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At the small end of the Australian share market, there are a number of companies with the potential to grow materially in the future.

Three that investors might want to get better acquainted with are listed below. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Adore Beauty Group Limited (ASX: ABY)

The first small cap to watch is Adore Beauty. It is Australia’s leading online beauty retailer. It appears well-placed for growth over the next decade thanks to its leadership position and the structural shift online for beauty sales. Analysts at UBS are positive on its outlook. The broker recently put a buy rating and $5.60 price target on its shares. This compares to the latest Adore Beauty share price of $4.42.

Audinate Group Limited (ASX: AD8)

Another small cap to watch is Audinate. It is the digital audio-visual networking technologies provider behind the Dante audio over IP networking solution. This solution is used across a number of industries and the industry leader by a significant distance. This has put Audinate in a great position to benefit from increasing demand once the pandemic passes. In fact, you only need to look at its third quarter update to see this. For the three months ended 31 March, pent up demand led to Audinate reporting its highest ever quarterly revenue. Morgan Stanley currently has an overweight rating and $10.00 price target. This compares to the latest Audinate share price of $7.79.

Pointerra Ltd (ASX: 3DP)

A final small cap to watch is Pointerra. It provides businesses with a powerful cloud-based solution for managing, visualising, analysing, and sharing massive 3D point clouds and datasets. The company’s clever platform can effortlessly extract vital information from data that would otherwise take many hours to do. Management believes that it has an enormous $500 billion market opportunity globally.

The post 3 exciting small cap ASX shares to watch this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 has recommended AUDINATEGL FPO and Pointerra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Adore Beauty Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AUDINATEGL FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointerra 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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The McPherson’s Ltd (ASX: MCP) share price had a doozy today. McPherson’s shares fell a nasty 15.22% today to $1.22 by the end of trading.

That came after the health and beauty company closed at $1.44 per share last week and opened at $1.22 this morning. This means the company has lost its slender gain for 2021, and the shares are now down 14.34% year to date. The company is also down 56.25% over the past 12 months.

So what went wrong today?

McPherson’s many suitors

The fall in the McPherson’s share price can probably be blamed on an ASX release to investors before market open.

In this release, McPhersons advised the takeover proposal the company received in April from Arrotex Australia Group Pty Ltd will not be going ahead.

Back in April, McPherson’s announced Arrotex had put forward a “non-binding, indicative proposal” to acquire 100% of McPherson’s shares at a price of $1.60 per share. The offer was an all-cash one.

Prior to that, McPherson’s had received a different offer, this one from Gallin Pty Ltd. Gallin put up an offer of $1.40 per share. However, the McPherson’s board advised shareholders to reject this offer.

Earlier this month, McPherson’s gave investors an update on the Arrotex proposal. It noted the following:

The Arrotex Indicative Proposal is conditional upon completion of satisfactory due diligence to be undertaken over a four-week period pertaining to accounting, financial, legal and key operational areas, and a number of other customary conditions.

Well today, here’s what McPherson’s had to say on the proposal from Arrotex:

After providing Arrotex with the agreed four-week due diligence period, the board wishes to advise that the parties have agreed to cease due diligence and Arrotex has withdrawn its indicative proposal.

So close perhaps, but no cigar.

Wedding called off

Here’s some of what McPherson’s CEO Grant Peck said on the outcome:

Following today’s announcement in respect of Arrotex, I now look forward to working with the board to continue to implement the outcomes of our operational review announced on 19 May 2021.

We have a clearly defined strategy and are focused on its execution to deliver significant value to our shareholders in the short and long term… The McPherson’s team will continue to focus its attention on delivering our health, wellness and beauty strategy.

At today’s closing share price, McPherson’s has a market capitalisation of $156.75 million, a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 92.04 and a trailing dividend yield of 8.57%.

The post The McPherson’s (ASX:MCP) share price fell 15% today. What happened? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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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Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) is reportedly gearing up to receive final bids to sell off its life insurance business. So far, media reports haven’t affected the Westpac share price.

The bank’s share price closed at $26.62 today ­– 1.26% higher than its previous close.

Let’s look at the rumours of Westpac’s latest divestment.

Life insurance under the hammer?

According to reporting by The Australian, parties interested in purchasing Westpac’s life insurance business will need to get their bids in by 25 June.

Unnamed sources told the publication the board will make a final decision on where to send the business once bidding has closed.

The purported trading of its life insurance business follows Westpac’s sale of its general insurance business to Allianz for $725 million late last year.

­Dai-ichi‘s TAL and Resolution Life are said to be interested in acquiring the life insurance business.

The Australian said Westpac was asked to comment on the sale but declined.

Westpac is the last of the big four banks to sell out of life insurance.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) was the first of the big banks to sell its life insurance business in 2017.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) followed suit, selling its Australian life insurance business in 2018 and its New Zealand counterpart last year.

In 2019, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) sold its life insurance business.

Westpac share price snapshot

It’s been a stunning year for the Westpac share price on the ASX.

Shares in the bank are currently 37% higher than at the start of 2021 and have gained 52% since this time last year.

Westpac has a market capitalisation of around $96.4 billion and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 22.4. It has approximately 3.6 billion shares outstanding.

The post Is Westpac’s (ASX:WBC) life insurance approaching its sell-by date? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 

The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a pretty decent start to the trading week today. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is up a healthy 0.92% to 7,379.5 points after rising to a new record high of 7,398 points earlier in the day.

Let’s check out the 3 ASX 200 shares that have been swapping hands with the most enthusiasm today.

3 of the most traded ASX 200 shares today

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra has been a very active ASX 200 share on the markets today, with 13.83 million shares having traded hands so far. That’s despite the Telstra share price being flat today at $3.58 a share, and no major news or announcements coming out of the company. In saying that, earlier in the day Telstra did manage to get up to $3.60, which is just a tad below the ASX telco’s 52-week high of $3.61.

With a market capitalisation of $42.58 billion, Telstra is one of the largest companies on the ASX. And with a relatively low share price compared to some of the other major ASX blue-chips, it tends to have more shares traded on average in comparison to Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares for example.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

South32 is another ASX 200 blue chip that has been swapping hands enthusiastically, with a hefty 17.78 million shares traded today. That might be explained by the South32 share price falling a robust 1.02% today to $2.92 a share.

Those 16 million-odd shares may include some on-market share buybacks by South32 as well. According to ASX notices, this diversified mining company has been taking shares out of circulation most days in recent weeks. Share buybacks are usually ‘return of capital’ exercises that increase earnings per share (EPS) for the remaining shares (and are thus usually beneficial to shareholders).

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

Topping the ASX 200’s most traded shares is uranium miner Paladin Energy, with a massive 71.04 million shares having changed owners today. This is likely the result of the Paladin share price’s disappointing performance today, with Paladin shares down a nasty 11.3% to 51 cents a share.

As we covered earlier today, uranium miners like Paladin have come under pressure following reports that the American government is assessing a possibly radioactive leak at a Chinese nuclear power plant.

The post Here are 3 of the most traded ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Corporation 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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Shares in Kazia Therapeutics Ltd (ASX: KZA) lifted today after news its investigational drug Paxalisib will be part of another study for the treatment of brain cancer. At market close, the Kazia share price is $1.40 – 6.87% higher than its previous closing price.

The investigation will see Kazia partnering with US-based Joan & Sanford I Weill Medical College at Cornell University in New York.

The two organisations will launch a phase II clinical study combining Paxalisib with ketogenesis, the body’s own metabolic process in breaking down fatty acids.

Kazia states the combination has the potential to treat symptoms of glioblastoma, a common and aggressive type of brain cancer.

It’s the ninth ongoing clinical study to involve Paxalisib.

New clinical study

Paxalisib has been developed as a treatment for glioblastoma. The drug is an inhibitor of the brain-penetrant PI3K pathway. Blocking the pathway has so far shown to effectively treat glioblastoma.

In the newly announced clinical trial, Paxalisib is being combined with the human body’s response to the ‘ketogenic diet’. It sees the body using proteins and fats instead of glucose as fuel for energy.

In metabolising fats and proteins, the human body breaks them down into ketones.

Tumour cells can’t metabolise ketones well, so cancers can effectively ‘starve’ on a ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet also enhances the PI3K pathway.

Trial participants will also be given metformin, a drug that lowers insulin levels. Insulin has been shown to also enhance the PI3K pathway.

The study will involve around 32 patients. Of those, 16 will have previously been unsuccessfully treated with standard-of-care treatments for glioblastoma. The other 16 will have not only have undergone unsuccessful standard treatment, but their glioblastomas will have progressed through their treatment.

The primary endpoint will be progression-free survival at six months. The study will take approximately two years to complete.

Kazia will provide the drug and a financial grant for the study.

Kazia Therapeutics share price snapshot

The Kazia Therapeutics share price is performing well on the ASX lately.

Currently, it’s 20% higher than it was at the start of 2021. It’s also gained 250% since this time last year.

The company has a market capitalisation of around $185 million, with approximately 129 million shares outstanding.

The post Here’s why the Kazia Therapeutics (ASX:KZA) share price got a 6% boost today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC) share price has bounced between positive and negative territory today. This follows a market update regarding thermal coal pricing and demand.

The coal mining company’s shares closed the day down by 0.43% to $1.85.

What did New Hope announce?

New Hope upgraded its full-year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) guidance to between $330 million and $390 million.

Additionally, the company expects its strong cash-generating position to reduce its debt-to-earnings ratio to below 0.5 times by the end of FY21.

The coal miner’s uplift in forecasted financial performance was underpinned by a 60% increase in the Japanese reference price of thermal coal to US$109.97.

Thermal coal prices have jumped to 9-year highs on the back of strong demand from China, coupled with China’s ban on Australian coal imports.

With China’s ban in place, New Hope previously advised it had been “concentrating on establishing new markets and has successfully sold all high-ash product produced”.

The company expects restocking activities to take place for the northern hemisphere summer from June, which should provide support for pricing through to at least August.

New Hope share price surges to pre-COVID levels

New Hope shares have surged 60% since early May, and are now back to pre-COVID levels of around $1.80.

The upgraded EBITDA guidance should see New Hope top its FY20 results. However, it’s still quite a long way off beating its record FY19 performance.

In FY20, the company experienced a 44% slump in EBITDA to $290 million due to lower coal prices in the second half. This came despite a 6% increase in coal tonnes sold to 11.5 million.

FY19 was described by the company as the “best full-year profit before non-regular items in company history”. The company delivered an EBITDA of $517 million, a 11% increase on the prior corresponding period.

The post New Hope (ASX:NHC) share price seesaws after coal pricing update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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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Luckily in this low interest rate environment, there are a number of dividend shares offering investors decent yields.

Two ASX dividend shares that do just this are listed below. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX: CQE)

Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT is a real estate investment trust with a focus on social infrastructure. These are properties with specialist use, limited competition, and low substitution risk, such as bus depots, police and justice services facilities, and childcare centres.

In fact, in respect to the latter, the Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT is the largest owner of early learning centres in Australia. At the last count, it actively partnered with 35 high quality childcare operators.

Positively, the company has experienced strong demand for its properties, leading to a sky high occupancy rate. This underpinned a 14.1% increase in operating earnings to $29.1 million during the first half and allowed management to upgrade its FY 2021 distribution guidance to 15.7 cents per unit.

Based on the current Charter Hall Social Infrastructure share price, this represents a 4.3% yield.

Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is the retail giant behind the BIG W, BWS, Dan Murphy’s, and eponymous Woolworths supermarkets.

It has also recently announced the demerger of its Endeavour Drinks business. This is expected to strengthen its balance sheet and lead to upwards of $2 billion of capital returns for shareholders.

In the meantime, Woolworths has been a positive performer in FY 2021 thanks to favourable trading conditions across much of the business. This is expected to lead to further dividend growth this year.

Macquarie is expecting a fully franked $1.06 per share dividend in FY 2021. Based on the current Woolworths share price, this will mean a 2.4% yield. While this isn’t the largest yield you’ll find, it looks well-placed to continue growing over the next decade.

The post These ASX dividend shares have attractive yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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James Mickleboro does not own any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Woolworths 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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The Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL) share price is not having a great start to the trading week this week. Sezzle shares are currently down a hefty 5.3% at the time of writing to $8.75 a share.

Since last Friday, the shares are now down close to 8%, and more than 25% off of the buy now, pay later (BNPL) company’s February all-time high of $11.99. In saying that, Sezzle is also still up almost 40% year to date, and 194% over the last 12 months.

But Sezzle’s fall today is a rather strange one. Not because of its size – BNPL shares are notoriously volatile. No, because of what’s going on with the other BNPL shares in this space today. Out of most of ASX’s BNPL shares, Sezzle is alone in the red today.

ASX BNPL pioneer Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) is having a strong day today, up 2.13% to $105.72 a share. This company is now up more than 25% since 13 May. The ASX’s second-largest BNPL player is Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P). Zip is also feeling the love from the markets today, with a similar gain of 2.38% as well to $7.32 a share.

So what’s going on with Sezzle today then?

Sezzle share price not sizzling

Well, it’s hard to say. There have been no major news or announcements out of the company, save for some routine paperwork involving Sezzle’s US dual-listing. We also learnt this morning that a couple of Sezzle’s directors have been moving some shares and options around. However, it’s worth noting that the Sezzle share price has been on something of a short-term run lately. Sezzle shares are now up 16.6% since 2 June, even after accounting for today’s drop.

Even though Sezzle is down today whilst other BNPL companies like Afterpay and Zip are rising, it’s not the only BNPL share in the red today. Some of the ASX’s other smaller BNPL companies are also falling. These include Laybuy Holdings Ltd (ASX: LBY), down 4.1%, Openpay Group Ltd (ASX: OPY), down 1%, and Humm Group Ltd (ASX: HUM), down 1.7%. So Sezzle isn’t the only one out in the cold today.

The post Sezzle (ASX:SZL) share price misses out on today’s BNPL gains appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Sezzle Inc. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Humm Group Limited and Sezzle Inc. 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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At the start of each week I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) continues to be the most shorted share on the ASX despite its short interest easing slightly to 11.8%. The ecommerce company’s shares have come under pressure after it revealed significant inventory issues and a slowdown in sales.
• Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) has seen its short interest rise to 10.5%. This online travel agent’s shares may have been targeted due to concerns they are overvalued at the current level. Especially with the travel market recovery taking longer than hoped.
• Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) has seen its short interest remain flat at 10.4%. A number of factors have been weighing on this gold miner’s shares this year. This includes regulatory issues at its Bibiani operation in Ghana and its underwhelming production performance and guidance. It was also just dumped out of the ASX 200 index.
• Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) has seen its short interest ease slightly to 9.5%. This online furniture and homewares retailer recently revealed that it would be sacrificing its profit growth in order to invest heavily in its future sales growth.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has seen its short interest rise strongly to 9.4%. Concerns over its valuation and delays to the travel market recovery appear to be behind this high level of short interest.
• Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS) has 8.8% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. This communications, defence, and space company could be being targeted by short sellers due to concerns that supply chain issues could impact its performance.
• Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) has short interest of 8.5%, which is down week on week. Unfortunately for short sellers, last week Goldman Sachs retained its buy rating and lifted its price target to $4.10. It notes that Tassal is set for a stronger FY 2022 with a recovery in demand for Atlantic Salmon and Prawns well underway.
• Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 7.9% of its shares held short, which is flat week on week. Short sellers are holding firm despite the poultry company’s shares recently hitting a 52-week high.
• Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) has short interest of 7.5%, which is up week on week. Valuation and competition concerns may be weighing on sentiment. In respect to the latter, there are fears that a US bank will enter the BNPL market and undercut its Quadpay business.
• Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) has short interest of 7.5%, which is down week on week once again. Valuation concerns have been weighing on this Network as a Service provider’s shares.

The post These are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Kogan.com ltd, Temple & Webster Group Ltd, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited, Kogan.com ltd, MEGAPORT FPO, 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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The market hit a new record high on the first trading day of the week and two ASX shares are in the spotlight after getting upgraded by leading brokers.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) gained over 1% to an all-time high with most sectors trading in the black as we head into the market close.

3 drivers behind the upgrade for this ASX share

However, the Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price was among the standouts. Shares in the supermarket jumped 2.3% to $17.05 at the time of writing after Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) upgraded it to “outperform” from “neutral”.

The upbeat view is driven by three factors. One is the normalising of consumer behaviour as the shopping local trend unwinds.

“Physical occupancy levels in Syd and Melb CBDs are improving significantly, to 68% and 45% of pre-COVID levels as of May,” said the broker.

“We note, COL supermarkets are over-indexed to shopping centres and CBDs, areas most impacted by the pandemic.”

Other factors supporting Coles share price upgrade to “buy”

Macquarie also noted that the comparable sales gap between Coles and archrival Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) is narrowing.

Finally, a rebound in traffic bodes well for the Coles-run petrol stations and convenience stores.

“Driving in Brisbane and Sydney is tracking back towards pre-pandemic levels although Melbourne has dropped significantly following the two-week lockdown,” added Macquarie.

“An uptick in people driving as mobility restrictions ease and domestic travel ramps up, will support growth in COL’s Express business including both fuel volumes and C-store sales.”

The broker’s 12-month price target on the Coles share price is $18.20 a share.

M&A triggers upgrade for this ASX share

Meanwhile, the Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG) share price got upgraded by Morgans to “add” from “hold”.

This is largely due to the merger and acquisition (M&A) fever that’s washing over the ASX. We’ve seen high-profile takeover attempts for the Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) share price and Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH) share price.

Enthusiasm for acquisitions have also spilt over into the aged care space. Regis received a non-binding offer that it rejected and rival Japara Healthcare Ltd (ASX: JHC) is also being pursued.

Price discovery uncovers value

“With M&A activity in the sector front and centre, we can now get a clearer idea of trading multiples,” said Morgans.

“Although the Japara take-over offer is still non-binding and a few months away from a clear decision point, it does suggest the two other listed players are trading at multiples that could provide upside for investors.”

The Japara share price is trading on an adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) multiple of around 9.4 times.

In contrast, the Regis share price is trading on an adjusted EBITDA of 8.8 times, according to Morgans.

The broker’s 12-month price target on the Regis share price is $2.23 a share.

The post Top brokers just upgraded these ASX shares to “buy” appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Brendon Lau owns shares of Macquarie Group Ltd and Woolworths Group Ltd. Connect with me on Twitter @brenlau.

The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended COLESGROUP DEF SET, Macquarie Group Limited, and Woolworths 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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