean TeQ is also developing its Sunrise Project and other mineral exploration properties in New South Wales as part of this feat.

    Secondly, Clean TeQ advised that it continues to develop and commercialise its Continuous Ionic Filtration (‘CIF’) resin technologies. The CIF technology supports the purification and recycling of industrial, municipal and mining waste waters.

    Clean TeQ share price snapshot

    Clean TeQ specialises in metals recovery and industrial water treatment. The business endeavours to become a leading supplier of clean energy solutions.

    Over the past 6-month period, the Clean TeQ share price has gained 100%. 

    The company’s current market capitalisation is $283.5 million and there are presently 885.9 million shares outstanding based on the current share price.

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  • 2 fast-growing small cap ASX shares to watch

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    As well as being home to blue chip shares like Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), the Australian share market hosts a good number of promising small caps.

    Two small cap ASX shares that you might want to put on your watchlist are listed below. Here’s what you need to know about them:

    MNF Group Ltd (ASX: MNF)

    The first small cap ASX share to look at is MNF Group. It is a leading provider of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to businesses and consumers. This technology allows users to make telephone calls over the internet.

    MNF has been growing its recurring revenue at a solid rate in recent years and this has continued in FY 2021. Earlier this week the company released its half year results and delivered a 15% increase in recurring revenue to $55.7 million.

    Another positive was its Net Revenue Retention (NRR) metric. MNF revealed that its NRR rate across its top 10 customers was 115%. This means that the company is not only retaining these customers, they are spending more.

    Looking ahead, the company’s future looks very positive thanks to structural tailwinds and its expansion into Asia. In respect to the latter, MNF is close to launching in Singapore and has its eyes on a further six markets in the region.

    Morgan Stanley remains positive on the company. Earlier this week its analysts reaffirmed their overweight rating and $6.30 price target on its shares.

    Volpara Health Technologies Ltd (ASX: VHT)

    Another small cap to look at is Volpara. It is the New Zealand-based healthcare technology company behind the VolparaEnterprise software solution. This product is a cost-effective, mission-critical tool that helps clinics deliver the highest-quality breast imaging services.

    In addition to this, the company has been developing and acquiring an increasing number of add-on solutions that work with VolparaEnterprise. These add-ons are expected to support an increase in its average revenue per user (ARPU) metric in the future. In fact, the whole suite is estimated to be around US$10 per user, which is materially more than its current ARPU of US$1.22.

    Combined with market share growth, this could underpin significant revenue growth in the future.

    One broker that is a fan of Volpara is Morgans. Earlier this month the broker put an add rating and $1.92 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 and recommends VOLPARA FPO NZ. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended MNF Group Limited and Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended VOLPARA FPO NZ. 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 Doctor Care Anywhere (ASX:DOC) share price is up 62% since December

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    The Doctor Care Anywhere Ltd (ASX: DOC) share price failed to continue its positive run on Thursday despite the release of a strong full year result.

    The telehealth company’s shares ended the day flat at $1.30.

    Despite this, the Doctor Care Anywhere share price is up over 62% since its IPO in December.

    How did Doctor Care Anywhere perform in FY 2020?

    For the 12 months ended 31 December, the company reported a 102% increase in revenue to 11.6 million pounds. This was 5.8% ahead of its prospectus forecast.

    Management advised that its strong revenue growth was driven by a 306% increase in consultations through its platform and a 199% increase in activated lives (active customers).

    On the bottom line, Doctor Care Anywhere reported a loss before interest and tax of 9.6 million pounds and a net loss of 31.3 million pounds. This was driven by costs associated with the company’s IPO and fair value finance charges in respect of convertible loan notes.

    At the end of the period, the company had a cash balance of 38.4 million pounds.

    Management commentary

    While the company didn’t comment on its results today, it previously spoke about them with its fourth quarter update.

    Doctor Care Anywhere’s CEO, Bayju Thakar, said: “We continue to see robust growth in consultation volumes across all channel partners, as new and existing patients become accustomed to adopting digital healthcare into their everyday lives. Consultations have grown over 300% on the prior corresponding period and this demand has helped deliver positive financial outcomes for DOC while demonstrating that we are providing a much-needed service to patients across the UK and Ireland.”

    “The pandemic has accelerated a long-overdue digitisation of the healthcare industry. Both patients and healthcare practitioners are growing more comfortable with remote diagnosis and treatment. Our patients are benefiting from faster and more convenient access to healthcare. Clinicians are appreciating the flexibility of working at a place and time of their choosing and the efficiency of single electronic health records stored in the cloud. Our insurance partners are also seeing the cost savings that can be achieved by controlling the patient journey and reducing unnecessary interventions.”

    Outlook

    In respect to the year ahead, the company’s focus remains firmly on increasing activations and consultations across its existing membership base.

    It also intends to continue growing its membership base through new channel partner agreements and adding higher margin diagnostic referral pathways and services such as mental health.

    This is part of its overall plan to deliver the first truly joined up healthcare experience by 2023.

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  • Why the Nufarm (ASX:NUF) share price finished 7% higher today

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    The Nufarm Limited (ASX: NUF) share price ended the day higher after the company provided a financial update for the start of FY21. At market close, shares in the Agrochemicals company finished at $5.02, up 7.9%.

    Let’s take a closer look and see how the Nufarm business tracked for the period.

    Financial highlights

    The Nufarm share shot up today as investors appear to be upbeat at the company’s future earnings release.

    According to its release, the company delivered a robust performance in the new financial year.

    For the four months ending 31 January, Nufarm reported total group revenue of $845 million. This represented a lift of 17% on the prior corresponding period (1 October 2020 to 31 January 2021).

    The company stated that it has seen growth in all crop protection regions and in its seed technologies business. In particular, the Asia Pacific region – Nufarm’s second biggest market – contributed revenues of $257 million, up 46% on the prior four months. Europe on the other hand, recorded $227 million, an 18% increase over the same timeframe. North America remained unchanged at $313 million for the period.

    As a result, Nufarm revealed that improved season conditions in Australia and Europe are driving the company’s sales.

    In addition, the company is progressing its net working capital towards management’s short-term target of 40% ANWC/sales. The metric refers to the average net working capital as a percentage of the last twelve months revenue (ANWC/sales). In laymen’s terms, this translates to the group’s diligence in striving for positive cashflow.

    Lastly, the company noted that the strong trading conditions are continuing to run throughout February.

    Nufarm will release its financial results for the first half of FY21 on 20 May 2021.

    Management commentary

    Nufarm managing director and CEO, Greg Hunt, hailed the favourable results, saying:

    The positive momentum we saw in the second half of last financial year has continued with revenue growth in all regions and our Seed Technologies business.

    While our major trading months are still ahead of us and uncertainties including currency translation and supply chain impacts of COVID-19 remain, improved seasonal and market conditions in Australia and Europe are driving a recovery in sales and these regions are expected to make a meaningful contribution to earnings growth in FY21.

    Nufarm share price snapshot

    In the last 12 months, the Nufarm share price has slipped around 7%, reflecting earlier headwinds faced by the company. However, since the beginning of this year, Nufarm has turned its fortunes around, with its shares up 21%.

    Based on the current share price, Nufarm commands a market capitalisation close to $1.9 billion.

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  • Slater & Gordon (ASX:SGH) share price lifts 5% on earnings report

    The Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH) share price surged by as much as 11% today after releasing its earnings report for the half year in FY21.

    At the time of writing, Slater & Gordon shares were up 5.56% to 86 cents per share.

    What did Slater & Gordon announce today

    The law firm announced a net profit for the six months ending 31 December 2020 of approximately $3 million — a far better result than the $561,000 loss of the prior corresponding period (pcp).

    Revenues rose by $10 million – including $8 million in net movement in Work in Progress (WIP). Concurrently, expenses rose by only $3.8 million. The company highlighted a 16% growth in enquiries and a 6% rise in active case files during the period.

    The law firm also posted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $18.8 million, compared to $15.3 million in the pcp.

    Earnings per share (EPS) for the firm equated to 2.2 cents. In the pcp, this was a half a cent loss. Operating cash flow was down by $900,000 on the pcp to $6.1 million. The firm’s net asset position improved to $167.8 million – on 30 June 2020 this was $162.3 million.

    Slater & Gordon advised it would not pay a dividend for the half.

    The firm also pointed out it neither sought nor received JobKeeper payments.

    What does Slater & Gordon do?

    Slater & Gordon is a large compensation, personal injury, and class action law firm. It was one of the first law firms in the world to become publicly listed on a stock exchange.

    The firm has 40 sites across Australia and has a strong social justice ethos. It has deep relationships with many of Australia’s unions and regularly represents asylum seekers on a pro-bono basis. In its half-yearly report, the firm highlighted acquiring compensation for 1,300 asylum seekers.

    Comments from the chair

    James MacKenzie, Slater & Gordon chair, gave the following comments on the results:

    The investment that we are making in our business, in innovation and in our people is delivering the growth evident in our results.

    Pleasingly, despite the challenges of COVID-19, we have continued to progress matters on behalf of the thousands of Australians who need our help to access justice.

    Impacts of COVID-19

    The firm attributed part of its success to the impacts of COVID-19. In its announcement, Slater & Gordon stated the rise in WIP could be partly attributed to “a slow-down in some parts of the legal process caused by COVID-19 restrictions.”

    The firm credited the “remarkable effort” of its people in delivering today’s result.

    In its announcement, the firm said:

    The Board and management remain cautious about the social, health and economic environment in which the Company operates, particularly as courts, government bodies and medico-legal practitioners work through backlogs arising from last year’s shutdowns.

    Slater & Gordon share price snapshot

    During intraday trade, the Slater & Gordon share price went as high as 92 cents, the highest it’s been in the current year to date. However, in August last year shares were trading at $1.34 and in 2015 were at nearly $700 a share!

    At current levels, the Slater & Gordon share price is down around 10% on this time last year.

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  • Why is the Novonix (ASX:NVX) share price in a trading halt today?

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    The Novonix Ltd (ASX: NVX) share price was in a trading halt today on news the company plans to undertake a capital raising. The graphite producer also released its half-year report today for the period ending 31 December 2020.

    At the time of writing, the Novonix share price remains suspended at yesterday’s closing price of $3.29.

    It has been a positive year thus far for the company as its shares have soared an astounding 165%. Let’s unpack the latest announcements.

    Novonix half-year report

    Novonix reported depressed revenue for the half-year as the coronavirus pandemic impacted results. As such, revenue from ordinary activities decreased by 6% from $2.9 million to $2.734 million. Moreover, the company saw a widening loss as operating expenses increased. To this point, the loss increased by 53% to $10.767 million.

    During the period, the company continued strong growth in research and development services with tier 1 clients. This was highlighted as Novonix continued research progress through a partnership with Professor Mark Obrovac working on new IP development.

    Regarding the company’s financials, Novonix currently holds $25.28 million in cash, down significantly from the $38.8 million held at the end of FY20.

    Capital raising

    The Novonix share price is in a trading halt today after the company announced an equity raising. A fully underwritten placement to raise approximately $115 million to institutional investors will close on 26 February.

    The company will use net proceeds to fund expansion in capital expenditure and working capital to scale its anode materials production to 10,000 tonnes per annum. The increase comes under an exclusive technology alliance announced in December with US-based thermal processing solutions expert, Harper International Corporation.

    This will include a new manufacturing site expansion, along with infrastructure and equipment being commissioned over the next 24 months, as well as working capital associated with increased production levels.

    The placement offer price is $2.90 per share. This represents an 11.9% discount to the last traded price of its shares ($3.29).

    Furthermore, the company will begin a share purchase plan (SPP) on 4 March. Eligible shareholders will be able to subscribe for up to $10,000 worth. The SPP aims to raise approximately $15 million.

    Management comments

    Commenting on the capital raising, Novonix chair Tony Bellas said:

    It is an exciting time for the company as it begins to rapidly scale production of high-performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries to meet the growing demands of the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage system (ESS) markets in North America.

    The company remains well positioned as the only qualified producer in North America of high grade anode material suitable for lithium ion batteries for EVs and ESS. Importantly, the company is continuing to strengthen its position with key relationships across the industry such as Harper International to develop next generation furnace technology systems.

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  • Why the Smart Parking (ASX:SPZ) share price is soaring 10% higher

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    The Smart Parking Ltd (ASX: SPZ) share price is going gangbusters today after the parking technology provider delivered its first-half results for FY21. At the time of writing, the Smart Parking share price is trading 13.79% higher to 17 cents per share.

    A recovery in the works

    Smart Parking sources its revenue from two main streams: parking management, and technology. Shareholders are likely rejoicing on the 51% uplift in parking management revenues for the company. The recovery placed the management segment’s revenue at $8.674 million, up from $5.741 million in H2 FY20.

    On the other hand, technology revenue experienced a drastic 30% fall to $2.316 million. Smart Parking put this down to a delay in revenue and capital projects due to the pandemic. Total revenue fell, despite the company expanding its presence to a total of 576 sites.

    The company attempted to improve its operating margin through cost-saving initiatives undertaken last year. Such initiatives have included the reduction of staff, salaries, marketing reduction, and travel cuts. Despite the overhead cuts, adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) was $1.4 million, down from $1.6 million.

    Shareholders may have thrown a party when they skipped to the bottom-line profit for the parking provider. Net profit after tax swung to a mighty fine $4.5 million, compared to a loss of $1.5 million in the prior corresponding period (pcp). However, don’t celebrate too soon – Smart Parking received a one-off benefit of $6.9 million related to the VAT dispute.

    Vaccines to the rescue

    Smart Parking largely sees better operational conditions ahead with the rollout of vaccinations globally. Over the dampened period, the company has expanded its total sites and foresees this to be reflected in the results from March onwards.

    The company also expects that parking breach notices (PBN) will bounce back in future periods.

    An additional $3.4 million of work in progress and new orders are to be delivered moving forward. This consists of the delayed $1.3 million for Gatwick Airport and Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne.

    Lastly, Smart Parking noted its Smart City product launch. This is Smart Parking’s enforcements app and compliance management system. These are new products that could potentially provide Smart Parking with a new income stream.

    The company has retained its growth target of 1,000 sites by June 2023.

    Smart Parking share price snapshot

    Over the last 12 months, the Smart Parking share price has fallen 10.8%. This would indicate an underperformance when compared with the S&P/ASX 200 Index‘s (ASX: XJO) return of 2% in the same period. 

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    Mitchell Lawler owns shares of Smart Parking Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Smart Parking Ltd. 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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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today

    hazard tape stating 'keep out' representing volatility of bank shares

    On Wednesday 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 ASX shares that have just been given sell ratings by brokers are listed below. Here’s why these brokers are bearish on them:

    Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

    According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their underperform rating and cut the price target on this artificial intelligence data services company’s shares to $16.00. This follows the release of its FY 2020 results, which fell short of expectations. In addition, while not surprised, its guidance for FY 2021 was softer than Macquarie anticipated. It now has fears that pricing pressures could impact its earnings further over the next 12 months. The Appen share price is fetching $16.94 today.

    Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL)

    Analysts at Citi have retained their sell rating and trimmed the price target on this health supplements company’s shares to $59.20. This follows the release of its half year results earlier this week. According to the note, Citi wasn’t surprised to see its revenue decline in the local market. Particularly given tough trading conditions in the daigou market and a mild flu season. However, it believes that increased competition in the market is and will continue weighing on its performance. The Blackmores share price is trading at $81.19 on Thursday.

    Platinum Asset Management Ltd (ASX: PTM)

    A note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have retained their underweight rating and $3.20 price target on this fund manager’s shares. Although Platinum outperformed the broker’s estimates in the first half, it wasn’t enough for a change of rating. Particularly given how none of its channels achieved positive inflows during the period. The Platinum share price is trading at $5.00 this afternoon.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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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 Appen Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Blackmores Limited. 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 today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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